BMW M Competition: Why the Legendary Nameplate Will Disappear After 2026

Joshua CarlsonBMW Buying Guides Jan 19, 2026

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For years, M Competition has represented further enhancement upon the excellence of BMW M. For drivers in Omaha and across Nebraska, that tricolor badge underlined by the word Competition has signified the pinnacle of German engineering. However, a new change is coming to the BMW lineup, including the disappearance of the Competition trim level.

If you have been browsing the latest BMW inventory at ONYX Automotive, you may have noticed a shift in how BMW labels its most aggressive vehicles. BMW is officially retiring the Competition nameplate. But don’t panic—this isn’t a downgrade. In fact, it is the exact opposite. The Competition spec is becoming BMW M’s new normal.

Here is the comprehensive guide on why the BMW M Competition badge is going away, which M models are affected and when, and why this is excellent news for BMW enthusiasts in the Midwest.

Overview

BMW is phasing out the “Competition” badge because buyers overwhelmingly prefer the higher-performance specs.
“Base” M models will now feature the high-output engines and chassis tuning formerly reserved for Competition trims.
The simplified lineup will be Base M (Standard), CS (Club Sport), and CSL (Club Sport Lightweight).
New models like the 2025 M2 and M5 already reflect this change, while the M3, M4, and X5 M will be the last to carry the legacy badge.

The “Why:” BMW Listens to Its Clientelle

According to BMW executives, the decision was driven by the customers themselves. When given the choice between a standard M car and a BMW M Competition model, the vast majority of buyers opted for the Competition.

The “take rate” for Competition models was so high that the standard M models became virtually irrelevant on the sales floor. Enthusiasts clearly stated that if they are going to buy an M car, they want the full experience—the sharper chassis, the extra horsepower, and the more aggressive tuning.

The Newly Simplified Hierarchy

By dropping the Competition badge, BMW is cleaning up its M lineup. Instead of offering the upgraded Competition trim for M cars, the new structure will look like this:

M: Now offering the full suite of performance and cosmetic upgrades previously associated with the Competition trim.
CS (Club Sport): No changes here; still a sharper, more track-focused variant above the Competition.
CSL (Club Sport Lightweight): Yet again, no changes; it’s the penultimate M car, a limited-run car that prioritizes the track over all else.

This streamlining ensures that when you shop BMW M at ONYX Automotive, you know you’re getting the full extent of performance that BMW M has to offer.

Current M Models That Have Already Dropped the Competition Badge

The transition is already underway. Several of the newest BMW models at ONYX Automotive have already adopted this new philosophy. These vehicles are technically “base” models by name, but their performance metrics are pure Competition heritage.

The 2025/2026 BMW M2 (G87)

The compact king of the M lineup is the first major example of this shift. The updated BMW M2 did not offer a BMW M Competition variant from launch, as BMW was already gearing up for its new M lineup structure with the M2’s release.

The standard output for the new M2 is 473 horsepower. This already surpasses the 405 horsepower of the previous generation’s M2 Competition. By baking the high-performance goodies into the standard model, BMW has created a comprehensive package that handles the curves of the Loess Hills just as well as it handles a track day.

The 2025/2026 BMW M5 (G90/G99)

This executive super-sedan launched without a Competition badge, as its M Hybrid system represents the absolute peak of the brand’s current performance capabilities.

The departure of the Competition badge is perhaps most evident here. The previous generation (F90) M5 Competition was an industry benchmark with 617 horsepower, but the new “base” M5 shatters that ceiling. By pairing the V8 engine with a high-performance electric motor, the new standard M5 delivers a staggering 717 horsepower. The instant torque from the hybrid system provides acceleration that eclipses the old Competition model, proving that the new standard for M performance has effectively outgrown the need for a secondary trim level.

Models Keeping the Badge (For Now)

To avoid mid-cycle chaos, several current-generation models will retain the BMW M Competition badge until they are refreshed or replaced. These will likely be the last of their kind.

2026 BMW M3 & M4

These icons continue to offer a split strategy for the time being.

Base Models: 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive only, 473 hp. For the driving purist who wants three pedals.
Competition Models: 8-speed dual-clutch transmission only with 503 hp in the rear-wheel drive variants and 523 hp when equipped with xDrive (all-wheel drive). For the driver chasing pure performance.

2026 BMW X5 M, X6 M, and M8

Interestingly, these models have already effectively killed the base trim. In most markets, including the United States, the X5 M and X6 M are sold only in Competition trim. While they still carry the badge on the trunk and the trim level designation, the “non-Competition” version was discontinued during recent facelifts. The M8 Convertible and Gran Coupe are also strictly Competition-only, retaining the badge and name on-paper for the time being.

What This Means for Omaha Buyers

At ONYX Automotive, we view this change as a massive win for our clients. Here is why this simplification matters for the local market:

More Value, Less Confusion

You no longer have to worry if you are “missing out” by not checking the BMW M Competition box on the order form. The standard M car is now the top-tier performer it was always meant to be. You get the higher-output engine and the tuned chassis as standard equipment.

Improved Resale Value

In the past, base M cars sometimes suffered in the used market because second-hand buyers specifically hunted for the Competition package. With the new strategy, the “base” car is the high-spec car, likely stabilizing residual values for future trades.

The Ultimate M Experience, Guaranteed

The new standard M cars generally come with advanced adaptive suspensions. This is crucial for feeling planted on those spirited drives outside city limits. The modern M suspension is tuned to offer track-ready stiffness when you want it, and compliant comfort when you are just commuting down West Dodge Road.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will my older BMW M Competition model lose value?

Not likely. In fact, being among the last models to carry the explicit “Competition” badge could make vehicles like the F80 M3 or F87 M2 Competition desirable modern classics.

Does the new base M2 have the same engine as the old M2 Competition?

It actually has a better engine. The new M2 uses the S58 engine (derived from the current M3/M4), tuned to horsepower levels that beat the previous generation’s Competition specs.

Can I still get a manual transmission in a BMW?

Yes, but it is becoming rarer. Currently, the “base” M3 and M4 are the primary vessels for the manual transmission. As the BMW M Competition naming convention fades, BMW has committed to keeping the manual alive in specific “driver-focused” trims for as long as possible.

Where can I test drive the newest BMW M models in Omaha?

You can experience the new M lineup at ONYX Automotive. Whether you are looking for the hybrid power of the new M5 or the agility of the M2, our team can help you find the perfect match.

Will I still be able to get BMW M xDrive (all-wheel drive) without the Competition badge?

Yes, and this is great news for Omaha drivers dealing with Nebraska winters. Previously, on models like the M3 and M4, the M xDrive system was reserved exclusively for the Competition trim. Moving forward, as the Competition badge is phased out, M xDrive is becoming a core feature of the standard high-output models. For instance, the new 2025 M5 features standard M xDrive, capable of handling both track days and snowy Midwest commutes.

Will I lose out on premium interior features like M Carbon Bucket Seats by not having a Competition trim?

No. Previously, some high-end interior trims, exclusive leathers, and the aggressive M Carbon Bucket Seats were gated behind the Competition package. In the new lineup, BMW has uncoupled these features. You can now configure a standard M model with all the track-focused interior elements, the latest BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8.5/9, and the premium driver assistance tech that ONYX Automotive clients expect.

The “M” Remains the Most Powerful Letter

Whether you are looking for a pre-owned Competition model to hold onto as a future classic, or you want to order one of the new high-output standard M cars like the hybrid M5, the team at ONYX Automotive is here to guide you. We are passionate about M performance and ready to help you navigate this exciting new era of automotive engineering.

Still have questions about the BMW M name? There’s more to BMW’s high-performance letter than standalone models like the M3; check out the 2026 BMW M Trims Ultimate Guide: Noteworthy Differences Between M Sport, M Performance, and M to learn more.

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