Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.
Showing posts with label active tourer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label active tourer. Show all posts

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

BMW announces a whole host of updates, upgrades, new engines, more power, better kit and more for 2017.

  • New 340hp BMW M140i and BMW 240i M Performance models top BMW 1 and 2 Series ranges.
  • BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series now benefit from more powerful, efficient engines.
  • New BMW iPerformance range launched, including new 7 Series PHEV models with up to 29 miles all-electric range.
  • Superior connectivity for the six additional model ranges.
  • New equipment and personalisation options.
BMW is upgrading its product range for the 2017 model year with more efficient, stronger-performing new four- and six-cylinder engines for the BMW 1 and 2 Series, the introduction of a BMW iPerformance range of Plug-in-Hybrid models and improved connectivity systems for several model series.  


Debut of a new six-cylinder 340hp engine: Introducing the BMW M140i and M240i.

The pinnacle of the 2017 BMW 1 Series three-and five-door hatch ranges and the BMW 2 series Coupé and Convertible line-ups are the M Performance models. 

They are powered by a new 3.0-litre straight-six engine also employing TwinPower Turbo technology to develop a power increase of 14hp and torque increase of 50Nm delivering a maximum of 340hp and 500Nm of torque, ensuring instantaneous acceleration across almost the entire rev range.


Acceleration in the BMW M140i is achieved 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous model, the M135i and now has a zero to 62mph time of 4.6 seconds (automatic). 

The BMW M240i Coupé performs the same sprint in the same time with a reduction of 0.2 seconds from the previous M235i Coupé. 

The M240i Convertible goes from rest to 62mph in just 4.7 seconds yet at the same time there is a reduction of up to seven per cent in fuel consumption. 

Official figures for the BMW M140i hatchbacks and M240i Coupé are 36.2mpg (manual) or 39.8mpg (Sports Automatic), with respective CO2 figures of 179g/km and 163g/km. The M240i Convertible is capable of 34.0mpg in manual guise and 38.2mpg as an automatic, while their respective CO2 emissions are 189g/km and 169g/km.

Model
Price
from
OTR
Power
Hp
Torque
Nm
0 – 62mph SecondsTop Speed MphCombined MpgCO2 Emissions g/km
BMW M140i£31,8753405004.8 (4.6)155*36.2 (39.8)179 (163)
BMW M240i Coupé£35,0903405004.8 (4.6)155*36.2 (39.8)179 (163)
BMW M240i Convertible£38,5353405004.9 (4.7)155*34.0 (38.2)189 (169)
*Electronically-limited


This impressive demonstration of high performance mixed with parsimony is the result of painstaking attention to detail with every aspect of the powertrain. The compact size of the Twin Scroll turbocharger makes it extremely efficient, and it is linked to an indirect intercooler. 

The new M Performance models also feature electric wastegate control, a close-coupled catalytic converter, an on-demand cooling pump and map-controlled oil pump, electronic power steering, Auto Stop Start and Brake Energy Regeneration.

The six-speed manual transmission includes an engagement control function which blips the throttle on downshifts for increased smoothness and sportiness. 

The optional eight-speed Sport Automatic gearbox now has a wider spread of ratios to enhance efficiency and is capable of multiple downshifts for greater responsiveness. 

It incorporates Launch Control with a predictive shift strategy, all linked to the navigation system so that the car can extract every last fraction of performance when accelerating from standstill. 

A rev-linked vibration damper enhances smoothness and improves the rich sounds the driver hears, further aided by an acoustic shield beneath the bonnet.

OTR prices for the BMW M140i starts at £31,875, the BMW M240i Coupé costs £35,090 and the Convertible is listed at £38,535.

BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series now benefit from more efficient engines.
With the arrival of the 2017 model year BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch and 2 Series Coupé and Convertible, BMW completes the introduction of the highly efficient new Baukasten 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to all variants in both ranges.

The 2.0-litre engines employ BMW TwinPower Turbo technology incorporating a Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection and VALVETRONIC and Double VANOS valve control. 

They are available in 20i, 25i and 30i guises, delivering between 6hp and 7hp more than the units they supersede at 184hp, 224hp and 252hp respectively. The introduction of Baukasten engines sees the 20i upgraded to twin exhaust tailpipes.

Model
Price
from
OTR
Power
Hp
Torque
Nm
0 – 62mph SecondsTop Speed MphCombined MpgCO2 Emissions g/km
BMW 120i£23,980184290 (270)7.1143 (140)47.1 (48.7)138 (133)
BMW 125i£28,6102243106.115147.9134
BMW 220i£26,865184290 (270)7.1 (7.2)146 (143)47.1 (48.7)138 (133)
BMW 230i£29,7102523505.8 (5.6)15544.1 (47.9)147 (134)


Acceleration times with the new engines are trimmed and fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions also fall in many models, in some cases by up to 17g/km, with advantages for Benefit-in-Kind taxation and Vehicle Excise Duty.

An eight-speed Sport Automatic transmission becomes standard for the 125i, while on the BMW 2 Series Coupé and Convertible a 230i takes the place of the former 228i.

Prices start at £23,980 OTR for the new BMW 1 Series, £26,865 OTR for the BMW 2 Series Coupé and £29,830 OTR for the Convertible. 

New BMW iPerformance range launched including new 7 Series PHEV models with up to 29 miles all-electric range.
At the 2016 Geneva Motor Show BMW announced a new iPerformance range of electrified fuel-saving, emissions-reducing models. 

They will take technologies developed for BMW i and introduce them into mainstream models, in much the same way as BMW's M Performance employ the design and engineering expertise of BMW M. 

Three of these plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models – the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, BMW 330e saloon and BMW X5 xDrive40e – are already on sale. They are now to be joined by the BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive saloons, all to be sold under the new iPerformance banner.

Externally, iPerformance cars are identifiable only by eDrive badges on the C-pillars, the charging point flap on the nearside front wing and, in some cases, i badges on the front wings. Customers can, however, specify iPerformance exterior styling at no additional cost. This consists of blue slats on the BMW kidney grille and blue alloy wheel hubs. Internally, iPerformance models have eDrive menus in the black panel display and, in most cases, eDrive designation on the door sills.

All iPerformance models benefit from the advanced electronic motors, high-performance lithium-ion batteries and intelligent energy management systems developed by BMW for the all-electric i3 and plug-in hybrid i8.

In the BMW 740e and BMW 740Le xDrive the combination of a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and a synchronised electric motor produces a combined 326hp, with spontaneous delivery and exemplary efficiency. 

They are capable of covering up to 29 miles on electric power alone – sufficient for the majority of urban commutes – while CO2 emissions are between 49 and 56g/km and fuel consumption is from 134.5 to 113mpg.

OTR prices for the BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive start from £68,330 and £74,880 and are available in the Exclusive or M Sport trim.

Superior connectivity for additional six model ranges.
Six additional model ranges now benefit from the latest iDrive interface and enhanced connectivity services. 

Originally introduced on the BMW 7 Series and added to the BMW 6 Series, X3 and X5 in March/April 2016, it will now be available on the BMW 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, X5 and X6 ranges. Incorporated into the BMW Professional media system, the latest iDrive interface and enhanced connectivity provides a simpler menu navigation requiring fewer clicks to move between key sections such as map view, messages, entertainment and media and an increase in RAM to improve performance. 

This new system also allows the wireless integration of selected third party applications from a compatible mobile device.

In addition to the already standard Bluetooth connectivity this can be further enhanced by opting for the new Enhanced Bluetooth which alongside the upgraded BMW Professional Navigation system now includes Wireless Charging, WiFi Hotspot preparation and an additional USB socket. 

The new Enhanced Bluetooth with Wireless Charging is offered as standard on all BMW 6 Series and 7 Series models as well as the M3, M4, X5M and X6M.

Accessing a library of over 30 million tracks available to stream at any time as part of BMW Online Entertainment is now even easier thanks to the new Connected Music feature. This introduces the additional option, when listening to the radio, of recognising the track, artist or album. 

The listener can then search for and stream other music by that artist or music of the same genre.

New equipment and personalisation options.

BMW pioneered the idea of the personalised car, and now takes it a step further with the 2017 model year versions.

Black Dakota leather upholstery with blue contrast stitching becomes an option on all BMW 3 and 4 Series M Sport models, and Venetian Beige Dakota leather upholstery contrasting with the black interior carpets for an elegant appearance is offered on the BMW 3 and 4 Series cars. 

For the BMW X5 and X6, the tilting monitors with the optional DVD and MP3 rear seat entertainment system have been increased in size from 9.2 to 10.2 inches, with higher resolution, while the DVD player is now compatible with BluRay and features an HDMI input to connect external devices.

An M Sport version of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer Plug-in-Hybrid has been introduced at £34,405 OTR before Government Plug-in Car grant. There are revised colour options for several models.

A BMW Individual leather steering wheel becomes standard on all BMW 3 and 4 Series Luxury models; there is a new Exclusive trim level available for the 7 Series models, while Executive Lounge seating and Executive Lounge package is available on long-wheelbase versions. In addition to this, the 7 Series Executive package has been renamed the Premium package which now includes Climate Comfort laminated windows and windscreen.

Finally, there is a new M Sport Plus package available on various models including the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the X5 and the BMW X6. 

This package includes the Harman/kardon Loudspeaker system and sun protection glass across all three models, 20-inch light alloy M Double-spoke style 303M on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and 20-inch light alloy M Double-spoke style 469M on the BMW X5 and BMW X6. The pack also includes Head-up Display and a Speed-limit display for both the BMW X5 and BMW X6.

Sunday, 22 November 2015

BMW boosts PHEV range with a host of new and improved models.

  • BMW to offer five PHEV vehicles in the range
  • BMW 7 Series line-up strengthened by six additional models
  • M Sport arrives on the new BMW X1
  • The BMW i3 offered with a sportier edge
  • BMW scoops more awards
BMW to offer five PHEV vehicles in the range  
Launched earlier this year, the new BMW X5 xDrive40e Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) was the first such production car from the BMW core brand. Within the next 12 months BMW will offer an additional four PHEVs to broaden the opportunity to drive ultra low emission vehicles with all electric drive capability.

The four new PHEV models indebted to the BMW i brand for technology come in the shape of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, BMW 330e Saloon, and the BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive from the marque’s flagship model. This means BMW will soon offer innovative PHEV technology in everything from compact models through to luxury-class cars.
ModelPower
Hp
Torque
Nm
0 – 62mph
Seconds
Top Speed
Mph
Combined
Mpg
CO2
Emissions g/km
OTR
Price
X5 xDrive40ePetrol: 245
Electric: 113
Total system output: 313
Petrol: 350
Electric: 250
Combined:450
6.8130mph (Electric only:75)85.677£51,845
225xePetrol: 136
Electric: 88
Total output: 224
Petrol: 220
Electric: 165
Combined: 385
6.7126mph (Electric only: 78)141.246£35,005
330ePetrol: 184
Electric: 88
Total system output: 252
Petrol: 290
Electric: 250
Combined: 252
6.1140
(Electric only: 74.6)
148.744£33,935
740e*Petrol: TBC
Electric: TBC
Total system output: 326
Petrol: TBC
Electric: TBC
Combined: 500
5.6
149
(Electric only:75)
134.549TBC
740Le xDrive*Petrol: TBC
Electric: TBC
Total system output: 326
Petrol: TBC
Electric: TBC
Combined: 500
5.5149
(Electric only: 75)
122.853TBC
*Subject to confirmation.
Combining the versatility and luxury of the X5, along with the superb traction provided by the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, with BMW EfficientDynamics eDrive technology allows for outstanding efficiency too. With a total system output of 313hp generated by a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor, the BMW X5 xDrive40e achieves a combined fuel consumption 85.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 78g/km.
With a standard equipment list that includes 18-inch alloy wheels, two-zone air conditioning, front and rear PDC, Dakota leather upholstery, Xenon headlights, heated front seats, BMW Professional Navigation, 40:20:40 split folding seats, Real Time Traffic information, pre-conditioning, BMW Emergency Call and eDrive services.
The BMW X5 XDrive40e went on sale this month with prices starting from £51,845 OTR for the X5 XDrive40e and £56,545 OTR for the X5 xDrive40e M Sport.
Joining this BMW X5 derivative from March 2016 will be the new 225xe Active Tourer PHEV. Offered in two trim levels, the Sport model will cost £35,005 OTR and the 225xe Luxury will be sold for £35,755 OTR. However, a government grant is currently available which will reduce the price for customers by £5,000 respectively.
The BMW 225xe – a BMW 2 Series Active Tourer variant with eDrive offers a combination of sporting ability, economy and everyday practicality unique in its segment. 
The PHEV model fuses BMW eDrive technology with a front mounted transverse three-cylinder petrol engine and a front-wheel-drive configuration for the first time; the electric motor powering the rear wheels makes for an electrified all-wheel-drive system that is unique in this segment.
Producing a total output of 224hp (a combination of the three-cylinder combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, 136hp and an electric motor developing 88hp) and a peak torque of 385Nm. Its combined fuel consumption of 141.2mpg makes the 225xe PHEV one of the best in its class.
The BMW 3 Series Saloon is BMW’s biggest selling vehicle and has always been at the forefront of the EfficientDynamics programme of improving fuel consumption and lower emissions. So it is only right that the new PHEV BMW 330e Saloon is offered.
The 330e Saloon will offer a startling combined fuel consumption of 148.7mpg and CO2 emissions from 44g/km when it joins the range in 2016. It can be specified in SE, Sport, Luxury or M Sport and all wheel sizes to still stay under the vital 49g/km CO2 threshold.
The car’s state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid technology marries a 184hp 2.0-litre petrol engine with an 80kW electric motor. The combined output of 252hp and maximum torque of 420Nm gives the BMW 330e a zero to 62mph acceleration time of just 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 140mph. Yet the model is also capable of travelling up to approximately 25 miles in all-electric mode, and therefore emits zero local emissions when used in this manner.
The BMW 330e Saloon is eligible for congestion charge exemption and is expected to also be eligible for the Government’s Plug in Car Grant (PiCG) representing a significant saving on the purchase price. It is on sale now priced from £33,935 OTR with the first customers getting their cars in April 2016.
The final PHEVs to join the fold within the next year will be  for the luxury saloon segment: the BMW 740e and the BMW 740Le xDrive. 
The intelligently controlled interaction between a 2.0-litre petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric drive unit integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission endows the BMW 740e with dynamic acceleration yet very low consumption and emissions figures in everyday driving. 
While producing a total system output of 326hp, both cars return a combined fuel consumption of 134.5mpg and CO2 emissions of just 49g/km.*
The BMW 740e and the BMW 740Le xDrive will go on sale Summer 2016. Prices to be announced at a later date.
BMW 7 Series line-up strengthened by six additional models
November 2015 sees the introduction of six new models to the BMW 7 Series range to underscore the sporting and luxurious nature of this multi-faceted vehicle.  
The new BMW 750i is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 443bhp. The 740d xDrive and 740Ld xDrive both use a 3.0-litre straight six, producing 315hp. With acceleration from zero to 62mph in 5.2 and 5.3 seconds respectively, the 650Nm torque ensures a smooth delivery of power. 
Emitting just 134g/m and 137g/m CO2and returning 55.4mpg for the 740d xDrive and 55.3mpg for the 740Ld xDrive. These impressive economy figures stem from BMW EfficientDynamics technology and the BMW EfficientLightweight concept. 
The BMW EfficientLightweight concept means that the models in the new BMW 7 Series line-up are up to 130kg lighter than their predecessors, despite boasting a significantly greater number of comfort and safety features.
These six new models are on sale from December. Prices start from £72,060 OTR.
ModelPower
Hp
Torque
Nm
0 – 62mph SecondsTop Speed MphCombined MpgCO2 Emissions g/kmOTR Price
750i4496504.7155*34.9186£76,320
750i M Sport4496504.7155*34.9186£79,970
740d xDrive3206805.2155*55.4134£72,060
740d xDrive M Sport3206805.2155*55.4134£75,525
740Ld xDrive3206805.3155*54.3137£75,825
740Ld xDrive M Sport3206805.3155*54.3137£79,675
*Electronically limited.
M Sport arrives on the new BMW X1
The smallest member of the BMW X family, the X1, is the latest model to be enhanced with the addition of the popular M Sport specification. In addition to SE models, the M Sport offers 18-inch light alloy wheels (M Double-spoke style), LED headlights, M Sport Aerodynamic bodystyling, M Sports suspension, M Sport steering wheel finished in Nappa leather, Sports seats in Cloth/Alcantara, heated front seats and LED ambient lighting in door trim amongst other features.
Also arriving in November is the X1 xDrive18d model, this will be available in SE, Sport, xLine and M Sport trims with both manual and automatic transmission. The addition of xDrive doesn’t hamper the cars economy with it returning 60.1mpg and emitting 124g/m CO2 on the combined cycle.
Prices for the new BMW X1 xDrive18d start from £28,280 OTR for a BMW X1 xDrive 18d SE derivative. M Sport specification costs £3,000 more than a standard car.

The BMW i3 offered with a sportier edge
A new Sport package is now available for the BMW i3 enabling further customisation of the car.  For those customers seeking a more unique look, a choice of 19-inch alloy wheels, sun protection glass, LED headlights and the Harman/Kardon Loudspeaker system can be specified– all for a total of £1,700. This represents a 26 per cent saving to the customer worth £610 compared to buying each option separately.
Customers also now have a choice of three new colours for the BMW i3; Fluid Black, Mineral Grey and Platinum Silver which all come with the BMW i Blue highlight. Fluid Black allows the i3 exterior to be specified in all black for the first timewith BMW i Blue highlight.
BMW scoops more awards
Research into more than 650,00 cars operated by the country’s biggest 50 leasing companies has found that once again, the BMW 3 Series range is the most reliable model in the 2015 FN50 survey, whilst BMW has also retained the title of the most reliable manufacturer.
The FN50 reliability survey, undertaken by Fleet News, asks contract hire companies to assess reliability according to warranty claims and the number of breakdowns per model on their fleet.  The majority of the vehicles surveyed are used for business and are subjected to higher than average mileage and are constantly used in all conditions.  This testing environment means that winning the FN50 is a true testament to the reliability of the BMW range and specifically the BMW 3 Series.
Richard Hudson, Sales Director at BMW UK, said: “BMW is renowned for producing award-winning cars, but when the sample size is a car parc of 650,000 vehicles and we come out on top it is especially satisfying.
“To be honoured as the most reliable car among contract hire companies and the most reliable brand in the overall survey is a fantastic result and underscores the expertise
of our renowned engineers in developing class-leading products.”

BMW Group has also been awarded the overall winner at the Engine of the Year Awards 2015 scooping up a total of four wins in the latest International Engine of the Year Awards. The drive unit in the BMW i8 earned two class wins as well as being declared overall winner, with a further class win being garnered by the engine of the BMW M3 and BMW M4. The International Engine of the Year Awards were launched in 1999 and consist of a panel of 65 motoring journalists from 31 countries.
The title of ‘Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year’ has been presented by Green Fleet magazine in recognition of the success of EfficientDynamics technologies in reducing emissions across the BMW range. The new 3 Series ED Plus Saloon was singled out for praise for its impressive fuel consumption of 74mpg. The category was said to be the most competitive category from the awards with manufactures such as Jaguar, Mercedes, Audi, Citroen and Ford also shortlisted.
Elsewhere, the all-electric BMW i3 scooped the award for Green Car of the Year, for the second consecutive year at the Auto Express New Car Awards 2015.  Praised for its cutting edge technology, value for money and affordable running costs, the BMW i3 remains the car of choice in the small electric car market. The Auto Express judges said “The i3 is easily one of the most user-friendly electric cars on sale today”.
Auto Express has also celebrated Britain’s best used cars and have awarded the new BMW 3 Series for the Best Compact Executive Car for 2015. It has been commended for its high quality interior and for its reputation in creating driving enjoyment.