We are just a month and a half into 2014 and BMW has already announced or launched quite a few new vehicles. They started off the year in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show showing off the highly anticipated BMW M3 and M4, and surprised us with the M235i. On hand was also the 228i Coupe which could become a very popular car for BMW if it hits the right price point.
A week later BMW was at the Las Vegas International Speedway letting the media flog the M235i to prove that they haven't lost their way. But what caught everyone's attention with its massively flared fenders, Recaro bucket seats with 5-point harnesses, and BMW Motorsport livery was the M235i Racing. Priced at €59,500, BMW has really stepped up it's factory-prepped turn-key race car offerings as they look to gain more privateers and club-racers in the future. I personally would love to see a spec class similar to the Mazda MX-5 Cup and Porsche GT3 Cup series.
Not wasting any time, BMW took the wraps off of the 4 Series Gran Coupe. The 4-door version of their gorgeous 4 Series coupe was no surprise as multiple leaked photos have been spread across the internet for months. Quite a few people gave BMW flak when they announced the 4-door 6 Series Gran Coupe, but once they saw it in person, fell in love with it. I expect the same here as the press photos make it look amazing, but I also expect the usual group to complain about the naming.
BMW hasn't just been creating fantastic looking sedans and sporty coupes. They turned their designers loose on the X3 and released an update that I don't think anyone, even the pickiest of critics, could object to without thorough scrutinization. The engineers got in on the X3 fun as well, as they released a rear-wheel drive version for the first time in the sDrive 28i, and a highly-coveted diesel powered xDrive28d. With a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel 4-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, the new xDrive28d will make all the diesel lovers very happy!
Then just this week, BMW took the wraps off of the all-new 2 Series Active Tourer, BMW's first front wheel drive car. This vehicle has definitely added fuel to the fire for enthusiasts that feel that BMW is losing their way. As of right now, it's scheduled to be released in 2015, so that gives their marketing team plenty of time to figure out how to sell them to the masses.
All of these vehicles are not getting as much tv time as the newest vehicle by BMW though. The BMW Group DesignworksUSA Olympic bobsled will be in the world spotlight starting this weekend as it shows that the Ultimate Driving Machine isn't limited to the road! Good luck to Team USA!
That makes 8 new vehicles and a bobsled in just 6 weeks! What is your favorite one so far?—Nate Risch
