Auto and Cars

The BMW M550i in Verde Ermes it the Best New 5 Series I must admit, I’ve been a bit of a harsh critic of BMW, lately. It seems as if each and every decision made by BMW over the past couple of years has been made by a computer, calculating risk and reward, potential profit and loss. However, every once in awhile, some madness shines through, a smile cracks on BMW’s typically stoic German face. Giving the BMW M550i an incredible color like Verde Ermes is one such moment and it’s the best part of the new 5 Series LCI. The 5 Series’ LCI is a successful one for a couple of key reasons; it takes an already good looking car and makes it better, it adds new and improved technology and it gets an awesome new green. Green is a criminally underused color in the automotive ...

Photo Comparison: BMW 5 Series LCI vs Audi A6 Since its debut, right up until its facelift, the pre-LCI BMW 5 Series was a great looking car. Even as newer competition debuted, it was still a handsome and competitive looking premium sedan. Still, newer cars in the segment were bringing designs that were newer and slightly fresher, so BMW needed to do something to keep its 5 Series in the mix. One such competitor is the new Audi A6, which is a seriously good looking sedan and quite a bit newer than the pre-LCI G30 5er. We haven’t driven the new A6, so we’re not going to comment on how these cars drive but we will comment on how they look. Both cars are very good looking luxury sedans with more technology than anyone will need. But only one Bavarian shall stand at the end of t...

BMW 6 Series GT Facelift more efficient thanks to 48V hybrid The refreshed BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo is equipped with state-of-the-art, efficiency-optimized petrol and diesel powerplants. The new 6 Series GT boasts a host of 5 different engine variants: 2 running on petrol (630i and 640i) and 3 on diesel (620d, 630d and 640d). All the powerplants are equipped with mild hybrid technology: a 48V integrated starter-generator developing 8 kW / 11 PS (10 hp), efficiently helping with the engine workload. Also, the engines are fitted with a new technology which optimizes the direct fuel injection process. All diesel units feature standard two-stage BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Additionally, all units are now fully compliant with the EURO 6d-TEMP emission standard. Furthermore, the 8-speed...

2021 BMW 5 Series: Pioneering solutions for assisted driving The 2021 BMW 5 Series Facelift boasts a wealth of cutting-edge technologies with respect to active safety, driving assistance systems and autonomous drive capabilities. The revamped 5 Series generation features several new, improved assistance systems for ensuring a high level of safety during autonomous driving. Given the latest developments and the sophisticated technology employed, the new BMW 5 Series can be classified as capable of ensuring an autonomous drive of Level 2.5. Thus, the steering wheel models for the 5 Series LCI display a new arrangement of the buttons, ensuring a smooth, intuitive access to all relevant autonomous driving assistants. The 5 Series LCI is fitted with standard Cruise Control with brake functi...

BMW introduces new Maps and infotainment concept The BMW 5 Series mid-cycle refresh premieres a new infotainment concept and BMW Maps, a pioneering cloud-based navigation solution. The infotainment technology found in the new 5 Series is fully based on the BMW Operating System 7.0. It enables an integrated, user-friendly operation by means of the touch-sensitive Control Display, the iDrive Touch Controller, the steering wheel commands, the voice recognition, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and the optional BMW Gesture Control. The 2021 5 Series also premieres the next generation of the navigation and guidance technology with the BMW Maps cloud-based navigation system. The BMW Maps ensures a smooth and intuitive address input, a permanent update of the route, precise real-time tr...

Photo Comparison: BMW 5 Series LCI vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class In this visual comparison contest, we’ll find out how the new BMW 5 Series stacks up against its all-time arch-rival: the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. To begin with, it is safe to assume that even though both contenders share the same appurtenance to the premium executive segment, the two models have dramatically different philosophies when it comes to luxury. While the Merc E-Class has always been the more comfortable, the 5 Series has always stood up ahead as the more dynamic choice of the two. Both rivals are fully packed with the latest technology and each cater to their very own, select client audience. In the recent years, the E-Class managed to steal some of the 5 Series’ traditional clients, but the 5er has stil...

Facelift BMW 5 Series Gets An Enhanced M Performance Parts program Like in the case of every new model, BMW has prepared a refreshed program of M Performance Parts for the updated 5 Series generation. With the help of the BMW M Performance Parts, the 5 Series facelift models will take advantage of the brand’s motorsport DNA. The M Performance Parts not only provide a dynamic, taut and muscular appearance for the 5 Series, but they also prove effective as they are developed to increase the performance and improve the aerodynamics. Of course, they have to be as lightweight as possible. The list of the new BMW M Performance Parts program for the new 5 Series generation is addressed to both the exterior, interior and chassis components of the vehicles. To revamp the visual attractive...

BMW M2: European production ends in Fall 2020 The clock is ticking for the last buyers of a BMW M2. The production of the compact sportscar for European customers will come to an end in Fall 2020. The end of the production cycle will apply to both the “regular” BMW M2 Competition and the recently announced BMW M2 CS.  Customers outside of Europe will continue to receive allocations. Allegedly, the reason for the early end of the M2 production is closely related to the increasingly stringent emissions standards and the demanding requirements for the CO2 emissions of the European new car fleet. The BMW M760i with its V12 engine is another “victim” of these new emission rules. After the production of the current BMW M4 Coupe and Convertible was recently discon...

Frozen Black BMW M760Li xDrive gets some aftermarket upgrades If you want to say goodbye to a legend like the BMW V12 engine, you have to come up with something special. Auto-Dynamics.pl takes the already extroverted BMW M760Li and enhances its design with a few aftermarket touches. The most important upgrade is arguably the matte black exterior, which is similar to the factory Frozen Black paint. To take things a step further, the matte black surfaces are combined with 22-inch wheels finished in golden. Naturally, the combination between black and gold is meant to attract attention, while emphasizing the exclusive look of this 7 Series. The 22-inch light-alloy wheels are the Vossen Evo-5R design in patina gold, wrapped around the track-ready Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The 255 mill...

Video: BMW M5 Competition drag races tuned 750 HP Audi RS6 The new Audi RS6 has a tough road ahead. Arriving rather late to the party, the new RS6 has to battle two cars that have been receiving incredible reviews for quite some time now: the BMW M5 and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. Both the M5 and AMG come with more “hardcore” choices, like the Competition version and the E63 S while the RS6 is available in just one guise for now. Therefore, the Ingolstadt-built model has to face some strong headwinds. It’s a really good looking car though, no matter what some people may say. And it has plenty of performance from the 4-liter twin-turbo V8 under the hood. However, the video below shows a drag race between the previous generation model RS6 and a stock BMW M5 Competition. A...

Video: Battle of the wagons – M340i Touring vs S4 Avant and C43 AMG T-Model Could wagons be making a comeback? The U.S.doesn’t seem to have a lot of love for them, therefore the low sales have prompted BMW to stop importing any kind of wagons. They have since been replaced exclusively by crossovers of all shapes and sizes. The BMW 3 Series Touring is a highly appreciated model in the enthusiasts world and is one of BMW’s best selling cars in Europe. Furthermore, when BMW launched the M340i Touring, customers quickly fell in love with the performance and handling of the stylish wagon. But, if you live in the US and want one, you’re out of luck. Of course, there are plenty of other brands who offer competitive touring products. For example, the Audi S4 Avant is...

World’s shortest video shows how to pronounce BMW correctly As you may be aware, BMW is not an American or English brand. BMW hails from Germany. Bavaria, Munich to be more precise. Therefore, if we’re to be completely fair, the name of the company is not always pronounced the way it should be. That’s nothing new though in the automotive industry. Looking at Hyundai, look at Lamborghini or even Audi and Volkswagen and, you’ll see the same pattern. So, how does a native German say the name of the beloved Bavarian brand? Well, BMW decided to make things crystal clear and created a two-second video with the correct pronunciation. It goes like this: Bee-Ehm-Wie. I know it’s a bit of a stretch from the English version but if you want to be 100% correct, that’s h...

Video: 840 PS BMW F90 M5 drag races Lamborghini Aventador SVJ We’ve already seen just how potent the new BMW M5 is in a straight line. Even in stock guise, the new M5 is a proper land rocket, a car that defies the laws of physics every time you launch it. For its size and weight, this sedan shouldn’t be able to do what it does. Not long ago we saw an 840 PS BMW M5 hang with the iconic McLaren 720S, also known as the king of drag racing. The 720S is one hard cookie to beat. I’ve seen it beat electric cars and everything in between. So naturally, when I saw the M5 lining up I didn’t expect it to win. It lost but not by much. This time we’re taking a look at the same M5 going against another incredibly fast car. As a matter of fact, this car holds the record o...

VIDEO: See Why It’s Probably Unwise to Buy a Cheap MINI JCW GP This new MINI John Cooper Works GP is an awesome looking thing and is said to be the most fun MINI in years. In fact, it’s probably the best driving little bulldog since the previous MINI JCW GP, which came out in 2013 and was a little riot of a car. Only 500 were brought to the ‘States, which makes it a rare car, too. So buying one would be awesome, right? Well, so long as you don’t buy this one. In this new video from The Fast Lane Car, they show off the very cheap 2013 MINI JCW GP they bought for just under $14,000. Considering that nice condition examples go for more than double that price, it seems as if the guys from TFLC got a great deal. However,  upon closer inspect, you realize why it was so ...

BMW 6 Series GT LCI Teased Ahead of Reveal in New Photos In just a couple of days time, we’ll be seeing the facelifted BMW 6 Series GT LCI, a car that not many enthusiasts will be jazzed about but one that’s surprisingly important to BMW. As criticized as the 6er is for its oddball styling, it’s a surprisingly popular vehicle among BMW customers, who find that its practicality justifies its looks. Those customers will be happy to see the newly facelifted model because it’s going to get just a smidge nicer looking. BMW has offered up some new teaser photos of the 6 Series GT LCI, which show off the car’s new updates. Annoyingly, none of the photos show off  enough ofthe car’s front end, which is the part going to get the biggest changes. There are...

REVIEW: 2020 Porsche Taycan 4S – Is This The Best Electric Car in the World? It’s hard to describe the journalists’ anticipation and anxiety when Porsche unveiled the Mission E concept. It may seem odd to some, but it makes once you think about it. Those unfazed by the new Porsche Taycan, which is basically the production guise of the Mission E, will be ones who know that this is not the first ever electric car to bear the Porsche name on it. That honor goes back over 100 years ago when the Lohner-Porsche “machine” was a thing. This was initially an electric car, using hub-mounted electric motors, something you don’t see today unless you live on Mars, where the electric Rover does his thing. Interesting tidbit: NASA used that same tech on the only object t...

2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e to be priced at $65,400 The refreshed BMW X5 hybrid arrives in the U.S. this summer. Sold under the 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e, the new plug-in hybrid has an MSRP of $65,400. The first units are now being allocated to local dealers with deliveries starting sometimes in July. The first X5 xDrive45e is the plug-in hybrid successor of the X5 xDrive40e. The original X5 xDrive40e was an important car for the Bavarians. It was the first plug-in hybrid SUV they ever offered and it was the first car to be sold under the iPerformance badge, the division which handles electric and PHEV cars. With the new X5 xDrive45e, performance is going up, as the name suggests and there’s a big change happening under the hood. New Powertrain The 2020 BMW X5 xDrive45e...

Maximilian Gunther wins valuable points in latest Race at Home Challenge As we are all painfully aware, all types of racing is currently suspended due to the new COVID-19 outbreak. All motorsport events have been put on hold and we’re all just waiting for them to come back. In the meantime, most people have moved in the virtual realm, including the BMW drivers. Maximilian Gunther, for example, the new kid behind the wheel of the BMW iFE.20 Formula E race car, has been competing in the ABB Formula E Race at Home Challenge. He got off to a splendid start, with two wins and a third place in the first outings but then some bad luck stripped him from getting better results. In the most recent race he came in seventh after some more bad luck. Günther was in fourth place when a feis...

VIDEO: The E92 BMW M3 Lime Rock Edition is a Future Classic Many car collectors like to keep their eyes out for potential future classics; cars that aren’t worth a huge amount now but might be in the future. One such car from a particular Bavarian brand might be the E92-generation BMW M3 Lime Rock Edition. What is the BMW M3 Lime Rock Park Edition? Well, it was a special edition version of the E92 M3 Coupe to say farewell to the E92-generation. Only 200 units were ever made and it cost $70,100 when new. Mechanically, it wasn’t much different than a standard M3 Competition Package of the time. It did get a new inconel-titanium lightweight exhaust and some carbon fiber aero to make it sound better and reduce a bit of weight. In this new video from Enthusiast Auto Group, we get...

BMW set to auction M2 CS for the South African market The limited edition BMW M2 CS is already sold out in many markets. Pre-orders for the new hot coupe have started years before the car was announced, so it comes as no surprise that some markets are finding innovative ways to sell the car. BMW of South Africa has come up with a novel idea to sell the upcoming BMW M2 CS. 28 units are allocated for the South African market and BMW SA is hoping that lockdown levels would have eased to allow it to host an auction with about 200 bidders. The auction will include their top customers and regular customers have shown interest in the M2 CS. BMW SA product communications manager Sbusiso Mkhwanazi says if all goes well they’d like to host the auction at the Kyalami racetrack and if social...

SPIED: More Video of BMW M3 and BMW M4 Hitting the Nurburgring Some new video of a recent manufacturer’s test pool at the Nurburging and it shows many of the hottest upcoming sports cars doing some camouflaged testing. Due to the Coronavirus, the ‘Ring was closed for awhile but it’s back open and car companies are testing yet again. In this new video, get to see several awesome cars, from the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series to a Porsche 911 GT-series car of some sort. Among them, though, are both the upcoming BMW M3 and M4. You see the BMW M3 first, at around the 47 second mark, and it looks good. You can tell the driver wasn’t really on it but it still looks agile and smooth. It also looks pretty quick, getting out of corners with some authority, even with the driv...

SPIED: BMW 6 Series GT Seen in Camouflage Ahead of Official Reveal If there’s any BMW model that’s going to benefit from the new styling direction of the 4 Series and M4 models, it’s the BMW 6 Series GT. Prior to seeing the Concept 4, which debuted BMW’s new grille design, it was the 6er GT that received the most hate from enthusiasts. Ironically, the hate doesn’t come from its driving dynamics or interior, as those are both great for what the 6er is supposed to be. No, instead the hate comes from its looks, as it truly is a funky looking car. However, it apparently looks good enough to sell well enough to get a facelifted model, such as the one seen in these new spy photos. (We don’t own the spy photos but they can be seen here) The BMW 6 Series GT w...

What Sort of Wrenching Are You Learning While in Quarantine? During this uncertain time of quarantine, a time unlike any in our lifetime, people across the globe find themselves with more free time than they’ve ever had before. With that free time, many people are learning new skills. It seems as if every human on Earth now knows how to make their own sourdough starter. However, some car enthusiasts are using this newfound free time to learn how to wrench their own car in ways they haven’t before. While there’s a good portion of the BMW clientele base that wouldn’t be caught dead with oil on their hands, there’s also a huge portion of it that revels in it. Some car enthusiasts just flat-out love to work on their cars themselves, get their hands dirty and be...

Video: Savagegeese Review of the BMW 840i lays it all out The revival of the BMW 8 Series nameplate didn’t go as smoothly as the Munich high-wigs might’ve expected. There have been some hiccups along the way, despite being a compelling product. Not long ago, we heard dealers complaining about the BMW 8 Series pricing, and that may very well be the reason why the 8 Series is not selling as it should. Pecuniary issues considered, the BMW 840i might the best choice in the range right now. That’s what the guys from Savagegeese set out to find out. They took the BMW 840i out for a spin to see whether it rises to the challenge. As you may well know, the 840i is the cheapest 8 Series you can get and for that, you also get cut from a couple of features. You don’t get all...

Video: Blast from the past – the 360 km/h BMW M5 Hurricane RR Touring Today we’re taking a walk down memory lane as I stumbled upon a video that caused some older memories to pop up. Remember when BMW used to make M5 wagons? Remember the E61 M5? That was probably the first wagon supercar, one of the very few that can wear that title without being accused of false advertising. It certainly was one of the most impressive creations to come out of Munich and when it got in the hands of the crazy people from G-Power, it turned into a monster. If you recall, the G-Power people somehow managed to squeeze not one but two superchargers inside that already stuffed engine bay. As you can imagine, a twin-supercharged 5-liter V10 engine can deliver a lot of performance and that’s what ha...

VIDEO: Watch the BMW-Powered Aston Martin DB5 James Bond Stunt Car The upcoming James Bond film “No Time to Die” has unfortunately been delayed, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. Which is a really bummer for all Bond fans. But it’s also a bummer for car enthusiasts, as the cars and car chase sequences in most Bond films are epic. In No Time to Die, the featured car in the action sequences is a classic Aston Martin DB5, which is replete with the same sort of classic Bond kit we’re all used to; machine guns, ejector seats, the works. However, the car that was actually used to shoot those scenes obviously wasn’t a million-dollar classic DB5. Instead, it was a bespoke stunt car and it was/is powered by a BMW engine. In this new video from Carfection, we get...

Can the New Lincoln Corsair take on the BMW X3? Executives at BMW have to be getting annoyed by now, with all of the new competition entering the segment. Years ago, the suits in Munich only had to worry about Mercedes-Benz and Audi, really. Now, it has Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Lexus, Cadillac and even Lincoln to keep an eye one. The latter of which hasn’t been considered a proper luxury brand in decades, more often than not just rebadging Fords and calling it a day. However, the American luxury brand’s newer cars are far more impressive. So can the all-new Lincoln Corsair really challenge the stalwart BMW X3? Motor Trend compares the two in this latest test. The BMW X3 is a surprisingly good car. While most enthusiasts scoff at the notion of buying an SUV, the new X3 drives with ...

MINI to Expand Oxford Edition Models to All Customers and Adds Countryman to Lineup MINI is bringing its value-proposition “Oxford Edition” to all customers in the US market, to get new car for cheaper than usual, so long as you don’t need as many features. previously, the Oxford Edition MINI models, were only available for college students, active-duty military and recently retired military, to give them a more affordable way to get into a MINI. However, the 2020 MINI Oxford Edition models will now be available to all customers in the US, to help out during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our Oxford Editions are all about offering MINI models with incredible value, at an attractive price, without giving up style, substance, and MINI’s fun-to-drive characteristics....

Rolls-Royce Cullinan 1:8 Scale Replica is More Detailed Than Most Cars Everything Rolls-Royce makes is stunningly beautiful, meticulously crafted and hilariously expensive. There’s a cost to all of that fine craftsmanship and it’s paid by the customer. It’s not only cars that Rolls makes so beautifully, though. The famous British brand makes all manner of things but, recently, has taken to making something rather… different. Customers of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan can now get a 1:8 scale replica of their very SUV that’s more detailed than most actual cars. Each hand-made replica is made from over 1,000 parts and takes an astonishing 450 hours to build. Ford builds about a million F-150 pickup trucks in that same time. In fact, that 450 hours is about half th...

Could Pop-Up Street Charging Stations Solve Urban EV Problems? The biggest issue with owning an electric car is simply finding a place to charge the damn thing. If you have a charging station at home, that’s great but there’s still often a need to charge on the go and many owners don’t have the ability to install a home charging station. However, public charging infrastructure just isn’t enough in most parts of the world, so creative charging solutions are necessary to make EVs more usable in the real world. One such solution was created by UK startup Urban Electric, who developed a pop-up charging station for the street. Urban Electric develop this solution awhile back. They created these pop-up chargers that hide underground for the majority of the time but can...