BMW is planning an onslaught of new model releases over the next 12 to 18 months, with everything from hybrids to crossovers to possibly even a brand new mid-engined sports car all thought to be in the works. Some of the models confirmed for launch include the new 2010 5-Series GT, 2010 ActiveHybrid 7 and 2010 ActiveHybrid X6, as well as the compact X1 crossover.

2010 5-Series GT:

In late 2007 BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed plans for several all-new models including a design study called the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS). Then, at March's Geneva Motor Show, BMW gave us the first tangible evidence of the new PAS in the form of the 5-series Gran Turismo (GT) concept vehicle. Today the wraps have come off the production version of the car, which is set to go on sale in Europe this October and in the U.S. early next year.


2010 ActiveHybrid 7:


Hot on the heels of the ActiveHybrid X6 revealed yesterday, BMW has announced the production version of the all-new ActiveHybrid 7 sedan, which will also premiere at next month’s Frankfurt Automover Show. Combining twin-turbocharging and direct-injection technologies with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries, the ActiveHybrid 7 manages to churn out 455 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and sends this all through a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.




2010 ActiveHybrid X6:


Unlike the mainstream market where hybrid technology is used to maximize fuel efficiency, luxury carmakers have employed hybrid systems as a way to maintain or improve performance while making concessions to efficiency. The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, on display at the 2009 Frankfurt Automover Show this week and due out for retail sale this fall, is a prime example.

Rated at a combined output of 480 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque, the big SUV uses a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine and a nickel-metal hydride hybrid powerpack to claim the title of the world's most powerful gasoline-electric hybrid passenger vehicle moving. That's no mean feat, with contenders like Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Cadillac in the space.

However, soon after their respective releases, we'll see a brand new crossover model from Mini and a redesigned X3.

The X1 is to be positioned as a niche vehicle in the U.S. when it arrives late next year as a 2011 model. According to BMW's U.S. chief Jim O'Donnell, the success of the vehicle will depend "a lot on the price of gas".

While overseas the compact crossover will be available with four-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines, U.S. models will only feature a six-cylinder gasoline engine in either front- or all-wheel drive configurations.

Pricing will be set high for the segment--you can blame the weak dollar against the euro and anticipated strong demand in Europe.

Coming in early 2011 will be a brand new crossover model from Mini. No name has been picked for the vehicle but we do know that both front- and all-wheel drive versions will be available. Pricing for the base Cooper version with front-wheel drive is expected to start at around $29,000, while the range-topping Cooper S with all-wheel drive should be priced somewhere around the $34,000 mark

Finally, BMW will bring in a replacement for the X3. Due in early 2011 as a 2012 model, the new X3 will be built at the automaker's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina and should be slightly larger than the current model. Key rivals include the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK.