[johnbmw6]

Just how many more models are BMW going to produce?.
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/4-s...rce=newsletter

It's going a bit over the top IMO.

[MaestroAl]

Not really. They're just following Audi and distinguishing between saloons and coupes by a model rather than a variant.

1 series saloon - 2 series coupe
3 series saloon - 4 series coupe
5 series saloon - 6 series coupe
X3 small SUV - X4 small SAV cross-over thingy
X5 large SUV - X6 large SAV cross-over thingy

[RichardM]

I think it makes sense calling the replacement 3 series coupe a 4 series. It has always been more expensive than the saloon (but with extra kit such as Xenons) and this helps position it above the 3 series saloon.

[HighlandPete]

Plus BMW are into more variants for the wider market. Markets like Russia and Asia. China in particular, has a totally different approach to BMW motoring, like the long wheel base models. Hence cars like the future 4-series Grand Coupe with longer wheel base, plus models like the 3 and 5GT have a great attraction.

We've had years with traditional models, but it appears some markets look at the range in a completely different way. BMW will chase the money, after all it is why they compromised and started making diesels.

HighlandPete

[johnbmw6]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

BMW will chase the money, after all it is why they compromised and started making diesels.

HighlandPete

Thank goodness for that

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

Thank goodness for that

If we think some of the latest issues are "BMW going to the dogs".... the opinion when BMW started making the diesel variants, was viewed by many as BMW totally losing the plot and abandoning their core values.

When the 524td (115bhp, 152lb/ft) was introduced into some markets, (no RHD versions) in 1983, it was viewed with suspicion, even though it was a ground breaking machine. The M-21 engine paved the way, but it wasn't until the M51 2.5tds was launched in 1991 that the diesel really started to change BMW history.

With BMW being established on the solid reputation for the excellence of its petrol engines, the diesel engine was not allowed to detract from that reputation, hence the quest for the diesel with refinement and more performance than the competitors.

I think we can say BMW have achieved that over the years, and are still are up there where they insisted they needed to be, if they were to use the diesel engine.

Off topic I know, but 'sort off relevant' to why BMW move the goal posts on car design and model ranges.

HighlandPete

[claykin]

Originally Posted by MaestroAl

Not really. They're just following Audi and distinguishing between saloons and coupes by a model rather than a variant.

1 series saloon - 2 series coupe
3 series saloon - 4 series coupe
5 series saloon - 6 series coupe
X3 small SUV - X4 small SAV cross-over thingy
X5 large SUV - X6 large SAV cross-over thingy

Yes, but BMW is also breaking the pattern and producing a 4 series sedan (or gran coupe as they call it)

And when should we expect the X2? They've got some holes to fill!

[TMP]

Good comparison to the 3er

[TMP]

Got to say, i think they have the 4 coupe BANG ON

[SamS]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

Just how many more models are BMW going to produce?

Splitting off the 3er coupe into a 4-series is nothing! Try to wrap your brain around this:

BMW 1 Series Urbanic Compact 3/5dr - Upcoming City hatch based on next MINI, BMW's Audi A1 rival.
MINI 3/5dr - Increased demand leads to the next generation MINI due next year with five drs for the 1st time.

BMW 1 Series Sedan - Baby sedan off the UKL architecture aimed at global markets for small sedans.
MINI Sedan - Sporty four dr MINI aimed at increasing markets for MINI products, potentially could be MINI's best global seller overtaking the Countryman.

BMW 1 Series Active Tourer - Production version of Active Tourer Concept launched at Iaa 2013.
MINI Traveller - MINI variant of the Active Tourer. Designed to show how both cars can co-exist with individual style and flexibility.

BMW 1 Series Urbanic Roadster - BMW's open top variant of the City car inherits two seats only with a rear deck with layed butresses like the BMW 6er Cabrio and BMW i8 designed for clip on roof panel.
MINI Cabrio - Latest F56 rendition of the popular open top MINI.

BMW Z1 Sportster - To provide greater economies of scale The Z1 will be BMW's equivalent to the MINI Coupe and Roadster , but will be FWD and powered by more powerful three cylinder engines. Design derived from well-received 2011 Vision ConnectedDrive concept car.
MINI Roadster - Next Roadster and Coupe will launch with a sportier look which is completely seperate from the standard MINI. MINI design elements will feature but bodywork is not based on the hatch family.

BMW Z1 SportCoupe - Coupe version of the Z1 will complete the BMW Z twins against the MINI twins.
MINI Coupe - Coupe version of Roadster , more individual in appearance.

BMW X1 - Next generation of highly successful SAV moves to the UKL architecture to offer more flexibility.
Also available with xDrive.
MINI Countryman - Next generation of the global MINI juggernaut. heavily shared with BMW X1.

BMW X2 - Sport Activity Coupe variant of the next BMW X1 , FWD with optional xDrive and the first BMW SAC to appear as both a 3dr and 5dr.
MINI Paceman/XL - Next generation of new MINI member will be offered with five dr version as well as 3dr.

BMW F.amily A.ctivity S.ports T.ourer - BMW's hybrid of SAV solidity , MPV space and Touring bodystyle.
MINI Clubman - Current car revisited with more style and more flexibility , more of a Shooting Brake with dynamic raked roof and forward looking proportions.

And of course the next generation 1 Series due in 2017 will resort to being FWD.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by claykin

And when should we expect the X2? They've got some holes to fill!

See above!

[Daveyc]

Originally Posted by TMP

Got to say, i think they have the 4 coupe BANG ON

Just sooooooo gorgeous! I've never bought BMWs because of their looks (I buy the drive over the looks), but this is just heaven! Way more beautiful than an A5 and a driving experience from a different planet.

I already told my dealer that, it a 435d shows up around 12-18 months into my 2-year lease, I'll be banging his door dow to get into at 435d. Given how amazing the humble 330d M Sport is today, that will be some car ... :-)

Dave

[johnbmw6]

It Would Make A Great M4 .

[TMP]

Originally Posted by Daveyc

Just sooooooo gorgeous! I've never bought BMWs because of their looks (I buy the drive over the looks), but this is just heaven! Way more beautiful than an A5 and a driving experience from a different planet.

I already told my dealer that, it a 435d shows up around 12-18 months into my 2-year lease, I'll be banging his door dow to get into at 435d. Given how amazing the humble 330d M Sport is today, that will be some car ... :-)

Dave

I was thinking this could well be my next car too...may they will do an M435 i or d!

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

It Would Make A Great M4 .

Actually you are right....a full fat M it is for me

[NISFAN]

Lovely looking car (except for the gills). Hope it looks like that in production, but am thinking it will be halfway between that and F30.

[MarkW83]

It looks amazing, looks a bit Jaguar from some angles??

What's making me think that the production version won't look like that, is that at the side of the F30, it makes the F30 look very dated! The lines are similar, but elements are tweaked to make them more striking and modern - headlights, rear lights, grilles, body lines - I just don't think they'd want to do that to a car that's brand new and has got up to 7 years of its life left?? Like NIS says, I'm thinking it will be much closer to the F30 when it appears...

[F30FAN]

When I got the 4'er email from BimmerPost I felt sooo guilty..!!

My new 330D had just arrived at the Dealer's and I was already eyeing up its replacement..what a beauty!!

[johnbmw6]

Originally Posted by F30FAN

When I got the 4'er email from BimmerPost I felt sooo guilty..!!

My new 330D had just arrived at the Dealer's and I was already eyeing up its replacement..what a beauty!!

I get just like that myself, must smack myself twice a day till next year.

[RobUK]

That 4 Series rear end looks smart but I wouldn't be surprised if that exhaust design didn't make it to the showrooms. Shame, really like it - would buy one in a heartbeat.

[MaestroAl]

It will never look like that. Nothing like. Expect the back end to be completely different and without that, it's nothing. And it has a Halfords plastic Bimmerang stuck to the side

[MarkW83]

Lol, I'm with Al; I don't think the production car is going to look anywhere near as fancy as that; if it did, they'd instantly age the rest of their cars by 10 years...

[TMP]

Not so sure guys...the pre-production concepts from BMW are usually the same body.
But the bottom third fancy trip would be replaced by more standard SE or M Sport valance.