- BMW will introduce a new line of "enhanced" vehicles under the M Performance umbrella at the upcoming Geneva auto show.
- The new models will be developed by BMW M GmbH.
- Enhancements will include "exclusive engine variants, noticeably enhanced agility and outstanding precision on the road, plus design laced with emotional appeal," according to BMW.
MUNICH, Germany — BMW will introduce a new line of "enhanced" vehicles under the M Performance umbrella at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Auto Show.
To be developed by the automaker's M GmbH subsidiary, product enhancements will include "exclusive engine variants, noticeably enhanced agility and outstanding precision on the road, plus design laced with emotional appeal," according to BMW.
The BMW M Performance Automobiles range is likely to be positioned above the standard BMW offerings, but below such exclusive high-performance models as the recently redesigned M5 sedan and the upcoming M6 coupe.
The M division's new boss, Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, said, "We are targeting our efforts at customers looking for more emotionality and more performance, but who don't want to forgo the everyday usability of their cars."
Nitschke said the M Performance Automobiles range eventually will encompass a wide variety of models, with both gas and diesel engines, and some with the automaker's xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
Inside Line says: Another logical profit center for the Bavarians, who perhaps should label this Efficient Financials.
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bwjd says:
01:30 PM, 02/14/2012
BMW is adding this new "M" line because they are removing much of the core BMW "soul" from their standard line-up in an effort to appeal to the masses who want a softer driving experience. Thus the standard line-up will have softer brakes, suspension, and no more famous BMW hydraulic assist steering. While the new line-up will still be better to drive than the competition, these modifications gut out the heart of what the "ulitimate driving machine" really was. The only core feature remaining on the standard line-up will be a near perfect 50-50 weight distribution. (Which is of course a very big deal).
The new M line will, thankfully offer all those core components, with more real sport enhancements to boot. So, the driving machine is still available, but no longer comes standard. I never thought I'd say this, but BMW finally caved to the masses. We probably have Audi's sales numbers to blame for that.
BW
says:
01:13 PM, 01/13/2012
No S engine... no love.
blueguydotcom says:
11:45 AM, 01/13/2012
@agnh - that's why people loved the M Performance Package! Right now the mostly cosmetic M Sport involves mostly visual changes with only a short-shifter and lowering (in europe you can also get nice brakes) to affect the performance and that sucker is about 4k. My guess is if they do an M Performance Package it won't be a $4500 option (about 2k more than the sport package) but a 5-6k package. Will it be worth it? I'll tell you I loved hearing my ZHP start in the morning - that car had verve and looking back I made a mistake turning it in for a 2006 330i. I still remember the first time I started that car ever and I knew then I was getting it.
akitadog says:
10:16 AM, 01/13/2012
So, the difference from the Sport Package is basically a different ECU tune... for which they'll charge an extra couple thou over the SP, I bet.
agnh says:
09:49 AM, 01/13/2012
Bluedot,
For a $2500 difference, with those changes you listed, it is absolutely a deal and a half.
The question now is, with it's expanded availability and marketing push, will they keep the price affordable. I believe the current sport packages are around $2500 and don't touch the engine.
wjtinatl says:
08:19 AM, 01/13/2012
Smart move by BMW from a marketing stance. Add a line between standard and M, and charge dearly for it. I'd not be surprised to see this variant replace the "Sport Package" offered on every model line, usually for about $2500. Add a few exterior features as well and charge 5 grand. With the standard BMW suspension and steering tuning headed toward the Lexus end of the spectrum, the M Performance line will be the default for those seeking the customary BMW level of handling and sportiness.
blackdynamite1 says:
07:58 AM, 01/13/2012
BMW blinks at Lexus F-Sport. Lexus forces BMW to up it's sport game. Imagine that!
When a GS350 does 70 MPH through a slalom here on InsideLine (535i's best is 67.7), BMW has to counter. Won't come in time to stop the beating BMW will get in handling in the comparisons coming over the next few weeks, but they will probably get a rematch down the line.
Smart move by BMW.
BD
blueguydotcom says:
07:34 AM, 01/13/2012
@agnh - um look up the ZHP 330i. The list of changes was quite exhaustive and there's a reason a 2003-2004 with 40-50k miles still sells for over $18000 when 2007 e90s go for less than that.
Among the changes:
Lowered Suspension
Short-shifter, with different (heavier) knob
Different header
Remapped ECU
Different cams
Different muffler
Raised speed limiter
Raised red line
Exterior spoiler
New doorsills/M3 airdam
Alcantara interior
Anthracite headliner
Black cube aluminum trim
Alcantara boot/steering wheel
18 inch alloys
It was like a factory blessed tuner car. If you drove a 330i ZSP and a 330i ZHP back to back you would look at the 2.5k price difference and laugh as the two looked, drove, sounded different. My 2 BMWs I had after that ZHP never compared even though on paper the 335i should have been far more fun... it simply didn't feel special.
Visit zhpmafia.com if you don't believe me that M Performance cars end up with a devout following.
agnh says:
07:23 AM, 01/13/2012
So basically, I can get a non-M engine car with a M-sport suspension, an aero kit and a higher price tag. How will this be any different than just getting the optional sport package like we've been able to do for the last however many years? Oh wait, it will have a "M" logo on the trunk lid from the factory.
What the hell does "more emotionality" even mean?
blueguydotcom says:
06:59 AM, 01/13/2012
Nice. My ZHP (performance package) 330i was by far my favorite car ever (judging by the prices of ZHPs they're something of collector cars in the BMW world). This news is actually cause for me to pause on a 2013 F30 if there's a chance a 2014 or 15 could have something like the performance package available.