News BMW - Why BMW Has Changed Its Mind
BMW had resisted financial pressure to invest in a stand-alone EV "skateboard" network, believing that real EV consumer demand could be lower than anticipated and that such a dedicated investment could be a dead end.
BMW had resisted financial pressure to invest in a stand-alone EV "skateboard" network, believing that real EV consumers. It claimed that by developing two multi-fuel platforms – FAAR and CLAR – it would be able to do this.
could meet the demand for hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure-electric vehicles within a single architecture.
Jaguar Land Rover had a similar plan with the MLA architecture destined for the next Range Rover.
However, at its recent results meeting, BMW unveiled plans for the ‘Neue Klasse’ EV platform. (The name is taken from the new line of cars produced in 1962 that saved the company from going bust.) Perhaps it’s no surprise.
The wider financial world, and analysts especially, has been unrelenting in its belief that the Tesla approach – expecting a total switch to EVs and the need for a pure platform – is the only direction for carmakers.
Arguably, many car manufacturers that weren't switching to dedicated EV platforms saw valuations and share prices depressed.
Perhaps it is not a coincidence that JLR and BMW have both announced plans for pure EV platforms in the past few weeks. As ever, however, the consumer will be the ultimate judge of the regulation-driven dash to battery power.
round headlights will stay, for example – a very different approach will be needed for the next-generation Countryman.
Helmer told Autocar in December 2019 that the current clamshell bonnet design may not survive and that other long-running details such as the toggle switches are being reconsidered. Today's Mini's heavily domed sides could be replaced with flatter panels to create more room.
He claims that the latest 5-DoorHatch's aesthetics would "be much improved.". The new model is built on the larger Clubman's wheelbase but has been sculpted to appear smaller in stature. For these reasons, the next Clubman will stand out by growing in size – likely taller with a larger boot and more interior space – and adopting crossover design elements.
As a result, the Mk3 Countryman has more space to grow into a proper SUV. A sibling model to the new BMW X1 will also be based on the new FAAR platform. BMW
bosses say demand from the important and Chinese markets means upsizing is necessary to compete seriously in the market.
“The footprint is most crucial with the hatch,” Heilmertold Autocar. “Size is less of a problem with the other models.
I want each model to be the smallest in the segment, or visually the smallest. But small may not be helpful for sales.”
The new three-door hatch, a five-door hatch, Clubman, and Countryman would not deviate too much from today's three- and four-cylinder engines in terms of technology.
The Countryman is likely to get mild hybrid assistance and improved plug-in capabilities, as well as a plug-in Clubman. The Countryman will also be available in a pure-electric version.
The final Mk4 Mini is expected to be a pure-electric MPV-style model called the
Traveler. This highly space-efficient model, previewed by the Urbanaut concept seen late last year, harkens back 24 years to Rover Group designers' Spiritual Mini concept.
The smooth-sided, pared-back design is reminiscent of the Mk4 Mini, and the model could be marketed as a low-impact urban family wagon and a commercial vehicle.
Built on a so-called "skateboard" chassis that BMW just recently unveiled, the Urbana design.
Called the ‘Neue Klasse’, the architecture will be engineered for maximum recyclability and cloud-based connectivity services such as live hazard warnings. It is not expected before 2025.
However, the production Traveller could, like the Countryman, be based on the electric version of the FAAR platform. If Mini was willing to build a 4.6m-long car, it could be a seven-seater like the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.
By HILTON HOLLOWAY - AUTOCAR
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