BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Review

BMW has today released its first-of-a-kind 5 Series Gran Turismo to the Australian motoring media with an enjoyable drive program through the picturesque vineyards of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is certain to turn heads, and strikes an imposing yet elegant form creating an interesting and sculptured blend of 5 Series sedan with X6 SUV in what BMW refer to as a ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’.

Following the success of the larger BMW X6, which has sold nearly 900 units since its mid-2008 release, the BMW 5 Series GT will open yet another untapped niche market with those seeking the versatility of an SUV and the practicality – and drivability – of a large sedan, while at the same time wanting to stand out from the crowd.

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo pricing:

• BMW 530d Gran Turismo – $143,400*
• BMW 535i Gran Turismo – $151,400*
• BMW 550i Gran Turismo – $192,900*

2011 BMW X6 Preview

2011 BMW X6
BMW's 2011 model updates are well underway, with the X1, Z4, 1-Series, 3-Series, and 5-Series already revealed in one form or another. Now it's time for the 2011 BMW X6 (2010 model pictured), which gets the new N55 twin-scroll single-turbo and an eight speed transmission among other updates.

2011 BMW X6
The new eight-speed automatic is found throughout the range, replacing the six-speed unit previously found in the vehicle, though the monstrous 555-horsepower X6 M isn't part of the update. Europeans will still get the xDrive30d, a smaller diesel than what we'll see here in the U.S., though the xDrive40d looks to up the output a bit over the current X5 xDrive35d. Both the 30d and 40d use the same 2,993 cc displacement, but the 30d adds a single turbo, while the 40d runs two turbos and more boost pressure for a 306-horsepower and 442-pound-foot rating. No word on U.S. availability of the X6 xDrive40d has been released yet.

Gasoline-powered 2011 X6s include the xDrive35i and xDrive50i. The 35i gets the updated N55 single-turbo, twin-scroll engine, while the 50i uses the same 4.4-liter direction-injection turbo V-8 found in the current vehicle. The addition of the eight-speed auto ought to help improve fuel efficiency for both. Acceleration in either model is brisk, with claimed 0-62 mph times of 6.7 seconds for the xDrive35i and 5.4 seconds for the xDrive50i.

BMW X6 with BMW Performance parts

The sporting looks of the BMW X6 are accentuated more than ever before by the BMW Performance Aerodynamics Kit with features and elements tailored exactly in both style and function to BMW’s Sports Activity Coupé. This even includes the cameras and sensors for the Park Distance Control, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and the Side View driver assistance system.

The BMW Performance Aerodynamics Kit is made up of the front bumper, side-sills and an insert for the rear bumper, all in special design and all finished in body colour. The BMW Performance Aerodynamics Kit for the BMW X6 may also
be supplemented by a rear spoiler, rear fins in matt black and a front grid finished in high-gloss black paint.

BMW Performance light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design further optimise the dynamic driving potential and the striking looks of the BMW X6. Reduced in weight, these cast light-alloy 12-inch wheels stand out in particular through their roll-milled rim hump and exclusive twin-tone finish with a glossy outside surface and Ferric Grey paintwork between the rims. A special production method reduces the weight of each wheel by approximately 1,500 grams
compared with conventional wheels of the same size. The reduction in unsprung masses ensured in this way has a positive effect on both the driving dynamics and steering behaviour of the BMW X6.

The BMW Performance light-alloy wheels come on tyres varying in size from front to rear and featuring runflat qualities allowing the driver to continue even after a complete loss of pressure. Rim dimensions are 10J x 21 at the front on 285/35 R21 tyres and 11.5J x 21 on 325/30 R21 tyres at the rear.

New Facelifted BMW M3 Unveiled

More details regarding the facelifted M3 Coupe and Convertible have been released recently by BMW. The press release highlighted that the only alteration made in design is the rear taillight.

Auto Start-Stop technology

Another interesting feature of this high performance vehicle is the addition of the Auto Start-Stop technology, which is made available in all thee variants of the M3 i.e. the coupe, convertible and the sedan.

BMW has made this technology available in both the manual and the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission options. BMW elucidates the advantage by stating that this system shuts down the engine when the car comes to a stop, hence enabling the BMW M3 to save about 8% on CO2 emissions. Fuel consumption is also reduced to 11.2 litres per 100 kilometers (M3 Coupe with DCT). So now it'll be an unusual experience as on stopping the M3, instead of hearing a rumbly V8 note, there will be silence!

BMW Recalls 500 X5, X6 Vehicles on Windshield Defect

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, the world’s largest maker of luxury cars, is recalling a total of about 500 X5 and X6 sport-utility vehicles in the U.S. because the windshield may not be attached properly.

The vehicles, which were made between Dec. 14 and Dec. 16, experienced a “problem” in the process of gluing on the windshield, spokesman Andreas Lampka said today in a telephone interview. The issue doesn’t affect SUVs sold in other markets, he said.

The recall was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on its Web site. The stability of the roofs of the models could be affected in a rollover accident, the NHTSA said.

BMW to Introduce the New X5 in Geneva

The 2011 BMW X5 will have two turbo engine options, including a top-of-the-line twin-turbo V-8 that makes 400 horsepower.

Can it be true that BMW has been building S.U.V.’s for more than a decade now?

Yes, and this spring, the German luxury automaker will celebrate the X5’s new decade by introducing its latest makeover. The Geneva auto show in early March will be the refreshed S.U.V.’s official international debut, with its North American introduction the following month at the New York auto show. It goes on sale in the United States shortly thereafter.

BMW says the new generation X5 is not as underwhelmingly evolutionary as it may look; it is really revolutionary, with some 4,000 new, noncarryover parts. Two new model designations also join the lineup: the xDrive 50i and xDrive 35i. Perhaps the most significant of those changes will be under the hood, where new turbocharged engines will make mischievous amounts of additional power.

2011 BMW X5: 2010 New York Auto Show

2011 BMW X5


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2011 BMW X5 Picture

The face-lifted BMW X5 for 2011.
BMW has face-lifted the X5 for model year 2011, adding new engines, and will put the new crossover on sale in the U.S. shortly after its debut in early April at the 2010 New York Auto Show.

The 2011 X5 will come in three flavors for the U.S.: the familiar xDrive35d turbodiesel, plus the new xDrive35i and xDrive50i.

The range-topping X5 xDrive50i features a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 from the X6, delivering 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, mated to a new eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. BMW quotes 0-60-mph acceleration in 5.3 seconds. Prices will start at $59,275.

The X5 xDrive35i gets a new single-turbo 3.0-liter direct-injection inline six-cylinder engine rated at 300 hp. Fitted with an eight-speed automatic, the car will sprint from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. Prices will start at $46,675.

2011 BMW X5 PHOTOS

2011 BMW X5

2011 BMW X5

2011 BMW X5

2011 BMW X5

2011 BMW X5 Revealed

BMW says the updated X5 is more powerful, more efficient and more luxurious than the outgoing model, although local specifications aren’t expected to be confirmed until the June launch date draws nearer.

2011 BMW X5

While BMW spent last year adding upgraded engines to its lineup, the X5 sat untouched, forced to enjoy only the 3.0-liter diesel found in the xDrive35d. A potent mill, yes, but the other Bimmers received a more efficient, single turbo inline-six; if they didn't, more power came to their twin-turbo setup. A 400-hp twin-turbo V-8 headlined the X6, while the M versions of it and the X5 boasted a silly 555-hp. Now, the standard X5 gets its turn: Along with an exterior refresh, the 2011 BMW X5 receives two new powertrains.

At the top of the hierarchy is the X5 xDrive50i, which features BMW's all-aluminum, twin-turbo V-8. With direct injection, variable valve timing, and its "reverse flow" setup (the turbochargers rest in the valley between the cylinders), the engine makes 400-hp and 450 lb-ft of torque, the latter from 1750 rpm to 4500 rpm. Like the X6, BMW claims acceleration to 60 mph in the X5 xDrive50i takes 5.3 seconds. Yet the X5 undercuts the current Sports Activity Coupe by $8800 by starting at $59,275.

2011 BMW Alpina B7 prices start at $122,875

We almost jumped out of our seats last month when BMW announced that the 2011 BMW Alpina B7 sedan will be coming to the United States this spring. However, today we felt no need to jump out of our seats when BMW announced that pricing for the 2011 BMW Alpina B7 will start at $122,875 for the standard wheelbase and $126,775 for the extended wheelbase.

Sales begin later this spring. The full line of BMW 7 Series exterior colors will be available, in addition to the signature ALPINA Blue metallic paint.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept to Become Reality in 2013

According to info gathered by the folks from InsideLine, a version of the slick BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept that has taken the automotive world by a storm when introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show, last September, is going to hit the production lines and should be on the road sometime in 2013.

The company’s first fuel efficiency and emission management vehicle, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept is a plug-in hybrid with a three cylinder turbodiesel engine working along with two electric motors, developing a total of 262 kW (356 hp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. The 2+2 coupe is capable to go naught to 62mph in a quick 4.8 seconds on its way to an electronically limited 155mph, consuming on average only 3.76 liters/100km (that’s some 62.6 mpg) and emitting 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer.