BMW planning 12 new models by 2011

The recent introduction of the new 1-series Coupe and Cabrio and the reveal of the segment starting X6 ‘Sport Activity Vehicle’ is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of new models for BMW. As outlined in its official future strategy document released in late September, BMW is targeting vehicle sales of 1.8 million units by 2012 and to do so it’s planning a host of new model launches over the coming years.

According to a report by AutoZeitung, BMW will launch 12 new models between now and 2011 starting with a new entry level minicar. The new model will be a small three-door four seater with FWD and measure just 3.8m in length. It will feature the full gamut of BMW EfficientDynamics technology including brake energy recovery and engine stop-start features. Powertrains will include both petrol and diesel motors as well as a hybrid option and possibly a plug-in hybrid model with a range of 100km. Launch date for the car is 2011.

In 2010 production of the new Mini Colorado SUV should start at a factory in Leipzig. Engines will include both petrol and diesel units with power ranging from 120 to 175hp.

Next year will see sales of the 1-series Cabrio start as well as the arrival of the next-generation 7-series. The new saloon will feature for the first time options for AWD, pneumatic air suspension and a hybrid model.

The next-generation 5-series won’t arrive until 2010 but a concept version of the car will be displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009. Power levels will range from 170hp to 480hp. The new M5 is rumored to feature a new twin-turbo V10 with output close to 600hp.

2010 will also see the launch of the new CS-inspired flagship four-door coupe. There will only be two engine options available, a 420hp V8 and a 507hp V10 as shared with the current M5 and M6. This same year, BMW will also introduce a new X1 crossover designed to rival the upcoming Audi Q3 and VW Tiguan soft-roaders. BMW will follow this with the next-generation X3, which is set to grow in size over the current model and will be manufactured in America.

The final addition will be the production version of the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) [http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1026116_preview-2010-bmw-progressive-activity-sedan-pas BMW’s original plan was to develop a luxury minivan similar to the Mercedes R-class but product planners disbanded the idea and have instead decided to build a crossover based on the 5-series platform. It will feature coupe styling, an AWD configuration and be in showrooms by 2009.