Register to Test Drive an i3

For a while now BMW has allowed interested parties in some areas of Europe to register to test drive an i3 when they are available. In fact they made some news a few weeks ago when they announced they have over 100,000 people already signed up to do so. Well, i3 enthusiasts here in the States can now register also and they will be notified once BMW begins offering test drives. It's likely that will happen well before the cars are available in dealerships for purchase, so if you are interested in seeing if the i3 lives up to BMW's "Ultimate driving machine" heritage then follow this link and sign up.

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F15 BMW X5 First ImPRESSions.

BMW recently held a press drive of the all new F15 BMW X5 in Vancouver, so the first impressions are rolling in. Have a look at some press photos from this event and links to the first reviews.

AUTOCAR

Muller’s toughest mission was tackling criticisms of the outgoing model’s ride, refinement and aura of quality, without adding heft. He's done well, with reductions to the bulkhead, glasshouse and wheel-well noise transmission improving refinement by a useful 2.5dB, while new seats have reduced vibration, and the subtly softened suspension smothers sharp bumps more effectively.

You’ll also enjoy this oil-burner’s much-improved manners, its clatter and growl now buried in background hum. Lots of low-rev urge and the eight-speed auto’s excellent anticipatory skills make for authoritatively brisk and effortless performance that, at lower speeds, shades the petrol xDrive50i.

So the essence of the 1999 X5’s mini-revolution is preserved intact, and this latest edition is pleasingly nimble and precise when the going gets twisty. The keen will enjoy such roads in sport setting, which enlivens the drivetrain, girds the dampers and weights the occasionally uncertain steering to produce a well-resolved driving experience.

And the ride? It swallows most small bumps whole, as promised, although the odd clatter across ridges and potholes in sport suggests that it’s the comfort damping mode you’ll mostly want on Britain’s roads. Given how well the rest of the system performs, it’s unfortunate that in Sport mode setting the steering turns over-light - and you can’t mix and match the steering, drivetrain and suspension settings.

Full Review: http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/x5/first-drives/bmw-x5-xdrive30d-first-drive-review


AUTOEXPRESS

Verdict

The all-new X5 is now more handsome than before, better-built and more refined to drive. The 3.0-litre straight-six diesel remains at the top of the class for refinement and punch and the cabin is spacious, classy and superbly comfortable. In search of a more supple ride and improved on-road manners, it’s marginally less sharp than it once was, but it’s unlikely core customers will notice the change. It’s a successful update then that puts the new X5 neck-and-neck with the more expensive Range Rover Sport.

Full review: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/x5/65773/new-bmw-x5-review#ixzz2dRDigBzV

EDMUNDS

On the BMW X5 xDrive50i

At launch, the most powerful drivetrain available comes in the xDrive50i, which combines a twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8 with an eight-speed paddle-shift transmission and all-wheel drive. A 3.0-liter straight-6 powers the xDrive35i, while the diesel-powered xDrive35d model will join the lineup next year. For the first time, a rear-wheel-drive X5 will also be available with the 3.0-liter gasoline power six only.

Output in the 2014 BMW X5 V8 climbs 10 percent to 450 horsepower and torque is up to 479 pound-feet. It's enough to shave half a second from the 0-62-mph time, which falls to an impressive 5.0 seconds flat. BMW says fuel economy improves a little, too, but there are no EPA numbers to back that up just yet.

Despite all the grunt, and the traction to make maximum use of it, the V8 X5 is not the fastest thing off the line. The engine and transmission need a few moments to absorb your right foot's command before launching the BMW forward with the urge you'd desired moments earlier. It's a pause that appears when you're on the move at lowish speeds, too, although switching to Sport mode does a bit to enliven the drivetrain. The twin-turbo V8 does make a nice sound, however, providing a satin V8 beat that turns impressively muscular when the throttle is sunk deep.

Not surprisingly, the X5 chassis is more than capable of handling the V8's efforts. Or it does in the form we tested the car in, which included the $4,500 Dynamic Handling package, which adds an air-sprung rear suspension, adjustable dampers, active antiroll bars and cross-axle torque-vectoring. The standard setup is rather ungenerously specified with steel springs, conventional shocks and passive antiroll bars, a combination we didn't get a chance to sample.

Even so, we would recommend the upgraded setup for two reasons. The first because this is a big load carrier in need of self-leveling, the second because we suspect the ride will need softening for broken tarmac moments. Dialed in to Sport mode, this X5 proves satisfyingly agile through bends both tight and sweeping. It's a vehicle that feels smaller than its bulk implies, and certainly nimble enough to entertain. It's also stable, steers accurately, stops convincingly and rolls enough to let you know what you're doing without turning remotely floppy and uncooperative.

A shame, then, that the new electrically supported steering takes the edge of this accomplishment by coming over curiously vague through the first few degrees of its movement. This faintly disconnected feel applies in both Comfort and Sport modes, too. Happily, it does little to undermine the accuracy of the X5's steering, but it does dim the sporting appeal of this sports activity vehicle.

As for the ride, it swallows most small bumps whole as promised, although the odd clatter across ridges and potholes in Sport suggests that it's the Comfort damping mode you'll mostly want on U.S. roads. It's unfortunate that in this setting the steering is a little too light — and you can't mix and match the steering, drivetrain and suspension settings to achieve an ideal blend.

There's no shortage of electronic driving aids in other departments, however: lane-keeping, radar-controlled cruise that extends to traffic jam stop-and-go, and (from December) a lane-keeping traffic jam assistant, too. Night vision and BMW's excellent head-up display also appear on an expensively lengthy options list.

At its heart, though, the X5 is still the sporting SUV that it was back in 1999. Perhaps too much so aesthetically, as this restyle is certainly short of imaginative flourishes. BMW would doubtless argue that the existing formula is very successful so there's little reason to make drastic changes.

It's certainly more polished this time around with its mix of big cabin comfort, luxury trimmings, sporting performance, all-weather security and accomplished manners. The 2014 BMW X5 is slightly spoiled by the V8's lazy step-off and that flawed steering feel, but neither shortcoming is pronounced enough to dampen the average buyer's enthusiasm for it.

Full review: http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/x5/2014/road-test.html

 

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F15 BMW M5 M50d and Individual Program

The BMW X5 M50d featured here will not make it to the United States, the photos were taken in Vancouver with Ontario Plates and there has been no official statement yet the availability of BMW X5 M50d in Canada. The European Spec is shown in these pictures taking note of the long Euro plate holders and the lack of side markers. Press Release Munich. The new BMW X5 is due to arrive in the showrooms on 16 November 2013. The launch of this third generation of the most successful Sports Activity Vehicle in the world will also introduce the BMW M50d M Performance Automobile. Boasting the world’s most powerful six-in-line diesel engine, suspension technology with hallmark M precision-tuning and aerodynamically honed exterior features, the BMW X5 M50d (Unavailable to US market) combines superior dynamics on the road with unimpeachable traction off the beaten track. The other character facets of the new BMW X5, moreover, can be explicitly highlighted: model-specific options offered by BMW Individual provide exclusive elegant touches, while new products in the Original BMW Accessories range – likewise specifically designed for the Sports Activity Vehicle – serve to underline its versatility and practicality. (Continue with the Press Release and Gallery)

BMW X5 M50d: enthralling dynamics thanks to trademark M precision.

(Unavailable to US market, Unconfirmed to Canadian market)

A compelling combination of sportiness, exclusivity and everyday utility distinguishes the new BMW X5 M50d. Its six-cylinder in-line diesel engine boasts detailed refinements and comes with three-stage turbocharging and common rail direct injection. From a 3.0-litre displacement it develops output of 280 kW /381 hp and a peak torque of 740 Newton meters (546 lb-ft). BMW BluePerformance technology as standard means the M Performance Automobile is also EU6-compliant. The diesel unit’s power is transferred to the road by an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW xDrive all-wheel drive.

The new BMW X5 M50d comes as standard with Adaptive M suspension including Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension at the rear axle, as well as Electric Power Steering. The optional Dynamic adaptive suspension package comprises Dynamic Performance Control and Dynamic Drive active roll stabilization, while the exterior features standard 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design fitted with mixed tires. Noticeably enhanced agility and a quicker time of 5.3 seconds for the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint go hand in hand with fuel economy improved by more than ten per cent compared with the predecessor model. Average fuel consumption for the new BMW X5 M50d is 6.7 liters per 100 kilometers (42.2 mpg) in the EU test cycle, with CO2 emissions of 177 g/km.

Special touches add exclusivity and style: the BMW Individual range for the new BMW X5.
 
The BMW Individual range specifically created for the new BMW X5 turns an even brighter spotlight on its elegant design, luxurious ambiance and exclusive character. Factory-fitted exterior and interior equipment options play their part in imbuing the Sports Activity Vehicle with a highly distinctive charisma. The manufacturing processes behind the BMW Individual products developed for the new BMW X5 are underpinned by precision craftsmanship and longstanding experience in working with choice materials. The design and finish of these products reflect a striving for perfection and style that embraces every detail.

BMW Individual paintwork guarantees an impression of exclusivity at first glance. The application of up to seven layers of paint and the addition of special colour pigments make for intriguing iridescent effects, exceptional brilliance and unmatched depth. The BMW Individual finishes available for the new BMW X5 comprise the luxurious shades Ruby Black metallic and Pyrite Brown metallic. The intense luster of these paintwork options derives from reflections triggered by red or gold pigments beneath the surface. Likewise adding an elegantly sporty touch to the exterior are the 20-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design, fitted with mixed tires

The judicious selection of materials and careful processing help create the unique quality of the fine-grain full Merino leather trim from BMW Individual. To this end, carefully selected, entirely unblemished leather undergoes an elaborate tanning process before being precision-tailored. Its natural, open-pore structure as much as the soft, fine-grain surface and characteristic stitching render this leather truly distinctive.
The BMW Individual fine-grain full Merino leather option with extended features is available for the new BMW X5 in the shades Amaro Brown and Criollo Brown. The contrast-colour seams and piping in finest leather are exquisite details that reflect the high levels of craftsmanship. Stylish design and consummate workmanship also sum up the quality of the BMW Individual interior trim strips, with a choice of Piano Finish Black and Sen Light Brown available for the new BMW X5. Their surfaces display both the high quality of the material and a perfectly executed finish.
The BMW Individual range will be available from December 2013.

Original BMW Accessories: tailor-made for greater variability and comfort.
The versatility of the new BMW X5 has also been further enhanced thanks to products from the Original BMW Accessories range that are literally made-to-measure. Floor and luggage compartment mats, along with transport bags whose contours are precisely shaped to fit the interior dimensions of the Sports Activity Vehicle, serve as ideal accessories for everyday use and on longer journeys. Their eye-catching design, moreover, cites the lines of the car while accentuating the hallmark sturdiness of BMW X models. All-weather floor mats made of particularly hard-wearing non-slip material and textile floor mats with a rubber surface integrated in the foot area are each offered in sets of two. A characteristic design feature of both variants is an eye-catching, brushed stainless steel insert with BMW lettering. The trunk-mat for the new BMW X5 is in matching style and has a non-slip, dirt-repellent surface.

The new transport bags from the Original BMW Accessories range were developed for leisure, travel and sporting activities and boast a design that is visibly geared to the new BMW X5. They are distinguished by high-quality leather and textile as well as optimal functionality. The collection includes a Storage Bag Fond that can be attached to the seat by means of the center seat belt and offers not only extra stowage space but two thermally insulated cupholders as well.

Even more space for travel accoutrements is provided by the seat organizer likewise designed specifically with the new BMW X5 in mind. It can be attached to the driver or front passenger headrests, has two large storage compartments, and can be conveniently used outside the car as well. An ideal companion for winter sports is the ski and snowboard bag that extends from the luggage compartment through to the rear of the car. It has room for up to four pairs of skis or three snowboards and features integrated rollers, handles and a shoulder strap for convenient transportation beyond the car. To complement this, a sturdy transport bag for ski boots, helmets and gloves is also available.

All products in the Original BMW Accessories range comply with the extremely high standards of the BMW Group in terms of their design, quality and safety and conform to BMW’s comprehensive terms of warranty. When retrofitted, they do not in any way affect the warranty terms for the relevant vehicle. Sales and installation are via the BMW and BMW M dealer network, BMW branches and BMW service partners.

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