Tag Archives: BMW
BMW 8 Series Reveals More With Thinner Camouflage
We’ve been talking nonstop about this particular luxury coupe ever since BMW teased us mercilessly with the BMW 8 Series concept. Now, we can have a closer look at the 8 Series after the German company decided to fit it with new and thinner camouflage.
At first glance of the new BMW 8 Series spy shots, what we can tell is that the car will have a curvy and lean body, but it won’t be as aggressive as its concept version.
How The Front End Changed
Probably the biggest difference between the 8 Series concept and these spy photos is how the front of the coupe looks like. The concept showed a twin-kidney grille that sits low in the fascia, resulting to a dramatic drooping hood. The spy photos showed that the production version of the luxury coupe has a more conventional look with the grille downsized and raised up. The headlights are less squinty, the side vents in the lower fascia are toned down, the flanks on the sides are less curved, and the side vents are smaller.
What The Back End Looks Like
What remains from the concept is the long, gently sloping fastback roof. It trails into a subtle slope down the trunk lid. The difference comes in the form of a larger set of headlights on the production model rather than on the 8 Series concept. The tail is flatter, and lacks that sculpted masculinity shown on the concept. The exhaust outlets, which were integrated into the rear bumper (this was carried over), have been moved to the far corners.
When The 8 Series Finally Arrives
The production car for the 8 Series is supposed to arrive in 2020, though we’re expecting it to make its debut in 2019 because the concept was also shown a year earlier. Two other variants will be available—convertible and M variants. A racing version might be under development too.
BMW M140i Bombs the Test Drive Video of the New Mercedes-Benz CLS
A new video revealed the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLS having its usual test drive in Nurburgring before its official unveiling. Apparently, it is not as quick and nimble as the BMW M140i.
The BMW M140i packs 335 hp in its 3.0-liter turbo inline-six engine. That allows it to sprint from zero to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
Details about the specs of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLS are not officially available yet, but the basic model of its predecessor possesses a 4.7-liter biturbo V8 engine capable of delivering 402 hp. The new CLS should be along that line, so it was quite a scene when the BMW M140i was seen approaching the car at the 1:10 mark of the video.
The CLS looked like it was just minding its business when suddenly the M140i swooped pass the Merc during a sharp bend on track. Look at the 1:13 mark of the video where the Bimmer showed how agile it was.
It should be reminded though that the CLS is heavier than the M140i. Mercedes classifies it as a “four-door coupe”. It is defined by its elegant styling rather than its performance. After all, it sits along the middle of Merc’s E-Class and S-Class flagship car. However, having at least a V8 or an improved inline-six that is rumored to produce at least 500 hp, the expectations are heavy on this one. The current CLS can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS is set to make its public unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show starting from December 1 to 10. Those who want to see the car in the flesh should go to the LA Convention Center during the said dates.
Mercedes-Benz CLS Test Drive at Nurburgring Track
Check out the test drive video of the Mercedes-Benz CLS here that was bombed by the BMW M140i:
A Look at the Top 3 Features of the New BMW X2
Finally, the gap between the X1 and the X2 has been filled by the BMW X2. The rumor mill has been stirring up since 2011 about a crossover from the automaker, but it’s only now that we see what the fuzz is about.
1. Design
Last year, we saw the concept model of the vehicle at the Paris Auto Show. Not long after, spy shots of the X2 have began appearing. It seems that the production version of the crossover didn’t go far from its concept model.
The X2 carries many elements found in the X1. The fascia of the two are almost alike. However, the similarities end with the more aggressive look of the X2, thanks to its coupe-like appearance. After all, the X2 is supposed to be the most sporty-looking variant of the X series.
A closer look would also reveal several updates in the headlamps, taillights, body lines and bumpers of the X2. The vertical slats in the kidney grille of the vehicles are different too. Then, the hatch of the X2 at the rear is smaller than the X1 because of its lower roofing.
The interior of the two are almost the same. Not counting the difference in the legroom of the two, the only noticeable changes in the aesthetics were the steering wheel and the shifting lever, but it is expected that the interior design updates in the X2 will eventually trickle down to the X1.
2. Engine
The X2 shares the same powertrains offered by the X1. At launch, the available trims are the petrol-fed 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine front-wheel drive with 228 hp and two diesel all-wheel drive variants with around 118 hp or 228 hp. More options will be offered by BMW in 2018.
3. Pricing
The starting price of the X2 is £33,980. That will get you the 20d SE model. The X2 can already be ordered this November.
2018 BMW X2 Spied With A Little Camo
The 2018 BMW X2 was recently caught on cam while it was being transported. The soon-to-be-released SUV of the German brand was seen with a little camouflage.
The photos of the X2 prototype posted in Motor1 showing the auto with just a little camo wrap is an indication that its official unveiling may be near. The source projected that the vehicle might make its live debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show in December with an online reveal probably coming as early as November. It is also possible that the world premiere of the X2 might be pushed until January, which is just in time for the Detroit Motor Show.
With only the areas surrounding the grille, rear glass and the taillights hidden under a zebra wrap, we can see that the X2 production version kept many of the design elements shown by its concept model last year. However, the one we are looking at here ditched the massive twin exhausts and it is riding on smaller wheels. The huge vents located on the sides of the front bumper have been tweaked as well.
The X2 was developed as the X1’s sportier version. It has its sights set as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Audi Q2, which explains its coupe-like appearance.
Compared to the X1, the X2 features a sharper nose, thinner headlamps and slimmer rear windows. The taillights will probably be more advanced and sportier compared to the bigger model too.
The X2 is expected to use the UKL platform of BMW. Then, its drivetrains will likely reflect those found in the X1, including a hybrid version later in its production cycle. Furthermore, the interior of the SUV should offer the same level of interior design found in its big brother.
Spy Shots of the BMW X2
Check out the latest spy shots of the upcoming BMW X2 in the gallery below.
3 Changes We Can Expect From The 2020 BMW 7-Series
Maybe the current lineup of the BMW 7-Series is the most technologically-advanced, but experts and even BMW fans have pointed out their disappointment over the exterior styling and the rather boring interior. Remember, once the options have been added, this is a six-figure car.
Even without those options, the 7-Series is luxury in every sense. People, however, are having a hard time differentiating it from the lesser 5-Series. Luckily, there is mid-cycle update happening right now and this will introduce substantial changes to the series.
1. New Face For The 7-Series
A prototype of the new 7-Series has been spotted by MotorAuthority while it was being tested around. Although wrapped in camouflage, we can still see some of the updates we should expect once the new 7-Series arrives. From what it looks like, the 7-Series will launch a new face with new headlights, a new hood, and a more imposing grille.
These changes to the front end of the car will likely be more significant compared to the rear end, which will have a new pair of taillights.
2. Special Interior For The 7-Series
BMW wants to make the 7-Series more special, which means that passengers and the driver have to feel the luxury and elegance as soon as they enter the car. The interior will be made more plush and it will sit alongside the i8 and the upcoming X7 and 8-Series models.
3. Fresh Tech Packed In The 7-Series
There will be updates on the tech, too. The Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant has been added to the new 7-Series, and we can expect to see it on all new BMW vehicles, most of which will debut early next year. We might even see more advanced self-driving capabilities for the 7-Series since BMW is working closely with Here, Intel, and Mobileye for their self-driving technology.
As for powertrain, there is no word on that, though we will see a second plug-in hybrid option together with the current 740e iPerformance.
3 Things We’re Expecting From The 2017 BMW Concept Z4
The BMW Z4, which was introduced back in 2003, was a compact, two-seater that can be had as a soft-top convertible or a coupe. It has a sporty exterior and naturally-aspirated engines until the second generation started the turbo engine trend. The Z4 never looked back and now offers turbocharged engines.
1. Exterior
The Concept Z4 is a lot of things, including aggressive, sporty, and hell-bent on being noticed. The highlights of its exterior include the wide kidney grilles, the chrome inside the headlight lenses and the side view mirrors, and the nose that overhangs the lower portion of the front fascia.
The hood is probably the most significant of its look, thanks to those long, recessed vents that also highlights the two dominating lines on the side profile that continue from the fender area to the door. This provides a sense of depth and aggression to the overall body style.
The windshield has a frameless look to it with only the dark tint around the edges to separate it from the rest of the body frame.
2. Interior
The interior of the Concept Z4 is bold and unique, thanks to the two-tone nature of the cabin. The passenger side is covered in orange Alcantara while the driver’s side used black leather and some black Alcantara. The focus of the Concept Z4’s interior is the driver, and that can be clearly seen by the way the controls are aligned and positioned close to the driver’s seat.
At the front of the four-spoke (technically) steering wheel is the all-digital instrument cluster with two primary gauges—the tachometer and the speedometer. The gauges on the lower portion are for the fuel and engine temperature. The interior has a very futuristic design and concept, but we’re hoping to see it once the production model is ready.
3. Drivetrain
The rumor mill says that the Concept Z4 will have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter inline-six. The 2.0-liter will be the one offered in most entry-level BMWs. It would be able to produce 258 horsepower. But since this is a third-generation Z4 already, the German automaker needs it to stand out with probably something close to 270 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque.
Photos
Check out the photos of the 2017 BMW Z4 from Top Speed in the gallery below:
Top 3 Features Of The 2018 BMW M5 Sedan’s New Powerful Engine
German automaker BMW finally unleashed its 2018 BMW M5 in all its glory. Though looking very similar to the regular 5 Series, it now has larger grilles, trademark vents in the fenders, an aggressive rear valance with a faux diffuser.
Once you enter the car, you’ll find the same luxurious BMW setup—special-power heated sport seats with illuminated M5 logos and two bright red M buttons on the steering wheel.
If you want to be wowed by the new M5, you’ll have to pop open the hood. Underneath, you’ll find a plethora of amazing specifications.
1. Produces 600 Horsepower
The 2018 BMW M5 will have the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine, but it can now produce 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 40 horsepower and 53 pound-feet of torque from the previous generation (that’s not counting the fact that a limited edition producing 600 horsepower was also released).
2. Paired with a Unique All-Wheel Drive System
Impressed with the power and torque? That was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, which was a first for an M5. Don’t fret, the unique system will also allow the M5 to function on purely a rear-wheel-drive setup, one of the car’s three driving modes.
The all-wheel-drive system will keep the stability control from intervening in the driving mode. It will instead provide more traction and control from the first drive. And thanks to the unique system, the car will also be able to hit 60 mph from 0 mph in just 3.2 seconds. The top speed is 189 mph when paired with the M Driver’s Package. Without it, it can still go to 155 mph.
3. Improved Handling Experience
The 5 Series traditionally has the double-wishbone front setup and the multi-link rear suspension. This has been revamped on the 2018 M5. There are now firmer anti-roll bars and loads of chassis bracing. It also boasts of 19-inch wheels, which count for the wider track.
4 Things We Can Learn From The 2018 BMW X5
In 2000, BMW finally joined the fray of crossovers with the BMW X5. It has spawned four other crossovers, and has been through three different generational changes. The first one was in 2006 with the E70 X5 for a 2007 model, then the next in 2013 with the current F15 generation.
Based on calculations, it’s about time for us to get another generational update from the BMW X5. We’ve seen spy shots of the new X5 from TopSpeed, and we can’t wait to learn more about it.
1. Exterior
The spy shots did not reveal much about the exterior of the new X5. Although it’s clearly BMW’s crossover, there are no side skirts, a minimal front fascia, and a pair of headlights that look like it came from a 2000 model.
From the sides, the body line along the doors and fenders looks and feels like the current X5. The lower body lines on the doors may be carried over to the production model, but we’ll have to wait and see. Like the rest of the exterior, there is no significant change on the rear, except that those taillights would definitely be a departure from the current generation X5.
2. Interior
What we can expect from the new model is that it will be more comfortable and will be packed with new tech and safety features. The probably upgrades are: softer leather seats with better padding, a different instrument cluster layout (maybe even a TFT display), and a thinner infotainment screen.
BMW’s 7 Series already had the gesture control down pat, so maybe we’ll see that one here, too.
3. Drivetrain
It’s still too early to speculate on what the drivetrain would be for the new X5, although we can expect it to have more power and torque than the current 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque being produced by the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder.
4. Pricing
The current X5 has a starting price of $54,700 for the sDrive 35i while the range-topping xDrive 50i sells for $71,599. It’s pure speculation at this point but based on the additional upgrades, the X5 might sell for $2,000 more than the current base price.
A New BMW M5 Will Be An All-Wheel-Drive
The 2016 BMW M5.
Every time that a new version of the BMW M5 comes out, everyone gets excited—car enthusiasts and analysts alike. With that, BMW just announced that a new M5 is coming, so we’re now free to speculate what we can expect from one of the car market’s best-driving sports sedans.
Since its release in 1985, the M5 has been setting up the bar high for sportscar-like sedans in the market. It has competed fairly well and over the years, received a variety of upgrades from the German automaker. So diverse was its engine specifications through the years that it has been powered by an I-6, a V-8, and a V-10.
BMW has been consistent in one thing, though—it has always used a rear-wheel-drive system and it worked for many of its adoring fans. This time, BMW’s M division finally decided to walk away from the consistency of a rear-wheel-drive. With too much power on its hand, BMW said that the ultimate 5 Series will use an all-wheel-drive system.
M5 purists would frown upon this intrusion into the system, but the German automaker assured its market that there’s no need to worry about it as the M5 simply produces too much power for it to stay with a rear-wheel-drive setup. Timo Glock, one of BMW’s factory team drivers, said that drivers can still use the M5 pretty much like one with a rear-wheel-drive system.
A few months ago, an M5 prototype was released for testing to car analysts. In general, everyone was in agreement that although the current-generation M5 is capable, it still couldn’t compete with the Mercedes-AMG E63. The prototype, with its all-wheel-drive setup, would be able to do just that. Maybe it can finally request for a head-to-head rematch with the AMG.
BMW will make the official reveal of the all-wheel-drive M5 at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
BMW X2 Crossover Spy Photos Released
Apparently, BMW is not yet done with crossovers. We have seen what they did with the X4, the X6, the X3, the X5, and even the X1. While some of us loved the lineup of crossovers from the German automaker, others felt that the brand was trying too hard to compete with US and Japanese manufacturers.
Then, came the BMW X2 crossover. BMW released spy photos of the X2 Crossover in camouflage. Remember this was previewed as a concept during last year’s Paris Auto Show? Back then, there was no excitement surrounding its design, which was actually seen as the more stylish version of the X1.
The BMW X2 was made essentially to provide the same functionality as the X4 and the X6, though the latest BMW crossover exchanged the X4’s and X6’s fastback shape for a more traditional roofline. This significantly ups the X2’s design and style. It also has a lower height and higher window line, allowing the X2 to have a more proportioned and sportier body style than the X1.
To prove its more aggressive aesthetic, the X2 will also have an angry-looking pair of headlights and BMW’s ever-popular kidney grille.
Similar to the X1, the X2 will also use BMW’s front-wheel-drive-based UKL platform. Majority of BMW’s global market will get a front-wheel-drive X2, but the United States may actually expect an all-wheel-drive for its market.
As for the power, BMW will be using a B46 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine with an output from X1’s 228 horsepower. If you are looking for more power, the X2 might also offer an M Performance variant, which will add power, torque, and even better handling and driving experience.
We don’t have any details yet on when BMW plans to unveil the X2, but you might be able to see it before the year ends. Maybe the Frankfurt auto show in September is a good event to launch it? Sales and distribution should begin by 2018.
