BMW M GmbH—the high-performance arm of BMW responsible for developing all the BMW M versions—showed a concept study based on the BMW 3-Series Coupe. Nearly every body panel of the car has been changed to maximize the performance potential of the car, including wide wheel arches, lightweight construction and a carbon fibre roof.

While officially only a concept, the M3 Concept exterior design is said to be close to the next-generation M3 production car expected to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. The new M3 is expected to be powered by a high-revving V8 engine and the M3 Concept is powered by a V8, but BMW did not disclose any details.

The front of the M3 Concept is functional and purposeful, with large air intakes and the front apron pushed forward, elements that both add to the sporting character of the car but also increase functionality. A raised ‘powerdome’ in the centre of the bonnet indicates that the next M3 will have a more powerful engine than any previous version.

The profile reveals gill-like openings in the front typical of other M cars with a horizontal chrome bar, directional indicator and an M3 badge. The 19-inch (48 cm) light alloy wheels have with a Y-shaped spoke design also characteristic of other M models.

At the rear, the powerful stance of the M3 is further emphasized with horizontal lines to accentuate the wider track, a rear diffuser that follows design elements from the front and two sets of dual exhaust pipes located near the center of the vehicle. The M3 Concept is lightweight, due in part to the use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic for the roof of the car that is left exposed as a design element.

Geneva was also was the location for three other world premiers from BMW, the new 1-Series, the updated 5-Series and the M5 Touring.

The new 1-Series receives design updates at both the front and the rear and the addition of a 3-door hatchback version. At the front the kidney grille is enlarged, the headlights receive new contours for the headlight surrounds and the air intake in the lower section of the bumper is wider.

New common-rail fuel-injection systems for the diesel versions and second-generation High Precision Injection for the petrol engines adds power and improves fuel economy for the 1-Series. Engine choices range from a 115-horsepower petrol engine to a 265-horsepower 3.0-litre six-cylinder, including diesel engines.

Manual transmission versions of the 1-Series offer optional Start/Stop function with either four-cylinder petrol or four-cylinder diesel engines. To operate this function, the driver moves the gear lever to neutral and releases the clutch at a stop and the engine restarts when the driver steps on the clutch again.

The 5-Series saloon and touring receive interior updates using higher quality materials and the exterior receives minor styling updates including restyled headlights. The six-cylinder petrol engines now feature High Precision Injection direct fuel injection to improve operating efficiency.

The M5 Touring makes its world debut in Geneva, offering all the high-performance capability of the M5 saloon in an even more practical package. Developed by BMW M GmbH, the M5 Touring is powered by same BMW M ten-cylinder 507 horsepower, 383 lb ft (519 NM) torque engine as the saloon, propelling the M5 Touring from zero to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.