SPY PHOTOS: 2010 BMW V-series

NURBURG, Germany — A new BMW test mule has hit the Nürburgring, and it may be the first sign that BMW's long-rumored V Series crossover is in development.

Although Mercedes-Benz hasn't exactly enjoyed overwhelming success with its R-Class crossover, that doesn't seem to be deterring BMW from getting into the game.

Based on a modified BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon body, this prototype looks far more car-based than a previous mule we spotted for the next-generation BMW X3. The X3 mule had a tall off-road ride height, while this latest mule sits much lower. A cross between a traditional wagon and a sport-utility, the BMW V Series is ultimately expected to offer three rows of seats in a boxy, yet non-minivan-like body.

This prototype's unique front bumper may have some BMW M3 overtones, but its overall design appears to be original.

What this means to you: Let's hope BMW can keep the V Series from treading too far into minivan territory.
Read Article

M53R - 7/14/2007 4:36:24 PM

+3 Boost

I dont like the idea, especially after I saw the R class..

EL34 - 7/14/2007 8:28:00 PM

0 Boost

I love the R-Class.

http://www.germancarfans.com/spyphotos/6040427.001/6040427.001.Mini1M.jpg

JRobUSC - 7/14/2007 4:45:23 PM

+1 Boost

I just don't know about this car. Call it what you want but the R-class is a van, and vans are a soccer mom market. Mercedes is more "luxury" than BMW, and if you're going to sell an expensive van then "luxury" is what those rich soccer moms are going to want. If Mercedes couldn't get their van to sell then I don't know why BMW is getting into that market. This seems like a vehicle tailor made for Lexus. They'd probably sell the sheisse out of something like this, or at least sell more of them than BMW and Mercedes would. And they already have the very nice Toyota Sienna to base it off of.

mscottc1 - 7/14/2007 5:14:08 PM

0 Boost

anyone else think that it might just be another version of the X3 mule we saw before, just without the suspension all jacked up?

mscottc1 - 7/14/2007 5:15:31 PM

0 Boost

More than likely it's actually a test mule for the F-series car. Can't really tell if it looks big enough to be an F5, probably an F3. If they are still going to call them that....

Bmw8ter - 7/14/2007 8:48:49 PM

0 Boost

Maybe they're shooting for something more like the RS4 Avant. An "M" wagon with AWD?

SupraNeverBack - 7/15/2007 1:20:05 AM

+2 Boost

What is that thing called? Not like a wagon, nor like a mini-van.

Larry - 7/15/2007 2:32:23 AM

0 Boost

looks like 3 series wagon

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/15/2007 3:07:17 AM

0 Boost

X3 mule anyone?

M53R - 7/15/2007 8:54:35 AM

0 Boost

Some people never even bothered to read the article. It says its only a 3 series touring test mule! Not the actual car....

Agent63 - 7/15/2007 10:17:12 PM

+2 Boost

To me the R-Class is just a well built glorified luxury version of the Chrysler Pacifica. Mercedes overall is doing great now I love the quality issues being dealt with however the R-Class fills no market whatsoever IMO. It's basically a luxurious Van and if that's what it's intended to be then it's a good quality Van but who would pay that premium for a Van? You can buy a fully loaded Sienna or the Honda Van with leather and wood for much cheaper.

Tyronn - 7/19/2007 6:15:16 PM

+1 Boost

What the ??

This is no mule. This is a 3 series touring wagon. Can you please show me the differences ?