The new M3 will continue to be true to its roots, offering RWD as well as a manual.
Although BMW lost some of its loyal customers when the first front-wheel drive cars were introduced to the market, the Bavarians still own a largely RWD-based product. The new model lost its RWD configuration to be AWD, but the xDrive setup offers a pure RWD mode for those who want tail-happy thrills. What is the future of BMW Markus Flasch, chairman of M GmbH’s board of management, gave details on the company’s future plans.
Flasch, in an interview with Australian magazine Go Auto confirmed that the will feature a “rear wheel-drive version” as well as a manual transmission. Reports suggest that there will be an xDrive model. The word “version” may indicate that more M3 models are on the horizon. Hotter M3 Competition will likely mirror the M5 as well as the X3 and X4 M.
Tobias Moers, AMG’s chief honcho, announced recently that RWD cars will be gradually eliminated from Mercedes’ go faster division. All performance vehicles born in Affalterbach are now equipped with a 4Matic system. Flasch believes rear-wheel drive still has value, at least in some markets.
AWD is better for large and medium cars that are used throughout the year. These smaller, cheaper M cars such as the M2, M3, or M4 are usually used to complement a garage and can be driven when it is nice and sunny. However, he didn’t say it was one way or the other as some customers still desire a manual and rear-wheel drive setup for a car they can drive throughout the year.
BMW M aims at pleasing everyone by keeping RWD alive and embracing xDrive. The M5 is an excellent example of this, as it offers the best both worlds. We’ll soon see the version. Flasch claims that owners of super sedan rarely disable the AWD mode, which is not surprising.
Flasch also announced plans to create new CS models. These won’t necessarily need to be coupes. So don’t be surprised if there is another M3CS or an SUV with this suffix. Flasch described the CSL as having “the purest form of M character you can achieve on any car that still has license plates.” This could lead to the return of the CSL.
The M GmbH chairman of its board of management has ruled out full-fledged M versions of the 1 Series or X2. A Z4M was also ruled out by the chairman of the M GmbH board of management. He claimed that it would be difficult for a larger engine to fit into the sporty roadster.