It looks like BMW’s M division is planning to expand its lineup with three new models according to a recent trademark filed with United States Patent and Trademark Office. According to AutoGuide, the Bavarian automaker has registered trademarks for the names “M335”, “M650” and “M750.” This suggests more performance-focused versions of the 3 Series, 6 Series, and 7 Series are on the way. BMW recently unveiled the M850i xDrive at Le Mans this month, which is powered by a 523-hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8.
It also features the automaker’s eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, so it wouldn’t be surprising if both the M650 and M750 utilize this setup if they enter production. Currently, the fastest 6 Series is the 640i GT xDrive, which is powered by a 335-hp TwinPower turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine, so there’s certainly room for a more powerful model with over 400 horsepower and a twin-turbo V8. The M750 trademark also implies that a V8-powered BMW 7 Series could also be in development to complement the M760Li limousine, which packs a V12 engine delivering 600 horsepower. Don’t forget an M7 trademark was filed earlier this year, too.
Perhaps the most intriguing trademark filing is the M335, implying that a new M-badged 3 Series model could slot below the full-fat M3. If it does go into production, it could form part of the next-generation 2019 3 Series lineup. Confusingly however, we already know BMW is planning to launch the M340i and M340d as performance models positioned below the M3, so it remains to be seen where the M335 would fit in the lineup. The new 3 Series is expected to debut at the Paris Auto Show in October, so we shouldn’t have too long to find out.
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