Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivans/MPVs, BMW
Rendered Speculation: 2009 BMW F5

The German auto manufacturers seem hell bent on building a vehicle for every possible niche, and even willing to create a few niches of their own to introduce new products for new segments. The latest rumor has BMW building a new MPV-like people mover that is essentially a premium tall wagon, similar to the Mercedes R-Class. We had pics of a mule for what we were calling the V-Series a couple of weeks ago, but here's a rendering by that's said to preview the look of the finished product.
BMW is actually rumored to be working on two new models based on the 3- and 5-series platforms. These new models will introduce a new "F" moniker into the BMW lexicon and be called the F3 and F5. They will join a BMW lineup that's currently swelling with upcoming new models that have yet to arrive.
[Source: MotorAuthority]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jon 7:45PM (8/29/2007)
So BMW is going to build a minivan. Wow. You know, this brand used to be good. Sigh...
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SPG 7:58PM (8/29/2007)
Even just a decade ago the uninformed would say:
I'm getting the little beemer (three series)
The Convertible (three series or Z3)
The mid sized one (five series)
Or the big beemer (Seven)
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Icheb 8:40PM (8/29/2007)
Oh man, I sure hope you meant to say BIMMER because BEEMERs are their MOTOR CYCLES.
SPG 3:10AM (8/30/2007)
As you recall from my post, I said the "UNIMFORMED". In North America the unimformed refer to BMW cars as Beemers and not the correct designation being Bimmers.
The "INFORMED" however, would use designations such as "E28" which, for the record is one of my favorites.
darth 8:04PM (8/29/2007)
Good god that thing is ugly
bmw's used to be nice looking cars
the only descent looking ones they have now are the 3-series coupe/m3 and the z4
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MGT 8:17PM (8/29/2007)
That hog nose is getting bigger and bigger...i love it!
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Jon 10:02PM (8/29/2007)
lol i had to laugh when i saw the pic
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SOhp101 10:09PM (8/29/2007)
It will be a sad day when the F3/F5 comes out... why not just lower/tweak the X5/X3 and make it into more of a crossover? SUVs are starting to go out of style anyway.
If the F5/F3 is inevitable, it better not look anything like the 'photoshop rendering' like above.
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Tim 12:47AM (8/30/2007)
BMW! What the F?!! Why????
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Duncan 12:59AM (8/30/2007)
Wow. That's ridiculous. I thought Merc's R Class was bad enough, and then BMW had to go and top them.
That said, I'm quite sure it will be the best-handling, most capable wagon-ute-van-thing in its class. For what that's worth, of course.
Does anyone else miss when BMWs came in just three flavors with a little extra spice here and there?
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SHOTT3R 2:40AM (8/30/2007)
You can't be all things to all people
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Harold Kerrick 7:54AM (8/30/2007)
BMW once said they would never build SUVs, but when they saw how much money could be made from selling them and that Mercedes had no problem selling an SUV....BMW came out with an SAV (sport ACTIVITY vehicle).
BMW has said they will also never build an MPV or "minivan" type vehicle. Aside from creating new niches in the marketplace, BMW "cleverly"(?) renames old ones so they can claim they never built/build something as demeaning as an SUV or MPV.
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Scott 9:22AM (8/30/2007)
I have no problem with BMW making a minivan. It will probably be the most fun to drive minivan out of them all, and if I were in the market for a minivan, I would love being able to have a BMW as an option.
I have no problem with Porsche making an SUV either. It doesn't mean *I* have to buy one!
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bobin4 10:11AM (8/30/2007)
I was unware of these "F" cars I do know for a fact that a larger than X5 vehicle is being developed. I assumed it would be called the X7. Why BMW would build an R-Class competitor is beyond as M-B has repeatedly cut production because of sales. Interesting though.
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Greg 12:48AM (9/02/2007)
I like the overall concept. I have a 3er Touring and it can be tight sometimes with 5 people + luggage. The 5er is not that much roomier. I don't do any offroading or towing so am not interested in a 4x4 like the X5. (At least the current X5 is roomier than the 5er, unlike the first gen.)
So this would interest me - more space than a 5er touring, handling / mpg / ride presumably wouldn't be diminished by the off road pretensions like the x3/x5. But I like the R-class too.
The pic looks good to me except the big open-mouth grille. That's kind of strange.
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