RANT: Where Is BMW Going?

Since the announcement of BMW’s latest M cars, the X6 and X5, I have been questioning “Why?” For me, this seemed to be a move for the brand that is in likeness to Porsche’s Panamera.

Source: Cartype.com

After all, BMW’s Motorsports division was originally created to offer a sportier, more intense version of a plain Jane car within the line-up. This meant upgrading virtually all of the vital components in order to create a high-performance auto. So, we are talking about lighter components – even if the end result was not lighter than the vanilla version – better brakes, bigger engines, tighter suspensions, seats with bigger bolsters, rear-wheel drive and naturally aspiration.

And the X6M does most of those things with exception of having rear-wheel drive and being naturally aspirated.

Sure it performs too, when I had dinner with Ludwig Willisch, the former head of BMW M GMBH, in April after the New York Auto Show, he boasted about how it could best an E46 M3 around the track; this had my jaw on the table next to my steak.

But, I cannot help but wonder if this is yet another sign that BMW is headed down the wrong direction.

Although I know someone will argue that the firm must generate profit and by some brand dilution they survive, but I am not sold that people will be flocking to dealerships to get an X6M. Especially with its polarizing looks and an economy that seems to still be deep in the trough.

Source: Caradvice.com.au

Source: Topspeed.com (Artist rendering)

Perhaps it is an easy target but aside from its M cars, BMW is not wowing anyone with its new line of Gran Turismo cars either. If it is a strategy to get American buyers to part with the wagon and accept this, it is a brilliant side step. If it is just an attempt to create another niche then it is a catastrophe.

Bottom line, I think I speak for a number of enthusiasts when I point out that I do not need 11 transmission settings nor do I want a “Power” button that allows me access to the full lot. Just give me all of it, damn it.

Source: mp3car.com

Give me a driver-oriented interior design and angle the center stack towards me as in my E46 330Ci. Perhaps a large, forced induction motor would not be required if it had been placed in a lightweight, rear-wheel drive and no nonsense vehicle. Kind of like that E36 M3 CSL/LTW that bears the one of the world’s greatest I-6s.

Am I out of touch with contemporary automobiles or does BMW need to get back to basics?

rp