Autocar - First for car news and reviews

The BMW Group will add three all-new 4x4s to its model range within the next five years. Among them will be the X6 crossover coupe, as previewed at this year’s Frankfurt motor show. There will also be a new small Sports Activity Vehicle, (BMW-speak for 4x4) called the X1, and the much-scooped Mini 4x4.
Speaking at BMW’s annual Press dinner last night, BMW UK managing director Jim O’Donnell confirmed that the three new vehicles were part of the firm’s expansion plans.
The X6 will be the fir...Read the full article

My only question would be WHY?

As proved recently on Top Gear, cars in the middle of Africa don't need it so why do you need it on the UK's roads. Lets face it, they cost more to develop and buy, they weigh more, therefore needing more power to provide similar levels of performance as standard cars, so where is the benefit? a slightly moist day in December?

Pointless cars for pointless people whose only aim is some misguided desperation to be  perceived in a way that only like minded pointless individuals will ever understand. 

mcmikey:

Pointless cars for pointless people whose only aim is some misguided desperation to be  perceived in a way that only like minded pointless individuals will ever understand. 

Well said McMikey,

We rest our case......... NEXT!

Interesting that there has been universal panning of BMW's product strategy to make more 4x4s.  Both here and on Pistonheads, the news is greeted with derision.  However, once these are launched they will make a shed load of money, and if that is channelled into making the mainstream BMWs better than Audis, then I'm all for it.  Porsche did the same with the Cayenne, make lots of money, make their core product better, and now they're buying VW!

Get over it guys... this is just business. 

Of the millions of vehicles BMW have produced and sold, the vast majority of people buy them on badge appeal alone. Most will not have read Autocar and other motoring press articles telling them how good they maybe to drive.

Quite frankly, I find it moronic. If you can prove beyond reasonable doubt that all BMW's are bought because they drive well and people understand the handling nuances that go to make many BMW's good to drive, then I will shut up about them.

That's the thing about a brand.  Once upon a time it was definately good at something.  As time goes by, a myth builds up and people discover this through word of mouth (not everyone has to read a car mag, they just need to know a car nut who advises them when they buy a car).

Now it just needs to seem to be as good as it used to be and people will continue to believe. 

Brand Beckham would be a good case in point!

Surely free choice is the mainstay of our democratic society, Gentlemen?

If some wants to drive a 4X4, then they should be permitted once they've payed their dues to do so. What they do with it is none of our business, certainly in so far as why they use as opposed to how.

Why would an old couple buy a Mini MPV, when they don't have a family? Why would anyone buy a sports car when they don't race it? Why should anyone drive a small car when they are less protected in them?

We are all victims of motoring fashion. It makes the world a more interesting place. Now if you'll excuse me I have a Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport and BMW X5 to wash before dinsies..............

G i cant imagine you washing a normal car.  An old safari land rover covered in sand and lion carcasses?  Maybe.

These cars are bought by people with more money than sense.  If people keep buying them BMW will keep making them, i dont blame them in that respect.

Ahhhh the trusty old Land Rover!

I've always thought singling out a type of wheelpan or specialist vehicle only divides we motorists and vehicle drivers. The fact we can't seem to agree on anything gives the anti-car lobbies too much clout. I just disagree with everything they say. It simplifies prolonged pointless debate and saves breath in debunking Government statistics and Political dogma on the subject. 

I have a sudden craving for a Walnut Whip......do they still make them?

They do, you can buy a 3 pack in poundland.  If you want a piramint you will need a time machine though.  If you dont remember them they were similar but more square, like a piramid.

I remember those. I think I still preferred the Walnut Whips.

I liked them, because you could put them on the dashboard and they wouldn't slide or roll with normal driving! I would promise myself I would have to drive immaculately for 5 miles before I could have the walnut, then another 5 miles to bite into the chocolate fonduey goodness!

Please don't tell anyone else, as the Safety Police will have me pulled over for the haeneous crime of 'Having a Chocolate repast, whist in control of a moving vehicle. Forget the fact I actually drove perfectly before doing so!

The joy of life seems be falling away from the control of us all.