The new M5 weighs two tons. The 3 Series is the size of a proper 5 Series. BMW, like every other carmaker, sells heavier cars, but it's their vehicle lineup that has ballooned more than anything else.
While we were peeking at what looks like the new BMW M4, 472CID-evoluzione pointed out just what another BMW meant compared to the last golden era for BMW, the 1990s.
1990s
3 series + M3
5 series + M5
7 series
Z3 (late 90s)Today and Upcoming
i3
1 series FWD
1(2?) series RWD
3 series + M3 + 3GT
4 series + M4
5 series + M5 +5GT
6 series +M6
7 series
Z4
i8
X1
X3
X4?
X5 + X5M
X6 + X6M
Well, when we say golden era, we mean in the eyes of car enthusiasts. In the eyes of BMW's accountants, things have never looked better in Bavaria.
472CID-evoluzione did Mercedes, too, just to give some more context.
1990s
C class
E class + CLK
S class + CL
SL class
G classToday and Upcoming
A class hatch + sedan + GLA?
B class
C class
E class
CLS class
S class + CL
SLK
SL
SLS
R class
GLK
M
GL
G
What do you think about these expanded lineups? On the one hand, these companies are making more and more money by efficiently using single platforms to build many different vehicles. On the other hand, they represent a turn from simple sedans to trucks and city cars.
Do you think carmakers need to cut down their lineups, or are new niche vehicles a good thing?
Photo Credit: Otis Blank