Slow-Selling Bimmers Getting Axed?

To help cut costs, BMW AG plans to drop several nameplates and model variants in coming years, sources tell Automobile.

Among those on the chopping block are the convertible version of the 2 Series small car, X2 crossover, standard-wheelbase 7 Series sedan and coupe and convertible variants of the 8 Series sedan, according to the report. Automobile says the third-generation Z4 roadster, which was developed with Toyota Motor Corp. as a twin to the Japanese carmaker’s all-new Supra, also could be eventually killed.

Other media reports note that the 8 Series variants and the Z4 likely will survive at least until the mid-2020s due to their recent introductions. The X2’s demise also is questionable, considering the diminutive crossover is in a hot-selling segment and has fared relatively well in the U.S. and China.

But it wouldn’t be a surprise if the 2 Series droptop, which competes in a shrinking segment, is canned. Killing the standard-wheelbase 7 Series, which isn’t offered in the U.S., also may be justified.

BMW previously has said it will discontinue the three-door 1 Series, 2 Series Gran Tourer and 3 Series GT. Conversely, the company plans to add a sportier variant of the new X7 SUV/crossover vehicle that bowed earlier this year.

New hybrid and all-electric models also are in the pipeline. Such models will be a primary focus of incoming CEO Oliver Zipse, who will succeed the departing Harald Krueger on Aug. 15.