The brand will have virtually no ceiling.

BMW’s M division is on a roll lately. Despite the coronavirus pandemic slowing down the world, it’s not hard to see that this performance-oriented line from Germany has experienced a tremendous growth in the past five years. Whichcar.com.auhad the chance to talk with Markus Flasch about his future plans and the challenges his brand faces. There’s been talk that half of all BMWs are now sporting an M badge (M trim included) but he insists that M has never been a competitor to BMW. M is an exaggeration about what BMW stands for in terms driving pleasure. M is an addition to BMW and will continue to be so.

Flasch said that the M2’s M2 is the smaller package than the M3 or M4. This has contributed to much of the recent success. These cars are not competitive with each other. “I’m happy with the setup that we have, and we’ll continue to keep it this way.”

The M brand has seen a growth of over 200% in five years. While sales are up, it is possible that driving customers to faster and more expensive cars could be harming BMW’s efforts to electric mobility. Flasch stated that the balance of the portfolio is key and that M cars should be as efficient as possible. What about hybrids or electrified M cars? He says, “We won’t compromise the distinctive character that our M cars today have.” “An electrified vehicle, whether it’s plug-in the wall or battery-electric, must take up the previous. I understand that there are physical limitations, but within the physical limits of working dimensions, it is going to happen.”

When asked why power numbers seem less in recent M car generation gaps he said that he doesn’t recognize any gentleman’s limit or agreement and that it’s all about making sure that everyone has access to the same package. Power is nothing without control. He explains that power is only as good as control. You would be terrified if you saw 625 horsepower in an old saloon car 10-15 years ago. It’s possible to give the M5 625 horsepower, but only my mom can drive it in winter. She’d still be fine. It all comes down to how you package it in a way that is accessible to everyone. This is exactly what M has been great at. Expect no power limits.