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A FEW years ago, I asked a leading car designer to tell me which companies he particularly didn’t rate in his field of expertise. His response was immediate and emphatic: “BMW.” Creating the Ultimate Diving Machine is one thing, but making it look distinctive has not always seemed to be a priority for the German company. But times are changing. In the past few months, the edgy X2 (above) and stunning 8 Series concept have been revealed, to general acclaim. We’ve also seen the X7 concept, which was more polarising but at least demonstrated an intent to be different. And there is a new head of design, Jozef Kaban (above), whose CV includes the likes of the Bugatti Veyron and Skoda Kodiaq. At the recent Detroit Motor Show, I was…

Graham_Hope@dennis.co.uk “We used to be the boring brand. But now perception is changing”YOSHIHIRO SAWA Lexus global president • LF-1 Limitless concept revealed at Detroit Motor Show • Previews SUV that would sit beside LS saloon and LC coupé LEXUS is ramping up its assault on premium rivals with a luxurious new SUV to sit at the top of its line-up. The Japanese brand used the Detroit Motor Show to unveil the LF-1 Limitless, a sporty crossover that previews a probable rival to the Range Rover. And at the same time it is plotting two dramatic additions to its LC range (see panel). Explaining the brand’s thinking behind the concept, Lexus global president Yoshihiro Sawa told Auto Express: “Lexus is a lifestyle brand, and if you imagine a luxury lifestyle, maybe…

MEANWHILE, Lexus also has big plans to expand its LC range with both a convertible and a performance LC F on the cards. Auto Express understands the drop-top – previewed in our exclusive image (left) – has been given the green light internally, while a performance version of the striking flagship coupé is also likely to be signed off. An inside source at the company said the LC convertible was a “done deal” and should see the light of day within 18 months to two years. The drop-top will address a major omission in the Lexus line-up; there’s none at present and Toyota’s luxury arm has little pedigree in this area with neither of its previous offerings, the IS C and SC, being especially well received. A concept in 2014,…

John_McIlroy@dennis.co.uk @johnmcilroy “We have the B-Class and will continue with it. Do we have doubts that we should not? No”BRITTA SEEGER Mercedes board member for sales and marketing MERCEDES is pushing ahead with a new version of its B-Class – attempting to buck the trend of buyers who’ve been turning away from MPVs and towards SUVs. Several key mainstream makers have abandoned the MPV market altogether, preferring to focus resources on developing wider ranges of SUVs. But Mercedes and BMW believe that there are still useful customer numbers – enough to justify the development costs of fresh people carriers. The new B-Class is expected in 2019, following the launch of its sister vehicle, the new A-Class, which sits on a heavily revised version of the cars’ MFA platform. When asked…

THERE will be a new addition to the Mercedes SUV line-up next year when the G-Class inspired GLB is introduced to the range. Auto Express broke the news about a new baby G-Wagen in 2016, and these spy shots confirm the SUV is on its way. As the name suggests, it will sit between the GLA crossover and GLC SUV, but carry its own unique image and styling. Behind the heavy disguise you can clearly make out the boxy design of the GLB. The squared-off panels and more upright front and rear bumpers are a nod to the G-Class (bottom). Despite its size, the GLB will be one of three all-new compact models Mercedes will launch by 2020. That means it’s likely to use a version of the platform that…

Graham_Hope@dennis.co.uk FIAT CHRYSLER boss Sergio Marchionne has confirmed Ferrari’s SUV could be ready as early as next year – and claimed it will be the fastest vehicle of its type. The colourful CEO initially indicated his intention to build an SUV – or “FUV” (Ferrari Utility Vehicle) – in November and has since seen Lamborghini enter the market by launching the Urus. But at the Detroit Motor Show, Marchionne spoke about his plans in more depth. Our exclusive image shows how a Ferrari SUV could shape up, and according to Marchionne, it will be devastatingly quick. “So far the fastest SUV belongs to Alfa [the Stelvio QF] and I don’t think Ferrari fears Alfa,” he said. “It will do its best to build the fastest SUV.” Alfa’s Stelvio Quadrifoglio lays…