2011 BMW X5

OK all you yuppies, the latest model of your favorite way to convey Buffy and Trevor to soccer practice is here: The 2011 BMW X5. Yes, it’s got all the features you liked before, but only more so. And since this is BMW, there’s even more C & C gee-gaws to make you happy

First off though, BMW hastens to point out that the 2011 BMW X5 is NOT an SUV. No, it’s a “Sports Activity Vehicle®”, got that? And yeah, the little ® thing is part of the name. Ain’t that cute? So, what makes the 2011 BMW X5 such a worthy SUV

Well in brief, there are two new engines for the ’11 X5. There’s the xDrive50i and X5 xDrive35i, but there is still the tried and true BMW Advanced Diesel in the xDrive35d. Although, there’s no mention of the oil burner making it to these shores. Mores the pity, BMW should bring it over. All models get a design update to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the X5 brand

The X5 xDrive35i will run you $46,675 (MSRP) and comes with a popular profile of standard equipment often specified by X5 customers such as Xenon Adaptive headlights, Rain Sensor with automatic headlight control, HD Radio, automatic climate control, fog lights, 18” light alloy wheels, cruise control, and anti-theft alarm system. There’s also an optional Convenience Package that adds the large panoramic moonroof, auto-dimming mirrors, Dark Burl Walnut, Bamboo, or Light Poplar wood interior trim, BMW Ambiance Lighting, and BMW Assist with Bluetooth. Stand alone options include rear side window shades, Navigation system with Real Time Traffic Information and Voice Command, satellite radio with 1-year subscription, and an iPod / USB adapter interface

The X5 xDrive35i Premium goes for $52,475. The xDrive35i Premium comes with a raft of standard goodies like 19” light alloy wheels, roof rails and panoramic moonroof, power adjustable steering column, iPod / USB adapter interface, and privacy glass. “Best of all, it includes standard Nevada Leather,” says BMW. No, I don’t know what “Nevada Leather” is either. It also comes with In addition, buyers of the Premium model may choose up to four packages, including the Active Ventilated Seat Package, Convenience Package, Cold Weather Package, and Technology Package. Third Row seating, which enables the X5 to accommodate up to 7 passengers, also becomes available on this model

Above the X5 xDrive35i Premium is the X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity, running at an MSRP of $54,975. You get all of the gear from the Premium model, such as 20” light alloy wheels, sport seats, Shadowline exterior trim, and Anthracite headliner. And you can also opt for the M Sport Package that includes 20” wheels with performance tires, the Adaptive Drive system, aluminum roof rails, M door sill plates, M driver footrest, M steering wheel, M aerodynamic enhancements, and increased top speed limiter (150 mph

Get in line, yuppies

 

 

 

 

2012 BMW X1 xDrive28i First Impressions

Time to add another not-quite-sure-what-segment-it-fits-into-but-it's-still-cool-and-I-think-I-want-one vehicle to the market. Sitting squarely on the heels of its Touring uncles and pulling on the coattails of its older siblings, the brand new 2012 BMW X1 xDrive28i is the Bavarian giant's latest entry into the compact SAV (that would be Sport Activity Vehicle) segment.

Meaning, it's taller than a sedan, but smaller than an SUV, and not quite a wagon (because that's a dirty word in North America, apparently); it's just somewhere in between. And let's be honest: It's damn sexy and I don't care what market segment you throw it into.

Labelling the X1 their “Conquest Vehicle,” BMW has plans to sway buyers of the non-premium SAV/SUV market over to the blue, white and black side with this nifty little number that seems to be fitting into their stables just fine. Where the 5 Series GT is still wiggling in and the X6 just pushed in with brute force, the X1 seems to be mingling quite well with the others and is set to make a great addition to the BMW family. Potentially bringing in a whole new slew of buyers, BMW predicts the X1 will account for 10% of their sales in the coming year.

Why is that?

Well, for starters the X1 has a brand new engine. The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder TwinPower turbo-powered engine is only offered in the X1 (for now) and is causing quite a stir. Lighter than the previous-gen engine (the N52 2.5L I6), more fuel-efficient and more powerful (241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque), this baby has some serious appeal under the hood. Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the X1 xDrive28i offers a smooth ride that's both responsive and efficient. Speaking of efficient, BMW's EfficientDynamics is also present with Brake Energy Regeneration.

Secondly, the X1 is “compact”. It seems that buyers everywhere are experiencing a bit of a love affair with smaller vehicles. From hot hatches to compact CUVs and microminis, manufacturers are taking the small-car plunge, and BMW is no exception.

The X1 is, naturally, smaller than the X3. However, that smaller stature doesn't mean you're going to be cramped—well, not too much at least. In the front passenger seat, space is ample. The seats are uber comfortable, and I could see myself riding shotgun for a road trip in this number any day. Driving the X1 is a bit different. While the seat is the same, the throttle position is a bit odd. At first, I thought I was driving a bit off-centre and checked to make sure my foot was aligned in the middle of the pedal. It was, however, my shin and knee that were still firmly pressed against the carpeted middle stack, making me feel more cramped than I would have liked. I can't imagine a larger driver (me being a measly 5'2”) appreciating the close-quarter feel.

In the back, two adults will find the space comfy, but not necessarily cozy. Legroom is cut shorter than in the X3, however, if you have a considerate driver and front passenger they can ensure their seats are a little farther forward so your knees don't jab into their kidneys. However, try and cram three full-size adults in the back (which we did) and the outer two will find themselves in a rather uncomfortable position with a large hump pushing into their outer shoulder blades.

But all that flies straight out the gloriously large sunroof when you get behind the wheel and actually drive the X1. Outfitted with hydraulic steering and sporting a near 50/50 weight distribution, this baby Beemer really handles the road well. With a longer wheelbase and lowered suspension (to maintain the “small” look despite having nearly the same ground clearance as the X3 and X5), the X1 borders on the MINI Countryman side in terms of go-kart feel (though it's not quite there yet).

As far as first impressions go, I have to say I'm sufficiently impressed. Will it do well on the market? That depends. I believe it will only because it's something “new” and “small” from a maker that's already known for making reliable, high-quality products.

And with a starting price tag that slides in at a massive $10k less than the 3 Series Touring wagon at $38,900, the X1 is set to be quite a steal for those looking for a bit more cargo space and headroom without the massive SUV status, inflated sticker price and dreaded wagon moniker.

The Cover Drops on 2012 BMW 650i Convertible

Amongst the California sun, the image conscious motorists of the state are eager to be seen in the newest, most sought over premium vehicle. Hybrids and electrics vehicles have consumed plans for the California roadways but a convertible is a perennial favourite. At the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, German auto company BMW provided a centerpiece of droptop excitement as the completely redesigned 650i Convertible premiered

While the previous creations giving a peek at the future 6-Series wore the word “concept” in it’s title. As the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show provided the first marque for showing the new BMW convertible, this car also the first United States showing of the 2012 BMW 6-Series giving first definitive answers to the North American version of the vehicle

As expected, the styling of the BMW 6-Series cars appears reminiscent to the Concept Gran Coupe BMW as well as the most recent Concept 6-Series shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Starting with the more protruded kidney grille and traveling along the more aggressively contoured side, the new production BMW 6-Series exterior design flows effortlessly. Resisting the allure of retractable hardtop roofs, BMW 6-Series Convertible engineers elected to maintain a multi-layer softtop to cover the cozy interior. Electronically-controlled, the roof deploys in just 19 seconds and can be retracted in 24 seconds. Besides being a beloved classic look, the BMW 650i Convertible’s election for a fabric top allows for better all-around storage

The 2012 BMW 650i Convertible adopts much of the chassis and drivetrain hardware already field tested on the 7-Series and most recently on the 5-Series. Transmitting a very capable ride to the occupants, the BMW 650i Convertible rides on a double wishbone suspension design at the front and multi-link units at the back side wheels. Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control as well as a special feature that compensates for brake fade keeps all-season run-flat tires firmly on the road. Through another function called Driving Dynamic Control, the driver can select the amount of interference of electronic control by choosing either a Comfort, Normal or Sport+ mode

A 2+2 interior layout, the 2012 BMW 650i Convertible interior shell is created with high quality materials. A trademark of all BMWs continues to reign inside this 6-Series convertible as a driver-oriented cockpit enhances the motoring experience. BMW touts a new-generation Heads-Up Display as a multi-coloured, 3-dimensional driving aid. Optional equipment on the new BMW 650i Convertible, the windshield information projection system incorporates many of the vehicle’s modern safety features including BMW Night Vision and Lane Departure Warning System. Featured prominently within the refined dash panel is a 10.2 inch standard screen called a “Central Display”. Through the iDrive control pad, entertainment, navigation and phone functions are all relayed to the driver. An available multiple view camera system also projects images into the Central Display of the read, side and even above the driver

The 4.4 liter, twin-turbo V-8 powerplant presents the 2012 BMW 650i Convertible with 40 extra horsepower over the outgoing 6-Series V-8 engine. Propelling this Bavarian Bombshell with a total of 400 horsepower, an electronically-limited speed of 155 miles per hour

For the new BMW 650i Convertible, manual and automatic transmission choices are offered. For a ‘wind-in-your-air convertible experience, the 6-speed manual returns to this BMW personal luxury vehicle. An automatic option for the 2012 BMW 650i Convertible allows for graceful cruising but provides a less-compromised performance potential. New for the 2012 model year 6-Series, a 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission has been skillfully orchestrated for fast gear shifts. BMW’s Sport Automatic gearbox also features a manual shifting feature if the Sunday drive to the country club needs a little spunk. A 0 to 60 mile per hour time of 4.9 seconds is promised with both the manual and automatic gearboxes

For BMW lovers awaiting more performance, the possibility of a new M6 convertible could see as much as 550 horsepower being sent on route to the rear axle. With rumours indicating the next M5 is due for release as a 2013 model (some say as early as 2012), the wait for a BMW M6 is not far

Settling for the artificial light inside of the Los Angeles, the 2012 BMW 650i Convertible’s roll-out in early-to-mid 2011 will provide an ideal vehicle to bask in natural sunlight