BMW Mulls Stand-Alone “M” Cars

BMW AG's M performance division may develop several stand-alone models that aren't based on existing Bimmers, Australia's CarSales reports.

M boss Markus Flasch says several such models across multiple segments are being considered. He didn’t provide a timeline for a decision or offer any other details, saying the decision process is in the early stages.

Flasch didn’t rule out a low-volume, ultra-expensive hypercar. But he notes that the business case for such a vehicle would be difficult to justify.

Any future M-badged vehicle will have to meet the brand’s overall character, Flasch says. He describes this as a mix of agility, luxury and precision.

To date, the only stand-alone model in BMW M’s 47-year history has been the M1 mid-engine coupe that was produced from 1978 to 1981. The rest of the M lineup has consisted of derivatives of standard BMW models, such as the 8 Series-based M8 Coupe (pictured).

Flasch succeeded Frank van Meel as M chairman last October. Flasch joined BMW in 2014 from rival Audi AG’s Quattro unit.