Category: BMW

Top 5 Upcoming Electric Super Cars

The Tesla Roadster, as one of the first electric super cars shook the automobile industry when it set its 0-60 mark at 1.9 seconds. Here is a car which is extremely fast, stylish, and it is electric. Probably the first time those three words have been used in the same sentence. Apart from its mind boggling acceleration, the Tesla Roadster has a top speed of over 250 mph and a range of 620 miles.

However, the arrival of the Tesla Roadster set a chain of events into motion. Each and every supercar maker is now in the race. Which out of these electric super cars will reach the finish line and that’s what counts! With Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar and Porsche in on it already, the stakes are already high! So here is our list of Top 5 upcoming electric cars which would be the dream of both an environmentalist and auto enthusiast.

Also Read: Why A Tesla Smartphone Could Be Revolutionary

Top Electric Super Cars:

1. Jaguar E-Type:

Yes, you read that right. Jaguar announced that it will be making an all electric production version of the E-Type. It all started in September 2017, when jaguar installed an electric engine inside the timeless classic. This was done to demonstrate what Jaguar believes to be a glimpse into their electric future. The E-Type Zero Concept then moved on to become a reality. According to Jaguar, they are “Future-proofing the enjoyment of Classic Cars”. With the shift to electric for the E-Type Jaguar aims to reach a range over a 170 miles and will be powered by a 40kWh battery. Jaguar plans to start delivery by early 2020 and will also offer the existing owners of the E-Type a switch to electric. Soon, we’ll have the world’s most beautiful car back on the roads again. Going electric will also make this the perfect car for a spy, stylish and stealthy.

2. Ferrari Electric Supercar:

Ferrari’s electric super cars are yet to be named, in fact nothing much is known about them. CEO Sergio Marchionne proclaimed that Ferrari would make sure their electric supercar hits the road before the Tesla Roadster in 2020. Speaking at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, he said, “If there is an electric supercar to be built, then Ferrari will be the first.” Marchionne further went on to say that he is not trying to undermine what Elon Musk has done, he’s just trying to prove that everyone can do it. While his statements are exciting, they come with the certainty that Ferrari will produce electric super cars . Its not too far in the future when we’ll see the iconic brand roll out its electric supercar .

3. Porsche Mission E:

“A sports car that covers over 300 miles with superb performance—but without a drop of gasoline? Welcome to the future: the Mission E electric concept car”. This is what the landing page of the Mission E’s website reads. Porsche’s ideology with this car is clear, electric, sustainable and powerful. The two motors in the Mission E produce a combined output of more than 600 hp (440 kW) and throw it from 0-60 in less than 3.5 seconds. Along with this, the battery only requires 15 minutes of charge to go another 250 miles. Porsche has made this remarkable achievement possible by doubling the standard charging voltage to 800. The Mission E also sets a benchmark when it comes to cutting edge design futuristic looks.

Combined with this is an entirely new and interactive cockpit for the driver. Five OLED panels surround the driver and adjust themselves to the driver’s movements to avoid parallax error. Along with this the new eye tracking technology ensures that the Mission E knows which instrument the driver is looking at and with the push of a single button, that particular instrument will be activated.

4. BMW i8 Roadster Electric:

The BMW i8 has been around for a long time. It went from a concept to production and then a roadster version of the hybrid car came up. Now, BMW is working on bringing a completely electric model of this Roadster variant of the iconic i8. As of now, the Roadster is powered by a Hybrid Synchronous Motor and a Three-Cylinder gasoline engine. BMW has already started working towards this as the new i8 roadster has an improved electric range. Slowly, they plan to make this so efficient that it becomes electric, through and through. even though a specific date hasn’t been fixed for it to come out, looks like it is not too far away.

5. Audi PB18 e-tron:

The PB18 e-tron has just been unveiled to the world. While most other cars might aim to be driven daily as well, the e-tron has one objective- dominate the race track. This can be seen with the driver’s seating position dead-centre in the car. Despite this, Audi does claim that it can be used for everyday purposes and can even accommodate a passenger. The PB18 e-tron looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.

While its got looks to kill for, what it’s packing under the hood is also worth a look. Three motors, one in the front and two in the rear combine to give an output of more than 500 kW which can propel the car from 0-60 in just over 2 seconds. This impressive performance makes the e-tron a beast on the track. However, no one over at Audi would confirm as to when this car would go into production and join the league of electric super cars. Fortunately, they never denied it either, making sure the possibility still hangs around.

Bonus: Mercedes Benz EQ Silver Arrow

Mercedes Benz unveiled its EQ Silver Arrow concept at the Monterey Car Week. The electric super car is a tribute to the record-breaking W 125 car from 1937. The Silver Arrow series of Mercedes Benz prides itself in using the best in design to deliver top speeds. Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer at Daimler AG, said ” Over 80 years ago, the historic Silver Arrows demonstrated that Mercedes-Benz was a pioneer when it came to speed thanks, among other things, to their streamlined shape.”

The impressive machine packs a 80 kWh battery which gives it a range of 400 km. The powerful electric motors provide an output of 550 kW ( 750 hp). The Mercedes Benz EQ Silver Arrow is a visual extravaganza, with unique features such as a single seater cockpit which can be folded forwards. Bringing in design elements form the past and the best of technology, it can never cease to impress. Despite the fact that it is a concept car, we hope that Mercedes Benz might consider making a production variant of the same to compete with all the other electric super cars out there.

The Future is here:

While electric super cars are the way to the future and sustainability, nothing excites us more than the fact that iconic companies are slowly pushing their efforts towards this. While most people might be excited about the electric part, lets not forget that each of these cars will come in strong and fast, trying to set new records, making our hearts race harder than before.

August 27, 2018
BMW Will Integrate Alexa Into Its Cars In 2018

The Amazon Hardware Show 2017 showcased a lot of tech that revolved around Alexa. There were new variants of the Echo, Amazon’s smart speakers, and a lot of smart home products that integrated Alexa. Amazon is pushing really hard to make sure that everyone talks to its AI assistant in the coming years. Another huge announcement at the hardware show included BMW. BMW announced that Alexa will be integrated into BMWs and selected Mini vehicles starting in mid-2018. “It’s a complete, comprehensive set of internet capabilities that is available inside your vehicle,” a BMW executive said during the Amazon show.

The integration uses microphones embedded inside the car. With Alexa inside the vehicle, drivers can use voice commands to use basic Alexa commands like asking for news and weather, in addition to third-party apps like Starbucks. Previously, Amazon and BMW had worked together on an Alexa Skill that allows car owners to talk to their apps or Echo to check things like remaining fuel in the car. This integration of Alexa and BMW will also take the level of involvement of AI in an average consumer’s life a notch higher. Whether you are a supporter or a cynic of voice controlled tech, the future seems to be tilting towards a voice controlled environment.

However, this is not the first time that Alexa has been integrated into a car, at CES this year, Ford introduced a line of cars that allows users to sync their Alexa devices so they can remotely unlock or start their car with voice commands.

Tech companies have been working towards adding software in cars and the likes of Apple and Samsung are even testing self-driving cars in the United States. Amazon’s recent push puts them at par with other tech giants looking to hold their own in the space of car technology.

Alexa will be available in all BMW vehicles for the 2018 model year, and mid-2017 Mini models in the US, Germany, and UK.

September 28, 2017
Apple’s Electric Car to be Based on BMW i3

The news about Apple‘s electric car project is gaining traction day by day and according to a latest report, the company is negotiating with BMW to use i3 electric cars as a base for the project. Similar reports surfaced in March this year, but BMW denied such claims.

BMW i3

BMW’s i3 is an all-electric car which can run for 80 and 90 miles on a full charge. At a recharge rate of 20 miles per hour, it takes four hours to charge the car from a public charger. The body is made from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, which reportedly attracted Apple in the first place. The carbon fiber polymer can be of great use in the manufacturing process of iPhones and iPads. BMW used carbon fiber polymer to reduce energy consumption, so it can also be used to extend the battery life of Apple’s devices.

If Apple enters the car market with its electric car project, it would not only face Tesla (currently one of the major players in electric cars), but also Google, BMW and every other car manufacturer trying to break into electric cars.

As we earlier reported, Apple is hiring new staff from automobile companies to start its electric car project, called Project Titan. The recently hired include Doug Betts, a former VP for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Steve Zadesky, a veteran product designer and former Ford Motor Co. engineer.

Source: [tw-button size=”small” background=”” color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://9to5mac.com/2015/07/24/apple-bmw-negotiations/”]9to5Mac[/tw-button]

July 25, 2015
Luxury Car price hike inevitable, thanks to Rupee devaluation

Luxury cars have always been something we love thanks to the comfort, quality and class they provide. But soon, one would have to pay more than before in order to own any luxury machine in Indian market.

Even after seeing a robust increase in sales on the back of new product launches, Mercedes is all set to increase prices on its models to offset the impact of rupee depreciation.

Price hike is inevitable. We can’t cover (rupee depreciation) and part of it (increase) would have to be passed on to customers,” said Eberhard Kern, managing director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.

The company would take a call on the hike and the quantum within the next few weeks. This comes close on the heels of other German luxury carmakers BMW and Audi announcing 4%-5% increase in prices.The rupee has tumbled by about 12% since the beginning of May.

“We are getting future-ready. India is on our strategic roadmap and is one of the strategic markets,” Kern said. Bookings for the newly-launched GL class luxury SUV (sports utility vehicle) has been good and the diesel version of the B-class has a two-month waiting list, he said.

Mercedes GL Class

While sedans will continue to be an important part of Mercedes-Benz’s product portfolio, SUVs and compact cars will grow and expand, he said. The luxury car segment, which accounted for just 1.2% of the overall market for cars in 2012, would grow to 4% by 2020 when the Indian market is expected to produce 7 million cars, Kern said.

Not only Mercedes other manufactures like Audi, which has increased price last month by 4% across its model range available in India. It led to an increase of 1.52 lakh on the Q5 price and the price of Audi A6 sedan increasing by 1.80 lakh. While the top-end Audi R8 price increased by about 4.42 lakh.

Market conditions are challenging, but luxury segment has seen some propelled demand due to fresh launches. A depreciating rupee and the rise in input costs have made increase the prices of the entire range, though we are offering customised and innovative finance options from Audi Finance to make the purchase more attractive for our customers,” said Michael Perschke, head, Audi India.

While, BMW India has not decided the quantum of the hike. “Following a path of sustainable growth, BMW Group India has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. We are making price decisions with all due care and consideration ensuring that they pay off in the long-run and the real quantum would be announced in next few days,” Philipp von Sahr, president, BMW Group India, said.

BMW

We will have to see if price hike can be something that decreases sales for these giant manufacturers. However, considering the new launches and the increase of luxury cars on Indian roads we don’t think that 4-5% of price hike would stop anyone to buy the car they admire.

August 10, 2013
BMW i3 Electric Car Made Official Worldwide

Today marked what BMW hopes was a momentous day in its history, and especially the era of the electric vehicle. In a high stakes bid for electric vehicle supremacy, BMW unveiled the production version of the electric i3 hatchback – the first of what the German automaker promises will be a complete range of alternative drive models to be sold under its new ‘i’ brand. Simultaneous presentations in London, New York and Beijing were witness to the reveal of the innovative and much anticipated electric car. Unlike most cars today, the production version of the contemporary-styled hatchback managed to stay true to the concept displayed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The most prominent change from the concept came in way of a five door bodystyle in place of the original three door arrangement, for obvious added practicality and ease of entry to the rear.

The i3 will go on sale in the US for $41,350 in the second quarter of 2014, exclusive of any state or federal incentives that could lower the price or the $925 destination fee. The i3 will be available with three trim levels at launch, which BMW is calling ‘Worlds’: Mega (standard in the US), Giga and Tera.

The BMW i3 is truly revolutionary, with tons of new technology, probably because it was designed as an electric vehicle right from its conception. This has resulted in a vehicle layout unique to the i3, which the Bavarian manufacturer calls ‘LifeDrive‘ architecture. It features components called the ‘Life Module’ and the ‘Drive Module’.

The Life Module is the i3’s pillar-less passenger cell, and is all set to become the first mass-produced monocoque made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The tougher-than-steel material, usually seen only on very expensive supercars, is 30-percent lighter than aluminum, which results in the i3’s relatively light weight of approximately 1,200 kilograms. The Drive Module is basically a 100-percent aluminum chassis which is mounted under the Life Module and houses the hatchback’s powertrain. The 22-kWh, 250-kilogram lithium ion battery is mounted as centrally as possible to optimise vehicle dynamics, and provides power to a rear-mounted synchronous electric motor which drives the rear wheels.

The in-house produced unit, known under the BMW eDrive banner, provides 170 horspower and 25.4 kgm of torque. This translates to a 0-100 km/h time of about 7.0 seconds, but a relatively low top speed of only 150 km/h. Drive is sent through a single ratio gearbox mounted to the end of the electric motor, offering the choice of three driving modes: Comfort, Eco Pro and Eco Pro+.

The lithium ion battery is produced by Samsung and bears a warranty valid for up to six years or 1,60,000 kilometres. It consists of 96 individual cells mounted within the flat floor structure and has been designed to allow the replacement of damaged cells on an individual basis. BMW has mounted the battery as low as possible in the i3’s carbonfibre structure as possible, allowing a claimed centre of gravity lower than that of the BMW X1 compact SUV.

According to BMW, the i3 has a real-world range of 130-160 kilometres, and the standard charger can fill the battery in three hours. However, if you go for the optional SAE DC Combo Fast Charger, you get 80% charge in 20 minutes and a fully charged BMW i3 in half an hour. If the range is an issue for you, BMW provides the option of a 34 horsepower, 650cc two-cylinder generator as a range extender for the electric drive system.

The attractive little car was conceived under the working title of Mega City Vehicle, in order to focus attention on its suitability for urban driving. Reportedly, BMW has spent up to €2 billion (over Rs 15,000 crore) in research, development, testing and production processes for the new four-seater. At first glance, the BMW i3 seems to be properly revolutionary. Technologically marvellous, and visually very appealing, it may become the first real mainstream electric vehicle, in history.

Check out some pictures of BMW’s new electric hatchback, and let us know what you think in the comments below!

July 29, 2013
BMW M5 Nighthawk Limited Edition Unveiled

The BMW M5 has quite a reputation in the automotive world for being one of the best performance sedans in history. For some reason, BMW felt that it could do with even more power and now we have the very limited edition BMW M5 Nighthawk.

The Bavarian automaker’s high performance ‘M’ division has managed to squeeze 15 hp more than the ‘regular’ M5 and shave off 0.1 seconds from the time for the 0-100 km/h dash. Now, maximum power output from the 4.4-liter V8 M TwinPower Turbo engine stands at a ferocious 575 hp and the car goes from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The unit also produces 680Nm of torque and comes mated to a 7-speed M-DCT transmission.

The M5 Nighthawk seems to built for stealth with its ‘Frozen Black’ paintjob. Other visual treats distinguishing it from the base M5 are the dark chrome kidney grille, adaptive LED headlights and matte black 20-inch alloy wheels. Door handles, four exhaust pipes and side vents also get the ominous dark chrome treatment. On the inside, you can find two-tone Merino leather upholstery, carbon fiber trim and an individually-numbered badge.

The Nighthawk offers a special ‘Competition Package’ which includes special suspension and steering settings, a sports exhaust system, lane departure warning system and an M dynamic mode setting. M carbon-ceramic brakes are fitted as standard.

Now for the bad news. Only ten of the BMW M5 Nighthawk cars will be made, and will be sold only in Japan. Unsurprisingly, they are rather expensive too at 18.2m yen (US $183k, INR 1.09Cr) for each. If there is more interest, BMW will run a lottery to find the lucky customer who gets one.

[Images source: BMW]

July 18, 2013
BMW Concept Active Tourer goes Outdoor, does 40 kmpl

The BMW Concept Active Tourer was unveiled to the world at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. Now BMW has premiered a sturdy, adventurous variant called the Concept Active Tourer Outdoor. Showcased at OutDoor Friedrichshafen, a trade fair held this month in Germany, the wagon is tweaked with new materials, accessories and ConnectedDrive features for those who spend more time under the sky, than inside their cars.

The same plug-in hybrid drive system as found on the original Concept Active Tourer handles the power duties under the hood of the Outdoor variant. A transversely-mounted, 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a battery pack produce a total output of 190 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels and gets the car from nought to a 100 kmph in under eight seconds. The Concept Active Tourer Outdoor has a pure electric range of up to 19 miles, a top speed of 198 kmph hour and claimed fuel economy of around 40 kmpl.

What’s special about the car, is the transformable compartment which can be found behind the rear seats. Its capable of stowing two bikes on built-in, retractable carriers and once the front wheel and seat from the bikes have been removed, the frames can be locked into place using two rails and brackets. The wheels can be stowed in a holder attached to the right rear seat, the saddles can go into a compartment in the load floor. If you need to make a quick adjustment or a fix, you can do so since the bikes are aligned across the load bay.

The Concept Active Tourer Outdoor, which by the way doesn’t look like a 21st century concept at all, gets tough interiors to take on the wild outdoors. The load floor is a studded plastic in MoonRock Gray, the forward parts of the cabin are in MoonRock Gray and MoonWhite leather, plastic, Alu Mesh and Steron trim. Gold Race Orange trim inside matches the color of the body outside, and the wagon rides on 20-inch wheels.

July 11, 2013
This is the last BMW M3 Coupe, ever

Its a sad day for Bimmer fans, as the last BMW M3 Coupe has rolled down the production line. This bright orange two-door, fixed-roof M3 is the last there will be. But we don’t just mean the last M3 Coupe of this generation – this is the last M3 Coupe ever, since the next-generation car will be launched under the M4 tag.

This is courtesy of BMW’s new naming nomenclature, where coupes and convertibles use even numbers. The new 3 Series Coupe will be called the 4 Series 2014 onwards. The M3 badge will still be in existence, but only on the 4-door sedan model.

BMW first launched the M3 Coupe in 1986, and since then, more than 40,000 examples have been built. Sedan and convertible versions were added later in the car’s life, and BMW says that the current 2013 model year convertible will remain in production until September of this year. The M3 Coupe was widely known as one of the greatest sport coupes ever built.

[Image source: BMW]

July 6, 2013
Cheaper Audi Q3 Sport variant coming soon to India

While BMW and Mercedes Benz are busy attracting customers with high-end hot hatchbacks, Audi has devised a clever plan of its own to take its share of the market. Instead of rivalling the BMW 1-series and Mercedes Benz A-Class with its A3 Sportback or its A1 supermini, Audi is taking on the BMW X1 and Mercedes Benz B-Class with a cheaper, lower-spec variant of the Q3 called the Q3 Sport.

The Q3 Sport will be assembled in India as a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) unit at Audi’s assembly facility in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The Q3 Sport loses a lot of features in order to keep the price relatively low. It comes with a downgraded 2.0 TDI engine, producing 140 bhp and 320 Nm of torque instead of the 177 bhp and 380 Nm of torque put out by the 2.0 TDI in the standard Q3. The Q3 Sport will have to do without the more common 7-speed dual clutch auto transmission, and the all-wheel drive Audi Quattro system. Instead, the front wheels will be driven through a six-speed manual. Also missing on the ‘budget’ baby SUV, will be the daytime running LED lamps which have come to be a symbol of brand recognition for the German auto giant.

However, Audi knows the business well enough to offer all the kit which one expects from a luxury car. Creature comforts such as leather seats, cruise control, voice dialog system, climate control, MMI with Bluetooth connectivity and 18-inch alloy wheels amongst others, will be standard on the Audi Q3 Sport.

The entry level Q3 is expected to be priced at around Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) courtesy of the toned down performance and the CKD assembly. At this price, the Q3 Sport will be cheapest Audi to be sold in India, and should give the Merccedes-Benz B-Class and the BMW X1 a run for their money.

June 25, 2013
2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe Revealed

Less than two hours after the first images of the 2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe leaked onto the Internet, BMW has gone ahead and revealed the car themselves. The 2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe was first revealed in concept form at the Detroit Motor Show in January, and is a replacement for the 3 Series Coupe.

The midsize coupe is both wider and longer than its predecessor. BMW says the wheelbase on the 4 Series is 50mm longer than the old two-door’s, plus the new car is 26mm longer overall, with the track widened by 45mm at the front and 81mm at the rear. The roofline is also 16mm lower than before, and combined with the lowered suspension, the 4 Series Coupe has the lowest centre of gravity of any BMW currently on sale. That should make it quite nice to drive fast in the corners, better maybe than the current 3 Series. To add to this, BMW has tuned the springs, dampers and camber angles to make the car more responsive, while tweaking the the rear axle as well.

The 4 Series Coupe gets the same lower grille as the dramatic 4 Series concept, which wraps around each of the foglights. The Air Breather mounted on each front wing was something else seen first on the concept before appearing on the 3 GT and new X5. It looks a lot like its 4-door brother, but the width provides a nice stance giving the car well balanced look and feel.

Internationally, BMW will offer the 4 Series with 3 petrol and 3 diesel engine options. Kicking off the diesel range is the 420d, with the same 2.0-litre engine as the 320d saloon. This produces 181 bhp and goes from 0-100 kmph in 7.5 seconds. The 420i is the entry-level petrol model, with the same 181bhp output. Further up the range are the 3.0-litre six-cylinder 430d, with 254bhp, and the petrol-powered 428i and 435i, with 242bhp and 302bhp respectively. A 309bhp 435d model is the flagship, but is only available with the xDrive four-wheel-drive system. The 420i and 420d can also be fitted with four-wheel drive. No information on the engine lineup in India is available right now.

The 4 Series Coupe will be available in three different trim lines – Luxury, Sport and M Sport. The Luxury line focuses more on overall amenities and upscale appearance, while the Sport and M Sport models are meant to offer much more performance-based kit and additions to make for a slightly more aggressive exterior. The M Sport model will offer stiffer suspension and upgraded brakes but an Adaptive M Sport set-up featuring adjustable dampers as well as 18-and 19-inch wheels are options on all models. The cabin doesn’t look all that different from the 3 Series, incorporating the same line of toys and creature comforts, and is offered in a variety of shades.

The new 4 Series goes on sale later this summer, and BMW has already confirmed pricing for some countries. In the US it will start at $41,425 and the range-topping 435i xDrive will set you back $48,925. In the UK, the base model will cost £31,575 and the 435i xDrive Luxury priced at £40,795. Watch this space for updates on its launch and pricing in India!

Image credit: BMW

June 16, 2013
BMW claims it has 1,00,000 reservations for i3 programme

BMW’s sales boss, Ian Robertson, has said that there are 1,00,000 people around the world who have made reservations for the BMW i3, and a “significant number” of them have made deposits for the car.

Robertson’s interview with Automotive News Europe reports him as also saying that the i3 differs from many of the EVs on the road today because it was developed as an EV from the start, rather than being conventional car with an electric powertrain dropped in.

We are confident that with the i3 and i8 we will shift the [customer demand] needle because we will shape some of this technology.

– Ian Robertson, Chief, Sales & Marketing, BMW

His stance is in contrast with BMW CEO, Norbert Reithofer’s comments from last year, when he said that governments need to pony up more plug-in vehicle support or EVs just won’t be popular.

When asked for the car’s starting price, Robertson said that it would be in the same range as the 3 series, which in Germany is priced between 28,800 and 38,800 Euros for base versions. We will finally get to see the production version of the i3 at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, 30 months after the announcement of the ‘i’ subbrand, also including the i8 plug-in hybrid supercar. The BMW i3 goes on sale in Europe at the end of the year.

[Automotive News Europe]

June 14, 2013
2014 BMW X5 Revealed

After months of speculation and spy shots, the 2014 BMW X5 has finally been revealed by the Bavaria based manufacturer. Since its launch in 1999, the BMW X5 has gone from strength to strength and established itself as one of the world’s best SUVs. The third generation is more evolution than revolution as it builds on these strengths, but doesn’t bring about any radical changes.

The new grille, bumper and headlamps are in alignment with BMW’s new direction in style and are reminiscent of the current 3-series and 5-series ranges. The bumper is slightly more aggressive than its predecessor too. A prominent character line runs down the side from the newly designed front apron all the way to the taillights. At the back, the new X5 gets a redesigned tailgate, new taillights and a new bumper with reflectors and twin tail pipes.

The BMW X5 will be available with a choice of three engines. The X5 sDrive 35i comes with a 3.0-litre twin turbo straight six petrol unit producing 300 bhp and 406Nm of torque that can power the SUV from 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. For those looking for extra thrust, the X5 sDrive 50i packs a potent 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 petrol motor putting out 445 bhp and 650Nm of torque, which can propel the SUV from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. An all new 3.0 litre turbo straight six diesel producing 251 bhp and 559 Nm of torque will also be on offer. All engines will be mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. For the first time ever, BMW is offering the X5 with rear-wheel drive on the X5 sDrive 35i (the one with the 3.0-litre petrol engine), and traditional all-wheel drive systems will be available as well.

The 2014 BMW X5 is a classic case of ‘don’t fix it if it ain’t broken’. BMW seems to have figured out the formula to success in the SUV market and are now working to perfect it rather than reinvent it. The 2014 X5 is a well thought out vehicle and should be a worthy successor to the outgoing model.

June 2, 2013
BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe Unveiled

BMW’s first team-up with Italian styling house Pininfarina, was revealed in full at the 2013 Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza in Italy in the form of the Gran Lusso coupe. The full-bodied V12-powered coupe is a one-off styling concept for now, but shows the direction BMW could take for a new 8-series coupe, to compete with the Mercedes S-Class Coupe and Bentley Continental GT.

The imposing Gran Lusso is a beautiful concoction of the past, present and future of BMW. It maintains the kidney grille and the Hofmeister kink in the rear pillar, but the strong forward rake of the front end resembles the sharknose BMWs of the 70s and 80s. However the fastback shape is very rarely seen in the BMW lineup and is reminiscent of the BMW CS Concept from 2007. The supersized four-door coupe was intended to go into production as the flagship BMW, but BMW were worried about building a high-end model in the wake of the financial crisis. The concept of a four-door coupe lived on as the 6-series Gran Coupe and CS was left as inspiration for new BMWs like the Gran Lusso.

High-quality materials line the interior include black and tobacco brown leather upholstery from Italian company Foglizzo and lots of wooden accents sourced from a single piece of rare kauri wood native to New Zealand.

All in all, the Gran Lusso Coupe is a very bold and handsome design. The long wheelbase, wide stance and short overhangs add to a very well sculpted exterior. What remains to be seen, is whether this could manifest itself into the rumoured return of the BMW 8-series.

May 30, 2013
2013 Shanghai Motor Show: The Best Of The Rest

We saw some pretty high-profile reveals along with an array of launches by Chinese manufacturers over the weekend in Shanghai. Here’s our pick of the best on display.

MG CS Concept

One of the bigger stars of the Shanghai Motor Show was also one of the biggest surprises. MG unveiled its CS Concept SUV, adding to the competition in the compact SUV segment. However, the production model is at least 2 years away, and in all probability won’t look as flashy as the concept. Still, we like MG’s new direction, and can’t wait for more details about the CS to be released.

Nissan Friend-Me Concept

When it comes to identifying future trends, and thinking ahead, few automotive manufacturers have the foresight that Nissan does. For this reason, the long and unconventionally designed 4-door sedan caught everyone’s eye with its sharp styling. Knowing Nissan, there is a good chance that the ‘Friend-Me’ may actually reach the production stage, though we’re not sure how long the name will stick for.

Buick Riviera Concept

Sharing its name with the famous Buick, last seen in 1999, the Riviera Concept is said to be a preview to Buick’s future styling direction. The Riviera Concept incorporates some beautiful flowing lines over its long shell, and shows-off new versions of the marque’s classic waterfall grille design. It’s powered by Buick’s dual-mode wireless plug-in hybrid electric vehicle propulsion system, which allows the car to be charged wirelessly just by driving atop a special charging mat on the ground, the car’s powertrain is just as futuristic as its exterior shape. This one’s for the future.

Icona Vulcano

One of the standouts of the show was the stunning Vulcano concept from Italian-owned but Shanghai-based design firm Icona. Designed by a former Bertone employer, and engineered by a former Scuderia Ferrari engineer, the Vulcano was mobbed at the Shanghai Motor Show. Originally conceived as a one-off example to showcase Icona’s styling prowess, it has now been announced that 5 total Vulcanos will be built. Reminiscent of the Lexus LFA as well as the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, the Vulcano has an option of two powertrains, 870 or 950 bhp and goes from 0-97 kmph in 2.9 or 3.0 seconds depending on the powertrain. It also boasts a top speed of 217 mph.

Acura SUV-X Concept

The SUV-X Concept from Acura is another in a long line of aspirants in the compact SUV segment. Acuras have known to be packed with tons of technology on the inside, but have never really turned heads on the streets. The SUV-X Concept deviates from the trend, with bold and eyecatching styling, pleasantly surprising all of us. Acura says that the SUV-X is the precursor to a production offering from the brand in China that will come in about three years.

Ford Escort Concept

The Escort is back!! Well, as a concept for now. At the very interesting reveal, Ford said, “Customers in China described seeking a vehicle that is stylish – but not one that is arrogant or pretentious” and that’s what it believes the new Escort will be about. Always known for being excellent as an affordably daily driver, but not one to set benchmarks in performance or design, the new Escort Concept’s minimal design is contemporary and appealing on the whole. This car will probably be launched only in the Chinese market, and is expected to create quite a stir when it does.

Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupé Concept

This sportier member of the CrossBlue family sits in between the Tiguan and the Touareg in size and has all the hallmarks of becoming another success for the brand. Featuring a high-tech drivetrain that consists of twin electric motors, one up front and one at the rear, powered by a 9.8-kWh lithium-ion battery, the Concept also has a 295 bhp, direct-injection, gasoline-burning V6 under the hood. These three powerhouses put out a total of 415 bhp. Also, atleast in theory, the Concept should be able to travel 21 miles on electricity alone and we think it looks pretty nice as well. What’s not to like?

Lamborghini Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario

Lamborghini unveiled the Aventador Anniversario at Shanghai as part of its 50 year celebrations. Offering the same engine as the base Aventador, it manages to produce 720 bhp instead of 700 due to different tuning, and features a couple of external upgrades. Read more about it here.

Maserati Ghibli

The Ghibli name is back in the form of an entry-level luxury sedan as Maserati hopes to expand its sales figures to compete with the likes of BMW, Audi and Jaguar. The Ghibli is the first Maserati in history to have a diesel engine as an option, with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6. Read more about it here.

BMW X4 Concept

Yet another addition to the compact SUV segment, BMW unveiled the baby X6 or the X4 concept at Shanghai. BMW claims that the X4 is a preview to what the entire X range will look like in the coming years. Read more about it here.

April 26, 2013
Autogyaan: BMW X4 Concept Unveiled Before Shanghai Motor Show

The BMW X6 was a very polarising design when it first came out in 2008, and its newly unveiled younger brother seems to be headed the same way. The X4 concept has been unveiled and a production model of the ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ (SAV) as its called by BMW, will go on sale in 2014. BMW also says that the concept isn’t just the preview of a new model, but a glimpse at the future of the entire X range.
Like the X6, the X4’s styling is a hybrid of an SUV and a fastback coupe, a design most of us now know as the crossover. Flaunting strong character lines down its sides, a big radiator grille and two-tone 21-inch alloy wheels, the X4 takes on an aggressive and powerful stance, like the larger X6. Dimensionally most similar to the 3-Series Wagon, the X4’s headlight’s and taillights remind us a lot of the upcoming 4-Series coupe as well as the 3-Series Gran Turismo. Underneath the sculpted body, the X4 is based on the smaller X3 and will most likely offer the same engine options as the X3. It will be built alongside the other X models at BMW’s factory in Spartanburg, USA.
The X4 seems to be a well-shaken cocktail of many old and new BMWs. We prefer the X4’s adventurous yet balanced design to that of the X6, but the fastback SUV is still a niche segment and isn’t widely accepted by petrolheads all round the world. Expect this car to make a lot of news when it makes its world debut at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month.

April 6, 2013