We had to sit down with BMW M boss Frank van Meel on Villa d’Este in 2025. The topics took a long way, but remained far from some of the heavier headlines of the weekend. For example the M2 CS surprise visit or the Speedtop concept debut. However, we have covered some well -known favorites, including the new (and old) M5, hybridization and electrification as well as hypercars (Art).
The demand for the M5 holds strong
The i4 M50 is the best-selling M-vehicle car. And the M2 is the best -selling M., but according to Van Meel, the M5 is imposed impressive numbers. He says [demand] do not go under. “What could mainly be surprising in the United States that Europe is surprising.
In a related note, Frank also not surprisingly asked some questions about the weight of the M5. While he recognizes the weight of the car, he mentions: “It is faster than his predecessor on the tracks.” He confirms that the weight was the “only compromise” BMW to make the M5 “effortlessly” and improved fuel consumption, more electricity, lower emissions and a smooth power band.
And Frank says BMW M had treated the weight problem of the M5 as in the race. Wider bikes, a wider route with a wider body, active rear steering and positioning of the batteries in the vehicle help to still behave like an M5. “We know that we will take the car,” he said, but it was calculated. It was the cost of the business so that BMW M used the V8 engine.
For hybrids and electrical M -cars, make it in case
Frank is not bound to certain drive lines in his M cars. “M – since 1972, when we were founded as a M- or Motorsport -GmbH – has always been motorsport and emotions. And every time they sit in an M, and they drive with M, they say that this is only about emotions and motorsport. And that is more or less independent of the drive.” He is also right. He discusses the motorcetations that the M3 has seen over the years-from Revy four-cylinder to the screaming of six and eight pots to the Turbo-charged S55 and S58 from recent memory. And every time, without mistakes, “it drove like an M3 and everyone was happy and we sold more than before.” Right, Frank.
In short, it is also about electrification and hybridization. “What we are currently doing with the electrification as soon as it comes onto the market, they will say” I don’t have it “. He compares it with the debut of the F90 M5, in which some” all -wheel drive “heard and was afraid. “I said the same thing with the M xDrive when we came to the last generation M5 that it was not all -wheel drive. It is rear -wheel drive with more traction, and everyone was afraid that it would simply be direct, no longer any preload dynamics in the rear wheel.” Of course, we now know that Van Meel was largely precise when he said. “Now I can only say with the electrification that it will be typical, it will only be much faster,” he says.
Differentiation from BMW M EVS from other cars
A big challenge with which all car manufacturers are with is to separate their services from the competition. 1,000 hp is simply not enough in the nuclear arms with an electrified drive train. “Magical ingredients are a nice terminology,” begins Van Meel. “You have to have this innovation because people know what electric cars are going nowadays, and if you look at it, say that is nice, but maybe that’s not exactly what I’m looking for.” With less noticeable indications, such as pushing down, EVS make it difficult to know how fast they go – especially on a race track. “But if you look down [at the speedometer]They lose, “says Frank.” You need better integration of the driver into the car so that you know where you are and have control. “
A central component to design BMW M EVS as an M car should be engineering. Frank says the idea that BMW M does not do an M version of the upcoming new class properly. “This is wrong, because everything we need for M in the new class had to be integrated into the entire setup of the new class from the start.” Frank claims: “If it is not in architecture, it is sometimes impossible to add it.” Here BMW’s heart of joy comes into play. It applies to every vehicle, regardless of whether it is a single or four electric motor.
BMW Hypercar? Eh …
The hypercar (still) does not happen, at least not soon. The question cited the participation of the BMW World Endurance Championship (WEC) as a possible case for a street hypercar. “Not necessarily,” Van Meel begins. “What you always try at M is to produce cars that are as close as possible to the race. That’s why we are in the race,” he says. Talk about a non-claim, but it doesn’t look like Van Meel is entertaining the idea.
