BMW Confirms: Convertible SUV And A Sub-X1 Model Aren't Happening

Is the king of niche vehicles finally done with niche vehicles?

BMW had a lot to show off at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show - the all-electric Vision iNext Concept, the three-row X7 SAV, the potent M340i and M340i xDrive, and the elegant M850i Convertible. We had the chance to sit down with Ralph Mahler, BMW's Head of US Product Planning & Strategy to discuss some of these new additions to the lineup as well as the potential for future models.

One topic we quickly wanted to discuss was the idea of a convertible SUV. BMW has been rumored for a while now to be working on a drop-top version of either the X2 or the X4 as a rival for the Range Rover Evoque Convertible. Now, we may be able to put those rumors to bed.

A new Range Rover Evoque has just arrived and a convertible model seems unlikely. When asked about a convertible SUV from BMW, Mahler said "when you discuss something like that, you have to look at how big of a market there is. It is not big." He went on to say "what is basically a limiting factor for growing market segment of this kind of concept is a perception of safety. You have an elevated seating position, for example, and when you open up the whole roof, you lose some kind of protection in the perception of the customer. Therefore, I think the segment is small and will stay small."

Essentially, BMW doesn't seem interesting in entering such a niche segment. Even though BMW has been the king of creating new market segments recently, the convertible SUV segment is one BMW will stay away from for now.

This doesn't mean BMW is done growing its SUV lineup despite already have models ranging from X1 up to X7. When we asked about which segments BMW has left to fill, it seems like the company has only left room to build up rather than down. "There's always room to grow. No problem," Mahler said. "The question is how big is the market potential and what direction you have to develop." If there were to be something above the X7, Mahler pondered whether "it would be just a bigger car or a sportier car. Is there room for something like this in the market? Can we open up a new segment?"

On the other end of the SUV spectrum, the X1 and X2 are BMW's smallest models, so we asked about the potential of something smaller, perhaps called the X0. When asked if BMW could possibly build something below the X1, Mahler answered with a resounding no. "When you look at the SUV market, what is the minimum expectation in terms of size," he asked. Looking at the X1, "that is a small car. I think that basically, in terms of size, you won't see a smaller car in this market."

BMW Confirms: Convertible SUV And A Sub-X1 Model Aren't Happening

Is the king of niche vehicles finally done with niche vehicles?

BMW had a lot to show off at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show - the all-electric Vision iNext Concept, the three-row X7 SAV, the potent M340i and M340i xDrive, and the elegant M850i Convertible. We had the chance to sit down with Ralph Mahler, BMW's Head of US Product Planning & Strategy to discuss some of these new additions to the lineup as well as the potential for future models.

One topic we quickly wanted to discuss was the idea of a convertible SUV. BMW has been rumored for a while now to be working on a drop-top version of either the X2 or the X4 as a rival for the Range Rover Evoque Convertible. Now, we may be able to put those rumors to bed.

A new Range Rover Evoque has just arrived and a convertible model seems unlikely. When asked about a convertible SUV from BMW, Mahler said "when you discuss something like that, you have to look at how big of a market there is. It is not big." He went on to say "what is basically a limiting factor for growing market segment of this kind of concept is a perception of safety. You have an elevated seating position, for example, and when you open up the whole roof, you lose some kind of protection in the perception of the customer. Therefore, I think the segment is small and will stay small."

Essentially, BMW doesn't seem interesting in entering such a niche segment. Even though BMW has been the king of creating new market segments recently, the convertible SUV segment is one BMW will stay away from for now.

This doesn't mean BMW is done growing its SUV lineup despite already have models ranging from X1 up to X7. When we asked about which segments BMW has left to fill, it seems like the company has only left room to build up rather than down. "There's always room to grow. No problem," Mahler said. "The question is how big is the market potential and what direction you have to develop." If there were to be something above the X7, Mahler pondered whether "it would be just a bigger car or a sportier car. Is there room for something like this in the market? Can we open up a new segment?"

On the other end of the SUV spectrum, the X1 and X2 are BMW's smallest models, so we asked about the potential of something smaller, perhaps called the X0. When asked if BMW could possibly build something below the X1, Mahler answered with a resounding no. "When you look at the SUV market, what is the minimum expectation in terms of size," he asked. Looking at the X1, "that is a small car. I think that basically, in terms of size, you won't see a smaller car in this market."

BMW Confirms: Convertible SUV And A Sub-X1 Model Aren't Happening

Is the king of niche vehicles finally done with niche vehicles?

BMW had a lot to show off at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show - the all-electric Vision iNext Concept, the three-row X7 SAV, the potent M340i and M340i xDrive, and the elegant M850i Convertible. We had the chance to sit down with Ralph Mahler, BMW's Head of US Product Planning & Strategy to discuss some of these new additions to the lineup as well as the potential for future models.

One topic we quickly wanted to discuss was the idea of a convertible SUV. BMW has been rumored for a while now to be working on a drop-top version of either the X2 or the X4 as a rival for the Range Rover Evoque Convertible. Now, we may be able to put those rumors to bed.

A new Range Rover Evoque has just arrived and a convertible model seems unlikely. When asked about a convertible SUV from BMW, Mahler said "when you discuss something like that, you have to look at how big of a market there is. It is not big." He went on to say "what is basically a limiting factor for growing market segment of this kind of concept is a perception of safety. You have an elevated seating position, for example, and when you open up the whole roof, you lose some kind of protection in the perception of the customer. Therefore, I think the segment is small and will stay small."

Essentially, BMW doesn't seem interesting in entering such a niche segment. Even though BMW has been the king of creating new market segments recently, the convertible SUV segment is one BMW will stay away from for now.

This doesn't mean BMW is done growing its SUV lineup despite already have models ranging from X1 up to X7. When we asked about which segments BMW has left to fill, it seems like the company has only left room to build up rather than down. "There's always room to grow. No problem," Mahler said. "The question is how big is the market potential and what direction you have to develop." If there were to be something above the X7, Mahler pondered whether "it would be just a bigger car or a sportier car. Is there room for something like this in the market? Can we open up a new segment?"

On the other end of the SUV spectrum, the X1 and X2 are BMW's smallest models, so we asked about the potential of something smaller, perhaps called the X0. When asked if BMW could possibly build something below the X1, Mahler answered with a resounding no. "When you look at the SUV market, what is the minimum expectation in terms of size," he asked. Looking at the X1, "that is a small car. I think that basically, in terms of size, you won't see a smaller car in this market."

A High-Performance Bentley Bentayga Speed Is Definitely Happening

And it won't be limited to just a power boost.

It’s been nearly three years since the Bentley Bentayga had its official debut. Since then, V8 gasoline and diesel versions have been launched and more recently, a plug-in hybrid with about 31 miles of all-electric range has gone on sale. But what about a high-performance ‘Speed’ version? Is that happening? If so, when? Autocar recently spoke with Bentley design chief Stefan Sielaff who confirmed the UK automaker is currently working on it.

Although Sielaff did not reveal any sort of launch date or related timeline, he did say we can expect a “big change” in design over the current Bentayga. Expect to see the “typical” styling changes Bentley applies when doing Speed versions for other models. Those typically include a lowered ride height, some front and rear styling tweaks, and some interior upgrades. We’ll just have to wait and see how far Sielaff and his team go with the changes, but don’t mistake the Bentayga Speed with the also expected though still not confirmed Bentayga coupe. And because raw speed and performance are the name of the game here, especially since the Lamborghini Urus’ arrival, the Bentayga Speed will be even more powerful.

It’d be fair to assume the 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 will be the chosen engine, currently rated at 600 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque. According to the report, those figures are expected to increase as well. It’s possible we’ll see the Bentayga Speed next March at Geneva, but we doubt it’ll be any time before then.

The BMW M2 Gran Coupe Isn’t Happening After All?

But there will still be an M Performance version with 300 hp.

It’s no secret that BMW is planning to expand the 2 Series lineup after the current model finishes production with a four-door Gran Coupe. To get us even more excited, recent reports suggested the lineup will be spearheaded with a rear-wheel drive BMW M2 Gran Coupe providing 365 hp on tap.

Sadly, BMW Blog reports the full-fat M2 Gran Coupe isn’t happening after all. Instead, sources are now claiming the range-topping 2 Series will be an M Performance model, possibly called the M235i, though this name hasn’t been confirmed yet. It will be powered by a B48 engine with around 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque being sent to all four wheels.

The same engine will power the upcoming BMW X2 M35i, which we’ve seen undergoing testing in prototype form in recent months. While it may not be a full-fat M2 variant, BMW will still use the M Performance 2 Series to rival Mercedes-AMG and Audi RS models.

As for the regular FWD BMW 2 Series that will take on the new Mercedes A-Class Sedan, BMW Blog’s source indicates it will likely be known as the F44 2 Series Gran Coupe and be roughly the same size as the old E46 3 Series. Power will be provided by the same engines as in other UKL-based BMWs, including 1.5-liter 3-cylinder mills and 2-liter 4-cylinder ones on both gasoline and diesel.

Don’t think the rear-wheel-drive 2 Series is going anywhere, however. While recent reports suggest the convertible is being canceled, the coupe will live on, likely until around 2021. For now, BMW Blog claims that the next-generation 230i has been given the green light, but we would be very surprised if the popular M2 Coupe doesn’t get renewed for a second generation.