Next Gen 2015 BMW X1 Rumored to Go FWD on UKL Platform

[Imola.ZHP]

Mini = BMW
Mini = FWD
Mini = Fantastic

therefore

BMW = FWD = Fantastic

GTFOver It!

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

Mini = BMW
Mini = FWD
Mini = Fantastic

therefore

BMW = FWD = Fantastic

GTFOver It!

This is funny! LOL Nice.

Just adding more to my first post in this thread, what's the point of having FWD or RWD anyway? Like someone said, isn't he whole point of the X-Series is to have xDrive just for it's class of vehicles?

[Lucky13]

Well, I am trading my Mini Clubman S because I can't stand front wheel drive. The reason I am buying the X1 is because it is offered in a rear wheel drive. If the X1 wasn't available in rear wheel drive I'd buy the 3 series wagon because I have no need for all wheel drive because of the weight, handling and gas mileage penalty. I've bought BMW's since 1995 and they keep getting less fun to drive and the X1 is just what I have been waiting for. This will be my 14th new BMW and I really don't care what X stands for. It means SUV to me not all wheel drive, 10 years ago BMW didn't even have all wheel drive so the X doesn't mean squat. I think they should offer X5 and X3 in rear wheel drive. Lexus has the best selling luxury SUV and they sell it in front wheel drive or all wheel drive (I hate Lexus by the way).

[Fraggy]

Wow, it's coming... It won't be too long, a generation or two and the 3 series will be FWD too

[AlexanderR]

Originally Posted by aajami

Those costs will not be passed on to the consumer, but will go to increase the company's profit margins. To be sure, the next-gen X1 will not be cheaper than the current-gen.




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.

What kills me is this, you have no idea what BMW is actually going to do yet you assume and say they are replacing RWD with FWD like your the CEO you said yourself its only a rumor so why don't we leave it at that and not make it seem to everyone like it is a 100%. /rant

[Kcc]

FWD is alway better on snow and smoother handling for non aggressive driver. What I trying ro say is, some people might not be able to afford AWD but they could still drive a BMW. BMW is trying to get a hold on all market share.

Kcc

[aajami]

Originally Posted by AlexanderR

What kills me is this, you have no idea what BMW is actually going to do yet you assume and say they are replacing RWD with FWD like your the CEO you said yourself its only a rumor so why don't we leave it at that and not make it seem to everyone like it is a 100%. /rant

I actually have a great idea of what BMW is going to do next because BMW has made no secret of its FWD plans:

http://f20.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=536650

It doesn't take a CEO to know that you want to make as many products as possible off of one platform. The UKL platform will be the basis of the next-generation 1-series, which includes at least three distinct 5-door models in the City Compact, the Fast Activity Sports Tourer, and the Gran Turismo, as well as a possible fourth 3-door model. It will also be the basis of the next-gen F56 MINI line, which if the current lineup is any indication, will likely have a half dozen unique models. Lastly, it will also form the foundation of the new Z2, which replaces the old Z1/Z3. Having that many models built off of one platform is a good ROI on the R&D costs involved with building said platform.

The UKL platform has been talked about and spotted testing for well over a year, even though we won't see the first product based on this platform for at least two. And yet, there hasn't been any reports to suggest that the next-generation X1 is going to get a unique platform (which would be highly cost inefficient), nor share its underpinnings with the F30 (which would make it too large for the market segment it's intended for). If BMW has a platform that would fit a compact SUV, why would it not make it the basis of the next X1?

While plans can always change, I would be very surprised if most, if not all, of the above came to pass.

[ATX78703]

Nothing wrong with this. Whys everybody upset? All this means is the next gen x1/1er and those city models will platform share with mini. More cost effective. These arent core bmw models anyway. U guys are acting like the 3er is going fwd or something.....

Look this is still better than vw/audi with their mqb and mlb platform, neither of which is rwd. At best, you can get a mlb longitudinal quattro model, which still uses the haldex center open diff to get at most 60% of the power to the rear.

[manicm]

If it means more space, greater value, retains great handling then I'm all for it.

[polesx]

I would be very upset if the new FWD cars no longer handle like the RWD cars. Although I know that there is physical limitation which makes FWD cars understeer at high speed, I want to hold onto the roller coaster bar and see what magic BMW can deliver. After all, they promise the ultimate driving machine to their fans.

Maybe fitting an Integral Active Steering or something would make the FWD handles like a RWD.

RWD has some disadvantages too. Climbing for RWD is quite inefficient, just like how we push a shopping kart up the curb. FWD will deliver a smoother climbing experience. If X1 gets a FWD along with IAS, maybe the over all driving experience could be better.

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

Nothing wrong with this. Whys everybody upset? All this means is the next gen x1/1er and those city models will platform share with mini. More cost effective. These arent core bmw models anyway. U guys are acting like the 3er is going fwd or something.....

Look this is still better than vw/audi with their mqb and mlb platform, neither of which is rwd. At best, you can get a mlb longitudinal quattro model, which still uses the haldex center open diff to get at most 60% of the power to the rear.

People are upset because it is diluting the BMW brand/image. The BMW brand became so strong in the US because they sold "Ultimate Driving Machines", that were RWD, 50-50 weight distribution, reasonably light (smaller) and drove/handled great.

FWD cars inherently do not drive as well, since 60-70% of the weight is on the front axle. Honda was able to make "good" handling FWD cars because they used DWS and lightweight chassis, but they were still not as good as RWD Bimmers. BMW can say all they want, but this change is purely for volume and lowering costs (and increase MPG).

My next car will most likely be a 1-series with a NA engine (which the BMW heritage and mystic was built on), before they change to the F20 model. I've driven a Mini, and I definitely prefer the drive of the 1-series over it.

[Lucky13]

Torque steer on Mini's is horrible. Try making a right hand turn from a stop with traffic coming in a Mini and then pray you actually get some traction. I have a Clubman S and although it handles great you can not get the tires (even new tires) to not spin like crazy. I feel like my life is at stake every time I have to excellerate quickly from a stop. I have rented a lot of front wheel drive cars and they just can't equal the feel and confidence of rear wheel drive.

[ATX78703]

Originally Posted by Iron Man

People are upset because it is diluting the BMW brand/image. The BMW brand became so strong in the US because they sold "Ultimate Driving Machines", that were RWD, 50-50 weight distribution, reasonably light (smaller) and drove/handled great.

FWD cars inherently do not drive as well, since 60-70% of the weight is on the front axle. Honda was able to make "good" handling FWD cars because they used DWS and lightweight chassis, but they were still not as good as RWD Bimmers. BMW can say all they want, but this change is purely for volume and lowering costs (and increase MPG).

My next car will most likely be a 1-series with a NA engine (which the BMW heritage and mystic was built on), before they change to the F20 model. I've driven a Mini, and I definitely prefer the drive of the 1-series over it.

if u're fixed on being a crabby purist that isn't amenable to business-drive changes, go buy a used E36/E46. i personally don't believe that the x1/1er/city models/i models/etc... have to "represent the brand" the same way that the 3er and the 5er do.

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

if u're fixed on being a crabby purist that isn't amenable to business-drive changes, go buy a used E36/E46. i personally don't believe that the x1/1er/city models/i models/etc... have to "represent the brand" the same way that the 3er and the 5er do.

I am not a crabby purist, but a BMW enthusiast. You can say what you want, but if it has the BMW roundel on it, then the product "represents the brand". People see it as a BMW, because it is sold as one.

If they neuter the product, eventually the brand will be neutered as well.

They can sell FWD cars as something else if they like, expand Mini even more, create a new badge, JV with another make, etc. Just don't sell them as BMW's (at least not in the US).

[ATX78703]

Originally Posted by Iron Man

If they neuter the product, eventually the brand will be neutered as well.
.

To a certain degree, many consider that the brand has been neutered anyway by even introducing the X1, X vehicles in general, EPS, 4 cylinder engines, turbocharging, etc....

If they continue to make great cars that I enjoy driving, I don't personally care if they also make some FWD models for the purpose of business-efficiency.

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

To a certain degree, many consider that the brand has been neutered anyway by even introducing the X1, X vehicles in general, EPS, 4 cylinder engines, turbocharging, etc....

If they continue to make great cars that I enjoy driving, I don't personally care if they also make some FWD models for the purpose of business-efficiency.

I can see we won't agree on this, but even the X-series models they made were relatively sporty/great handling SUV/XUV's compared to other brands.

Their turbo-charged engines still offer great performance, their 4-cylinder turbo performs like a V6. So the sport is still there, because the rest of the package remained. Though, EPS has hurt their reputation if you read the car mags.

You need to look at it from a brand perspective. If they start selling FWD Bimmers, what makes them any different than Acura, Volvo or FWD Audi's? Acura makes some great handling FWD cars and they have better reliability. People buy BMW's despite the relatively mediocre reliability and high maintenance costs because once you drive one, it is hard to beat the experience.

You think Cadillac switched their "sporty" models to RWD for the heck of it? No because BMW, Mercedes, etc. all preached that true Tier 1 luxury cars are RWD and RWD offers a better driving experience. Once they switch to FWD, they will not be producing a car that is as fun-to-drive any more and not a real BMW. A FWD BMW is not "The Ultimate Driving Experience" and true to the brand.

[DUH CAR]

Originally Posted by Iron Man

I am not a crabby purist, but a BMW enthusiast. You can say what you want, but if it has the BMW roundel on it, then the product "represents the brand". People see it as a BMW, because it is sold as one.

If they neuter the product, eventually the brand will be neutered as well.

They can sell FWD cars as something else if they like, expand Mini even more, create a new badge, JV with another make, etc. Just don't sell them as BMW's (at least not in the US).

+1

[Trumpy]

Originally Posted by juddholland

Or BMW could offer a rugged version of the 3-series wagon that offers adjustable height or standard raised suspension. The X1 offers a minimal clearance benefit over the 3 series touring and it's slightly cheaper because it is a "1-series" on stilts. But if the X1 is based off the 3-series, then there's no reason it should exist as the X3 is also based off the 3-series. I tried to like the X1, but all it does is convince people they're buying a piece of the BMW pedigree. I'm hardly saying that my X3 is any sort of premiership vehicle, but it's less aspirational because there's a whole market for a car like it. The X1 is too small to be considered an SUV, and with the higher center of gravity, its low curb weight lacks the substantial, protective mass that SUVs have.

I wish each market was defined by regulation. Every car in its class would have to have the exact same wheelbase, with only the engine offerings, equipment, design, technology, and engineering to set each apart from its competitors.

As a result, market and car class lines would be more defined and we wouldn't stand for the silly excuses carmakers have to justify their niche-filler vehicles.

This has to be one of the strangest comments I've ever seen on a car forum.

Perhaps I'm misinterpreting what you're saying; but are you seriously proposing a standardization across all manufacturers, in all markets of each category?

[manicm]

Originally Posted by Trumpy

This has to be one of the strangest comments I've ever seen on a car forum.

Perhaps I'm misinterpreting what you're saying; but are you seriously proposing a standardization across all manufacturers, in all markets of each category?

JuddHolland is not exactly correct - there is a reason to buy the X1 - as it shares the outgoing 3-series's platform. The X3 shares the new 3-series's platform.

And obviously the X3 is much more spacious inside, and also more expensive than the X1, and has the option of variable dampers.

So there is a place for the X1 as BMW's entry-level SUV - and it's perfectly adequate for young/small families.

[Lucky13]

Some people just don't want or need something as big as an X5 or X3. I'm 59 but placed an order for the X1 for fuel economy , fun to drive factor, handling etc. I've owned an X5 and two X3's and my wife and I don't need something as large as those two vehicles.

[investor27]

Here here. I'm not young either. But my wife and I just traded our 535i xDrive in for the X1 xDrive28i. Needed more ground clearance.