BMW Slims Down

BMW recently tipped its hand on a slew of new vehicles coming to its line up in the next few years. These new, or in some cases, redesigned, models are radically different for a company that builds “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” First and foremost, they will all feature standard front wheel drive. On the outside they will be noticeably smaller, allowing BMW to slither its way into the compact car market that so many consumers are demanding in these days of $4 fuel prices. One of the first new models we can expect to see stateside relatively soon is the BMW X1. The little brother of the X3 SUV, known as the baby-Bimmer. Its US launch has been delay due to higher than anticipated demand in Europe. The X1 is significantly smaller than the X3, gaining only a few inches over its cousin 1-Series coupe, but still maintains a spacious interior reminiscent of a mid-size SUV. Another sibling expected to be well received here in the United States is the long rumored Z2 Roadster. A shorter version of the sporty Z4, the Z2 Roadster has been rumored to be in the making for half a decade now but as of yet nothing has materialized. Recent public road test sightings lead us to believe that a 2013 model is a distinct possibility. Like the X1, the Z2 will feature a front wheel drive 4 cylinder engine. With new SUV and roadster models expected out soon BMW also plans to add a few models to it 1-Series line up. The 1-Series GT will be similar to the 5-Series GT just more compact and a sleeker look. BMW also has a 2016 launch date for the 1-Series Touring. Equipped with a higher roof line, more cargo capacity, and greater flexibility in the interior, the 1-Series Touring is only expected to be launched in Europe. The enormous success of the X1 in Europe has proven the BMW knows what they know a thing or two about making front wheel drive work in its performance cars. What is also clear is that people are looking to downsize without sacrificing the comforts and features they are used to in larger vehicles, and BMW has stepped up to the plate with its slim and trim performance vehicles in every category. The smaller cars, accompanied with their lower price points should allow BMW to compete in a whole new market, making luxury more affordable.