According to the British edition Autocar, the next generation of compact BMW models with internal combustion engines may not be. We are talking about cars that should appear no earlier than 2027, because even the current family on the UKL2 front-wheel drive platform has not yet been fully formed: hatchback first series (F40) и Grand Coupe second series (F44) produced since 2019, compact van Active Tourer (U06) debuted last year, but the new X1 and X2 crossovers will be introduced throughout the year.
The decision on the development of next-generation compact models has not yet been made, this issue is now being discussed by BMW management. The main arguments against the release of such cars are the upcoming introduction of Euro 7 economy standards, which will require a serious modernization of power units and the transition to rechargeable hybrids. In the case of compact cars, this will seriously affect the final prices, so the economic feasibility of further production of such BMWs is a big question.
Only crossovers that are sold almost all over the world, including the US and China, have the greatest chance of surviving. But the hatchback of the first series and the monocab Active Tourer live only in Europe, and they will most likely have to be abandoned. Or replace them with electric vehicles on modular platforms. By the way, from younger models already refused Audi: the A1 hatchback and Q2 crossover will have no heirs, and the title of the most compact model will go to the Audi A3. Mercedes has not yet announced such plans, but has already begun the transfer of the compact family to the electric drive, introducing crossovers EQA i EQB.
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