When it comes to how many and how much … well, it’s ‘M’ for mystery.

HOW many examples of the most powerful M car BMW has made for public use are set to hit New Zealand is open-ended … how much each will cost is a closed book.

BMW New Zealand appears set to be one of the brand’s few distributors unwilling to publicly share pricing or potential sales count for the car, even though most other markets have done so.

The Auckland-based operation indicates because the CS is a “limited-run exclusive special edition model” it intends to keep specific pricing detail between two parties – the seller and the buyer.

Other markets, Australia included, have not been at all reluctant to include the price – over there, it’ll be a $NZ327,000 buy – or to say how many they’re getting: 20.

In respect to the likely NZ count, BMW NZ is unwilling to comment beyond offering “while the M5 CS will only be in production for a calendar year, we do not anticipate any delays or obstacles for New Zealand customers who place orders.”

Chance of seeing one in the showroom doesn’t seem high. It is an indent model only and seems to be among cars channelled specifically through a new web portal it has established.

A version of the X2 compact crossover this week became the first car to be specifically notified as being for sale purely through the BMW Online Store website. The site is also the conduit for inquires for the impending iX3 and iNext electric cars, both set to come on sale this year.

When asked to elaborate on why the CS’s pricing was not being shared and if other BMW models are likely to be handled this way, a BMW New Zealand spokesman offered the following.

“BMW will always maintain a dealership partner business model at its core, but is continuously exploring new and digitally-enhanced ways of showcasing its range of products, for example with the BMW New Zealand Online Store.

“The new online channel provides us with a flexible channel to promote these types of limited-edition models, like the BMW X2 Mesh Edition, the highly-anticipated fully-electric iX3 and the all-new iX.”

Positioned to compete with Audi’s Q2 crossover and the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Mesh Edition is based on the mid-tier front-drive sDrive20i variant, so runs a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine outputting 141kW/280Nm, which is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The variant scores a number of cosmetic changes to stand it apart from the crowd.

Finished in a Brooklyn Grey metallic paint, the it also sports a high-gloss black kidney grille, and Black-Brown-coloured exterior highlights on the front bumper, side skirts and wheelarches.

Contrasting the paintwork are decals on the bonnet and flanks in an attention-grabbing orange colour.

The price? It’s no secret: $77,900.