Several BMW Models Apparently on the Brink of Elimination
German luxury automakers are living through tough times. Daimler recently posted its first quarterly loss in a decade and, earlier this year, BMW announced it would implement various money-saving measures to make up for significantly decreasing profits.
That’s because, just like most other companies, BMW has to spend massive sums to develop next-generation technologies that meet tougher emissions and fuel economy requirements, not to mention the demands of tomorrow’s electrified and autonomous vehicles.
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While its flagship V12 engine will continue to exist until 2023, BMW is preparing to eliminate a number of low-selling models from its range, according to a report from Automobile magazine citing anonymous sources.
If true, some of them will come as a shock to enthusiasts since they have just arrived on the market. The list includes the 8 Series Coupe and Cabriolet, the Z4 roadster, the X2 crossover, the 2 Series Cabriolet and the standard-wheelbase 7 Series.
In other markets, the three-door 1 Series won't return, neither will the five-door 2 Series Active Tourer.
Now, let’s clarify a few things. The two-door 8 Series models and the Z4 will likely stick around for the duration of their current generation. The 2 Series Cabriolet finds itself in a niche segment, while the shorter version of BMW’s full-size sedan is not selling as many units as the long-wheelbase version.
The X2 is a surprise for sure since small crossovers are a big thing right now and sales continue to rise. Paradoxically, BMW executives have reportedly given the green light to the long-rumoured X8, a sportier, coupe-like evolution of the X7 that will be available with high-performance powertrains including a plug-in hybrid system and an M variant.
In related news, the i3 electric car will be phased out and replaced by a less techy model based on the X1 crossover in 2022.