BMW to Release 5-Door Mini, Motorrad Hits Sales Record

BMW Motorrad had its fourth record year in a row, boosted by strong sales of the R 1200 GS motorcycle, while BMW MINI is expected to release a five-door model of its small car

As of March 2015, the model program of the latest generation of the original in the premium segment of small cars will be expanded to include the MINI One First 5 door. As with the new MINI 3 door, the five-door body variant will offer a range of seven engine types to choose from.

Like all representatives of the latest model generation, the MINI One First 5 door is powered by a completely newly conceived engine featuring MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology.

Its 1.2 three-cylinder spark ignition engine combines turbocharging with petrol direct injection and variable camshaft control on the intake and exhaust side (double VANOS).

It generates a peak output of 55 kiloWatts/75 horsepower and a maximum torque of 150 Newton metres which goes on stream at 1,400 revolutions per minute, accelerating the new MINI One First 5 door from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 13.4 seconds.

Power transmission to the front wheels is taken care of by a likewise newly developed six-speed manual transmission offering optimized efficiency, reduced weight and a high level of shift comfort. An integrated gear sensor is designed for harmonious and dynamic shifting. The high efficiency of the new drive technology is reflected in an average fuel consumption of 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The relevant CO2 emission level of the new MINI One First 5 door is 121 grams per kilometre (EU test cycle figures, dependent on tire format selected).

The market launch of the new basic model expands the engine portfolio of the MINI 5 door (combined fuel consumption: 5.9 - 3.5 l/100 kilometers, combined CO2 emissions: 136 – 92 g/km) to four gasoline and three diesel engines, covering an output range of 55 kW/75 hp to 141 kW/192 hp.

The wheelbase has been extended by 72 millimetres as compared to the new MINI 3 door. The five-door model also features a luggage compartment which can be expanded from 278 to 941 litres as needed.

The World’s Most Popular BMW Motorcycle

BMW Motorrad hit another milestone in 2014, selling more vehicles than in the year before and achieving a record sales figure for the fourth time in a row. With 123,495 (previous year: 115,215 units) vehicles sold in 2014, the manufacturer delivered more motorcycles and Maxi Scooters than ever before in the company's history.

This is an increase of 7.2 percent compared to an already strong showing in 2013. In December deliveries rose by 10.9 percent to 7,032 units (previous year: 6,343 units).

The most popular BMW Motorrad models with over 40,000 units sold are the R 1200 GS (24,380) together with its sister model R 1200 GS Adventure (16.242). The BMW R 1200 RT takes third place with 12,140 units sold. The R nineT sold exceptionally well.

In its first year of sales, already 8,488 units were delivered worldwide. This makes the roadster the fourth most successful model in the BMW Motorrad product portfolio. With more than 10,000 units sold, the S 1000 R and the S 1000 RR both achieved an outstanding sales result.

The middle range models F 800 GS/GS Adventure (7,040/4,278 units) and F 700 GS (6,499 units) as well as the F 800 R (3,953 units) and F 800 GT (3,901 units) also remain very popular. The Maxi Scooters C 650 GT and C 600 Sport (6,391 units) were also well received.

“With the R nineT we seem to have our finger firmly on the pulse of many BMW Motorrad fans. It got off to a phenomenal start and leapt to fourth place in our bestseller ranking right from the start,” said Stephan Schaller, President of BMW Motorrad, in a press release.

Germany continues to be the most successful single market for the Bavarian brand, followed by the United States and France. In Germany, 21,714 vehicles, roughly a fifth of all units, were sold last year. Once again BMW Motorrad was the market leader, with a market share of over 25 percent.

The United States follows with 15,301 vehicles sold. Here, 1,201 more BMW motorcycles were sold than in the previous year. The next largest single markets are France (11,600) and Italy (10,487). Brazil continued to perform strongly with 7,603 units.

In the relevant market segment of the 500 cc and above categories, BMW Motorrad remained the market leader not only in Germany but also in Italy and Spain.

“We can look back on a successful year,” said Schaller. “For the first time in company history, BMW Motorrad sold more than 120,000 vehicles. This is an increase of 7.2 percent compared to the already outstanding result of the previous year and is the fourth year of record sales in a row. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all our customers for the trust they have placed in BMW Motorrad."

In 2014, BMW launched five new models worldwide.

Schaller also emphasized the success of the BMW C evolution electric scooter, the first of its type from BMW Motorrad.

“It builds on the experience and innovations of the BMW Group and represents an integral part of our sustainability strategy,” he said. “Almost 550 units have been sold since last May. The good level of acceptance by our customers shows that we have chosen the right approach with this first step towards electric mobility.”

A Look Ahead to 2015 for BMW Motorrad.

"BMW Motorrad continues on its course of growth,” Schaller said. “We will win over new customers for the brand, enter into new segments and expand our portfolio further. Our aim is to achieve record sales in 2015."

The coming season will see numerous vehicles added to the product portfolio. The new BMW S 1000 RR will be for sale at dealers from spring 2015. The next generation of the supersports bike offers increased engine output and a 4 kg weight reduction.

With the new BMW R 1200 R and theR 1200 RS, two new flat-twin models will be launched into the coming season. In the new edition of the F 800 R, BMW Motorrad is continuing its series of parallel twins.

With the S 1000 XR, BMW Motorrad is also launching the fourth series of its family of high-performance, sports-oriented motorcycles with four-cylinder inline engine.