With its latest models and groundbreaking concept studies on show at Auto Shanghai 2013 [beginning April 20, 2013], BMW is offering a clear pointer to its continuing model push.
The Shanghai show is the stage for the world premiere of the BMW Concept X4, which carries the attributes of a Sports Activity Coupe into a further vehicle segment. The study reveals at first sight how smoothly the qualities of a BMW X model meld with the genes of a BMW Coupe.
Auto Shanghai 2013 also sees the Asian premiere of a further BMW concept: the BMW Concept Active Tourer affords a preview of how comfort and functionality of space can be combined with dynamics and style in the premium compact segment.
Just around the corner, meanwhile, is the … CONTINUED
With the BMW Concept X4, the BMW Group offers a preview of the future of the BMW X family. It takes no more than a first glance to see how smoothly the qualities of a BMW SAV can blend with the genes of a BMW Coupe. The new Sports Activity Coupe concept from BMW is poised to continue the success story of the BMW X6 in a new vehicle class. Eye- catching proportions, tight contours and numerous high-quality details produce an unrivalled product character brimming with emotional appeal, dynamism and the sturdiness you would expect from a BMW SAV, while at the same time holding out the promise of out-standing performance and driving dynamics. All of this can be experienced when the BMW X4 production … CONTINUED
The X4 Concept has been revealed and as expected, it’s a mini version of the X6 SAV, both a coupe version of their more upright brothers (X3 and X5, respectively).
Let’s have a look at how the X4 compares to the X6 in size and styling.
The just revealed X4 Concept previews the production X4 (F26) SAV which will share the same platform and underpinnings with the X3 (F25) when the X4 hits the market next year. The two will share the same powertrains and have mirroring model lines, as the X6 does with the X5.
As for physical size, the concept X4 shares nearly the same length and wheelbase as the X3, while being wider and lower than the X3. Here’s how the dimensions compare and a look at how the styling differs between the two.
Per BMW insider Scott26, rumor comes of the 2 Series Gran Coupe now being ‘fast tracked’ for a 2015 release:
Yes the 2 Series might be behind the CLA and the A3 Sedan. But as the 6 Series Gran Coupe showed that it can be worth the wait. The 4 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe will not be any different. With the 2 Series Gran Coupe now fast tracked for 2015 , BMW intend to make the gran entrance in this segment, the appearance will not just be what counts. With a greater emphasis on dynamics and typical BMW character.
If you read some of the reviews of the CLA there is some ride and dynamic issues that have been picked up by the media.
BMW are … CONTINUED
With the 2 Series coupe set to make its debut later this year (production begins in November), BMW may be sending out teaser signals with this recent video.
The 2 Series coupe and convertible are on their way, having already been spied in testing for months now. So what’s next to come in the 2 Series lineup? Possibly the 2 Series Gran Coupe, which Autobild has taken a crack at rendering. Although no prototypes have yet been spotted, it’s been previously rumored by BMW insider Scott26 to be on the way.
Here are the models that may round out the 2 Series lineup (some more likely than others), per Scott26:
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe - 4 door addition of 2 Series Coupe with slightly lengthened wheelbase and roof line, aimed at BMW’s RWD dominance against Audi A3 Sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA. [More Details]
BMW 2 Series Gran Sports Tourer - Hyundai Veloster type A-symmetrical Tourer … CONTINUED
In case you missed it in the recent statements by the BMW CEO, the BMW X4 SAV is confirmed to be hitting the market in 2014.
Also being confirmed by BMW is an already well-accepted fact - that the upcoming X4 will be built solely at the U.S. Spartanburg plant, which already produces the X3, X5 and X6. The X1 is built in Europe (or in China for the Chinese market).
“I need more capacity in Spartanburg, not only for the upcoming X4, but also for the current X range,” Ian Robertson, BMW’s board member for marketing and sales, recently told Automotive News. The plant is currently undergoing expansion as part of a plan by BMW to invest nearly 900 million USD in the plant by 2014. … CONTINUED
OK, it’s not truly being hooned, but a M235i coupe prototype is seen doing doughnut patterns in an empty lot as part of its testing. As a result, we get a great live look at all the various angles of the car - a bit like the car being on a rotating auto show display. We also get a good listen at its exhaust and engine sounds.
There is also a brief look at the F22 2 Series Coupe against the F30 3 Series Sedan, for a glance at how they compare in size/shape from the rear.
Production of the M235i coupe begins this November 2013 in the Leipzig plant, for an 8 month first-model-year production run (until June 2014). There will be no 235i model in … CONTINUED
