After nealry 2 decades the 8-Series is back and back with a bang as BMBW launch this beautiful coupe.

The BMW Group is using this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este to unveil the BMW Concept 8 Series, the essence of a modern-day BMW coupe wrapped up in an enthralling design study. The study car will serve as a taster of a forthcoming BMW model – the new BMW 8 Series Coupe, slated for launch in 2018 and part of the biggest model offensive in the company’s history. 

The NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy sees the BMW Group aiming to significantly increase sales and revenues in the luxury class, and the BMW 8 Series Coupe plays an important role here. “The number 8 has always represented the pinnacle of sports performance and exclusivity at BMW,” explains Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG Harald Krüger. 

“The forthcoming BMW 8 Series Coupe will demonstrate that razor-sharp dynamics and modern luxury can go hand-in-hand. This will be the next model in the expansion of our luxury-car offering and will raise the benchmark for coupes in the segment. In the process, we will strengthen our claim to leadership in the luxury class.”

The BMW Concept 8 Series reveals much of what is to come. “The BMW Concept 8 Series is our take on a full-blooded high-end driving machine,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “It is a luxurious sports car which embodies both unadulterated dynamics and modern luxury like arguably no other. For me, it’s a slice of pure automotive fascination.”

The exterior brings together the past and the future. The BMW Concept 8 Series is immediately recognisable as a BMW, but also displays new design ideas and form-building techniques. “The design of the BMW Concept 8 Series provides a fresh interpretation of iconic BMW styling cues,” adds van Hooydonk. 

“And it also showcases a new approach to the use of forms which is reflected particularly prominently in the car’s surfacing. A handful of crisp lines mark out clear surfaces, and the car’s volumes are powerfully sculpted. Together, these elements make a forceful statement and create a model brimming with character. In short, this is a driver’s car.”

The flanks: expansive surfaces set within a sporting outline. 

The silhouette of the BMW Concept 8 Series spreads low and powerfully over the road. The interplay of a long bonnet and flowing roofline bring dynamic allure to the car’s flanks, while the striking upward sweep of the concept’s trailing edge provides a crisp conclusion to the car’s rearward flow and adds another sporting flourish.

Within the car’s silhouette, the refreshingly clean yet also dramatic arrangement of surfaces and forms catches the eye and creates a crisp, modern look. The sharply drawn lines coursing over taut volumes represent a visual promise of the vividly dynamic driving experience that awaits.

A look at the details reveals two expressively styled character lines providing the border for surfacing that appears to be formed by air rushing out of the Air Breathers. Further back, the eye is guided to the pronounced flaring above the rear wheels. The flanks as a whole draw attention to a new aspect of BMW’s expertise in the execution of surfaces. Skilfully moulded line sources and flowing highlights accentuate the athletic contours of the BMW Concept 8 Series. 

And the exclusively developed exterior paint finish Barcelona Grey Liquid – a greyish-blue with highly iridescent pigments – shows off the surfacing to optimum effect. Large (21-inch) light-alloy wheels feature a sporty and exclusive multi-spoke design and aero elements, generate visual depth and set the seal of the compelling appearance of the car when viewed in profile.

The front end: sporty, low-slung and visually striking. A large kidney grille, slim twin headlights and large air intakes form a striking, sporty front-end graphic. The classic BMW template has a fresh interpretation here, taking the company’s design language in a different direction. For example, the two kidneys are very low to the road and spread broadly across the front end. 

Taking inspiration from BMW coupes of years past, the kidneys are brought together by an unbroken frame to form a single large element. The grille widens as it extends downwards, emphasising the dynamic character of the BMW Concept 8 Series. Together with super-slim laser headlights and the hexagonal take on the “twin circular” theme, it brings a focused look to the front end.

The large side air intakes in the front apron intensify the car’s wide, sporting stance on the road and promise a very pure dynamic experience. The carbon-fibre element between them underlines the car’s sporty, high-performance character.

The rear: bold and modern. Emotional surfacing also dominates at the rear of the BMW Concept 8 Series, creating a low, highly sculpted tail with maximum width-enhancing effect. The rear is defined by the interplay between volumes and lines, which extend around from the flanks and shape the rear section of the car. 

The powerful wheel arches hint at the car’s dynamic talents and advertise its rear-wheel drive. And the tapering of the passenger cell and the car’s wide track shine a particularly vivid spotlight on this area of the car.

The slim, stretched-out rear lights extend far into the sides of the car and provide a connection between the rear and flanks. The lights themselves take the form of L-shaped blades and project out from the rear. They emphasise the width of the car and its muscular stance on the road, and their slender form gives the rear an ultra-sporty and modern flavour.

The dark, stylised carbon-fibre diffuser in the lower section of the rear apron adds extra lightness and a sportier feel to the rear graphic. Large, trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes frame the rear section and point to the dynamic driving experience to come. 

The interior: an emotionally rich blend of dynamics and luxury. The interior focuses on the essential: the task of driving. Once behind the wheel, the driver is wrapped in the tightly enclosed ambience typical of sports cars. 

The surfaces and lines all gravitate forwards and underscore the dynamic driving experience. The grouping of functions into control clusters, e.g. in the centre stack, the centre console and the doors, gives the interior a clear graphic structure.

Among the standout design elements in the interior are the fluid transition from the instrument panel into the doors and the sporty, enveloping feel of the interior. This impression is magnified by the smooth connection between the centre console and instrument panel, which together form the nucleus of the interior. The high centre console and the instrument panel’s low visual focus add further emphasis to the snug and sporty feeling of space.

The interior of the BMW Concept 8 Series actively explores the contrasts between emotion and engineering, dynamic flair and luxury; its form suggests supreme sportiness, while exquisite materials exude exclusivity and high-grade design. For example, all of the driver’s contact points with the car are brimming with sporting character. 

The exclusive sports seats are slim in design, the carbon-fibre shell providing the basic structure and the finest leather making them the perfect place to sit. The steering wheel continues along similar lines, its hand-polished aluminium spokes arrowing forward purposefully, and the red-anodised shift paddles bring the race track to mind. The contrast of aluminium and dark leather on the gripping surfaces emphasises this luxurious sense of sportiness in various details.

Merino leather in Dark Brown and Fjord White lends the interior a high-quality ambience. Accent surfaces in carbon fibre and hand-polished aluminium create deliberate contrasts and radiate a sporty and technical feel. Plus, a faceted ground gearshift lever and the iDrive Controller made from Swarovski glass with a smoky quartz look treat the interior to some modern and classy finishing touches.

A sign of things to come. The BMW Concept 8 Series is a preview of a model which BMW is set to introduce in a similar form in the coming year. The BMW 8 Series Coupe will build on the company’s successful tradition of luxurious sports cars and adds another exciting model – a genuine dream car – to its existing luxury-class line-up.

The BMW 8 Series Coupe will bring together razor-sharp dynamics and modern luxury, and set new benchmarks in the luxury coupe segment.

USA - The latest updated BMW 2-Series Coupe and COnvertible moves the model into luxury territory.

• New color offerings including Mediterranean Blue Metallic, Seaside Blue Metallic and Sunset Orange Metallic.
• New standard 17-inch Double-Spoke Bi-Color wheel on 230i models and 18-inch M Double-Spoke Bi-Color wheel on M240i models.
• Updated interior design and materials.
• Fresh look with new LED headlamps and tail lamps.

Today, BMW announces the latest BMW 2 Series, a model that has earned not only the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick+” but also winning the inaugural JD Powers Tech Experience Index Study (TXI) in the “Best Small Premium Segment”. 

Renowned for embracing BMW’s traditional driving character, the BMW 2 Series features the latest generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder inline engines, that paired with specifically tuned chassis and suspension promotes a driving experience that fuels sporting ambition. 

The new BMW 2 Series will be available in the US as Coupe and Convertible 230i and M240i models, which can be specified with xDrive, BMW’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System. Pricing for the new BMW 2 Series will be announced closer to market launch in July, 2017.

The BMW 2 Series Coupe.

In 2014, the BMW 2 Series Coupe was launched in the US as 228i and M235i model variants. This successor to the successful 1 Series Coupe will continue the decades-long tradition of premium sub-compact coupes with impeccable driving dynamics. The BMW coupe, a two-door body with classical three-box design, four seats and rear-wheel drive is 174.7 inch-long (BMW M240i: 175.9 inch), with a trunk capacity of 13.8 cubic feet.

The BMW 2 Series Convertible.

Combining the coupe’s driving dynamics with the option of open-air pleasure, the BMW 2 Series Convertible will be available as a 230i and M240i models, also available with BMW’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System. Short overhangs, a long trunk a set-back passenger compartment, a long wheelbase and a wide track produce the classical proportions of a BMW convertible. The electrically operated fabric soft-top slips down into the body to create a boat-deck look and offers excellent acoustic comfort when closed thanks to additional insulation. The roof can be opened while driving – at speeds of up to 30 mph.

Exterior and lighting design.

A low-slung silhouette, dynamically stretched lines with compact proportions and powerfully contoured surfaces accentuate the sporting credentials and elegance of both the BMW 2 Series Coupe and BMW 2 Series Convertible. The new BMW 2 Series features a new and more striking front end for both models featuring new LED headlamps.

LED light graphic creates a sharper gaze.

Twin headlights help ensure the front end embraces BMW legacy. The BMW 2 Series Coupe and BMW 2 Series Convertible are now equipped with new Bi-LED headlights as standard. The headlights are composed of a familiar silhouette: flat-bottomed headlight tubes encircled by daytime running light rings and a dynamic cropped look produced by the characteristic “eyebrow” design. Adaptive LED headlights can also be specified, featuring their eye-catching light graphic strengthening the dynamic and technical impression created by the front end. The familiar twin-circular-headlight look has a hexagonal interpretation, creating a more precise appearance. On 230i models, LED front fog lamps are standard.

The kidney grille emphasizes the broader stance of the front facia of the new BMW 2 Series. The links between the headlights and the kidney grille combined with the light graphic, ensure the nose of the Coupe and Convertible projects a sportier impression. The outer air intakes in the three-section front end are now larger, while two horizontal bars emphasize the cars’ powerful stance on the road. The rear of the BMW 2 Series Coupe and BMW 2 Series Convertible cuts a wide and muscular figure. Its stylistic impact is reinforced by the single-piece rear lights (LEDs as standard) with hallmark BMW L-shape, which extend well into the flanks.

New light-alloy wheels, new paint finishes.

Three new colors – a darker Mediterranean Blue Metallic and a lighter Seaside Blue Metallic, plus the bold Sunset Orange – have been added to the pallet of exterior paint shades available for the Coupe and Convertible. This brings the number of available exterior paint finishes to 11.

The range of light-alloy wheels has also been expanded. The 230i comes standard with a 17-inch Double-Spoke wheel (Style 725) with Bi-Color all-season run-flat tires. The M240i features an 18-inch M Double-Spoke (Style 719M) Bi-Color non-run-flat performance tires as standard. If equipped with the M Sport package, the 230i models will be equipped with18-inch M Light-Alloy Double-Spoke (Style 461M) M Ferric Grey Metallic wheels or 18-inch Double-Spoke (Style 461M) wheels with all-season tires. Both the Track Handling Package and the M Sport Package provide customers the ability to order 18-inch Alloy Ferric Grey (Style 461M) wheels with non-run-flat Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

The new BMW 2 Series, Coupe and Convertible come standard with Sport Line and the 17-inch Double-Spoke wheel. The optional Luxury Line allow customers to specify their vehicle with a 17-inch 725 Sport design. A new wheel Style 719 M 18-inch M Double-Spoke wheels are available on M240i models (Bi-Color with all season run-flats; Jet Black with non-run-flats or Jet Black with all-season non-run-flats).

Interior and equipment.

A completely redesigned instrument panel highlight a driver-focused layout. New materials highlighting the exclusive character of the BMW 2 Series Coupe and BMW 2 Series Convertible.

New-look instrument panel produces a great sense of spaciousness.

The instrument panel’s makeover completely changes the overall impression created by the new BMW 2 Series cabin. The elegant design is enhanced by a roomier, wider built. Sport Line, which is standard on all models, features contrast stitching for the seams. The center stack, which houses the control panels for the radio and climate control systems, have a high-gloss black finish that gives the main element nestled between the central display and transmission tunnel an even more exclusive and sophisticated feel. The cupholders located in the center storage compartment can be concealed by a sliding lid, while the window switches in the doors now have chrome edging. Attention to detail allow the glove compartment to seamlessly blend into the interior styling. The air conditioning system’s vents have also been redesigned to create additional room.

The new BMW 2 Series comes standard with Sport Line which can be specified with Black with red contrast stitching if desired. Customers can choose between SensaTec, available in Black and Oyster, and leather and all models can now be ordered with Dakota Leather seats in Cognac. Luxury Line is also available with the Luxury Package adding Fineline Stream Wood Trim with Pearl Chrome highlights or Fineline Pure Wood Trim with Pear Chrome highlight. Overall, customers can choose from five different leather offerings, Aluminum interior strips and Fineline wood accents with High-Gloss Black being standard.

Engines, powertrain, chassis.

The new BMW 2 Series Coupe and BMW 2 Series Convertible are available as 230i and M240i models. The 4-cylinder produces 248 hp while the M Performance model features a 6-cylinder engine that generates 335 hp. The Convertible is also available in extra-sporty BMW M Performance trim. These engines are from the latest BMW EfficientDynamics engine family and feature BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

The new BMW 2 Series comes standard with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. The Steptronic Sport also allows drivers looking for a sportier drive to change gear manually using shift paddles next to the steering wheel, as well as laying on smooth automatic gear changes. Also available is a 6-speed manual gearbox on 230i and M240i model variants.

Intelligent all-wheel drive provides optimum power transfer.

The BMW 2 Series is available with xDrive, BMW’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System. This system is available in both Coupe and Convertible and offers specific benefits – such as optimum power transfer under acceleration and through corners, unbeatable driving safety and maximum traction in wintry conditions or on wet roads. BMW xDrive also reduces understeer and oversteer through corners, enhancing the overall dynamic experience throughout the year.

Advanced suspension technology, even weight distribution.

The BMW 2 Series Coupe and BMW 2 Series Convertible feature sophisticated suspension technology, including a double-joint spring strut front axle with anti-roll bars, plus a five-link rear axle. Large sections of the cars’ suspension are made of aluminum. A low center of gravity, wide track, and almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution all play their part in delivering outstanding dynamics and handling properties – and they are backed up by energy-efficient and precise electromechanical power steering.

BMW ConnectedDrive.

The new BMW 2 Series Coupe and BMW 2 Series Convertible come complete with various assistance systems, the latest-generation iDrive control technology, and an extensive range of connectivity features to help the driver focus on the task at hand and enjoy the drive to the maximum.

Touchscreen for simple operation.

The new BMW 2 Series features the latest BMW user interface available, iDrive 6.0. The standard 6.6-inch screen can be enhanced with Navigation and allow drivers to engage with the vehicles operating system not only via iDrive controller but also voice command and touch. The 8.8-inch high-resolution central display with optional Navigation System available adds Touchscreen technology to both 230i and M240i models. Users can swipe their fingers to move between the various different categories and subsections efficiently. Based on customer preference, the system will switch between the Touchscreen, natural Voice Control or the iDrive Touch Controller, depending on the method chosen. The new and improved Voice Control function now allows users to naturally phrase any request or command, which the system will execute.

Perfectly connected in every way.

Thanks to the standard built-in SIM card in the BMW 2 Series, ConnectedDrive provides optimum connectivity and access to BMW services without having to rely on the customer’s smartphone. Featuring ARTTI (Advanced Real Time Traffic Information) a smarter, more efficient way around traffic jams can be displayed. Hazard reports and rain are shown on the map in the vehicle’s display, while a warning and message appear on the navigation map when approaching the location of the danger.

On-Street Parking Information (OSPI) service uses the Navigation system Professional display to indicate the probability of finding an available roadside parking space. This cutting-edge technology helps to alleviate the problem of vehicles searching for a parking space, which accounts for a large part of traffic congestion in metropolitan areas. OSPI works similar to the Advanced Real Time Traffic Information system, using historical and current data to draw conclusions regarding the availability of parking spaces on route within the coverage area. The system then uses a model to predict the odds of finding an open parking spot. A color coding on the navigation map displays the systems suggestions.

BMW Connected seamlessly integrates the BMW 2 Series into the user’s life via touchpoints such as an iPhone, Apple Watch, and Android smartphone. The BMW Connected App is the bridge to seamlessly integrate what are arguably two of most important devices in a person’s life: their vehicle and their smartphone. Never worry about being late or entering in destinations in the vehicle. The BMW Connected App will notify users when to leave for an appointment and pull the address information directly into the vehicle’s navigation system.

BMW Connected detects and shares information between the user’s vehicle and phone, such as the addresses of appointments calendar. The user then receives a message on their smartphone notifying them in advance of the ideal departure time based on real-time traffic information. In addition, places the user drives to regularly and personal mobility patterns are also stored automatically. This means that manually entering destination addresses in the navigation system is set to largely become a thing of the past. If navigation details such as the destination address and desired arrival time have already been set outside the vehicle on the user’s smartphone, the link between phone and car will allow BMW Connected to transfer the information seamlessly and make it available to the BMW navigation system.

BMW Connected and the Remote Services allow BMW 2 Series drivers to stay in touch with their car at all times, no matter where they are. They can control the ventilation, lock and unlock the doors, and call up vehicle-related information quickly and easily using their smartphone. BMW Connected can also help locate the associated vehicle on the map if needed. Additionally, the vehicle’s horn can be activated and the headlights flashed remotely.

Wireless charging and complete smartphone integration.

Available on both the 230i and M240i models, the optional Wireless Charging allows for wireless charging via an inductive charging tray located in the center console in front of the cupholders. A wireless charging case is available from the Original BMW Accessories range for phones that are not yet compatible with this charging technology. Apple CarPlay compatibility is also available in the BMW 2 Series integrating the smartphone into the vehicle’s iDrive system allows the phone, together with apps that have been approved by Apple for CarPlay, to be operated via the screen in the car by means of the iDrive Controller or Touch screen. BMW is the first carmaker to integrate Apple CarPlay completely wirelessly.

Strain-relieving driver assistance systems.

When driving long distances or in heavy city traffic, assistance systems relieve the strain on the driver by assisting with routine tasks or taking intervening action if required. The list of assistance systems available for BMW 2 Series models includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function. This system enables the vehicle to automatically move along with the flow of traffic on the highways, braking or accelerating depending on the traffic situation. If necessary, the vehicle can come to a full stop. The system alerts the driver and then applies the brakes if it detects an obstacle and the driver fails to react. 

The optional Driving Assistant Package comprises the Lane Departure Warning system and City Collision Mitigation, which applies the brakes automatically at speeds up to 37 mph in response to an imminent collision with a car, motorcycle or pedestrian, for instance. The Parking Assistant, meanwhile, maneuvers the car into parking spots that are either parallel or perpendicular to the road. Its ultrasonic sensors help to search for suitable spaces while travelling at up to 22 mph.

BMW M240i: BMW M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology.

The BMW M240i is powered by a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder inline engine complete with direct injection, M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology with twin-scroll turbocharging, fully variable valve lift (VALVETRONIC) and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. This unit generates output of 335 hp and maximum torque of 369 lb-ft, which can be summoned from as low as 1,520 rpm and remains on tap up to 4,500 rpm.

It all adds up to make the BMW M240i Coupe a thoroughbred athlete with exceptional performance capabilities: with the 6-speed manual transmission, the coupe sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The standard 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission heightens the dynamic driving experience, enabling the BMW M240i Coupe to reach the 60 mph mark from rest in just 4.4 seconds.

Performance is even more eye-catching in the BMW M240i xDrive Coupe thanks to its intelligent all-wheel drive. Equipped with the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as standard, it surges from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, while the xDrive model completes the sprint in 4.4 seconds.

Precisely matched components, inimitable character.

Both BMW M Performance models leave the factory shod with high-performance mixed-size tires as standard, with dimensions of 225/40 at the front and 245/35 at the rear. All-Season tires are offered as a no cost option. The unique character of the BMW M240i Coupe and BMW M240i Convertible goes beyond the engine’s power, the Adaptive M Suspension, the M Sport brakes, and the cars’ aerodynamic balance. Variable sport steering adds to the impression of exceptional agility at the wheel of the BMW M240i which comes with electromechanical power assistance. This allows lightning-fast evasive maneuvers but also produces a sensation of excellent directional and straight-line stability during highway travel.

BMW M2: the Ultimate Driving Machine.

The BMW M2 will also form part of the new line-up launched in July 2017. This compact-sized, powerful sports coupe from BMW M GmbH benefits from the same innovations as the 2 Series Coupe. Boasting a high-performance 6-cylinder inline engine, rear-wheel-drive agility, a lightweight M Sport suspension made from aluminum and extrovert styling, the new BMW M2 Coupe once again delivers outstanding torque available across a wide rev band with rapid responses and excellent efficiency, raising the pulse with its distinctive engine soundtrack.

Inspired by various models from BMW Motorsport history, the new BMW M2 Coupe wears its exceptional sporting prowess “on its sleeve”. A low-slung front apron with large air intakes, muscular flanks with trademark M side gills, 19-inch aluminium wheels in familiar M twin-spoke design, and the wide, low-to-the-road rear end with M-specific twin-tailpipe exhaust all add to the character of the M2. Sport seats, an M sports steering wheel and an M gearshift lever ensure the driver is in complete control of their BMW M2 at all times.

The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder inline engine under the hood of the new BMW M2 deploys cutting-edge M TwinPower Turbo technology to generate 365 hp at 6,500 rpm. The same applies to power delivery: peak torque of 343 lb-ft can be increased to a mighty 369 lb-ft in overboost mode. This propels the new BMW M2 Coupe with optional 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) and Launch Control from 0 to 60 mph 4.1 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

The lightweight aluminum front and rear axles from the BMW M3/M4, forged 19-inch aluminum wheels with mixed-size tires, M Servotronic steering with two settings and immensely powerful M compound brakes equip the new BMW M2 Coupe to move the game on once again in the compact high-performance sports car segment when it comes to driving dynamics. The electronically controlled Active M Differential, which further enhances both traction and handling stability, also deserves great credit here.

Mercedes announces the launch of the new Mercedes-AMG E 63 4Matic+ Estate.

• Prices start from £81,130 for 571 hp E 63 4MATIC+
• Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ Estate available from £90,490
• On sale now with first customer deliveries arriving in September

The Mercedes-AMG E 63 4MATIC+ Estate is now on sale, with prices starting from £81,130. The E 63 S is available from £90,490.

The E 63 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine which generates 571 hp and 750 Nm. It can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds. The E 63 S produces 612 hp and 850 Nm, and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Both models are electronically limited to 155 mph – unless specified with the AMG Drivers package which increases the top speed to an electronically limited 186 mph.

With a boot capacity of 1,820 litres when the rear seats are lowered, and 640 litres with the seats in place, the E 63 Estate combines practicality with ultimate driving performance.

All E 63 models feature AMG’s newly-developed 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. 4MATIC+ combines the advantages of various drive configurations. Torque distribution on the front and rear axles is fully variable – making it easier to make full use of the car’s potential in all conditions. The E 63 S also comes with Drift mode, for use on the track, which makes the car rear-wheel drive.

The E 63 comes with a comprehensive list of equipment as standard, including: AMG Ride Control sports suspension; 19-inch AMG five twin-spoke alloy wheels; Nappa leather upholstery; split folding rear seats; Comand Online with a 12.3-inch display; and 12.3-inch widescreen cockpit display. The E 63 S adds 20-inch AMG five twin-spoke alloy wheels; active dynamic engine mounts; AMG performance seats; and a steering wheel finished in Nappa leather and Dinamica microfibre.

The Edition 1 – based on the E 63 S – adds 20-inch AMG cross-spoke wheels in black; designo Selenite Grey magno paint; and AMG Night package. Extra detailing in Titanium Grey above the side skirts is also standard. Inside, standard equipment includes AMG sports seats and Dinamica steering wheel with yellow contrast stitching, plus AMG carbon fibre trim. Prices for the E 63 S Edition 1 Estate start at £108,780.

For £6,995, E 63 S and Edition 1 customers can choose AMG high-performance ceramic brakes, while the AMG performance exhaust can be added to all models for £1,000.

An AMG carbon fibre package adds front splitter, side sill panels, and rear bumper finished in carbon fibre for £3,370. The AMG Night package adds black detailing on the side sills, black exterior mirror housings and a black front splitter, all for £795.

The optional Premium package (standard on Edition 1) is available for £2,595 and adds a panoramic sunroof; Keyless-Go Comfort package; Burmester surround sound; and Multibeam LED intelligent light system.

As on all E-Class models, an array of advanced driver assistance features is available. The Driving Assistance Plus package costs £1,695, and includes Active Blind Spot Assist; Active Lane Keeping Assist; and Pre-Safe Impulse Side; Active Steering Assist; Active Lane-Change Assist; Active Distance Assist Distronic; and Active Speed Limit Assist.

The order books are now open for people to buy the Crafter van from Volkswagen.

• Prices announced for all-new large van; starting at £23,920 (basic RRP excl VAT)
• Order books open now, with UK debut at CV Show in April and deliveries in May
• Widest range of engines, drivetrains and sizes gives maximum flexibility
• Innovations on board bring real-world customer advantages and cost-saving

Prices have been announced for the all-new Volkswagen Crafter, with UK Van Centres able to take orders now ahead of the van’s official launch at the CV Show in April and first customer deliveries in May.

The all-new Crafter, International Van of the Year for 2017, was designed from the ground-up, following extensive research, to provide customers with the right van for their needs. 

A wide range, which includes different powertrains, drivetrains and capacities, offers maximum flexibility, while a suite of innovative technologies is available – not for technology’s sake, but to provide customers with solutions to real-world problems.

All new Crafter models are powered by a new 2.0-litre TDI (EU6) engine, developed specifically for commercial vehicles, which is available with four power outputs: 102, 122, 140 and 177 PS. 

The choice of engine depends on which drive system is selected. Customers can also choose between front, rear and all-wheel drive (4MOTION), as well as between a manual and automatic gearbox.

Up to three different vehicle lengths are available, depending on the model chosen: 5.9 m, 6.84 m or 7.39 m. Panel van variants also come with one of three different roof heights: 2.35 m, 2.59 m or 2.79 m.

Three trim levels are on offer – Startline, Trendline and Highline – bringing the Crafter into line with Volkswagen’s Caddy and Transporter ranges. Prices and highlights of each trim are shown below:

Panel van Startline from £23,920 (basic ex VAT)

• Startline, Trendline and Highline
• Cross-wind assist
• Driver alert system
• 180-degree opening rear wing doors
• Composition audio radio
• Bluetooth

Panel van Trendline from £25,270 (basic ex VAT) in addition to Startline

• Front assist including emergency braking system
• Cruise control with speed limiter
• Electrically heated and adjustable wing mirrors
• 270-degree opening rear wing doors
• Composition Media Radio with DAB+
• Multi-function steering wheel
• Comfort driver’s seat
• Wooden floor in load area
• Grab handles on rear entry pillars 

Panel van Highline from £29,220 (basic ex vat) in addition to Trendline

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Passenger airbag
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Heated windscreen
• Front fog lights with cornering function
• Comfort-plus driver’s seat

A wide range of options is also available including a number of driver and safety assistance systems such as side protection, rear traffic alert, park assist and trailer assist.

As, if not more, important as the product itself is the range of aftersales and customer support products and services which are being rolled out throughout the Van Centre network in preparation for launch. 

More details will follow, but examples include extended opening hours, telematics systems, preventative maintenance and bespoke service and maintenance plans.

Front-wheel drive manual panel vans are available to order now. Rear-wheel drive, 4MOTION and automatic transmission variants will follow during 2017, along with open-body models and factory-produced conversions.

USa - Select models of the third-generation of INFINITI’s iconic sports coupe set to arrive in early September at INFINITI retailers nationwide.

• Select models of the third-generation of INFINITI’s iconic sports coupe set to arrive in early September at INFINITI retailers nationwide
• Pricing begins at $38,950 for Q60 2.0t rear-wheel drive model
• Special INFINITI Q60 Reservation Program now available online at InfinitiUSA.com
• Curated gifts for Reservation Program participants include GoPro® Hero4 Silver camera, Bose® SoundTouch® 20 Series III Wireless Music System, Rosewood Hotel one-night accommodation, Tumi Tegra-Lite® carry-on luggage and specially curated culinary experience

INFINITI today announced pricing for select models of the all-new 2017 INFINITI Q60 sports coupe, which will begin arriving at INFINITI retailers nationwide in early September. The Q60 is offered in a range of grade levels, including all-new advanced turbocharged engines and rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.

For buyers desiring to be among the first in line for the completely redesigned third-generation INFINITI sports coupe, a special Q60 Reservation Program is available at InfinitiUSA.com.

Those who sign up for the program will not only be rewarded with their new Q60, but will receive their choice from a selection of gifts – including a GoPro® camera, Bose® music system and Tumi luggage.

"Like the new Q60 sports coupe, we've selected Reservation Program rewards that fit INFINITI owners' lifestyles," said Randy Parker, vice president, INFINITI Americas. 

"The real reward, of course, is the new Q60 with its next generation ride and handling technologies and the very latest INFINITI infotainment and driver assist systems."

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2017 INFINITI Q60 are:

Model	Engine/Drive	MSRP
Q60 2.0t	2.0L I4 Turbo / RWD	$38,950 USD
Q60 2.0t AWD	2.0L I4 Turbo / AWD	$40,950 USD
Q60 2.0t Premium	2.0L I4 Turbo / RWD	$41,300 USD
Q60 2.0t Premium AWD	2.0L I4 Turbo / AWD	$43,300 USD
Q60 3.0t Premium	3.0-liter V6 Twin Turbo 300 hp / RWD	$44,300 USD
Q60 3.0t Premium AWD	3.0-liter V6 Twin Turbo 300 hp / AWD	$46,300 USD

Destination and Handling $905 USD

Pricing for the 2017 Q60 Red Sport 400 will be announced at a later date.

About the 2017 INFINITI Q60

The all-new INFINITI Q60, a style leader since its original inception, offers a compelling combination of daring design and exhilarating performance and dynamics. 

The third-generation of INFINITI's renowned sports coupe is offered in a range of two-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations and powerplants – including the 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo that it shares with the popular INFINITI Q50 sports sedan.

The INFINITI Q60 2.0t is powered by an advanced 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine, producing 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Positioned as a key entry model to the premium sports coupe segment, the 2.0t provides rich feature content and undeniable style. 

Notable standard features include 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, Flexible Stop Position doors, 8-way powered high backed bolstered sport seats, contrast stitched dashboard and door panels, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with streaming audio, and RearView Monitor. 

The Q60 2.0t Premium grade adds power sliding/tilting moonroof, Bose® Performance Series Audio plus seven speakers (13 total) and more.

The INFINITI Q60 3.0t Premium features the standard content of the Q60 2.0t Premium but is powered by the all-new VR-series 3.0 liter V6 twin-turbo engine. Positioned as the core volume trim, the 3.0t offers superior V6 performance to comparably priced 4-cylinder competitors.

The new, exclusive VR-series 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine is available in two states of tune – 300 horsepower in the Q60 3.0t Premium and 400 horsepower in the upcoming Q60 Red Sport 400 – and is a more than worthy successor to the renowned, highly awarded "VQ-series" V6 that has been a mainstay of INFINITI performance models for many years. 

Both of the new VR-series engines have been developed to provide an ideal mix of drivability, efficiency and performance. Around 85 percent of the parts utilized in the VR-series V6 are different from those used in the previous VQ-series V6.