BMW has launched a drive to carve a new niche in the four-wheel-drive sector with its X5 Sports Activity Vehicle and has released first official pictures of its new 3-series coupe. The X5 will make its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January next year and is expected to reach Britain towards the middle of the year 2000.

It will have a ride height 18cm higher than normal roadgoing BMWs. Based on an all-new chassis and bodyshell, it is expected to be priced at the same level as the 5-series Touring (about £30,000 upwards) with potential world production of 50,000 units. It should be available with a bored-out 4.4-litre version of the 4.0-litre V8, the 2.8-litre V6 and the new 3.0-litre six cylinder common rail diesel.

The new 3-series coupe will be powered by the four- and six cylinder engines already seen in the new 3-series saloon. The first models to reach the UK will be the 323Ci and 328Ci in June 1999, followed by the 318Ci in spring 2000. Prices have yet to be released but are expected to be similar to the outgoing coupe at £20,000 to £28,000.