BMW to build X1 SAV in China
At the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed that the entry-level SAV X1 would be the third BMW model to be made at the company’s China venture. BMW and Chinese partner Brilliance Auto already have an agreement on building the BMW 1 Series and a stretched BMW 3 Series. It is unclear if the stretched 3 Series will be the past rumored 3 Gran Turismo or simply a long wheelbase of one of the current models.
Earlier this year, BMW Brilliance stopped manufacturing the BMW 3 Series cars to expand the venture’s capacity and began importing the BMW sedans in large quantities to pick up the sales. The new factory will be coming back on stream soon for a new range of models.
In the highly competitive Chinese market, BMW’s X1 will compete against the Audi Q5 and also its “step-brother”, the VW Tiguan. All three models are expected to go head-to-head for the premium compact SUV/SAV segment.
BMW 3 Series and 5 Series sedans have been manufactured at the venture based in the northeastern Chinese city of Shenyang.
According to a report by Chinese automotive magazine Gasgoo, the stretched BMW 3 Series sedan will be launched in August to take on the Audi A4.
Before we let these speculations run wild, we would like to mention that no new information on the 3 GT have come our way.
[Source: Gasgoo ]
Video: i-Motor reviews the BMW 5 Series GT
The UK journalists are i-Motor spent some time behind the wheel of the somewhat controversial BMW 5 Series GT. One of those cars that don’t photograph well, but tend to stand out when seen in person, the 5 GT is being said to have already exceeded BMW’s sales expectations.
Launched last year, the BMW 5 Series GT, short for Gran Turismo, is based on the platform of the new BMW 7 Series and was built on the same principle that made the original Gran Turismo vehicles so popular: a high-performance luxury automobile designed for long-distance driving and why not, having some fun while at it.
???Is it an SUV? A Wagon?” Same very questions many of us have asked, but truth is that the 5 GT opens a new niche market that is slowly starting to welcome new players from BMW’s competition.
The first car to be built by BMW from inside-out, the 5 GT is not only an imposing and unique vehicle – okay..some may say odd -but also sets new standards of interior design luxury in the BMW line-up.
Let’s have a look at i-Motor’s review.
Video: New BMW 5 Series at 2010 Geneva Motor Show
The press days at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show are over, but our coverage continues today with a new video of the 2011 5 Series on the stage at the BMW booth.
Yesterday, we brought you exclusively live photos of the new 5er, showing the car from different angles, but a quick video will give you an even better idea of how elegant, yet sporty, the 5 Series is.
For those of you in North America, the wait is almost over. The 2011 BMW 5 Series will make its debut at the New York Auto Show in April and the first units will arrive at U.S. dealerships in early June.
World Premiere: BMW 5 series GT by AC Schnitzer
Comfort meets Power: Grand Tour with the 5-series GT by AC Schnitzer
“Gran Turismo??? means “Grand Tour”, and this is the principle behind the 5-series GT by AC Schnitzer.
Driving comfort and performance at the highest level – that’s the promise from the 5-series GT by AC Schnitzer – a promise which is guaranteed to be kept on the next “Grand Tour”.
Engine – Exhaust
The performance upgrade from 245 to 286 HP for the six-cylinder 530d already gives the standard car more pulling power and racing flair, which is demonstrated externally by the AC Schnitzer engine styling with capacity logo.
Yet the 5-series GT by AC Schnitzer doesn’t just bring a gleam to the eyes of BMW fans, but acoustically it delivers what the aesthetics promise at first glance. The AC Schnitzer twin sports rear silencer is the ideal tuning product for drivers with an appreciation of engine sound, to whom design elements such as the chromed “Sports Trim??? tailpipe trims and the chromed “Racing??? tailpipe trim are equally important.
The Suspension Technology
Impressive comfort in driving behaviour, even on dynamic driving on twisty roads, is achieved by the AC Schnitzer suspension spring set. The tuning by the Aachen specialists makes the 5-series GT convincing in every speed range thanks to its superb agility.
Bodywork
Two tonnes of unladen weight are irrelevant when the car is glued to the tarmac by the AC Schnitzer front and rear spoilers.
Bonnet Vents with chromed center web combine individual design with sophisticated engineering. The side lines are subtly emphasized by the AC Schnitzer side skirts, and the flowing dynamics of the coup??-like roof line are further enhanced by the AC Schnitzer rear skirt.
Interior
The comfort of the Gran Turismo took priority in the fundamental architecture of the BMW 5-series GT. So the specialists at AC Schnitzer completed the stylish elegance of the interior with a cover for the i-Drive System Controller, foot rest and pedal set in aluminum. Behind the frameless doors, velours footmats and boot mat welcome the driver.
Wheels
To enjoy a “Grand Tour”, the passengers must be well supported, so the silver AC Schnitzer wheels Type IV in 19″ or the BiColor Version in 19″ and 20″ provide the perfect conditions technically and visually for an extraordinary trip. With the AC Schnitzer wheels Type VII in silver and BiColor in 22″ and the alloy forged wheels in Type V in 20″ and 22″, the drive is even more firmly planted. Another ideal choice is the brand-new Type VIII rims in 19″ or the racing forged alloys Type VIII in 22″. The new wheel with its double spokes in BiColor Finish is an evolution of the well-known Type VI wheel. All wheels are available with suitable tires.
The BMW 5 Series GT by AC Schnitzer will be unveiled tomorrow at Geneva Motor Show.
New videos: BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid
With 3 days left before the Geneva Motor Show, BMW releases new videos of their latest concept: 5 Series ActiveHybrid. For those of you that missed our previous coverage, here is a quick recap of what 5 Series Hybrid has to offer.
The drive system featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid consists of the straight-six gasoline N55 engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, eight-speed automatic transmission, and electric drive.
Then engine outputs 306 horsepower and it is supported by a 40 kW (55 hp) electric motor.
The drivetrain technology featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid allows all-electric, zero-emission motoring in city traffic. At the same time a special hybrid-based Auto Start Stop function offers additional efficiency by consistently switching off the combustion engine when stopping at the traffic lights, a road junction, or in congested traffic.
Design wise, the BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid features a slightly modified fascia with a new front-bumper specific to this hybrid model. The aerodynamically designed wheels are also becoming a trademark in all of BMW’s hybrid models.
The car will be unveiled Tuesday, March 3rd and the Geneva Motor Show and yours truly will report live from the show floors.
Video: BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid
Continuing our coverage with the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid, we now have the first video of the latest BMW hybrid. The BMW 5 Series Hybrid is powered by the straight-six N55 Twin-Scroll engine from the 535i F10 model, supported by a 40 kW (55 hp) electric motor.
The drivetrain hybrid is said to reduce the fuel consumption of the base model by more than 10 percent. Several other EfficientDynamics technologies are incorporated into the 5 Hybrid, including the Auto Start Stop function that offers additional efficiency by consistently switching off the combustion engine when stopping at the traffic lights, a road junction, or in congested traffic.
While no information have been released on the launch date, we expect to see the 5 Series ActiveHybrid on the roads in the first half of 2011.
Wallpapers: BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid
Earlier today, BMW unveiled their latest concept: BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid. The BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid offers the combination of a BMW straight-six with electric drive representing the ongoing development of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 with their drivetrain technology already in production.
The drive system featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid consists of a straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, eight-speed automatic transmission, and electric drive. Integration of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in a sedan already extremely efficient with its ???conventional??? combustion engine reduces both fuel consumption and emissions once again by more than 10 per cent. At the same time the electric motor offers a boost function, supporting the gasoline engine in generating particularly dynamic drive power for an even more sporting driving experience in the car.
The drivetrain technology featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid allows all-electric, zero-emission motoring in city traffic. At the same time a special hybrid-based Auto Start Stop function offers additional efficiency by consistently switching off the combustion engine when stopping at the traffic lights, a road junction, or in congested traffic
The combustion engine is supported in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid by an electrical drive system developed specifically for this model and arranged in compact dimensions between the straight-six combustion engine and the automatic transmission. Drawing its energy from a high-voltage battery at the back of the car, the electric motor develops maximum output of 40 kW.
In overrun and when applying the brakes, the electric drive systems acts as a generator developing electric power fed into the high-voltage battery. This converts kinetic energy otherwise wasted as heat in the brake system into electric power saved for subsequent use.
Next week, we will have more information and live photos from the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.
World Premiere: BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid
Parallel to the world debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, BMW is also presenting the concept of a future-oriented full-hybrid model in the upper midrange segment: The BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid for the first time offers the combination of a BMW straight-six with electric drive, setting new standards for sporting pleasure at the wheel and superior sustainability in this segment.
The new concept car offers a particularly good rendition of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan in all its dynamic, efficient and innovative qualities, at the same time representing the ongoing development of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 with their drivetrain technology already in production.
The drive system featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid consists of a straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, eight-speed automatic transmission, and electric drive. Integration of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in a sedan already extremely efficient with its ???conventional??? combustion engine reduces both fuel consumption and emissions once again by more than 10 per cent. At the same time the electric motor offers a boost function, supporting the gasoline engine in generating particularly dynamic drive power for an even more sporting driving experience in the car.
Intelligent energy management likewise serves to enhance the efficiency of the overall system, its unique functions ensuring appropriate control and management of all energy paths within the car and appropriate interaction of the drivetrain components precisely adjusted to driving conditions.
The drivetrain technology featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid allows all-electric, zero-emission motoring in city traffic. At the same time a special hybrid-based Auto Start Stop function offers additional efficiency by consistently switching off the combustion engine when stopping at the traffic lights, a road junction, or in congested traffic. Optimised comfort, finally, is provided by the auxiliary climate control function already featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7.
Special development of ActiveHybrid technology as part of BMW EfficientDynamics.
The concept car based on the new BMW 5 Series Sedan for the first time presents the next generation of BMW ActiveHybrid technology, a special solution exclusive to BMW for intelligent interaction of the combustion engine and electric drive focused specifically on the requirements made of a dynamic sedan in the upper midrange segment.
Taking this approach, BMW is consistently continuing the development of hybrid technology according to a modular principle (best of hybrid), thus offering the optimum rendition of BMW ActiveHybrid technology for each concept and vehicle segment.
In accordance with the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, this ensures highly effective and practical use of hybrid technology for the reduction of both fuel consumption and emissions.
Also in the BMW Series Sedan segment: the BMW among hybrids combines supreme dynamics with maximum efficiency.
The combustion engine is supported in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid by an electrical drive system developed specifically for this model and arranged in compact dimensions between the straight-six combustion engine and the automatic transmission. Drawing its energy from a high-voltage battery at the back of the car, the electric motor develops maximum output of 40 kW.
An automatic clutch connects the gasoline engine and the electric motors.
Due to the particularly high level of torque generated from the start through the electric motors, the interaction of the two drive systems ensures extremely spontaneous and dynamic acceleration whenever required.
Perfectly integrated, precisely controlled: high-voltage battery supplying power to both the electric motor and the on-board network.
In overrun and when applying the brakes, the electric drive systems acts as a generator developing electric power fed into the high-voltage battery. This converts kinetic energy otherwise wasted as heat in the brake system into electric power saved for subsequent use.
Such energy obtained without any further consumption of fuel may then be used to generate drive power or operate electrical functions in the car.
This principle is the same as that of Brake Energy Regeneration already applied in BMW???s current production models, with the level of electrical energy generated by the electric motor being significantly greater and the increase in efficiency correspondingly higher.
The high-voltage battery likewise developed for this specific concept is fitted within a high-strength special case near the rear axle of the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid. This leads to an optimum position in terms of both safety and harmonious weight distribution. An integrated control unit permanently analyses the charge status of the high-voltage battery and controls both the battery charge process by way of Brake Energy Regeneration and the system cooling process. Apart from the electric motor, the high-voltage battery also delivers electric power to the car???s on-board network. Among other things, this allows efficient operation of the car???s auxiliary climate control activated whenever required by a remote control function to cool down the car???s interior significantly even before starting the engine.
Convenient use of the all-electric driving mode and the Auto Start Stop function is likewise guaranteed in this way, with all electrical functions such as the audio system, climate control or navigation remaining fully available even with the combustion engine switched off.
Unique: intelligent energy management with advance analysis of driving conditions.
BMW ActiveHybrid technology provides its unique potential in terms of both efficiency and driving dynamics under all kinds of conditions and throughout a wide load range.
Unlike conventional hybrid cars whose extra efficiency is largely limited to city traffic, both the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, by combining the combustion engine and the electric motor, are able to offer significantly lower fuel consumption and emission ratings also at higher speeds. This is made possible by technically sophisticated power electronics masterminding the interaction of the combustion engine and electric motor and thus optimising the overall efficiency of the drive system as a whole.
The BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid once again raises the range of functions provided by such power electronics to an even higher standard. As an example, the energy contained in the fuel and provided by the high-voltage battery may now be used even more specifically and efficiently to provide that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW.
Taking additional factors into account, the interaction of the two drive units in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid is tailored to the driver???s requirements and current driving conditions with maximum precision. At the same time the power electronics also control the operation of the car???s ancillary units and comfort functions, again in the interest of maximum efficiency.
The range and diversity of parameters taken into account by the system is indeed quite unique in the automobile, just as the number of functions controlled in this way. A high level of all-round networking allows the power electronics to provide intelligent energy management, thus optimising the operating strategy of the entire vehicle under all conditions.
A further unique feature of energy management in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid is the car???s ability to adjust its operating strategy not just to current, but also to upcoming driving conditions. To do this the power electronics from the start evaluate data indicating a possible change in exterior conditions or the driver???s wishes and prepare the components in the drivetrain as well as the car???s electronic system for a possible change in requirements.
To analyse driving conditions up front, the system uses data provided by engine and chassis management as well as the sensors in the driver assistance systems on board the car. Data saved in the navigation system on the route chosen by the driver likewise goes into the final calculation, enabling the system to forecast driving conditions on the route directly ahead. Then, proceeding from this analysis, the car is coordinated in advance and the optimum use of all systems serves to use the energy available with maximum efficiency.
Should the system determine, for example, that the autobahn ahead is about to lead downhill, the charge level of the high-voltage battery is intelligently controlled in advance to regain brake energy upfront with maximum efficiency.
Similarly, the high-voltage battery may be fully charged in good time before the driver reaches his destination, enabling the system to switch off the combustion engine at an early point and change to all-electric drive along the final stretch of road. Indeed, this forward-looking function is able to extend the cruising range on electric power by up to 30%.
The BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid: the future of driving pleasure and efficiency in the upper midrange segment.
Optimised to an even higher standard in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid, the drivetrain and control systems underline the great significance of hybrid technology as a cornerstone of BMW EfficientDynamics. Looking at a new generation of hybrid technology from BMW featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid therefore offers particularly attractive perspectives, the ongoing development of BMW ActiveHybrid technology serving to provide substantial progress in all areas leading to a harmonious all-round concept with distinctive features typical of the brand.
The BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid is therefore more dynamic, efficient and more intelligent than conventional representatives of this drive technology, standing out clearly as the BMW among hybrid cars in this segment.
LA Times: ?BMW 535i: Everything you want, except fun?
After many positive reviews that at times turned into controversial articles, the new BMW 5 Series receives a mildly negative review from LA Times.?? As always, each reviewer seems to be focusing on different things and there is no overall standard scale when it comes to test drives. While some of us enjoy an ultra-luxurious comfortable car, there are still plenty out there that place their final judgment call based on….let’s say performance, the driving thrill.
So, let’s have a look at this review.
“Consider what this fact suggests about 5-series buyers: These people are buying the sedan because of its size — comfortable but still fairly intimate — and because of what the Germans love to call “sportivity.” These buyers also yearn for the cutting-edge technological spritz that comes as standard equipment in the flagship 7-series, the next segment up, and are willing to pay extra to get it.
In other words, these are people who want everything in BMW’s larder, and want it in a leaner, more lithe package. With the new 5-series, they’ll get it.
Active roll stabilization; electronic damper control; four-wheel steering; eight-speed transmission; a new twin-scroll, single-turbo 3.0-liter in-line six putting out 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque (or a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 with 400 hp, in the 550i); new robotic parking assistance; head-up display; night vision; stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, which will maintain a following distance in traffic and slow to a stop, then start rolling again, just like traffic on the 405; and roughly 8 million other acronymic systems, gadgets, gizmos and flight surfaces loomed to the car’s high-speed cerebellum.
But as a strange little rock goblin with big lips once reminded us, you can’t always get what you want. With the 5-series you get everything you want — except fun.
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The new car has the singular advantage of succeeding the infamous (E60) generation 5-series, which was comprehensively weird-looking, as if it had been styled in a soft-serve ice cream machine. So comparatively, it’s a Raphael. I’ll grant that the new car grew on me in the two days I spent with it and, further, that it looks better in daylight than it does on some showroom turnstile or in photographs.
But do I want to have this car’s baby? No. My chastity is all too secure.
Inside, the car is just about perfect. I’d have to say BMW currently offers the best interior design of any German car company. The instrument panel comprises a “black panel” electronic display — only the four key gauges are illuminated unless the car needs to throw you a warning light of some kind. My test car had the brilliant 10-inch navigation display in the center console, which is spectacular. And the whole cabin was wrapped in premium materials — aluminum, wood and leather — in a great gestural flourish.”
2011 BMW 5 Series Touring F11 to be unveiled in April at Leipzig Plant
The new 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring, codename F11, will be unveiled on April 9th at the Leipzig plant in Germany. BMW has just issued a press release to confirm the news. As always, we are working our magic on being present there and report all the news live.
Press Release
Fourth Generation of the Highly Successful Business Touring Presented to the Public for the First Time at the 2010 Auto Mobil International (AMI).
Rendering by Autoblog.nl
Munich. BMW is returning to Auto Mobil International (AMI) Show in Leipzig with no less than a world debut, presenting the new BMW 5er Touring to the public for the first time when the Motor Show opens on the Leipzig Fairgrounds.
Through this significant model launch, BMW is setting one of the highlights at the AMI Show open to the public from 10 – 18??April 2010. At the same time further new models in the BMW range are to be seen for the first time in Germany at the 2010 AMI Show, among them the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, the new BMW X5, and the new BMW 3er Convertible.
BMW???s appearance at the Show follows the guiding principle of ???Joy???, moving the world premiere of the new BMW 5 Series Touring as the top event at the AMI Show directly into the visitors??? perspective through numerous activities. The 2010 AMI Show gives BMW the ideal setting to present the new edition of this successful Business Touring to the international public for the first time.
By tradition, the German market is the world???s most significant sales region for the Touring version of the BMW 5 Series. As a further factor the world premiere of the new BMW 5 Series Touring highlights both the significance of the 2010 AMI as the No 1 car show in Germany this year and the close connection of the Company to the location in Leipzig. BMW Plant Leipzig builds not only the BMW 1 Series, but also the brand???s latest highly successful model, the BMW X1.
Premium car maker BMW is presenting its current model range in a new exhibition area. Measuring approximately 1,500 square metres or more than 16,000 square feet, BMW???s stand is being set up for the first time in Hall??3 of the AMI Fairgrounds.
BMW Classic is also represented in Leipzig with three historical cars on show in a special event in the Fairground???s Glass Palace under the motto ???Hidden Treasures ??? Car Museums Present their Greatest Highlights???. And last but not least, BMW is also presenting the new BMW X1 for practical testing in the outdoor area of the Fairground.
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