[PiperD]

I'm in the camp that would have favoured emphasis on iS or M-Sport. M is revered; if that letter is on the badge then the car should be a true M-car. If they want a performance line, they should use the iS branding, and market it as having been finessed by the M division. That's enough to satisfy people in the know, while offering something with a little more edge to the buying public.

BMW did the right thing when they chose to leave the M1 badge off of the 1-series M Coupe. They need to apply the same sense to the M brand as a whole.

There's nothing to stop them from pushing M into hardcore territory - just offer a new trim to fill the void.

My $0.02.