BMW's "M" Plan SHOCKS Rivals! 30 New Models by 2030?!

Hold onto your hats, BMW enthusiasts, because the M Division is about to unleash a tidal wave of performance vehicles. Word on the street – or rather, from German auto mag Auto Motor und Sport – is that BMW plans to drop up to 30 new or significantly updated M-badged models by 2028. Thirty! That's a whole lotta tire-shredding goodness coming our way.

BMW's "M" Plan SHOCKS Rivals! 30 New Models by 203...

Now, before you start picturing 30 entirely new, ground-up models, let's clarify. This includes everything from facelifts and "M-Lite" variants (think M Performance models like the M440i) to the full-fat, track-ready M cars we all know and love. The strategy is clearly aimed at broadening their appeal while simultaneously tiptoeing into the electrified future. The good news? Internal combustion engines aren't going anywhere just yet, at least not completely.

The year 2026 is shaping up to be a significant turning point. That's when we expect to see the arrival of BMW's "Neue Klasse" platform, a clean-sheet design specifically for electric vehicles. Leading the charge (pun intended) will be the new iX3. What’s particularly exciting is the whisper of M Performance variants following quickly, possibly even an iX3 M60. And, of course, the ultimate prize: a top-tier, high-performance iX3 M. Electric SUVs that can seriously hustle? Color me intrigued.

But what about the classics? Don't worry, BMW hasn't forgotten about the M3 and M4. These icons are slated for further enhancements to keep them competitive in the coming years. The 5 Series and its M5 sibling will also receive mid-cycle refreshes, keeping them fresh and desirable. Think subtle tweaks, updated tech, and maybe a few extra ponies under the hood.

Then comes 2027, which is when things get really interesting. That's when we're expecting the electric M3, codenamed "ZA0." Rumor has it that this electric beast will boast four electric motors and a new control unit called "Heart of Joy," allowing for incredibly precise torque distribution. That sounds like some serious performance engineering right there! But here's the kicker: BMW M is apparently planning a dual-track approach. Alongside the electric M3, a good old-fashioned straight-six-cylinder M3 will reportedly continue to exist. This is a smart move, catering to the purists who aren't quite ready to ditch the internal combustion engine just yet. I, for one, applaud this decision. Choice is good!

Looking beyond 2028, the product range is expected to expand even further with high-performance electric SUVs, ultimately paving the way for a fully electric M4. The future of BMW M is undoubtedly electric, but the journey there promises to be filled with plenty of thrilling internal combustion engines along the way. Get ready for a wild ride!