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]