Quote:
Originally Posted by mkoesel
Four or five years ago, when knowledge of UKL BMWs (BMWs that will share the MINI platform, and thus be FWD) came about, it looked as if that is exactly what would happen. SCOTT has suggested that there was a degree of conflict and debate within BMW about this possibility.
In the end, a compromise was made. All sub-3-Series BMWs would move to UKL except the coupe and convertible which would stay on CLAR. This would allow both the 2 Series Coupe and the M2 to remain RWD. That's a big win for enthusiasts who want a high performance two-door passenger car.
So far however, for everyone else, it comes at price. All other form factors not only move to the FWD/AWD architecture, but the line up will top out with 300hp M Performance models. Contrast this to Audi and Mercedes approach where there is no small RWD coupe/convertible below the C Class and A4, but they invested in a full AMG and Quattro Sport RS chassis and powertrain for their *transverse* platform. They are therefore able to share this hardware across their small sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs, and offer high performance products with the level of performance that enthusiasts expect in form factors that can satisfy most everyone.
BMW deserves props for keeping the M2 RWD for the foreseeable future (into late next decade, at least, maybe longer), but they should not have done it at the cost of giving up an M program for the rest of their small vehicle lineup.
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Seeing how well the AMG A45, RS3, etc. are selling, I'm pretty sure BMW will eventually give in and make their smaller UKL models available in full M guise as well
Keeping M as a purist RWD-based only lineup as opposed to AMG and Audi Sport is laudable... But if there are more buyers willing to jump from their A45 over to a new 1M hatch (hell, they could call it M1 hatch at this point) than there would be leaving BMW for 'selling out', then they most definitely will do it. Let's hope no M2 Active Tourer though
