BMW Introduces it’s “MPA” Line

Of course, we have outliers like the X6, which has four doors, and the infinitely frustrating 4 and 6 Series Gran Coupes who by all rights, should be two doors, but aren’t (I’m waiting for the return of the Z3, but as a four door roadster).

The BMW M235i is another wrench to throw into the convoluted cog machine. It’s a pretty little thing that looks much more aggressive than its cousin, the 235i.

But wait. BMW’s M performance division had nothing to do with it? The M here actually stands for MPA? What’s going on here?

“The MPA models are BMW’s attempt to offer the enthusiast a sporty but moderately priced model similar to Audi’s S line, which is a step down from its top-tier RS cars.

“The tradeoff is the core M models are developed for use on the racetrack, but you can use the car daily,” said Friedrich Nitschke, who heads the M subbrand worldwide. “We are not so focused with the MPAs.

“We add horsepower, but in the M we develop our own engine and our own suspension and most of the parts.”

The MPA models have a sportier interior and performance tuning with a stiffer suspension and beefier brakes. Body work has been added, such as a front apron and door sill strips with aluminum inserts imprinted with M235i.” – Friedrich Nitschke, head of BMW’s M subbrand

So basically, it’s the Lexus F-sport and Audi “S Line” of the BMW stable, sportier versions of their base offerings with slightly tweaked mods. Something that BMW is aiming at younger “brand ambassador” buyers, in hopes of churning more real M buyers in the future.

Though I don’t feel this move will actually dilute anything out of the M brand (this year’s M3/M4 are set to kick some serious ass), it’ll be entertaining for a whole new generation of MPA drivers to claim that extra bit of pride across the internet.