BMW Compact Sedan Concept unveiled, previews the 1-Series Sedan

[Mars1965]

Because BMW told us so, back then BMW build their brand value on cars being RWD and they were the "ultimate driving machine" It was a hugely successful and effective campaign because what they said was true, people can see and actually experience the merit of RWD cars with sporty handling characteristics. This message was entrenched into the minds of car enthusiasts around the world. Now it is all about "individuals" living "unique lifestyle"

Mercedes build their brand value on setting the best in luxury, safety and engineering. Things didn't go well in the early 2000s but now they are back on track.

Oh please. Times change. Are you still using a Nokia 6310i?

 

[Monster]

Oh please. Times change. Are you still using a Nokia 6310i?

Time change yes, it doesn't mean it changes for the better. And yes I have an old Nokia phone, I use it when a smart phone is simply not suitable.

 

[sanpt7777]

Time change yes, it doesn't mean it changes for the better. And yes I have an old Nokia phone, I use it when a smart phone is simply not suitable.

Lol, the other day I got kind of disappointed because they didn't had Nokia 106 available for sale [wanted to buy one for work]. Just like I was when a salesman told me not to buy a BMW with a manual because "real BMW owners buy automatics" and "it affects resale value".

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Oh please. Times change. Are you still using a Nokia 6310i?

That analogy simply doesn't work.

 

[Fido]

Hey, I never said it worked that way. I in fact mentioned that if money is what they need, SUVs are where it's at. Besides, BMW is nowhere near where Porsche was financially at the time.

You fail to see that this is the entry level to the brand, and they are selling new customers a first experience that is not what BMW should represent as the brand values. Mercedes is doing the opposite

thing, and selling its brand values with the CLA.

If they want to be #1 they might as well keep being good at what they are instead of losing focus and trying to do everything at the same time just because of greed.​

I'm sure BMW doesn't need much more money, but, yes, they want more customers and this means much more money. I'm totally agreed with you, you want RWD models, but if someone wishes one BMW and can be FWD, why BMW shouldn't offer this type of car? By brand values and to lose one customer? Your theory is [I think] yes, it's better to lose customers because we're faithful to RWD. BMW is the opposite, one more customer isn't only much money, is one customer less for Audi (for example).

I don't understand this strategy, but I'm sure they are keeping its brand value selling FWD and they are not losing sellings of RWD cars and I'm sure too that they will continue selling more RWD cars that FWD.

I thinks SCOTT27 and others persons from this forum could be explain better the BMW's strategy.

You tell me that "Mercedes is doing the opposite thing, and selling its brand values with the CLA".
Maybe I could be agreed with you but Mercedes is using one diesel engine from Renault in the compact range, C-Class and very possible too in the new E-Class. And, this is not selling with the brand value typical from Mercedes. For me, no.

You have your opinion and I have the mines

 

[Mars1965]

That analogy simply doesn't work.

It was a reply to the post of "sanpt7777". I must be destracted by using the reply to "Monster".

The discussion about BMW going FWD in the entry cars is discussed enough on this forum.

I fully agree on http://www.bmwblog.com/2015/11/30/will-a-front-wheel-drive-bmw-kill-the-brand/

 

[SCOTT27]

The compact segment is highly competitive and you need to be competitive in every specific area. RWD in the compact class does have its compromises which unfortunately RWD will just not satisfy the customer that wants flexibility and versatility, limits that are found within RWD packaging.
RWD can work on Coupes and Cabrios because they are not restricted by the demands of extra legroom in the rear and increased boot space. They appeal to an entire demographic. But cars like the 1er are limited in regards to core competition.

1er Sub-Compact. 1er Sub-comp. 5dr. X-Cite Crossover.

Z1 (hypothetical)

X1. X1 Li X2

2er Sporthatch 3Dr. 2er Sporthatch 5Dr. 2er Sedan (China)

2er Active Tourer. 2er Gran Tourer. 2er Gran Turismo

2er Coupe. 2er Cabrio 2er Gran Coupe

2er Touring/New Segment (Hypothetical)

M2 Coupe. M2 Cabrio M2 Gran Coupe

M2 Further Performance Concept.

What I would like to see is Where the 1er finds itself in the future which will be in the sub-compact class, allowing for a new Sporthatch under the 2er. Yes UKL based, FWD and optional xDrive but far more competitive than before.
Remember though BMW did state that total BMW/MINI UKL models would equal over 20 models.

 

[SF Dede]

oh my so many interesting things in that response Scott. Please bring the 2er sport hatches, gran coupes, tourings and m variants to the US. There will be a large enough market. Would be very happy!

 

[thorsen82]

Ok Scott you are saying a lot!!! .. Only 2er coupe & cabrio & m2 are set to remain rwd? These models will be like a 3er compact ..

 

[martinbo]

Let's see how this all pans out - only time and official press releases will tell the truth.

 

[maragulon]

But where is X2 Sport?

 

[SF Dede]

Let's see how this all pans out - only time and official press releases will tell the truth.

Buzz kill

 

[martinbo]

Buzz kill

Sorry man! Ignore me - carry on regardless...

 

[SF Dede]

Sorry man! Ignore me - carry on regardless...

Oh good, I'll continue on believing...just call me Alice...

 

[Fido]

Many thanks SCOTT. I was doing some bets over the futures 2-Series range and 1-Series until I've remembered this that you posted some days ago

.... The plan is to extend the 2er family allowing for the 1er to be more city orientated. There will be surprises on the way to determine the balance.

I don't know if this is correct, but I think the strategy for the future 1-Series is to change to 2-Series. Current 1-Series 5-doors and 3-doors will be the futures 2-Series Sporttourer and Sporthact.

And the current 1-Series, that will be more city oriented, one competitor for Audi A1?

 

[Rainer271]

I don't know if this is correct, but I think the strategy for the future 1-Series is to change to 2-Series. Current 1-Series 5-doors and 3-doors will be the futures 2-Series Sporttourer and Sporthact.

And the current 1-Series, that will be more city oriented, one competitor for Audi A1?

A few years ago this was already to read.
The 1-Series will get the 2-Series moniker because BMW will need the 1 for a new smaller entrance model, at that time called BMW City:

This was one of the fantasies 4-5 years ago.

 

[Fido]

A few years ago this was already to read.
The 1-Series will get the 2-Series moniker because BMW will need the 1 for a new smaller entrance model, at that time called BMW City:

This was one of the fantasies 4-5 years ago.

I knew that information from a long time ago and I was convinced that they would do, but I did't know how they'd do with MINI. Now, all have a lot of sense and looks like is going to be one reality...

 

[sanpt7777]

I'm sure BMW doesn't need much more money, but, yes, they want more customers and this means much more money. I'm totally agreed with you, you want RWD models, but if someone wishes one BMW and can be FWD, why BMW shouldn't offer this type of car? By brand values and to lose one customer? Your theory is [I think] yes, it's better to lose customers because we're faithful to RWD. BMW is the opposite, one more customer isn't only much money, is one customer less for Audi (for example).

I don't understand this strategy, but I'm sure they are keeping its brand value selling FWD and they are not losing sellings of RWD cars and I'm sure too that they will continue selling more RWD cars that FWD.

I thinks SCOTT27 and others persons from this forum could be explain better the BMW's strategy.

You tell me that "Mercedes is doing the opposite thing, and selling its brand values with the CLA".
Maybe I could be agreed with you but Mercedes is using one diesel engine from Renault in the compact range, C-Class and very possible too in the new E-Class. And, this is not selling with the brand value typical from Mercedes. For me, no.

You have your opinion and I have the mines

Alright, you are getting me wrong. I agree with what you said, and understand it all. That's why I was OK with the 2er GT being FWD.

What I am making an emphasis on is that this is the entry to the brand, and you are giving new customers a wrong taste of it to put it some way.

I was under the impression that all the 1 and 2 range would become FWD eventually but seems like there will still be sport RWD compacts? If that's it, then fine.

I was about to say the same, it's just an opinion from me, both opinions are actually correct, but subjectively I still believe a "proper" BMW should be RWD.

It was a reply to the post of "sanpt7777". I must be destracted by using the reply to "Monster".

My iPhone has a 50:50 weight distribution and it still has manual lock and home buttons. I find it to be as good as old Nokias I had 12 years ago, except the mass has being reduced so handling of the phone is better now. So no, I don't use a Nokia anymore

 

[Giannis]

Oh please. Times change. Are you still using a Nokia 6310i?

Times do change but virtues stay the same. I still use my Nokia 6300i and refuse to buy a smartphone. I don't have a facebook account or any other involvement with social media and the two things I expect from my mobile phone is to be able to make phone calls and survive drops from a height of >1.5m.

I would buy a BMW for its supreme driving dynamics, three words that are completely opposed to FWD, this side of a Fiesta ST. I'd buy a Mercedes for it's comfort, safety and engineering quality.

You build your (brand) name on virtues, be that good driving dynamics, supreme engineering or splendid value for money. There are people on the market looking for certain virtues. Then there are those that shop for the badge on the hood, the people who buy a 2er AT and will buy the new 1er sedan.

 

[Monster]

Times do change but virtues stay the same. I still use my Nokia 6300i and refuse to buy a smartphone. I don't have a facebook account or any other involvement with social media and the two things I expect from my mobile phone is to be able to make phone calls and survive drops from a height of >1.5m.

This confirms it, Giannis is a spy.