BMW M boss rejects iM3 speculation: “We would never use an i on an M”

RahulNagaraj · 3rd December 2023, 15:58

Earlier this year, reports suggesting BMW trademarking the name 'iM3' emerged online, speculating that it could be used on the brand's upcoming all-electric M3 model. However, Frank van Meel, CEO, BMW M Division denied all reports, stating that the company's 'i' badge will never be used on any M car.

BMW M boss rejects iM3 speculation: “We would never use an i on an M”-m3.jpg

Replying to a question in an interview, van Meel stated, "No, that will be a Mission Impossible! Actually, we would never use an i on an M, even though it would be electric." He added, "Because an M3 had a four-cylinder, six-cylinder, eight-cylinder engine; naturally aspirated, turbocharged ones. Now it’s even got an xDrive, but it always remained an M3."

He further went on to say, "So if we would ever do something like that, it will always be called an M without an i. Because that’s just the technology, and M is not about technology. It’s about a promise, it’s about motorsports, it’s about emotion. It’s not about the drivetrain."

Also, responding to queries about an electrified supercar, the BMW M CEO, stated that "he and his team were always dreaming about a car like that” but for now, it’s a no. It’s in our hearts, it’s in our minds. As car guys and car girls, we’re always thinking and trying out cars like that. But I cannot say yes to you."

Source: TopGear

Link to Team-BHP news

DarK_Sanjan · 3rd December 2023, 19:06

BMW M boss rejects iM3 speculation: “We would never use an i on an M”-t3qkhrohrh321.jpg

I thought he would say something like an M model could never be fully electric; it needs to have an ICE engine... But he just said they will completely remove the M3 and replace it with the electric version instead of having both. (at least, that is how I interpreted his statement)

shibujp · 3rd December 2023, 21:59

I first misread this...but what he says makes sense. Performance does not really matter how it is developed i guess.

OctYFAN · 3rd December 2023, 23:11

All manufacturers would be better off creating new performance lines rather than tarnishing existing ones that already have a fan following among enthusiasts who will actually buy a performance car.

A very clear example is the new MB C63 AMG hybrid. People are swearing they won't ever buy an AMG again and these aren't just 12 yo kids on the internet. Actual owners of older AMGs are saying that they won't buy an electrified AMG. They are essentially killing off an existing loyal customer base for basically nothing in return.

The C63 is bad in more ways than losing the V8 (too heavy, pointless plug-in hybrid, overstressed engine) but you get the point.

And a brand pulling this off pretty well is Hyundai's N (M-N, see what they did?; they also hired a former BMW M division head) They don't have a long history of celebrated cars. They are pretty new on the scale of the auto industry. They are creating a new fanbase attuned to them and the changing times. And its not like their cars don't sell.

While it isn't easy, at least M, AMG, Audi RS, etc. will at least have an awesome legacy. But in today's world where cash is king, I don't think their parent companies care about the fans enough to bother with doing it.

3rd December 2023, 15:58	#1
RahulNagaraj Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,675 Thanked: 25,322 Times View My Garage	BMW M boss rejects iM3 speculation: “We would never use an i on an M” Earlier this year, reports suggesting BMW trademarking the name 'iM3' emerged online, speculating that it could be used on the brand's upcoming all-electric M3 model. However, Frank van Meel, CEO, BMW M Division denied all reports, stating that the company's 'i' badge will never be used on any M car. Replying to a question in an interview, van Meel stated, "No, that will be a Mission Impossible! Actually, we would never use an i on an M, even though it would be electric." He added, "Because an M3 had a four-cylinder, six-cylinder, eight-cylinder engine; naturally aspirated, turbocharged ones. Now it’s even got an xDrive, but it always remained an M3." He further went on to say, "So if we would ever do something like that, it will always be called an M without an i. Because that’s just the technology, and M is not about technology. It’s about a promise, it’s about motorsports, it’s about emotion. It’s not about the drivetrain." Also, responding to queries about an electrified supercar, the BMW M CEO, stated that "he and his team were always dreaming about a car like that” but for now, it’s a no. It’s in our hearts, it’s in our minds. As car guys and car girls, we’re always thinking and trying out cars like that. But I cannot say yes to you." Source: TopGear Link to Team-BHP news Last edited by RahulNagaraj : 3rd December 2023 at 15:59.
	(6) Thanks

3rd December 2023, 19:06	#2
DarK_Sanjan Newbie Join Date: Nov 2023 Location: Mumbai/Singapor Posts: 6 Thanked: 11 Times	Re: BMW M boss rejects iM3 speculation: “We would never use an i on an M” I thought he would say something like an M model could never be fully electric; it needs to have an ICE engine... But he just said they will completely remove the M3 and replace it with the electric version instead of having both. (at least, that is how I interpreted his statement) Last edited by Turbanator : 3rd December 2023 at 19:32. Reason: Minor corrections.
	(1) Thanks

3rd December 2023, 21:59	#3
shibujp Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 1,787 Thanked: 3,361 Times View My Garage	Re: BMW M boss rejects iM3 speculation: “We would never use an i on an M” I first misread this...but what he says makes sense. Performance does not really matter how it is developed i guess. Last edited by shibujp : 3rd December 2023 at 22:03.
	() Thanks

3rd December 2023, 23:11	#4
OctYFAN BHPian Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Coimbatore Posts: 98 Thanked: 178 Times	Re: BMW M boss rejects iM3 speculation: “We would never use an i on an M” All manufacturers would be better off creating new performance lines rather than tarnishing existing ones that already have a fan following among enthusiasts who will actually buy a performance car. A very clear example is the new MB C63 AMG hybrid. People are swearing they won't ever buy an AMG again and these aren't just 12 yo kids on the internet. Actual owners of older AMGs are saying that they won't buy an electrified AMG. They are essentially killing off an existing loyal customer base for basically nothing in return. The C63 is bad in more ways than losing the V8 (too heavy, pointless plug-in hybrid, overstressed engine) but you get the point. And a brand pulling this off pretty well is Hyundai's N (M-N, see what they did?; they also hired a former BMW M division head) They don't have a long history of celebrated cars. They are pretty new on the scale of the auto industry. They are creating a new fanbase attuned to them and the changing times. And its not like their cars don't sell. While it isn't easy, at least M, AMG, Audi RS, etc. will at least have an awesome legacy. But in today's world where cash is king, I don't think their parent companies care about the fans enough to bother with doing it.
	(1) Thanks