German Car Zone

X , Y , Z.

The X series identifies the range of Sport Activity Vehicles , such as X5 , X3 , X6 and very soon the X1.
The Z series identifies the range of Sporting Roadsters namely the Z4 but in the future the Z2.
Where does Y come into play.

It has been identified that certain customers were looking for something more sporting with their SAV's, Which although the liked the X5 there was something missing in regards to how the X5 was anonymous in concept along with the X5's competitors. One shape for each marque which brought the question for the purpose of the X6 The Worlds first Sport Activity Coupe.

Even after the introduction of the BMW X6 some customers have been identified who might want a bit more identity and creativity with a Sport Activity Coupe. Something with two doors rather than three an interesting new concept of Sport Activity Coupe which would be dynamic , lighter and more personal as a smaller Sport Activity Coupe.

Identified as a Concept and a creative idea. The Y series aims to be the hybrid of an X with the aura of a Z model. By being based within the the 1er portfolio BMW can be very cost efficient with an entirely new concept of car . First proposals showcase a small sedan like coupe shape with a raised driving position but not to much ground clearence. The Glasshouse is very shallow with a glass solar roof that will in theory retract down to the rear windshield offering a wide open Targa style roof.
Solar technology will be introduced on the next generation 1er as an Efficient Dynamics feature.

When it was shown , many recoiled in horror but in truth the DNA of the BMW Xcoupe Concept can be found in not only both incarnations of the Z4 Roadster but also the BMW X6. The idea of a combination of an X vehicle with the looks of a small coupe or roadster has been very much on the agenda since the Xcoupe was unveiled. Strictly billed as a niche model , not a volume model would help the Y create a key market as a unique unconventional choice as seen with the X6.

Although strictly as a two seater , the interior will be very sport orientated and feature such materials such as neoprene and synthetic shark skin type stretched materials like a zepplin shell over an all aluminium dashboard and the structure of the two seats..

In the future BMW will set out to gain focus on such a idea with a design concept in the near future, If the idea is well received then expect to see the Y on the roads in a few years time. For now it is a proposal of creativity.

X + Z = Y ...

A child of GINA & Xcoupe.


An off-roadster ...


Automotive genetic engineering. Cross-hybrid species. New generation of Mobility statement vehicles.

I am fed up with all this crap, i thought that the crisis that killed the CS would also kill these unbmws cars, but i guess the so fabulous mega engineer reithofer and his crew are really serious about making BMW a truck compagny. You want to experiment and go for niches, then why the hell is it always in the same unatural direction ? Why not experimenting with the "slim" cars ?

Y is a slim car .... It's basically a speedster / roadster with AWD & an inch or two higher riding height.

Like an Roadster Allroad.

It's not an SUV with 2 seats, and no roof. Absolutely not.

Think of this vehicle as of 21st century interpretation of buggy.


PS:
MINI can go the same way with a modern interpretation of Moke.

Good idea? Yes.
Viable product? Highly questionable.

There are no doubts that people would drool at the sight of an exciting cross-over of this kind -- hell I would be one of the droolers. But cheers isn't what a business thrives because it's sales and money coming in at the end of the day that matters. Sure BMW might have thrown a couple of focus group respondents and managed to elicit a positive response by playing a slide show depicting this highly dreamy idea. But whether people would actually be willing to part with their money for it is unpredictable story, and so it whether these potential customer base is large enough to help BMW recoup the R&D costs and break even.

Just because a a concept is attractive in imagination, doesn't mean that it's a great product with demand large enough to warrant mass production. The X6 and CLS have managed to survive for the sole reason that they are pragmatic some some extent. For example the CLS cost no much more than the 6-Series and is both a bought for the same reason. But with the changes that has taken place in the economy, the CLS sales are down nearly 65% compared with next year and BMW SAV sales have slipped 8% more than the sales for passenger cars. These are all US figures off course.

What is comes down to is sustainability. Even the worst cars ever produced have had their initial surge only for sales to drop drop within 1-2 years. Sort of like a fad -- the types of products that instantly evoke need-to-have desires, but then a few weeks later you ask yourself why you bought it?

I'm sorry...I just do not see the point of this car.What has been going on lately? First the 5er GT, then rumors of a production ConceptFascination, and now this? Automakers are sure being adventurous...

BMW has lost focus.

Interesting

BMW have to be absolutely precise about this car, because if they get it wrong No one at all will buy it, but I can see it being an enjoyable car so if they get it right, it could possibly sell very well.

Very hit and miss...

But..Get the target market audience right (and look) and they will have them selves a great car

Not at all.

Core models & lines will still be there - for those who want traditional shapes.

But there will be also various adventurous niche vehicles available - low-volume sellers - for those who want a bit more special cars.

So, a win-win situation.

And all the niche vehicles will prove the innovative, avant-garde & pioneer nature of BMW brand. And all the vehicles will still be very BMW: sporty, dynamic, modern, prestigious, a joy to drive, ....

But as said: all the niche vehicles will be NICHE - meaning selling in low volumes. But very important for the company from the profitability point of view. Generating extra profits - since such vehicles are extremely profitable from day one.

It's a well thought strategy - which will keep the brand alive for a LONG, LONG time.

BMW again pushing the boundaries ...

It's the same old scenario again, like when people foretasted Armageddon for BMW when an SUV (X5) was launched, when new avant-garde Bangle designs were introduced, when "ugly" 6er & 1er & X3 were introduced, when X6 was introduced, when 5er GT was introduced, when X1 was introduced etc. And - how come - all the models are selling well.

And even in the worst-time-ever for automotive industry BMW managed to retain the lead & managed to stay #1 selling premium brand in the world. For the first time in 12 years also overtaking Lexus in US market. Not to mention the company is financially healthy - much more than Daimler, and without any "internal affairs" like VAG / PAG.

The brand is strong & extremelly popular - also due to new "weird" vehicles.

And the company is determined to take this economic crisis as an oppurtunity - and come out even stronger & even more focused & even more determined to be a pioneer.

Just watch out the next 3 years ... There is more!

i've been on board with all the weird things BMW has done lately except for this. This will be a disaster, mark my words

Very few people bought the Z/M Coupe, and now you want to take that car and dilute it by making it a soft roader, I think you will cut the very small Z/M Coupe market down by 2/3s atleast. You might get 100 sales a year?