Up to 12 models using UKL platform – Won't be that bad according to BMW

Automotive News reports that the BMW UKL platform will break all the negative connotations about front-wheel drive models, according to the German premium automaker. BMW's product manager for front-wheel drive vehicles Frank Niederlaender said in an interview for the publication: “In the '90s we broke with tradition when we began selling SUVs along with our sedans. Customers realized they could get the driving dynamics BMW is renowned for from an SUV. We will see the same transition happening with front-wheel drive.”

BMW sales and marketing chief Ian Robertson also sees front-wheel drive vehicles' great potential. He said: “One of the big advantages of UKL is that we are able to launch a lot of products almost simultaneously because we are doing the engineering at once.”

Approximately 12 vehicles are expected to be released by BMW in the next eight to ten years, all based on the UKL platform. This includes the BMW 1-Series GT and MINI Cooper.

BMW's head of purchasing Klaus Draeger already gave hints that a front-wheel hatchback, a larger hatchback and a small SUV may be in the works.