BMW appears to be angling to become a truckmaker. Okay, crossovers, not trucks. Whatever you want to call the tall, heavy wagons, that's your business. Within the next five years, BMW's planning on adding three new truck-type things to their lineup. The X6 will arrive next year, followed by the 4x4 version of the MINI in 2009, and the also-small X1 in 2010. The MINI 4x4 will run a Getrag-developed AWD system, and we'd expect the X1 to use the basic component set of the forthcoming 1-series. The Concept CS is also headed for production, and it will be positioned above the 7-series sedan carrying 8 and 12 cylinder powerplants. Imagine that, instead of the 7-series heading up the Ultimate Driving Machine lineup, there'd be a long-hooded GT-looker with a fastback roofline. Even the news that BMW is following the money into SUVs and committing bigtime with multiple new models, it could be worse. The X5 is handsome, and that general motif is present on the X6, and we'd expect it to scale down to the X1 decently, leaving only the hideous X3 as a pimple on the face of BMW's SAVs.
[Source: Autocar]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Alex @ Nov 8th 2007 9:08AM
The x3 isn't the only nasty BMW, the CS is hideous too.
TheOne442 @ Nov 8th 2007 9:32AM
I'm torn on this one; on one hand the CS is an amazing looking car and would be a wonderful flagship for any company. On the other hand when most people think of BMW it's the 3,5,7 and their respected M variants. (I know there is no M7)
Does the CS really work with the BMW line up?
Couldn't it just be the next gen. 6 model?
Consider Porsche, when you think of that German auto giant does the 911 come to mind as their iconic flagship model. Did the Carrera GT fit in well there?
As for the SUV/CUVs that could just be a way for them to generate more capital, i.e. Porsche.
k.w.a @ Nov 8th 2007 1:44PM
i agree.
maybe they should make the back of the cs a little bit longer and make it the new 7. that would be one badass 7 series.
or maybe the should just call it the 8 series (as planned supposedly) and just consider it its ultra-luxury car and not its flagship. they did that with the z8 and the previous 8 series. however, it will be a little diffrent now that its a 4 dr
fnj @ Nov 8th 2007 9:38AM
Why on earth are the Germans stumbling down the path of trucks and SUVs just when the rest of the world is finally beginning to recognize that such vehicles are an awkward fit in a market seeking better gas mileage and lower emissions?
Doogs @ Nov 8th 2007 11:13AM
The rest of the world? Really?
Infiniti just launched the EX. Lexus is rumored to be launching not one, but TWO new SUVs (to complement the RX, GX, and LX). Chevy is coming out with a version of the Acadia/Enclave. Saab has a new crossover on the way. Volvo's working on the XC60. And Toyota's about to debut the new Tundra-based, gas-sucking Sequoia.
It's not just BMW, and it's not just Germany. Truck-based SUVs in the Explorer model may be going out of fashion, but automakers seem to think crossovers are the new black.
Leaf @ Nov 8th 2007 9:55AM
Jaguar called, they want their concept CS back.
And I say give it to them. It's completely un-BMW like. Also, while we're on the topic of ugly BMW's, I'd like to add the 6-series to that list.
Guenther @ Nov 8th 2007 10:13AM
Looks like Infinity's FX will get some competition.
Zane @ Nov 8th 2007 10:22AM
Am I the only one who think the 3 series sedan looks absolutely horrible?
graviton @ Nov 8th 2007 11:00AM
yes
jg @ Nov 8th 2007 12:45PM
No. It's horrible. To say it's ugly is being kind.
k.w.a @ Nov 8th 2007 1:48PM
i don't really like the direction BMW is going with its SUVs
I love the x5, and i'm beginning to tolerate the x3, but still i shudder to think of bmw as a "truckmaker."
when the x5 first came out, I (and many people alike) saw it as a BMW that happened to be an SUV. now it's gonna be a SUV that happens to be a BMW. BMW needs to get their priorities straight and remember what's been making them stand out from the rest.
Maestro1 @ Nov 8th 2007 1:53PM
So then the CS is competing with the CLS and Audi's A7?
I thought the CS was meant to be a concept as the basis for the next-generation 3-Series?
In any case I don't like the way BMW is trying to become too big. Their current line up along with the addition of the CS would be fine. And I have no clue what the purpose of the X1 would serve if Mini gets its own SUV? Anyone care to enlighten me?
Alex @ Nov 8th 2007 2:20PM
Your hipsters who are too cool and young for a BMW will want the MINI. Your young professionals who want a status symbol will want the X1.
Maestro1 @ Nov 8th 2007 2:35PM
Who's too cool and young for a BMW? lol last time I checked even the teenagers ('youngsters') all wanted BMWs...
HigherBe1ng @ Nov 8th 2007 2:23PM
the X6 is horrible, but that CS is absolutely beautiful... I cant wait to get one
Jim @ Nov 8th 2007 3:15PM
First, the new Volvo C30 is my pick versus the Mini. I mean, my grandmother drove a Mini in the '60s! Concerning any BMW or Mercedes or Porsche SUV or "truck", if they can't pass the Oregon / Washington BLM-US Forest Service logging road test (and they won't because they don't have enough clearance underneath as they are highway vehicles only) then we won't buy one. If you have ever hauled logs then you know what deep ruts and "12 inch minus rock" is all about. None of these German pretender SUVs or "trucks" can handle the test. Send them back to Deuschtland macht schnell!
johdaxx @ Nov 8th 2007 6:42PM
AWD Turbo MINI is just one step away from a new MINI WRC car. That's what I want to see!
Everything else is overpriced junk that BMW will hopefully make enough money on that they can begin competing in WRC...
calebe @ Nov 9th 2007 7:50AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tymGc9PWJ5A