Exploring the Value of BMW's Latest Model
BMW
Exploring the Value of BMW's Latest Models
BMW, once focused on sporty sedans, has grown into a manufacturer producing 1.5 million vehicles annually—a scale that warrants the descriptor 'major.' This growth is supported by an expanded lineup that includes not only sedans but also coupes, convertibles, sports cars, and SUVs.
What's compelling about BMW is its consistent recognizability. Even with a diverse range of models, BMW remains unmistakably BMW. Its identity is preserved, allowing anyone to identify a BMW at a glance, and the sporty character is palpable in every model.
In this context, the new 3 Series garners particular attention as a testament to BMW's core lies in its sedans. If BMW believes, as the term 'compatibility' suggests, that superior automobiles balance comfort and sportiness, then the sedan embodies BMW's core values.
To mark the significant event of the 3 Series' full model change, OPENERS has curated a special feature on BMW. We examine key models that, alongside the 3 Series, form the pillars of its lineup—the 1 Series and 5 Series—to ascertain their true worth. We also include the 6 Series, a flagship of BMW's adept luxury sports segment, which recently gained a four-door version. The objective of this feature is to explore the current value of BMW.
Text by FUMIO OGAWA
Photo by MASAYUKI ARAKAWA
First Drive: 3 Series──A Game Changer in the Imported Car Market
With significantly improved environmental performance, enhanced comfort, and a sharper design, the new 3 Series offers numerous compelling features. This report provides an early look at the car, poised to become a game changer in next year's imported car market.
1 Series──The Joyful Second Generation
Even as an entry-level model, the 1 Series embodies the 'BMW essence.' The second generation, fully redesigned in September 2011, features a unified 1.6-liter engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, notably achieving a modern balance of power and fuel efficiency.
5 Series──Pursuing Core Values
Among BMW's sedan lineup, the 5 Series records the highest sales in Japan. Its spacious body, nearly five meters long, is complemented by a conservative yet universally appealing design. Perhaps its understated elegance is what resonates with so many.
6 Series──A New Model Blending Tradition with Modern Demands
The 6 Series represents the essence of BMW's luxurious coupes. Its lineage traces back to the beautiful 3.0 CS, introduced in 1968, which gained popularity in Germany, the US, and Japan. This iconic two-door model, later renamed the 6 Series after incorporating fuel injection (becoming the 3.0 CS/i), continues its legacy to this day.
