The Essen Motor Show takes place in December and is to Germany what SEMA is to the U.S.A., a car tuning extravaganza. It’s in Essen that BMW will unveil the M Performance version of its new 3 Series Touring.
Unlike the M Sport package available on BMW’s existing models, M Performance vehicles are performance enhanced models that fit between the standard cars and their respective ‘M’ flagships. M Performance models unveiled to-date include the BMW M135i, as well as the X5 M50d, X6 M50d and M550d triple-turbo diesels. Some of the accessories include new wheels, suspension components, interior trim details, aerodynamic aids and engine performance updates.
For the 3 Series Touring, this means lowered suspension, 20-inch M alloy wheels, larger M Performance brakes, as well as a new front splitter, side skirts and rear valance. The car on show, a 320d Touring, will feature a M Power kit that boosts peak output of the 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel from 135 kW to 147 kW and torque from 380 Nm to 420 Nm, thanks to revised ECU tuning and a larger intercooler.
Inside, the M Performance package adds a sports steering wheel, stainless steel pedals as well as various carbon fibre and Alcantara trim.
BMW will also show other M Performance models at the Essen show, which will include the E87 120d, F20 125i, F10 535i and E92 M3 Coupe.
The M Power package will eventually be available for other 1, 3 and 5 Series models, with no news on local pricing or availability as yet.
