October Update :

[SCOTT27]

Apologies for the non-response.

After a slight detour after the IAA involving the BMW M5 Press launch and my exclusive time behind the wheel of the more "enthusiast aimed" BMW M6 this week I will be taking a short break this week as work has taken priority.

But we have an exciting week to come commencing of course with the launch of the new BMW 3er Sedan on Friday.

And I would like to update you on the status of the next generation BMW 7er and what BMW are planning in relation to the next generation model, in terms of it's partnership with the next Rolls-Rolls Phantom - clue - aluminium space frame.

Also why BMW are considering a super-SAV - The X7 (Which both BMW and RR CEO are against a RR SAV )
The X7 would in essence be that car but with a BMW badge. Designers are working on proposals but the brief is that it must look sporty but still offer seating for seven.

Of course there is much to go on especially in regarding BMW's next generation V12 and a BMW-take on an innovative centre rail system and adoption of a similar life drive concept in order to offer a capacious cabin.

Aswell as the next generation 7er Sedan in both standard and Li wheelbases.
BMW want to resurect the previous CS Concept idea along with the X7 to bridge the BMW brand to Rolls-Royce and bring forth a competitive rival for the upcoming Bentley SAV without resorting to a Rolls-Royce.

More tonight.

 

[DblPen]

(Which both BMW and RR CEO are against a RR SAV )

thank god for that

 

[chonkoa]

Also why BMW are considering a super-SAV - The X7 (Which both BMW and RR CEO are against a RR SAV )
The X7 would in essence be that car but with a BMW badge. Designers are working on proposals but the brief is that it must look sporty but still offer seating for seven.
More tonight.

Good idea that is 10 years behind the curve, Mercedes was quick enough to understand the market and address the need while BMW was busy with X6 and 5er GT. The impressive numbers of the GL in the US tells the story.

BMW want to resurect the previous CS Concept idea along with the X7 to bridge the BMW brand to Rolls-Royce and bring forth a competitive rival for the upcoming Bentley SAV without resorting to a Rolls-Royce.

More tonight.

CS Concept is the same as the X7, too late because if and when it ever becomes a production car it will do so without the wow factor.
BMW truly missed the opportunity with the CS concept.

 

[EMpower]

Good idea that is 10 years behind the curve, Mercedes was quick enough to understand the market and address the need while BMW was busy with X6 and 5er GT.

5GT is a fiasco. Don't know how they missed the mark on that. They would sell more X7 in US then 5GT.

 

[SCOTT27]

Good idea that is 10 years behind the curve, Mercedes was quick enough to understand the market and address the need while BMW was busy with X6 and 5er GT. The impressive numbers of the GL in the US tells the story.




CS Concept is the same as the X7, too late because if and when it ever becomes a production car it will do so without the wow factor.
BMW truly missed the opportunity with the CS concept.

I am not going to go into detail , again for the numerous time on why the CS Concept was cancelled? Use the search button I think my recent answer to that always asked question can be found in the 6er Coupe thread?

Yes but when you look at total X6 sales it has outsold the GL-Klasse worldwide. And when you combine yearly X6 and 5er GT it still outsells them. You may not like these cars but they have found their customers. BMW UK for example have delivered their 2 millionth BMW to a customer and that customer chose the 530d GT. Even on BMW forums they have sections for the GT and on there you can see why customers chose the GT.
Besides on numerous occasions I have made my point about the GT and it's purpose there is no point in going over the same argument over and over again.

But what is the GL? It does not match up to the Range Rover in the luxury stakes and is seen as Merc's Escalade.
The new one is aimed at getting out of the Escalades shadow but so far it looks like an extended wheelbase ML.
What you will have when the new sweeping lines of the A-Klasse and S-Klasse arrive will be a car that looks dated in fact many at the IAA were saying how dated the new M-Klasse looked for an all-new vehicle.

BMW have spelt out in their requirements design brief that the car must be sporty looking and are specific on some factors such as lower roofline to the rear and shallow glasshouse , it should be an "x" in appearance but must form it's own identity and not be simply an extended X5.

X7 is seen as going up against the Mercedes-Benz GL-Klasse , Range Rover and the newcomers to the luxury sav segment Bentley. But that's not all BMW are also investigating for the Lower premium compact segment an Xcoupe. which given that the X7 is on the path to investigation. Will more and likely be called X2.
The X2 or Xcoupe will be considered after the response given to the Porsche Cajun which will be a three door to begin with. Giving BMW a full line-up of highly profitable sport utility vehicles. X1,X2,X3,X4,X5,X6,X7.

The next 7er family will share a next generation modular aluminium matrix which will also underpin the next generation of Rolls-Royce . The 7er family will also share the future Phantom's aluminium space frame.
It's principle talking point will be it's next generation of V12 Which BMW are working on with a specific partner on a strategy to make the V12 "relevant" and "acceptable" by adding multiple tricks such as advanced cylinder shutdown and super capacitators in the transmission allowing the car to switch to sustainable mode when entering a specifc area. A new gearbox is possible but if you are expecting 9-Speeds such as the latest creation from ZF? You will need to drive the new MINI or BMW City Compact for that.

 

[Merc1]

Yes but when you look at total X6 sales it has outsold the GL-Klasse worldwide. And when you combine yearly X6 and 5er GT it still outsells them.

You've given statements like this before and they were false, how about some numbers on the X6 outselling the GL? Whats the point of saying the X6 and 5GT outsell the GL? You're adding up 2 different vehicles to say they outsell 1 vehicle, really desperate to prove a point it seems.


M

 

[Betty Swollocks]

BMW UK for example have delivered their 2 millionth BMW to a customer and that customer chose the 530d GT.

I actually don't mind the 5GT that much but what on Earth does that have to do with anything? So it just happened to be a 5GT.

 

[klier]

^ Yeah, another way to put it, 0.000001% of those two millions cars are 5er GT

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Question is... why is a Bentley SAV now prompting BMW to investigate in a possible X7?

As has been claimed, the X5/X6 duo do a fine job in competing with the GL, and it has always been maintained that the X5 is large enough. The GL's been out for a while now, the Range Rover for yonks...and yet no X7 plans. But suddenly with a Bentley SAV on the horizon, BMW are interested in an X7. Seems strange....

As for the alu-frame 7er. A couple of generations behind...but better late than never!

 

[SCOTT27]

You've given statements like this before and they were false, how about some numbers on the X6 outselling the GL? Whats the point of saying the X6 and 5GT outsell the GL? You're adding up 2 different vehicles to say they outsell 1 vehicle, really desperate to prove a point it seems.


M

I did not bring the X6 and 5GT into the argument. Someone else did. However I look forward to the interpretations from Audi and Mercedes-Benz of the 5GT and X6 which will suggest BMW were right to bring them to the market.
Especially since they are one part instrumental for BMW's market lead and of course lead in emerging markets.

Question is... why is a Bentley SAV now prompting BMW to investigate in a possible X7?

As has been claimed, the X5/X6 duo do a fine job in competing with the GL, and it has always been maintained that the X5 is large enough. The GL's been out for a while now, the Range Rover for yonks...and yet no X7 plans. But suddenly with a Bentley SAV on the horizon, BMW are interested in an X7. Seems strange....

Simple. With the Bentley, customers will seize on the opportunity to demand a similar RR. But Reithofer and RR CEO are dead against a RR SAV as it does not fit the brand image. It might make money but it is not a typical RR client choice. RR has other model opportunities that are more fitting with the brand than a SAV that is why they will be investigated first.

BMW sees the opportunity for a luxurious , spacious SAV Concept with a V12 but using the BMW brand,
As a more interesting concept for the luxury market. But as I said it is being investigated , and is not 100% confirmed.

 

[Sunny]

But Reithofer and RR CEO are dead against a RR SAV as it does not fit the brand image.

Lol, I look forward to how this will be spun if/when RR actually ends up making a "SAV".

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

. X1,X2,X3,X4,X5,X6,X7.

A.K.A. Watering down the BMW brand to Mercedes level. Nicely done BMW.

 

[klier]

Just make a 2 door 'coupe' version of the next X6, and put a V12 in it if you have to. No need for a whole new gigantic SUV.

Though I must say, I sat in a GL the other day at the dealership, and it's quite awesome from the inside. I am 1.85 cm and I can properly sit in the very back seats of the GL (they are fully electric too, very cool). Still I don't want to see an X7. Much rather see a lightweight small sportscar.

 

[braaf]

BMW are planning in relation to the next generation model, in terms of it's partnership with the next Rolls-Rolls Phantom - clue - aluminium space frame.

With all BMWs efforts on CFRP, it would be nice to see some effort being made to at least incorporate CFRP into the chassis of the main stream line up. It would make sense to start with the 7er as it is the expensive model and BMW can charge the premium, or am I getting ahead of myself.

 

[Huckfeldt]

So there will be a time BMW has more SUVs than Merc. Hell, one day BMW may have more FWD cars than Audi LOL !

 

[klier]

5GT is a fiasco. Don't know how they missed the mark on that. They would sell more X7 in US then 5GT.

Time to think outside your safe American box perhaps? BMW does not make cars solely for the U.S market. Nobody outside the U.S is waiting for an X7.

 

[Mr Robert]

X7? That would have been something... ditch the fun and light stuff to keep making the heavy Every manufacturer will have to cut in the heavy weight department in order for the brand average to be lowered.

 

[EMpower]

Time to think outside your safe American box perhaps? BMW does not make cars solely for the U.S market. Nobody outside the U.S is waiting for an X7.

Agreed. Personally I am not a fan of big SUVs. But there is market for X7 in US and China. How does 5GT sell as compared to X3 or X6, outside US?
BTW, American box is not safe anymore.

 

[SCOTT27]

A.K.A. Watering down the BMW brand to Mercedes level. Nicely done BMW.

When you combine total profits of X1,X3 X5 and X6 you understand why BMW and why other manufacturers are rushing to fill the gap with SUV's because they are very profitable. Profits of combined X models is just behind the 3er. Now that the fothcoming E90 is built to be more profitable and with the inclusion of other models. You can see why BMW and of course others are thinking of the future in terms of profitability?

People may despise SUV's but they bring in lots of money not only for BMW but Mercedes-Benz , Audi and even Porsche.
That is why you will continue to see SUV's from premium manufacturers. If the Mercedes X6 rival takes off then expect a smaller variant on the next generation GLK-Klasse. Like them or not they will come.

 

[chonkoa]

Question is... why is a Bentley SAV now prompting BMW to investigate in a possible X7?

As has been claimed, the X5/X6 duo do a fine job in competing with the GL, and it has always been maintained that the X5 is large enough. The GL's been out for a while now, the Range Rover for yonks...and yet no X7 plans. But suddenly with a Bentley SAV on the horizon, BMW are interested in an X7. Seems strange....

As for the alu-frame 7er. A couple of generations behind...but better late than never!

Because BMW of lately likes to follow:
-Grand Coupe to rival A7 & CLS
-X7 now to rival GL & Bentley SAV
-i8 to rival R8 and SLS