Satisfied with Current Sales

—It's striking how BMW's lineup has expanded its compact models. In 2015, we saw the '2 Series Active Tourer' and the '2 Series Gran Tourer,' followed by the new X1 launched in Japan in October 2015.

The compact car segment is growing significantly right now. It's arguably the largest globally, and its growth is expected to continue. BMW has been focusing on this market since introducing the '1 Series' in 2004. In fact, the variations like the convertible and coupe have performed well, and the X1 also sold exceptionally. Now that German competitors have entered this space, we've decided it's time for a new generation and have expanded our lineup.

—Cars have a term called 'architecture,' which translates to basic framework. Developing this is costly, but once created, it offers the advantage of enabling the development of multiple vehicle models based on it. Volkswagen is famous for this, but BMW is finally deploying a front-wheel-drive architecture. What are the benefits of this?

As you can see with the X1 and the 2 Series Active Tourer, it allows for a richer variety of models. The development of the new X1 program led to the creation of the 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer, although their announcement order was reversed. Initially, we were unsure if there was a market for these MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles), so it was a venture for us, but we are satisfied with the current sales.

It seems some are concerned about BMW's lineup shifting to front-wheel drive. Is this truly the case...?

The 3 Series Will Not Go Front-Wheel Drive

An interview with Peter Heinrich, Head of BMW's Compact Segment, on BMW's strategy in the compact car segment.

—Will we see more front-wheel-drive cars in the future?

As I mentioned earlier, it's a growing market, so we plan to develop various models. However, in our understanding, the X1 is not purely front-wheel drive. While front-wheel-drive specifications are available for basic models, including in Japan, the core is the models equipped with our xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

—Is there a possibility that the 3 Series could become front-wheel drive in the future?

That will not happen. I can state that unequivocally. We believe that each drive system has appropriate power levels. A high-torque engine is not suited for front-wheel drive. From a handling perspective, it's better suited for rear-wheel drive or rear-wheel-drive-based all-wheel drive. Furthermore, engine feel, steering, and suspension are also crucial elements in development. Regardless, it's not simply a matter of which wheels are most efficient to drive.

—What are your thoughts on the future of plug-in hybrids (PHVs) and EVs?

We consider them effective drive systems for environmental measures. In fact, at this (Tokyo Motor) show, we exhibited several PHVs with the 'e' designation. We see this as the unavoidable 'future' of automobiles. Systems that combine an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to drive the rear wheels, with an additional electric motor driving the front wheels, may become a reality in future powerful models.

—I always thought of BMW as a brand primarily focused on sporty sedans and coupes, but with the increase in SAVs (Sports Activity Vehicles) and MPVs, is it evolving into a brand with a wider range of model variations?

We are not expanding our lineup indiscriminately. What we consider most important is embedding 'BMW-ness' at the core of all our products. Without the 'Sheer Driving Pleasure,' which is our company slogan, it cannot be called a BMW. We keep this firmly in mind during development. In that sense, we are proud that the X1, 2 Series Active Tourer, and Gran Tourer have turned out to be models that embody the BMW spirit.