New BMW model designation system coming in 2009
02-29-08 | 04:47 PM
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New BMW model designation system coming in 2009
When the names of the models in the X6 range were released, we were a little puzzled at the awkward sounding xDrive50i and xDrive35i model designations. Well, the guys over at Bimmerfile have gotten hold of an internal BMW memo, which reveals that this is in fact the bizarre new naming convention for future models.
The memo states that “due to upcoming U.S. regulations in effect for Model Year 2009, we are changing some of our naming protocol. The new naming protocol will affect all products that currently have an engine displacement designation within the name—X3, X5, X6, Z4 and Z4 Coupe.”
It is uncertain whether the Z4 will also get the ‘Drive’ suffix, but it is expected that the X3 and X5 will follow the same conventions as the X6 and have ‘Drive’ placed before the engine displacement number.
At the end of the day, the new naming protocol will have little effect on the cars, but the xDrive badge on a car never looks good in our mind - we’re predicting a raft of debadged models driving around in the future.
The memo states that “due to upcoming U.S. regulations in effect for Model Year 2009, we are changing some of our naming protocol. The new naming protocol will affect all products that currently have an engine displacement designation within the name—X3, X5, X6, Z4 and Z4 Coupe.”
It is uncertain whether the Z4 will also get the ‘Drive’ suffix, but it is expected that the X3 and X5 will follow the same conventions as the X6 and have ‘Drive’ placed before the engine displacement number.
At the end of the day, the new naming protocol will have little effect on the cars, but the xDrive badge on a car never looks good in our mind - we’re predicting a raft of debadged models driving around in the future.
02-29-08 | 07:19 PM
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It appears to be done to differentiate the X as an AWD designator from the "X" in the X3, X5, X6 line of SUV's.
BMW is not the only manufacturer to use "X" as the AWD code. Infiniti also uses it in the G35X and M35/45X to designate the AWD versions from the RWD ones. Infiniti (and also Lexus) use it as part of their AWD code for their SUV's (RX, GX, EX, FX, LX, QX, etc....), even though some of those SUVs are also available with FWD or RWD.
BMW is not the only manufacturer to use "X" as the AWD code. Infiniti also uses it in the G35X and M35/45X to designate the AWD versions from the RWD ones. Infiniti (and also Lexus) use it as part of their AWD code for their SUV's (RX, GX, EX, FX, LX, QX, etc....), even though some of those SUVs are also available with FWD or RWD.
Last edited by mmarshall; 02-29-08 at 07:23 PM.
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