BMW
123 articles in this category
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Do you like the 2-Series coupe, but wished it came in a sedan? Well according to Autocar, BMW is planning to build one. Why? The next-generation BMW 3-Series is expected to grow size and the German automaker believes there is space for another sedan (or should we say a four-door coupe). At the moment, BMW is debating whether the 2-Series Gran Coupe should follow in the footsteps of the 4 and 6-Series Gran Coupe (sedan-ish) or go with five-door liftback. Whatever design is chosen, expect the
Who wants another BMW Gran Coupe?!
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BMW has pulled the covers off the 2016 X1 crossover that will go on sale this fall in the U.S. While the X1 was sold in other markets since 2009, it only came to the U.S. in 2012. Lets talk about the elephant in the room. This is the first BMW to be sold in the U.S. to be based on the German automaker's UKL platform that underpins the new MINI Cooper and other BMW vehicles sold in Europe. Our X1 will only come in all-wheel drive form. Power will come from the 2.0L TwinPower Turbo four-cy
When BMW Goes FWD For The U.S.
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The BMW 2-Series has a new member of the family. The 2016 BMW M2 is what happens when BMW's M department is given free-reign on the smallest of BMW models. Outside, the M2 looks the part with larger front intakes, wider fenders, rear diffuser, and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Move inside and you'll find Alcantara on door panels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather seats with adjustable bolsters. Power comes from a turbocharged 3.0L Inline-Six that has been tinkered with to pro
What Happens When The BMW 2-Series Hits the Gym
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A new BMW X5 is coming within the next year or so and it will be using the same underpinnings as the 7-Series. Autocar reports the next-generation X5 will use BMW's new CLAR - Cluster Architecture - modular platform. This platform is comprised of high-strength steel, aluminium, and carbon fiber. Not only does this cut weight, but increases structural rigidity. CLAR is predominantly built for rear-wheel drive applications, but it can take on an all-wheel drive system. This platform will g
The next BMW X5 will have something in common with the 7-Series
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BMW offered the last-generation 7-Series with a diesel option in the U.S. and there was talk of offering it again with this current model. But these plans have been taken off the table. German magazine Focus reported last Friday that plans for 7-Series diesel in the U.S. were shelved. This information came from engineers at Bosch. This week, BMW Blog got the official word from BMW. “Currently there are no plans to bring the 7 Series diesel to the US market,” said Hector Arellano-Belloc,
Sorry diesel fans, the current 7-Series will not come with a diesel option
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A lot of the high-performance sub-brands have been thinking about the future and the possibility of using turbocharged four-cylinders or all-wheel drive. BMW's M division isn't going down that trail of thought yet. Speaking with Australian outlet Motoring, BMW M's head of product management, Carsten Pries says for the time being, the division will focus on developing models with the six cylinders and rear-wheel drive. “If you also look at the M performance models we have added over the l
Six-Cylinders and Rear-Wheel Drive is still the order of the day for BMW's M Division
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A couple of weeks ago, BMW announced the 2016 7-Series. For North America, we learned that we would be getting a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six and a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 at launch. But Car and Driver reports that more powertrains are on the way. A diesel engine is expected with about 300 horsepower, along with the return of the 760i with its monstrous V12. The Alpina B7 is expected to make a return as well, with 600 horsepower coming out a massaged V8. There is also talk of a M version of 7
More Powertrains Are Incoming for the 7-Series
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Today, BMW pulled the wraps off the sixth-generation 7-Series. The new version of BMW's flagship includes new tech and less weight. To our eyes, the 2016 7-Series looks like a larger 3-Series. The front boasts a larger kidney grille and narrow headlights, while towards the back has a short overhang and chrome tailpipes. The U.S. will only get the long-wheelbase version of the 7-Series. Under the skin lies one of the biggest changes to the 7-Series. Like the i3 and i8, the 7-Series uses a new
Less Weight, More Tech
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2016 marks the 100th anniversary of BMW and to celebrate, the German automaker unveiled a concept that tries to predict the future of motoring. The Vision Next 100 concept features a number of new technologies in terms of how a vehicle is built, the interaction between driver and vehicle; and autonomous driving. Materials such as carbon fiber, plastic, and the residue from the production of carbon fiber make up the Vision Next 100's structure. Trademark BMW design cues such as the kidney
How does BMW see the future of the automobile?
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The current BMW i8 uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain to produce a total output of 357 horsepower. But the future version of the i8 could switch to a full EV powertrain. Sources tell Autocar that German automaker would swap the turbocharged three-cylinder in the rear for two electric motors. Each electric motor (there would be three including one up front) is said to produce up to 268 horsepower. With the addition of two electric motors, BMW will add a larger battery. To allow for this, t
From plug-in to full electric?
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It seems some changes are coming to BMW's M division based on recent comments from the head of the division, Frank van Meel. First up is transmissions. van Meel tells Autocar that DCT dual-clutch and automatic transmissions have a bright future for M cars. Not so much for the manual transmission as sales are declining. “From a technical standpoint, the future doesn’t look bright for manual gearboxes. The DCT and auto ’boxes are faster and they have better fuel consumption. It’s difficult
Comments from BMW's M Boss Gives Some Ideas As To What the Future Holds
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There are some big changes possibly afoot with BMW's coupe lineup. Auto Express reports that BMW will be changing the focus of the next-generation 6-Series from grand tourer to a Porsche 911 fighter. This means the 6-Series will become slightly smaller than the current model. Auto Express speculates the new 6-Series will utilize the joint BMW-Toyota platform that will underpin the next-gen Z4 and long-rumored Toyota Supra. Sources at both companies say this new platform is able to be scaled
BMW's considers messing with their coupes on the higher-end.
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BMW is losing a lot of ground in the flagship arena to Mercedes-Benz. To combat this, the Munich-based automaker is considering an ultra-luxury sedan that will sit between the 7-Series and the Rolls-Royce Ghost. "Just like certain competitors, we will see that we occupy with credible offers the price bracket of 150,000 euros ($170,000) and beyond," BMW development chief Klaus Froehlich to Automotive News. Froehlich also took a jab at Mercedes-Benz by saying BMW wouldn't offer several whe
BMW Wants To Fight Mercedes In the Ultra-Luxury Class
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The differences between automakers and technology companies are blurring more and more each week. Google has been bringing veterans from the auto industry to help with their autonomous vehicle project. Tesla has been hiring people from Google and Apple to help with their vehicles. There are many more examples we could pull out. So it should not come as a surprise that BMW is planning to make some major changes with more of a focus on tech. Klaus Froehlich, BMW's board member for research and
BMW Wants To Bring In Programmers To Develop Their Own AI for Autonomous Vehicles
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How far would you go to be the best selling automaker in a given class? If you're BMW, you employ a tactic that involves loaner vehicles and dealers to retain your crown as being the best-selling luxury brand in the U.S. Bloomberg is reporting that BMW paid its dealers as much as $1,750 in December to buy BMW vehicles to be used in loaner fleets - vehicles that would be offered to customers who drop off their current vehicle for service. The program worked as BMW edged out Lexus by 1,400 veh
BMW uses their Dealer Loaner Program to help boost sales
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BMW doesn't have a vehicle that directly competes with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe, but Autocar says that could be changing. According to sources at BMW's R&D center in Munich, there are two proposals on the table for a new 8-Series. The first is a four-door coupe - think 6-Series Gran Coupe in a larger size - and the second is a for a two-door coupe and cabriolet. Why is BMW considering a competitor to the S-Class Coupe? Because they want to experience the same profits that Merc
BMW is very envious of the S-Class Coupe and wants to compete against it
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Tesla, the electric car startup in California has put the automotive industry on notice with the Model S. With impressive range and the model stealing sales from luxury makers, automakers are wondering how best to compete with the Model S. Car Magazine learned about what BMW has planned. Known internally as F18, the new model will utilize a long-wheelbase version of the next-generation 5-Series sedan. The next-generation 5-Series will be one the first models to use a new modular platform known
BMW has Tesla in their sights with an upcoming sedan
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Within the next year and a half, a new BMW 3-Series will be revealed. There will be gas, diesel, hybrid, and the possibility of an all-electric version. Auto Express reports the German automaker is working on a 3-Series electric that will take on the upcoming Tesla Model 3. The next 3-Series will use BMW's CLAR (Cluster Architecture) which not only brings forth carbon fiber for certain parts of the vehicle, but it was designed with electric vehicles in mind. Auto Express says the model w
BMW has Tesla in their sights with a possible 3-Series EV
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If BMW wants to be in top in the compact luxury marketplace, then it needs to constantly improve the 3-Series. BMW knows this fact very well and has announced improvements for the 2016 3-Series. The big changes for the 3-Series lie under the hood. First is the 340i which takes place of the 335i. It boasts a new all-aluminum twin-turbocharged 3.0L straight-six with 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic will come standard, while a six-speed manual with rev matching
BMW Gives the 3-Series A Refresh To Keep Up
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BMW has revealed the plug-in hybrid variants of the 7-Series. Known as the 7-Series iPerformance, the models feature technolgies from BMW's i subbrand. There will be three variants of the 7-Series iPerformance on offer; the 740e, 740Le, and 740Le xDrive. All feature a powertrain that is comprised of a 2.0L turbo-four and electric motor delivering a total output of 326 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic and either rear or all-wheel drive. A 9
BMW decides to add some plug-in hybrid for the 7-Series
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BMW has revealed the 1-Series sedan today in China. This is the German automaker's belated answer to the likes of the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA. BMW has only released one image of the new model, but we can tell the design is the same as the Concept Compact Sedan that debuted at last year's Guangzhou Auto Show. BMW's press release on this model is very sparse on technical details. We do believe this sedan is using the UKL front-wheel drive platform that underpins the BMW X1 and Mini Coope
BMW builds a sedan only destined for China
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If we're being a bit honest, we're kind of confused as to why BMW has revealed two performance-oriented 7-Series. Earlier in the week, BMW announced the Alpina B7 xDrive which produces 600 horsepower from a somewhat massaged turbocharged 4.4L V8. Then yesterday, BMW announced the 2017 M760i xDrive, the latest addition to BMW's M Performance lineup. Was there a scheduling mix up at BMW's press office that caused both of these models to be announced within a few days of each other? Nevertheles
Because the Alpina B7 xDrive isn't enough
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Back in February, we reported that BMW was planning to stay the course with developing rear-wheel drive models. “If you also look at the M performance models we have added over the last three or four years they have rear-wheel drive as the standard setting and also have six cylinder engines. These are cars that attract new people to the M brand [and its core models] and that is very important,” said Carsten Pries, BMW M's head of product management. Pries also mentioned that this current
AWD is coming to BMW M's sedans and coupes
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Unlike many of its competitors, BMW has never officially done a performance oriented 7-Series (i.e. M7). Instead, they have used German tuner ALPINA to build a more potent version - the B7. With a new 7-Series in showrooms, it was only time before an announcement of a new B7 would appear. Yesterday, ALPINA announced the 2017 B7 xDrive. It starts with a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 that ALPINA messed around with and was able to extract 600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet (this engine in the 750i only pro
An M7 By Any Another Name
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BMW is coming close to making a decision on a possible third member of their i family. Autocar says there are two proposals for the next model which is known as the i5. First is an extended version of the i3 and the second is a sedan that will directly compete with Tesla's upcoming Model 3. Ian Robertson, BMW's board member who oversees sales and marketing says the company is in “the final stages” of which proposal to go with. “You will see more i products, and we are in the final st
A third model could be joining BMW's i lineup
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There are days where we find ourselves wondering what goes through the head of executives of German automakers on some of the things they say. For example, BMW Australia’s Managing Director, Marc Werner told Motoring there could be a BMW pickup. “Never say never,” said Werner when asked about Mercedes-Benz's upcoming truck. “We’re watching the space closely.” “It’s easier for Mercedes [to bring a ute to market] because they have commercial vehicles and trucks and vans. We do not.” If
A BMW Pickup? (And no, not an M3/M4 one)
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BMW announced today that it plans on offering a plug-in hybrid version on "all its core-brand models," in the future. The plug-in hybrids will utilize battery and motor technologies from the i3 and i8 models. “All BMW Group models benefit from BMW i. The fundamental technology involved in battery cells, electric motors and the power electronics will be used in our upcoming plug-in hybrid models. When it comes to the electrification of the drivetrain, we are deliberately developing a wide-rangin
BMW Plans Plug-In Hybrid Models For Most of its Key Models
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A new report from Car & Driver says BMW is working on a front-wheel drive roadster that could possibly come out in 2016 or 2017. Possibly named Z2, the rumored roadster will use BMW's new front-wheel drive platform that underpins the new MINI Cooper and upcoming BMW 2-Series Active Tourer. The focus will be on designing a lightweight roadster that could possibly weigh around 2,500 pounds. Unlike the Z4, the Z2 will use a fabric top. As for powertrains, BMW could equip the Z2 with a range o
A Front-Wheel Drive Roadster from BMW?!
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BMW is very proud of their Spartanburg, South Carolina plant; currently home to the X3, X4, X5, and X6 crossovers. So it comes as no surprise that company chose Spartanburg to debut the third-generation X3 crossover. Styling-wise, the 2018 X3 is an evolution of the current model. There are some changes to help set the new X3 apart from the old model such as a more aggressive front bumper, new take on the kidney grille, slimmer taillights, and twin exhaust tips. The wheelbase has been extende
Yes, it is all new.
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Whether we like it or not, crossovers print money for automakers and some are going above and beyond to make sure they get every last dollar. Case in point is BMW which unveiled the X2 which follows the same formula of the X4 and X6 by taking an existing model (the X1 in this case) and injecting a bit more sport. Unlike the X4 and X6, the X2 doesn't have the coupe-like roofline. It instead looks like your standard crossover, albeit a low-slung and extroverted one. Compared to the X1,
What are you doing BMW?
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It is no secret that German automakers are busy developing vehicles to challenge the Tesla Model S and X. But there has been barely a peep about something to take on the Model 3. But that is changing according to a report from Germany’s Handelsblatt. Sources at BMW tell the publication that the company will be showing off a 3-Series electric at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year. The model is said to have a range of 248 miles (400 km) and will directly compete against the upcoming Mod
We're not sure about this rumor for one key reason
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A new report from Automotive News says BMW could be expanding their lineup of vehicles in both directions. On the low end is the 1-Series sedan. Already on sale in China, the model could be coming to U.S. in early 2019 according to a source. Previously, BMW said their small front-wheel drive sedan would not be sold in the U.S. But with Mercedes-Benz bringing the A-Class sedan to U.S. next year, this may have cause BMW to change their minds. A quick refresher, the 1-Series sedan is a front-w
We might see a 1-Series sedan and some more crossovers
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BMW is covering the efficiency and performance bases of the new 5-Series with two new models. On the efficiency front, there is the 2018 530e iPerfomance. This is a plug-in hybrid with a 2.0L turbo-four paired with an electric motor and a 9.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Preliminary figures stand at 248 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. 0-60 mph is said to take 6.1 seconds. Fuel economy figures and overall battery range will be announced at a later time. Recharging the battery takes les
Two new BMWs arrive in the U.S. in the spring
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BMW's vice-president of sales and marketing for the M division, Peter Quintus believes that manual and dual-clutch transmissions will be going the way of the dodo bird performance vehicles. According to Drive, Qunitus has been banging the drum on the demise of manual transmissions for a bit. The reason isn't due to emissions but comes down them not being able to handle engines with loads of torque - saying 600Nm of torque (about 442 lb-ft). When asked about using a manual transmission from
Time is ticking for manual and dual-clutch transmissions
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Recently, there has been a shift in BMW's sales plans. Walter Mertl, BMW's Chief Financial Officer, said they have hit the tipping point for internal combustion engines (ICE) and will focus more on electric cars. Mertl also says that ICE vehicle sales have plateaued and will start to decrease. This is due to changes in environmental regulations with stricter or zero emissions. Regulations from China, the European Union, and the United States are causing automakers to expedite creating and produc
They also said they are keeping its manual transmission in the M2, M3, and M4.
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BMW's M4 Competition, with its three-liter twin-turbo inline-six, already has a lot of power, clocking in at 503 horsepower. For 2025, BMW decided to add more power to the xDrive all-wheel-drive trim for 2025, bumping it up 20 to 523 horsepower. For comparison, non-Competition trims of the Rear-wheel-drive M4 use the same three-liter twin-turbo inline-six producing "just" 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque while the more powerful rear-wheel-drive Competition makes 503 horsepower and 479
The range starts at $80,095 for the M4 and rises to $96,295 for the Competition xDrive convertible.
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Rumors of BMW bringing back the 8-Series have been floating around since February when sources revealed there were two proposals on the table; a larger version of the 6-Series Gran Coupe and a new two-door coupe/convertible. This would only intensify over the summer when a report revealed that BMW had trademarked a number of 8-Series names. Now a new report says BMW is going forward with the 8-Series as a coupe. Automobilwoche has learned from sources that BMW will be bringing back the 8-Se
The 8-Series is reportedly coming
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BMW is working on a number of electric vehicles that will be coming out in the coming years, including a replacement for the 3-Series GT. We reported back in January that the 3-Series GT would be cut from BMW's lineup possibly due to poor sales (we didn't fully buy the reason of 3-Series GT overlapping the 4-Series Gran Coupe and causing confusion for buyers). But a new report from Autocar says the 3-Series GT will live on as a 4-Series model. Due in 2019, the 4-Series GT will replace
The 3-Series GT lives? An EV?!
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When the next-generation BMW 3-Series comes out in a couple of years, there could be a variant missing. BMWBlog has learned from a source that the 3-Series Gran Turismo (GT) is on the chopping block. The reason is that the 3-Series GT overlaps with the 4-Series Gran Coupe and it would make sense to focus one in the future. We're not sure if many BMW customers are cross-shopping a hatchback with a four-door coupe. We're thinking that the GT didn't meet BMW's sales expectations which is possi
No more 3-Series GT in a couple of years?
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Within the next two years, BMW's crossover lineup will undergo a massive change with two key models undergoing a redesign and two new models joining the family. Australian outlet Motoring has learned some key details about the models in question and possible debuts. X2: Think X1 in a sleeker package. Previewed last year at the Paris Motor Show, the X2 will come with a range of three and four-cylinder engines. Drivetrain choices will include front or all-wheel drive. It is expected to laun
More crossovers are incoming for BMW
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BMW has plans on streamlining its production process and cutting down on the number of variants to help get more money into R&D. According to Reuters, BMW is ramping up development on electrics, autonomous vehicles, and new powertrains to meet stricter emission standards. Nicolas Peter, BMW's finance chief said the company spent 5.16 billion euros (about $5.91 billion) or 5.5 percent of revenue on R&D in 2016. "The next three years will be between 5.5 percent and 6 percent," said Pe
Key Example: 2-Series will not feature a manual transmission option for the U.S.
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Previous Page Next Page BMW has finally pulled the covers off the 2017 5 Series. Wearing the codename G30, the new 5 Series looks to be borrowing a number of items from its larger brother, the 7 Series. The most obvious item shared between the two is the design. Looking at the pictures that BMW released, you would swear that you're looking at a 7 and not 5. Details such a wider kidney grille, new headlights, bold character line, and reshaped trunk are some of
Is that a 5 Series or 7 Series?
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BMW for the 2026 model year of the iX SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle has stated that they have delivered a simplified design language EV with more power, range and efficency. Lets look at the options this updated EV SUV or SAV as BMW calls it offers. 2026 BMW iX models: iX xDrive45 provides 402 hp and an estimated range of up to 312 miles, 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, top speed of 124mph iX xDrive60 provides 536 hp and an estimated range of up to 340 miles, 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, top s
How does a German auto company deliver on a successful SUV, by delivering increased power, range and efficiency while also simplifying the design language, this is the updated BMW iX.
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Usually, an automaker will announce they are ending production of a certain model. BMW didn't do that when it stopped production of the 6-Series coupe back in February. Road & Track got confirmation about this change from a BMW spokesperson. No reason was given as to why production of the coupe ended, but it is a safe bet that low sales played a role in this decision. This only adds fuel to the fire about reports that BMW is working on an 8-Series coupe. Our last report back in Oct
How come BMW didn't tell anyone about this?!
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Despite the mess and tepid reception given to diesel models in the U.S. due to Volkswagen emission scandal, there are still some automakers who believe in it. A BMW spokesperson has confirmed to Car and Driver that diesel variant of the new 5-Series would be arriving in the U.S., although no timeframe was given. The model will be named the 540d. Car and Driver believe the model will be powered by the 3.0L inline-six turbodiesel found in the European-market 530d producing 262 horsepower and
BMW still believes in diesel for the U.S.
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BMW announced today their new flagship electrical SUV, the BMW iX. This SUV will launch late in 2021 as a 2022 model. The style will likely be controversial as it retains the concepts overly large kidney grill front end but maintains a sleek drag coefficient of 0.25 Cd which is equal to the Tesla X. This AWD SUV has one motor per axles giving a combined 370 kW or 500 horsepower with a 0 to 62 mph of under 5 seconds. A 100 kW battery pack that will give 600 kilometers on the WLTP cycle
BMW and Electric Cars, Take iX!
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The BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo answered a question that no one outside of BMW was asking. It wasn't a pleasing vehicle to look at which affected sales. Still, BMW believes in the Gran Turismo and has decided to make the successor part of the 6-Series family. Thus, the 2018 BMW 6-Series GT. We're still not sold on the whole Gran Turismo idea BMW is trying to put out there, but we have to admit the 6-Series GT is a major improvement in terms of looks. BMW's designers took the design of the 3-Se
At least it's better looking than the 5-Series GT
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BMW has been in a holding pattern in terms of producing diesel vehicles for the U.S. as they were awaiting approval from the EPA retesting diesel vehicles. Soon, 2017 model year diesel vehicles will be rolling off BMW's assembly lines and heading off to the U.S. "Diesel models will be going into production shortly at our manufacturing plants," said Rebecca K. Kiehne, product & technology spokesperson at BMW of North America to Green Car Reports. As we reported back in October, the
Arriving soon at your nearest BMW dealer: the 2017 diesel lineup
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BMW previewed their upcoming three-row crossover with the the X7 iPerformance concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. There is now talk about adding a coupe-like design derivative known as the X8. BMW’s head of development, Klaus Fröhlich told Autocar that the company is considering such a model, but there are no concrete plans for this. “The sector is growing fast, so there will be opportunity, It is early to talk about X8, but one of the first decisions I made when I worked on product
Another one of BMW's plans has us shaking our heads
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After many years, auto enthusiasts in the United States can purchase a 2024 BMW Z4 with a six-speed manual. Production is scheduled for the first quarter of 2024 and no pricing has been released, but there is some speculation. BMW’s more powerful Z4 M40i will exclusively have the option of a manual gearbox. M40i Z4’s come with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 328 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. This unique manual transmission was a collaboration between BMW and transmission company ZF. M
After many years, the 2024 BMW Z4 will offer a six-speed manual-transmission.
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Whenever there is a new 5-Series, the countdown clock is started for the arrival of high-performance M5. Today, the clock hit zero as BMW unveiled the 2018 M5. Under the hood lies a familiar twin-turbo 4.4L V8 with 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque - healthy increases of 40 and 53 respectively. A new eight-speed automatic is the sole transmission choice, sorry manual lovers. The 2018 M5 also comes with the M xDrive system which can either send power to all four wheels or jus
0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds
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BMW has released information and photos of the upcoming all-new 2023 BMW X1 crossover. This marks the 3rd generation of the X1 that was originally released in 2009. Arriving in the U.S. in the last months of 2022, grows slightly in exterior dimensions and gets a bump up of $3,200 over the outgoing model for a new base price of $38,600 plus $995 destination charge. The new X1 features a larger, more upright stance, particularly in the grille that shares an immediate family resemblance to th
.. grows modestly bigger, but gets a $3,200 price increase.
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 16, 2012 The current BMW X5, which has been on sale since 2006, is getting a bit long in the tooth. BMW knows it and is beginning to work on a next generation model which has been caught by a spy photographer. Like the BMW 3-Series spy photos, the X5 mule has false headlights and taillights, and a lot of camouflage. But, judging from the profile, expect the new X5 to share a resemblance to the current X3 with a blunt front end and a
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By William Maley January 24, 2013 Today, BMW and Toyota have signed binding agreements on jointly developing hydrogen fuel cell powertrains, a sports car platform, lightweight materials, and a lithium-air battery. The binding agreements finalize a technology partnership that was announced in December 2011. On the fuel cell front, BMW and Toyota will combine their existing resources and knowledge to develop a complete fuel-cell vehicle system; including a fuel stack, hydrogen tank, motor and b
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 9, 2012 BMW has revealed some new information on the ActiveHybrid 3 and 3-Series Sports Wagon over the past couple of days. Lets start with the ActiveHybrid3. The hybrid version of the new 3-Series will pack the 3.0L turbocharged inline-six from the 335i and a electric motor with a lithium-ion battery pack to produce 340 HP and 332 lb-ft of torque. Going to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic, the ActiveHybrid3 can reach 60 MPH in
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 30, 2013 BMW is hard at work on a front-wheel drive assault, with the company considering almost twenty-three FWD vehicles (Twelve for BMW, eleven for MINI). One of those vehicles could be a two-seat roadster, due out in 2015 “We are considering a car in the spirit of the original Z3. It is of similar size to the E36/7 [the codename for the Z3 produced between 1996 and 2002] but is planned to use the front-wheel drive platform to kee
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com January 21, 2012 BMW is a bit late to the four-door coupe game with the 6-Series Gran Coupe, but isn’t wasting any time on adding a performance model to it. Autocar has gotten their hands on some spy shots of 6 Gran Coupe sporting some M hardware. The shots shows the 6 Gran Coupe mule sporting a muscular exterior thanks to new a body kit, quad exhausts and large black twin five spoke alloy wheels. Power will come from the new M5; a 4.4L twin
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 7, 2013 Audi has done it since the start of their S and RS lineup; Mercedes-Benz has begun to do it with AMG, and now it appears BMW is thinking about adding it to their M cars again. What am I referring to is the addition of all-wheel drive. Motoring spoke with BMW M's president Friedrich Nitschke who revealed that the next-generation M5 and M6 could come with the option of all-wheel drive. “On our cars we are thinking of all-wheel dr
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 12, 2012 When BMW introduced their M Performance vehicles lineup, enthusiasts in the U.S. had wet dreams of M550d xDrive sedans and wagons, X5 and X6 M50d crossovers, and the M135i hatchbacks roaming the roads. However, the dreams would be dashed due to emission regulations or the mantra of "Americans don't buy hatchbacks." However, there appears to be some hope on the horizon. According to Autoweek, BMW is working a M Performance vehicle
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com May 17, 2013 Sometimes, you get very lucky with spy shots by catching a new model without any camo or a giant cover over it. Case in point is the new BMW 2-Series coupe which was caught during what appears to be a photo shoot. The new 2-Series coupe looks to have a similar roofline as the current 1-Series coupe. The front and rear ends have been cleaned up and smoothed over. The model seen in the shots is reportedly the new M235i with a set
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 16, 2012 With the last generation 3-Series and current X5, BMW brought back the diesel engine to their lineup. A 3.0L inline-six producing 265 HP and 425 lb-ft of torque. That could send a 3-Series to 60 MPH in 5.3 seconds and a X5 in 6.9 seconds. However, the concern is not performance, but fuel economy. BMW realizes this and has a pair of new diesel engines on their way to show it. This past Friday, Automobile senior editor Jason Cammis
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 19, 2012 BMW has long maintained there would be no M version of the 7-Series sedan, despite competitors offering a performance version of their flagship sedans. However, BMW could be changing their tune. Automobile Magazine has learned the next generation 7-Series could be seeing a sort of, kind of M7 called the M770i xDrive. The M770i xDrive will likely use a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 producing 475 HP and 480 lb-ft of torque. While those numbers
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com May 30, 2013 While it might not be the most exciting vehicle in the BMW lineup, the X5 has played a very important role for BMW. Since its introduction back in 1999, BMW has moved close to 1.3 million X5s. Last year, the X5 was BMW USA's third best selling vehicle, right behind the 3 and 5-Series. But with the current X5 going on seven years, BMW knew it was time to introduce a new X5. The 2014 BMW X5's design is very much in line with the c
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com February 14, 2013 The BMW X6 is one of those vehicles that many ask why. Why does it exist? Well there is some reason as to why BMW is going ahead with a next-generation model, due within the eighteen months. Autocar reports that the next-generation X6 will get a more aggressive appearance, helping differentiating itself from the X5. The X6 will be using the X5’s platform, which will be shorten for the X6.Under the skin, the X6 will retain i
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 24, 2013 BMW has taken the covers off the new 2-Series Coupe before its official debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show in January. The new 2-Series continues BMW's trend of naming coupes and convertibles as even numbers. The 2-Series is much more streamlined and better proportioned than the 1-Series it replaces. Dimensionally, the 2-Series is about 2.8 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider, and rides on a wheelbase that is 1.3 inches longer. U
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 4, 2012 Back in January, BMW announced $900 million investment into their Spartanburg, S.C. plant to bring forth 300 new jobs and to make way for a forth vehicle to be built. That forth vehicle is a smaller version of the X6 called the X4. Auto Express has done a couple renderings of what the X4 could look like when it goes into production in 2014. The X4 will share the overall shape of the X6 including a sloping roofline, unique l
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 12, 2012 I'm sure all of us were thinking, "You know what would make BMW's lineup perfect? A smaller X6." Well as we have been reporting for the past year, BMW has been working on a smaller X6, tentatively called the X4. According to Autoweek, BMW could be showing the new X4 at next year's Detroit Auto Show. The X4 would carry the same coupe-like styling as the X6, while using the X3's platform as a base. The engine lineup will be sim
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 6, 2012 With the new BMW 3-Series sedan making its way to dealerships, thoughts and spy lenses turn towards to the variations of the 3-Series. So far, the 3-Series touring, 3 or 4 Series coupe and convertible have been caught. Now, you can add the new M3 to the list. The next M3 will be larger than the outgoing model. Differences between the M3 and regular 3-Series will include a wider front and rear track, larger tires, and body mo
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 13, 2012 This past week, a picture of a slideshow made its way onto the VWVortex forums. The picture shows what BMW might have planned for diesels in the U.S. in next couple of years. Starting next year, the 3-Series sedan will bring back a diesel option in the first quarter. The second quarter BMW will introduce the 3-Series wagon with a diesel. In the third quarter, the 5-Series diesel will come out and will be followed by the new X5
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 15, 2013 Almost a year after BMW introduced the new 3-Series, the roundel has introduced the coupe variation with the 4-Series. Yes, we're still scratching our heads as to why BMW thought this was a good idea. The 4-Series' look is very much a 3-Series with two less doors and a lot of body sculpting. There is also wider front and rear tracks. Inside is the same story with coupe have the interior as the sedan and similar trim lines – Luxury
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Monterey Car Week has become a venue for certain automakers debut their wares, whether that is a concept or production model. BMW used the event to show off the Z4 Concept. The concept features the cues you would expect on a classic roadster such as the long hood, short rear end, and wheels pushed out to the corners. Little details such as the twin-kidney grilles slightly angled, long vents on the hood, and narrow taillights make for an interesting design. Move inside and things get somewhat
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com February 13, 2012 BMW has released information and pictures of the new M6 before its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Powering the M6 is a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 (codenamed S63) outputting 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. If you’re wondering where you have heard these numbers before, that’s in part to the same twin-turbo 4.4L V8 powering the new M5. A seven-speed dual-clutch will be the only transmission choice for now an
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 10, 2011 It seems every automaker is introducing four-door coupe. Within the past few years Mercedes has introduced the CLS, Volkswagen with the CC, Porsche and the beluga whale or Panamera, and Audi with the A7. Now, BMW has introduced their four-door coupe; the 6 Series Grand Sport. The 6 Series Grand Sport started life as a concept at the 2010 Beijing Motor Show and is almost a direct copy of the concept. As the name implies, the
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 7, 2012 From the Twilight Zone files: Reuters reports that BMW is in talks with Hyundai about jointly developing engines. "The talks are at early stages," a source told Reuters. Another source said the two companies had discussed a comprehensive alliance, which included developing an engine and sharing development costs equally. German industry publication Automobil Produktion reported on Thursday that Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chun
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 8, 2012 Inside Line has learned from a couple of sources that the next generation Z4 will be a more dynamic sports car than previous generations of the two-seat roadster. BMW's goal is to make the next Z4 more agile and sportier to drive, but up to a point as to not upset current owners and fans. Design of the next Z4 will reflect this goal with the long front end losing a few inches. BMW will also utilize the current N20 turbocharged
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 3, 2012 BMW could be cutting the V12 engine from the next-generation 7-Series. CarAdvice.com.au sat down with Christoph Priemelm, BMW Australia product and pricing manager. Preiemelm said that decision on whether a V12 is in the next 7-Series or not is up in the air. “There’s certainly some focuses where [the car’s planners] set targets in the sense of where emissions should go or what technology should be introduced, but whether it [t
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com March 12, 2013 Automobile Magazine got their hands on a document issued by BMW to its dealers detailing what products would be arriving to dealers. The information, to say in the least is very interesting. We'll start with the big news first: diesels. July will be the month when BMW will begin production of the 3-Series with a diesel engine. The engine in question is a 2.0L inline-four that will be available in rear or all-wheel drive models
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 14, 2012 With the introduction of the new 3-Series sedan earlier this year, we knew that it would be followed by the new wagon, coupe, and convertible. Well, BMW has introduced the second 3-Series model, the 3-Series wagon. The new 3-Series wagon is larger and boasts 10% more space than the outgoing model. As with the 3-Series sedan, the wagon will come in Sport, Luxury, Modern, and M Sport lines; each providing their own twist on the ex
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 5, 2012 For the past year or so, we been reporting on whether the next-generation BMW 3-Series coupe and convetible would be sticking with the 3-Series or moving up to the 4-Series. Well, BMW has made the decision to go with the 4-Series for the next-generation coupe and convertible as evidenced by BMW revealing the new 4-Series coupe concept. The 4-Series coupe concept shares a similar style to the 3-Series sedan, but the coupe sports
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 29, 2013 For the past few years on the automotive auto show circuit, BMW has been showing off two concept vehicles that previews a new sub-brand; the i3 electric vehicle and i8 plug-in hybrid. Today in New York City, BMW pulled the covers off the first production vehicle of their new i sub-brand, the i3. The BMW i3 is definitely a different type of vehicle from the Munich automaker. Built on what BMW calls the LifeDrive architecture, the i
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 27, 2012 If you walk into a BMW dealership and are wondering why certain 1, 3, and Z4 models are wearing the "is" badge, that's BMW distinction for their performance models that sit between the normal and M models. The 'is' badge will soon be going away though. According to Car and Driver, BMW will be replacing 'is' nomenclature with the M Performance Line. For those who need a quick refresher, the M Performance Line will give BMW vehicl
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 2, 2012 If you happen to be one of those people who has an allergic reaction just seeing a picture of a BMW 5-Series GT, then I recommend closing out or go back to the main page and read something else. Despite the 5-Series GT not being the sales success BMW has wanted it to be, they seem to be soldiering on with it and are working on a smaller version. New spy shots released this week show BMW testing a 3-Series GT. Like the 5-Serie
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 27, 2012 The new craze with luxury automakers is building compact luxury sedans. Audi has a new A3 sedan and Mercedes-Benz is working on the new CLA. Now, BMW is joining the craze with a new 1-Series sedan. Autocar reports that BMW has begun planning a new 1-Series sedan to come out after the new 1-series coupé and convertible. The sedan will be the spiritual successor to the E30 3-Series. The report says the sedan will utlize a RWD pl
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 12, 2012 Its a BMW M5 with a sexier four-door coupe body. No, wait! Its a BMW M6 Coupe with two extra doors. However you want describe the new M6 Gran Coupe, it is the latest vehicle from BMW's performance division. Like the M5 and M6, the M6 Gran Coupe uses the 4.4L twin-turbo that produces 560 HP and 500 lb-ft of torque that is available from 1,500 to 5,750 rpm. The power is sent to a a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an e
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William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com December 29, 2011 BMW is serious with their upcoming i lineup with the i3 and i8 due out in 2014. The i series will utilize BMW’s LifeDrive architecture, which essentially is a composite body/passenger cell mated to a powertrain unit (or units). BMW is busy doing testing on both models to get them ready and an i8 was recently caught by a spy photographer. Designwise, the i8 mule stays true to the concept except for the doors. The pictures s
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 14, 2012 For awhile now, we been reporting about BMW heading to the front-wheel for certain number of their upcoming vehicles. Now, we get our first peek into that future with the Concept Active Tourer. The Concept Active Tourer is BMW’s interpretation of the tall-hatchback shape (Mercedes-Benz B-Class). The front end features the twin-kidney grille, angular headlights, and large air dams on the front bumper. Around the side, the Conc
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While Mercedes-Benz and Audi have offered performance versions of the flagship sedans, BMW has been the outlier. The closest the German automaker has gotten is the B7 done by BMW specialist Alpina. But BMW M's engineering boss Albert Biermann has dreams of an M7. “I would love to compete in this area of the market. The money is just there to pick up. An M7 would be a much different proposition to the B7,” Biermann told Autocar. Now Biermann says such a model isn't in their plans at the moment.
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While the BMW i8 Coupe is heading into production, the convertible version has hit a snag or two. Autocar has learned from a BMW spokesperson that the i8 Spyder has presented "major challenges" in the engineering department. The problem is due to the carbon fiber-reinforced plastic construction that provides the rigidity and lightness for i8. If you take off the roof like on the i8 Spyder, it becomes very difficult to add rigidity to the shell. "The last architecture presented some fairly major
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 5, 2013 If you happen to be that person who likes the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe, but thinks its a bit too big, then pay close attention to this story. A new set of spy shots have come out showing a BMW 3-Series with a lot of camouflage all over the rear end. This is believed to be the new 4-Series Gran Coupe. The clues that lead to this conclusion is the mule measuring about the same as the 3-Series GT and different rear end styling. Ru
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 21, 2012 The saga of what will power the next BMW M3 soliders on. So far, the leading contender is a twin-turbo V6. However, German website BimmerToday says the inline-six will be under the hood. Sources tell BimmerToday that BMW will equip the next M3 with 3.2L inline-six delivering 450 HP (480 HP with a performance package) and reach a top speed of 300 KPH (186 MPH). The fundamentals of the new engine come from the current M3’s 4.0L V8.
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 26, 2012 For the longest time, we've been hearing reports and rumors that BMW would separate the 3-Series sedans and the 3-Series coupe/convertible, giving the coupes and convertibles the 4-Series moniker. Well, a new report from Automobile Magazine says the 4-Series is a done deal. Automobile says BMW is moving this way to make money. Using the example of a similarly equipped 5-Series sedan and 6-Series Gran Coupe, the Gran Coupe wou
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By 2025, BMW is planning to have 25 electrified vehicles in its lineup - 12 being full electric. One of those models will look somewhat similar to the Vision iNext concept that has been revealed today. Lets address the elephant in the room, the exterior design. The overall shape is very polarizing (we know, huge understatement) with a grotesque take on BMW's iconic double kidney grille, square fenders, large glass area, and wheels that looked liked they were pulled off from a fan. No side vi
You want new technology?! We got new technology!
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Last year, BMW used Monterey Car Week to show off the Z4 Concept. Today, the 2019 Z4 made its world debut at Pebble Beach. The design matches up with the concept, for better and worse. The front end reminds us oddly of the Fiat 124 Spider with a sculpted hood, large headlights, and expansive vents. A set of kidney grilles feature mesh inserts. Along the side, there is a fair amount of sculpting for the doors and venting behind the front wheels. The back is very short and has a trunk that inc
Why does it look like a mashup of a 124 Spider and Mercedes-Benz SLC?
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What you see before you is the next-generation BMW 3-Series, known as the G20 that will be debuting later this week at the Paris Motor Show. But renders from the configurator have leaked out and made their away on to various websites. The overall dimensions and profile of the G20 3-Series are reminiscent of the F30 generation. Up front, the 3-Series makes a callback to the larger 5-Series with wider kidney grilles, sculpted hood, and narrower headlights. The M Sport and M340i get a more agg
Whoops
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There have been some rumors floating around for the past couple of years that BMW was planning to offer a 3-Series with a fully electric powertrain. Some new spy shots reveal that may come to fruition. At first glance, this looks like a normal 3-Series sedan. But on the front doors, there is a label that reads "Electric Test Vehicle". BMW has also tried to disguise the fact this is an electric by attaching tailpipes, but the spy photographer says its a pure EV. Not much is known about
When a 3-Series goes electric
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The past decade has seen BMW exploring new niches in the marketplace with such models as the X6 and 5-Series GT. Some of them had paid off, while others haven't. The 3-Series GT falls into the latter. Following in the footsteps of the 5-Series GT (now 6-Series GT), the 3-Series offered a higher seating position and extra space for those who didn't want and SUV. But it never found an audience and BMW has decided to kill it off. “When we did the GT we saw that in demographic change people wan
We would like to thank the person at BMW who had some common sense to make this decision
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Whether or not you care for the BMW X4 'sport activity coupe', it is a big hit around the world. To keep its popularity up, the German automaker revealed the second-generation X4 this morning. Like the X3 on which it is based, the 2019 X4 sees an increase in overall length (3 inches) and width (2 inches). Most important for those sitting in the back is the extra 2 inches between the wheels, which should help improve rear legroom. The front end is similar to the redesigned X3 with larg
Still confounding a number of people
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It was thought that BMW would use the Paris Motor Show later this year to debut the production version of the X7 three-row crossover. But a report from Autocar says the new model will bow at the LA Auto Show. Considering the model was developed for the U.S. and Chinese markets, this move makes some sense. BMW has already built pre-production X7s at their Spartanburg, South Carolina plant for testing. The production model will also be built here. Autocar reports that the X7 at launch wi
Paris seems to be out
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For those who thought the BMW X2 was lacking in power will be happy to hear about the 2019 X2 M35i. The X2 M35i is a M Performance model (not a full-blown M model), and sits alongside the M235i. Unlike the coupe, the X2 M35i skips the turbo inline-six. What you'll find instead is a hotted-up version of the 2.0L TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder with 302 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque - making this the most powerful four-cylinder that BMW has ever built. This is paired with an eig
Packs BMW's Most Powerful Four-Cylinder
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After 20 years since it departed, the 8-Series is making a comeback to the BMW lineup. The design is more dramatic than the 6-Series coupe with a long front end, "double-bubble" roof contouring, and interesting shape for the trunk lid. Inside, the center stack is oriented to the driver to have controls within easy reach. A 10.3-inch digital instrument panel, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system comes standard. A set of M sport seats are upholstered in Merino leather. At laun
Packs 523 horsepower and all-wheel drive
