BMW has embarked on a radical new model programme that includes both a dramatic coupé/off-roader and a versatile crossover vehicle. The two new cars, described by BMW chairman Helmut Panke as ‘totally different to anything BMW has ever offered in the past’, are currently at an early stage of development and should land in UK showrooms in just over three years.
Created to propel BMW into two emerging market segments, the high-riding SAC (Sport Activity Coupé) and multi-faceted SFC (Space Functional Crossover) are proof that BMW is looking beyond its traditional models in order to meet its goal of 1.6 million annual sales by the end of the decade, up from the record 1.21 million sales in 2004.
SAC coupé/off-roader
Spearheading BMW’s new model push – if more in image than production numbers – is the extravagant SAC, a car Panke describes as a mixture of sports car, coupé and off-roader. Inspired by the controversial X-Coupé from 2001’s Detroit Motor Show (see gallery), it combines the high seating position and raised ground clearance of an off-roader with the sleek shape of a coupé. At 4700mm long, the SAC is marginally shorter than the 6-series, but wider and considerably higher.
Although described as a coupé, the new BMW has been designed around a sleek four-door bodyshell, mirroring key rival Mercedes-Benz’s CLS, albeit with a much tougher off-road-oriented look.
Autocar’s computer-generated image shows the design direction BMW is considering, although the final look is far from signed off. The Germans remain undecided on whether to plump for conventional rear doors or a more complicated and costly rear-hinged layout.
The SAC will offer the sumptuous interior expected from a car with a £48,000 starting price and Panke is clear on the layout. ‘It is not a two-plus-two in the traditional sense,’ he said. ‘It is a four-seater with boot space.’
It sits on specially adapted underpinnings from the second-generation X5 due late next year, but with a rear-biased four-wheel-drive system. However, BMW remains undecided on whether to fit steel springs or make air suspension standard across the range. Although it increases the cost, air suspension adds the ability to alter the ride height at the touch of a button.
Powerplants under consideration include Munich’s excellent 258bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder and the recently upgraded 306bhp 4.0-litre and 367bhp 4.8-litre V8 petrol engines, along with BMW’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder common-rail diesel in both single- and twin-turbocharged guises.
The big surprise is plans for an M-division version running the M5’s 500bhp 5.0-litre V10. Despite a kerbweight of around 2000kg, it should be good for 0-62mph in 5.5sec and a limited top speed of 155mph. Key rivals are more conventional performance saloons such as the Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes CLS and upcoming Porsche Panamera.
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