Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW M boss confirms standalone M model

A new super-advanced halo BMW M model could arrive by 2021, and it's likely to feature some form of electrification

BMW Vision M NEXT concept - studio full front

Speaking exclusively to Auto Express at the Los Angeles Motor Show, BMW M boss Markus Flasch said, “I can think of doing standalone M-cars – I like the idea and I think we’re going to do something in this direction.”

BMW wowed show goers at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September when it showed the plug-in hybrid Vision M Next concept, but Flasch wouldn’t commit to the new standalone model following that car’s mid-engined layout. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be a mid-engined supercar, but definitely it has to stand out from the crowd.”

Advertisement - Article continues below

All the latest from the 2019 LA Motor Show

Flasch wouldn’t rule out a different shape of halo car for the M division – when asked if it could be an SUV, he simply replied, “I don’t know… Well I do know, but I’m not saying yet!”

Sources within BMW have suggested that the new car could be seen by 2021 and that the car is likely to feature some form of electrification.

Flasch comfirmed to us that we’ll see an M division car featuring electrification very soon. “I can’t disclose when, but it’s not too far away,” he said.

“M has never been dogmatic about any particular technology – electrification is not rocket science and it’s not the game changer that people think it’s an easy answer to every question.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

“There won’t be a point of time when we turn all vehicles to this or that technology, we will live for a very long time with a variety of powertrains depending on the market and the segment.”

As far as M is concerned, that means an electrified propulsion system has to offer more than the internal combustion engine model it replaces. “We will bring electrified propulsion systems as soon as they’re better than the predecessor – that’s the first rule – we don’t have to be the first, we have to be the best,” said Flasch. 

While Flasch was non-committal about a standalone M car mirroring the Vision M Next’s mid-engined layout, new BMW design boss Damagoj Dukec was very positive about the look and proportion of the concept making it through to production. 

Also speaking at the LA show, Dukec said, “We have a heritage of bringing art cars and race cars together with M. I am convinced that this [Vision M Next] is the right way.

“BMW deserves to be ahead in terms of brand identity. What we did with the M Next, it’s a complete different approach in terms of communication and the artwork around the car”

Would you like to see a standalone BMW M model? Let us know your thoughts below...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Exclusive BMW M-branded halo car due after limited Skytop convertible goes down a storm
BMW Concept Skytop - front end

Exclusive BMW M-branded halo car due after limited Skytop convertible goes down a storm

The reception for the £500k one-of-50 BMW convertible has been so strong, the maker is planning more exclusive cars
News
25 Apr 2025
New BMW HypersonX tech to make EVs sound like ‘the pleasure of driving’
BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept - front

New BMW HypersonX tech to make EVs sound like ‘the pleasure of driving’

Neue Klasse cars will be able to tailor sounds based on the driving situation, starting with the new iX3
News
17 Apr 2025
What is BMW M? Past, present and future of the Bavarian powerhouse
Auto Express consumer reporter Tom Jervis sitting in a BMW M1

What is BMW M? Past, present and future of the Bavarian powerhouse

For more than 50 years, BMW’s M division has been thrilling drivers. We look at its amazing past – and preview an exciting future
Features
12 Apr 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
8 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025