The future is electric, and BMW wants to supply suitable models. 90 percent of the market segments should be filled with at least one BMW electric model by 2023. But of course, there will still be popular combustion engine versions. We tell you what the future of BMW will bring with the models they brought this year.
BMW is already busy electrifying its models, and new model generations of high-volume models are still being brought onto the market. We tell you what BMW fans can look forward to in the coming years because the next few years will bring many interesting models. A good mix of new electric cars and popular volume models should bring further growth.
2022
X1 & iX1
The BMW X1 was already presented in June, the market launch took place this fall. The popular compact SUV will also be available as a plug-in hybrid next year. But that's not all, because BMW also offers a fully electric version, the BMW iX1.
The new X1 is now in its third generation on the market and was designed more than ever as a sporty SUV. Characteristic are the powerful proportions, almost square contours of the wheel arches and a strong visual presence. This is mainly reinforced by the flat LED headlights and the large, almost square kidney grille.
X-shaped lines that extend outwards and the striking chrome clips on the lower air intake clearly show that the X1 is in the top league. If you want something a little more individual, you can opt for the adaptive LED headlights with matrix high beam and variable light distribution. From the side you can see the long roof line and the powerfully modeled surfaces. The stretched silhouette shows the dynamic part of the X1.
The rear has become very minimalist. The flat pane and the striking LED lights dominate here. If you choose an all-wheel drive model, the off-road look is further emphasized by the underride protection. With the M Sport model, on the other hand, larger radiator openings and other accents will ensure sportiness.
Inside you get space, comfort and sportiness again. The dashboard, which is now flat, has been redesigned – and of course the curved display is available now. There is also an armrest in the new X1 that appears to be floating and contains the control panel and an indirectly illuminated smartphone tray.
The seats have also been newly developed and can also be ordered in leather as an option. If you like it particularly sporty, you also have the option of ordering sports seats. A massage function or lumbar support are available for more comfort.
There are three full seats in the rear. The seating comfort has been noticeably increased, which is also due to the increased wheelbase. For the models with a pure combustion engine, you can optionally order a longitudinal adjustment of the rear seats, and thus enlarge the trunk if you wish.
The iX1 is the electric version of the X1 and BMW's first all-electric small SUV. It is also one of 13 new electric vehicles that the German brand will launch over the next three years. It's an alternative to vehicles like the Mercedes EQA and Volvo C40 Recharge .
It is powerful, modern and clearly designed. It shares the dimensions with the new X1, which has increased in length compared to the previous model. As an electric car , the iX1 also benefits from improved aerodynamics, with a drag value of 0.26.At the front of the vehicle you can see a large, almost square kidney and flat full LED headlights.
The silhouette is dynamic and stretched, featuring flush integrated door handles and a long roof spoiler. The BMW i blue accents are characteristic of the BMW i models and can of course also be found on the iX1.The rear shows narrow LED lights and it was designed very wide. A flat pane and very distinctive surfaces show the sportiness of the iX1.
The iX1 is offered as BMW iX1 xDrive 30 and has a system output of 313 hp. This version includes a temporary boost. The maximum torque is 494 Nm. If you want to accelerate from a standing start, you can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The range is between 273 miles and if the battery is empty, the iX1 can be charged at home with up to 22 kW AC or on the go with up to 130 kW DC.
Adaptive recuperation contributes to low consumption and it is also possible to manually activate battery warm-up to bring the battery to the best possible charging temperature. The same applies to cooling when charging with direct current.
3 Series Facelift
The popular BMW 3 Series will get a facelift later this year. Both the sedan and the touring have been slightly revised.Now the facelift has been presented and after almost three years on the market, it was time for an update.
No major changes were expected on the exterior of the new BMW 3 Series . However, they all have received a few subtleties that make them look fresher. Of course, the sportiness should be emphasized, which has been well done with a newly designed vehicle front. The good or bad news, depending on your point of view, is that the 3 Series hasn't been fitted with the huge kidney grilles of the BMW 4 Series and M3.
Changes at the front are limited to a revised bumper and some new LED headlights with an updated inverted L-shaped daytime running light design. The glare-free matrix high beam is optionally available, which is recognizable with accent strips and light production in blue. The kidney grille is equipped with new double slats and the front apron shows clearly modeled surfaces overall. The M high-gloss Shadow Line for the side window frames are now available as standard.
In the interior, driver orientation is of course still in the foreground after the facelift. A new feature is the BMW Curved Display, which is fully digital and consists of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch Control Display. Buttons and switches have been significantly reduced, voice and touch operation are now in the foreground. The control panel is still present with the gear selector on the center console.
Of course, the 3 Series facelift also has a large selection of advanced systems for automated driving. These include a front collision warning with brake intervention, cruise control with brake intervention and the Speed Limit Info with no-overtaking display. Lane change warning, Parking Assistant, Remote 3D View and many other systems that make driving easier are also available as options.
A mid-life facelift for a BMW usually means the engines are updated, and the new 3 Series follows that pattern. The drives should be even more efficient and diverse. The internal combustion engines are equipped with 48-volt mild hybrid technology to increase driving pleasure and reduce fuel consumption. Four gas engines are available for the 3 Series sedan and the 3 Series Touring. All engines are connected to an 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard.
The top diesel is called the BMW M340d xDrive and can be selected for both the touring and the sedan. Here, a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine delivers 340 hp. Two four-cylinder diesels are also available, with an output of 150 hp or 190 hp. A 287 hp straight-six diesel is also on offer. The plug-in hybrid drive is offered in two performance levels and has a system output of 204 hp or 292 hp. The purely electric range is up to 39 miles for the 320e sedan.
M3 Touring
The long-awaited performance touring already hit the streets this year. Orders started in September, and the first models were available from dealers in December. It comes with a big surprise, the BMW M3 Touring will only be available as a competition version.
It took a long time for BMW to bring a high-performance mid-range station wagon onto the market. Now the wait is over, the M3 Touring is ready for a clientele that wants to combine sportiness and suitability for everyday use.
Those who opt for the M3 Touring will receive a unique combination of dynamics, agility and perfect everyday and long-distance suitability. The design is individually designed so that the M3 Touring clearly distinguishes itself within the series. This means that clearly designed surfaces and athletic shapes clearly show that this is a high-performance model.
In any case, the M3 Touring becomes recognizable as such at the latest when you see the M-specific design features. These include the vertically aligned, frameless BMW kidney grille with large air intakes on the sides.
The wheel arches are powerfully designed and the side skirts are flared. Of course, the M gills, which can be seen on the front side walls, are not missing either. A look at the rear reveals with certainty that there is a lot of power under the hood based on the pairs of tailpipes integrated on the right and left in the rear apron.
Contrary to what was expected, there will only be one version for the BMW M3 Touring - and that is the Competition version with a full 510 hp. So not a standard model like you can choose from the M3 or M4. Accordingly, the 3.0 liter in-line six-cylinder engine developed for the Competition models works under the hood with a maximum torque of 650 Nm.
This engine is known for its high revving characteristics, allowing it to offer high load ranges and sustained linear power delivery. Anyone who wants to take the Touring to the race track can definitely do so. Power is sent to the ground through an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox. There are three shift programs to choose from, which can be changed using shift paddles on the steering wheel.
The M xDrive all-wheel drive system is also on board, which is combined with the M differential in the rear axle drive. This combination optimizes traction while maintaining agility and driving stability. If you put your foot on the accelerator, you can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, and 0 to 125 mph in 12.9 seconds. The standard maximum speed is 155 mph. If you choose the optional M Drivers Package, you can drive at speeds of 175 mph.
M2
The premiere of the new BMW M2 took place on October 12. The small racer will have its market launch in spring 2023. The new BMW M2 is just as you had hoped: full of power, compact and, thanks to the rear-wheel drive, with enormous driving pleasure. No wishes remain unfulfilled here.
If you look at the front, you can see the large and frameless kidney with horizontal bars. The air intake is divided into three and has rectangular contours - a typical element of the M models. Sportiness is of course the forefront of the M2, which is why the design has also been adapted to this situation.
If you look at the side, the clear surfaces and wide flared side skirts are clearly noticeable. The rear has also been given a powerful design. The small but distinctive spoiler lip on the trunk is a very puristic accent, as is the diffuser insert in the rear apron.
Even if the M2 is compact - there is a lot of power hidden inside. To be precise, a 3.0-litre straight-six gasoline engine works under the hood, which differs only slightly from the engine used in the M3 and M4. Step on the gas and off you go. The response of the M2 is very spontaneous, so it's easy to use the maximum 460 hp and, thanks to 550 Nm of torque, get up to speed in just a few moments.
With an output of 460 hp, the new M2 exceeds the old base model by a whopping 90 hp. This means the model with 370 hp, which was available until 2018 - because in recent years there was only the Competition with 410 hp. The 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, which transmits the power to the rear wheels, is installed as standard.
The M2 can also do laps on the racetrack with confidence and execute spontaneous acceleration manoeuvres.From a standing start, it does it to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, if you opt for manual transmission, it takes 4.3 seconds. Depending on whether you choose the optional M Driver's Package or not, the top speed is 155 mph or 178 mph.
A sporty car like the M2 is of course trimmed for sportiness in the interior as well. The cockpit is of course fully geared towards the driver and features M-specific displays, controls and setup settings. The head-up display with M displays is also available as an option.
The sports seats in the model-specific design – Sensatec/Alcantara surface – are also included as standard. As an alternative, the M sports seats with integrated headrests and leather surfaces can be selected. So that it’s not only sporty, but also comfortable on the road, there is a 3-zone automatic air conditioning, the Live Cockpit Plus with navigation system, ambient light and hi-fi loudspeaker system, also standard.
XM
The very first M model with a plug-in hybrid engine was officially presented on September 28 and will go into production at the end of this year. We're talking about the BMW XM. The production vehicle remains surprisingly close to the study and polarizes with its design. The market launch is planned for April 2023.
The design of the XM is extravagant, exclusive and polarizing. Modern proportions and strong contours give the XM a very dynamic, sporty look. This is what also corresponds to the typical M design features. The front is characterized by a two-part headlight unit and a kidney grille that has been embedded in gold. These accents clearly show that this is a vehicle from the BMW luxury segment.
If you look at the XM from the side, then there is an accent band in gold that is somewhat reminiscent of the black bar on the M1. The BMW emblem engraved in the rear window and the lamellar structure of the rear lights also remind us of the M1. 21-inch M light-alloy wheels, which can optionally be expanded to a whopping 23-inch, are included as standard.
Under the hood of the concept work a newly developed 4.4-liter V8 engine with twin turbocharging and an electric motor, which together produce 653 hp and 800 Nm of torque. From a standing start, the SUV accelerates to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. From autumn 2023, the range will be expanded even further, when the BMW XM Label Red will be the most powerful BMW M Group vehicle ever approved for road traffic. 748 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque surpass everything seen before.
The lithium-ion battery is hidden in the underbody of the XM and has a usable capacity of 25.7 kWh. This means that a maximum of 55 miles can be driven purely electrically, and there is a top speed of 87 mph if you are driving fully electrically. Inside, the focus is on a driver-oriented cockpit, plenty of luxury and, of course, sportiness.
The XM is as expressive on the outside as it is on the inside. The front seats are designed to ensure the best driving experience. This is ensured, among other things, by M multifunction seats, knee pads, an M leather steering wheel and M-specific displays – everything is part of the standard equipment.
There is also no lack of space, quite the opposite. The XM becomes a real lounge - this is also ensured by high-quality materials and an unusual design. The rear is designed so that all passengers can move around in luxury and comfort. That means exactly that, for example, heated backrests and special cushions are available.
The roof liner is also provided with a three-dimensional prism structure, there is lighting from 100 LED units, so that you have the starry sky in the vehicle. There are four equipment lines to choose from, and a new type of vintage leather can also be selected for the instrument panel and door panels.
Ambient light, 4-zone automatic air conditioning, the Harman Kardon Durround Sound System and lots more are part of the standard equipment. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional with head-up display is of course also on board in a car in this class at no extra charge.
7 Series & i7
The new BMW 7 Series with its radically modified front has already been presented. The market launch began in November, but there will initially only be the fully electric BMW i7 to buy. Diesel and hybrid versions will follow in early 2023. The top version with over 600 hp should be a little longer in coming. The 7 Series is also taller, wider and longer than its predecessor.
There is no question that the most striking thing about the design is the newly designed front section of the new BMW 7 Series . The sedan is very present and expressive due to the monolithic surfaces and the new, exclusive front design style of the luxury models from BMW. For the first time there are two-part headlight units, the daytime running lights can optionally be ordered as Iconic Glow crystal headlights.
The kidney also comes optionally with an illuminated kidney frame and a light carpet with changing graphic projections in the entry area. Two-tone paintwork is also available. Contrary to the assumptions of an extra long version for the Asian market, the BMW 7 Series is offered worldwide in one body variant - namely in the version with a long wheelbase. Automatically opening and closing doors are part of the optionally available luxury equipment for the sedan.
All in all, the new 7 Series exudes a subtle yet distinctive elegance, especially when you look at the flush-fitting side windows and the shoulder line. The long doors, which make it easy to get in and out, are particularly visible on the sides.At the rear you can also see the new surface structure, here you can also see puristic elegance and LED rear light units that protrude far into the sides.
The inside is just as luxurious as the outside. It is the balance between driving dynamics and comfort that is the focus. A limousine that sees itself as a luxury oasis for all passengers and is sporty at the same time.
Compared to the previous model, you can see that only a few buttons and controls have been installed. Most of it is managed digitally via the curved display. The fully digital display consists of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and the Control Display with a diagonal of 14.9 inches.
A new gear selector switch on the center console is celebrating its premiere in the 7 Series – the so-called BMW Interaction Bar. It is an effectively backlit functional unit that extends across the entire width of the instrument panel and into the door panels.
The rear passengers can also expect a lot of comfort, because they have significantly improved seating comfort and plenty of head and legroom. In addition, the acoustic and vibration properties of the vehicle have been optimized to ensure that all occupants have a comfortable ride.
Comfort seats are integrated as standard, multifunction seats can be ordered as an option and executive lounge seats with leg rests and an improved reclining position can also be selected as special equipment. And if you like watching something on long journeys, you won't be disappointed. A theater screen that extends out of the roof lining with an integrated Amazon Fire TV experience and a 31.3-inch touchscreen in 8K resolution should meet every requirement.
A 4-zone automatic climate control is already expected automatically in a car like the 7 Series. But this time there are also panel heaters in the area of armrests in the door panels and in the center console. Also on board as standard equipment is a large panoramic glass roof, which can also be ordered as an option in the Sky Lounge version with an automatic door mechanism.
The new electric BMW i7 - a fully electric luxury car - has also finally been presented along. When it launches in late 2022, it will act as an alternative to the Mercedes EQS and Tesla Model S. This all-new car shares parts with the new BMW 7 Series , but will feature a new electric motor and battery.
Overall, the i7 has a very monolithic design and still looks harmonious and discreet. Of course, the electric sedan is not lacking in elegance either. The i7 has received the i-typical blue accents that identify it as an electric car. If you opt for the M Sport package, you will receive additional design features in i blue.
The interior is similar to the BMW 7 Series and is above all an oasis of well-being for all passengers.With the BMW IconicSounds Electric, an electric drive sound is offered exclusively for the i7, which was created in cooperation with Hans Zimmer.
It comes on the market as the i7 xDrive60 and is powered by two electric motors. The total power is 544 hp. The range should be up to 390 miles. Other variants of the i7 will be available at a later date. Among other things, the top model i7 M70 xDrive should have 660 hp.
2023
5 Series Facelift
A new BMW 5 Series could be unveiled later this year. We may also see an electric version at the same time, as the i5 has also been confirmed for 2023. Like the facelift of the 3 Series, the new 5 Series does not come with a giant grille either.
There will also be a touring version of the 5 Series again. The station wagon is bought much more frequently than the sedan, so it is not surprising that BMW is again opting for this variant.
The new BMW 5 Series dispenses with the bulky kidney grille of the BMW i4 and 7 Series and instead features a restrained design.It's likely that the design of the new 5 Series will be an evolution of the current vehicle. The headlights look slimmer than those on the current 5 Series and don't have the split-level design seen on some other new BMW models.
On the side of the vehicle are flush door handles, similar to those found on the BMW 2 Series coupe, as well as some bold contouring that give the vehicle a more muscular appearance. From the rear, the sporty, wide silhouette of the current BMW 5 Series seems to have been carried over.
The new BMW i5 is expected to look very similar to the regular 5 Series, although it could have some exclusive trim options to set itself apart, such as the blue accents around the grille and lower vents.
The new BMW 5 Series Touring station wagon has also been spotted testing, and it looks like it will get the same front end design details as the sedan. The side profile is based heavily on the current 5 Series Touring, which means the rear is more inclined than on the Mercedes E-Class Estate. At the rear, the taillights are slim LED units. There could be a full-width light bar on the production version, and you can bet it'll have the same opening rear window found on all BMW estates.
The new BMW 5 Series will be available with a choice of 4- and 6-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, carried over from other vehicles in the BMW range, all featuring some sort of mild hybrid technology. A plug-in hybrid version will also be offered, possibly using the same technology as the new BMW 760e. That could mean a 200hp electric motor being paired with a 380hp gas engine, giving a combined output of 571hp.
No official details have yet been announced about the engines of the new BMW i5. It may use the BMW iX battery pack , which would mean a capacity of 105 kWh and a range of around 400 miles. The other option would be the 80kWh battery from the i4 in the highest trim level, which would allow a range of around 350 miles.
As for the engines, the entry-level i5 could use the 340hp rear engine of the BMW i4 40. A more powerful four-wheel drive version should also appear, possibly with the 544hp twin-engine setup from the i4 M50.
Photos of the interior of the new BMW 5 Series have not surfaced yet, but it's safe to assume that it will feature similar tech to the new BMW i4 and updated 3 Series.
That means two large screens that span half the dash and a minimalist design. Since it's a BMW, you know it is going to be solidly built with quality materials.
2025
Electric 3 Series
Although a possible electric 3 Series has already been spotted during test drives, a market launch before 2025 seems unlikely. The model cycle of the current model - and there has only just been a facelift - will last until the end of 2025. That's why we will certainly have to wait a while. An electric test car in the form of the current BMW 3 Series sedan model was discovered in Munich. The 3 Electric would be the Bavarian answer to Tesla's Model 3.
It is still uncertain whether the electric 3 Series will really be called the 3 Series Electric. i3 would actually fit better into BMW's current logic of the model designation - but this name is already occupied by the small electric car i3, which is to be produced for a few more years. It seems relatively certain that the "i" will be included in the designation - maybe BMW i3 sedan or BMW 3 Series i? We'll have to be patient here.
The all-electric 3 Series could hit the road with a lot of options in terms of engines and performance. A completely newly developed motor is already available with the 282 hp electric motor from the recently introduced BMW iX3 . A 74 kWh battery supplies the electricity. This should allow the 3 Series Electric to travel about 275 miles. However, we can imagine that a stronger version with even more range will also be available for purchase.
Conclusion
BMW wants to focus more on electric mobility: by 2023, the Munich-based company wants to offer at least one fully electric model in 90 percent of today's market segments, and by 2030 at least half of the BMW models sold worldwide should be electric cars. To this end, a new architecture designed for e-cars and newly developed drives and batteries are planned.
In addition, BMW focuses on the topic of sustainability, wants to build "the greenest car". But you don't want to say goodbye to the combustion engine just yet, instead BMW is relying on a dual strategy. Probably also because it is not yet possible to estimate which drive concept customers will be asking for in the coming years.
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Resources
- Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH
- https://www.bmwgroup.com/
- https://www.bmw.com/en/events/iaa2021/future-vision-questions-and-answers.html
- https://www.theguardian.com/advertiser-content/bmw-sustainability/how-bmw-plans-to-become-the-world-leader-in-electric-vehicles
- https://www.autoweek.com/news/green-cars/a35901322/the-neue-klasse-will-shape-bmws-electric-future/
Tankut Basar
Tankut Basar is an ARA (American Rally Assoc.) Racing Driver and an FIA Bronze Category License Holder. His passion for driving began with karting like most racers. He started racing internationally at the age of 22. Tankut loves everything car-related and will keep enjoying the drive until the end.
