Auto and Cars

SPIED: Forthcoming ALPINA XB7 scooped on the Ring with minimal cladding Slated for debut in early 2020, the forthcoming BMW ALPINA XB7 is continuing its final testing on the Nürburgring circuit in Germany, where it was recently caught wearing minimal camouflage (spy shots here). Visually, the XB7 will be based on the X7 with Design Excellence styling package. The new luxury performance SAV from Buchloe will be individualized with the help of the ALPINA multi-spoke wheels which are expected to have a total diameter of 22 inches. Minor styling changes and some enlarged body parts will complete the design philosophy of the new ALPINA XB7. BMW X7 featured here Expect the traditional ALPINA treatment in the cabin, including the fine LAVALINA leather upholstery in a bright beige shade with c...

Here is a video explaining the BMW fifth generation electric drivetrain When the next generation of BMW electric vehicles arrive on the market starting in 2020, they will be equipped with a new generation electric drivetrain. BMW calls it Generation 5 and it will be first seen on the BMW iX3, followed by the i4 and iNEXT. In a new video, BMW shows the crucial differences between eDrive generations 3 and 4 compared to the upcoming Gen5 technology. Based on the new electric architecture, at least 25 different BMW models with an electrified drive are expected to be on the market by 2023. One of the biggest changes in the new architecture is the battery pack. The new one features a flatter battery pack design with higher energy density packed inside. With a weight of around 550 kilograms, ...

Guide: BMW Engine Codes Naming Convention For decades, BMW has used a unique naming convention for their BMW engines, which can be quite confusing to non-BMW insiders. BMW labels codes their engines under the B, M, N, P or S. In the past, the BMW Engine Codes Naming Convention was certainly simpler than it is today. The M10 was reserved for the four-cylinder unit, the M20 for a low-powered six-cylinder and M30 for high-powered straight sixes. But over the years, their fleet has expanded, as well as the engine offerings. Yet, some things remained consistent. The M Division labels their engines under the “S” code, while standard engines are categorized under the “M”, “N”, or “B” code. The Motorsport Racing division develops their units under the “P” code. Today, typical BMW engine codes ...

SPIED: BMW testing what appears to be an early i7 electric prototype Spy photographers have recently managed to scoop what appears to be an early test prototype of the future, yet to be official confirmed, i7 electric luxury sedan. BMW is accelerating the development pace for its forthcoming range of fully electric vehicles. The new iX3 SAV is expected sometime next year, while the i4 and iNEXT (to possibly be called iX) are lining up for a 2021 reveal. Recently, rumors regarding a possible i7 electric luxo-barge emerged. The rumors look to be confirmed by the latest scoop of spy photographers, which managed to grab some shots of what looks to be a an initial test mule for the upcoming i7 model (you can see the spy pics here). The lightly camouflaged, white 745Le caught on a trailer in...

BMW starts production of the new M8 Gran Coupé at the Dingolfing plant The advent of November marked the start of production for the new BMW M8 Gran Coupé at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing, making the well-taught location a competence center for the BMW high-end luxury portfolio. As the sixth model variant, the BMW M8 Gran Coupé comprehensively rounds off the BMW 8 Series portfolio and continues the model initiative of the BMW Group in the luxury segment. The BMW Group’s Dingolfing plant will produce up to 60 units of the BMW M8 model family per day, with over 40 percent of this production volume accounting for the Gran Coupé version. As its Convertible and Coupé counterparts, the all-new BMW M8 Gran Coupé is offered in two output variants: the standard M8 with 600 PS (592 hp) and t...

TEST DRIVE: BMW 3 Series Touring (G21) – The perfect everyday companion This weekend, I got behind the wheel of the new BMW 3 Series Touring (G21). The iconic wagon of our beloved Bavarian brand just had its premiere on the Romanian market. I was lucky to be among the first to drive the new model. Over three days, I got the chance to closely examine a spectacular 320d xDrive Touring M Sport. Having driven the old F30/F31 generation, this new G21 3 Series Touring is a complete departure from it in every aspect. It is a fundamentally different car, even though it shares the same title as its ancestor. The previous generation was a good car overall, but some aspects were overlooked, such as the numb feel of the chassis and some quality issues in the cabin. But now, the new mid-class wagon...

LA Auto Show Preview: Here’s What You Should Pay Attention To Tomorrow is the first media day of the 2019 LA Auto Show and it’s going to be a big day for car enthusiasts. Several new cars will be making their debuts in LA and they’re going to be hugely important. So let’s break down some of the cars you should keep your eyes on in the coming days. BMW M2 CS Obviously, this is one that BMW fans want to see. The M2 CS will be making its worldwide debut at the LA Auto Show and it will be the first time we’re seeing it in person. Considering the reaction it’s been getting on the internet machine, it’s sure to draw a big crowd. With its added power, now making 444 hp, lighter weight and sportier suspensions setup, the M2 CS should be a dynamite little sports car. Audi e-tron Sportback BMW ...

Augusto Farfus finishes fourth in the BMW M6 GT3 in Macau GT race The FIA GT World Cup race in Macau this Sunday featured some BMW cars as well. The BMW M6 GT3 was present with Augusto Farfus and Joel Eriksson behind the wheel, the former failing to repeat last year’s performance when he crossed the finish line first. The Brazilian pilot was still the best-positioned BMW driver but this time on fourth place. Joel Eriksson came in seventh in his FIST-Team AAI number 91 car. Farfus had qualified for the Sunday race fourth on the starting grid. Starting from that position, he immediately set about trying to climb a few spots. At the re-start following a safety car period, caused by a crash involving Porsche driver Kevin Estre, he and overtook Earl Bamber from Porsche. The New Zealander too...

Confirmed: BMW i4 with 600 km range and 530 horsepower Not long ago we reported that the upcoming BMW i4 might have an electric range of 600 km (373 miles) and 390 kW / 530 horsepower. That rumor was confirmed today by the Germans themselves. The company issued a press release with a couple more specs of the upcoming BEV raising the hype around the BMW i4 even more. There were even more interesting tidbits to be picked out from the release as well, mentions of the upcoming 4 Series and 3 Series models. According to BMW, the upcoming BMW i4 is built atop the same platform as the 3 Series, 4 Series Coupe, 4 Series Convertible and 4 Series Gran Coupe models. This could very well be used as a confirmation of the fact that the 4 Series Gran Coupe will live on for another generation. The i4 w...

We visited the 2019 Seattle Auto Show and captured on video For the past few weeks CenturyLink Field Event Center in Seattle has been the focus point for hundreds of vendors, suppliers, builders, and sponsors, all buzzing around prepping for the 2019 Edition of the Seattle International Auto Show. This past weekend, yours truly took a brief tour to check out some of the 2020 models, and I decided to document it all via a brisk 4K walkthrough video which you can enjoy below:   With over 500 vehicles present, there was no shortage in sheet metal (or aluminum, or carbon fiber, or, well you get the idea) on display. Cars, trucks, SUVs, crossovers, high-end exotics and ultra-luxurious models spanning automotive brands from all over the world could be enjoyed, sat-in, played with, and photog...

5 Reasons to Own an E30 M3 – The Iconic Bimmer BMW has had several absolutely iconic cars over its 100 years of existence. Not only that but there’s been iconic cars in several different decades, proving that the brand has consistently made excellent and highly desirable cars. But quite possibly the most iconic of them all is the E30 M3. The E30 M3 is considered to be one of the finest driving machines of all time and is well-known and highly regarded by all car enthusiasts. So, obviously, it doesn’t take much convincing for an enthusiast to own one. In theory. In practice, it’s actually quite difficult to own an E30 BMW M3 because of its high price tag and high cost of ownership. But here are five reasons why you should put one in your garage if you have the funds to do so. 5. Pure Dri...

TEST DRIVE: BMW M850i Gran Coupe — Four is Better Than Two For proper grand touring, you want something that’s capable of eating hundreds of miles in a single jaunt and do so in style, comfort and speed. The typical example of automotive grand touring consists of driving through Europe in a long, two-door performance machine that’s equal parts sporty and luxurious. There are a few cars that give that typical GT example a twist, some working out better than others. What if, though, you take an already excellent GT and give it some more practicality? That’s exactly what BMW did with the M850i Gran Coupe. The standard BMW M850i is an already excellent GT. It’s brutally fast, effortlessly comfortable and stylish. Adding two more doors and some added practicality doesn’t seem like it would a...

What’s included in the BMW Warranty from the factory in 2019 The BMW Warranty from the factory has always been regarded as one of the best in the industry. For many years, BMW touted their free maintenance of 4-years or 50,000 miles program which was a great selling point for the company in the US. Everything was covered on new BMWs – wiper blades, brake pads, rotors and scheduled service. But in 2017, the program changed, inline with the competitors in the premium segment. Since some of you might be in the market for a new BMW, we put together a short guide on the BMW Warranty in 2019. BMW Warranty On New Cars The following applies to vehicles sold in the United States. According to BMW of North America, the New BMW Warranty program includes a limited warranty against defects in materi...

Ford Mustang Mach-E joins the electric SUV segment An unfortunate leak has given us an early view of one of LA Auto Show’s big reveals – The Ford Mustang Mach-E. According to Jalopnik, the new electric crossover was bound to be unveiled on November 17th, but a web development error allowed for some images and info to be scooped up ahead of time. The new crossover is an all-electric car which will arrive in the United States by 2021. The Ford Mustang Mach E is rumored to come in five trims staring at a base price of $43,895, with the most expensive variant priced at $60,500. This puts Ford in the premium segment of electric crossovers, along with the Audi e-tron Q5, Jaguar i-Pace, Tesla Model S (even though priced higher) and the upcoming BMW iX3. Many other automakers are expecting to r...

Marc Márquez wins the BMW M Award in MotoGP and a BMW X4 M Marc Márquez was crowned world champion for the eighth time in total, and the sixth time at the pinnacle of motorcycle racing – MotoGP. In 2019, he was also the fastest qualifier in MotoGP for the seventh year in a row, extending his record winning run in the BMW M Award. Therefore, the M brand awarded the Spaniard a BMW X4 M Competition painted in Toronto Red. It was presented to Márquez in Valencia by Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP commercial rights holder Dorna Sports, Markus Flasch, CEO of BMW M GmbH, and Manuel Terroba, CEO of BMW Group Spain and Portugal. “I would like to thank BMW M GmbH for the great way in which they have recognises our performances at the track for many years, and how they reward the season’s best qu...

VIDEO REVIEW: BMW Z4 M40i — The Sport BMW Roadster is Back! After a week long of test driving, we’re now ready to give our video review of the BMW Z4 M40i Roadster. The written review was published a while back, and you can catch it here. Before we let you jump into the video, lets do a quick recap of the car tested as well as of the driving impressions. Powering the BMW Z4 M40i is a 3.0 liter turbocharged inline-six engine making 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque and I can honestly think of no better engine for it. In a car as small and light as the Z4, the B58 engine turns it into a hot-road. All of its torque comes on like a sledgehammer, from low in the rev range all the way until its peak horsepower kicks in at the top half of the tach. From there, it keeps pulling and the BMW Z4 M40i...

2019 BMW X7 xDrive40i Review – Bigger and Better Looking at the BMW X7 in pictures you might not consider it to be a big deal. You’d be wrong though and it would become hilariously obvious the moment you met one in real life. The keyword in that first sentence is ‘big’ as this car is worthy of all sorts of comparisons that would put it right up there next to ‘Gargantuan’ or ‘Goliath’. To get a better idea as to how big this car is, you need to know that the Bavarians had to make a bigger than usual badge for the hood, in order to save the regular sized roundels from the humility of looking puny next to those huge kidney grilles. So yes, everything about this car simply screams XXL in all areas. Even BMW themselves say this is the biggest car they ever made. And that caused a bit of a st...

BMW X1 vs Audi Q3 — Car and Driver Crossover Battle As a car enthusiast, you might hate small premium crossovers. It’s not uncommon to throw criticism at these relatively boring and unimaginative people movers but the truth of the matter is that they sell and sell well. So automakers are going to keep making them and they’re going to keep selling them. Which makes them important, like it or not. But the real question is: which one is best? In this new test from Car and Driver, we take a look at the two best; the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. What’s interesting about this test is the age difference between both cars. The BMW X1 is a quite a few years old now, even though it has received a facelift. Fun fact: the pre-LCI BMW X1 is the first BMW I ever tested on a press launch. That’s how old it is....

BMW i3 Charging – The Charging Guide So you have decided to go electric – great news, and in buying a BMW i3 you have managed to get one technically sophisticated machine that accelerates and handles quite well. But, one nagging question lingers, how long does it take to charge up between drives? We put together a BMW i3 charging guide to answer some of your questions. Battery Capacity and Charging Times The charging time of your BMW i3 depends on the capacity of the battery pack in Watt/hours, the remaining charge level in the battery pack, and the level of charging available. A good source for determining the worst case charging scenarios is your owner’s manual. But there are some off-the-cuff ways of determining how long it will take to recharge your particular car that we will explo...

SPIED: BMW i4 caught in camouflage, lookin’ good The upcoming BMW i4 is going to be the brand’s first all-electric sedan and one that will target mainstream customers and EV fans alike. Finally, BMW will have a pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) that’s actually a normal car, rather than a funky hatchback or bloated crossover. Some new spy photos have also just surfaced showing off a rather handsome design. (We don’t own the photos but see them here) Sure, the BMW i3 is a cool car and the upcoming iNEXT will likely be quite interesting but it’s nice to BMW making an EV that actually looks like a proper BMW. This new BMW i4 will be based on the same modular architecture as the upcoming 4 Series Gran Coupe and it will share a lot of that car’s exterior styling. So it will look quite good,...

Noelle Performance Engineering gives 830 hp and 780 lb-ft to F10 M5 Noelle Performance Engineering, a division of Noelle Motors, shares with us the story of an F10 BMW M5 project with 830 horsepower and 780 lb-ft of torque. The story goes back to 2012 when Ron got his F10 M5 delivered through the Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC. Being friends with Karl-Otto Noelle, the founder of Noelle Motors in Buchloe, Germany, Ron decided to perform some aftermarket work on his F10 M5. The S63 engines in the M5 were not easy to tune. At that time, the only thing that could be done was to remove the computers, drill two small holes in exact locations to perform what is called BDM programming. The procedures was done this way because the control units are water-cooled and cannot be opened witho...

BMW Films Showed the World What a Car Commercial Could Be All true, dyed in the wool BMW fans are aware of BMW Films. In fact, most car enthusiasts in general are aware of BMW Films. Not only that but most car enthusiasts love that BMW Films ever existed because its very existence changed how the world perceived car commercials and what they could be. This entire campaign was started by Fallon Minneapolis and David Lubars back in 2001. They both knew that the landscape for automotive advertising was changing and they wanted to shake things up. “Even back then the potential BMW customer was watching less TV and spending more and more time online. It was simply a case of let’s go where they are.” said Lubars. To help kick-start BMW Films, Minneapolis brought in famous director David Finc...

Markus Duesmann: Former BMW CEO becomes new Audi CEO What has been whispered for months, it’s now official: Markus Duesmann will be the new Audi CEO. The former BMW purchasing director was brought to Ingolstadt by the Volkswagen Group in the summer of 2018, but due to a competition clause in his contract with BMW, he was initially not allowed to work for Audi. As of April 2020, Duesmann will take over at thee new boss at Audi, following Bram Schot, who is leaving the company at the end of March. Initially, Schot had been acting only in a provisional role because former Audi CEO Rupert Stadler was investigated for several months as part of the diesel scandal. The former BMW board member Markus Duesmann will take on a difficult task in April 2020 with the company still dealing with the e...

Report: BMW i4 – 80kWh battery, 530 hp, 373-mile range Earlier this year, we have exclusively revealed some of the tech details around the upcoming BMW i4, the new four-door coupe with the latest BMW EV drivetrain. Today, a new report from CNET comes to confirm our previous statements. According to the US outlet, the BMW i4 will come with an 80kWh battery producing about 390 kilowatts – around 530 horsepower. Accelerating to 62 mph will take about 4 seconds flat, and the BMW i4 will have an electronically limited top speed of 120 mph. This new piece on information matches our previous report, even though we believe that a BMW i4 60kWh version will be offered as well, similar to Tesla’s product lineup. Next on the list of reveals from CNET is the battery packs used in the BMW i4 which o...

BMW M2 CS – Configure Online Your New Clubsport Coupe In less than a week, BMW M will introduce their latest baby: the new BMW M2 CS. Short for Clubsport, the BMW M2 CS will have its public debut at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, and a few months after, it will find its way on the track for some press test drives. You might have seen our coverage of the M2 CS, but in case you missed that, here it is. Before its public unveil, several BMW configurators have just gone online giving us a closer look at the small set of customizations for the M2 CS. Compared to other BMW models, the features and options list of the BMW M2 CS is not that extensive. There are basically four exterior colors – Misano Blue, Sapphire Black, Hockenheim Silver and Alpine White – and one interior option in black. ...

BMW Group premieres the Battery Cell Competence Centre in Munich Paving the way to the electromobility of the future begins at its most microscopic level: the battery cell. BMW Group is the very first automotive constructor which has developed pioneering Competence Center where it will master the electric batteries that will completely reshape the industry. The fundamental breakthrough in the science of battery cell architecture will be the augmentation of the electric cell density, which will potentially the battery output, the storage capacity and, inevitably, it will dramatically improve the electric driving range. Present at the opening of the new high-tech battery cell Competence Centre in Munich, BMW chairman Oliver Zipse acknowledged: “The new Battery Cell Competence Centre puts ...

Amazon documentary shows intensive technology transfer during Formula E project Amazon got behind the scenes into the world of Formula E and asked BMW i Motorsport to showcase the strong link between motorsport and automotive electric technology development. The online documentary which is available on the Amazon websites from Germany, UK and USA pictures the huge team effort and the success of the BMW iFE.18 in the first race of the 2018-2019 season, the first single-seater for the Formula E competition developed entirely by BMW. Formula E, like Formula 1, is used as a test bed for the development of future electric powertrains. BMW i Motorsport makes no exception to this rule, as the iFE competition cars are the most relevant testing platform for high-performance technologies that are...

[To publish] VIDEO: Markus Flasch introduces the new M8 Gran Coupe (F93) BMW M CEO Markus Flasch introduces the all-new M8 Gran Coupe (F93) alongside its Coupe and Convertible siblings. Now, the high-end fleet of performance luxury models is complete. The 4-minute video takes a tour of the complete M8 lineup with Mr. Flasch presenting the latest masterpieces of his division. The first is the M8 Competition Coupe (F92) showcased in BMW Individual Malachite Green metallic color, followed by the M8 Competition Convertible (F91) specced in BMW Individual Frozen Silver paint finish and, last but surely not least, the new M8 Competition Gran Coupe (F93) adorned in a deep BMW Individual Ametrin metallic shade. The new M8 Gran Coupe rounds up beautifully the fleet M at the upper end of the BMW...

Jaguar Land Rover Parent Company Approached BMW for Potential Sale I’d hate to say I called it but… I called it. Back when we learned that BMW was partnering with Jaguar Land Rover on some EV technology, I said that I had wanted BMW just to buy JLR outright. While such an idea was unrealistic at the time, some reports had followed that with rumors of a potential acquisition of JLR by BMW. Though, those rumors seemed unfounded and purely speculative. Until now, that is. To be honest, an outright sale of the Jaguar Land Rover brands is unlikely, as JLR parent company Tata Motors isn’t really looking to sell it. However, Tata has recently reached out to several larger automotive brands for partnerships on JLR. Apparently, Tata knows that it can’t fix JLR with just money and needs some manu...