BMW to trim lineup and add larger SUV above X7 for US market
BMW says it will reduce some models and variants while adding a bigger flagship SUV above the X7 for American buyers. The company also plans wider use of AI and more local production in China as part of the strategy.
By CarNews247 Reporter ·
BMW is planning to slim down parts of its global model line‑up while introducing a larger SUV positioned above the X7 for the US market, the company says.
The move is part of a push for a more focused product portfolio that BMW says will better respond to different markets. The company also plans to expand its use of artificial intelligence across vehicle development, manufacturing, sales and aftersales.
BMW confirmed that models such as the 2 Series Active Tourer are under review and at risk of being dropped. The company did not confirm a wider list, though older nameplates such as the i4 and iX are said to be possible candidates for eventual discontinuation.
China will play a major role in the plan: BMW aims to have at least 95 percent of the vehicles it sells in China locally manufactured and developed for Chinese customers by 2030, and will roll out Neue Klasse technology there for high‑volume models.
Separately, BMW plans to launch the first model under the BMW Alpina brand next year. That car is inspired by the 7 Series and will be positioned between the regular BMW range and Rolls‑Royce in the company’s luxury hierarchy.
A larger SUV for American buyers
BMW describes the new US‑specific SUV as a top‑of‑range addition that will sit above the X7. The decision is driven in part by strong demand for larger SUVs in the United States and by capacity constraints at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, plant.
"additional offering," said BMW.
BMW has not revealed a name, price, dimensions or launch timing for the vehicle. The company says the new model is tailored to American customers but has not published technical or market details.
On the electrification front BMW says it plans a fully electric entry‑level model for Europe in 2028 that would bring Neue Klasse technology to its smallest segment; that car could be a new 1 Series, the company says, though that is not confirmed.
BMW adds that Neue Klasse technology will eventually appear across every vehicle segment, but that rollout will take several years. Overall, the company says it will prioritise models and variants that deliver the strongest long‑term returns in each market.
