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Filed under: Spy Photos , SUVs , Wagons/Estates , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW A BMW V5 prototype has been let loose under a wardrobe's worth of camo, but you can still see it remains true to the early renderings . That might be a good thing if anyone has really decided they need a stretched X6. Based on the X6's slower-than-expected U.S. sales, maybe the extra room is what people are waiting for, and the trifecta for this latest niche-creating could be: not quite car, not quite SUV, lots o' room. (See " Toyota Venza " for comparison.) BMW's name for it, however, is just as kooky as Venza : Progressive Activity Sedan. Which means things could be getting a little Pretentiously Asinine over Munich way... [Source: Global Motors ] Spy Shots: BMW V5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: SUVs , Euro , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW X1 Concept In a move that marks a significant departure from its current direction, BMW will offer both all- and rear-wheel drive versions of its upcoming BMW X1 model. Up to this point, consumers have only been offered all-wheel-drive mechanicals under the skin of the BMW X6 , BMW X5 and smaller BMW X3 . The German automaker cites weight savings and gains in efficiency as the reason why its newest and smallest SAV loses its front driveshafts, but be assured that it's also a cost-saving maneuver as automakers squeeze to keep prices down. As the models will appear virtually identical from the outside, BMW will offer the rear-wheel-drive version with a special "sDrive" badge to differentiate it from the xDrive-equipped all-wheel-drive model (of course, you'll have to squint to discern the badge differences between a rear-wheel-drive "BMW X1 sDrive28i" and the all-wheel...
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Filed under: Spy Photos , SUVs , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW Click above for high-res gallery of BMW X5 M and X6 M spy shots Despite earlier assertions to the contrary, all indications are now that BMW is preparing its first batch of M-tuned sport-utilities, including an X5 M and X6 M. Advanced-stage test mules for both have now been spied by a keen photographer right here in the United States, at BMW's Performance Center test track in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The prototype X5 and X6 M have enlarged air intakes with white LED headlamps up front and aerodynamic rear bumpers with quad pipes poking out the back. The trademark M division side gills have been camouflaged, but the exhaust notes are a reported dead giveaway: the X5 M prototype sounding like a twin-turbo V8, while the X6 M sounds more like a V10 or V12. The appearance of the M-tuned crossovers on American soil instead of on the Nurburgring gives us an idea of just who BMW will be targeting with these performance sport-utes. Check...
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Filed under: SUVs , Safety , BMW , Police/Emergency , Special/Limited Editions Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW X5 Security If you happen to be the Head of State of a controversial nation, have a lot of enemies, or you are just plain paranoid, BMW's latest X5 variation may appeal to you. It's called the BMW X5 Security, and it has been armored by the factory to protect its occupants against some serious firepower (BMW claims safety class "VR4" to resist the penetration from a .44 Magnum, .357 Magnum, or a nine-millimeter Luger). While BMW is understandably mum about specifics, we do know that the body panels (including the roof and trunk) have been reinforced with a ballistic-resistant armored fiber developed in the Netherlands. The windows are upgraded to laminated 22-mm thick security glass, and a camera system with intercom keeps the passengers informed of what's happening outside their isolated cocoon. To handle the extra mass (you know its packing...
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Filed under: SUVs , Crossovers/CUVs , BMW BMW's chief executive officer Norbert Reithofer has revealed that the company has axed plans to build a larger sport-ute to top the range currently inhabited by the X3, X5 and X6 crossovers. Reithofer cited economic problems in the United States and Europe as the main reason for the cancellation of the program, i.e. sales of SUVs are dropping like a rock. Meanwhile, other reports suggest that the green light in Munich has been given instead to a smaller crossover to be based on the 1-Series platform, which would enable BMW to expand its X range with an X1 instead of an X7. Smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient is probably a smarter direction to head in these times than bigger, heavier and greater guzzler. [Sources: Automotive News Europe (subs. req'd) and The Hollywood Extra ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Spy Photos , SUVs , BMW Boy howdy does that camouflage make it difficult to suss out what's underneath! BMW's cooking up a new X3, expected to drop in 2011, and the changes don't look to be huge. The smallest SAV - BMW's acronym for Stupid Ass Sports Activity Vehicle - will get rhinoplasty to bring some Concept CS cues to the X3. The heavy camo on the rear windows suggest that BMW might be addressing some of the awkwardness that afflicts the current model, a definite plus. Word is that much sweat will be expended over an updated interior in order to keep up with competitors. A less-hideous X3 that retains its chassis moves while coddling you with a better interior? Sounds good to us, even though we'd still rather have an M3 wagon. [Source: BMW blog, Photo: Priddy] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Spy Photos , SUVs , BMW Click above for a high-res gallery of the twin-turbo V8 BMW X5. BMW has continued to deny the existence of an M-version of the X5, and by all accounts, it's true. The blokes from Bavaria maintain that the 'ute's size, weight, height and packaging won't warrant the tri-tones of the vaunted M. But the doesn't mean BMW can't produce a hotter version of its biggie-sized SUV. Using the same 407 hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 found in the recently released X6, BMW is taking aim at the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. KGP was able to snap off a handful of shots of the turbo'd X5 running the 'Ring, and despite the lack of a factory-approved M on the hatch, it's looking decidedly more aggressive than its siblings. The front fascia is taking all the normal cues from BMW's motorsports department, with massive air intakes and a gaping central air dam, while a set of quad exhausts are framed within a new rear bumper. There's...
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Filed under: Car Buying , Sedans/Saloons , SUVs , Tech , Audi , BMW , Lexus , Mercedes Benz As we reported last month , it appears BMW and Audi, following the lead of Lexus, will begin to offer eight-speed automatic transmissions in their flagship models. Sources are now saying the transmission will be supplied by ZF Friedrichshafen, a familiar German supplier to both marques. Although we don't know all of the specifics, Audi is expected to debut the new slushbox in the range-topping A8 sedan , Q7 SUV , and their future A7 premium model . BMW will likely debut the new gearbox in their premium 7-Series sedan and the X6 Sport Activity Vehicle , according to company sources. The current Audi A8 and BMW 7-Series both use six-speed automatics. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class utilizes a seven-speed automatic of their own design, while Lexus debuted their eight-speed transmission (used in their LS models) four years ago. Increasing the number of forward gears offers advantages in smoothness, acceleration...
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Filed under: SUVs , Etc. , BMW , UK There are times in everyone's life when you have an idea that sounds brilliant when explained in the audience of friends, but in practice is "exposed" as pure idiocy. The passenger of a BMW X5 gave a Cramlington, UK speed camera an uncensored view of his backside in an obvious attempt at humor, but in the end (no pun intended) the stunt could result in some hefty fines. Since local authorities weren't amused by the Braveheart salute, the passenger could receive tickets for public indecency and for not wearing a seat belt. Well, that is if the driver is willing to rat on his or her offending comrade. While we admit this is kind of funny at first blush, mostly because we never before noticed that a BMW grille looks a little like a human butt, mooning a speed camera is stupid for a couple reasons. First, it's not cool to expose yourself in public. That's the kind of thing that will get you on a sex offender list if you're not...
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Filed under: SUVs , BMW Since July of last year, we've seen several spy photos of a BMW X5 mule making an appearance all over Europe. The quad-tipped, camouflaged prototype has always been assumed to be an upcoming M version of BMW's SUV, but according to the crew at BimmerFile, it isn't going to happen. The mule that's undergoing testing will be a "sport edition" of the X5, similar to the 4.8is, but it won't be equipped with the M5/M6's V10. Instead, it'll be packing the twin-turbocharged V8 currently found in the new X6, producing 407 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque. Expect some tweaked bodywork and a revised suspension to convey the new 'ute's sporting intentions when it debuts later this year. [Source: BimmerFile ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Car Buying , SUVs , BMW Putting one of BMW's newest X6 "Sport Activity Vehicles" (aka "SAV") in your driveway will cost you at least $53,275. That's the announced base price for the 300-hp X6 xDrive35i with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder (yep, that's the same powerplant shared with the 535i , 335i , and the 135i ). If you want to pony-up to the 400-hp xDrive50i, powered by a new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, that will set you back another ten large as its base price is $63,775. All the details are available in the press release after the jump. Gallery: BMW X6 Gallery: Detroit 2008: 2009 BMW X6 - Live Gallery: BMW X6 - Live from Frankfurt [Source: BMW] Continue reading What's an "SAV" cost? BMW X6 starts at $53,275 Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative , SUVs , Geneva Motor Show , Green , BMW Click the image above for a hi-res gallery of the BMW X5 Vision EfficientDynamics A man might not be a camel, but BMW's X5 Vision EfficientDynamics hybrid is. The vehicle, with its twin-turbo 4-cylinder diesel engine mated to a li-ion battery pack that doesn't need to be refueled until after the Apocalypse. by then, fuel will probably be the last of your worries. Special aero rims, a solar roof panel to heat up engine fluids before you start the vehicle, an 8-speed transmission, and X5 room and ride only make it all the sweeter. Check out the hi-res gallery of shots below to get as close as we did to it. Gallery: BMW X5 Vision EfficientDynamics Concept Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Concept Cars , Hybrids/Alternative , SUVs , Geneva Motor Show , Green , BMW Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics X5. Every auto show nowadays has to have its fair share of "green" concepts, and Geneva won't be any different. Over at the BMW stand, the automaker will be showing off its Vision EfficientDynamics Concept that's packing a twin-turbo, 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel that's mated to a hybrid motor. The diesel mill alone is making 204 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, but the addition of a compact generator increases power by another 20 hp and 154 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is sent through an eight-speed gearbox developed by ZF that features longer ratios to make the most of the miserly mill. BMW cites mpg figures in the 43.5-range, with 172 g/km of CO2 being shot on the tailpipe. Additionally, BMW has fitted a regenerative braking system to the X5, along with roof-mounted solar panels and aerodynamically enhanced 19...
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Filed under: Spy Photos , SUVs , BMW This isn't the first time we've reported on the long-rumored high-performance BMW X5 M. In fact, we showed you spy shots on July 25, 2007 , August 31, 2007 , and again on October 16, 2007 . So, here we go again... Rumors about powerplants thrive, but our best guess indicates BMW will not be dropping the M5/M6's 5.0-liter V-10 into the upcoming range-topping X5. The V-10 is a silky screamer, but torque is what's needed to motivate the X5's mass (the V-10 is rated at 500 hp, but just 383 lb/ft of torque). Instead, it is much more likely (and cost-effective) that BMW will fit a modified version of the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 found under the hood of the new BMW X6 . In stock form, that engine pumps out 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Tweak the engine mapping while increase the boost, and 500 hp and 500+ lb-ft of torque isn't unimaginable. That is plenty of juice to fend off the Porsche Cayenne Turbo (500 hp/516 lb-ft) and the Mercedes...
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Filed under: Aftermarket , SUVs , BMW If you bought a BMW X5, you probably didn't do so because you wanted everyone to look at you. However, just in case you're a gawker-seeker who was somehow forced into purchasing an X5, Hamann has the kit to make sure you get all the looks you can handle. It's called the Hamann Flash, and in case you forget its name, or if someone else wants to know what it's called, "Flash" is written on the front doors. In addition to that exterior feature, it gets new front and rear aprons, fender flares, a roof spoiler, and four choices of wheel riding on a specially-developed suspension and halted by a bespoke brake system. All powerplant options get the power boost treatment, with the 4.4-liter V8 topping the charts at 368-HP, but we think we'd go with the 3.0sd with 320-HP and 486 lb-ft. And with the custom exhaust, all versions make a sound described as "growling thunder." Inside, the SAV gets exclusive Hamann black mat...
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