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| All-new BMW X3 SUV sales are projected at 70,000 units per annum in North America, nearly four times that of the 5-Series. The midsize sedan's per vehicle profitability, however, will be much higher. |
The automaker is hedging its bets on the new 5-Series to increase sales resulting in higher profits during the final quarter of 2003. For this reason a late arrival could prove negative to BMW. As of yet, there is no firm date as to when it will go on sale.
BMW has a slew of new products in the wings to boost long term confidence following the launch of the new 5-Series. After only just introducing the completely new Z4 roadster, a slightly revised 3-Series coupe and convertible and the larger, more powerful 760Li flagship sedan, a face-lifted X5 should arrive just after what is expected to be a September 5-Series launch, in October 2003, not due to be fully redesigned until the fourth quarter of 2006. The much anticipated all-new X3 compact SUV will follow in February of 2004.
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| This artist's rendering gives an indication of how we can expect BMW's all-new 6-Series convertible to appear. |
April 2004 will bring the new 5-Series based 6-Series coupe and convertible while a new 3-Series won't arrive until the first quarter of 2005. BMW dealers would no doubt like to see its new 1-Series appear sooner than the first quarter of 2007, its targeted birthday, as it is expected to be a popular model. All said BMW looks to be in good shape over the long haul.