So far we have heard several reports of a new front-drive model from BMW, but now comes confirmation from BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer. “There will be front-wheel-drive BMWs in the smaller vehicle classes in the future,” said Reithofer during a press conference about the German automaker’s finances.

The architecture will actually be both front-drive and AWD capable and will be used for a new lineup of BMW and MINI cars – meaning MINIs are also set to get AWD. Currently all BMW models are rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

According to Automotive News, the new platform will arrive in 2013 with the third generation of the new MINI hatch. Up to 20 different BMW and MINI models are set to ride on this new architecture.

[Source: Automotive News]

BMW will produce a new front-drive model that will slot in underneath the 1 Series in the company’s lineup. According to a report by AutoCar, the news comes direct from BMW chairman Norbert Reithofe.

This new BMW will share its architecture with a the next generation MINI Cooper and will be separate from the upcoming Mega City car. Reithofer commented that both front and all-wheel drive versions of the architecture will be available. In addition, the same architecture could be adapted to rear-wheel drive and used for the next 1 Series as well. This is a bit of a long shot, but the whole idea behind the shared BMW/MINI platform is to reduce production costs by sharing parts across brands.

Reithofer also confirmed that BMW is working on a competitor to the Audi A1, which was just unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show, although it is not clear if this new front-drive BMW will be that car’s direct competitor as the MINI Cooper seems to already have that market tied down.

The new “0 Series” could hit the market as early as 2013, with the third-generation new MINI Cooper due out a year later.

[Source: AutoCar]

While some sources say a BMW 1 Series M is headed for production, the team at Inside Line continues to insist that no such car is in the cards – sort of. You see, rather than a super high performance M version, Inside Line says a to look for a 135is.

The 135is would get a more powerful version of the twin-turbo N54 straight-six engine with a tighter suspension setup and likely some mild design tweaks. In the 335is, the same engine makes 320-hp and 332 ft-lbs of torque with an overboost function that will deliver short bursts of 370 ft-lbs of torque. We can imagine a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission will be optional, as will plenty of M Sport goodies.

[Source: InsideLine]

Along with the first officially showing of the new 5 Series, BMW is also displaying a new hybrid 5 Series concept at the Geneva Auto Show. Following closely after the ActiveHybrid 7 Series and ActiveHybrid X6, the Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid is powered by a 300-hp inline-six mated to a twin-scroll turbocharger – the same unit found in the 535i. This is then combined with a powerful 40kW electric motor (the motor in the 7 Series hybrid is just 15 kW) enabling this version to operate as a full two-mode hybrid. As a result, the Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid can operate on electric power, gasoline power or a combination of both. The transmission used is an eight-speed automatic.

BMW says the electric battery is located in the trunk, although it has not specified if the battery is a more advanced lithium-ion unit (like in the 7 Series) or an old school nickel metal hydride unit like the in X6.

No fuel economy numbers have yet been released, but BMW is claiming an improvement in fuel economy by roughly 10 percent. That doesn’t at first seem all that great, but we should remind you that as a hybrid BMW, the 5er ActiveHybrid is likely to also have a performance advantage over the 535i, using the electric power under normal motoring to increase acceleration.

GALLERY: BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid

It seems like its been quite a while since BMW announced the new 5 Series, but the German automaker’s Geneva Auto Show press conference has provided us our first chance to get a look at this all-new model. The luxury sedan has grown for 2011 and looks it, while taking styling cues from both the current 3 Series and 7 Series.

When it initially goes on sale in North America, the 5 Series will be offered in both 550i and 535i trim. The 550 model boasts a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 400-hp and 450 ft-lbs of torque, enabling it to hit 60 mph in just 5 seconds. As for the 535i, it gets BMW’s excellent twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six motor for 300-hp and 300 ft-lbs of torque. Both models will be available with either a standard six-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. A “Sport Automatic” 8-speed will also be optional.

No fuel economy numbers have been released yet, but BMW has made significant efficiency improvements with “green” technologies like electric power steering and Brake Energy Regeneration, where the alternator only recharges the car’s batteries under braking. The tall gears of the 8-speed transmission should also help deliver much improved fuel economy.

Those really in search of the best fuel mileage will, however, want to wait for the 528i, which will debut later with a 240-hp inline-six. At the Geneva Show, BMW also showed a European 520d, that gets an incredible 47 mpg on the European Test Cycle.

In terms of improvements to handling, the new 5 Series gets a completely new front suspension that uses a multi-link setup as opposed to a strut setup. This system is also found on the new 7 Series, which is no coincidence, as both the new 5 and 7 Series share the same platform. Along with the electric power steering system, the new 5 Series gets the Integral Active Steering setup as found on the 5 Series GT, which turns turns the rear wheels. In low speed situations, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels for better maneuverability, while at speed the rear wheels turn in the same direction to deliver better cornering and stability. And to further improve performance, there’s an electronic limited slip differential, which comes into play once DSC (stability control) is completely shut off.

Real driving enthusiasts will opt for the Sport Package with Adaptive Drive. This package includes Driving Dynamics Control (same as on the 7 Series and Z4), which lets the driver choose from Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ driving settings, which control the throttle response, transmission shift points, power steering assistance level and traction control. It also includes Dynamic Damping Control, which constantly changes the car’s shock settings and includes a 10mm lower ride height. Finally, the sport package includes Active Roll Stabilization, with hydraulic stabilizer bars that actually firm up when body lean is detected.

Inside, the new 5er gets BMW’s latest iDrive system, which on the 7 Series is much improved and quite easy to use. The iDrive setup includes a 7-inch LCD screen, or a 10.2-inch screen if the Navigation Package box is checked. The larger 116-inch wheelbase makes for a roomier interior and to help keep passengers comfortable, the car’s active cruise control now has a feature that will slow the car in a corner if the vehicle detects the curve is to extreme.

Another great tech item is the heads-up display that can even show some navigation instructions.

There’s also plenty of safety features in the new 5 Series like Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Headlights that switch to hi-beam if necessary. A larger section of the taillights will also illuminate under hard braking to ensure those behind you will know you are stopping. The Active Cruise Control system also includes Frontal Collision Warning that will warn the driver of an impending impact and actually apply the brakes if he does not act.

Additional highlights include new Top View and Side View displays of the car for ideal parking, which works in conjunction with BMW Parking Assistant.

GALLERY: BMW 5 Series

Along with the first officially showing of the new 5 Series, BMW will have on display the Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid at the Geneva Auto Show next week. Following closely after the ActiveHybrid 7 Series and ActiveHybrid X6, the hybrid 5er gets a third hybrid setup. Powering this concept is a 300-hp inline-six mated to a twin-scroll turbocharger – the same unit found in the 535i. This is then combined with a powerful 40kW electric motor (the motor in the 7 Series hybrid is just 15 kW) enabling this version to operate as a full two-mode hybrid. As a result, the Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid can operate on electric power, gasoline power or a combination of both. The transmission used is an eight-speed automatic.

BMW says the electric battery is located in the trunk, although it has not specified if the battery is a more advanced lithium-ion unit (like in the 7 Series) or an old school nickel metal hydride unit like the in X6.

No fuel economy numbers have yet been released, but BMW is claiming an improvement in fuel economy by roughly 10 percent, which is pretty good when you consider this concept is likely to deliver improved acceleration over the standard 535i.

We’ll bring you more details on this car and the rest of the debuts with live Geneva Auto Show coverage starting Monday, March 1st.

Click here for AutoGuide’s live 2010 Geneva Auto Show coverage starting Monday, March 1st.

GALLERY: BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid

Official release after the jump:

It’s no CSL, but BMW will unveil a new Competition Package for the M3 at the Geneva Auto Show next week. Included are stunning 19×9-inch wheels, a 10mm lowered suspension and a new Sport traction control setting that allows a bit more slip. In addition, there’s a carbon fiber spoiler and part of the front lip is made of the light weight weave. In addition, all new M3’s (in Europe anyway) will come with a new start-stop system that cuts the engine when the car isn’t in motion to reduce fuel consumption by up to eight percent. There’s no word on if the Competition Package will be offered in North America.

BMW also plans to offer a new M Sport package for the X5 in the future, with optional 19 or 20-inh wheels as well as some modified styling cues and M accessories, like the steering wheel and pedals.

AutoGuide will bring you full coverage of all of BMW’s new models presented in Geneva with live coverage of the Auto Show starting March 1st.

Click here for AutoGuide’s live 2010 Geneva Auto Show coverage starting Monday, March 1st.

GALLERY: BMW M3 Competition Package

Official release after the jump:

BMW has just released information and pricing on the refreshed 2011 X5 model, with an impressive new base engine and base price. For 2011 the old 3.0-liter straight six and xDrive30i model is replaced by BMW’s single-turbo six and xDrive35i model making 300-hp. This is enough to deliver a respectable 6.4 second to 60 mph time, which is the same number the old xDrive48i model hit. Along with the added power, improved acceleration comes by way of a new 8-speed automatic gearbox that BMW claims also improves fuel economy. Better yet, the new base price is down almost $1,800, with the 2011 model starting at just $46,675 including destination.

For 2011 the 48i has been replaced with a new xDrive50i model, using the same 400-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 as found in the 5 Series GT, X6 and 7 Series. It also gets an 8-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for the 50i model goes in the opposite direction, however, increasing by about $2,100 over last year’s model to $59,275.

Other highlights for 2011 include larger air intakes and a new lower front fascia. In addition, more of the body panels will be painted, rather than left black, giving the SUV a more-premium and less rugged look. Also included for 2011 is a new Brake Energy Regeneration system that only recharges the battery when the vehicle is coasting or braking to reduce parasitic loss on the engine and reduce fuel consumption by one-to-two percent.

As for the diesel-powered xDrive35d, it gets aesthetic, but no engine changes.

BMW has said it will release new fuel economy numbers later this year, with the 201 X5 set to debut at the New York Auto Show in late March.

GALLERY: 2011 BMW X5

Some complete 2011 model year details after the jump:

BMW and French automaker Peugeot Citroen have signed a new agreement to work together to develop a new generation of improved 4-cylinder engines. The new powerplants will be used in BMW’s MINI lineup as well as in Peugeot’s 207 and Citroen’s C3 Picaso.

BMW recently made several changes to the 2010 versions of the engines in Europe, delivering improved power and fuel economy. MINI also did away with the smaller 1.4-liter four-cylinder in its MINI One and MINI First models in favor of a larger but more efficient 1.6-liter engine.

The new engine lineup is being created to meet Europe’s upcoming 2014 “EU 6″ emissions regulations, and should deliver impressive fuel economy. Currently, the MINI Cooper achieves an impressive 28-mpg city, 37-mpg highway fuel economy rating in the U.S.

BMW and Peugeot Citroen also said the two automakers would look to work together in other areas, including production and development of select components.

BMW rival Mercedes-Benz is currently also engaged in talks with a French automaker, Renault, over a potential partnership on platforms and engines for a new line of small cars, including the next A-Class and B-Class.

[Source: Canadian Business]

BMW is planning to bring two new small cars to market that will slot in under the current 1 Series, by 2014. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the first model is an electric city car (that BMW has already said is coming), which will use the electric motor shown in the ActiveE Concept (shown above) at the Detroit Auto Show. It is expected to be called the Megacity.

The second model is to be powered by a range of three-cylinder engines and a hybrid version is also a possibility. Interestingly, unlike other BMWs, this new small car is likely to be front-wheel drive. BMW is said to be looking at building a new front-drive platform in-house, but is also engaged in talks with other automakers to purchase a front drive platform from them, weighing both alternatives to see which is more cost effective. BMW has been rumored to be speaking with Toyota about using the iQ underpinnings.

With Audi set to unveil the new A1 premium small car at the Geneva Auto Show this year and Mercedes working on a whole line of new small car (including a new A-Class and B-Class) for 2013, BMW hopes to have its new premium city car ready to hit the market before 2014.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]