Most likely, it will be electrified.
BMW doesn’t hesitate to talk about its future plans. The company already has a number of performance models in the pipeline, including the M3 CSL and M4 CSL. There are also a few hybridized and fully battery-electric vehicles that will join the likes the lovely X crossover. Markus Flasch, former boss of BMW M, revealed in an interview that they are working on a new M flagship.
Flasch stated that a new standalone M model, high-performance and powerful, will be joining the lineup, in an interview with Auto Motor Und Sport. This is in keeping with the spirit of the legendary M1. Flasch stated flatly that there would be an independent M-model again. It remains to be determined if it will be a sports car like M1 or something completely different.
Flasch stated that “our brand core is still racing on the road and high performance.” We want to keep customers who love expressive luxury. We have had success with the M8 and its derivatives in some cases but there is still a large segment that is not represented yet. “I cannot say more.”
Leaked information and spy photos reveal that BMW is already working on an hybrid SUV. It will be launched on November 29. According to reports, this SUV will be a flagship model with 700 horsepower (522 kilowatts). Production is expected to begin at the Spartanburg facility in South Carolina sometime next year.
However, conflicting information suggests that the new SUV will sport an X8 badge rather than the full “XM” moniker. Production is destined for Spartanburg, home to the BMW X7 – so it’s unlikely that this SUV will be the “standalone M” model Flasch is referring to.
Although we still hope for a sports car of high quality, no details are available to indicate what the new M model might be.