BMW: November 2012

Sunday 25 November 2012

2013 BMW X6

The BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe combines coupe-like agility and style with the versatility of a SUV. The distinctive 4-door, 4-passenger X6 features two rear seats in a sculpted single-seat design and BMW's xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system.

The BMW X6 is available in two trim levels: xDrive35i and xDrive50i. The xDrive35i is powered by a 300-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, while the xDrive50i boasts a twin-turbo V8, generating 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Both engines feature direct fuel injection, and are mated to an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission with Steptronic manual shift mode and steering wheel paddles.

Additionally, BMW's Dynamic Performance Control is standard on the X6, distributing drive force between the rear wheels and enhancing its sporty handling characteristics. Other standard equipment includes 19-inch aluminum wheels, a power moonroof, power liftgate, bi-xenon adaptive headlamps, automatic climate control, leather upholstery and HD radio; the xDrive50i is further outfitted with multi-contour seats and a voice-activated hard drive-based navigation system, including 12 gigabytes of dedicated media storage and DVD video capability (optional on the xDrive35i).

Safety features on every X6 include anti-lock disc brakes, Dynamic Stability Control with traction control and rollover sensor, front and rear parking sensors and a tire pressure monitor, as well as front side-impact airbags and overhead curtain airbags for both rows.

2013 BMW X5 M

The BMW X5 M expands on the X5 model lineup, introducing exclusive features and legendary BMW M power to an already impressive sports activity vehicle. With an emphasis on dynamic performance and a more aggressive styling, the X5 M will appeal to the enthusiast looking to make a unique statement.

The 5-passenger X5 M is available in one comprehensive trim level, powered by a muscular 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that puts out 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic manual mode and paddle shifters is standard, along with BMW's xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system.

The X5 M boasts standard features that include an adaptive sport suspension, 20-inch aluminum wheels, heated front M sport seats, leather upholstery, aluminum interior trim elements, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and a voice-activated hard drive-based navigation system, including 12 gigabytes of dedicated media storage and DVD video capability. Safety features on every X5 M include anti-lock disc brakes, Dynamic Stability Control with traction control and rollover sensor, bi-xenon adaptive headlamps.

BMW Assist and front and rear parking sensors, as well as front side-impact airbags and overhead curtain airbags for both rows.The BMW X5 M carries over with minimal changes for 2013.

2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d

The BMW Advanced Diesel X5 xDrive35d was first introduced to the United States as a 2009 model, and carries on as the fastest, most fuel efficient diesel-powered vehicle in its class. Torque output is 425 lb-ft at 1750-2250 rpm, along with peak power output of 265 horsepower. The diesel X5 will go from zero-to-60 in 6.9 seconds. It returns EPA mileage estimates of 19 mpg city and 26 highway.

2013 BMW X5 xDrive50i

BMW's naturally-aspirated V8 xDrive48i has given way to a new xDrive50i with the twin-turbo V8 also seen in the X6. It puts out 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft. of torque and is most notable for its broad and flat 1,750-4,000 rpm torque curve. The powertrain helps the X5 sprint to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Fuel economy is estimated at 14/20 mpg.

2013 BMW x5 xDrive35i

2013 bmw x5 xDrive35i

The new X5 xDrive35i receives a brand new inline-6 gasoline engine, internally dubbed "N55." The new engine features the same 3.0-liter displacement and 300 horsepower output of its predecessor (the "N54"), but features a single twin-scroll turbocharger in place of the previous twin, low-mass turbocharger units. Furthermore, the new inline-6 of the X5 xDrive35i is the first BMW inline-6 to combine BMW's Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, High Precision direct fuel injection and turbocharging.

The result of combining this new inline-6 with the new 8-speed automatic is an X5 with improved responsiveness thanks to more available power, in addition to improved efficiency. The new X5 xDrive35i will perform the zero-to-60 mph sprint in 6.4 seconds, coincidentally on the same pace as the outgoing V-8 powered X5 xDrive48i. Fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

The new 8-speed transmission found on the xDrive 35i is standard on the X5 xDrive50i as well. The new transmission weighs no more than its six-speed predecessor, yet offers closer ratios in the lower gears for improved acceleration and two additional "tall" gears for relaxed, efficient cruising.

The X5 xDrive35i Premium includes new standard equipment like 18-inch light alloy wheels, roof rails and panoramic moonroof, power adjustable steering column, iPod / USB adapter interface and privacy glass. For the first time, Premium trim also includes standard Nevada Leather.

2013 BMW X5

X5 is sporting a fresh front fascia that with a sportier appeal. The black trim at the bottom edge of the body is now considerably narrower. A matte-finished silver protection plate extends across the entire width of the central air intake, emphasizing the muscular features of the SAV. The new BMW X5 is based on the F15 platform, which is a modular design that will allow the company to build multiple cars off the same platform and reduce overall production costs over the vehicle line-up. Equipped with petrol and diesel powertrains, the 2014 BMW X5 will also get hybrid technology combining an electric motor with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. The 15kW electric motor adds support to the 152kW produced by the diesel unit.

2013 BMW X4

BMW has officially confirmed today plans to expand its X-model family with a new X4 that will be produced at the Spartanburg plant. "I am delighted to announce today, over the next three years, we plan to invest nearly $900 Million U.S. dollars. With this investment, we will be able to produce 350,000 units here in the mid-term," said Arndt. "This is one reaction to the rising global demand for our BMW X Models."

BMW X4 will share many of its components with the BMW X3, including the second generation X3’s platform and exterior and interior features. However, the X4 will also be taking some of its styling and driving dynamics cues from the X6. These relationships stem from the idea that the X4 will be to the X3 what the X6 is to the X5. Think of it in terms of genes: someone may share their eye color with their brother and also have a temper like their cousin. It’s all in the family.This doesn’t mean the X4 will not have its own identity though. If this rendering proves to be right on the money then the X4 will feature a redesigned front grille along with a modified rear to bring out its sporty nature.

The 2013 BMW X4 will carry the same engines as found in the X3, but will come with power improvements. There will be a 2-liter diesel engine that will deliver 177 hp, a 3-liter diesel that will deliver 231 hp, and the turbo version that will deliver 300 hp. The petrol engine will start from a 2-liter four-cylinder engine that will deliver 163 hp and will go up to a 3-liter turbo engine that will deliver 306 hp.Another version, most likely for an X4 M model, is the engine from the upcoming 1-series M Coupe: a 350bhp twin-turbo 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder mated to an eight speed automatic.

BMW is working on putting out this new model because of a little SUV wonder called the Range Rover Evoque. Offered in a four- and five-door model, this SUV will be powered by a new 2.0-liter Si4 turbocharged engine that combines direct fuel injection and twin variable valve timing to produce 240hp. This engine will also provide a sub 130g/km CO2 demonstrating the Range Rover brand’s commitment to environmental sustainability. All of this will come at a price of $45,000.

If we are basing it off power alone then the X4 will beat out the Evoque, as it will be able to carry a 3-liter turbo engine that delivers 306 hp. However, there are so many other things to look for in an SUV that horsepower alone may not be able to sway the votes to the X4’s side. One thing that will play a huge factor is pricing. As we said before, the Evoque comes in at $45,000 so the X4 will have to offer competitive pricing to add another notch to its belt. Prices for the future SUV have not been announced yet, but the X3 begins at $37,625 and goes up to $41,925 leaving the X4 little room for markup.

2013 BMW X3 xDrive 35i

The 35 is separated from the lesser 28 version by the addition of a single turbocharger (though a little birdie tells me the 2013 X3 28 will be powered by the 240-hp N20 four-banger BMW is introducing throughout its line) that claims both 300 hp and the same torque figure. Excellent numbers they may be, but they are not the reason for spending the $46,900 even the base xDrive 35i costs.

X3 35i at 11.1 L/100 km in the city and 7.7 on the highway, but I’d suggest that matching those numbers will require some pussyfooting of the highest order. Matching some of BMW’s other performance claims, such as the 5.8 seconds the company says the X3 xDrive 35i takes to accelerate to 100 km/h, however, will be a doddle, though having that turbocharger huffing and puffing will eat up even more gas.

X3 is also remarkably sure-footed for anything remotely sport-utility-like. And while that’s also true of the pricier X5, BMW’s larger SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle in BMW parlance), the X3 manages to render exemplary handling without the often jarring ride of its larger sibling. My X3 was helped by the inclusion of the Dynamic Comfort package that offers multi-adjustable suspension damping. In everyday driving, however, I found the basic Comfort mode more than well enough calibrated for both performance and comfort and just left it there. Ditto the steering, which retains most of the celebrated BMW directness even though the X3 weighs almost two tonnes and stands tall over its sedan siblings.

Indeed, that is the magic of BMW. Ensconce yourself behind the wheel of the X3 — especially this boosted 35 version — and it’s easy to forget that you are riding in something that is supposed to feel truckish. The familiar handling prowess is there. Ditto the comfort, convenience and luxury one expects from a premium-priced luxury conveyance. And, of course, there’s that engine. M3s and M5s boast eight pistons and one can still get 12 of them in a nice, orderly vee if you tick off the order box for a top-of-the-range 760. But anything that is powered by the iconic 3.0L in-line six — especially in this turbocharged guise — is getting the best of BMW

2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i

BMW builds the most fuel-efficient luxury crossover on the market today, excluding hybrid models. It’s 2013 X3 xDrive28i, equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, will deliver an EPA estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

The 2013 X3 xDrive28i will likely beat the new Mercedes-Benz GLK350, too, since the Mercedes is returning with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. It’s unlikely the BMW will be able to beat the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLK250 BlueTEC turbodiesel, which will almost certainly take top honors in the fuel economy category.

Buyers wanting an X3 with a six-cylinder engine are still in luck, as BMW will again offer the X3 xDrive35i. Don’t expect any fuel economy gains in this model, however, which returns delivering 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

On the plus side, BMW and the EPA are in agreement on the fuel economy of the 2013 X3 xDrive28i. The automaker originally claimed fuel economy of 24 mpg city and 36 mpg highway on its new 328i sedan (which shares an engine with the X3 xDrive28i), until the EPA rated it at 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

2013 BMW X1

The BMW is the only vehicle in this group that is based on a rear-wheel-drive platform, which it loosely shares with the 1- and the 3-series. In fact, the entry-level model will be the rear-wheel-drive X1 sDrive28i, powered by a 240-hp, 2.0-liter four and priced at $31,545. For another $1700, BMW will also offer an all-wheel-drive version with this engine, dubbed the X1 xDrive28i. The top-of-the-line X1 will be the all-wheel-drive xDrive35i, powered by BMW’s 300-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six and offered at $39,345. Both engines are force-fed by a single turbo, while BMW insists on its misleading "TwinPower" terminology. Likewise, the "28" and "35" monikers bear no relation to the actual engine displacement. The 2.0-liter four is equipped with a gas-saving stop-start system. Neither performance nor fuel-economy figures have been given at this point. Unfortunately, none of the X1 models are available with BMW's excellent six-speed manual; a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic is standard on all versions.

At its base level and as tested, the car comes with a 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine capable of 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a more potent 3.0-liter straight six it shares with the 335i for 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Even with the lesser option, the car offers above adequate performance, even with its 3,500-lb curb weight. In fact, it’ll run from 0-60 mph in a smidgen over six seconds, meaning the turbocharged six-cylinder is definitely overkill..

Leaving the car in eco mode throws what semblance of performance it has right out the window, but then again it’s all in the name of sucking less gas. With 24 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway, you won’t be visiting the pump terribly often. Just remember that you’ll forgo any fun driving to get those numbers.

The interior layout will be familiar to BMW owners and fans. Two large round dials for the tach and speedometer dominate the gauge cluster, punctuated by a digital information display. The center stack is recessed with a wide format navigation screen. BMW’s signature i-Drive knob is intact and the interior is on par with other BMW products. Light beige leather seats are contrasted by black and aluminum accents on the doors and throughout the cabin. It could do with a little less hard plastic, but the shapes and lines of the dash and door trim panels aren’t offensive. 2013-bmw-x1-13.jpg Well bolstered and wide in the right places, the seats are a treat to sit in. Manual thigh supports that pull out are easily the best feature and make long trips infinitely more pleasant. If there’s one thing those long trips tend to accumulate, it’s the random odds and ends you probably like to stash in your car’s nooks and crannies. Don’t count on doing that here — the glove box is tiny and there’s hardly anywhere to put your knick-knacks.