BMW 9 Series Four-Door Coupe and i6 Electric Sedan Reportedly in the Works

[YungDro]

thread closed....

[3s-a-charm]

I'm more interested in the all-electric RR Phantom they are working on! That is a great idea. Take my Tesla and make it POSH! ?

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

The 9er better look special l because the S class coupe is a masterpiece of a design.

[FilipMPower]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

They are keeping 2er Coupe and Cabrio and now Gran Coupe RWD and xDrive.
Its all to do with a very,very convincing machine called the M2.
There will be a UKL based 2er Gran Turismo.
There is going to be a radical shift in the C segment. The 1er as it stands will be superseded by a new Sport hatch built on the UKL architecture which will be identified as the 2er. Its all to bring alignment to MINI Episode IV which will be a C segment car like the current 1er. A new 1er will be a twin sister to the upcoming mini-MINI.

In other words, the C segment will se a radical shift backwards. Bravo. A mini-Mini comparable to the 1 series.

So first you ruin the nomenclature of traditional cars to offer a more structured naming system. And when you achieve the stable naming system, you ruin it again by releasing a 9 series instead of an 8 series and the 1 hatchback as a 2 series, as well as a coupe, convertible, active tourer, gran tourer, gran turismo and gran coupe all under the 2 series name?!

[thorsen82]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

They are keeping 2er Coupe and Cabrio and now Gran Coupe RWD and xDrive.
Its all to do with a very,very convincing machine called the M2. I.

I don't understand those passage.. They will make rwd 2er coupe on actual m2's platform?

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by jwr0721

I don't understand how coupes can have 4 doors. I thought coupe meant 2 door. Still baffles me and makes no GD sense.

The 2-door E30 was called a "2-door Sedan" by BMW in the owners manual...

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by thorsen82

I don't understand those passage.. They will make rwd 2er coupe on actual m2's platform?

What he is suggesting is, because M Division wants the M2 to remain RWD, the 2 Series coupe, convertible, and a new Gran Coupe model must continue as RWD vehicles for the next generation as well.

This is great news if it holds true, but we are still about four and a half years away from the release of these vehicles. I remain skeptical about this approach because it would seem to mean higher costs. However, there has been talk of the possibility of RWD vehicles on UKL, which might be the route they plan in order to do this more cost effectively. That way these cars still share most of their underpinnings (and potentially, some bodywork) with the rest of the 2 Series lineup.

Originally Posted by FilipMPower

So first you ruin the nomenclature of traditional cars to offer a more structured naming system. And when you achieve the stable naming system, you ruin it again by releasing... the 1 hatchback as a 2 series, as well as a coupe, convertible, active tourer, gran tourer, gran turismo and gran coupe all under the 2 series name?!

I agree that it's unfortunate that it will go down this way, but something had to give because they simply ran out of numbers. A few years back, when news of a potential sub-1 Series first broke, it was joked that they would call them the "0 Series" or ".5 Series". Or even the "-1 Series" to preserve the odd numbered naming convention for non-coupes. The prevailing belief (due in part to suggestions made by SCOTT at that time, IIRC) was that the new subcompact models would join the existing compact hatchbacks, upcoming new sedan, MPVs and other form factors as further expansion to the 1 Series lineup. It never seemed likely that they would instead take over that name entirely. But when you think about all those models, it does start to make sense to not crowd so much under the 1 Series name while the 2 Series has just three vehicles.

Oh well. At least we now know why the 2GT/2AT were changed from 1AT/1GT.

[clbmw]

Originally Posted by VO_1M

Why do they refuse to make a 2 door 2 seater to rival the amg gts and R8?

Couldn't agree more. I cannot understand the reluctance of BMW. A halo product serves a purpose, however things have moved on now and the 3 series, whilst lovely, is not top of the tree anymore and other German manufacturers have some far more exciting products at their high ends.

Nothing in that post particularly excited me, the idea of an M9 made me laugh, and I'm dismayed at the move to FWD for the one series. My missus' M135i is fire cracker and handles beautifully... Let's see if they "mainstream/cheapen" the 2 series as well.

I bet if you put a vote on this forum or even the public about what they'd rather see an M9 or a supercar, the latter would win 10 votes to 1

[clbmw]

Originally Posted by FilipMPower

In other words, the C segment will se a radical shift backwards. Bravo. A mini-Mini comparable to the 1 series.

So first you ruin the nomenclature of traditional cars to offer a more structured naming system. And when you achieve the stable naming system, you ruin it again by releasing a 9 series instead of an 8 series and the 1 hatchback as a 2 series, as well as a coupe, convertible, active tourer, gran tourer, gran turismo and gran coupe all under the 2 series name?!

At least if this is true there is a possibility of retaining a practical RWD hot hatch as a 2 series... But I won't hold my breath.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by VO_1M

Why do they refuse to make a 2 door 2 seater to rival the amg gts and R8?

They appear to have a different strategy in mind for halo cars.

Instead of dedicated two seat sports cars which necessarily command complete ground up design and correspondingly higher prices, they are planning lightweight CSL models that share fundamentals with the M2/M4/M6 coupes but feature radically styled (one could say race-car-like, perhaps) bodywork and the use of even more lightweight materials. Of course more power will be part of the package too.

[FilipMPower]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

I agree that it's unfortunate that it will go down this way, but something had to give because they simply ran out of numbers. A few years back, when news of a potential sub-1 Series first broke, it was joked that they would call them the "0 Series" or ".5 Series". Or even the "-1 Series" to preserve the odd numbered naming convention for non-coupes. The prevailing belief (due in part to suggestions made by SCOTT at that time, IIRC) was that the new subcompact models would join the existing compact hatchbacks, upcoming new sedan, MPVs and other form factors as further expansion to the 1 Series lineup. It never seemed likely that they would instead take over that name entirely. But when you think about all those models, it does start to make sense to not crowd so much under the 1 Series name while the 2 Series has just three vehicles.

Oh well. At least we now know why the 2GT/2AT were changed from 1AT/1GT.

I see the point of BMW making a smaller crossover or hatch below the 1 series. But couldnt BMW just introduce a new name or even subbrand for that matter? There is the Z series and the i series. And if that is too much, why dont the cars just have one name, not number, and then just add AT/GT or sedan orwhatever onto that, I think previous rumours mentioned the name Xcite, so why not just call that small lineup the 'Xcite' lineup and not mess with the numbering system? At least we can hope that the 2 series line up will be free of FWD vehicles and only consist of a hatch, coupe, convertible and gran coupe.

[Kjenndal]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

That part of the article is worded in such a way as to be confusing.

The 2 Series coupe and convertible were always slated to run through 2020 in their current form. After that, for their next generation, they will join the rest of the small car lineup on UKL, just like the new 2 Series Gran Coupe will.

The 2 series Coupé will stay RWD. That was confirmed by Harald Krüger a view weeks ago.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by FilipMPower

I see the point of BMW making a smaller crossover or hatch below the 1 series. But couldnt BMW just introduce a new name or even subbrand for that matter? There is the Z series and the i series. And if that is too much, why dont the cars just have one name, not number, and then just add AT/GT or sedan orwhatever onto that, I think previous rumours mentioned the name Xcite, so why not just call that small lineup the 'Xcite' lineup and not mess with the numbering system?

Sure, all of those are possible solutions, and some may have been discussed within BMW. Another brand would definitely be too costly though, and just add more consumer confusion with MINI already there. In the end, I suppose they chose what they felt would be the most marketable, best received, and best understood approach.

At least we can hope that the 2 series line up will be free of FWD vehicles and only consist of a hatch, coupe, convertible and gran coupe.

That's not happening though. We already have the 2AT/2GT. And I strongly suspect that all the vehicles known as the 1 Series today, plus the new sedan and the new Gran Turismo model SCOTT just mentioned, will also move to FWD as they transition to UKL. In fact, it may very well be that all UKL vehicles are FWD/AWD. It is not clear yet whether the proposed coupe/convertible/GC would use the UKL platform specially set up for RWD, the CLAR architecture, or something else entirely new.

Originally Posted by Hexenkind

The 2 series Coupé will stay RWD. That was confirmed by Harald Krüger a view weeks ago.

Yes, it was also mentioned by SCOTT in this very thread. You may wish to read the rest of the replies to become current with the discussion. For example, SCOTT also mentioned that even the new 2 Series Gran Coupe model, which the article specifically mentioned as moving to a front-drive drivetrain, will actually be RWD as well.

[N & M]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Yes the 9er has been green lighted and will have a formal announcement in 2016.
The 9er is for the select few who demand further exclusivity and will be sold through chosen specialised dealers.
It is developed from the next generation of Rolls-Royce Phantom models which continue a unique,innovative and exclusive lightweight journey.

The pre-cursor to the 9er. Concept Vision Future Luxury. Confirms via global clinics the concept has toured that customers would like a more exclusive BMW but one that offers the driver as well as the passenger.

The gap between Ghost and 7 should have been filled with a real rival to Bentley from Rolls Royce not with an ultra niche BMW that will undoubtedly be brilliant but sell in small numbers.

When I first caught sight of the vision concept in the flesh I really hoped BMW would use it as inspiration for the technically amazing but design conservative G12. What a treat that would have been and what blow to Mercedes that would have been.

Still, the idea that such a gem would see production, is a cuase for rejoicing.

[N & M]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The X7 is scheduled to be launched in 2017, Spartanburg have almost finished the new wing X7 (And hypothetically X8) will be manufactured.
The first Spy-shots are coming. Patience.

Oh yeah! Please no vanilla styling for this very intresting car.

[FilipMPower]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

That's not happening though. We already have the 2AT/2GT. And I strongly suspect that all the vehicles known as the 1 Series today, plus the new sedan and the new Gran Turismo model SCOTT just mentioned, will also move to FWD as they transition to UKL. In fact, it may very well be that all UKL vehicles are FWD/AWD. It is not clear yet whether the proposed coupe/convertible/GC would use the UKL platform specially set up for RWD, the CLAR architecture, or something else entirely new.

Yes, I doubt the UKL platform is so flexible to allow a shift to longitudinal engines and rear wheel drive. Best case scenario however would be if the 1 series includes its sub-current-1series models as hatch or sedan, and then also includes the AT/GT all under the 1 series name. Then build the whole 2 series line up (hatch 5door, Coupe, Gran coupe, convertible) using the new CLAR chassis. In that way, the 1 series new brand would be FWD and the budget, practical option, while the 2 series would be the sporty, RWD lifestyle cars.

[raysspl]

I suppose

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by 3s-a-charm

I'm more interested in the all-electric RR Phantom they are working on! That is a great idea. Take my Tesla and make it POSH! ?

Ewwwwww

[FilipMPower]

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

Ewwwwww

If its plugin hybrid, go on ahead. But I cant imagine a modern RR without the V12.

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

The X7 is scheduled to be launched in 2017, Spartanburg have almost finished the new wing X7 (And hypothetically X8) will be manufactured.
The first Spy-shots are coming. Patience.

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

Its all to bring alignment to MINI Episode IV which will be a C segment car like the current 1er. A new 1er will be a twin sister to the upcoming mini-MINI.

Wait. OK, plainly BMW considers this corporate direction A New Hope. Am I right? Hello? Hello? Luke? Hello?


All this cross-platform, cross-brand, new-models-coming-out-like-bunnies-from-a-briarpatch hooey reminds me of GM in the 1980s. Not good.

Originally Posted by clbmw

Why do they refuse to make a 2 door 2 seater to rival the amg gts and R8?

Couldn't agree more.

BMW does. It's called the i8.

As mkoesel suggests, BMW has something else in mind with its halo cars. I'd equate its aims with Honda (NSX, hybrids) more than any of the other German makers. Not sure that's a good thing, though ... also: BMW AG doesn't own a supercar marque like VW AG does, nor does it develop its own in house like M-B and Porsche do (no, Alpina and M Division don't make supercars.)

I'd hoped that MINI would prevent BMW from getting into the economy-car game. Similarly, I'd hoped that Rolls would keep BMW from getting into the "Posh Tesla" game. Turns out the opposite may be true in both cases in a few years ... and I gotta say: if all this turns out to be true, I will own another marque when I'm shopping for my next car.

Marque dilution never, ever, ever works. It's even backfiring on Porsche somewhat these days (one word: Macan).

[thorsen82]

The 2er hatch will be fwd/awd for sure

[clbmw]

Originally Posted by thorsen82

The 2er hatch will be fwd/awd for sure