Report: BMW to rename 1 and 3 Series coupes as 2 and 4 Series

[HighestOfHigh]

While Mercedes-Benz has been steadily re-integrating its four-seat coupes and cabrios into their corresponding sedan ranges, BMW is reportedly preparing to go the other way. Word from Car Magazine has it that the Bavarian automaker is preparing to launch the next-generation versions of its 1 Series and 3 Series coupes and convertibles as the 2 Series and 4 Series, respectively.

The move would correspond well to the 6 Series, the coupe and convertible that sits between the 5 Series and 7 Series sedans. It's not the first time BMW has considered such a move, having come close to spinning the two-door 3 Series into a 4 Series about a decade ago.

Audi recently completed a similar shift, replacing the A4 convertible with the A5. That model has since spawned a five-door Sportback, in whose company BMW may soon find itself with the 3 Series GT that may likewise be badged as a 4 Series.

- BMW to rename 1 and 3 Series coupes as 2 and 4 Series — Autoblog

 

[wookieecrisp]

Changing the name to A5 added an air of exclusivity to what was previously the A4 coupe, it'd be very interesting to see BMW do the same.

 

[Giannis]

The 3er coupe has 30 years of history on its back! I find it unacceptable to change this name!

 

[Mr Robert]

Wow, the 4-series M3... that makes sense

 

[martinbo]

Here we go...

All. Over. Again.

 

[Mark]

It makes sense to me... even numbers coupes/convertibles, odd numbers sedans... but I do remember the last time around the board ultimately didn't approve it due to the '3 series' name cachet. Maybe it's time to add another layer of allure to the coupes/convertibles.... the 4-series . I like it!

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Wow, the 4-series M3... that makes sense

I'm thinking it would probably be the M4....but if the next generation model doesn't have a sedan M then I guess the M3 will not exist.

 

[Cashmere]

I would like to know the name of the person in charge of nomenclature at BMW. I wont be surprised if his actual name is lack-of-sexdrive116i

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Why don't they just make the GranCoupe (4dr Coupe) and GranTurismo variants of the 3-series as the new 4 series range. Both models would be a touch more upscale than the standard 3er sedan/coupe/touring, and of course this would allow the M3 name to live on ??

Also, it would allow the 3 core variants sedan/coupe/touring to rename under the '3 series range' for Sales/Marketing purposes. We can see how Mercedes is already utilizing the addition of the E-class Coupe/Convertible to promote E-class sales figures.

 

[SCOTT27]

No it is happening this time.
The M3 will remain the M3 because BMW are beginning to make plans for their other sub-brand BMW M .
BMW M is about to become more individual than before. BMWi is a Sub-brand so is BMW M there is some changes in the pipeline as both carve out a seperate identity from BMW in terms of product.

 

[Giannis]

No it is happening this time.
The M3 will remain the M3 because BMW are beginning to make plans for their other sub-brand BMW M .
BMW M is about to become more individual than before. BMWi is a Sub-brand so is BMW M there is some changes in the pipeline as both carve out a seperate identity from BMW in terms of product.

I hope that in 10 years time, you won't need to have a master in rocket engineering in order to be able to understand a BMW brochure!

I hope that the BMW line-up will remain as clear and easy to understand as it is now. If you know what you want from a car, you can easily find the one that suits you. But, if instead of the 1, 3, 5 and 7, plus the X and Z lines, the models' lineup grows even more complex, I don't know how easy it will be...

 

[Deleted member 25]

Still dunkel's remark is very valid, we had the nomenclature no longer matching the engine's CC, now we are having the M nomenclature no longer matching the core BMW serie.

 

[Human]

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BMW 1-series Coupe/Cabrio to become 2-series, details surface​

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Just like their Mercedes counterparts, BMW are undergoing a nomenclature revolution that will see a couple of brand new labels added to the line-up. We have already heard about the 3-series Coupe and Cabriolet being reassigned to the 4 series and now reports state a similar method is to be applied to the 1-series.​

The new BMW 2-series will essentially be rebadged versions of the next generation 1-series Coupe and Cabriolet. The benefit of the strategy will be eveident with the M version of the series as it will no longer step on the toes of the legendary M1 supercar. BMW plans were initially revealed last year when they registered the trademark for M2 in both Germany and the United States.​

BMW are considering offering the 2-series with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system giving the brand a direct rival to the Audi A3 Quattro and the Mercedes A-class 4Matic. It will be coupled with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission system and a choice of petrol and deisel engines.​

A report by Car Magazine has gone as far as to suggest the specific options and outputs the power units will make. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol option will be available in 150hp(112kW/152PS), 177hp(132kW/179PS) and 218hp(163kW/221PS) while the 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel option will produce 214hp(160kW/217PS).​

Further down the line BMW will launch the M2 which will essentially be a successor 1-series M Coupe. It will employ an powertrain that generates well in excess of 300hp(224kW/304PS) and will be coupled with the brand's dual-clutch transmission system.​

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Source: carmagazine​

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Read more: http://www.worldcarfans.com/112051044217/bmw-1-series-coupecabrio-to-become-2-series-details-surface#ixzz1uXiKJCPe​

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CARMAGAZINE

By Georg Kacher and Pembroke Tenneson (artist's impression by Christian Schulte)​

Spy shots​

10 May 2012 09:41​

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BMW is working on the next 1-series convertible - but it will arrive in 2014 badged as a 2-series.​

Given the number and variety of separate models coming from BMW, it comes as no surprise that some name-shuffling is necessary. Like Mercedes, Munich is having to rejig its range to accommodate the flurry of new metal, so the next 1-series coupe and convertible will share the 2-series nameplate.​

So what do we know about the new 2014 BMW 2-series roadster?​

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The F23 2-series will be little different from the latest1-series hatch, aside from sheet metal changes, so expect more or less the same engines and transmissions.​

Our sources at BMW predict four engines will be unique to the 2-series family, all of them 2.0-litre four-cylinders in differing states of tune:​

• 216i (2.0 petrol, 150bhp)​

• 218i (2.0 petrol, 177bhp)​

• 225i (2.0 petrol, 218bhp)​

• 220d (2.0 turbodiesel, 214bhp)​

Power will be sent to the road through either a six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic; BMW's pricey dual-clutch transmission will only be available on the 235i and the forthcoming M cars.​

Theoretically, the new 2014 2-series range may be offered in xDrive guise to battle the Audi A3 Quattro and the Mercedes A-class 4Matic, but so far no final decisions have been made.​

Why they're changing from 1-series to 2-series​

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The new name is a move that shadows the structure of the Audi and Mercedes-Benz model ranges. The A5 Sportback, coupe and convertible are all more prestigious and expensive than the more mainstream A4 models, and the E-class Coupe and Cabriolet fetch E-class money in spite of their well-concealed C-class genes.​

BMW expects the next generation of 2- and 4-series to command price premiums compared to their less glamorous four-door siblings.​

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http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Secret-new-cars/Search-Results/Spyshots/BMW-2-Series-Revealed/​

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