A new BMW M car is coming; here’s what we expect

KUALA LUMPUR: Established in 1972, BMW M is celebrating its golden anniversary this year with all pomp and show. From introducing a special badge for M cars to updating regular models with the M Sports package to the debut of a new model, the celebration includes everything. The thing which is exciting us the most is the new BMW M model, so here we have all the details we know so far.

Debut will happen at the 2022 Goodwood Festival Of Speed

The important and confirmed information is that the upcoming BMW M model will debut at the 2022 Goodwood Festival Of Speed, scheduled between June 23 and 26. The automaker will also present a sculpture named "Central Feature" at the event paying homage to the brand's past. Several BMW M iconic vehicles will be with the marque's renowned drivers behind the wheel.

"As BMW M, we feel honoured to play a very special role at this year's Festival of Speed. For our 50th anniversary, we couldn't imagine a better place to celebrate our products with fans of the brand. I am particularly looking forward to unveiling a certain vehicle to the world's public for the first time – a vehicle we have been waiting a long time for."

Possible models - M3 Touring, new M2 or XM PHEV

While BMW remained tight-lipped on revealing the model's name, our guess revolves around three options - the new M2, M3 Touring, or XM PHEV. 

The first on our list is the new M2, and the connection is the global premiere of the second-generation 2 Series Coupe last year at the same show, which hints at the unveiling of its M version in 2022. The production of the new M2 is scheduled to start later this year, as per a recent official teaser. It has also been heavily documented in the prototype version. 

The next possibility is the M3 Touring, if we listen to the recent rumours suggesting its debut in June this year. The performance sedan will likely borrow a 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine from the higher-spec M3 Competition.

Our next guess is the XM plug-in hybrid, the production version of the Concept XM. Expected to run on a V8 petrol engine combined with an electric motor, the XM is said to be BMW's most powerful M car ever, with 550 kW and 1000 Nm as total system output. However, a hint which is not in favour of this model is "a vehicle we have been waiting a long time for."

Not the M4 CSL 

The upcoming model will not be the M4 CSL, which BMW teased a couple of days back, because its debut is scheduled this month at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. 

For further details on the new BMW M car, stay tuned with us.

Also read: 2023 BMW X1 teaser decoded