BMW Reworks the M Lineup: The End of ‘Competition’ as We Know It

BMW has revealed a major change in how it presents its high-performance models. The iconic M Competition trim will be phased out, because customers already chose it so often that it became the de facto standard.

According to Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M, more than 80 percent of buyers picked the Competition variant. In a recent interview with BMW Blog, he explained that rather than maintaining two tiers for the same model, BMW would now bring those higher specs and features into the standard M version. 

What Exactly Is Changing

Instead of choosing between standard BMW M and M Competition trims, future buyers will see a simpler structure:

• The standard M model will integrate many of the performance upgrades that used to be reserved for the M Competition.
• The remaining variants will be the M “base,” M CS (lighter and more track‐focused), and M CSL (top tier).
• Some existing Competition variants, such as the M3, M4, and X5 M, will carry through with their trims until 2026.
• Other models like the M2 and future M5 will no longer offer a Competition trim.

In short, BMW is phasing out the separate badge while elevating the standard offering. In the process, it simplifies choice and aligns performance specs with buyer expectations.

Why BMW Made This Move

There are several reasons behind the decision:

• Customer behaviour: Most buyers were skipping the standard M in favour of the Competition. With that trend, maintaining the lower tier appeared unnecessary.
• Simplified lineup: Having multiple trims with overlapping capabilities can confuse buyers. Reducing the number of trims helps clarify the offer.
• Higher entry performance: By folding Competition features into the standard M, BMW is lifting the performance baseline across the board.
• Brand strategy: With electrification looming and performance standards rising, BMW appears to be aligning its internal strategy now to fit future models and technologies.

Implications for Performance SUV Buyers

For those shopping BMW’s performance SUVs, such as the X3 M, this move will carry particular weight. Until now many buyers in that segment opted for the “Competition” badge to get the highest performance variant. Going forward:

• The standard performance SUV from BMW may now include features previously locked behind the Competition label.
• The naming convention may change, but performance expectations remain elevated.
• Track and special editions (CS, CSL) will continue to target purists who demand extreme performance.

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FAQs

What is the M Competition trim?

It was BMW’s higher-performance version of its M models, offering increased horsepower, upgraded suspension and sportier features over the standard M.

Why is BMW killing the M Competition label?

Because the vast majority of buyers selected the Competition grade, BMW decided to integrate its features into the standard M and simplify the model hierarchy.

Will all BMW M models lose the Competition option?

Not immediately. Some models like the M3 and M4 will continue the Competition trim through 2026, but others such as the next M5 will drop it entirely.

What does this mean for BMW performance SUV buyers?

It means the base performance SUV from BMW will likely offer higher performance than before, reducing the need to pay extra for a badge. Buyers will still have CS or CSL trims for focused, track-oriented variants.

Does this affect pricing?

BMW has not yet detailed long-term pricing changes. The shift may mean the “standard” M models cost more than current base versions but offer greater value via upgraded performance and inclusions.