BMW Group announced at their annual press conference in Munich that the German carmaker would introduce 40 new models by the end of next year. The 40 models would include new and updated vehicle across the three brands – BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce. The Bavarian marque will shift focus on more SUVs, profits of which will help the carmaker invest in the electrification programme.
Speaking at the annual press conference, Harald Kruger, CEO, BMW AG, said, “In 2017, we will launch the largest model offensive in the history of the company. We will be releasing more than 40 new and revised models onto the market this year and next.” To begin with, the focus will be on the new generation G30 5 Series, which will be joined by a new M5 as well. A Touring station wagon and a long-wheelbase version will follow. The updated 4 Series line-up is also included.
Moving on to the most important X line-up, which will include two completely new members. The SUV lineup will be spearheaded by an all-new flagship, the X7. The car has been spotted testing and is expected to arrive soon. An all new X2 will be introduced based on the concept showcased at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The X3 will enter into its second generation as well. Krueger asserts that the expanded X-range will boost the brand’s profitability, allowing it to better fund a long-term electrification strategy.
The Mini product line-up expands by an electric model along with an all-new Countryman. Another British marque under BMW, Rolls Royce, will debut the eighth generation of the Phantom limousine, apart from the brand's first venture into the SUV segment with an all-new Cullinan SUV. The new two-seater coupe, Z5, a new 6 Series GT and the i8 Spyder are also on the cards. Apart from this, the BMW i brand will also introduce a new family oriented i5 vehicle, along with an autonomous tech, as a part of the iNext strategy.
BMW wants to retain the top spot in the premium sales over the Mercedes-Benz and Audi. For this reason, BMW is launching the biggest model offensive ever and “has started a transformation, unlike anything our company has seen before.” Kruger added.
