BMW Announces Two New Model Series at Geneva Auto Show

Crossover People Hauler and Two-Door 1- and 3-Series Variants Expected

Hot on the heals of an all-new 1-Series, BMW's Chairman of the Board Helmut Panke announced the development of two new BMW brand

BMW's Chairman of the Board Helmut Panke announced the development of two new BMW brand model series. (Photo: Artist's Rendering)

model series at the International Motor Show in Geneva earlier this week.

"We are using the strength of the BMW Group and pushing emphatically ahead with the extension of the vehicle range," stated Panke. "We will be further expanding with two completely new, independent model series, and thus continuing the profitable growth of the BMW Group."

Panke made no mention of which specific vehicles will be forthcoming, but one vehicle line is expected to be a series of people haulers internally dubbed "space-functional concepts", which combining minivan and SUV-like attributes such as a high seat position and additional cargo capacity, with car-like driving dynamics.

While such a theme is nothing particularly new, describing nearly every minivan and crossover SUV currently on the market or about to enter it, BMW plans its own take on the segment, one that targets sport-oriented drivers

One vehicle line is expected to be a series of people haulers internally dubbed "space-functional concepts". (Photo: BMW Artist's Rendering)

wanting more style than what is currently available. It is reported to offer a coupe-like exterior design.

The new van cum crossover is expected to be built at BMW's Spartanburg, North Carolina facility, next to the larger, next-generation X5. Building it in the U.S., which is expected to be its primary market, will eliminate escalating costs caused by the Euro's high value.

The new models will take on the "V" designation, for van. With versions expected to be built on 1-, 5-, and 7-Series architectures, the new models would receive a V in the specific model's alphanumeric name.