2014 Paris Motor Show: BMW X5 eDrive Hybrid

BMW’s “green fleet” was represented at the 2014 Paris Motor Show not only by the BMW i3 and i8, but also by the BMW X5 eDrive Hybrid. With just a few months before its market debut, the plug-in hybrid X5 continues its auto show circuit and lands in Paris.

The X5 xDrive40e is the first hybrid X5 to be offered and it was previewed last year at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

The plugin hybrid will featured a four-cylinder petrol engine with turbocharging technology which generates, along with an electric motor, an output of 200 kW (272 hp). The standard sprint to 100 km/h is achieved by the BMW X5 xDrive40e in less than 7.0 seconds. Up to 120 km/h of pure electric drive is possible thanks to the 70 kW electric motor.

The seamless transition between electric, combined electric-petrol and pure petrol is remarkably smooth.

Visually, the plugin hybrid differs from the “regular X5″ mainly through an additional opening at the front left fender where the engineers placed a power connector for charging the high-voltage battery, which is housed in the rear of the vehicle.

To manage battery capacity BMW has created three drive modes for the X5 eDrive, Intelligent Hybrid, Pure Electric, and Save Battery. It is the Save Battery mode that highlights how BMW expects the vehicle to be used. Going into Save Battery mode restricts the use of battery capacity – allowing for a reserve to complete a journey in pure electric mode inside a city core for example.

By: Unknown On 17:51

Continue Reading

BMW Exhibit at 2014 Paris Motor Show – VIDEO

Yesterday, the 2014 Paris Motor Show opened its doors to tens of thousands of journalists from around the world and tomorrow, the public days will add at least another 1 million visitors over the next few weeks.

BMW was one of the show’s main highlights with three world premiers: the new BMW X6, 2 Series Convertibleand M4 Convertible.

MINI is also active at the Parisian show with the world debut at the five-door Hatchback debut and the MINI Superleggera Vision Concept.

Here are the video highlights:

By: Unknown On 18:00

Continue Reading

2014 Paris Motor Show: MINI Superleggera Shows Us Future MINI Design

The MINI Superleggera Vision Concept is also being displayed at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

Described as blending contemporary Britishness with traditional Italian design flair, the MINI Superleggera Vision is heavily rumoured to point to a new open-top MINI model that aims to be more successful than the current MINI Roadster.

The new roadster is also rumoured to hint at future MINI design and even uses an electric drivetrain that insiders suggest is a development of that used by the BMW i3.

The new Mini was conceived, created and produced in a project between its Munich-based design department and Touring Superleggera’s coach building works in Milan. The former led the styling of the low slung two seater, while the latter undertook its traditional hand shaped metal sheet construction. Many classic MINI design cues have been carried over, including a hexagonal shaped grille, oval shaped headlamps, bonnet stripes and multi-spoke wheels. They are combined with a series of traditional styling touches found on a long history of Touring Superleggera models.

The Superleggera Vision boasts classic roadster proportions with a long probing nose, cabin set well back within the wheelbase and a rear end with minimal overhang.

By: Unknown On 12:30

Continue Reading

2014 Paris Motor Show: MINI 5-door Hatchback – World Debut

The new 2015 MINI 5-door hatch joins the F56 hatch which was released earlier year. At the 2014 Paris Motor Show, the new five door MINI was introduced for the first time to the public.

The F55 MINI Hatchback five doors will go on sale later this year and builds atop the design and technology brought to the market by the F56 3-door model.

Its wheelbase has been expanded by 72 millimetres (to 2,567 millimetres) over the F56 model and creates space for three seats in the rear, with 72 millimetres more foot space and legroom, 15 millimetres more headroom and 61 millimetres more interior width at elbow height.

Market launch of the new MINI 5 door with four model variants (combined fuel consumption: 5.9 – 3.6 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 136 – 95 g/km); two petrol and two diesel engines of the new generation available with MINI Twin Power Turbo Technology; MINI Cooper 5 door with 100 kW/136 hp 3-cylinder petrol engine, MINI Cooper S 5 door with 141 kW/192 hp 4-cylinder petrol engine, MINI Cooper D 5 door with 3-cylinder diesel engine (85 kW/116 hp) and MINI Cooper SD 5 door featuring new 4-cylinder diesel engine presented for the first time with an output of 125 kW/170 hp.

The engines can be mated to a either 6-speed manual transmission, 6-speed Steptronic transmission or Steptronic sports transmission as an optional extra.

By: Unknown On 10:00

Continue Reading

2014 Paris Motor Show: The New BMW X6

Today, at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, the new BMW X6 took the front stage and was first unveiled to journalists from around the world.

Despite going through some design changes, the 2015 X6 is still recognizable as an X6, and now comes with a larger fascia and lots of dynamic lines running across the sides, or from the rear to the front. A chrome twin-kidney grille, the X-shaped intersecting elements on the front bumper, and a rear haunch now accentuated by a curved crease, show the X6 is just as interesting as the first generation E71.

The new X6 shares its hood, grille, and headlights with the F15 X5, and the short rear-end with the new, smaller X4. From far away, some people may have a hard time telling the two apart.

The front-end is dominated by the “Air Curtains” incorporated in the outboard intakes, and the fender-located “Air Breathers,” both functional and aesthetic.

Inside, the new X6 also takes some design cues from the X5, but with a more sporty angle. The cargo capacity is smaller than before, however, swallowing 53.9 cubic feet of stuff versus the previous model’s 59.7. The second row now folds in 40/20/40 sections.

For the U.S. market, BMW will offer the X6 with the sDrive35i(rear-wheel drive), xDrive35i and xDrive50i configuration. The 2015 BMW X6 sDrive35i and X6 xDrive35i are equipped with the 300-horsepower 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder engine.

The car displayed in Paris features the Design Pure Extravagance package and the launch colour Sparkling Storm. 

By: Unknown On 13:00

Continue Reading

2014 Paris Motor Show: BMW 2 Series Convertible World Debut

The second world début at the 2014 Paris Motor Show is the all-new BMW 2 Series Convertible. The second addition to the 2 Series family, or third if you count the 2 Series Active Tourer, the 2 Series Cabriolet joins the coupe in the new, refined, premium compact line-up.

The new BMW 2 Series convertible has some big shoes to fill: The predecessor sold worldwide more than 130,000 units and was the most successful car in its segment.

With an overall length of 4.43 meters, the 2 Series Convertible dominates its predecessor by 7.2 centimetres, while being 2.6 centimetres wider. BMW also promises more space for all occupants and has the boot volume increased by 30 litres to a total of 335 litres. With the roof open, there are 280 litres available, 20 litres more than the “old” BMW 1 Series Convertible E88.

Especially for people who occasionally want to transport bulky things with the roof closed, the increased load-through-flap in the back seat offers a significant value. For example, the new 2 Series Convertible allows the transport of two snowboards or two 46-inch golf bags.

The exterior design of the BMW 2 Series Convertible displays the typical characteristics of an open-top four-seater from the Bavarian brand. The BMW 2 Series Convertible combines a low-slung silhouette and dynamically stretched lines with compact proportions and powerfully contoured surfaces.

All-around modern engines with more power and lower fuel consumption are used that in the BMW 2 Series Convertible. Besides a manual six-speed gearbox available for all F23 variants, the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission can be selected as well.

When it comes to safety features and infotainment features, the new 2 Series is a step ahead of the E88 1 Series, by offering more standard and optional equipment than ever.

In terms of driving dynamics, the 2 Series Convertible offers an adaptive suspension that can be tuned to suit any driving style, from comfortable to super sporty, with a touch of a button. A 20 percent increase in torsional rigidity will take care of the most body roll and deliver a great driving experience.

The 2015 M235i and 228i as well as the 228i xDrive, featuring BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, will arrive in US showrooms in early 2015. The 2015 M235i and 228i as well as the 228i xDrive, featuring BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive system, will arrive in US showrooms in early 2015.

The 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible will be offered at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $38,850 for the 228i, $40,650 for the 228i xDrive, $48,650 for the M235i, including $950 destination and handling.

By: Unknown On 11:30

Continue Reading

2014 Paris Motor Show: Is this the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer F46?

BMW has announced two world premiers for the 2014 Paris Motor Show: the all-new BMW X6 SAV and the 2 Series Convertible. But the engineering wizards in Munich might have one more surprise for us, the début of the seven-seater BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.

The extended version of the F45 2 Series Active Tourer carries the internal codename F46 and the main distinguishing feature is a third row of seats. The F46 BMW 2 Series will come with two additional seats that can be folded to save space and provide a larger luggage compartment when needed.

In combination with the folding front passenger seat, the seven-seater van also offers a considerable loading length for the transport of bulky objects.

We expect the seven-seater 2 Series Active Tourer to come with a less steeply sloping roof line, which promises plenty of headroom in the third row of seats.

Engines and transmissions will be shared with his little brother, so expect a combination of three-and four-cylinder engines.

By: Unknown On 17:00

Continue Reading