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Not since it eschewed inline engine layouts, has BMW’s M-division been the hub of such controversy.
Since the unveiling of the X5- and X6M in April, BMW traditionalists have been aghast at the audacity of BMW allowing the hallowed M-badge to adorn SUVs.
Scant consolation was found in the fact these SUV Ms were built in the American Spartanburg plant, and not in Germany…
Little wonder rumours of a possible M7 gained credence with alacrity after the M SUVs were shown, especially considering Mercedes-Benz’s recently upgraded S63- and S65AMG hooligan limousines.
Kay Segler, BMW’s M-division boss, has now come out and quashed rumours pertaining to the possibility of a M7.
"We’ve looked at that (the M7) and decided not to do it,” Segler said. "760 with awd is a very strong offer. The M sales would be too small for our total investment."
With the 760Li producing 400kW in stock form, and available with an optional M sport bodykit to appease the image conscious, one can hardly fault Segler’s logic.
Interestingly the idea of expanding the M-division brand downwards within the BMW range has been alluded to. "Give me a year or so to look into the 1 series," Segler responded when quizzed about further M-division plans.
Since the unveiling of the X5- and X6M in April, BMW traditionalists have been aghast at the audacity of BMW allowing the hallowed M-badge to adorn SUVs.
Scant consolation was found in the fact these SUV Ms were built in the American Spartanburg plant, and not in Germany…
Little wonder rumours of a possible M7 gained credence with alacrity after the M SUVs were shown, especially considering Mercedes-Benz’s recently upgraded S63- and S65AMG hooligan limousines.
Kay Segler, BMW’s M-division boss, has now come out and quashed rumours pertaining to the possibility of a M7.
"We’ve looked at that (the M7) and decided not to do it,” Segler said. "760 with awd is a very strong offer. The M sales would be too small for our total investment."
With the 760Li producing 400kW in stock form, and available with an optional M sport bodykit to appease the image conscious, one can hardly fault Segler’s logic.
Interestingly the idea of expanding the M-division brand downwards within the BMW range has been alluded to. "Give me a year or so to look into the 1 series," Segler responded when quizzed about further M-division plans.
