Munich-based BMW is planning a slew of models to be launched soon. According to company development boss, Herbert Diess, there will be a total of 45 cars, of which 15 are to be front-wheel-drive and the rest 30 will be rear-wheel-drive. The collective line-up will also include Mini cars and at least five front-wheel-drive cars will carry the BMW badge.
The shift from the traditional rear-wheel-drive to the now universal front-wheel-drive was always a difficult one for brands like BMW, Mercedes and Audi. The drive towards efficient and lighter vehicles and the need to sport more models in the line-up has forced even manufacturers like BMW to take this decision.
The 2 Series Active tourer, the first model to sport a front-wheel-drive, will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month. For enthusiasts and BMW fans who are worried about the brand losing its character with future models, a source, cited by Autocar UK, has mentioned that the Active Tourer "has been designed with dynamism and athleticism in mind. It is still a BMW".
Diess also revealed the company is working on a twin-architecture future wherein single, flexible rear-drive components will be used alongside the UKL1 front-wheel-driven platform. Most of the future line-up will be based on the fundamental of 500cc per single cylinder.
BMW, like many other manufacturers, is walking on the commercial path, and adding more products to its line-up. This ensures the brand is well set to achieve the target set for 2020 and win the race against its main allies Mercedes-Benz and Audi, without compromising on the brand essence.
Source: Autocar UK
Images Courtesy: WCF
