Last year BMW unveiled a new product range, dubbed the i-Series, which will be dedicated to BMW's EV endeavors. At the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March, BMW will reveal yet another way to milk its prestigious and highly lucrative M-line when it reveals their M Performance Automobiles. An awkward name perhaps, but it will certainly be much more profitable in the near future than the i-Series and much more entertaining to drive, to say the least.

The new model line was developed and will be produced by BMW's M division, so it will have a close relationship to its older siblings. However, it is intended to be the poor man's M car and therefore the performance is not expected to be at the levels of the M brand. "We are targeting our efforts at customers looking for more emotionality and more performance, but who don't want to forgo the everyday usability of their cars," said Dr Friedrich Nitschke, President of BMW M. Nitschke announced plans for further additions to the new product line-up, referring to "a range including a wide variety of model series, as well as both gasoline and diesel-engined variants".

The intelligent all-wheel-drive system, xDrive, will also play a significant role in the BMW M Performance Automobiles, he added. The M Performance brand offers enhanced agility and outstanding precision on the road, plus design laced with emotional appeal. The harmonious interplay of engine output, power transfer, chassis technology and aerodynamic balance provides a captivating showcase for the familiar M genes - in day-to-day driving and beyond. Photos displayed are of the 2012 BMW M5.