BMW M: Frank van Meel replaces Markus Flasch at the top

The fastest cars in the BMW universe are being developed by a new boss.

Markus Flasch, who has been chairman of the BMW M GmbH board of management since September 2018, has moved up to lead vehicle development for luxury, upper and mid-range BMW models.

In other words, he’s responsible for developing a huge chunk of the German brand’s range.

Mr Flasch has overseen a huge range expansion for M.

Along with staples like the M3 sedan and M4 coupe, his tenure has coincided with the launch of the mid-sized X3 and large X5 M SUVs, and the first-ever M8 Competition (which Flasch dubbed a 911 Turbo killer).

BMW M is expected to launch its first-ever bespoke model, an SUV called the XM, in the coming weeks. It’s expected to pack hybrid power.

Mr Flasch has also overseen the development of the next-generation M2, and the upcoming M4 CSL.

Frank van Meel has actually led BMW M before. He was at the helm between 2015 and 2018, and has since led the development of the electric iX SUV.

He’ll be leading BMW M when it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022, and will continue the brand’s push into the electric space.