BMW Reveals Future Plans: Four New Models

Motoring Channel Staff - 28/September/2007

Munich, Germany — BMW has made public its mid-term plans for new car development. At least four new models will be added to the BMW range by 2012, including:

BMW X1: Small SUV based on the 1 Series
BMW X6: Performance SUV based on the Concept X6
BMW GT: Large Grand Tourer based on the Concept CS
BMW PAS: Progressive Activity Sedan

The move by BMW's CEO, Dr Norbert Reithofer, to put the German car maker's plans on the table so brazenly could be aimed at forcing arch-rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi into doing the same, or it could be a move to get more press.

Dr Reithofer held the press conference to announce BMW's future plan, firmly stating that the company makes it's own decisions: "We as the BMW Group will continue to chart our own course. Our definition of strategy is a long-term and target-oriented approach."

With four new models coming in the new four years, we have early details on two of the new models. The BMW X6, which was recently previewed in concept form at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and the BMW's new 4-door Gran Turismo project, which is based on the Concept CS model that was first shown in Shanghai.

The X6 is a performance or sports SUV that makes no compromises in its pursuit of style and performance. It builds on the success of the X5, while bring a dynamic look and feel to the genre. It's expected to be offered with 6-, 8- and possible even 10-cylinder motors, and has no direct competitors in the market. It should be on sale in 2008.

The second model that has been previewed in concept form, the Concept CS, will rival vehicles like the Maserati Quattroporte, the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the upcoming Porsche Panamera. There was speculation that the new model would be recall the 8 Series name, but this looks less likely now.

The new 4-door BMW Gran Turismo project is expected to be longer than the 7 Series, one of BMW's largest vehicles, ensuring it has copious amounts of room for all occupants. It will be a front-engined rear-wheel drive vehicle likely to be driven by V8 and V10 power.

BMW's two other new models, the X1 and PAS, are still shrouded in secrecy but some details have emerged.

The BMW X1, for example, will be based on the BMW 1 Series hatchback and will be a compact SUV with a short wheel base. Power is expected to come from 4-cylinder engines, both diesel and petrol.

As for the PAS, or Progressive Activity Sedan, it is expected to be based loosely on the mid-level 5 Series model. Instead of being a typical sedan the BMW PAS is likely to combine some people mover/minivan elements, and possibly even a slightly higher ride height, not unlike the Audi allroad. The word crossover is not being refuted by BMW in reference to the PAS.

"Implementation of our strategy within the new structures and with the new Board of Management will start on October 1," said Dr Reithofer, so expect to see spy images of the new models circling the Nürburgring in the next 18 months.

"The Board of Management has taken the time for a very thorough strategic review," added Reithofer. "For us, it was worth it. After all, our new strategy is the framework for all our future decisions. We have defined what we intend to do as well as what we do not want to do in the future.

"The Board of Management set the course for the company’s future on its own instead of handing over this task to external consultants. And this very fact guarantees that our strategy will be implemented," explained BMW's CEO, Dr Norbert Reithofer.

Two other brands owned by BMW are also expected to be working on new models, Mini and Rolls-Royce. 

Rolls-Royce has green lit the Phantom Coupe, a 2-door version of its luxury limousine, the Phantom. Based on the 101EX Concept, the new model will expand the Rolls-Royce line-up and bring a much-needed level of intrigue to the brand. Mini meanwhile has not green lit any new projects since the wagon-like Mini Clubman, but rumour has it that the company is looking at developing an SUV model.

BMW also wants to increase its range of motorcycles. "We will continue to extend the range of products under our BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna Motorcycles brands in the years ahead," said Reithofer, who was steadfast when he added "We will increase our motorcycle retail by 50 percent to 150,000 units per year."

Related articles:
- BMW Concept X6 (2007)
- BMW M3 in Australia (2008)
- BMW M3 (2008)
- BMW 6 Series Update (2007)
- BMW 130i M Sport (Road Test)
- BMW 3 Series Coupe (2007)
- BMW Hydrogen 7 (2007)
- BMW 120i (Road Test)
- BMW 3 Series Convertible (2007)
- BMW Concept CS (Concept)