BMW is known for being the benchmark in many areas, specifically handing and performance, but not many people would consider the brand when it comes to efficiency or the environment.
Well it seems BMW wants even more accolades as it is trying to take the ‘Green Leader’ crown in the premium segment as they have confirmed production of a hybrid supercar. On top of that BMW finally has their awesome diesels for sale in both the 3 series and X5 in our market, they’re in pilot production stages of an all-electric Mini, they recently introduced an all-electric 1-series concept and now comes word that BMW will add two small cars beneath the 1-series. This new venture into the green territory is likely the result of new stringent efficiency standards, but if anyone can somehow match performance with efficiency, BMW is likely to do it.
Find out more about the new models after the jump
The first of the two new introductions is an all electric Megacity car which appears to have a set up similar to the Chevy Volt. Details beyond that are quite scarce.
The second vehicle is rumoured to be a small front-wheel drive hatchmack. Yes, you read that correctly, front-wheel drive. This new hatch is rumoured to be dubbed the “o-series” (one thing that BMW apparently sucks at is vehicle name schemes) and is supposed to be offered as an alternative to a Mini owner who is looking for more premium aka someone who just wants a BMW badge to show off to the neighbours.
Seriously, if people wish to have a premium hot hatch from BMW, then bring over the 1-series hatch, match it with that superb diesel of theirs and- ta da! You’ve got a proper rear wheel drive efficient hot hatch. It’s really not that hard.
BMW purists are sure to shout blasphemy from the rooftops, but truthfully BMW has proved with its Mini brand that it could make front-wheel drive cars fun too. Again, leave it to BMW to seemingly do the impossible. But we would tend to agree that any vehicle that dawns the BMW name should be rear or all-wheel drive. Leave the front wheel drive business to the Mini division.
