Luxury transportation has changed dramatically over the past decade. While SUVs once dominated the premium market, the Luxury Sprinter Van trend has quietly taken over among celebrities, executives, athletes, and affluent families.

At the center of this movement is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Originally designed as a commercial work van, the Sprinter has evolved into one of the most popular platforms for luxury transportation. Today, high-end Sprinter conversions feature reclining leather seating, entertainment systems, mobile offices, and private jet-inspired interiors.

Which naturally raises an interesting question: Why doesn’t BMW make one?

The answer comes down to brand identity and business strategy.

BMW has always focused on performance-oriented luxury vehicles. The company built its reputation around sporty sedans, driver-focused engineering, and premium SUVs like the BMW X7. Even BMW’s larger vehicles are designed to deliver an engaging driving experience.

Luxury vans, however, prioritize something completely different: passenger comfort. In many cases, the owner is not even the one driving.

That philosophy fits Mercedes-Benz perfectly because the company has decades of experience building both luxury vehicles and commercial transportation platforms. Mercedes already manufactures buses, cargo vans, fleet vehicles, and heavy-duty commercial trucks. Building a luxury van was simply a natural extension of its business.

BMW, on the other hand, has never operated heavily in the commercial vehicle market.

That difference gave Mercedes a massive advantage.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter offered features that luxury conversion companies loved:

• High Roof Configurations
• Long Wheelbases
• Spacious Interiors
• Strong Diesel Performance
• Commercial-Grade Durability

Those characteristics made it the perfect platform for luxury upfits and executive transportation builds.

Today, luxury Sprinter vans are commonly used by:

• Celebrities
• Touring Musicians
• Corporate Executives
• Luxury Travel Companies
• Large Families Seeking Premium Travel Comfort

Many modern luxury sprinter vans include conference tables, ambient lighting, Wi-Fi, premium sound systems, and fully customized interiors that rival luxury SUVs and limousines.

For BMW to compete directly with Mercedes, the company would need to invest heavily in commercial vehicle infrastructure, fleet servicing, and van development. Meanwhile, BMW already earns strong profits from luxury SUVs and electric vehicles like the BMW iX.

For now, BMW appears content focusing on performance luxury while Mercedes continues to dominate the growing luxury van market.

And surprisingly, one of the hottest luxury vehicles in the world today isn’t a sports car or SUV.

It’s a van.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

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The SUV market recently received a major blow with the introduction of the most spectacular model ever built in its class, the brand-new and luxurious Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

Like Rolls-Royce states, “the first all-terrain SUV from Rolls-Royce makes luxury off-road travel a reality for the first time. Pinnacle luxury is now effortless, everywhere.” These are the attributes that make the new Cullinan even more impressive than the Bentley`s Bentayga model.

The British-based luxury carmaker has just announced the online configurator of the brand-new and majestic Cullinan SUV, with hundreds of features available, from a wide palette of colours to exquisite and high-end tweaks inside the cabin.

Speaking of body colours, there are no less than 20 different available, so no matter what your dream colour is, you will definitely find it there. Among the most interesting – Tuscan Sun, Dark Indigo, or Belladona – however you can play around and choose the right one.

From exterior you get to the interior of this high-luxury SUV. You get yourself in with dozens of colour combinations, stitching, embossing or general features. The lavish interior is also highlighted by the rear doors which are rear-hinged and offer easy access inside should you decide to choose the normal rear bench or a two-seat setup. The door system allows you to do whatever you want.

With more options than any other Rolls-Royce so far, you can also choose features like the Viewing Suite, meaning the fitting of automatically folding chairs coming out of the tailgate; thus you have splendid views lying in front of you.

There is also a deployable glass portion that can be fitted behind the rear seats and which isolate the cabin, providing thus the perfect intimacy while driving long distances. More than that, the split tailgate comes optional with special picnic seats.

Once more, the optional lists are infinite. Just browse the online configurator and find whatever suits you best! Enjoy and don’t forget to share your opinions with us!

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With the recent adaption of SUVs such as the Range Rover Evoque, it seemed sensible for BMW to try the same move, offering Coupe and Cabriolet models of one of its smaller SUVs in production, an SUV like the BMW X2. The people over at BMW neither confirm nor do they completely deny the possibility of such a move.

With the recent diversification of SUV models going on, it seemed sensible for BMW to follow the same trend. Offering a Coupe or Cabriolet variant of the BMW X2, for those looking to buy something more extravagant than your average BMW SUV may still be something BMW has planned. As they put it, the information can’t be confirmed. This being said, the information is not denied either, which basically means we’ll have to wait and see what BMW’s next move will be regarding this specific subject.

While there have been quite a few renditions of what the BMW X2 would look as a Convertible and Coupe, none of them proved to be the real deal. They have convinced most, however, of the success such version could enjoy, provided that the Bavarian automaker would indeed make such a move. While clearly stating that they cannot confirm such rumors or speculations, BMW has also made sure not to completely deny the possibility of such variants of the BMW X2. It is exactly this fact that reassures most that BMW has indeed planned something in this respect. What is it and how will it look, is something we will have to wait and see.

Without a doubt, the BMW X2 is one of the most interesting models released by BMW. It is an affordable and elegant vehicle, a compromise between BMW’s top models and its more basic vehicle options. The vehicle strikes most as one of the most balanced vehicles in BMW’s history. It offers the best experience to those that seek a vehicle that does not exaggerate with the flashy gadgets we now see on almost all vehicles, regardless of manufacturer.

The BMW X2, as stated by BMW, will remain for the moment just as is. While the possibility of a Coupe or Cabriolet version is not out of the question, at this point it seems it is a distant dream. Regardless of how and when BMW will release such models, if it will at all, the BMW X2 remains one of the most appreciated vehicles the Bavarian automaker has to offer right now.

The post BMW Can’t Confirm X2 Coupe and Cabriolet Versions appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Without a doubt eh BMW i8 is one of the most iconic vehicles produced by the Bavarian automaker at this point. Not only is it a hybrid, it also looks and feels fresh. Its futuristic look is enough to convince anybody to actually dream about owning this particular BMW model. Taking this in account, how would and SUV variant of the same vehicle look? Someone decided to imagine this scenario. The result is quite interesting.

The BMW i8 is without a doubt one of the best vehicles in term of design and technology implementation. It’s a car any BMW fan would want to own. This particular BMW model is the embodiment of performance and comfort. It is one of the most balanced vehicles in terms of its look and feel. While imagining it as an SUV vehicle may seem to some as a bit of a stretch, the idea itself is not bad at all. In fact, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if BMW decided to indeed create a hybrid SUV i8 model.

The imagined BMW i8 SUV looks like a combination of the i8 and another of BMW’s well known models, the X6. The car not only looks interesting, but seems as if it were real. There is nothing that would indicate this is indeed an imagined model. Every aspect of the car seems to have been adapted to the new assigned role. The car’s aspect remains quite aggressive, while retaining, at the same time, the futuristic look the i8 has already accustomed us with.

BMW has announced that an electric X3 is in the works, but will there also be an i8 SUV model waiting to be released? The chances are quite small. In the end a hybrid SUV variant would not make much sense after the announcement of an electric SUV model. It would be an interesting idea for BMW to produce an SUV variant of the i8 as a limited edition vehicle. BMW fans would most likely look forward to purchasing such a vehicle in order to expand their private collection.

No matter how you look at it, the idea of a BMW i8 SUV quite interesting. The futuristic design of the i8 combined with the SUV concept would definitely fit well for this imagined model. The only thing that remains to be seen is whether or not the folks over at BMW will decide to create such a vehicle. The imagined BMW i8 SUV would prove to be quite an asset, were it to be indeed produced.

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Without a doubt the BMW X5 is one of the most iconic models released by the German automaker in its history. With the recent launch of several powerful SUV designs, the folks over at G-Power decided to improve the BMW X5 M in order for it to keep up with the newer and more powerful models released by BMW’s competition.

Like we’ve already come to expect, G-Power provides two specific tweak stages, depending on what each particular customer expects from his vehicle. The first stage makes use of specific tweaks to raise the power of the 4.4 liter bi-turbo V8 from 575HP to a staggering 641HP. If this is not enough to convince you, the second stage adds even more power allowing the BMW X5 M’s engine to output 690HP. With the latest tweaks installed, G-Power managed to further improve the performance of the X5 M by allowing the vehicle’s engine to produce an incredible 739HP.

Apart from engine tweaks, the folks over at G-Power also managed to change the aspect of the vehicle. The aggressive look of the BMW X5 M is the result of added visual tweaks. The new rims, the new hood and the new fender flares improve the car’s personality while keeping its core features untouched. The added upgrades fit well with the original design of the car. There is a great sense of cohesiveness with this particular project build.

The BMW X5 M by G-Power is a vehicle that any real BMW fan would love to own in his private collection. The sheer power of the vehicle is astonishing. The amount of passion put in this particular build seems to have been limitless. This particular BMW X5 M is a feast beast. It could easily compete with some of the fastest cars out there. Even though the exact price tag for each upgrade stage is not clear, it is safe to assume that the price will be directly tied to the amount of added performance.

No matter how you look at it, this BMW X5 M is one of the most interesting project builds developed by G-Power up to this point. Provided you have a BMW X5 M and are willing to spend quite a bit of cash, G-Power is without a doubt one of the best choices when it comes to upgrading your vehicle to the maximum. With this particular project build, G-Power has proved once again what it’s capable of.

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Probably one of the most interesting vehicles shown at the LA Auto Show this year is the BMW X7 iPerformance Concept. While it undoubtedly has that BMW personality we’ve been used to with all of the Bavarian automaker’s models, the X7 is one of the few attempts at introducing some new ideas to the already quite know formula.

One of the most talked about features of the BMW X7 iPerformance Concept regards the vehicle’s iconic kidney grilles, a feature that has BMW fans divided in those who favor and those who dislike the way this particular feature has been implemented in the X7 design. The main problem signaled by those that have criticized the design of the kidney grilles revolves around their exaggerated size. The front side of the car is dominated by the grille’s presence.

Aside from this aspect, the design of the BMW X7 iPerformance Concept is refreshing, sophisticated and futuristic. The integration of LED lighting systems was a must. The design lines of the car give it an aggressive look. The most interesting part of this particular concept model is represented by the size and shape of the front and rear lights. They are small in size and sharp looking. They fit perfectly with the design particularities of the BMW X7 iPerformance Concept.

On the performance side, the BMW X7 iPerformance has been rumored to include a 4.4 liter bi-turbo V8 amongst its options. This particular engine will be capable of outputting 445HP, which is more than enough for any speed freak out there looking to get an adrenaline rush. The performance seems to be on par with the exterior look of the car. This particular BMW future model has attracted quite a lot of attention.

Overall the BMW X7 iPerformance Concept looks like a promising addition to the BMW SUV fleet. Provided that minor changes are authorized, especially regarding the front side of the vehicle, the X7 iPerformance will be situated, without a doubt, on the road towards glory. All that remains to be seen is the look and feel of the official BMW X7 that will eventually hit production. Until then we can only speculate in regards to the future of the newest addition to the BMW SUV fleet. Even in the current form, the BMW X7 iPerformance Concept is a vehicle that most BMW fans would dream about having in their collection.

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Following recent spy photos with the new 2019 BMW X4 SUV while undergoing tests near Spartanburg factory, the German based carmaker has already taken the upcoming X4 M out for a spin, putting the final pieces before its official launch at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show (presuming).

Just like the standard X4, the M hardcore variant comes with the same design language, yet adding some M tweaks that makes it more aggressive and standout.

The M signature is present on the much more aggressive bumpers and rear lip spoiler, adding as well wider air inlets for better air flow, quad exhaust tips for a wilder engine soundtrack, and of course, the M wider alloy wheels.

Just like other new SUV models, the future 2019 BMW X4 M also stands on the company`s new CLAR architecture, meaning that it sheds off around 60 kg, thanks to the additional of lightweight materials. This also leads to increase performance and better fuel consumption.

Performance wise, the all-new 2018 BMW X4 M makes use of a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, also known as S58, and believed to churn out around 450 horsepower. And if BMW doesn’t find a away to increase the SUV`s power and torque, it won`t be a match for its direct competitor, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, which is definitely way too powerful.

On the other hand, the standard 2019 BMW X4 SUV is powered by a wide range of petrol burners and diesels, including the 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder with 365 PS and 500 Nm of torque, or the 2.0-liter flat-four with 190 PS and 400 Nm of torque. A 3.0-liter six mill with 265 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque will also join the diesel club.

We should be able to find out more details about the standard X4 and its much more potent M variant in the following months. Meanwhile, take a closer look at the spy photos with the new X4 M provided by CarScoops via CarPix!

The post Spy Shots: This Is the New 2019 BMW X4 M SUV appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Following a series of spy shots a couple of days ago, the all-new 2019 BMW X4 is back into the spotlights in a new batch of photos released by CarScoops magazine, just outside the company`s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The new spy photos reveal a completely new X4 crossover, now more massive and more aggressive, thanks to the redesigned body style.

We already know that the carmaker`s new philosophy is building bigger and bigger models, and the 2019 X4 is no exception. It stands on the new CLAR architecture, also underpinning other high-end models like the upcoming X3, which means more lightweight materials that would shed off significant weight – 121 lbs in the case of the X4.

Visually, the model is enhanced with horizontal LED lights, a more aggressive front bumper with wider air intakes which now come with metallic accents. Other features up front also refer to the revised grille and modern headlights.

At the rear, the new X4 features slimmer taillights and sportier roofline. The entire design is complemented by the new wheels, much wider and providing better stance and grip.

Inside, even if there aren`t any spy photos to reveal the details, we should be able to find the same high-tech gizmos also implemented on the new X3 or 5-Series. Future info will be released at a later date.

Under the hood, the 2019 BMW X4 is likely to carry over the same lineup from the X3, including a wide range of petrol burners and diesels. We should mention here the petrol 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder with 260 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, or the 2.0-liter flat-four diesel with 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. According to the carmaker, a top of the line X4 M with 400 horsepower is also set to arrive later on.

The post 2019 BMW X4 Spied near Spartanburg, North Carolina appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

What was once just a projection of BMW`s masterplan of building the most impressive SUV within its X lineup, is now gradually becoming more and more reality, in the shape of the upcoming X7. The massive SUV has been spotted in a new spy video while being tested to the full on the Ring.

Official details with the new X7 are already known, but it is our duty to fill you in every time we see it in action, with the hope that new info will emerge on the surface.

For those we have missed our recent posts on the new BMW X7, the model is due to arrive somewhere next year, not before making its official appearance at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, this September.

It is reported to come with plenty of similarities in terms of exterior design and interior bits, and technology, with its smaller brother, the new X5. However, it is going to be the biggest SUV ever built, available with three rows of seats as well, and plenty of compartments for different items.

The X7 will also stand on the company`s new CLAR platform, also underpinning the all-new 5-Series and the 7-Series, meaning carbon fiber and aluminum composites which will make it faster and more agile.

Speaking of agility and performance, the all-new BMW X7 SUV will make use of a wide range of petrol burners and diesels, adding as well a PHEV variant as well. Later on, the German carmaker is also reported to release a top of the line M variant, similar to the X5`s and X6`s M versions.

You can hear out the car`s impressive engine growl in the new spy video prepared below!

The post New Spy Video: BMW X7 Flexes Its Muscles on the Ring appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The British based luxury carmaker Rolls-Royce has been recently spotted testing out the first SUV ever built, in the shape of the Cullinan, which might serve as the perfect limousine fit for the Queen Elizabeth.

There aren`t too many details surrounding the all-new Cullinan SUV, except for what chief designer Giles Taylor, has declared to Motor1 auto magazine, at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, when asked about the upcoming SUV.

“This is definitely not a shooting brake. We are not mixing elements from different types of car here – this will definitely be a commanding car with a lot of presence,” he states, preferring not use the term SUV, instead highlighting the term ”high-bodied car”.

With his pencil going ”more than it goes across,” Taylor designed the model with the idea of perfectly fitting the Queen`s services, especially since the ”Queen was cocooned from the elements and travelled in pure luxury,” which is exactly what Rolls-Royce is trying to achieve with this gorgeous Cullinan SUV.

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is also aimed at offering its customers the best luxury and comfort, providing as well a smooth drive and enough performance to tackle all powerful models within the class. Speakinf of performance, Taylor has also added that the new SUV ”will combine the luxury elements from the Phantom with true 4×4 capabilities,” coming as well with the same lenght as the Phantom.

There are little details known about the model at this time, but when it will be unleashed in its plenitude, ”it will definetely make a statement, though, from its presence, its headroom, its overall high-bodied proportions,” as Talylor also concludes his statements.

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