The 10 core BMW models coming before the end of 2018
New BMW executive cars and SUVs planned in huge model range expansion
By the end of 2018 the BMW Group (which also includes MINI and Rolls-Royce) will launch more than 40 new or revised models.
The bulk of those newcomers, however, will come from BMW directly. A mix of sports cars, luxury coupes, roadsters and SUVs are all on the horizon within the next 18 months.
An all-new, lighter BMW Z4 will lead the way as the blitz begins, but other cars set to arrive include the new 3 Series, M5, X2 and the i8 Roadster.
Here are 10 of the core models that really matter...
BMW Z4
Price: £35k (est)
Development of BMW’s next two-seat roadster is shared with that of the next Toyota Supra, and will be revealed in August at Pebble Beach, California. We’ve already seen spy shots of the new car, and our exclusive image reveals that the Z4 will revert back to a fabric roof. While it will still be electrically folding, the top will play a big part in a weight-saving strategy that will see the BMW become faster, more efficient and more fun to drive.
Mounted behind the front axle will be a range of BMW’s ‘TwinPower’ turbo petrol engines which will be offered in both four and six-cylinder forms. Expect at least 200bhp from base models, with top-end turbocharged straight-six variants nudging 300bhp. As before, all cars will be rear-wheel drive.
BMW 3 Series
Price: £27k (est)
A new version of BMW’s compact executive big seller (seen in our exclusive image above) will arrive next year, with a design inspired by the latest 5 Series. A new rear-wheel-drive chassis will help it shed weight, while an all-electric version is believed to be in the pipeline.
BMW 6 Series GT
Price: £40k (est)
As part of BMW’s model range overhaul, the slow-selling 5 Series Gran Turismo executive hatchback will use the 6 Series nameplate. The change is designed to create some distance between it and the standard 5 Series. Our spies have caught it on test, and it will arrive in the second half of 2018.
BMW i8 Roadster
Price: £115k (est)
When BMW’s i8 Roadster lands it will bring with it a subtle update for the coupe, too. Spy shots reveal the roadster will feature a fabric targa top that stows away behind the seats. It’ll be powered by the same hybrid drivetrain comprising a 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor.
BMW M5
Price: £85k (est)
The M5 will be officially unveiled at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, but we already know it will be powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 making around 610bhp, with weight-saving measures ensuring a 0-62mph time of about 3.5 seconds. A new, rear-biased four-wheel-drive system helps rein it all in, too.
BMW X2
Price: £30k (est)
THE first of two all-new SUVs in 2018, the baby X2 will retain much of the design from the concept revealed at last year’s Paris Motor Show. It will join the X4 and X6 in BMWs style-led coupe-SUV line-up.
It sits on the same front-wheel-drive platform as the X1, and the X2 will be powered exclusively by four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Even the mooted high-performance model, which could wear the M25i badge, will use a 2.0-litre unit. Most variants will come with the option of four-wheel drive, however.
We’ll see the finished article before the end of the year, but sales won’t begin until early 2018.
BMW X3
Price: £35k (est)
A lighter and larger X3 will be the first new SUV to join the ranks at the end of this year. Our exclusive image reveals its looks, and it’ll be based on a new rear-drive chassis. A pumped-up X3 M, developing upwards of 400bhp, will also join the range for the first time.
BMW X4
Price: £37k (est)
Once the X3 arrives, BMW will waste no time in launching the more svelte X4, caught here by our spies. Based on an identical platform to its more conventional brother, it will carry over the same four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, too.
BMW X5
Price: £50k (est)
The X5 was BMW’s first foray into the SUV market in 1999, but next year the fourth-generation model will land. It will be an evolution of the current model in terms of design, based on recent spy shots, but a new platform, engines and technology will feature.
BMW X7
Price: £70k (est)
Crowning BMW’s expanded SUV line-up will be a flagship X7, previewed by our exclusive image. It will be a Range Rover rival, and will share its platform with the 7 Series saloon. Seven seats will be offered, while a plug-in hybrid could also be on the cards.
Which BMW models are you looking forward to seeing? Let us know below…
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