Revealed: every new BMW M car to 2021

BMW has just released the first pictures of its latest M-car, the hot new BMW M2 Competition.

But the brand has a raft of uncompromising sports cars arriving soon – here’s the exclusive Autocar guide to them all.

2018: BMW M2 Competition

Hot off the press, BMW’s M division has ramped up the performance potential of the M2 with the introduction of a heavily upgraded version of the rear-wheel-drive coupé. The 2018 model, which is called the M2 Competition, replaces the standard M2.

It packs a new 404bhp version of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that powers the M3 and M4. This enables a sharper 0-62mph time of 4.2sec in combination with an optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The top speed is governed at 155mph. The new M2 has been conceived to enhance the standing of the two-year-old performance coupé against rivals such as the Porsche Cayman GTS and Audi TT RS. As a result, the M2 Competition not only receives an injection of extra performance but also adopts a number of subtle chassis changes. PICTURE: BMW official

2018: BMW X3 M

Snapped here testing at Germany’s Nürburgring with next to no camouflage, the X3 SUV gets a new M car as a range-topping model. The X3 M will use a 425bhp turbocharged straight six engine, which is related to the one used in the M3 and M4. PICTURE: Autocar spy shot

2019: BMW M3

We predict a Spring 2019 reveal for the successor to the current F30 3 Series, with a new M3 following later. Caught testing here at the Nürburgring under heavy camouflage, the new M3 will make greater use of aluminium and high-strength steel, the new platform is claimed to play an integral role in reducing the weight of the new M3 despite an increase in its exterior dimensions.

Although nothing is official, the new M3 is expected to follow the lead taken by the latest M5 in featuring a carbonfibre roof as standard. The latest word is that the M3 will stick with a conventional combustion engine in the form of an upgraded version of BMW M’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder unit mated to either a standard-fit six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic. PICTURE: Autocar spy shot

2019: BMW X4 M

A sister car to the X3 M arriving in 2018, we expect the same engine line-up derived from the units used in the M3 and M4, but with a sportier bias to handling as befits its fastback appearance. PICTURE: Autocar spy shot

2019: BMW Z4 M

A replacement to the BMW Z4, the car will share its platform with the upcoming Toyota Supra. Roadster sales may be in a challenging place right now but the M division will do its duty to the new model with a high-performance variant offering up to 450bhp. PICTURE: Autocar spy shot

2020: BMW M4 Coupe

Sister car to the M3 four-door, expect a 10% power boost to 465bhp. A CS version will follow, with over 500bhp on tap. PICTURE: Current model

2020: BMW M8 Coupe

This car will be positioned much higher than the M6 Coupe it replaces in the BMW range. It will feature a twin-turbo V8 with 600bhp available. PICTURE: Autocar spy shot

2020: BMW X5 M

The next X5 M will benefit from a range of weight-saving measures and fully variable four-wheel-drive. It features a heavily tweaked version of the current M SUV's twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8, and is likely to produce the same 592bhp as the latest M5 super saloon. PICTURE: Autocar spy shot

2020: BMW X6 M

Sister car to the X5 M, it will be mechanically identical, but with a greater focus on handling and performance. PICTURE: Current model

2020: BMW M8 Cabriolet

The new M8 gets a cabriolet version – it features a fabric roof, 2+2 interior, and otherwise identical mechanicals to the M8 coupe. PICTURE: Autocar spy shot

2021: BMW M4 Cabriolet

The major change for the new M4 drop-top is that it sees the return of a fabric-roof. Engine and power will be the same as the coupe. PICTURE: Current model

2021: BMW M2 CSL

Recent spy pictures suggest that BMW is already testing an M2 CSL on the road. Insiders suggest BMW will use a detuned version of the S55 turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine from the M3 and M4 rather than a highly strung version of the M2’s older N55 unit, due to the increased reliability and improved responses the newer technology enables. PICTURE: Autocar spy shot

2021: BMW M8 Gran Coupe

Previewed in concept form at the 2018 Geneva motor show, the upcoming production version of the Concept M8 Gran Coupe aims to elevate BMW into the same exclusive market segment occupied by the likes of Aston Martin with the DB11, Bentley with the Continental GT and Mercedes-AMG with its new GT four-door Coupe. Power will come from a turbocharged V8. PICTURE: BMW official preview concept