The 2026 BMW i8 M does not exist as a confirmed production vehicle. BMW cancelled the i8 successor project—internally known as the i16—in 2020, and the company has not officially announced any plans to revive it. Enthusiast speculation and unofficial render videos circulating online are not based on confirmed BMW announcements[1][2].
The Reality Behind the Rumors
Searches for “2026 BMW i8 M Review” return numerous YouTube videos and speculative articles suggesting BMW is preparing a next-generation i8. These claims are based on outdated speculation from 2019-2020, not current BMW production plans. BMW’s Design Chief Domagoj Dukec confirmed in February 2024 that the i8 successor project—which would have been called the i16—was cancelled in 2020 and never entered production[1][2].
The original BMW i8 ceased production in June 2020 after a six-year run[3]. While the 2019 BMW Vision M Next concept generated significant enthusiasm as a potential i8 replacement, the project was shelved. “While we pushed, the world changed in 2020. And so, work on the project unfortunately had to be stopped,” Dukec stated on social media[1].
Reports indicate the i16 project was “95 percent ready” before cancellation, with development costs and the COVID-19 pandemic cited as primary factors[4]. The project also reportedly competed against the BMW XM for resources within BMW’s M division—and lost[4]. BMW proceeded with the controversial XM plug-in hybrid SUV instead.
What BMW Is Actually Building
BMW’s confirmed 2026 lineup focuses heavily on the Neue Klasse platform—the company’s next-generation electric vehicle architecture. Over 40 new and revised models are planned through 2027, starting with the BMW iX3 in late 2025[5].
| Confirmed 2025-2026 BMW Models | Platform | Status |
|---|---|---|
| BMW iX3 (NA5) | Neue Klasse | Production late 2025 |
| BMW 3 Series (Neue Klasse Sedan) | Neue Klasse | Expected 2026 |
| BMW i4 (Updated) | CLAR | Current production |
| BMW iX (Updated) | CLAR | Current production |
| BMW i8 M / i16 | N/A | Cancelled in 2020 |
Data sourced from BMW Blog and official BMW announcements[5][6].
In June 2025, BMW M’s CEO Frank van Meel confirmed that a new M1-style supercar is not currently in development[7]. When asked about a spiritual successor to the M1 or i8, van Meel stated the timing “hasn’t been right yet”—effectively closing the door on near-term i8 successor speculation.
The Vision M Next That Never Was
The BMW Vision M Next concept, revealed in June 2019, represented what the i8 M could have been. Key specifications from BMW’s official concept announcements included a 600-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder plus dual electric motors, an estimated 0-60 time under 3 seconds, 62 miles of electric-only range, and a mid-mounted powertrain layout similar to the original i8[8].
The i16 production version would have used the i8’s carbon-fiber composite structure with updated bodywork inspired by the classic BMW M1[1]. Estimated pricing ranged from $160,000 to $200,000[9].
For those interested in BMW’s current electric performance vehicles, the BMW i4 and 2026 BMW i4 represent the brand’s current approach to electric driving dynamics. The BMW 5 Series lineup also includes plug-in hybrid options for buyers seeking electrified performance.
Why Speculation Persists
Multiple factors explain the ongoing “2026 BMW i8 M” content appearing online. The original i8 developed cult status despite modest sales, and the Vision M Next concept generated genuine excitement. Car and Driver’s speculative preview page from 2023 suggested a 2026 i8 M was “expected,” though this was based on pre-cancellation rumors rather than confirmed plans[10]. YouTube creators continue producing render-based videos with attention-grabbing titles despite no official BMW confirmation.
US News & World Report still lists the i8 M as a “future car” based on outdated speculation[11]. Buyers should treat any claims about 2026 BMW i8 M pricing, specifications, or release dates as unofficial until BMW issues a formal announcement—which has not occurred as of January 2026.
Alternatives for i8 Enthusiasts
Buyers seeking a plug-in hybrid sports car experience today have several options. The Porsche Taycan offers 750+ horsepower in Turbo S trim with genuine sports-car handling. The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray combines a 6.2L V8 with electric front-axle motors for 655 hp and sub-3-second acceleration. BMW’s own M4 Competition provides traditional M performance, while the i4 M50 delivers 536 hp with zero emissions.
| Alternative | Power | 0-60 | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche Taycan Turbo S | 750 hp | 2.4 sec | $203,500 |
| Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray | 655 hp | 2.5 sec | $112,695 |
| BMW i4 M50 | 536 hp | 3.7 sec | $70,175 |
| BMW M4 Competition | 503 hp | 3.4 sec | $83,975 |
Those interested in understanding the differences between BMW models can explore our comparison guides for current production vehicles.
Key Takeaways
- No 2026 BMW i8 M has been confirmed—BMW cancelled the i16 successor project in 2020 and has not announced any revival[1][2]
- The i16 project was reportedly 95% complete before cancellation, with development costs and the COVID-19 pandemic cited as factors[4]
- BMW M’s CEO confirmed in June 2025 that no M1/i8-style supercar is currently under development[7]
- Online videos and articles claiming 2026 i8 M details are based on speculation, not official BMW announcements
- BMW’s actual 2026 focus is the Neue Klasse platform, with over 40 new models planned through 2027[5]
- Alternatives like the Corvette E-Ray, Porsche Taycan, and BMW i4 M50 offer comparable hybrid/electric performance today
FAQs
Is BMW making a 2026 i8 M?
No. BMW has not announced any plans for a 2026 i8 M or any i8 successor. The i16 project that would have replaced the i8 was cancelled in 2020, and BMW’s M division CEO confirmed in June 2025 that no M1/i8-style supercar is currently in development[7]. YouTube videos and speculative articles claiming otherwise are not based on official BMW announcements.
What happened to the BMW Vision M Next?
The Vision M Next concept was shown in 2019 as a potential i8 replacement. BMW developed a production version called the i16 that was reportedly “95 percent ready” before cancellation in 2020[4]. The project was shelved due to the COVID-19 pandemic, high development costs, and competition with the XM for resources within BMW M[1][4].
Will BMW ever make another sports car like the i8?
BMW M’s CEO has not ruled out a future supercar but stated the timing “hasn’t been right yet”[7]. The company’s current focus is on the Neue Klasse electric platform and transitioning existing models to electrification. A sports car in the i8 mold remains possible but is not part of BMW’s confirmed 2025-2027 product plan.
Why are there so many 2026 BMW i8 M videos online?
YouTube creators and automotive blogs continue producing speculative content about cancelled or rumored vehicles because these topics generate significant viewer interest. The original Vision M Next concept generated genuine enthusiasm, and speculation feeds ongoing engagement—even years after BMW officially cancelled the project[1].
References
- CarScoops. (2024). BMW I16 Is The Secret i8 Replacement That Was Cancelled.
BMW I16 Is The Secret i8 Replacement That Was Cancelled
- Drive. (2024). BMW reveals cancelled i16 supercar. https://www.drive.com.au/news/bmw-reveals-cancelled-i16-supercar/
- BMW USA. (2025). BMW i8 Coupe Legacy. https://www.bmwusa.com/legacy-vehicles/i8.html
- The Drive. (2024). A New BMW M1 Was “95 Percent Ready” But BMW Axed It For XM Instead. https://www.thedrive.com/news/a-new-bmw-m1-was-95-percent-ready-but-bmw-axed-it-for-xm-instead
- BMW Blog. (2025). Inside BMW’s Massive 2026 Launch Year. https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/10/21/bmw-models-coming-2026/
- Bimmerpost. (2025). BMW Confirms iX3 Neue Klasse For September. https://g45.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2171237
- Driven Car Guide. (2025). Still no M1 successor? BMW M says “not yet”. https://www.drivencarguide.co.nz/news/still-no-m1-successor-bmw-m-says-not-yet/
- BimmerLife. (2020). Vision M Next: Heading To Production Or Back To The Drawing Board?
Vision M Next: Heading To Production Or Back To The Drawing Board?
- HotCars. (2023). 2026 BMW i8 M: Everything We Know So Far. https://www.hotcars.com/bmw-i8-m-what-we-know/
- Car and Driver. (2023). 2026 BMW i8 M: What We Know So Far. https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/i8-m
- U.S. News & World Report. (2025). Future Cars 2026–2029. https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/advice/future-cars
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.