[LOW4LYF]

Originally Posted by insanecoder

Ok so now im really confused..
is "M-performance" something between a true "M" and an "M-sport"?
So "M-performance" what is it.. just a high-spec model with a tune?

Well....ist a BMW AG car with WBA VIN ... all "real" M Cars have a WBS VIN ... so it's made by BMW, not M GmbH

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by insanecoder

Ok so now im really confused..
is "M-performance" something between a true "M" and an "M-sport"?

Yes, generally speaking that's it. Though there is a bit more to it than that.

With the G generation of vehicles, the top-spec non-M gasoline-powered entry in each model line becomes an M Performance product. So, the full M Performance lineup will look like this:

M135i
M2xxi (still unknown if this will be RWD/AWD I6 40i or FWD/AWD I4 35i)
M340i
M440i
M550i
M650i
M760i
M860i

X1 M35i
X2 M35i
X3 M40i
X4 M40i
X5 M50i
X6 M50i
X7 M60i (? - could be V8 powered M50i instead)

Z5 M40i (or Z4 if they keep that name)

Note that there will no longer be non-M-Performance versions of these models at all. So, for example, there will be no such thing as a 340i, and therefore no 340i M Sport either. But there will still be a 330i and 330i M Sport. Also note that, while not every model line gets a true M flagship, every model line will have an M Performance entry.

Finally, remember that in Europe and elsewhere, there are diesel M Performance models like the M50d models. There may soon be M40d models too. Additionally, SCOTT has said that there will be soon M Performance plug-in hybrid models. Like perhaps M340e and M550e.

[insanecoder]

LOL thats alot of M&Ms
they may as well just permanently put an "M" in front of all models going forward
M is no longer an exclusive badge it seems

[Law]

Originally Posted by insanecoder

LOL thats alot of M&Ms
they may as well just permanently put an "M" in front of all models going forward
M is no longer an exclusive badge it seems

I agree but I'll add that it's not even about lacking exclusivity, it's about brand dilution.

"M" has been relegated to nothing more than a trim level.

[insanecoder]

Originally Posted by Law

I agree but I'll add that it's not even about lacking exclusivity, it's about brand dilution.

"M" has been relegated to nothing more than a trim level.

Theyre smart.. theyre cashing in on the M branding
They figure the lower volume guys who buy the true M cars will do it anyway
They figure the M badging will help sell mid-tier products and they sort of do and thats where the $$$ is