M CEO says: 30 new M models by 2029, ICE engines indefinite, manuals on borrowed time

3dw4rd-3a · 02-19-2026, 09:56 AM

Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Interview with BMW M CEO Frank Van Meel:

Article: https://www.carsales.com.au/editoria...-years-151437/

The Key Details

Up to 30 new M and M Performance models due for release by 2029
Multi-powertrain approach including plug-in hybrids and electric
Internal combustion engines safe indefinitely, manuals on borrowed time
BMW’s hot shop accrues 14 consecutive years of record sales

GOLFFRR · 02-19-2026, 10:09 AM

30! dang. sad to keep being confirmed manuals will be sunsetting. But is what it is, demand is so low I get it, but still a bummer.

xlover · 02-19-2026, 10:24 AM

I guess getting to 30 isn’t that hard
M350, ice m3, i3m60, iM3

That’s 4 just from a single category

The addition of an electric and hybrid m performance models accross the lineup as they turn over add to the ice m performance models. Then some pure electric m models along side ice m models…. Ya it’s gonna get busy…

Example x5 M60, x5 M60e, iX5 M70. That’s 3 before the full M models

maticCRO · 02-19-2026, 11:04 AM

Good to hear ICE engines are not going to the history books of M department yet. Looking forward to seeing them offer iM3, but 99% sure i wont be buying such a car

rdtta · 02-19-2026, 11:06 AM

Having driven a toyota hybrid vehicle since 2020, I think BMW plug-in hybrids are pretty fabulous.

jocamryn · 02-19-2026, 11:09 AM

So an ICE X4 please.

DocWeatherington · 02-19-2026, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

30! dang. sad to keep being confirmed manuals will be sunsetting. But is what it is, demand is so low I get it, but still a bummer.

Sad but if market is high powered advanced awd with electric assist a manual will be a hard thing to deliver.

But hopefully they can fake it

DrKevM5 · 02-19-2026, 11:35 AM

Talk about diluting the brand…the “M” badge used to denote exclusive high performance.

nacs · 02-19-2026, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdtta

Having driven a toyota hybrid vehicle since 2020, I think BMW plug-in hybrids are pretty fabulous.

Agree I appreciate the short duration electric capabilities (kids to bus stop, drive to grocery store) and the ICE for longer or more spirited driving.

M3AWD · 02-19-2026, 12:20 PM

My ///M will always be the last real M ever

THEROK · 02-19-2026, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrKevM5

Talk about diluting the brand…the “M” badge used to denote exclusive high performance.

Exclusive is a strong word.

DrKevM5 · 02-19-2026, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THEROK

Exclusive is a strong word.

It was a strong brand.

NickyC · 02-19-2026, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrKevM5

Talk about diluting the brand…the “M” badge used to denote exclusive high performance.

To me, the current generation CS/CSL are the new ///M cars. The make/brand is far too diluted.

mckman · 02-19-2026, 12:49 PM

There was a time not long ago when a BMW was the "Ultimate Driving Machine”. There were just a few M cars and they all stood out in the marketplace. They may not have been the fastest, but they were always engaging and handled well. BMW M has been trading on that history for quite some time. An “M car” now stretches from a simple appearance package to a plug-in hybrid and soon an EV. What does it even mean to be a modern “M car”? Can they really create 30 new models that each embody a concise brand statement besides simply having an M badge?

BMW has made a lot of money the past few decades selling the M badge. However, when you drive cars from other brands you realize that M cars have lost their soul. It isn't simply about the performance numbers, but the way they drive (with some exceptions). BMWs are no longer the "Ultimate Driving Machine". So tell me BMW, in a a few concise paragraphs what is an M car and what makes it special?

Phillies8008 · 02-19-2026, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrKevM5

It was a strong brand.

It is a strong brand. That's why they're using it.

Dr.Sommer · 02-19-2026, 01:03 PM

Dont need 30. Just one proper.

cme · 02-19-2026, 01:13 PM

///M is for Marketing. BMW lost its way a long time ago.
Chet

THEROK · 02-19-2026, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrKevM5

It was a strong brand.

Still is

M3WC · 02-19-2026, 02:00 PM

So...25 regular BMW's with M-lite badges all over and maybe 5 proper M vehicles.

BMWTennis · 02-19-2026, 02:17 PM

ICE means either mild hybrid or hybrid. Therefore, MT is out. It is not the take rate, it is the requirements and the simple investment calculation to keep a non-hybrid model going (like Carrera T for example).
These current engines are probably the last pure ICE that we will see

abirmaher · 02-19-2026, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWTennis

ICE means either mild hybrid or hybrid. Therefore, MT is out. It is not the take rate, it is the requirements and the simple investment calculation to keep a non-hybrid model going (like Carrera T for example).
These current engines are probably the last pure ICE that we will see

Agreed on all fronts.

dantm3 · 02-19-2026, 02:54 PM

Every brand does it.. not everyone can afford the full m version. I remember I went to look at a c class for my wife and it was a c300 with amg package. It was parked next to a c63 and I couldn’t tell which was which. At least bmw changes body hips, grills, bumpers and carbon roof. I can tell an m car from a mile away.

02-19-2026, 09:56 AM	#1
3dw4rd-3a Private First Class 81 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 2019 M4 Cpe Black Sapphia Meta Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	M CEO says: 30 new M models by 2029, ICE engines indefinite, manuals on borrowed time Featured on BIMMERPOST.com Interview with BMW M CEO Frank Van Meel: Article: https://www.carsales.com.au/editoria...-years-151437/ The Key Details Up to 30 new M and M Performance models due for release by 2029 Multi-powertrain approach including plug-in hybrids and electric Internal combustion engines safe indefinitely, manuals on borrowed time BMW’s hot shop accrues 14 consecutive years of record sales __________________ 2019 M4 Cpe Black Sapphia Metallic
	Appreciate 14 GOLFFRR12541.00 DocWeatherington4001.00 I-driver170.00 An20Olives215.50 2srsman105.00 Wanted_M1055.50 Hydrogen547.50 smiles-per-gallon41.50 Niko ZV123.00 XM_IYKYK271.00 Robmann233.00 Saker_158.00 basarabcompassionate0.00 frontsoldatmm0.00 Tweet Quote

02-19-2026, 10:09 AM	#2
GOLFFRR 12541 Rep 29,052 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to ALL US states iTrader: (4)	30! dang. sad to keep being confirmed manuals will be sunsetting. But is what it is, demand is so low I get it, but still a bummer. __________________ CURRENT DEALS,ALWAYS UPDATED! CLICK HERE! FOR ALL SALES:david@bmwdavid.com Cell:202-262-2900 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for WARRANTIES!
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02-19-2026, 10:24 AM	#3
xlover Colonel 2348 Rep 2,668 Posts Drives: 2023 X7 40i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	I guess getting to 30 isn’t that hard M350, ice m3, i3m60, iM3 That’s 4 just from a single category The addition of an electric and hybrid m performance models accross the lineup as they turn over add to the ice m performance models. Then some pure electric m models along side ice m models…. Ya it’s gonna get busy… Example x5 M60, x5 M60e, iX5 M70. That’s 3 before the full M models Last edited by xlover; 02-19-2026 at 10:26 AM..
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02-19-2026, 11:04 AM	#4
maticCRO Lieutenant 1206 Rep 550 Posts Drives: BMW G82 M4 Competition 2025 Join Date: Sep 2025 Location: Zagreb, Croatia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2025 Lamborghini Ur ... [10.00] 2025 BMW M4 COMP X [9.00]	Good to hear ICE engines are not going to the history books of M department yet. Looking forward to seeing them offer iM3, but 99% sure i wont be buying such a car
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02-19-2026, 11:06 AM	#5
rdtta Private First Class 381 Rep 193 Posts Drives: 230i Join Date: Jan 2025 Location: MO iTrader: (0)	Having driven a toyota hybrid vehicle since 2020, I think BMW plug-in hybrids are pretty fabulous.
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02-19-2026, 11:09 AM	#6
jocamryn Major 241 Rep 1,205 Posts Drives: '23X4 M40i/'24 X2 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Deutschland iTrader: (0)	So an ICE X4 please.
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02-19-2026, 11:35 AM	#8
DrKevM5 Colonel 2542 Rep 2,603 Posts Drives: G05 X5, F87 M2 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Western NY iTrader: (7)	Talk about diluting the brand…the “M” badge used to denote exclusive high performance.
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02-19-2026, 12:20 PM	#10
M3AWD Lieutenant Colonel 3426 Rep 1,958 Posts Drives: 2022 G80 M3 AWD Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	My ///M will always be the last real M ever __________________ 2022 G80 M3 Comp M xDrive
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02-19-2026, 12:49 PM	#14
mckman Private First Class 205 Rep 154 Posts Drives: 2021 F87 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	There was a time not long ago when a BMW was the "Ultimate Driving Machine”. There were just a few M cars and they all stood out in the marketplace. They may not have been the fastest, but they were always engaging and handled well. BMW M has been trading on that history for quite some time. An “M car” now stretches from a simple appearance package to a plug-in hybrid and soon an EV. What does it even mean to be a modern “M car”? Can they really create 30 new models that each embody a concise brand statement besides simply having an M badge? BMW has made a lot of money the past few decades selling the M badge. However, when you drive cars from other brands you realize that M cars have lost their soul. It isn't simply about the performance numbers, but the way they drive (with some exceptions). BMWs are no longer the "Ultimate Driving Machine". So tell me BMW, in a a few concise paragraphs what is an M car and what makes it special? __________________ 2011 E90 M3 Sedan (Euro Delivery) - The original 2016 F31 328d SportWagon (Euro Delivery) - Gone 2018 F30 340i xDrive 6MT - Sold to Carvana 2018 F15 X5 - Everyone needs an SUV these days. 2021 F87 - LBB 6MT
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02-19-2026, 01:03 PM	#16
Dr.Sommer Private First Class 57 Rep 154 Posts Drives: RWD BMW with nat. asp. 6 cyl. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: A iTrader: (0)	Dont need 30. Just one proper.
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02-19-2026, 01:13 PM	#17
cme Private First Class 309 Rep 177 Posts Drives: 22 M3 xD Comp Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	///M is for Marketing. BMW lost its way a long time ago. Chet __________________ 72 2002tii \| 90 E30 M3 06 E46 M3 \| 13 E92 M3 22 G80 M3C \| 27 G80 M3 CS
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02-19-2026, 02:00 PM	#19
M3WC Brigadier General 4432 Rep 3,508 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: ...location...location iTrader: (0)	So...25 regular BMW's with M-lite badges all over and maybe 5 proper M vehicles.
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02-19-2026, 02:17 PM	#20
BMWTennis Captain 884 Rep 871 Posts Drives: G87 Join Date: Jul 2025 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	ICE means either mild hybrid or hybrid. Therefore, MT is out. It is not the take rate, it is the requirements and the simple investment calculation to keep a non-hybrid model going (like Carrera T for example). These current engines are probably the last pure ICE that we will see
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02-19-2026, 02:54 PM	#22
dantm3 Major 734 Rep 1,264 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 Xdrive Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: austin, tx iTrader: (0)	Every brand does it.. not everyone can afford the full m version. I remember I went to look at a c class for my wife and it was a c300 with amg package. It was parked next to a c63 and I couldn’t tell which was which. At least bmw changes body hips, grills, bumpers and carbon roof. I can tell an m car from a mile away.
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