Report: All New BMW M Cars Will Come Standard in ‘Competition’ Spec

The BMW M performance arm’s new era is dawning upon us. No, we’re neither talking about the future electric M models nor the brand’s decision to stop offering certain gearbox options to its new models. Instead, we’re focusing on reports suggesting that BMW M is planning to make the ‘Competition’ models as their new baseline models for future M cars.

BMW M CEO Frank van Meel (left) reveals that future M cars will all come standard in Competition spec

Speaking to CarThrottle during the BMW i5 launch, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel says the firm will no longer offer future BMW M cars with the ‘baseline’ M variant, citing that such a gap has been filled with intermediary, semi souped-up variants of BMW’s regular models like what the M340i is to the 3 Series and M3.

“So the standard M will go away or more or less already has gone away, and we’re not going to split any longer between M and M Competition, it will all be Competition in the future,” the M boss commented.

Those who keen for more performance can still get the wilder CS variants of the BMW M models

This means that all new M models will come in the Competition form as standard, which normally adds a slew of performance-oriented parts and hardwares on top of the standard M model. Fortunately, those who are seeking more performance can still opt for the more extreme and hardcore variants like the CS and CSL.

“Those (CS and CSL variants) 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 to CS or CSL,” van Meel added.

BMW M4 Competition (left) & newly-launched BMW M2 (right)

As for now, BMW Malaysia is offering a slew of BMW M models for our local market, with several of them coming here in sole Competition model. This includes both the Malaysian-spec BMW M3 and M4, which are offered standard in Competition form with Pro Package and xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) varieties. Meanwhile, both the newly-launched BMW M2 and the previous-gen BMW M5 are still offered in standard M variants.

Those who don't need all the power (or not a fan of the massive M3) grille can opt for the M340i instead...

Aside from full-fledged M cars, the Malaysian market is also bestowed with several intermediary M models, like the M340i variant for the 3 Series, while both the 1 Series hatch and 8 Series gran coupe come in sole M135i xDrive and M850i xDrive variants. Unlike the 3 Series, both the 1 Series and 8 Series are not offered with the souped-up M models here in Malaysia.

As for now, BMW M boss did not specify any details regarding the price changes for future BMW M models. But we’d reckon the starting prices for new M models will likely be increased as a result of this line-up revamp by the Bavarian marque.