BMW Is Killing Its M Competition Models — But for a Good Reason

The German brand simplifies its high-performance lineup by making the most powerful versions the new standard for the M division.

For years, BMW offered two variants of each M model: the standard M and the more powerful M Competition, which featured extra performance and equipment. However, the Bavarian automaker has now decided to eliminate the Competition versions for future models – and according to the company itself, the move makes perfect sense.

More power – now standard across the M range

In a recent interview with BMW Blog, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel confirmed that Competition versions will disappear from upcoming models. “More than 80 percent of our customers went straight for the Competition version, so we decided to make it the standard one. You could say that every current M model is now a Competition,” the executive explained.

With this decision, BMW aims to simplify the M lineup and create a clearer structure. From now on, buyers will have three main options: M, CS, and CSL. The standard M cars will include many of the features – including the extra power – that were previously exclusive to the Competition models, while the CS and CSL trims will focus on weight reduction and track-oriented performance.

For now, some 2026 models such as the M3 and M4 will continue offering a Competition option, which adds xDrive all-wheel drive and 20 additional horsepower, raising the output to 523 hp. The X5 M will also retain its Competition badge for another year, delivering 617 hp under the hood.

However, the new M2 and M5 (2026) will no longer feature Competition versions, marking the beginning of a new era for BMW’s performance division. It’s expected that this approach will soon extend to the entire M lineup, streamlining the range while keeping performance levels high. A logical move – but also the symbolic end of a nameplate that defined a generation of BMW’s most thrilling cars.