BMW M Boss “Would Love” a New M1 — But Don’t Hold Your Breath

BMW M CEO Frank van Meel has openly admitted his fondness for the original M1 and expressed a desire to see a modern successor. The last M1 rolled off the production line nearly 50 years ago, in 1978, and despite multiple near-misses, BMW has never delivered a true follow-up. The most concrete attempt came in 2019 with the BMW Vision M Next Concept, a 600-horsepower plug-in hybrid hypercar that was reportedly 95 percent production-ready. However, BMW pivoted its focus to the XM crossover in 2022, marketing it as the spiritual successor to the M1 — a move that has not resonated with enthusiasts or buyers. The XM’s lukewarm reception has led BMW to discontinue the base model by 2026 and slash the price of the top-tier XM Black Label. Oliver Heilmer, head of M Design, has also voiced enthusiasm for reviving the M1, reinforcing the idea that the concept remains a compelling proposition within BMW’s design and engineering teams. Yet, the practical hurdles are significant. A mid-engine supercar demands a substantial financial commitment at a time when the automotive industry faces economic uncertainty. The low-volume nature of such a model makes the business case challenging, especially when resources could be allocated to more profitable ventures. The Vision M Next’s plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a four-cylinder engine with electric propulsion, underscored BMW’s technical ambition, but the project never reached fruition. As van Meel’s comments reveal, the emotional pull of the M1 remains strong among BMW’s leadership, but the realities of today’s market suggest that a new M1 is unlikely to materialize in the near future.