BMW M is now 20% of BMWNA’s whole gross sales within the US. That quantity is each spectacular from a model success story as it’s a enterprise success. Absolutely meaning BMW’s common unit worth for every automotive bought is increased due to it. However has that development come on the expense of the BMW M model itself? We drove three of M’s newest merchandise again to again to again and got here away with some ideas.

Let’s begin with the most recent product to problem expectations of what an M automotive could be. The BMW XM Label Purple is each probably the most technically spectacular M product we’ve pushed in years and some of the disappointing. It’s epically speedy for a 6,000 lbs automotive and oozes a vibrant design path that reveals how far BMW M can go on one finish of the spectrum. It seems aggressive and appears like an M automotive at sure moments however in our temporary expertise it merely doesn’t really feel like an M automotive. Behind the wheel it’s extremely spectacular little question. But it surely in our time with the XM in and round South Carolina mountains roads it by no means reached the engagement ranges of even an X6M.

On the opposite finish of the spectrum is the brand new guide transmission outfitted M2 which has all of the components of the traditional BMW M components. It’s responsive, participating and at instances demanding. Briefly its attributes are why so many people fall in love with the M model. It’s not excellent because the 1>2 gear change could be lengthy and cumbersome and the burden is increased than we’d like to see. However I may say the identical factor concerning the E46 M3. The essential factor is that it’s participating and begs you to drive it exhausting.

Then there’s the M3 CS – the present fanatic halo product from the model. Regardless of the burden and regardless of the torque converter auto, it’s a complete revelation. Much more than the latest M4 CSL, the M3 CS feels nearer to the core DNA of the M model. It has all of the consolation of a household sedan but all of the efficiency (and extra importantly) the engagement of the most effective M vehicles. It is a automotive that may do 0-60 is 2.7 seconds whereas comfortably carrying 4 adults with baggage for hours. However extra to the purpose the suggestions that it delivers to the motive force is nearly as good as something in latest reminiscence from the model. The truth is it’s exhausting to argue towards it being the most effective 4 door M automotive of all time. It’s that good.

Driving these vehicles again to again to again made it clear the M model nonetheless is aware of tips on how to create distinctive driver’s vehicles that map straight again to the roots of the model. It additionally underscores the M model’s ambitions to play in numerous elements of the efficiency class. However does this breadth water down the model? For fanatics I believe there’s just a little query it’s doing that. From our personal qualitative observations the XM buyer appears fairly totally different than what we’ve seen from the normal M3 purchaser. Is {that a} unhealthy factor? Provided that it drives core prospects away from the model. Whereas we don’t have information on that (absolutely BMW is this now) we are able to’t think about it’s not turning some away.

However extra importantly to us is that it’s muddying the water by way of what the model stands for. BMW M can declare it’s purpose is to be the “Final Driving Machine” in each class. However is that what the BMW XM truly is? It’s not near what the Cayenne Turbo GT can accomplish neither is it as simple on the eyes (it’s additionally 1,000 lbs heavier). After which there’s the M Efficiency merchandise. They’ve been massively profitable for BMW and have added materials income for the model. However they’re additionally complicated prospects and obfuscating actual M merchandise in BMW showrooms and within the minds of potential patrons.

There’s no argument that M Efficiency merchandise are glorious merchandise in case you’re searching for a day by day driver. Which begs the query; ought to true M vehicles stand for one thing much less bizarre and extra particular? Ought to M rethink the way in which they divide up their vehicles placing the extra pure efficiency machines at a unique stage than the M Efficiency and even its present M crossovers?

For years BMW M had purity on its aspect with a transparent technical technique that wasn’t about velocity however about engagement. They had been all rear wheel pushed vehicles with guide transmissions and near 50/50 weight distribution. It doesn’t matter what Audi or Mercedes may create, BMW at all times had the higher hand by way of the guts and soul of the fanatic market as a result of it began with a stage of engineering purity and product consistency that nobody may match.

Sure the guide is useless and all wheel drive must be a part of the longer term given the degrees of energy and torque that’s demanded by shoppers. However that doesn’t imply there nonetheless can’t be highly effective and distinctive causes to imagine for the M model. Potential homeowners need to latch onto model that stands for one thing distinctive, constant and delivers worth different manufacturers can not.

Pure BMW M received’t be the quickest vehicles in the marketplace. They received’t be the most cost effective and so they could not even be the most effective trying. However they are often the most effective. And so they should be the last word driving machine.