BMW M To Phase Out Base Models, Competition To Become New Standard

It may not have escaped your attention that the new BMW X5 M and X6 M are only being offered as Competition models. That’s not because the SUVs are waiting for a standard M variant, but instead because the automaker plans to make the Competition models the new starting point for full-on M models.

The move is part of a plan to reconfigure the M lineup as the automaker looks ahead to the future. With lower-performance models like the M440i filling the gap between BMW’s regular vehicles and its high-performance models, Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M, believes there’s no longer a need for the standard M model.

The M brand “introduced the Competition layer, which actually now has become the new normal,” van Meel told Car Throttle. “So [the standard M] will go away or more or less already has gone away… we’re not going to split any longer between M and M Competition, it will all be Competition in the future.”

As a result, the M3 Competition, for instance, will become the preferred choice for those in search of a high-performance BMW sedan. However, this doesn’t mean there won’t be options for buyers who desire even more performance.

Van Meel explains that the CS and CSL models are being introduced to provide an even more extreme performance option than the Competition model. He states, “Those are the more hardcore vehicles – if you say, ‘No, I really want to have a track tool with the number plate,’ then you go for the CS or CSL.”

The impact of these changes on the pricing of M vehicles is yet to be determined. However, it’s possible that the starting price of the lowest-performance M model could increase as a result.

The decision to phase out base models and make the Competition models the new standard is a strategic move by BMW to streamline its M lineup and cater to the evolving demands of performance car enthusiasts. By eliminating the standard M models, BMW aims to provide a more focused and cohesive range of high-performance vehicles.

With the introduction of lower-performance models like the M440i, BMW has already bridged the gap between its regular vehicles and the high-performance M models. These models offer a balance between everyday usability and enhanced performance, making them an attractive option for customers who want a taste of the M experience without going all-in.

By making the Competition models the new starting point for full-on M models, BMW is ensuring that every M vehicle delivers an exhilarating driving experience. The Competition models, known for their enhanced performance and aggressive styling, have already gained popularity among enthusiasts. With this move, BMW is capitalizing on that success and positioning the Competition models as the go-to choice for those seeking uncompromising performance.

However, BMW recognizes that there will always be customers who crave even more performance. To cater to these enthusiasts, the automaker is introducing the CS and CSL models. These variants will offer an even higher level of performance and track-focused capabilities, making them the ultimate choice for those who prioritize speed and agility.

While the exact pricing of the new M lineup is yet to be determined, it’s expected that the starting price of the lowest-performance M model could increase. This is because the Competition models, with their enhanced performance and features, are likely to command a higher price tag compared to the previous base models. However, for enthusiasts looking for the ultimate driving experience, the added cost will be justified by the unparalleled performance and exclusivity offered by the Competition, CS, and CSL models.

In conclusion, BMW’s decision to phase out base models and make the Competition models the new standard reflects the brand’s commitment to delivering uncompromising performance and driving pleasure. By streamlining its M lineup and introducing more focused variants like the CS and CSL, BMW is catering to the evolving demands of performance car enthusiasts. While the pricing of the new M models may see an increase, the enhanced performance and exclusivity offered by these vehicles will undoubtedly make them worth every penny for those seeking the ultimate driving experience.