Yet another new model coming from BMW - F3

[LeMansX5]

V5 (F5 RFK) will have a younger bro: A 3-series based Sportsvan called BMW F3


BMW expands Sportvan project: Now there's a 3 Series version planned, too

Sportvans are the next big thing at BMW. In 2005, the Bavarian automaker confirmed it would build a sportvan/MPV/wagon based on the X5 (itself based on the 5 Series). The vehicle was developed under the working title RFK, but we believe it'll be called F5. Now comes word that BMW is planning a similar vehicle based off its 3 Series-called F3-though the company's board hasn't given it the green light, yet. BMW is expected to launch the F5 in mid-2009 and, if approved, the F3 the following year.
Both would be five-door, five-passenger vehicles with rear or all-wheel drive offered. They're designed to be sporty and yet capacious, with ride and handling to BMW sedan standards. They'll eschew larger wheels and tires that add unsprung weight as well as high centers of gravity that diminish ride and handling quality.
Engines in the F3 would likely match standard, non-M3 engines from the 3 Series; the 235-horsepower, 3.0-liter six and the 300-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0. A diesel option for the States, given BMW's plans to sell them here also is a good bet.

[xnsf]

i love that color and the shape...but it doesn't look like a BMW...looks like a rabbit

[trueX5er]

Wasn't that pic in Motor Trend?

[Wagner]

LeMans, what is this V-series all about? What gap is BMW trying to fill? I remember posting this a while back and getting hammered by someone who wanted a V6 or something. Saying the X5 was too big but the X3 basically wasn't cool enough

Lord knows this V3 will probably enter the market at $34K and work its way into the low $40K with options. I guess endeavors like this is why BMW has to build E70 4.8 with option lists that pull them into the mid-70K range.

[X5Jay]

Originally Posted by WagnerX5

LeMans, what is this V-series all about? What gap is BMW trying to fill? I remember posting this a while back and getting hammered by someone who wanted a V6 or something. Saying the X5 was too big but the X3 basically wasn't cool enough

Lord knows this V3 will probably enter the market at $34K and work its way into the low $40K with options. I guess endeavors like this is why BMW has to build E70 4.8 with option lists that pull them into the mid-70K range.

I think it looks very cool, BUT, I'll bet it's $60K fully loaded with a starter price around $40K. A 335i coupe is $52K and change already - the way I'd configure it!

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by WagnerX5

LeMans, what is this V-series all about? What gap is BMW trying to fill? I remember posting this a while back and getting hammered by someone who wanted a V6 or something. Saying the X5 was too big but the X3 basically wasn't cool enough

Lord knows this V3 will probably enter the market at $34K and work its way into the low $40K with options. I guess endeavors like this is why BMW has to build E70 4.8 with option lists that pull them into the mid-70K range.

This will be more like the B-class MB, but better. Pricing wil be in 335 / X3/X4 range. The market research strategiests at BMW look long term and therefore the new models.

Originally Posted by trueX5er

Wasn't that pic in Motor Trend?

Yes.

[trueX5er]

Originally Posted by WagnerX5

LeMans, what is this V-series all about? What gap is BMW trying to fill?

No gap at all.
BMW V----> Mercedes-Benz R-Class

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by trueX5er

No gap at all.
BMW V----> Mercedes-Benz R-Class

R-class is an ugly car with minivan looks. V3 and V5 will be much more sportier looking and they are internally known as Luxury Sports Cruiser. Check the Huckfeldt's V5 pics on my custom page. The shape will be somewhat like that but the details will be different.

[LeMansX5]

Another CGI.

[X5Jay]

The blue one looks way better - I like the way the kidney grills are raked back on the blue one. Actually, the blue one looks more raked overall!