BMW doesn’t have any plans to build a dedicated M car based on its 7-Series flagship sedan, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anyone within the German automaker’s ranks who disagrees with that thinking. In fact, one of the most senior officials at BMW’s hallowed M division thinks the automaker should build a M7.

Speaking with Autocar, BMW M development boss Albert Biermann explained that there was plenty of demand for such a car and that BMW should have an answer to rivals like the AMG-enhanced S-Class range, the high-end Porsche Panamera variants, and to a lesser extent the Audi S8.

“I would love to compete in this area of the market,” Biermann said. “The money is just there to pick up.”

Some would argue that BMW fans looking for a high-performance 7-Series could always opt for the Alpina B7. However, Biermann explained that any high-performance 7-Series developed by the M division would be very different to the Alpina.

While there won’t be a new M7 launching anytime soon, BMW will offer an M Performance version of the next 7-Series. The new car is expected to be called an M770i and be powered by a 475-horsepower turbocharged V-8.

During the same interview, Biermann threw cold water on suggestions that BMW would launch dedicated M versions of the X3 and X4 crossovers. Instead, he explained, BMW will stick to M Performance versions. Unfortunately, he didn't say whether recent reports on a new 'M8' based on the i8 platform were accurate.

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