BMW Announces Two New Model Series at Geneva Auto Show

Crossover People Hauler and Two-Door 1- and 3-Series Variants Expected

Hot on the heals of an all-new 1-Series, BMWs Chairman of the Board Helmut Panke announced the development of two new BMW brand model series at the International Motor Show in Geneva earlier this week.

"We are using the strength of the BMW Group and pushing emphatically ahead with the extension of the vehicle range," stated Panke. "We will be further expanding with two completely new, independent model series, and thus continuing the profitable growth of the BMW Group."

Panke made no mention of which specific vehicles will be forthcoming, but one vehicle line is expected to be a series of people haulers internally dubbed "space-functional concepts", which combining minivan and SUV-like attributes such as a high seat position and additional cargo capacity, with car-like driving dynamics.

While such a theme is nothing particularly new, describing nearly every minivan and crossover SUV currently on the market or about to enter it, BMW plans its own take on the segment, one that targets sport-oriented drivers wanting more style than what is currently available. It is reported to offer a coupe-like exterior design.

The new van cum crossover is expected to be built at BMWs Spartanburg, North Carolina facility, next to the larger, next-generation X5. Building it in the U.S., which is expected to be its primary market, will eliminate escalating costs caused by the Euros high value.

The new models will take on the "V" designation, for van. With versions expected to be built on 1-, 5-, and 7-Series architectures, the new models would receive a V in the specific models alphanumeric name.

The second model range Panke is referring to could be the upcoming 2- or 4-Series, which include coupe and convertible models, although these have already been announced in one way or another. The 2-Series is based off of the current 5-door 1-Series. Both the 230 Ci and 230 Convertible are expected to reach North American shores. Upcoming 4-Series models will be derived from the new 3.

Another report has the second model being a version of the X Coupe concept that ushered in much of the controversial "flamed surface" design language more recent BMWs have been criticized for. The X Coupe, an all-wheel drive crossover, was based on the X5 utility vehicle, which would be a good fit for the Spartanburg facility. If BMW actually plans on producing something similar to the X Coupes styling, expect a backlash of negative sentiment from disenfranchised BMW fans. More likely, however, is the German brand will merely bring forward the context of an all-wheel drive crossover coupe, and restyle it with a more traditional BMW flavour, along the lines of the updated 7-Series and all-new 3.

Along with the announcement, BMW premiered its new 3-Series sedan, recently updated 7-Series, long anticipated M6, and upgraded 1-Series featuring a new 255-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six at the Geneva show. If the 1-Series makes it across the Atlantic, it is expected to feature this engine, and be called 130i, just like its European counterpart.