BMW Files Trademarks for M7, M10, M2, 2-Series and More
BMW has registered a host of new model names, including M7, M10, M2 and 2-Series, suggesting possible future additions to its line-up but offering no confirmation yet.
BMW has recently taken significant steps to secure its future model lineup by filing trademarks for a wide range of names, including M7, M10, M2, and 2-Series. These filings have sparked much speculation in the automotive community about what the German manufacturer might be planning for the years ahead. While trademarking a name does not necessarily mean it will appear on a production model, the breadth of BMW’s recent applications provides insight into the company’s intentions and strategy as it navigates a changing automotive landscape.
BMW’s Trademark Filings: An Overview
In the last few years, BMW has expanded its trademark portfolio considerably. According to information from Bimmer Post, the company has registered not only the M7 and M10 names but also M1, M2, 2-Series, X2, X4, and a comprehensive range of M-badged variants. The filings extend across various segments, including performance cars, crossovers, and electric vehicles, reflecting BMW’s ambition to keep its options open in a fast-evolving industry.
List of Trademarked Names
- M1, M2, M7, M10
- 2-Series, 2-Series Active Tourer
- X2, X4
- M35, M40, M55, M300, M350, M400, M500
- M130, M135, M140, M230, M235, M240, M330, M335, M340, M430, M435, M440, M450, M550, M650, M750
- M50d
- i1, i2, i3, i4, i5, i6, i7, i8, i9
- Compactive, Compactive Tourer, Gran Tourer, Urbanic
- Gran Coupe, BMW Gran Coupe, 6er Gran Coupe
- SportMode, CoolMode, Air Collar, BMW Turbotec, Drive eCharged, LifeDrive, i Pedelec
- Corniche, Shadow, Wraith, Cloud, Dawn
This extensive list demonstrates BMW’s efforts to protect a broad array of potential model names. The inclusion of both combustion and electric vehicle designations suggests the company is preparing for a future in which it may need to adapt quickly to technological and market developments. By securing these names, BMW ensures it can respond to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.
Implications for BMW’s Model Range
The trademarking of the M7 name is particularly noteworthy. Unlike its main competitors, BMW does not currently offer a high-performance M version of its flagship 7-Series saloon. Audi’s S8 and Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class AMG have long occupied this segment, so an M7 would allow BMW to compete more directly with these established rivals. The move could fill a gap in BMW’s lineup and appeal to buyers seeking both luxury and high performance in a large executive car.
Speculation has also arisen around the M10 name, which some believe could be reserved for a future supercar positioned above BMW’s current M models. However, as with many of the names on the trademark list, there is no official confirmation from BMW regarding such a project. The M2 and 2-Series names further fuel ongoing rumours that the 1-Series Coupe and Cabrio could be repositioned as the 2-Series, with the M2 badge reserved for a high-performance version. This would align with BMW’s strategy of using even-numbered series for sportier, two-door models.
The X2 and X4 trademarks indicate potential new additions to BMW’s crossover and SUV range, while the i-series names (i1 through i9) suggest continued expansion in the electric and hybrid vehicle segments. These filings support BMW’s broader efforts to remain competitive as the automotive industry shifts toward electrification and new mobility solutions.
Trademarking Strategy in the Automotive Industry
It is important to understand that trademarking a name is a standard practice among car manufacturers and does not obligate them to use it. Companies often register a variety of names years in advance to secure the option for future models and prevent competitors from using similar designations. Sometimes, these names are never used in production, serving instead as a way to protect intellectual property and maintain strategic flexibility.
BMW’s recent filings are part of a broader industry trend. Audi and Mercedes-Benz have both expanded their model ranges and performance sub-brands in recent years, responding to increased demand for more specialised vehicles. By registering names like M7 and M10, BMW signals its intent to remain competitive in both established and emerging segments, even as the specifics of future models remain under wraps.
Beyond the Numbers: Other Notable Names
In addition to the familiar model designations, BMW has trademarked terms such as Compactive, Compactive Tourer, Gran Tourer, Urbanic, SportMode, CoolMode, Air Collar, BMW Turbotec, Drive eCharged, LifeDrive, and i Pedelec. These could be intended for future concept vehicles, trim levels, or technology packages. The company has also registered names like Corniche, Shadow, Wraith, Cloud, and Dawn, which may be used for special editions or luxury variants. However, the future use of these names remains uncertain, as manufacturers sometimes register evocative or historic terms to keep their options open.
Industry Context and BMW’s Position
BMW’s trademark activity comes at a time when the automotive industry is experiencing rapid change. The rise of electric vehicles, increasing regulatory demands, and shifting consumer tastes mean that manufacturers must be agile and forward-thinking. By registering a wide range of names, BMW is not only protecting its intellectual property but also signalling its readiness to adapt to whatever the future may hold. This approach allows the company to respond quickly to new opportunities or challenges, whether that means launching a new electric model, introducing a high-performance saloon, or experimenting with new body styles and technologies.
What Happens Next?
As of June 2012, BMW has not made any official announcements confirming the production of vehicles bearing these newly trademarked names. The filings should be viewed as part of the company’s long-term planning, providing flexibility as the market evolves. Some of these names may eventually appear on new models, while others may remain unused, serving primarily to protect BMW’s brand identity and strategic interests.
For enthusiasts and industry observers, the trademark filings offer a glimpse into BMW’s thinking and hint at possible future directions. However, until BMW provides further information, the full significance of these names will remain a matter of speculation. What is clear is that BMW is positioning itself to remain a major player in both traditional and emerging automotive segments.
