The explosive growth of the BMW model range is about to be defused in Australia. The line-up is being trimmed to cut competition and duplication, making it easier for customers in showrooms.

The plan is to have only three choices of any individual model, with two petrol engines and one diesel. The current list includes 36 individual models in the 3 Series sedan line-up . . . without counting the coupe, convertible or station wagon.

“We get a lot of questions about whether we have too many models. I think we do have too many,” BMW Australia managing director Guenther Seemann says.

He believes BMW must cut the choices to streamline business, though he says there will still be all-new models in future — with the X6 four-wheel drive and M3 sedan up next — as the German company looks for customers.

The work has begun, though there are a dozen individual BMW lines, from the baby 1 Series to the four-wheel-drive X5 and flagship 7-Series, with 50 official engine choices. BMW has 189 individual models on the list.

“We've already begun tidying up. The 116i hatch has been removed from the range, there are the manuals in the 3 Series and one of the X3 manuals,” Seeman says.

“In the 5 Series range, one of the V8s will go. I believe for each and every model line-up in the future, as we add models, we need two petrol and one diesel variant in each case. No more. We have so many different model lines, it is not practical or possible to display them all in a showroom.

He says it will take time to get things sorted, partly because there are so many models.

“It will happen in the next two years. Globally, there are five petrol and five diesel engine choices. And that is just in the 3 Series range,” he says.

But there is definitely space for some additions, like the four-door M3 sedan.

“We are starting the business case. It looks good, I must say,” he says.

“We will bring the four-door version, but I do not know at what price. We always follow the normal BMW pattern, where a two-door is more expensive than a four-door. We have to price it lower than the M3 two-door.”

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The high-performance model, which has already attracted deposit-paid orders in Australia, will introduce the AWD system which will appear on the Aero model later this year.

The Swedish carmaker says just 30 Turbo X vehicles (25 Sport Sedan and five SportCombi) will be released to customers in Australia and New Zealand from June, starting from $88,800 and rising to $93,800.

The Turbo X is the first model to offer the XWD AWD system, which can put 206kW of power and 400Nm of torque (between 2150rpm and 4500rpm) from the 24-valve 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 engine to the bitumen.

The Saab XWD system is an active AWD system that continuously distributes torque between the front and rear axles, and between the rear wheels.

To optimise traction at take off, Saab XWD incorporates an innovative pre-emptive engagement of the rear wheels, instead of waiting for slip.

Saab believes the system sets a new benchmark. It also allows the Turbo X to hit 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds.

There's also an active rear limited-slip differential as standard on the Turbo X, set to appear on the Aero's options list. This can transfer up to 50 per cent of torque between the rear wheels, depending on grip. The ultimate Saab performance machine, the Turbo X will start at $88,800 for the 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 manual Sport Sedan or $91,300 for the auto.

Stepping up to the SportCombi pumps the price to $91,300 for the manual and $93,800 for the auto.

Offered only in metallic black with some details in a grey titanium-like finish, the Turbo X gets the full aero body kit, making it the meanest-looking Saab in living memory. It sits on standard 18-inch alloy wheels, while optional 19-inch rims will add $2250 to the bottom line.

The cabin has black leather-trimmed sports seats (or there's an optional premium, natural leather interior for an extra $4000), as well as a carbon-fibre finish to the fascia, door trims, glovebox and gear shift console.

The driver gets a thick-rimmed, soft-grip leather steering wheel and an eyeful of a boost gauge that's a replica from the original 900 Turbo.

Owners can also have a personalised greeting when they get behind the wheel and switch on the ignition. As well as a “Ready for take-off” message flashed on the main instrument display, the owner's name and personalised greeting also can be programmed by the dealer.

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