Looks like BMW is going to be throwing the M badge around some more.
M7 plus X3 and X5 M suvs.
The article also mentions the 7 series having a Xdrive system (AWD?) as well for the next generation.
The M7 would be the first 7 series with an M badge according to the article and obliviously going against the AMG S crowd.
What do the BMW purist think?
I like the BMW’s but I personally am holding out for the M12
me too
so is BMW going to dillute the “M” title until it no longer implies any real performance?
Nothing new there.
Frankly, its never been all that difficult to turn a run of the mill BMW into a reasonable facsimile of an M model like an M3, M5 or M6. All you had to do was order the appropriate body kit from your friendly neighborhood BMW dealer and slap it on your car. In spite of this, Europeans have generally had an even easier time thanks to M-Sport packages on virtually every model in the lineup including those that didn’t offer M equivalents. The M-Sport packages generally consist of assorted aero bits, wheels, upgraded seats and interior bits emblazoned with the “M” badge.
BMW is reportedly getting ready to offer M-Sport packages in the U.S. for the first time beginning in early 2009. The 1 and 5 series will apparently be the first models to get blessed. Given the slow down in sales and BMW’s recent profit warnings, this should come as no surprise as the packages will surely be priced with a generous profit margin built in.
theyll all have big motors and piles of HP, im sure they will perform fine.
BMW M badge ! = Chevy SS badge.
So sort of like the Audi S-line trim?
Lets not get carried away here…
BMW has always dabbled with an M7 Idea… this is nothing new
I’m all for it
I guess the M X5 was interesting as well
Pretty slick looking. Must be trying to compete with the 10 people in the world who want a SUV and a sportscar and looked at the Cayanne (sp?) and now have two options.
calm down people… nobody has said they will make all these cars as M cars… they might just be M-package, M-tech, alpina etc… it’s all speculation at this point.
i doubt they will be stuffing v10’s and v8’s from the M cars in every vehicle, so the M car is still original imho.
Whats the big deal they have been offering M-sport cars for a while now across the pond.
There will be M-sport 3 and 1 series eventually. Its kind of like the ZHP 330i they have already offered. Its pricey and you wont see that many of them so who cares.
Yep.
But at least the S-line looks different than an S.
And says S-line.
M-tech doesn’t look exactly the same as a real M and it doesn’t have an M3/5/6 badge on it the deck lid either (unless the owner is a true ricer).
Well it looks pretty clear the X5 and X6 will be an M not just an appearance package. They are saying the X6 will have a V8TT:
X6 M
X5 M
and? m-tech. I was referring to the packages offered overseas they are talking about bringing over.
In spite of this, Europeans have generally had an even easier time thanks to M-Sport packages on virtually every model in the lineup including those that didn’t offer M equivalents. The M-Sport packages generally consist of assorted aero bits, wheels, upgraded seats and interior bits emblazoned with the “M” badge.
Read my posts.
and that is badass.
I forgot to mention V8TT AWD
Xdrive baby!