BMW ‘is’ Models Replaced by ‘M Performance’ Line
BMW’s M Performance vehicles will be replacing the “is” trimmed cars as each new model goes through its generational change in the next few years.
M Performance vehicles fit in between the standard version of the car, and the completely modified high-power M GmbH versions. The “is” lineup of BMWs is also meant to sit somewhere in between, which mean the M Performance lineup made the “is” cars redundant.
First to wear the M Performance Package will be the X5 M50d, X6 M50d, and M135i hatchback. In the future, the 3 Series coupe or 4 Series, and the Z4 will also get M Performance variants.
The M Performance models do not take quite the same hardcore approach as the regular M models, and still share engines and chassis’ with other standard BMW models.
GALLERY: BMW M550d
GALLERY: BMW X5 M50d and X6 M50d
[Source: Car and Driver]