It looks like BMW M has big ambitions for its division, with plans to expand its line-up with more M Performance and M models that span the entire BMW product range. According to an Autocar report, everything from the M135i xDrive to a hot 600-hp version of the upcoming X8 SUV will get the magic M touch. Also in the pipeline is a bespoke, electrified mid-engine coupe based on the Vision M Next, so there’s really no shortage of muscle-flexing here.
The report adds that significant restructuring measures have been put in place to ensure the long-term competitiveness of popular M models, especially considering the growing number of rivals, notably from Mercedes-AMG, Audi Sport, Jaguar SVO, and Porsche. The move is said to be a quick ramp-up of a plan that was originally laid out by former M boss Frank van Meel, but is now under the watchful eye of his successor, Markus Flasch.
It’s not a future plan. In fact, it’s already set in motion – the recently launched X3 M, X4 M, M8 Coupe and M8 Convertible are part of the expansion programme, and so are the M135i xDrive and X2 M35i. BMW M also plans to introduce more hardcore CS models, starting with the M2 CS next year.
At this point, you must be wondering how BMW plans to take on the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG A 45. Autocar reported that plans for an even hotter 1 Series, one that could potentially make 400 hp from a four-cylinder petrol engine, have been approved. At launch, the range-topping model will be positioned above the existing M135i (302 hp, 420 Nm), and goes head to head against the upcoming Volkswagen Golf R Plus.
Other than that, the Vision M Next, which is tipped to be the reborn M1 coupe, could also be had as a convertible. The folks at BMW M are also looking at proposals for unique limited-edition M models inspired by the Vision M Next. “We are investigating M variants that may also be standalone, that don’t have a predecessor,” Flasch told the press at the X3 M and X4 M launch.
At the other end of the spectrum, a new range-topping X8 M model has been conceived, and will take on the likes of the Audi RS Q8, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 and Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo. On the other hand, M Performance models will continue to be powered by retuned versions of standard BMW engines, of which will include petrol, diesel, and petrol plug-in hybrid guises.
Meanwhile, full-blown M cars will either get a 2.0 litre four banger, an updated 3.0 litre straight six, or a new 4.0 litre V8. These engines are said to form a modular base for all dedicated M models, much like Mercedes-AMG’s strategy, except maybe minus the one man, one engine philosophy. This allows greater economies of scale and speeds up the development process.
The G80 BMW M3 and M4 – set to be released in 2020 – will continue to be powered by a 3.0 litre inline-six, albeit with revisions to facilitate a decent bump in output. Apparently, the engine will be able to produce over 500 hp. Both models may be offered with a manual transmission, and xDrive all-wheel drive could be an option as well, insiders say.
Besides that, selected M Performance and M cars could benefit from BMW’s petrol-hybrid powertrains. Although not confirmed, engineering sources reveal that there are plans to establish a two-tier line-up of hybrid powertrains. Anyone excited about this? Well, you’ve got BMW’s R&D boss, Klaus Fröhlich to thank.
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Looking forward to see the M135i debut here together with the vanilla range. If the M235i is retailing for 400k we may see it coming in at 360k.