km : Automotive News

BMW's performance division, formally M GmbH, has in the past produced some of the most desirable performance coupes and sedans for pure driving enthusiasts. Recognizing the marketing power of M, BMW started a program of brand expansion a few years back, starting with the the X5M/X6M wünder-twins, which introduced three new concepts to the hallowed moniker: trucks, turbos and all-wheel-drive.

Now that we're fully acclimated to those concepts, BMW is stretching M's reach even further with a new rung on the performance ladder. The company will introduce a line of "M Performance" models positioned neatly between its popular sport package option group and a full-on M vehicle. And for the first time ever, the M badge will make its way onto diesel-powered Bimmers, at least in Europe.

The M Performance models are more than mere appearance packages, with the addition of performance upgrades like M-tuned suspensions and power enhancement. However, as with Audi's S-Line models at which these are no doubt aimed, the big attraction is largely aesthetic. M-design body enhancements and wheels — not to mention the coveted M badge — will add street cred, while inside there will be trimmings galore, such as alcantara seating and brand-emblazened doorsill plates, to remind the driver he's driving something more special.

Europe will get a line of diesel-powered M Performance models, starting with the M550D, an all-wheel-drive 5er powered by a new 3.0-liter inline-six that cranks a mighty 381 horsepower and an asphalt-grinding 546 lb-ft of torque exclusively to an eight-speed sport automatic transmission. Performance is impressive with a 0-to-60 mph time of about 4.5 seconds, but even more incredible is a average fuel consumption (on the European test cycle) that work out to 37.3 mpg. Joining the M550D (available in both sedan and wagon configurations) will be the X5 M50d and its unconventional platform twin the X6 M50d.

There are no immediate plans for the US to get diesel M Performance cars, but we expect to see a whole line of M Performance models come down the pipeline, starting with the new 335i sedan launching this spring.

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