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      07-03-2012, 02:22 PM   #16
SCOTT26
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They are replacing the RWD X1 with a FWD X1, the RWD 1-series with a FWD 1-series, and the RWD 2-series with a FWD 2-series. And if we're being technical, they're also replacing the RWD Z1 with a FWD Z2.
The only BMW FWD Vehicles will be the BMW City Compactive hatch in 3dr and 5dr format , BMW 1er Compactive Sports Tourer (GT) , BMW Family Activity Sports Tourer and the X1. With the next generation BMW 1er following through.

The BMW 2er remains as RWD and to combat the loss of the BMW X1 ,
The BMW X2 will take that place , however it forgoes the Coupe esque styling of the X4 and X6 to be simply a lower dynamic SAV (If you look at the Lamborghini Urus Concept , you can see how BMW are thinking in regards to the sportier model) especially when traditional Coupe styling will limit packaging and headroom for the smaller X2.

X2 will be AWD only and will be the first BMW SAC to be offered in 3dr format. It will also be the entry BMW SAC to offer six cylinder engines as the new FWD X1 will not be able to fit an inline six in the engine bay.

The move to FWD is to help transform MINI's profitability , MINI is not as profitable as it should be , especially the Oxford-built cars, The BMW FWD cars will not only help MINI to become profitable but will also increase BMW's sales combined MINI and BMW FWD sales by the end of this decade are expected to be around 800,000 extra units making up more than half of BMW's sales.

The upcoming firing shot to announce the first FWD BMW is coming very soon with the first concept at the Paris Autoshow.
BMW are especially proud because they have re-interpreted FWD to appeal to a BMW customer so much so that some say the upcoming FWD car is especially groundbreaking for a FWD car. Essentially you are looking at possibly one of the most revolutionary and advanced BMW cars yet especially in terms of technology for the class with advanced transmissions and the new advanced Turbo-charged three cylinder engine.

The Compactive Sports Tourer is a direct competitor to Mercedes-Benz's runaway success new gen B-Klasse. Incidentially a car that European customers have been wanting BMW to build ,away from the mono-space mini-vans offered by mainstream manufacturers.
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The M850i is evidence that BMW have got their mojo back when it comes to dynamic sports cars...
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