BMW M GmbH enters its anniversary year with a new sales high

[Mani59]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Fresh from BMWs sales record press release yesterday, today we turn our attention to BMW M.

Sales growth continued in 2021 – BMW M GmbH was the global market leader in the performance car and high-performance car segment for the third year running – Spotlight in the brand’s 50th anniversary year centres on the latest round of new products, alluring special-edition models and the next stage in the electrification offensive.

Munich. For the third time in a row, BMW M GmbH ended the financial year as the global market leader in the performance and high-performance car segment. Indeed, the company posted record sales once again in 2021. A total of 163,542 BMW M cars were delivered to customers worldwide last year, a 13 percent increase on 2020.

This growth was spread equally between the High-Performance sports cars and Performance cars made by BMW M GmbH, with both product categories raising their sales figures to a new level. “This success is the perfect start to our anniversary year,” says Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “M is in a stronger position than ever as it celebrates its 50th birthday.”

New BMW M3 and new BMW M4 enjoy immediate success.

The biggest drivers of growth among the High-Performance sports cars were the new BMW M3 and BMW M4 models introduced in spring 2021. Fuelled by a vehicle concept focused squarely on emotionally charged dynamism and unprecedented diversity in the model range, the new BMW M3 Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 10.2 – 10.0 l/100 km [27.7 – 28.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 231 – 227 g/km as per WLTP), new BMW M4 Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 10.1 – 9.9 l/100 km [28.0 – 28.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 230 – 226 g/km as per WLTP) and new BMW M4 Convertible (fuel consumption combined: 10.2 l/100 km [27.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 233 – 231 g/km as per WLTP) got off to an extremely successful start. The latest model generation is the first to offer customers two output levels topping out at 375 kW/510 hp, the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and a choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.

“The response to the new generation of the BMW M3 and BMW M4 has been simply overwhelming,” reports Timo Resch, Vice President Customer, Brand and Sales at BMW M GmbH. “We can therefore expect demand for these iconic sports cars to continue on an upward curve in 2022.”

Also making a powerful contribution to the latest rise in High-Performance model sales at BMW M GmbH were the BMW X5 M Competition (fuel consumption combined: 13.6 – 13.3 l/100 km [20.8 – 21,2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 308 – 303 g/km as per WLTP) and BMW X6 M Competition (fuel consumption combined: 13.4 – 13.1 l/100 km [21.1 – 21.6 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 305 – 299 g/km as per WLTP). Following the successful market launch of the latest model generation the previous year, the charismatic High-Performance sports cars in the Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupé segment – both powered by a 460 kW/625 hp V8 engine – increased their sales figures once again in 2021.

Alluring and in demand: the BMW M models in the BMW 4 Series range.

The dynamic excellence, agility and precision for which M is renowned also enabled the brand’s Performance models to delight and excite a wide range of customers over the past year. Credit for the latest boost to sales goes above all to the M models based on the new BMW 4 Series. Particularly popular were the variants of the new BMW 4 Series Coupé, whose line-up consists of the BMW M440i Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 8.1 – 7.4 l/100 km [34.8 – 38.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 184 – 167 g/km as per WLTP) and BMW M440i xDrive Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 8.2 – 7.5 l/100 km [34.5 – 37.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 186 – 170 g/km as per WLTP) powered by a 275 kW/374 hp six-cylinder in-line petrol engine, and the BMW M440d xDrive Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 6.3 – 5.7 l/100 km [44.8 – 49.6 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 165 – 150 g/km as per WLTP), whose six-cylinder in-line diesel unit produces 250 kW/340 hp.

The latest BMW X models within the ranks of M’s Performance cars also proved extremely desirable. Indeed, the BMW X3 M40i powered by a six-cylinder in-line engine with 265 kW/360 hp (fuel consumption combined: 9.5 – 8.8 l/100 km [29.7 – 32.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 216 – 199 g/km as per WLTP) and the BMW X7 M50i (fuel consumption combined: 12.8 – 12.3 l/100 km [22.1 – 23.0 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 292 – 280 g/km as per WLTP) with its 390 kW/530 hp V8 unit both posted an increase in new registrations.

Looking ahead to an anniversary year brimming with highlights.

BMW M GmbH will continue its product offensive in this anniversary year with the addition of new High-Performance and Performance models. Highlights include the new BMW M240i xDrive Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 8.8 – 8.1 l/100 km [32.1 – 34.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 200 – 185 g/km as per WLTP) and the arrival later in the year of the first BMW M3 Touring and an exclusive special-edition model based on the new BMW M4 Coupé.

In addition, the BMW Group subsidiary – which was founded as BMW Motorsport GmbH in May 1972 and enjoys the status of an independent manufacturer – will also drive the transformation to electric mobility. Following in the tyre tracks of the BMW i4 M50 (electric power consumption combined: 22.5 – 18.0 kWh/100 km as per WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km) in the first half of 2022 will be the likewise fully electric BMW iX M60 (projected electric power consumption combined: 24.7 – 21.7 kWh/100 km as per WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km).

The most powerful BMW M model ever made points the way to the future of the brand.

The anniversary year will be crowned by the start of production of the BMW XM. The most powerful BMW M car ever to go into series production is also the brand’s first High-Performance model to employ a plug-in hybrid drive system. Its newly developed M Hybrid technology brings together a V8 engine and a high-performance electric motor to develop maximum output of 550 kW/750 hp and peak torque of 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft). The design of the BMW XM majors on presence and extrovert appeal and in so doing sends out a clear statement in the luxury segment.

“Our first standalone model since the legendary BMW M1 represents a complete re-imagining of the high-performance car segment,” says van Meel. “The BMW XM blends expressive design and progressive interior luxury with an incomparable driving experience that serves up both sublime performance and the ability to glide along in near silence in all-electric mode. In so doing, it provides an inimitable expression of poise and assurance, and at the same time points the way to the future of our brand.”

Source: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/globa...new-sales-high

[Ibiza]

Inflated sales figure including the M performance models.

[NightWriter]

Originally Posted by Ibiza

Inflated sales figure including the M performance models.

How so?

[am3r1ka]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

How so?

I believe now M-Performance cars are counted as M Car sales.

[ellipsis212]

Originally Posted by am3r1ka

I believe now M-Performance cars are counted as M Car sales.

They give the examples of the X3 M40 and X7 M50 above as included in the sales figures

[Doctor///M]

Wonder how the numbers and their breakdown back up these statements, at least compared to previous generations.

[NightWriter]

Originally Posted by am3r1ka

I believe now M-Performance cars are counted as M Car sales.

Oh I see. But is that a new change in how they're counting them? As long as they're consistent... lest this becomes another "Are M-Performance cars real M's?" thread.

[am3r1ka]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

Oh I see. But is that a new change in how they're counting them? As long as they're consistent... lest this becomes another "Are M-Performance cars real M's?" thread.

Believe it was introduced some years ago. M-Performance is an M Product in BMW sales eyes. I'll let the masses argue on whether it's a true M or not lol.

[Ibiza]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

How so?

The sales number in this press release should only include the M specific models such as F90, F91, F92, F95, F96, G80, G82, G83, ect. The series models that have the M performance badges should not be included.

Let's not turn this into a M vs M performance debate.

[GOLFFRR]

obv when you group in the new M pkg cars in the sales group your amount will go up. kinda of mis leading in a way.

allocations were the lowest ever last year so M cars did not increase its not possible based off units produced and allocated to dealers (300 or so dealers in US getting maybe 0-2 a month allocated per model) but when you add all those new M lines in to the mix the numbers def will see a rise. I believe product is down 40% last time I looked

[swagon]

Originally Posted by NightWriter

How so?

"This growth was spread equally between the High-Performance sports cars and Performance cars made by BMW M GmbH"

This an article is 70% fuel consumption information and has got no substance without sales figures of each model.

[Rono63]

BMW is selling the M vehicles at at record pace, delivery of said vehicles is another story.

[Giom]

Amazing how a lot of you here can't even enjoy the fact that BMW is doing well.

As a avid defender of the new grill, may I be the first to say to all the haters... I told you so! Anyways, carry on hating while BMW is celebrating its success.

[Ibiza]

Originally Posted by Giom

Amazing how a lot of you here can't even enjoy the fact that BMW is doing well.

As a avid defender of the new grill, may I be the first to say to all the haters... I told you so! Anyways, carry on hating while BMW is celebrating its success.

Your missing the point that GOLFFRR made that M specific chassis model allocations were very constrained in 2021, it's the M performance models from the series allocations that propelled the sales numbers. This press release is just a marketing ploy on numbers to make BMW 'feel good'.

[BMWCCA1]

Counting an X3 M40i is like Mercedes counting every C-class car with AMG wheels.

Those numbers would put the M3 and M4 grilles in the definite minority of sales.

[mbanck]

Originally Posted by Ibiza

Your missing the point that GOLFFRR made that M specific chassis model allocations were very constrained in 2021, it's the M performance models from the series allocations that propelled the sales numbers. This press release is just a marketing ploy on numbers to make BMW 'feel good'.

As was already quoted in this thread:

This growth was spread equally between the High-Performance sports cars and Performance cars made by BMW M GmbH, with both product categories raising their sales figures to a new level.

(where "Performance Cars" == M Performance "Series" cars and "High-Performance sports cars" == True M Cars[tm])

So unless M GmbH is lying the "true M Cars[tm]" also sold better than the year before (maybe not a big deal due to the 2020 Covid19 dent).

Also, I believe this is a global press release (I got it via BMW Germany) and does not cover the US market in particular, so anecdotal evidence about low allocation numbers for US dealers is less relevant.

[cwhands]

Originally Posted by mbanck

Also, I believe this is a global press release (I got it via BMW Germany) and does not cover the US market in particular, so anecdotal evidence about low allocation numbers for US dealers is less relevant.

Anecdotal, as if GOLFFRR is lying to us? Allocation constraints are a fact, not a rumor.

[mbanck]

I didn't mean to imply he was lying, of course; just that allocation constraints for dealers in the US might be less relevant for global M sales figures compared to US ones.

[mbanck]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

Counting an X3 M40i is like Mercedes counting every C-class car with AMG wheels.

No, it's like AMG counting the C43 as an AMG-sold model and not a Mercedes-Benz sold one.

Which I assume they do, does anybody know for sure?

[Art__Vandelay]

Originally Posted by mbanck

No, it's like AMG counting the C43 as an AMG-sold model and not a Mercedes-Benz sold one.

Which I assume they do, does anybody know for sure?

Yes, they do, as Audi does it with the S models (and not only RS). So it's not that BMW M GmbH is using tricks here to outdo the competition, the sports divisions of the various German manufacturers are thus quite comparable.

[FC05]

C'mon guys
It's been like that for three years now, M cars and M performance cars are all counted as M division sales.Mercedes does this too, counting AMG 35 45 43 53 63 and Audi with S and RS.
Glad BMW seemed doing well with big grills too.

[Alan l.]

I want to see actual counts by model. You can always fudge the numbers however you like if you wanted to.

I've barely seen any 4 series on the road its been out for awhile. I've seen maybe 3 or 4 to be honest.

Alan