Spy Shots: BMW V-Class
Winding Road has photos of what they say is BMW's new V-Series crossover. Expected to be built on the 5-series platform, the V-Sseries is rumored to be BMW's attempt to give buyers more interior space than the new X6, but more comfort and sportiness than the X5. Engine choices should be similar to the 5-Series, with a 3.0L I-6 on the low end and, possibly, the 500i's 420 HP V8 on the top of the line V-Series. In between those two extremes could easily slot another I-6 and even one of BMW's diesel powerplants. All-wheel drive is another rumored option.
Chances the V will come here may well depend on U.S. reaction to the X6, which shares some lines and characteristics with the V. But if anyone has the ability to sell a minivan-like crossover here, it's BMW.
Check out Winding Road for more spy shots of this highly-disguised, baby-hauling BMW.
[Source: Winding Road]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Vectortrance 3:18PM (9/21/2007)
I feel this begs the question, is another crossover really necessary?
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RickCA 3:20PM (9/21/2007)
I don't get it..so it's a 5 series hatchback wagon? why not just by the 5 series wagon, which I find to be a very attractive car. I'm still out to jury on the point of them..but I'm still out to jury on the point of this too...people barely by hatchback wagon's from Saab what makes you think they want one from BMW albeit at a 20k price increase over a Saab no doubt?????????
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Richard 3:22PM (9/21/2007)
Nah!
It's a BMW Outback.
How do you say "Outback" in German?
Richard 3:24PM (9/21/2007)
Oops!
I am wrong.
It is BMW jacking up the Panamera before Porsche does.
Richard 3:21PM (9/21/2007)
Honest to Goodness!
The guys that designed the AMC Eagle must be kicking themselves!
And if not having cashed in on the market they created wasn't enough, they're about be hit with the Bangle stick!
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Jay 3:22PM (9/21/2007)
I'd rather have a Cadillac V-series, thanks.
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nissanfreak87 4:05PM (9/21/2007)
hahaha, agreed
This car, crossover, whatever, just seems unnecessary you know, there doesn't seem like there would be much, if any of a market, c'mon BMW
also it doesn't look that great either, and I don't think it could/would with all the camo off either
mk 3:37PM (9/21/2007)
Am I the only one who thinks BMW is insane with this "crossover" business?
Maybe so.
But it just seems to me that they are trying to re-invent the AMC Eagle, even when Subaru, known for AWD tall cars has cancelled their Outback sedan version, because it barely sold any of them.
Now BMW is coming out with all sorts of new X vehicles, and another new V-series.
The R-class Mercedes seemed like an interesting idea, but it just ended up being weird.
BMW used to be the master of the Sport Sedan game, and maybe some consider them to still be on top. But it seems like they are going more toward being a jack of all trades, rather than the master of one.
Plus, "crossovers" seem like a gimmicky thing to me. They are minivans without sliding doors, and without the "mommy-driver" look. The thing is, minivans have never been an ultra-premium market. Pushing crossovers up to and past 50k... seems kinda pointless.
There is a reason that there traditionally haven't been ultra expensive people and cargo haulers, because most people who have the disposable income don't have a big group of kids to haul around, and those that do have the kids, don't have the kind of money to be buying expensive bling in their vehicles.
Secondly, those vehicles usually get worn quickly due to their use (lots of people tend to cause lots of wear), and either lived with a well-used vehicle, or replaced it a bit more frequently than other cars. Replacing expensive cars as they get worn out in more ways tends to be a more difficult proposition.
And if you don't haul around a lot of people and cargo, and don't wear on your vehicle as fast or as much... and want to buy a BMW, or other more expensive vehicle, usually it is a CAR!
You can add performance to a big vehicle like this proposed V-series, but, you are still driving a big heavy vehicle, with a big thirstier engine to get that performance. Don't buy one and then complain that it isn't "green" enough, which is another gimmick of craziness that has supplanted simple common sense and responsibility.
I wonder how many of these big BMW crossovers with 500hp V8s, and all will be purchased on 6- or 7-year loans (by the time this gets built, that will probably be the loan term required to buy such an expensive car)
by people who should be buying cars that they can afford... Considering the debt and overspending issues that seem to be affecting more and more people, as well.
I am not saying that car companies shouldn't build things, and that consumers shouldn't buy what they want. I just wonder about the practicality of such a vehicle, and what kind of market is demanding this, and if that market will sustain a product like this.
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Leaf 5:35PM (9/21/2007)
This post is right on target.
FRFan 5:09PM (9/23/2007)
I agree with you. On the issue of the 6, 7 year lending terms, I suspect the vast majority of these vehicles—like most BMWs you see on the street—will be leased.
Csingh 3:48PM (9/21/2007)
cadillac called they're filing a law suit :)
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Paul 3:54PM (9/21/2007)
Why? BMW wagons are sick - the SUVs are what they are (not my style but definitely have some functionality) - this is... well... this is something alright.
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CoffeeJones 3:58PM (9/21/2007)
I hope this is just the replacement for the X5.
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ArchAngel 4:45PM (9/21/2007)
Man... BMW's line up is becoming more and more crowded... ridiculous... Im waiting for the BMW minivan and the truck.
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jg 4:45PM (9/21/2007)
I'll wait until the cladding comes off, I didn't like the X6 in disguise either so I can't judge looks yet but still what's the purpose of this 'car'? What's next a BMW dump truck? Its a dump truck, but its also fun to drive.
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SPG 6:11PM (9/21/2007)
Wow, a BMW dealership is going to grow to GM dealership like sizes.
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Atomicbri 5:58PM (9/21/2007)
While I praise BMW for venturing into some new territory or some already explored by other companies, I feel maybe BMW is spreading itself around too much in these "niche" markets. I remember when BMW came out with the X5...people gasped, people gawked, people were horrified. A BMW SUV??? But it was a success. Now they create the X6... an Infiniti FX, Range Rover Sport competitor... It looks a little strange but not bad. Now the V.... Hmmm... While I understand the want to compete with Mercedes... I wonder if BMW is not making too many of these cars... or SUVs, or SAVs or whatever their current catch phrase is. Now since the world seems to be realizing that gas guzzling SUVs are not in vogue anymore.... I would love to see a few back-to-basics, fun to drive BMWs... compact, rear drive, sporty, and void of iDrive. I know the 1 Series is out and a coupe is here and will be available... but it looks a bit of an afterthought... Come on BMW... niche marketing is fine, but this may be overkill.
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Vivek 7:10PM (9/21/2007)
How many models does BMW have anyway now? I honestly lost count.
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j_diesel 6:22AM (9/22/2007)
i don't even get excited anymore when they mention a diesel option. it is almost always not coming here for whatever reasons. these guys aways say it might come here later or if they can jam that huge V-8 in the bay a turbodiesel would fit too. argh!
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