BMW fanatics would argue that the easiest way to crown the M lineup could be with a supercar. The XM might have been marketed as a non secular successor to the M1, however the electrified luxobarge is definitely no “E26” reboot. A devoted efficiency automobile positioned on the high of the M hierarchy has at all times sparked curiosity inside the M neighborhood, but it has by no means occurred once more.
Nevertheless, executives in Munich would possibly really feel inspired to offer their stamp of approval. The 3.0 CSL was a powerful success, regardless of an unconfirmed €750,000 price ticket. Constructed to rejoice 50 years of M, the particular automotive was basically an M4 CSL with a coach-built physique impressed by the “E9” Batmobile. It had barely extra energy and a guide gearbox, all for greater than 4 occasions the value of the donor automotive. As a refresher, the M4 CSL value €165,200 in Germany.
Then got here the Skytop, an M8 reworked right into a two-seater convertible with a detachable targa roof. BMW by no means launched official pricing particulars for that automotive both, however we’ve reported an eye-watering €500,000 sticker. Earlier than it was retired, the M8 Convertible value €193,400 in Germany, making the mechanically associated Skytop roughly two and a half occasions dearer.
BMW revisited the M8 earlier this yr with the Speedtop, a stunning capturing brake believed to value round half one million euros as nicely. As soon as once more, the two-door wagon was far dearer than the donor automotive, the €185,400 M8 Coupe. What do all these automobiles have in widespread? All have been snapped up by deep-pocketed prospects.
Rolls-Royce Cash For BMWs
BMW discovered 50 patrons for the three.0 CSL, one other 50 for the Skytop, and 70 for the Speedtop. These automobiles bought out comparatively quickly after their official premieres, revealing a powerful urge for food for low-volume, high-price fashions. In hindsight, BMW in all probability needs it had additionally green-lighted the Z4 M40i-based Idea Touring Coupe.
Having succeeded in charging Rolls-Royce cash for BMWs, a supercar doesn’t appear so outlandish anymore, does it? Properly, sure and no. Such a undertaking could be far dearer to develop as a result of want for quite a few bespoke components. The underpinnings for the sold-out automobiles talked about above have been already accessible from common fashions. Having a stable basis enabled economies of scale, as solely the physique and meeting course of modified.
Neue Klasse Takes Priority
We additionally want to have a look at the larger image. Within the first half of the last decade, BMW made the biggest single funding within the firm’s historical past. Every little thing associated to Neue Klasse value the Bavarians over €10 billion, in keeping with outgoing CEO Oliver Zipse. With 40 fashions arriving by late 2027, now isn’t the correct time to speculate extra time and sources in a supercar.
These spy photographs of a mysterious coupe with Neue Klasse styling fueled rumors of a supercar. Nevertheless, we have now it on good authority that it’s not taking place. The closest BMW has come lately to a follow-up to the M1 was round 2020. The M Imaginative and prescient Subsequent idea was supposed to change into the “I16,” however the coronavirus pandemic pressured the undertaking’s cancellation. BMW selected to prioritize SUVs as a substitute, therefore the controversial XM.
However not all hope is misplaced. Earlier this yr, BMW M’s CEO left the door open for a supercar in an unique interview with BMWBLOG. Nevertheless, Frank van Meel made it crystal clear that we shouldn’t realistically count on one anytime quickly:
“We don’t need to lose concentrate on our high-performance automobiles as a result of we do an excellent sports activities automotive. I have to be trustworthy; we’re at all times dreaming about it. And possibly some day we discover the correct window of alternative the place we have now the capability to work on a automotive like that. And likewise, the corporate, BMW Group, says: ‘Okay, go for it.’ We by no means surrender, I can promise you that, however truly, it’s not right here but.”
Hopefully, there’s nonetheless time inside that “window of alternative,” as talked about by the mayor of M City, for a combustion engine. BMW M is caught between a rock and a tough place. Curiosity in electrical supercars, or much more reasonably priced sporty EVs, stays weak, but more and more strict emissions rules are pushing automakers towards EVs.
The M division plans to make its inline-six and V8 engines adjust to Euro 7, so there’s nonetheless time to listen to the roar of a combustion engine. Ideally, it might be mounted behind the motive force. Ought to BMW ever green-light a supercar within the ICE period, the aborted M Imaginative and prescient Subsequent/I16 suggests a hybrid setup. We’ll take what we are able to get at the beginning goes electrical, ought to that day ultimately arrive later this century.
The Product Offensive Received’t Embody A Supercar
Within the meantime, BMW has larger fish to fry. Neue Klasse is bringing sweeping modifications throughout the lineup. Apart from renewing its present portfolio, the German luxurious model can be including new fashions. Subsequent yr’s i3 and iX5 can be adopted by an iX7 in 2027 and an iX6 in 2028. We’ve additionally heard there can be an i3 Touring, together with entry-level EVs just like the i1 and i2. A rugged, massive SUV with hybrid and electrical energy can be allegedly set to reach earlier than 2030 to compete with the Mercedes G-Class.
Going ahead, BMW M will supply gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and electrical fashions. Whereas a devoted supercar can be notably absent, we’re not giving up hope. As soon as the Neue Klasse lineup is totally fleshed out, maybe then we are able to count on a non secular successor to the M1. Logic suggests it received’t occur this decade, however we’d gladly welcome being confirmed incorrect.
Supercar or not, a limited-run M automotive appears to be a matter of when, not if. Sylvia Neubauer, Vice President of Buyer, Model, and Gross sales at M, hinted as a lot in a chat with BMWBLOG again in June:
“We’re discussing issues, however we have to discover the correct time to do it. Be assured, we share the identical dream and fervour. We now have been speaking with Adrian van Hooydonk [Head of BMW Group Design] and the group who does the small collection planning, and there’s a slot reserved for BMW M.”
For now, we simply need to be affected person and await BMW M greatness. In the meantime, the M division is about to finish its 14th consecutive yr of development, so enterprise is booming even with out a halo mannequin.
