Tag Archives: BMW
3 Stuff You Should Know About the BMW 1-Series
The smallest sedan in the BMW lineup, called the 1-Series, has been unveiled during the 2016 Guangzhou Auto Show. The compact sedan was first shown in July.
Here are three things to know about this new sedan from the German auto brand:
1. BMW 1-Series will only be available in China.
During the show, BMW also confirmed that the 1-Series will only be available in China, where it is assembled by the joint partnership between BMW and Briliance, the Chinese automaker. This will go against the Acura ILX, Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA.
This sedan is based on the UKL platform, the BMW Group’s front-wheel-drive that is used on the X1 and the 2-Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer models. The latest models from Mini are also using the same platform.
2. BMW 1-Series has three powertrains.
During the launch of the BMW 1-Series, the German group also introduced three powertrains for the newest sedan. The base is the turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-3 in a 118i that produces 136 horsepower. Above this sits the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 in a 120i that can cough up 192 horsepower. At the top of this range is the turbocharged 2.0-liter option in a 125i that churns out 231 horsepower.
The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual while an 8-speed automatic is also available.
3. BMW 1-Series has a typical BMW interior.
Inside the 1-Series, you’ll find everything you could ever want in a BMW sedan. The controls are facing the driver and the dashboard has a layered design that stars an 8.8-inch screen for the infotainment system.
To control the system, the driver will have access to a rotary dial in the center console. Upward, there’s a panoramic sunroof. At the back, the rear seats can be folded to expand the cabin.
Other features include LED headlights, run-flat tires, and collision, lane departure and pedestrian warning systems.
The BMW 1-Series will be available to the Chinese market in the first half of 2017.
13 New Spy Shots of the 2019 BMW X7 Emerge
In 2014, BMW announced plans to make a full-size SUV, the platform of which we are now seeing based on these spy shots. There are no surprises with the design of the BMW X7 since there have been speculations already that it will be patterned after the German company’s next-generation X5.
Here are things you need to know about the X7 before trying to get your hands on it:
Competition
The BMW X7 will compete against full-size SUVs in the luxury arena. In this segment are the Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Land Rover Range Rover Long-Wheelbase, Lincoln Navigator and upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
Design
There are no surprises when it comes to the design. The X7 looks like a stretched version of the next-generation X5, though the former is more muscular on the front section. Based on the spy shots, it’s easy to see that the grille and lights are all test units. They will be replaced once advanced prototypes have been tested and released.
For the X7, the platform that would be used is the German company’s flexible CLAR, a modular platform which made its debut on the 2016 7-Series and the 2017 5-Series. This platform will be soon used on all BMW models from 3-Series and up.
The CLAR platform promises lightweight construction and compatibility with electrified powertrains. Because of this, we can now assume that the X7 will feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain, along with the regular V-8 and inline-6 options. A V-12 may also be offered, though expect this to only be available for the M760i M Performance trim.
Interior
The cabin of the BMW X7 will be similar to the 2016 7-Series, especially the cockpit design. It will have three rows of spacious seating, a driver-focused layout, and an advanced infotainment system with gesture control.
Production of the X7 will take place in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It will be introduced in 2018, so it will likely be a 2019 model.
Photos
Here are the latest photos of the camouflaged 2019 BMW X7 from Motor Authority:
2018 BMW X2 To Take On The Audi Q2
Rumors that BMW is building an X2 crossover has been around since 2011. It was finally semi-confirmed when spy shots surfaced on the streets in 2015 and early 2016.
A concept car was also introduced during the 2016 Paris Auto Show, making it clear as the day that the German company wants to put the competition with Audi Q2 to the test.
Spy photos of the BMW X2 being tested near the BMW Development Center in Munich showed that it will be a sportier and coupe-like version of the X1. It will certainly not have the hunched roofline of the X4 and X6. It will heavily depend on the X1, albeit with a little more legroom.
The X1 and X2 will have similar front fascia with a big twin-kidney grille, as well as sleeker headlamps. It will be more aggressive in appearance compared to the X1, though the X2 will have a shorter tailgate and rear windscreen.
Inside, we expect to see a seven-speaker audio system, a multi-function, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cruise control, as well as an 8.8-inch display, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a panoramic moonroof.
In terms of drivetrain, the X2 will take a page from the X1’s book. It will have gasoline and diesel options, both with three- or four-cylinder formats. They will also be offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive.
The base model in Europe has a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline unit that produces 134 horsepower. This is coupled with a six-speed automatic and power FWD versions only. There will also be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine while the sDrive20i and xDrive20i will have 189 horsepower and the xDrive25i, 228 horsepower.
Diesel-wise, the X2 is getting 1.5-liter three-cylinder that produces 114 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The base model will be able to crank out 148 horsepower and 243 pound-feet while the high-end variant gets 228 horsepower and a whopping 332 pound-feet of torque.
The X2 could be bought for $37,500 before options.
Audi Q2
A mash-up between the Q1 and A3, the Q2 looks more like a hatchback than a crossover. The only thing that allows it to be in the crossover segment is the aggressive lines, sporty roofline, spacious indoor capacity and the diverse powertrain lineup.
The base is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder that can generate 116 horsepower, while the 1.4-liter four-pot is available 150 horsepower. Higher end models will get the 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 190 horsepower.
When it comes to diesel engine, there’s the 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 116 horsepower and a 2.0-liter four-banger with either 150 or 190 horses.
The Audi Q2 is priced at $27,780.
Top 3 Things We Learned About The 2018 BMW 3-Series
Spy shots for the prototype of BMW‘s next-generation 3-Series were released, and it looks like it can blow things out of proportion, at least for the segment it belongs to. Codenamed G20, this new prototype from BMW will be released by mid-2017 as a 2018 model.
The 2018 BMW 3-Series reportedly will become the benchmark for the small sedan segment in terms of performance and driving dynamics.
CLAR Platform Will Be Used
BMW engineers have developed one of the most advanced platforms in the automobile industry. The multi-material constructed CLAR modular design will allow BMW to catch up to its other competitions, namely Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac, with their small sedan offerings.
The CLAR made its debut on the 2016 7-Series and has since made its appearance on the 2017 5-Series.
The platform uses lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium. In the 7-Series, it used carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. Besides that, it can support alternative drivetrains such as plug-in hybrid and battery-electric applications.
The 3-Series will be the smallest model to use this platform.
Sporty Design Will Be The Exterior Element
The usual BMW styling is present on this prototype. That includes the kidney grille, Hofmeister kink and short overhangs. The front appears lower and wider, however, making many believe that it will have a sporty look, much like the Jaguar XE.
There are still no clear changes on the interior, but there might be a digital instrument cluster that will be paired with an advanced infotainment system complete with voice activation and gesture control.
The driver will have access to semi-autonomous modes.
Plug-In Hybrid Is Going To Be Available
In the US, the core powertrains will be the turbocharged 4- and 6-cylinder inline engines with 2.0 and 3.0 liters, respectively. Some markets might also have BMW’s 1.5-liter inline-3.
There will be diesel and plug-in hybrid options too. The plug-in hybrid will most likely use two electric motors under the setup of Power eDrive.
As for the high-performance variant, that is called the M3. Back in 2014, a prototype of this used a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 and two electric motors to produce 670 horsepower.
2018 Audi S5 Cabriolet Head On Against the BMW 4 Series
Audi has recently unveiled the 2018 S5 Cabriolet, which will be a soft-top iteration of the A5 lineup. In a nutshell, this update will have larger dimensions, tweaked styling, more sleek interior with high-tech gadgets, turbo-six cylinder and updated rear suspension.
On the outside, the 2018 Audi S5 Cabriolet has reshaped the three-dimensional Singleframe grille. It is now shorter and wider. It also has reshaped headlights, with Xenon elements as standard, to have that slimmer appearance compared to the previous generation. If you’re unimpressed with the headlights, you can opt for the LEDs and matrix LEDs with dynamic turn signals for the front and rear.
Dimensionally, the new S5 is larger at 184 inches with the wheelbase extending to 108.9 inches and the track to 62.5 inches wide in front and 61.7 inches wide in the rear. Still, the 2018 S5 appears narrower than the current model.
Inside, the new S5 has a sportier appearance. The steering wheel has controls that are thumb-reachable. The gauge cluster is analog for now, but you can also opt for a digital cluster. On the center of the panel is a tablet screen with hard buttons in the center console. The pedals are finished in brushed metal while the seats are covered in partial leather.
Under the hood, you can expect the S5 to pack more power than it did before. It has a turbocharged 3.0-liter (2,995 cc) TFSI V-6, which produces 354 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
In the US, the new S5 is priced at $64,000.
2018 Audi S5 Cabriolet Versus the BMW 4 Series
BMW’s two-door compact convertible comes with all the features you’ll expect from the German automaker. The interior is full to the brim with high-tech gadgets while the exterior is a little more attention-seeking than the Audi S5 Cabriolet. It has a more premium and elegant feeling, though it’s way cheaper than the S5 at $50,000. The only thing bad about this BMW is that it’s slower than Audi’s entry.
Getting To Know The 2018 BMW X3
2018 BMW X3 rendering. (Source: TopSpeed)
The BMW X3 is a huge favorite for those who want an everyday car that is versatile, functional, efficient and luxurious. It has been refreshed for the 2015 model year and will be fully upgraded for 2018.
According to a report, the expected upgrades will bring a full redesign of the exterior, improved interior space and comfort, as well as a new diesel engine and plug-in hybrid.
Exterior
The spy shots allowed the rendering of how the 2018 BMW X3 will look like. The new X3 is expected to have a more refined design, but obviously, the kidney grilles will remain. What’s a Bimmer without it? The headlights will be similar to the refreshed 2015 version, but they will be placed a little beyond the lens. There’s a running LED strip from the outside corner, under the bulbs to the lower inboard point. The round fog lights will be carried over, along with air dam, and shortened corner vents.
The sides have been changed a bit. The upper body line now runs straight from the fender back. It is also sharper and a bit more refined than the one you can find on the current model. The wheels have dual five-spoke design.
Interior
The new X3’s steering wheel has a longer bottom spoke with silver buttons and silver insert over the bottom spoke. The instrument cluster cannot be seen because of the cover on the spy shots, but it’s safe to say that it’ll have a digital speedo on the left and a digital tachometer on the right.
The center console looks the same, but there are chrome overlays on the side, and the tech is more refined and luxurious. That is largely thanks to the free-standing and larger infotainment screen that looks like it’s floating from the top of the center stack.
As for the cargo, there should be a 60-40 folding rear seat. The hip and legroom may also increase.
Drivetrain
The next X3 will build on the CLAR platform that is being used on the 3 series and all larger BMW vehicles. It will have a range of gas and diesel engines, as well as an incoming plug-in hybrid.
2017 BMW 6 Series Takes on Porsche Panamera and Audi S7
A possible 2017 BMW 6 Series was spotted testing on the road. It will have a new lightened chassis, upgraded tech for the cabin and refreshed styling on the outside.
Although details are still up in the air, what is clear is that it will be competing against the Porsche Panamera and the Audi S7.
Based on the spy shots, the fourth generation model of the BMW 6 Series will offer a roof with an angled approach towards the rear end, which promises to give the car a fastback profile. It also has a trailing spoiler and revamped taillights on the rear, and a kidney grille and slimmer headlights up front.
In terms of dimension, this is still in the midsize range, though it will carry the chassis code G14, G15, and G16, replacing the outgoing model’s designation of F12, F13, and F06, respectively.
Under the hood, the new BMW 6 Series will have the same powerplant treatment as the new 5 Series, meaning a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder from the 540i. Output is a mean 350 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque.
Currently, the 6 Series is pegged at $77,600, but the top-of-the-line model can go as high as $100,000.
Porsche Panamera or the BMW 6 Series?
For under $80,000, the Porsche Panamera—all that power—can be yours. It combines the power of a high-end sports car with the functionality of a five-door hatchback.
If you have the extra juice, meaning $100,000, you can get the Turbo S model, which has a 911-performance, thanks to its twin-turbo V-8 that can produce 570 horsepower. This can make the Panamera go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. It has a maximum speed of 192mph.
The Panamera also comes packing with the Porsche Active Suspension Management with three different drive modes—Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.
If BMW plans to compete with this through the 6 Series, it better bring its A game.
Four Key Features Of AC Schnitzer 2016 BMW M2
AC Schnitzer specializes in aftermarket tuning of Bimmers, and what they did with the 2016 BMW M2 from front to back and top to bottom is the stuff fairy tales are made of. The tuning upgrade brought the M2 to the sports car echelon of the automobile industry.
Here are some new features you need to know about AC Schnitzer’s M2 tuning:
Aerodynamics
Tinkering with the aerodynamics is one of the staples of an AC tuning. The program for the M2 did not differ. The aerodynamics kit has carbon front side wings and carbon rear wing that enhance the M2’s looks. But aside from it, the carbon also works well together with the new front splitter, rear roof spoiler, and carbon rear diffuser. It allows well-tuned handling experience even when the car is running on high speed.
Interior
Interior has always been overlooked by every tuning company that upgraded a vehicle. That cannot be said with AC, though the changes are minimal like the aluminum pedal set and footrest, key holder, handbrake handle, aluminum cover for the M2’s iDrive Controller, and velour floor mats.
Drivetrain
The AC Schnitzer’s tuning of the M2 was focused on the engine modifications, though these are mostly software upgrades. Still, AC offers a charge cooler that can help improve the capacity and efficiency of M2’s 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine. After the tuning, the M2 can now produce 420 horsepower, a 50 ponies upgrade from the standard 370 horsepower.
Suspension and brakes
AC Schnitzer specifically built RS coilovers for the M2. They are height-adjustable, and come with compression and rebound setting. It can also be lowered from 1.18 inches to 1.57 inches. There’s also the suspension spring kit that can drop the M2 from the height of 0.98 inches to 1.18 inches at the front and from 0.59 inches to 0.79 inches at the back.
Spy Shots Of 2018 BMW Z5 Released
Back in 2011, Toyota and BMW planned to jointly develop a mid-size sports car platform to replace their Z4 and Supra models, respectively. It looks like the day has finally come for us to see the completion of such platform.
New spy shots of a prototype for BMW have been released. We’re expecting these shots to be soon called as the Z5. Instead of being a next-generation Z4, adopting a new name links this car to BMW’s 507, which is a legend in the industry. And it being a notch higher than the Z4 means the German automaker can charge more for it.
The higher positioning can be backed up by the larger size of the prototype as compared to the Z4. And although the shots have almost similar to identical proportions to the Z4, what’s most noticeable is that this is going to be a soft-top convertible rather than a retractable hard-top. Based on one of the shots, we can also gleam that there is going to be a new grille design.
Another thing that should justify the higher positioning of what seems to be the new Z5 is the improved performance. This new car will be competing against the likes of the Jaguar F-Type and Porsche 911. The base model will most likely have an inline-4 though the inline-6 as an option is a popular suggestion too. Turbocharging might be standard for all variants of the Z5.
You may be wondering if the hybrid tech will be used on the Z5. This is highly unlikely because BMW certainly wants to differentiate their Z5 from Toyota’s Supra successor, which might go down the route of gasoline-electric.
This new BMW sports car, whether or not it will be called the Z5, will debut either in late 2017 or early 2018. Though there have been no word yet on pricing details, this will likely go as high as $50,000 for a starting price.
BMW i5 Sketches Surface Online
For a long time now, there have been rumors that BMW is working on a new model, which will be called the i5. Now, we might be seeing alleged patent drawings of that said model. These drawings were discovered by Autoguide, and have reportedly been filed by the German automaker with a patent office in Japan in April this year.
Since 2012, many have speculated that the German company would eventually plug the gap between the i3 and the i8 to finally complete its eco-focused i sub-brand. The rumors have covered everything from a supposedly stretched i3 to an SUV to an electronic vehicle that would rival the Tesla Model S luxury sedan.
BMW has remained mum about what it plans for the i5, only telling that its main focus is to make the new model as family-oriented as possible, further fueling rumors that it wasn’t going to be a luxury sedan, but an SUV or station wagon-type of vehicle.
If these patent drawings are accurate, it must mean that BMW’s design team has been taking cues from the Prius. The patent drawings showed what was originally a questionable looks of the i sub-brand coupled with the form factor of an elongated hatch. Experts are so-so on the looks, with some verging on judging the “i5” as not pretty. In terms of space, the i5 doesn’t look practical at all, no thanks to the sloping roof at the rear of the car.
Expectations that the next i car would be an electric vehicle are going down the drain. It’s not going to be full-electric, and there’s no reason to believe there is going to be an extended-range electric model. It will, however, likely be a plug-in hybrid like the i8.
BMW has earlier said its next standalone electric car won’t be arriving until 2021. But before that, the German automaker is set to launch electric versions of regular models such as the X3 and some Minis.
