May 7th, 2012
Our favorite public BMW tipster Herr26 (or Scott27 on GCF) is at it again, this time with insight into BMW’s plans to sell more high-end cars. Did you know that the average age of a 7 series owner in China is 28? And 90% of hers sold in China are full specced Individual models? Clearly BMW has room to grow the high-end portfolio – especially in a country like China. But how they do that will define success or potentially damage the brand.
Here’s the good Herr’s full post as it appears on GCF. It’s worth a full read.
Why the future of the luxury car is the SUV.
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Mar 26th, 2012
BMW is not letting the current generation of iDrive get too long in the tooth without an update. Other German brands have rolled out in-car infotainment and navigation with handwriting recognition and tactile input- BMW is now testing the same thing. Our sources point to the upcoming 7 Series refresh (yes its time already) as the debut point for the new iDrive system. The spy shot above is of the interior for the next generation X5- set to hit the market in under 18 months.
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Mar 16th, 2012
The US version of the refreshed X1, model year 2013 will reportedly make its debut in New York next month. The X1 has been the fastest selling small SUV in Europe since its launch several years ago. The successful launch in Europe delayed the initial introduction in the US several times but now it appears the supply chain and the Leipzig plant can meet the additional demand the US will provide. It is said to come to market in four cylinder Twin Power and 8 speed automatic form this fall.
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Mar 6th, 2012
We’re experiencing some serious déjà vu here at MotoringFile headquarters. We reported as far back as early 2006 that BMW had plans for the Triumph brand. At the time it was for a two seat roadster based on the MINI platform that never saw the light of day (or did it?). Now AutoCar.co.uk is reporting that there’s life yet in the classic British brand.
For those who are new to the history of Mini, BWM acquired MINI, Triumph, MG and a handful of other marques in its purchase of Rover in the mid 1990s. Early Triumph rumors centered around the brand coming back as a front wheel drive roadster. A car that either became the MINI roadster or (ironically) the MINI Coupe. Now there are reports that BMW has quietly applied to use the laurel wreath badge on a wide range of goods. Aside from vehicles, the application covers jewellery, watches, books, leather goods, luggage, cleaning materials, textiles and even Christmas tree decorations. Sounds a lot like the range of MINI accessories doesn’t it? And since BMW isn’t in the business of bringing back dead brands to make Christmas tree ornaments we suspect that they are seriously looking at reviving the brand to bolster BMW’s offerings in the lower part of the market.
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Feb 22nd, 2012
According to Germany’s Autobilde (via Autoblog) BMW is one of 6-7 firms in the running to by the Saab brand. Why would a successful company like BMW want to own one of the most trouble automakers in recent history? We can see three reasons.
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Jan 27th, 2012
According to one of our sources the next generation M3 sedan will not be powered by the feared V6 engine. BMW M has been experimenting with various engine configurations for the new generation M3, ranging from a naturally aspirated V8, twin turbo V8 and V6 setups to the much rumored tri-turbo inline 6.
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Jan 20th, 2012
As we predicted last week, BMW will be updating the 2.0L diesel engine to produce more power and burn less fuel. Today Autocar confirms this with a few new details of their own. According to the British magazine, in 125d guide, the new engine will produce 218bhp (up 13) and likely a mountain of torque. 0-60 should be in the low 6s with a top speed of around 150 mph.
So why are we so excited about this? Because this could be the engine that form the basis of BMW’s next diesel strategy in the US. It’s still technically a rumor at this point but it’s getting juicier by the minute and this could give us a hint of what’s to come.
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Jan 19th, 2012
Image: Carscoop.blogspot.com
The next generation X5 has begun its early rounds of testing. It is hard to distinguish much of the details thanks to BMW’s famous ability to pop rivet on cladding and cover with swirled wrap but one thing that is obvious is that roofline has become more sporty. This new version of the X5 will go on sale in 2013 as a 2014 model year. It will grow slightly in wheel base and length to help BMW hit new emissions targets and to assist in accommodating a slightly more comfortable (still only for children and those that are less than 5 feet tall) third row.
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