BMW Announces i8 Roadster and New Strategy

BMW Group driving the transformation of individual mobility with its Strategy NUMBER ONE > Next

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor

MUNICH - March 17, 2016: During the Annual Accounts press conference, BMW announced its new strategy Number One>Next, which will transform the company from a technology company into a provider of mobility in the broadest sense.

BMW also said that the 7-Series will be expanded. Since its competitor (Mercedes) is doing very well with the S-Class Coupe and Convertible variants, the Bavarians will not neglect the possibilities to increase sales in the lucrative luxury segment. I also expect a super premium variant, like the Mercedes S-Class Maybach. The upcoming X7 SUV has been confirmed earlier.

Two weeks ago at the Geneva Motor Show, BMW introduced the 740e. It is the first model that will get the designation iPerformance that will be used starting in June for all hybrid models of the company. As of this year the BMW Group plans to have seven models in this range, either fully electric, like the i3 or as PHEV, of which the new generation will have an extended range. The upcoming Mini plug-in hybrid model is one of them.

Furthermore, the Bavarians announced the arrival of the i8 Roadster in the second half of 2018. According to design chief Adrian van Hooydonk, it will share many styling details with the Vision Future Interaction Concept, which was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.

The BMW Vision Next 100 Concept, which was shown during the kick-off event of BMW’s Centenary celebrations, just presents a vision of future mobility. BMW does not see autonomous driving as a stand alone technology. Future BMW-models will also offer customers a choice between full autonomous driving in Ease Mode, or Boost Mode to enjoy a dynamic drive.

In the summer, Mini will show a concept for a new production model. It will be the fifth model in Mini’s portfolio, together with the Hatch, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman. After reconsidering the model portfolio, it has been decided that the Mini Cooper Coupe and Roadster will not get a successor.

Last but not least, Rolls-Royce will present a concept for a completely new model that is under development as "Cullinan." The car will have a new aluminum architecture, but no further details are released yet. Therefore, it is not known if and what technology of the BMW 7-Series will be shared.

Under Strategy Number One>Next, BMW AG will broaden its expertise as, and expand into, a company that offers services for individual mobility. The company will use the banner BMW iNext for new forms of automated driving and digital connectivity, together with a new generation of electric mobility. We can expect an update for the electric i3 with a new battery for a longer range. There will also be a new variant of the i3. Stay tuned!