BMW to launch toned-down line of M Performance Automobiles Car News and Review

We just wrapped up the Detroit Auto Show, but BMW has already moved on to Geneva. The German automaker proclaimed today that it’s going to be showing a new line of what it’s calling “M Performance Automobiles” at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

These vehicles will sit between standard Bimmers and M vehicles in the lineup, and obviously offer more than just cosmetics. While BMW has offered M Sport appearing packages over the past two decades, today’s annunciation specifically mentions “exclusive engine variants” and suspension tweaks among the upgrades M Performance models would offer. Given the mention of the two all-wheel drive and diesel models in the announcement, it seems like the new line is specifically geared towards the two of those features that BMW likely believes would tarnish the original M line or just wouldn’t be reserve for an M3 or M5.

We’re awaiting a reply from BMW on what this annunciation means for the U.S. market, but we imagine the M Performance cars sold here might resemble something like the 2003-2006 ZHP performance package sold on the E46 3 Series. These cars carried M badging, a unique interior, sport fascias, upgraded wheels and tires, a six-speed manual, 10 extra horses, a higher redline, revised gearing, and a stiffer suspension. There’s also the possibility that the first recipient of the new designation could be the diesel variant of the X6 M that’s already been teased by the Bavarian automaker.

To read the full release, click past the jump.