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What lies underneath this ugly BMW test shell will eventually rival Mercedes-Benz's imminent R-Class, which is a low-slung luxury MPV.
The project has been developed under the working title of Space Functional Concept (SFC), but some sources have suggested that this could presage a whole new V-series of cars, most likely introduced by a V5 or V6 model, and followed by a more compact V3 later (currently dubbed Sports Activity Coupe), possibly a top-end, driver-focussed alternative to the Ford Focus C-MAX, SEAT Altea et al.
The former will be built in Europe, intended for a European market, says BMW chief exec Helmut Panke; the latter in Spartanburg, South Carolina as BMW expects the majority of sales to come from America.
BMW is very interested in competing in the ever-morphing MPV market, and the working title of the project hints at the people-carrying theme that BMW has in mind for it. The SFC should blend design and mechanical elements from the 5-Series Touring, 6-Series coupe and 7-Series luxury four-door, with a long wheelbase carving out more room for rear passengers, and a suitably opulent cabin.
There have even been rumours of four-wheel drive for the larger of the two model ranges. The platform being used on this test mule is thought to be that of a 7-Series, and Autocar has pointed out that a complete 7-Series dashboard can be spotted through the window.
Marketing boss Michael Ganal told German newspaper Die Welt last year that while the crossover wouldn't be the most spacious, it would certainly be a class-leader to drive.
BMW has been slow to turn its attention to the emerging luxo-estate segment. The company is said to have been worried that the radical model would compromise on handling. Weight-saving options for the engineering team mooted in the motoring press have included a carbon-fibre roof and dramatically redesigned suspension.
The project has been developed under the working title of Space Functional Concept (SFC), but some sources have suggested that this could presage a whole new V-series of cars, most likely introduced by a V5 or V6 model, and followed by a more compact V3 later (currently dubbed Sports Activity Coupe), possibly a top-end, driver-focussed alternative to the Ford Focus C-MAX, SEAT Altea et al.
The former will be built in Europe, intended for a European market, says BMW chief exec Helmut Panke; the latter in Spartanburg, South Carolina as BMW expects the majority of sales to come from America.
BMW is very interested in competing in the ever-morphing MPV market, and the working title of the project hints at the people-carrying theme that BMW has in mind for it. The SFC should blend design and mechanical elements from the 5-Series Touring, 6-Series coupe and 7-Series luxury four-door, with a long wheelbase carving out more room for rear passengers, and a suitably opulent cabin.
There have even been rumours of four-wheel drive for the larger of the two model ranges. The platform being used on this test mule is thought to be that of a 7-Series, and Autocar has pointed out that a complete 7-Series dashboard can be spotted through the window.
Marketing boss Michael Ganal told German newspaper Die Welt last year that while the crossover wouldn't be the most spacious, it would certainly be a class-leader to drive.
BMW has been slow to turn its attention to the emerging luxo-estate segment. The company is said to have been worried that the radical model would compromise on handling. Weight-saving options for the engineering team mooted in the motoring press have included a carbon-fibre roof and dramatically redesigned suspension.
:lol: It'll be the only tank with perfect 50-50 weight distribution and rear wheel drive!
