The “Competitors” badge has quietly disappeared from BMW M’s lineup. For years, it signified the sharper, extra targeted model of an already quick automobile — a technique to separate the purist’s selection from the common M mannequin. However that distinction now not is sensible. Throughout our interview on the 2025 Tokyo Motor Present, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel confirmed that the badge is successfully useless.
Why the Badge Disappeared
In accordance with van Meel, the unique concept was easy. BMW seen different manufacturers providing a two-tier system: a base model and a higher-performance variant. M adopted that sample with the Competitors fashions — extra energy, tighter suspension, and small visible variations.
However over time, practically each purchaser selected the higher tier. “Greater than 80 % of our prospects went straight for the Competitors,” van Meel instructed us. “So we stated, let’s simply make that the usual one.” Look intently and the change was already occurring. The present M2 (G87) makes 480 horsepower, outgunning the previous M2 Competition. Each new M product begins on the degree the place the outdated Competitors trim as soon as peaked. That evolution made the title redundant.
“You may say each M mannequin right now is a Competitors,” van Meel added.
Simplifying the M Hierarchy
This shift suits a broader development inside BMW M: much less badge muddle, extra readability. As an alternative of juggling a number of efficiency tiers, the lineup now focuses on three essential rungs:
- M – the core high-performance automobile
- M CS – the lighter, sharper restricted version
- M CSL – the flagship collector mannequin
The brand new method retains issues easy as M prepares for its subsequent chapter — one that features electrified and all-electric automobiles constructed on the Neue Klasse platform. The identical concept also needs to apply to the upcoming G84 BMW M3.
Finish of a Label, Not an Thought
The badge may be gone, however its intent stays. BMW M nonetheless builds automobiles that push the boundaries of energy and precision — solely now, that’s the baseline. For fanatics, it means there’s now not a “step up.” Each M automobile arrives because the full-strength model, tuned the way in which prospects needed it within the first place.
Source link
