The enigmatic BMW Vision M Next has resurfaced, captivating enthusiasts at the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum in Slovakia. Originally unveiled in 2019, this mid-engine marvel was poised to become the trailblazing I16 production model. Unfortunately, the high development costs coupled with the unexpected turbulence of the coronavirus pandemic relegated it to the annals of automotive dreams.
The Hybrid Superstar That Pushed Boundaries
Although calling it a 'supercar' may stretch the term a bit given its four-cylinder engine, the BMW Vision M Next was no ordinary concept. It was a plug-in hybrid masterpiece with a combined output nudging the 600 horsepower mark. Offering both rear- and all-wheel-drive modes, this futuristic automobile promised an electric range of 62 miles (about 100 kilometers). The hybrid setup delivered a blistering 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3 seconds, and an impressive top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).
A Glimpse of What Could Have Been
The Vision M Next shared the stage at the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum with its indirect successor, the BMW XM 50e. This six-cylinder variant is perched below its V8-powered siblings, holding fort as a dedicated M car. While the XM 50e has its merits, one cannot help but wonder what the automobile world lost when the Vision M Next project was shelved.
BMW’s Modern and Classic Marvels
BMW didn't just stop at showcasing the Vision M Next. It also brought a tantalizing array of cars to the museum in Bratislava. Among the lineup were the 2024 M3 CS Sedan and the 2025 M4 Convertible, which offered a glimpse into the automaker’s near future. An older yet still strikingly relevant 2011 Vision ConnectedDrive concept also made its appearance, drawing inspiration from BMW’s Z1 era. The exhibition was rounded out with models such as the X5 and the new 7 Series, complemented by timeless classics like the stunning 507 Roadster and the quirky Isetta minicar.
Secrets Behind Closed Doors
In the inner sanctums of the museum, BMW treated a select audience to private previews of two highly anticipated future models. The next-generation X3 (G45) crossover and the hotly anticipated M5 Sedan (G90) were both shown, stoking the excitement for their public debuts slated for later this month. Slovakia is set to be at the forefront of these launches, marking yet another feather in the cap for this booming automotive haven.
Reflecting on BMW’s Unmissable Concepts
Last year, the Danubiana Meulensteen hosted yet another BMW concept that never saw the light of production—the X5 Le Mans E53. Powered by the same twelve-cylinder engine from the Le Mans-winning V12 LMR, this V12-powered super SUV remains one of BMW's most tantalizing 'what-ifs.' The Vision M Next now shares this fate, both serving as poignant reminders of BMW's commendable yet occasionally thwarted ambition.
With these glimpses into both the unfulfilled dreams and the future promises, one can't help but be enchanted by the mystique and innovation that BMW consistently brings to the table.