12-21-2013, 03:44 AM | #177 |
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Simply hideous. Why bmw think they need to make this is beyond me. Are they so afraid of the (cheaper) competition that they have to enter markets that they don't belong? It will achieve nothing other than denting its premium image.
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12-21-2013, 07:32 PM | #178 |
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BMW´s first step into a big market. For example in Europe Mercedes B-class, VW Touran etc. are not just only soccer mom cars, as well the best-agers 55+ are the target group of these minivans. A high percentage of taxi fleets have changed from sedans to minivans here in Europe. I think that despite the non-sportive attitude of that 2-series minivan the car will make his way. I would not buy it.
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12-25-2013, 03:56 AM | #179 | |
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Spot on!
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12-25-2013, 07:24 AM | #180 |
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In the automobile industry trends are continuously changing as are segments.
There are segments growing while some are in decline and some are dead. The compact crossover segment is growing. Demand for compact crossovers is growing and BMW sought out to determine that if there is demand for a BMW badged concept for this segment. The research was thorough and they did identify a market for the Active Tourer which was initially tested in global clinics. Reaction to the Concept has been excellent , over 100,000 registered interest , it will be interesting to see how many translate into sales. From the beginning it was clear that Active Tourer had to competitive in this segment. The usual BMW attributes would not be enough for the car to become commercially viable especially when the focus is primary for flexibility and extra space purpose. The only way to achieve such a concept was to utilise FWD based architecture , if the Active Tourer was RWD it would not be competitive in that segment because of its lack of usability. This segment is not about high performance, this customer simply wants an A-B vehicle that they can use for many purposes especially if they participate in many family activities. We do know the expectations some have because it is a BMW and the engineers have worked on the car to make sure that certain BMW principles have been retained for those that have come from a BMW or those that expect these principles if coming from another manufacturer. The Active Tourer is developed on new architecture which will provide more financial substance to the MINI brand in the actual core MINI hatch which will not just allow profit from personalisation but a general increase of cost per unit than previously. One thing that manufacturers are now facing is strong dictation on legislation relating to efficiency and emissions. Compact vehicles allow targets to be met and other models in the portfolio to be sustained against heavy financial penalties. Other manufacturers might enjoy having to pay heavy fines but BMW certainly do not. Vehicles like the Active Tourer will allow BMW to meet legislative targets ahead of schedule without dilution of the core portfolio. The Active Tourer will also be available in eDrive format allowing electric mobility in an almost similar drivetrain as the Concept car. The BMW image will be retained even by cars like the Active Tourer . Even though they are investing in segments that provide growth that will help maintain the overall BMW strategy to remain independent and not be subject to another manufacturers influence. There will still be RWD drivetrains under the 3er , 5er ,7er and additional models directed at an enthusiast base. That is one strategy not changing. No matter what you think.
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The M850i is evidence that BMW have got their mojo back when it comes to dynamic sports cars...
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12-25-2013, 01:16 PM | #183 | |
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Epic fail more ways than 1 ! |
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12-25-2013, 02:04 PM | #184 |
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But they are all TOO BLOODY BIG ........
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12-27-2013, 01:52 AM | #186 |
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Awesome - be sure to post your M sport with the obligatory wood grain on the side.
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12-27-2013, 09:19 AM | #187 |
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I agree, this thing should have it's own section, not part of 2 Series.
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12-27-2013, 01:02 PM | #189 |
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In other news, Porsche will rename its new CUV the Boxster GT tourer. The Cayenne will also be renamed the 911 Carrera GT tourer. Porsche spokesperson says this move will ensure the separation between their core models and their sports cars, and in no way betrays the plan to become a manufacturer of SUVs in the mold of Land Rover.
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12-27-2013, 02:39 PM | #191 | |
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I don't know if you've noticed, but step away from the BMW brand and actually see what is out there (or coming). BMW is getting owned by other brands. Just compare the 3 series to Cadillac in both ride and nimbleness. Caddy wins every time..!! (even AWD caddy is more nimble than a 3-series) People bought BMWs because they use to be special cars, now they are normal, with just a special emblem. BMWs have no core, & little dna left in their brand. M's are more powerful now, but not as special anymore. BMW has to learn that MoAr is not the same as more. |
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12-27-2013, 05:00 PM | #192 | |
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12-27-2013, 05:05 PM | #193 | |
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Problem is we see through all this marketing stuff that try's to brainwash people. BMW is a bit like a big bank it's getting too big, thinks it can conquer every segment of the market and is losing touch with its grass root enthusiasts. Some of the recent product launches show it's expanding too rapidly with only slightly above average new products instead of truly great cars. BMW has to produce more volume because it's hooked like a drug on the need to beat Mercedes and Audi. Must be no1 almost at all cost. It's made a deliberate decision to call this Tourer a 2 just to give it a bit of a premium image and as BMW want to sell many thousands more than the coupe and cab it has calculated that it doesn't mind upsetting a few traditional owners of those cars. BMW Marketing will have convinced the Board there are lots of new people it can bring to the brand with this fwd Tourer! |
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12-28-2013, 03:27 AM | #194 | |
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The landscape has changed , progressed that you cannot, in certain vehicle concepts appeal to one type of customer. If we take BMW as an example the enthusiast base is outsold 10-1 these days. You might mock the Active Tourer but there is no denying that customers will want this type of premium in that specific segment as an Example Mercedes-Benz has just sold the 1 millionth unit of the B-Klasse of course that is in its second generation. You might say I am buying an Audi but the A3 version is expected to appear as a concept in Geneva. Manufactures follow trends , they research what customers are looking for in a vehicle and in that sort of crossover you have to be competitive in specific areas. Look at what Porsche done with Cayenne and Macan or indeed Audis latest announcement for more Q SUVs and indeed BMW and the expanding X models. The market has progressed as has the customer the company must also progress also. And sooner or later everyone will have to. The "2" is to show a split in this model line allowing family at one end of the spectrum with sporty on the other end. The next 1er line of vehicles will align more closely with MINI.
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The M850i is evidence that BMW have got their mojo back when it comes to dynamic sports cars...
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12-28-2013, 06:58 AM | #195 | |
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Why would BMW try this, instead of just bringing over the 1-series (2-series) hatchback? Almost any male driver, would rather be caught in a HOT hatch, than a minivan. You just need a HATCH... of any kind to offer an American utility. You don't need it in the guise of a mini-van, or even an suv/sav. Put a hatch on it, instantly it can be used for taking your lawnmower over to a friends, drum kits, animals, hauling from lumber yard.. etc. I have a 135is... would trade it instantly for a 128i AWD hatchback. Simply because my 135is is not usable for much, so I need an extra vehicle. But give a vehicle like the 135is utility, & you have a smash hit in America. Instead, BMW is trying to compete with a Ford escape..? Coincidentally, "BMW can branch out and reach new customers" with hatchbacks, because they already have the X1. Exactly how is the 2-series Active Tourer any diff for a family shopping and X1, over this? People have been screaming for BMW hatchbacks for years & Americans already have TONS of suv/savs to choose from.. but zero performance hatchbacks. Last edited by w3rkn; 12-28-2013 at 07:30 AM.. |
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12-28-2013, 02:56 PM | #196 | |
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It's all marketing BS, the real answer of course lies in your comparison to the B-klasse. The B is a step up from the A in Mercedes lineup, so BMW figured this thing should also be a step up from the regular hatch. The same reason why the 4 series has been spun off from the 3 after BMW noticed the success of the A5. "Oh but coupes being even numbered is just more logical!" Yeah well, witness the German logic with this new 2 series MPV. |
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12-29-2013, 09:55 PM | #197 |
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the tail lights look better than the 228/235
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