Hold onto your hats, car enthusiasts! A massive online leak has just dropped some seriously juicy details about BMW's future lineup, and it's shaking things up in a big way!
It seems BMW accidentally spilled the beans on their upcoming product launches, and among the most exciting revelations is the first-ever all-wheel-drive M2! This is a huge departure from tradition, as the M2 has always been a rear-wheel-drive icon. Imagine the enhanced grip and performance this could bring! This new M2 xDrive is anticipated to come exclusively with an automatic transmission, meaning those who prefer the raw engagement of a manual gearbox will likely need to stick with the traditional rear-wheel-drive M2.
But that's not all! The leak also gives us a peek at the next-generation 3 Series, slated for a US launch with a variety of petrol options including the 330, 330 xDrive, and M350 xDrive. What's particularly interesting is the introduction of three new all-electric models for the 3 Series lineup: the i3 40 sDrive (rear-wheel drive), the i3 40 xDrive (all-wheel drive), and the i3 50 xDrive. The M350 xDrive is set to take over from the current M340i xDrive, signaling a significant evolution for the sporty sedan. The all-electric i3 models are a brand-new addition, expected to hit the scene by 2027.
And for those who love a sleek coupe, the first-ever iX4 is also on the horizon, appearing in the leak in two distinct flavors: the 40 xDrive and 50 xDrive. These are expected to be officially unveiled later this year, so keep your eyes peeled!
Even the legendary X5 luxury SUV is getting a refresh. While the next generation is expected to launch soon, the 2027 leak confirms that the US market will see a petrol-powered, rear-wheel-drive 40 sDrive as the base model. Excitingly, an all-electric iX5 60 xDrive is also on the cards, promising a powerful and sustainable option in the SUV segment.
But here's where it gets a little mysterious... BMW has deliberately kept some of its future models blurred in the leak, including the 7 Series, as its facelift hasn't been publicly revealed yet. Furthermore, the Z4 and 8 Series are conspicuously absent from the 2027 lineup, strongly suggesting these beloved models are nearing the end of their production runs. This raises the question: Are we witnessing the end of an era for some iconic BMW models, making way for the new electric wave?
BMW's ambitious goal is to introduce a staggering 40 new models by the end of 2027. This massive rollout will see their distinctive Neue Klasse styling and technology integrated across their entire range, including the iX3. While most, if not all, of these leaked models are anticipated to make their way to Australia, BMW is still playing coy with official confirmation.
What do you think about the shift towards all-wheel-drive in performance models like the M2? Is it a welcome evolution for enhanced performance, or a dilution of the purist's experience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
