There’s been quite a lot of speculation about many of BMW’s upcoming models. There are questions about the upcoming BMW M5, M4 CS, M2 Competiton, Z4 and 8 Series. However, the model codes for many of BMW’s upcoming models have just been leaked, giving us a glimpse into the future of the Bavarian brand. (Note: They can be seen here).
The first thing to notice is that the BMW M2 Competition will be coming to the US market and will be available in both DCT and manual form. This is good news as we often don’t get many of the special edition cars that Europe gets, so we’re happy to see this. While we already sort of knew that, it’s nice to get confirmation.
What really stood out to me next, though, and more so than the M2 Competition, was the BMW M5. The next-gen F90 BMW M5 will only be offered with all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox. The auto-only thing we already knew, as BMW isn’t going to be offering manuals in the M5 anymore. However, we weren’t sure if all-wheel drive would be an option or a standard feature. Turns out it’s the latter and the rear-wheel drive BMW M5 is dead and gone. We knew it was coming eventually but it’s still sort of sad. We’re also not positive as to whether or not the automatic gearbox will be the brand’s ubiquitous ZF-sourced eight-speed auto or the M Division’s usual DCT gearbox. BMW usually uses the eight-speed with all-wheel drive but we can’t know for sure just yet.
The rest is mostly info we already knew, such as the upcoming X5, X7 and 3 Series models. However, there are still a few standouts in there. The next-gen G29 BMW Z4 will indeed be called a Z4 (we don’t want to say we told you so, but… we told you so). There was much debate as to whether or not it would be called a Z5 or Z4, with us claiming the latter and many fans arguing the contrary. However, it will indeed be a Z4 and there will even be a manual M40i variant. We can’t wait for that.
We also find the BMW 8 Series on the list. Unfortunately, we don’t see an M8 or even an M860i but there’s still time for those. What we do see is both the 840i and 850i, in both all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive layouts and only automatic transmissions.
The codes leaked also mention a G32 5 Series Gran Turismo, but we stand by our previous statements – the new Gran Turismo will be sold under the 6 Series GT moniker.
This should be exciting and interesting for many fans, as it gives a clear indication of the sort of models to expect from the Bavarians in the next few years.
[Source: Bimmerpost]
Are you sure the M5 will have a DCT ? BMW has never fitted a DCT on an AWD car, it could have the ZF8 like the X Ms. I see that there is a “40d” powertrain, so i guess something similar to what powers the Alpina D3 cars in terms of numbers, interesting.
And there is something strange, on Bimmerpost they say that the G32 is a 5 Series GT but if you actually download the file and highlight G32, well it’s a 6 Series.
I am personally convinced it’s the 6 GT. My sources are rarely wrong. As far as the DCT, I don’t really know for sure. You have a good point there.
In a few months, everyone will see how good we are :) 6 GT and Z4. So we can put to rest a lot of the doubters.
I love you horatiu believe you and respect you but I really hope youre wrong about the 6 GT LOL I want it to stay as the 5 GT
Dude, 100000% 6 GT. There is zero doubt
I actually am not sure it’s a DCT. That was sort of just a brain fart and thinking DCT for an M car. But it’s a good possibility that it’s a ZF eight-speed.
I pointed that out because i’m pretty sure it’s the ZF8, that’s what it sounds like on the Nürburgring spied footage there is on YouTube.
I agree. Just updated it to be more accurate. Thanks for pointing it out.
is ZF better than DCT? I thought DCT was faster
DCT is faster and better, as in more fun. ZF is the best TC auto, but it lacks the mechanical feel of DCT. I like how the DCT in my M2 is a little grouchy when cold and how I can hear (and have to wait for) that *clack* of the first shift before I drive off. Once it’s warm, only PDK and whatever Ferrari use are better. It’s an excellent gearbox. The reason BMW are using the ZF in the M5 is because they never developed DCT to work with AWD, and I suspect the M5 would be beyond the torque limits of the DCT anyway.
IIRC, ZF supplies true to form automatic transmissions based on some form of torque converter. While the DCT is a dual-clutch (read clutch as in manual with no clutch pedal), sequential manual transmission.
kaisuke does ZF8 perform better than a DCT in AWD? also I really hope they turn the 6 into something else my guess they will if not then horatiu was right :(
The DCT shifts faster but not by much, it’s also a little less refined especially at low speeds. The ZF8 could do for the M5.
O cool :) when is the m5 coming? This year?
@horatiub:disqus , do you know, or have you heard, or can you find out – will the M4 CS have the Water Injection system from the M4 GTS? The pictures suggest the M4 GTS hood, but I wouldn’t think BMW would vary too much from the M4 CS that was the Spain-only car. Would love to know, ordering an M4 right now as a 2018 model.
The 5 GT oozing into the 6 Series is a very bad sign. It means that BMW has ignored their wake up call to design a worthy Porsche competitor using the 6 moniker. We already know that the upcoming 8 is another luxo-barge, destined to fail performance-wise as miserably as the E31 before it. The BMW board of directors is flailing helplessly in their identity crisis, fueled by their fixation on chasing Daimler’s empire of the quintessential German luxury sedan. Being less luxurious than Mercedes and less performance than Porsche means dying in between.
Using “technology” as an excuse to crawl their way out of this mess was a nice distraction, but again they failed. Case in point being the less than stellar sales and abysmal resale value of the i8. All they had to do was mid-mount the S55 (or even a non-M i6) into the gorgeous i8 and they could have owned the market for sports cars in the $150K range.
By the way, this is a rant from a Bimmerphile, CCA member and a consumer that has never purchased a non-BMW in 25 years of driving automobiles.
What identity crisis?! The 5GT was already based on the 7, renaming it just moves it upmarket (not “oozing”). BMW have become a full range manufacturer, and you don’t know what that range is becoming. Why would they compete with the decades old 911 with its archaic layout when VW are trying to transform Porsche into BMW, complete with sedans & SUVs? When have BMW ever produced a pure sports car? They produce the best drivers in each segment, regardless of segment. As for the E31 being a miserable performance failure, you seem oblivious it was a V12 GT, produced for a decade & classic today. Not only are they not chasing Daimler, the latter just took the sales crown by going downmarket into segments they have never competed in with 4 cyl. fwd. hatches.
BMW have always been an engineering company, they have survived world wars, depressions, gas & currency crises and failed attempted takeovers by building planes, motorcycles, bubble cars whatever it takes to survive & prosper. In this century that means tech, which, along with electric, they are again the volume industry leader. This company was selling one model here, a 2 dr. sedan, when I started following them, in this century they sell over 2 million units annually. They earned their success by working for it, they continue to demonstrate leadership for the next century. Unlike their Board, you are the one who doesn’t know what this company is about.
The 5 GT and the 3 GT are taller hatchback versions of their respective series, call them crossovers or whatever you’d like but they’re not aimed at being the lithe and “sporty” saloons BMW built its brand upon back when the 2002 first debuted in the 70’s. “The Ultimate Driving Machine” was coined based on cars that possessed sports car prowess but still offered the everyday practicality of four doors and a reasonable price. Rumors mentioned that BMW may have at some point decided that the evolution of the 6 series would veer towards a contender against the likes of the 997 (i.e. a performance coupe), but if the 5GT floats into the 6 series, then those hopes are dashed.
You need to understand that BMW already has cars that cater to the non-enthusiasts (X1-X7, 3, 5GT, 2AT/GT, etc.) but in their identity crisis they are now reducing diversity by shifting ALL of their offerings toward the masses. All that is necessary is a tour of the recent automotive journalist reviews and save the M2, every BMW performance vehicle has been racking up negative reviews. Case in point is the failed M4 GTS. Failed to hit every single mark that it was intended to hit.
As far as the E31, in 1993, the BMW board of directors canned all plans to make a supercar after the E31, claiming that the world doesn’t want them. All because the original 8 series failed to sell. What actually failed was the GT concept. You think a V12 automatically means superior performance? Think again. The most performance they could squeeze out of the V12 850csi wasn’t enough to convince buyers. Every which way you look at the 8 series, it ends up being a gorgeous boat. No matter how much they tried to convince themselves that balance, speed and performance wasn’t needed for a GT, the E31 sales numbers showed otherwise. Luckily for BMW, and as much as I hate to say it, the E30 M3’s astounding success was an accident that helped offset the blemish of the E31. The first M3 was only intended as a homologation special, just enough made to give them a car to race with. It was fortuitous that BMW’s reputation would continue.
Reality is, people expect more than GT performance when cross shopping in that price segment. Unlike BMW, when Porsche diversifies it’s product portfolio, it doesn’t dilute the 911 along with it. Nor does it design the 918 more like a Macan or Panamera. Same can’t be said for BMW. Case in point is the F10 M5. Can you seriously say that it’s at the top of its segment, the very segment that the E28 M5 created? I thought not.
Lastly, FYI you may not have heard but Mercedes-AMG has taken the crown in most reviews across the board for being better driver’s cars than BMW M (C63 vs M4, etc.) One could say at the moment, AMG has out-M’d BMW M. So you may want to wake up from your fantasy that BMW is still the best driver’s car in every segment. The competition has not only caught up, but in many cases they’ve surpassed.
It’s ironic that some of the most iconic BMWs are after thoughts, results of effort unintended (M1, E30 M3, 1M, M2). Still think the board of directors is all-knowing?
I never said that. I did say they know more than you. Stand by that. As far as leadership goes, you look to Mercedes? The company that bought Chrysler?
The 3.0 CS is a classic beauty. I don’t have enough knowledge of its cost versus performance when compared to the competitors of its time to make any comments.
One would hope that the BMW board of directors knows more than me. I am after all merely a customer of theirs on my 8th BMW (four Ms) in 25 years. As far as relevance, I think I might have some being that I’ve owned, driven, tuned, and sold as many BMWs as I have. Contrary to what you may believe, I’m not here to “bury” them. As an enthusiast who puts his money where his mouth is, I’m merely posting my dismay at more bad news seemingly on the way regarding what the next gen 6er will be. If it is anything like the recent 5GT then game over – so much for a 911 competitor.
I dislike Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and despite objective information suggesting that the recent AMG models are better, I still await with bated breath that Van Meers will redeem M GMBH’s reputation with the F82 CS and F90.
As a BMW enthusiast and a loyal customer, if my rants aren’t relevant than what is?
When in a 50 yrs. have BMW produced a direct competitor to the 911? The problem is not the company, the problem is your false expectations of them.
Soo many hate without any reason… BMW brand gets award after award for being the “best car brand” etc. Apparently people like their direction, maybe not you but many others.
They are way ahead of competiton in many fields relevant for the future and also always the sportiest in each segment. I dont know what your problem is?
That super car whining is so damn boring.. It does nothing for the brand, nothing for the wallet either.
The mass of gen Y, Z+++ people doesnt care about that anyway, they want digitalization, automated driving “green driving”, etc. and that is what BMW is heading – being the leader in premium mobility and they are on a very good and trusting way! Its not about “now”, its about the next 50-100 years and if u still want to be there than, u have to change ur thinking NOW! If u like it or not, that is the future!
What is you guys best guess for the G20 3 series release date? Early 2018 as a 2019 model? Or is there a chance we will see it later this year?
Definitely next year, probably even second half
Later 2019
If it’s gonna be a 2019 model, wouldn’t it be unveiled at a major car show in 2018? Maybe Detroit?
Way too early to know.