Monthly Archive for October, 2008

New BMW Concept X1 unveiled: first official photos

Published on October 1, 2008 in BMW X1. 2 Comments Tags: .
This is the new BMW X1. Okay, BMW calls it the Concept X1 – it will be wheeled out tomorrow at the opening day of the Paris motor show – but 99 percent of what you see here will be arriving in production form in the UK in autumn 2009. Expect prices to kick off around £20,000 as the X1 tries to capitalise on its lack of direct rivals – Audi’s Q3 is still two years away. No surprise BMW is predicting 100,000 sales a year as buyers continue to downsize without loss of image.

This Concept X1 is quite easily the ugliest BMW yet – and that’s saying something!

Err, yes, it’s a safe bet that the X1’s lines are likely to have design purists swooning for all the wrong reasons. Its busy mix of lines, uncomfortable proportions and heavy-handed detailing means the X1 stands out – but probably in more of a point-your-finger-and-snigger way than its designers would like. BMW obviously disagrees because it believes the X1 is all about ‘cool elegance, modern style, and variable function’. So there.

Codenamed E84 and known internally as Sports Activity Wagon, the German-built car is underpinned by architecture borrowed from the E90 3-series – the same basis for the 2009 Mini 4×4 – which means an extensive range of four and six-cylinder turbo-charged direct injection petrol and diesel engines, hooked up to six-speed manual and new eight-cog automatic transmissions. Efficient Dynamics will also feature to trim the X1’s thirst and emission levels, and a hybrid should arrive within two years of the production version.

BMW X5

Published on October 1, 2008 in BMW Review and BMW X5. 0 Comments Tags: , .

Now in its second generation, the BMW X5 mixes chunky SUV looks with sharp on road handling. It’s pricey when compared to rivals, but its mix of desirability, build quality and driving dynamics still make it a showroom favourite.

Image/Styling

BMW claims that the X5 is a Sports Activity – rather than Utility – Vehicle. This highlights the fact that the German company is targeting the lifestyle market, rather than buyers of hardcore off-roaders. However, the car gets trademark SUV design cues, giving it an imposing road presence. An optional M Sport kit is available and adds bigger wheels, a bodykit and stiffened sports suspension.

Interior/Practicality

Not only is the X5 BMW’s first seven-seater, but also boasts the firm’s largest luggage capacity – 1,750 litres with the rear bench folded flat. While it’s roomier than the old car, it’s still no match for rivals such as the Land Rover Discovery. Furthermore, the optional third row of seats is expensive and offers cramped accommodation. Thankfully, the rest of the cabin is spacious and solidly screwed together.

Engine/Performance

Just three engines are available – two petrol and one diesel. The 3.0-litre oil-burner is available with either 232bhp or 282bhp, with the latter able to sprint from zero to 60mph in just 7 seconds. Petrol fans can choose the 3.0-litre straight six or thirsty 4.8-litre V8 motors. All are strong performers, but the diesels offer the best mix of pace and fuel economy. However, all models fall into the top VED band for road tax.

Driving Experience

The powerful and heavyweight BMW is surprisingly agile in the bends. Permanent four-wheel drive gives excellent traction, while strong brakes provide powerful and fade-free stopping. Keen drivers can specify the even stiffer M Sport suspension, although ride comfort suffers. Wide, low profile tyres and road biased chassis set-up means the X5 has limited off-road ability

Ownership Costs

The X5 is expensive to buy and run. However, strong residuals take the sting out of the high purchase price. You can expect the 3.0-litre diesel to retain around 55 per cent of its value after three years. The oil burner is also the least thirsty, returning 28.9mpg in our hands. Servicing costs are expensive on all models. Even with BMW’s Service Inclusive scheme you can expect to pay around 10 times more for regular maintenance than the owner of a 1-Series.

Safety/Environment

You’ll find all the safety kit you’d expect from a premium off-roader is fitted to the X5. Airbags front and side for the driver and passenger, ABS brakes, Dynamic Stability Control, Hill Descent Control, Dynamic Brake Control and Cornering Brake Control all feature. Its hi-tech electronics even automatically stabilise trailers if they begin to sway! The heads up display is useful but pricey, but the adaptive headlights are well worth the extra outlay.

Our Choice: X5 3.0sd SE

BMW 5-Series

Published on October 1, 2008 in 5 Series and BMW Review. 0 Comments Tags: , .
Until the arrival of the Jaguar XF, the BMW 5-Seies was the undisputed executive car king. But its blend of qualities is still strong, even in the face of the British newcomer’s victory.

Styling/Image

When the current 5-Series arrived in 2004, it causes a stir among BMW fans. With bold lines and deep flanks it was a radical departure from its predecessor. Voted Best Executive Car at our New Car Honours 2006, the line-up consists of saloon and estate bodystyles, with a wide range of engines including four-cylinder, straight six and V8 units, as well as four highly popular diesels. Standard trim levels are SE and M Sport, while wild V10-engined M5 tops the range.

Interior/Practicality

Overall levels of standard equipment are high, although items such as an iPod connection and Xenon headlamps are relegated to the expensive options list. However, you can expect to see electric seats, a CD player and the iDrive multimedia system fitted to most models. The estate-bodied Touring holds a great deal of appeal, as well as decent amounts of luggage, although it can’t match the Mercedes E-Class wagon for carrying capacity.

Engine/Performance

The BMW is a serious sports saloon, with most engines providing the 5-Series with strong performance. Driving fans will love the supercar humbling M5 and its incredible 5.0-litre V10 motor. However, our choice for performance is the twin-turbocharged diesel-powered 535d, which will scorch from zero to 60mph in 6.4 seconds, but still return 42mpg. Company car buyers should consider the economical, entry-level 520d, while the silky smooth straight-six engine in the 530i make it the petrol choice.

Driving experience

All versions of the 5-Series feature the same well-balanced handling that has become a BMW trademark. Adding the M Sport kit will result in sharpened driving dynamics, which is thanks to more focused suspension settings. You’ll also get heavily bolstered bucket seats, bigger alloys and a neat bodykit. The only trade-off is a slightly firmer ride. Active Steering is also available as an option. It increases accuracy on fast, twisty roads and reduces effort at parking speeds.

Ownership Costs

BMW’s three-year service and maintenance pack provides a complete peace of mind. But unless you cover high mileages, it doesn’t always represent good value. Residuals are, however, excellent for the class, which is good news come resale time. The 520d is the most cost-effective 5-Series, serving-up a winning combination of low CO2 emissions and 55mpg fuel returns.

Safety/Environment

BMW are doing more than most to reduce its emissions. Start/stop technology, regenerative braking and lightweight materials all feature in its Efficient Dynamics philosophy. Almost all the engines in the 5-Series range are either new, or have been enhanced to boost performance and economy. In terms of safety, the 5-Series is a Euro NCAP five star car with plenty of standard safety aids – only rear side airbags and night vision are extra cost options.

Our Choice: BMW 5 Series 525d SE