After a shopping spree in the 1990s, which saw the BMW Group acquire the California based industrial design studio DesignworksUSA, the British Rover Group and the rights to the Rolls Royce nameplate, the Bavarian company cooled down and focused on building up the range of its three core brands: BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce while selling off MG Rover.
Today, the BMW brand already comprises of two unique sub-brands developed under the M and the “i” monikers for its high-performance and for its electric cars, plug-in hybrids and other alternative-power vehicles respectively.
But the Bavarians aren’t done yet as following the example of Audi and it’s S range that slots between the regular and RS models, they are readying a third sub brand called M Performance that will be positioned under the automaker’s M models.
To be launched at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Salon, the new M Performance Automobile lineup will offer exclusive engine variants, enhanced handling and bespoke styling treats at a lower cost than the pure M models.
BMW says that the new sub brand will follow in the tracks of the M535i from the 1980s and that diesel engines and four-wheel drive will be prominent in the new range. One of the first M Performance vehicles is expected to be a diesel version of the X6 crossover teased in the video that follows below.
It remains to be seen if the introduction of the M Performance range will pave the way for the creation of more thoroughbred and bespoke-looking M models.
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