[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Its not about watering down anything. BMW,Mercedes-Benz and Audi are simply stretching their brands to accommodate customers who want M or AMG exclusivity but cannot stretch to the full blooded M models.
It has been a feature offered within many markets for a long time and does no harm to the brands themselves and of course is significant to sales.
M Performance is to offer the models normally considered taboo for BMW. M but mainly to take advantage of Performance cars that are taxed too highly in certain parts of Europe.
A first time BMW customer could have a 114i or 116d with M Sport packet and vehicle insignia removed that on visual aspects could be looked upon as a more expensive 120d or 125i.

Walking a very very fine line here for brand dilution...

[raysspl]

Absolutely missing RWD wagons now...

[ron_jeremy]

Originally Posted by Paul-Bracq-BMW

Walking a very very fine line here for brand dilution...

I remember when i bought the E90, back in 05', i went to a local wheel & tire shop, the kid replacing my rims, though i was driving the M3.. but my E90 was just a Le mans coloured 318i with the original M package.
The magic is pretending you have something you don't, beeing caught with it is pain though.
The M tech have been around since the E30 i think, i remember my uncle had a E21 with Alpina gearshifter as well.
I guess it's a bit to common these days, and not opting for the M package is like have a worse resale value when your about to sell it.
The new thingy and more exclusive thing BMW are offering these days are M performance, it's like a more ultimate package, far more expensive and way more rare - still. M package and solo M badges should almost be on by default from the facture these days it seems.

[qdtjant]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Its no wonder you see an increase in BMW Performance and ///M Sport options growing longer each model year. Those M badges are a cash cow for BMW. But its too bad BMW isn't listening quite so well to their "core" enthusiast. I feel like BMW is going after Mr and Mrs Camry(or Audi) than going back to their roots. Although the M2 is a good sign that someone IS listening at BMW. I just wish that voice was a little bit louder these days.

Definitely agree on this statement Dackelone !

[clbmw]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Its a roll out similar to the sedan which is why you are just seeing the M550i just now and you will see the M550i Touring at Frankfurt in September.
If you look at the prototypes in the spy pictures you can see one has the squared off exhaust ports as the M550i. But there will also be the M550d like all G31 strictly for European contention.

This is great news Scott.

Is the UK going to get both options (50d and 50i)? The reason I ask is because there is a lot of chatter about the medium term future of diesel

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by qdtjant

I sure do :-)
and black kindney grills too. Paul, can you make a render with black kindney grills ?

BUT how will it compare to the new Alpina B5 Touring ???

Here you go, In black shadow line version, including kidneys, wheels, mirrors, fangs and airblade... looks better IMO than with the factory bronze highlights...

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Let's try something different. Since there is not enough red in the range, here she is in Ruby Red Metallic and Gun Metal accents. Looks nice IMO ;-)

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Love a nice metallic dark brown... Again a colour not often available...

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

I like my blue more vibrant with less grey, like this...

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

A good metallic dark green is missing in the range...

[qdtjant]

Originally Posted by Paul-Bracq-BMW

Here you go, In black shadow line version, including kidneys, wheels, mirrors, fangs and airblade... looks better IMO than with the factory bronze highlights...

Thanks Paul

yes looks much better. Like the other color samples as well, thanks !

[marcva]

Originally Posted by qdtjant

Thanks Paul

yes looks much better. Like the other color samples as well, thanks !

Could you please run those colors on a Volvo V90 or Mercedes E350 for the US members of the list 8^/ ?

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

A couple of more colours: traditional metallic black and dark grey and classy dark purple...

[Grzechos]

Great renderings M550i in Touring looks awsome.
Can't wait to see it in real.

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by marcva

Could you please run those colors on a Volvo V90 or Mercedes E350 for the US members of the list 8^/ ?

Nope! ;-)

[SleevedCoyote]

I guess sooner or later every BMW will be sold with the M-Sport package from the factory, perhaps that's why they introduced this new M-Performance thing as the new "M-Sport"?

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by clbmw

This is great news Scott.

Is the UK going to get both options (50d and 50i)? The reason I ask is because there is a lot of chatter about the medium term future of diesel

I believe the UK and RHD markets will not receive either the M550d or M550i models. I have driven the new M550d on a snow laden test track and it as a lot of fun. The engine really synthesises with the car its good on the 750d. But excellent in the M550d.

[clbmw]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

I believe the UK and RHD markets will not receive either the M550d or M550i models. I have driven the new M550d on a snow laden test track and it as a lot of fun. The engine really synthesises with the car its good on the 750d. But excellent in the M550d.

Thanks for the reply. Glad to hear it was fun.

That's very disappointing news indeed having been excluded from the last gen M550d... oh well I guess Audi and Mercedes will clear up with their S6 and E43 respectively for those in the market for a very fast tourer

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by AntDX316

The talent but I think the reason why there are swirls means they are going to change the body styling of that area. The one's with paint on them means it's going to be on the final production model.

Nope, not at this point. The final design has been set a long time ago. The reason why the swirls are still on the car is just common practice for versions that are not launched yet. For this instance it's only the rear that is new, all the front part of the car up to the rear doors are a perfect match for the sedan.

[nanceman]

Originally Posted by Paul-Bracq-BMW

My render of the M550i Touring based on one of the latest spy pics...

Hello all. I believe someone made a render of the G31 M550i Touring before, but mine is completely based on a real spy pic and follows its line faithfully.

It's as close as it gets from an M5 Touring that will probably never be made...

Enjoy ;-)

(With original spy pic and animated gif file showing the transformation)

Attachment 1555632

Attachment 1555633

Attachment 1555634

Though the ultimate tease to all of us in the states.....

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

Originally Posted by nanceman

Though the ultimate tease to all of us in the states.....

Sorry about that. I think US forum members should start a thread: Bring the G31 Estate back in the US! and then after you get enough members replies, let Scott26 and BMW's management know ;-)

[brad850csi]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

I believe the UK and RHD markets will not receive either the M550d or M550i models. I have driven the new M550d on a snow laden test track and it as a lot of fun. The engine really synthesises with the car its good on the 750d. But excellent in the M550d.

Sucks. Looks like it'll be something else for me then too. Just make an M5 touring then