BMW Is Trimming Its Lineup To Make Way For A Bigger SUV

BMW plans to trim its global lineup while adding a new flagship SUV for American buyers.

BMW Concept X7

Photo by: BMW

Jeff Perez

By: Jeff Perez

Sep 30, at 2:32pm ET

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With the arrival of the new 3 Series, BMW is preparing to shake up the rest of its global lineup. That means cutting a handful of models while adding an even larger SUV to its US range.

BMW says it wants a more focused product portfolio that can better respond to the needs of different markets. The company also plans to expand its use of AI, from vehicle development and manufacturing to sales and aftersales.

BMW hasn't revealed a name, price, dimensions, or launch timing for the new US-specific model yet. (We're going to call it the X8 for now.) The company says it will sit above the X7 at the top of its SUV lineup.

Some BMW Models Have To Go

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

Photo by: BMW

A new SUV doesn't mean BMW will keep expanding its lineup indefinitely. The company says it plans to review and reduce the number of variants it offers, focusing on vehicles that deliver the strongest long-term returns in each market.

BMW specifically confirmed that models like the 2 Series Active Tourer are on the chopping block. We wouldn't be surprised to see the i4, iX, and a few other aging nameplates eventually join it.

China will also play a major role in BMW's strategy going forward. The company plans to increase local production of high-volume models as it rolls out Neue Klasse technology, with a goal of having at least 95 percent of the vehicles it sells in China locally manufactured and developed for Chinese customers by 2030.

At the other end of the lineup, BMW says it will introduce the first model under the BMW Alpina brand next year. Inspired by the 7 Series, the new model will sit between the regular BMW lineup and Rolls-Royce in the company's luxury hierarchy.

A New SUV Above The X7

2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i

BMW X7 xDrive40i

BMW describes the new SUV as an "additional offering" in its Sports Activity Vehicle lineup, tailored specifically to American customers. The decision is partly driven by strong demand for larger SUVs, according to BMW, with its Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant currently operating at full capacity.

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But BMW's US strategy won't be limited to big SUVs. The company is also planning a new fully electric entry-level model for Europe in 2028, which could be a new 1 Series. That vehicle would bring Neue Klasse technology to BMW's smallest model.

BMW says Neue Klasse technology will eventually spread across every vehicle segment. It may take a few more years, though, before the entire lineup gets the same treatment.

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