2011 BMW X6

Beyond the new engine for the base model, both the 2011 X6 xDrive35i and xDrive50i models will receive a new, ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as an energy regeneration system that uses a special alternator that charges only when the engine isn’t under load. The changes are being touted as improving efficiency—a hilarious statement given the X6’s inefficient packaging and thirst for fuel. In any event, expect the X6’s engines and transmissions to be available in the refreshed 2011 X5, which begins production in April.

2011 BMW 335is Coupe

BMW Canada is pleased to announce the introduction of the 2011 BMW 335is Coupé and Cabriolet, each destined to take a place in history among the line of desirable, often collectible BMW "s" models.

Based on the newly-updated 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible, the new 2011 BMW 335is features the award-winning, twin-turbocharged BMW inline-6 engine, specially tuned and equipped to produce 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liters, and a standard 6-speed manual transmission. For the first time on a "non- M" version of the BMW 3 Series in Canada, the 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) will be available as an option. So equipped, the 335is Coupé will be capable of 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.3 seconds. The 2011 BMW 335is will go on sale late this spring, and pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Fundamentally unchanged are the BMW 3 Series` essential attributes of rear-wheel drive, near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, remarkably precise steering, and skillfully engineered suspension...all of which conspire to produce the uniquely satisfying driving experience that is quintessentially BMW.

2011 BMW 535i

2011 BMW 5-Series

The one thing you can be sure of when you walk out of a BMW news conference is that you'll have plenty of information. Your head aches from it. Your ears ring with it. Your jaws are sore from swallowing it whole like a snake.

I fairly staggered out of the press briefing at a hotel here laden with facts about the company's latest personal executive sedan, the 2011 BMW 5-series. This numerical disquisition will soon be yours, so brace yourself.

But here's a number that absolutely fascinated me. According to BMW execs, the 5-series -- the company's second-best-selling model after the multifarious 3-series -- represents 50% of the company's total profit. Buyers typically heap pricey luxury, technology and sport packages on top of the $50,000 base price, resulting in a tidy windfall for BMW, if not an F5 tornado of money.

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.

2010 Detroit Auto Show: BMW ActiveE Electric Car

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

Will be Available in Limited Numbers for Leasing
Most of you probably know about the MINI-E, an electric version of the MINI made by BMW to do real-world EV testing (and exploit a CARB loophole, some say). BMW says that it will repeat the experiment, but this time with the ActiveE, a converted BMW series 1 coupe.

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

Under the Hood of the BMW ActiveE
"The BMW Concept ActiveE has allowed BMW to explore new vehicle packaging solutions and components which will be crucial to the success of the Megacity Vehicle. The intelligent integration of drive components within the existing vehicle package of the BMW 1 Series Coupe offers the opportunity to provide four full-size seats and a luggage compartment with a capacity of 200 litres / 7 cu ft. The motor, specially developed for the model and located in the rear axle, delivers 125 kW/170 hp and provides maximum torque of 250 Nm / 184 lb-ft. It accelerates the vehicle in less than 9 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (0-60 mph in approx. 8.5 seconds)."

Sounds like a more practical car than the MINI-E for every day driving.

One of the downside of being an EV is that the ActiveE weights about 3,900 pounds, but weight distribution is close to 50/50, so handling should still be decent. I suspect that this high weight is partly due to the fact that this is a conversion job and not a car that was designed from the ground up to be an EV (for example, the Nissan LEAF is estimated to weight about 2,800 lbs).

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

"The electric drive system draws its energy from new, advanced lithium-ion battery pack developed jointly by BMW and the co-operation partner SB LiMotive especially for the BMW Concept ActiveE. They enable a range of approx. 160 kilometres (100 miles) in everyday use. An intelligent battery management system helps achieve this range largely independently of external climatic conditions. Additionally, the charging period required for the lithium-ion batteries is very short. On the European power grid, the battery pack can be fully charged in just 3 hours at a wall box with a current of 50 ampere at 230/240 volts. In North America, using a high-current (32 ampere continuous) residential wall box, the charge time is about 4.5 hours."

Range is similar to the Nissan LEAF (but the LEAF will be made in bigger numbers than the ActiveE, and will probably be a lot less expensive).

More photos:

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

Photo: Michael Graham Richard

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

BMW Z4 sDrive35is

Its tedious name notwithstanding, the sDrive35is promises to be the most entertaining model of BMW's Z4 roadster.

An upgraded version of BMW's stalwart 3.0-liter straight-six engine produces 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque from just 1,500 r.p.m. An electronically controlled overboost feature on the twin turbochargers can crank torque up to 369 pound-feet for brief blasts of ultimate acceleration.

The roadster hits 60 m.p.h. in just 4.7 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 155 m.p.h.

BMW Concept ActiveE

The ActiveE is a electric vehicle concept based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe. It will follow a similar pilot test program as is underway with the Mini E, putting private citizens and fleet users behind the wheel.

Features of the ActiveE include rear-wheel drive and a maximum speed of 90 mph. It will have a similar driving range of 100 miles on a single charge as the Mini E. A new arrangement of the drive components allow for four full-sized seats, plus a luggage compartment. (The Mini E is a two seater, due to the battery packaging.) The electric motor is integrated in the rear axle, power electronics positioned above the motor, and electrical energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack. Charge time with a conventional outlet is about four and a half hours.

The ActiveE will feature remote functions such as using a cell phone to check charge status, search for charging stations, and turn on heating and cooling functions.

2010 Detroit – The Eco-Friendly BMW ActiveE Concept

BMW ActiveE Concept

Blue’s the Theme. Complete with an interesting all-blue circuit graphics, a set of interesting blue-trimmed tires, and slightly over-sized branding on the sides, BMW debuted its EV 1-Series concept, the ActiveE Concept at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The ActiveE is a result of BMW’s constant efforts at research and development to produce a concept car of electric mobility intended for everyday use by individuals and select fleet customers in urban areas.

With an instant pick-up of 100km/hr in 9 secs (0-60 mph in approx. 8.5 seconds), its highest speed is 145km/hr and the maximum range remains just under 160km or 100 miles. The speed is definitely affected – it is half a second slower than its earlier electric version. It uses a 170 horsepower motor fixed at the rear axle with a torque of 184 lb-ft making it a rear-wheel drive, thereby, preserving the classic BMW feel of sheer pleasure while driving.

The other features include a 125 kilo-Watt motor provided by a lithium ion battery that is liquid cooled. Charge time of the battery varies depending on the location – In North America, using a high-current (32 ampere continuous) residential wall box, the charge time is about 4.5 hours. While in Europe, the battery pack can be fully charged in as little as 3 hours with a current of 50 ampere at 230/240 volts.

Detroit Motor Show 2010: BMW electric cars

The BMW Concept ActiveE is limited to 90mph and has a range of 100 miles

Audi's latest eTron has twin electric motors, giving a 0-62mph time of just 5.1 seconds

Sometimes you can’t slide a fag paper between Audi and its arch rival BMW. Both claim to be the world’s number one premium car maker – and then you have to read the small print.

BMW sold 1.29 million cars last year across the world including 216,500 MINIs and more than 1,000 Rolls-Royces. Audi sold 955,000, which leaves it lagging slightly.

2009 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon

3-series and those lovely run-flats. The tires are garbage, and for me they ruin an otherwise mostly pleasant driving experience.

Look, I like this car. It has all the attributes of the sporty 3-series sedan and thus there's a lot to like here. It responds eagerly and entertainingly to my steering inputs and puts down its power as smooth as any car out there. Said power is lively, and this engine makes terrific sounds.

The interior quality is high, the seats are supportive, and the car looks terrific.

The wagon version is my favorite 3-series in the range, but the ride is ruined by the run-flats. That and this is supposed to be the entry-level 3, yet costs it near fifty grand! I think I'd go with the Audi A4 wagon with the 2.0 turbo and the DSG transmission.