BMW Straightline Archives

Information on the refreshed 2011 BMW X5 came out today. There are no big surprises, just a mild exterior update along with a couple new engines and additional features.

As expected, the top-of-the-line X5 now offers the same 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 found in the X6 and it's rated at 400-horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Base models get the new N55 3.0-liter single turbo inline-six cylinder. The new 3.0-liter is being rolled out as a replacement for the previous twin-turbo inline-six cylinder and offers a similar 300 horsepower while improving emissions and mileage. Both engines get BMW's latest 8-speed automatic transmission first introduced in the 5 Series Gran Turismo. The diesel X5 remains in the lineup with no mechanical changes.

New features for the 2011 X5 includes active cruise control and a lane departure warning system.  

Categories: BMW,Luxury Cars,SUVs

At first blush, the idea of running a hybrid on a chassis dyno is silly. A dyno is all about power and performance, and a hybrid, well, isn't.

That is, unless the hybrid is the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6, of which its creators reckon is the most powerful in the world. Have a look at its stats as claimed by BMW -- 480 horsepower and a staggering 575 lb-ft of torque.

This prodigious output comes by way of a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and a two-mode hybrid system. The product of the now-defunct collaboration between GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW, this hybrid system is fundamentally similar to that of the Chevy Silverado Hybrid and Tahoe Hybrid. Pairing these two power generators together is like dashing creatine powder onto a medium-rare strip steak.

This ActiveHybrid X6, then, is a hybrid with a chip on its shoulder, just begging to have its claims put to the test. And test it we did, strapping it down to a chassis dyno and making it sing. Er, whir and hum quietly.

Dyno charts and photos after the jump.

Continue reading Inside Line Dyno Tests the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6.

Categories: BMW,Car Tech,Crossovers,Green Tech,Hatchbacks,Hybrids,Luxury Cars

It's the closest thing we get to an M7 and the 2011 BMW Alpina B7 is priced accordingly. Standard wheelbase models start at $122,875 while the one with the big back seat goes for $126,775.

The new super sedan will make its official debut the 2010 Chicago Auto Show next week and go on sale in the spring. Based on the latest 7 Series, the B7 is tuned to produce 500-horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

2011 BMW Alpina B7

Categories: BMW,Chicago Auto Show,Luxury Cars,Sedans

Photo Illustration by Nick Wilcox, automotiverenderings.blogspot.com

So now that the 2011 BMW 5 Series is out in the open, it's time to move on to the really good stuff. We're referring to the next BMW M5, of course, you know the one we spotted on the Nurburgring late last year?

Now that we know the final shape of the standard model it's not too hard to fill out the details on the Motorsport-tuned M5. Unlike the M3, the M5 is always a bit more subtle. A deeper front air dam, extended side skirting and four pipes out back are the obvious cues along with lightweight wheels and a quarter-panel badging.

The big inlets up front are needed to feed the twin-turbo power plant that will reside under the hood. We received confirmation on that one from a BMW executive last year, so the only real question at this point is the final output. The 4.4-liter V8 will be the same motor used in the current X5/X6M models, so the M5 is guaranteed at least 555 horsepower. And the chances of BMW leaving it at that are slim, so something more in the range of 570-590 horses is a good bet.

Various rumors have also indicated that BMW is considering some type of electric assist for this M5 e.g. a production KERS system of sorts. That may have changed in the last year or so now that BMW is no longer participating in Formula 1. We asked our sources inside BMW anyway and they didn't have much to say. So either it's not going to happen or it hasn't been fully approved at this point.

One thing that is for certain is the use of BMW's M Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) in place of the current SMG setup. It could gain a gear over the M3's seven-speed setup, but either way it will be a huge upgrade over the single-clutch SMG.

Given that the standard 2011 BMW 5 Series is scheduled for its debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, don't expect to see the 2012 M5 until either late this year or early in 2011.

Categories: BMW,Future Vehicles,Geneva Motor Show,Luxury Cars,Sedans

As proof that car companies no longer make showcars just for giggles, a senior BMW authority out of Munich has assured Inside Line that the Vision EfficientDynamics plug-in pure hybrid 2+2 concept car rolled out in September at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show is earmarked for production. No ifs, ands, or buts.

Reaction to the 356-horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque plug-in electric (one lithium-polymer battery stack + 2 electric motors) with dedicated lighter weight three-cylinder diesel range-extending engine mounted amidships has been off the charts. Now we're all waiting for more details and, of course, that sticky price issue.

Our executive source goes on to say that total volume is being debated, but that it will fall between 5,000 and 10,000 units. The prototype's powertrain and basic sub-3,000-pound assembly will remain intact, but, says the source, "there will be less of the synthetic glass and more solid structure added to the final design." Uh-oh. We know why these alterations are needed, but does this mean it's going to migrate toward being a sort of sleek Toyota Prius? Let's hope not.

When we asked if this could finally be BMW's second true production supercar after the Giugiaro M1, the response was a firm "quite probably." So maybe our Prius/Honda Insight fears are overreaching. It'd be nice to maintain that 0.22 drag coefficient and the hellacious looks.

IL also learned that the BMW future product engineers are also noodling non-stop with the hybrid drive system in order to make our test of the Vision EfficientDynamics prototype come this summertime in southern France a real-world high-speed thrill. It should be even quicker than the previously quoted 4.8 seconds to 62 mph.

"And that name that the marketing people forced on us," says our mole, "that's going to change for sure." -- Contributor Matt Davis reporting from Portugal.

2009 Frankfurt Auto Show: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

Categories: BMW,Concept Vehicles,Coupes,Frankfurt Auto Show,Future Vehicles,Hybrids,Luxury Cars,Sports Cars

The next-generation BMW 3 Series is out testing again. This time it emerged from BMW's test facility in the Arctic Circle which kindly reserves plenty of parking for the camouflaged test mules.

Trying to discern changes on this prototype is near impossible though. Judging from the latest 5 Series redesign we're not expecting big styling changes anyway.

First Drive: 2011 BMW 5 Series
  

Categories: BMW,Future Vehicles,Luxury Cars,Sedans

The results are in, and what do you know, people who pay $900 a month to lease a two-passenger car love it. That's the conclusion of a study done by the University of California at Davis in conjunction with BMW.

The UC Davis researchers questioned 57 out of 450 Mini E owners about their driving habits and overall experience with the car. Notes from the other 393 drivers also contributed to the findings. And what were the conclusions?

"Driving the MINI E is a delightful experience and there is no sacrifice of 'real car' values."

"The range of about 100 miles is sufficient for most daily needs."

"Charging at home provides enough energy for most daily driving."

Uh, okay. Now don't get us wrong, we're part of the program and we generally like our Mini E. But reading through the report you would think that it's nearly faultless in its ability to replace a conventional vehicle. Much of this has to do with the fact that the drivers in the program are essentially electric car advocates who volunteered their time and their wallets to be part of the experiment. Did we really need a study to tell us that they like their cars?

Long Term Test: 2009 Mini E
 

Categories: BMW,Future Vehicles,Green Tech,MINI

It was a rumor at first, then a definite maybe from BMW. The 5 Series wagon would be killed, at least in the U.S. It never sold in big numbers anyway they said, and with the introduction of the 5 Series GT the wagon seemed even less likely to appeal to U.S. buyers.

Well now it's official, sort of. According to our correspondent on hand at the international press launch, BMW officials said there would be no 535xi sport wagon sold in the U.S. Can't blame them either as BMW only sold 878 5 Series wagons in 2009.

Interestingly enough, those same officials said that the possibility of a 535d sedan for the U.S. hasn't been written off yet, this despite weak sales of the 335d. Part of the optimism comes from the fact that the X5 diesel has started to gain some traction. Apparently the idea of diesel power seems palatable in a family vehicle more so than a sport sedan.

Only problem is price of course. The 335d already starts at $44K, so a 535d would mostly likely push up against the 550i in terms of pricing. Could be interesting to see which vehicle buyers in that class prefer.

First Drive: 2011 BMW 535i

Categories: BMW,Luxury Cars,Wagons

Here's the next installment of the BMW X5 M, X6 M "Snow Action" series. This time, there's no actual snow action, per se, as the vehicles have been let loose on an ice rink. At first, it's Dynamic Stability Control this, DSC that, but then the drivers switch it off and do some "pirouettes." Er, donuts.

Categories: BMW,Crossovers,Luxury Cars,SUVs

Apparently some journalist named Jeremy took BMW's SAVs to task for poor performance in the snow. BMW was not amused, so much so that it produced this video to show just how capable its vehicles are in the white stuff. This may  or may not convince you that the X5 or X6 is a stupid vehicle.

Categories: BMW,SUVs

So the 2011 BMW 5 Series has finally arrived. So far your reactions have been mixed on the styling. Well, cars always look a little different on the road so we dug up a few videos of the 5 Series in action to give you a better look.

So what do you think? Better? Worse? Don't care?

First Drive: 2011 BMW 5 Series

Continue reading Videos: 2011 BMW 5 Series in Action.

Categories: BMW,Future Vehicles,Luxury Cars,Sedans

Yes, there will be a competition package offered on the 2011 BMW M3 starting in April.

No, it's probably not what you were hoping for, and no that's not the car above. Pics to come later.  

For now, here's what it will include: unique 19-inch wheels with standard tires, 10mm lower ride height, higher threshold setting in the DSC software, standard electronic damping control with a specific setting. Available on both coupe and sedan for $2500.

Will not include: engine, body or interior enhancements.

Categories: BMW,Coupes,Luxury Cars,Sedans

It's confirmed now. After numerous leaks over the past several days, the 2011 BMW 335is is officially on the way. It will get a version of the N54 3.0-liter found in the Z4 sDrive35is, but in the 335is it's rated at 320-horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. It will also be the first 3 Series to offer BMW's 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) as an option.

And why exactly does the 335is have 320-hp while the Z4 with the same engine boast 335 horses? Our man on the scene asked BMW officials and the answer wasn't entirely clear.

"First an engineer said it was because the standard manual in the 3 Series couldn't handle the extra torque. Then another engineer said it was a marketing decision. Quickly after that another BMW representative cut in and said it was all about the underhood packaging that required a more restrictive intake." 

So there you have it, the longest non-answer possible. Other than that small detail, the 335is is everything we thought it was when we first reported on it early this week. It will come as a coupe and convertible and cost $50,525 and $59,075 respectively when it goes on sale in the spring.

Other notable upgrades include an extra radiator and oil cooler along with larger intakes in the revised air dam. There are also stiffer engine mounts to compensate for higher G-loads expected of owners willing to pop all that extra money for 20 extra horsepower. Oh, there's a special sport exhaust system too.

On the inside there's a whole laundry list of M-badged parts like a sport steering wheel, sport seats, stainless steel pedals and a M shifter. The car will get an official unveil at the 2010 New York Auto Show in March.

Categories: BMW,Convertibles,Coupes,Luxury Cars,New York Auto Show

After apparent success with its Mini E lease program (it was just extended indefinitely), BMW has decided to offer a similar deal for the Active E electric 1 Series. BMW officials told trade publication Automotive News that it intends to lease the Active E to customers in Europe and the United States beginning next year. Data gathered during the limited leases will help BMW as it pursues a commercially viable electric vehicle. The company says it plans to start selling a purpose-built EV in the 2014-2015 time frame.

Green Car Advisor

Categories: BMW,Detroit Auto Show,Future Vehicles,Green Tech

So you'd heard that the 2011 BMW 335i would be getting more horsepower and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, but then we totally didn't mention that in our 2011 3 Series preview. But not to worry, you were thinking of the 2011 BMW 335is coupe and convertible. They're just for North America and they go on sale here in March.

The short explanation is that the 335is is better than a regular 335i but still quite a bit less potent than an M3. Obviously. Like the 2011 Z4 sDrive35is, the 335is models will hang onto the twin-turbocharged N54 inline six-cylinder engine (rather than switch to the N55) but get a power bump. Said bump will give the 335is coupe and convertible 320 horsepower (+20) and 332 pound-feet of torque (+32), with 369 lb-ft available on a short-lived overboost.

In a drag race with a normal 2011 335i, the 335is would have at least a couple tenths' advantage. With the standard six-speed manual gearbox, it will hit 60 mph in about 5.1 seconds, BMW claims. With the new, automated twin-clutch transmission that preempts the six-speed automatic, the carmaker says you're looking at 5 seconds flat.

Naturally, the sport-package cosmetic treatment and suspension calibrations will be standard on the 3 Series coupe and convertible with the extra "s" in their name. At that means your top speed will be a cool 150 mph if you can find a suitably long stretch of closed road to test it out.

Photos of the 335is, incidentally, haven't been released yet, so expect the 2011 BMW 335is to look just a touch more sinister than this standard 2011 335i coupe. Also, we hear it will ditch those foglights to provide more ducting to cool the engine.

First Look: 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible

Categories: BMW,Coupes,Future Vehicles