It could be anything.
We already know the names and specifications of several high-performance BMW vehicles that will debut in 2022. Next year will see the M2, M4 CSL and XM. But we are more excited to see M3 Touring’s first production version. Next year will see the redesigned 7 Series, which will also include a fully-electric i7 and an M60 derivative.
In 2022, the M division will be celebrating its 50 th anniversary. According to our friends at the “M car” will be very limited in number and unique in both design and pricing. The M3 and M4 will get “50 Jahre” special editions, but we believe the mysterious machine won’t be related.
So what is it? We wouldn’t say that it would be the true spiritual successor of the M1 but we expect something a little more than a special edition. We have attached spy photos of an interesting 8 Series Coupe that we spotted earlier in the year at the Nurburgring. These may or may not be related with the car BMWBLOG. This unusual prototype featured bloodshot headlights and a red-tinted grille. Vents were also built into the quarter windows.
It is not clear if the prototype was a preview for a hotter 8er, or a test mule to be used in a different vehicle. BMW has already said that an M8 CSL is unlikely so it won’t. We hope the M division marks half a century with something different than an SUV, as some enthusiasts were disappointed that the M1 was the first bespoke M vehicle.
BMW has pledged to keep the V8 and inline-six engines running at least through the end of the decade. Engineers are working to improve the combustion engines to comply with increasingly strict emissions regulations. This doesn’t mean that the M car in 2022 will come with an ICE. But we really hope so.
We’re hoping that the M760i and V12 have been killed by those stricter laws. It will be in a unique shape, so expect high prices and low production numbers. Retro badges will also be available for all M and M Sport Package models by 2022.