BMW's dirty dozen to plug premium niches

BMW is readying no less than a dozen new and/or revised models, as it seeks to expand into ever-increasing sub-sectors of the premium-vehicle market.

Already unveiled abroad, and due on sale in Australia within weeks, is the new-generation 3 Series convertible. At about the same time we will also see the debut of the second-generation (E70-series) X5, bringing with it a much bigger body offering a seven-seat option, as well as improved engines and dynamics.

After that, BMW will usher in the recently announced facelifted version of the three-year-old E60 5 Series. Due in the middle of 2007, it will be followed by the E87 1 Series "upgrade", which comprises a number of minor trim and engineering changes.

As reported in GoAuto last month, we will not see the three-door 1 Series in Australia for the time being, however, BMW fans should take comfort in the fact that the still-secret E82/E88 1 Series-based coupe and convertible will definitely arrive in 2008.

Here is a rundown of what to expect from the BMW Group between now and the end of this decade.

R56 Mini, R55 Clubman

BMW’s new-model maelstrom kicks off next month with the launch of the second-generation New Mini hatchback, known as the R56. We have already driven it, and we know it to be a mostly brilliant and wholly BMW reinterpretation of the current Rover-devised R50 series.

However, what may surprise many is that, along with the all-new body and engines (in 1.6-litre Cooper and 1.6-litre turbocharged Cooper S guises), BMW is also expected to introduce the Mini Cooper D, using turbo-diesel power.

Left: BMW's all-new 3 Series Convertible goes on sale next month, while the redesigned E70 X5 hits showrooms in April. The Cooper diesel features a 1.6-litre four-cylinder PSA/Ford unit delivering 81kW and 260Nm, along with a 4.4L/100km EU average fuel consumption and just 118g/km of CO2 emissions.

In Europe, BMW has offered a Toyota Yaris-engined turbo-diesel Mini in base One D specification since 2002, but this 65kW/190Nm 1.4-litre unit was deemed inappropriate for Australian consumers.

However, as BMW wants a slice of the healthy diesel sales cake currently devoured by VW’s popular Golf TDI models, this newly offered PSA HDI engine has the performance to match the Mini’s image.

Meanwhile, the R55 Clubman, a two/three-door wagon featuring suicide doors on the driver’s side, and two barn-style doors making up the tailgate, will follow the R56. Expect this by the middle of 2008.

The new-generation Mini Cabriolet (R57) will not arrive before late 2008 at the earliest, while the much-rumoured Mini Moke crossover SUV is believed to be under development for a 2009 release.

E90-based M3 coupe

The successor to today’s still-sensational E46 M3 is due to be unveiled later next month at the Geneva motor show, brandishing a circa-315kW 4.0-litre V8 instead of the current car’s famous in-line six-cylinder engine.

Gearbox choices will again be either a six-speed manual or SMG sequential, although the latter will be an all-new seven-speed unit offering a number of ratio-altered modes.

Another innovation is the likelihood of a four-door E90 sedan and E91 Touring wagon variant, to be sold (later on) alongside the E92 coupe and (eventual) E93 convertible M3.

Officially, the move to four bodystyles is to take full advantage of the hard-won ‘King of the Hill’ reputation of the E46 edition, although the very-well received Audi RS4 is possibly a greater incentive for BMW to rush the moredoor M3 variations through.

E71/2 X6 SUV-coupe

Perhaps the most interesting new model will be the E71 X6, a "crossover" that is true to the word, incorporating a sedan, coupe and SUV, all in one. BMW refers to it as a Sports Activity Coupe.

The X6 is based on the second-generation X5 due here in April, and will be built alongside the luxury SUV at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.

Overseas reports indicate that the two share up to 70 per cent of parts. A hybrid version, called the E72, is also expected within 18 months. This vehicle is believed to be BMW’s go-it-alone entry into the hybrid world.

"We will create a completely new segment that had never existed on the market this way before," said former BMW AG chairman Helmut Panke at the Geneva motor show in March 2005.

"The basis for this new concept is the fact that customers show greater interest in vehicles that combine the various features with each other in a new way.

"This concerns, among other things, a raised seat position, the driving characteristics of a sportscar and the exterior charm of a coupe." BMW has always intended its 1 Series to invade the US, but not in the E87 hatchback guise we see in Australia, and probably not wearing the 1 Series moniker either.

Instead, towards the end of this year, BMW is expected to unveil the 2 Series Coupe, with a convertible version following by early 2008.

Why 2 Series? The much-loved BMW 2002 of the 1970s is one reason the fact that no body parts are shared with the 1 Series is another.

Reflecting the similar relationship that the E63/4 6 Series Coupe and Convertible models have with the E60 5 Series sedan that spawned them, the E82/88 2 Series will essentially be a rebodied E87 1 Series, offering two doors, a boot and a four-seater interior.

Initially at least, it is believed that only six-cylinder petrol engines will be offered – probably in 2.5 and 3.0-litre capacities. The flagship 3.0-litre twin-turbo unit found in the 335i should also eventually become available in the 2 Series cars, as well as the 1 Series hatchbacks.

An M2 version of the 2 Series coupe – with its expected stiffer body – cannot be discounted either.

Further down the track, it is understood that the second-generation 1 and 2 Series models, due out from about 2012 and still very much in the concept stages, will spawn a wider range of models and bodystyles.

Under discussion right now is a Z2 roadster to slot underneath the next-generation Z4, as well as a compact people-mover for Europe to come under the V-series nomenclature – although V1 or V2 seem unlikely names for it.

BMW People-Mover

BMW calls this one its Space Functional Concept (SFC). Believed to be based on the next-generation F10 5 Series platform, the SFC may be first to arrive in the market espousing the proposed V Series family name, although GoAuto understands that no decision has been fi nalised as yet. V5 is a guess.

In the aforementioned speech, Dr Panke had this to say about the SFC: "Due to its spacious design, with a combination of variability and functionality, as well as its elegant, sporty appearance, this new vehicle will be different from anything currently offered on the market." Dr Panke has also been quoted as saying this vehicle will have greater interior flexibility than the conceptually similar Mercedes-Benz R-class, citing that a mountain bike can be carried inside the vehicle without the need to dismantle it.

BMW levels of driver enjoyment and interaction will also be core to the SFC’s appeal.

F01/2 7 Series

Due in 2009, BMW’s next-generation 7 Series will be a complete redesign, built off a completely new modular platform that can be stretched to accommodate the long-wheelbase F02 variants, as well as the proposed new ‘small’ Rolls-Royce sedan which would slot underneath the Phantom.

What's coming from BMW:

E93 3 Series Convertible - March
R56 Mini hatch - April
E70 X5 SUV - April
E60 5 Series facelift - June
E87 1 Series hatch upgrade - July
E92 M3 coupe - October/November
R56 Mini Cooper D diesel variant - 2008
R55 Mini Clubman wagon - 2008
E71/2 X6, X6 Hybrid crossover - 2008
E88/9 2 Series Coupe, Convertible - 2008
R57 Mini Cabriolet - 2009
SFC/V5 MPV - 2009
F01/F02 7 Series sedan - 2009