It is uncertain as to who and when this practice was officially started, but it is most often associated with the big German automakers. Common nomenclature includes BMW's MSport or Audi's S line to name a few. These performance packages tend to all contain similar content. Typical upgrades include more aggressive exterior styling (front fascia, side skirts, and rear apron), different wheels and performance tires, heavily bolstered seats, different interior trim, and a new steering wheel. In some cases, changes can go as far as revised software (sometimes boosting power), sport suspension, upgraded brakes, and other manufacturer specific upgrades. One thing all automakers love to do is attach performance line badging in multiple places to remind occupants that they are in a "special" vehicle.
Many automakers use the reputations of their performance division to give these lines credibility. Some customers will pay for the option just to have an AMG or M badge on their car. While in many cases the performance package is dynamically superior to the base car, the engineering is still done by the larger automaker, not the performance division. Nonetheless, this option remains successful because it not only can make the car drive better, but also enhances the appearance of the car as well.
As performance packages have recently become so popular, automakers that have not traditionally had a performance line have begun to give their customers the option. While Lexus has its young F division, it has recently started to offer the F Sport upgrade on many of its vehicles. Infiniti, on the other hand, does not have an in house performance division but has instead launched its IPL line to compete with the performance variants of its competitors. Even Volkswagen now offers an R trim spec for some of its vehicles.
Automakers love performance editions more than their customers do. As with other options, performance packages are large sources of profit for auto companies. The individual components of the performance line generally are similar in cost to their base model equivalents. Consequently, it is not surprising that BMW has decided to expand from just performance packages to a "lines" concept. In addition to MSport, BMW offers Luxury, Modern, and Sport lines. Don't be surprised to see other brands offering similar trims in the future, as it is yet another way to make more money.
