BMW has revealed details of its new M Performance range, the X5 M50d, X6 M50d, the 5-Series-based M550d sedan and M550d touring, adding a new triple-turbo diesel engine and enhancements to each model’s handling and technical packages. All three will officially debut at the 2012 Geneva motor show in March.

All four cars are powered by BMW’s new triple-turbo common-rail diesel: a 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine that produces 280 kW and 740 Nm of torque from 2 000 r/min. BMW says the three turbochargers – one large turbo and two smaller ones – ensure maximum power delivery across a wide rev band. The new engine provides an extra 50 kW and 110 Nm over the unit found in the 535d.

Matched with an eight-speed automatic Sports transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the engine gives the M550d a 0 – 100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds for the sedan and 4.9 seconds for the touring. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.3 and 6.4 L/100km respectively. The X5 M50d accelerates from 0 – 100km/h in 5.4 seconds and uses 7.5 L/100km, while the X6 M50d is one-tenth quicker to 100 km/h (5.3 seconds) and burns through 7.7 L/100km.

All three models receive subtle exterior aerodynamic and styling enhancements, including grey metallic mirrors and air intake bars, trapezoidal exhaust pipes and high-gloss alloy wheels (19-inch units for the M550d and 20-inch for the SUVs). The interior is highlighted with Alcantara upholstery elements, contrast stitching, BMW M steering wheel with paddle shifters, and aluminium trim inserts.

The M Performance range will hit European showrooms in April and a South African debut is expected later this year – but not for the M550d. The triple-turbo diesel in the M550d is fitted in conjunction with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system, which is not available for the 5 Series in right-hand-drive cars, meaning we won’t see the sedan version here in SA.

AC Schnitzer has taken the BMW X6 M to another level with their latest performance and styling package.

While the performance upgrades and final figures are being finalised – which include a sports exhaust, removal of the electronic speed limiter and new odometer marked to 360 km/h – the Aachen-based tuning firm has released images and details of their latest styling package for the X6 M.

The BMW tuning specialist has given the X6 M a styling make-over, consisting of a new front spoiler; rear roof spoiler; rear wing; rear diffuser as well as adding various design elements to the front skirt as well as the addition of a chromed front grille. As if the BMW X6 M wasn’t menacing enough, carbon bonnet vents are also an option, but the pièce de résistance is the plexiglas panoramic window, through which the engine is permanently visible.

Measuring 1.98 metres wide as standard, AC Schnitzer has added wheel arch extensions to give the SAV an extra 40 mm of width on each side. This allows the X6 M to wear a number of AC Schnitzer forged alloy wheels, ranging in size from 20- to 23-inches. X6 M Schnitzer owners can choose to put the power on the road through a choice of 275, 315, 295 or massive 335 section tyres.

The already sporty interior of the BMW X6 M has been further refined. AC Schnitzer have added a speedo and rev counter with AC Schnitzer logo, white dials, red pointers and red lighting. The carbon interior trim and the AC Schnitzer steering wheel spokes feature a new “Black Exclusiv” design, while the AC Schnitzer aluminium cover for the i-Drive system controller, aluminium footrest and pedal set, as well as a set of velour foot mats, round off the interior package.

We don’t wait in anticipation for all new-car model launches. Those that qualify usually challenge convention or mark a significant break in the mold of their predecessors. The new BMW X1 qualified by virtue of its claim as the first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) in the compact premium segment.

Blending the practicality of an SUV with the luxury and handling attributes of a sedan was first brought about with the introduction of the X5 SAV roughly 10 years ago. In response to demand, the ‘X’ model line-up has grown and evolved with the addition of the BMW X3 in 2004, the X6 in 2008 and now the X1. It’s quite apparent that the X1 forms the entry point into the German manufacturers ‘Soft-Roader’ line-up, but having driven the new SAV, we expect the ‘little X’ to do big things for the BMW’s X range of vehicles, which already make up 20% of the brand’s total sales.

The new BMW X1 is built on the 3-Series Touring platform and shares the 3′s 2,76 metre wheelbase, yet it manages to deliver the practicality of an estate-car plus soft-roader capabilities, courtesy of the 194 mm ground clearance and xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The xDrive system operates with a 40:60 front-to-rear power distribution under normal driving conditions and is able to distribute torque to the drive axle with the most grip and, coupled with Dynamic Stability Control, is able to increase or decrease power to one or more wheels in relation to the others for improved cornering agility and safety. In fact, even in sDrive rear-wheel-drive form, the X1 took us confidently up and down the slippery slopes of the Table Mountain Nature Reserve.

The X1 measures 4,45 metres in length (115 mm shorter than the current X3) and despite its long nose, looks compact and muscular, thanks to its flared wheel arches and strong contour lines. The X1 is available in a number of striking colours including Marrakech Brown and Vermillion Red, which add a level of intrigue to the car’s lines. Details such as the ‘eye-lids’ above the headlights, the chrome strip running below the side windows, the silver highlights incorporated into the side skirts and bumpers, as well as the roof rails, add to the premium appeal of the new X1.

Inside, the premium styling continues with a driver oriented cockpit, featuring leather trim as standard on the xDrive models. No less than seven trim colours and five variants of trim bars are available to give the car a very individual touch. Yet a further option is the ‘Design Cool Elegance Package’, which includes sports seats in Oyster-coloured leather, black/yellow piping on the backrests, as well as trim bars in Bright Wave wood. In this case the lower section of the instrument panel and the centre console likewise come in Oyster, as do the floor mats finished in the same colour.

Driving the X1 is a pleasure thanks to the 3-Series underpinnings, which make for composed and confident motoring. The X1 faithfully follows BMW’s driver-centric DNA, both in the new SAV’s ergonomics and driving experience. Passengers are no afterthought however, and the X1 offers comfortable seating accommodation throughout. The rear seats are particularly versatile, folding down in a 40/20/40 split with multiple angles of inclination available for the backrests, while also expanding cargo capacity from 420 to 1 350 litres.

The new X1 is available with a range of diesel engines offering strong performance. In fact the ’20d’ and ’23d’ models all use the same 2,0-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine, while a petrol powered sDrive18i model will arrive mid-year. The range topping xDrive23d features BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. A smaller turbo reacts quickly at low speeds to supply added power, while power from a larger turbo takes effect as engine speed increases. The result is 150 kW at 4 400 r/min and maximum torque of 400 N.m between 2 000 – 2 250 r/min. The xDrive23d is capable of a zero to 100 km/h sprint of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 223 km/h. BMW claim an average fuel consumption of 6.6 l/100km and CO2 emissions of 173 g/km.

The slightly less powerful 2,0-litre, single-turbo equipped, diesel engine in the xDrive20d and sDrive20d models, manages a maximum power of 130 kW at 4 000 r/min and 350 N.m of torque between 1 750 – 3 000 r/min. Sprint times from zero to 100 km/h are 8.4 and 8.1 seconds respectively, while top speeds are 213 km/h for the xDrive20d and 218 km/h sDrive20d. The sDrive20d is also slightly more economical and environmentally friendly than the xDrive20d. Thanks to a lighter drivetrain, the sDrive20d returns a claimed average of 5.6 l/100km and 148 g/km of CO2, while the xDrive20d needs 6.2 l/100km and expels 163 g/km of CO2.

The sDrive18i is due on local roads around the middle of the year. It will be powered by a 110 kW, 200 N.m 2,0-litre petrol engine. The 4-cylinder engine, with BMW’s Valvetronic and double-Vanos technology, will move the sDrive18i from standstill to 100 km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds and reach a 202 km/h top speed. Expect average fuel consumption of 8.2 l/100km and emissions of 191 g/km CO2.

The sDrive models and xDrive20d are available with either a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic with Steptronic function is available as a R16 000 cost option. The xDrive23d is equipped with the six-speed auto ‘box as standard.

From a safety perspective the BMW X1′s body structure has been designed with maximum occupant safety in mind. As expected, the X1 comes standard with equipment such as front, side and head airbags, adaptive brake lights and daytime driving lights, while Xenon and adaptive headlights and auto high/low beam are options. A multitude of electronic safety aids are also present in the form of Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction Control, ABS anti-lock brakes, Dynamic Brake Control and Cornering Brake Control.

Standard equipment in the BMW X1 is as expected and includes such items as air conditioning and 6-speaker sound system with USB/iPod connectivity. The options and accessories list is equally as comprehensive though, examples include the iDrive infotainment system, with navigation, park distance control, colour display and hard drive storage for a music collection. Sport seats, electric seat adjustment including memory function as well as seat heating are optional for the driver and front seat passenger. Furthermore, shift paddles located on the steering wheel for manual gear selection in the Steptronic automatic transmission mode are also available for the BMW X1 xDrive23d.

From our initial impressions we’d say the sDrive20d would be all you’d ever need in South Africa. Despite the 194 mm ground clearance the X1 is not the type of car to tackle Baviaanskloof, but could happily traverse the other 90% of the country’s many ground roads and mountain passes. The lighter rear-wheel sDrive20d is also the most fuel efficient and we’d choose the slick automatic gearbox over the manual that is fitted as standard.

If the current 3 to 4 month waiting period for a new X1 is anything to go by, the baby SAV looks set to be a popular entry point into the BMW X range and a car that offers a benchmark combination of urban sophistication, style and practicality.

Price includes a 5 Year/100 000 km Motorplan, non-contributing service and maintenance contract.

Erectile Dysfunction

Ever heard of Nowack Motors? Neither had we until we stumbled upon news of their BMW tuning efforts at Autoblog.nl. We’re the first to admit that our comprehension of the Dutch language lacks talent, however we’ve done our best to extract some details for you.

The first tuning package created by the company is focussed on BMW’s X5 and X6 M models. Basically Nowack’s N700 package includes several new parts and an ECU upgrade, which increases power output from the standard twin-turbo, 408 kW 4,4-litre V8 to 525 kW and 845 N.m of torque. Top speed is a guaranteed 330 km/h.

To achieve these monumental figures, Nowack Motors reprogrammed the ECU, optimised the air flow with high performance air filters, modified the exhaust system, improved the pistons and camshafts, modified the cylinder heads and increased the turbo pressure.

To add a touch of bling, Nowack offers optional extras such as 22-inch wheels, a full leather interior and the installation of various in-car entertainment systems.

Ten years ago BMW created a new class of vehicle they chose to call the ‘Sport Activity Vehicle’. The BMW X5 was an attempt, and a very successful one at that, to create a road-biased SUV, with the luxury and handling capabilities of a sedan. Then, two years ago, the X6 was introduced. Heralded by BMW as a combination of SUV (high ground clearance, all wheel drive and all-weather ability, large wheels and tyres) with the stance of a coupé (bold styling, dramatic sloping roof), the company created another new niche for themselves and called it a Sports Activity Coupé (SAC). It seems the alchemy at Munich has continued and the latest result is the new 5 Series Gran Turismo, or 5 Series GT, which BMW have christened a Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS).

If you’re confused about who this high-riding 5 Series with an X6 roofline is aimed at, you’re not alone, because it hasn’t been clearly defined. What BMW have said though, is that the new 5 Series GT is an exercise in innovation and breaking the mold, thus it will appeal to those wishing to do the same. But regardless of where the new car fits into the BMW model line-up, or the passenger vehicle market for that matter, what is crystal clear is that BMW have created another great motorcar.

Although falling under the 5 Series banner, the new GT is built on the 7 Series platform and in fact shares many of the 7′s technology too. Perhaps it’s this 7 Series pedigree coupled with the higher ride that gives the new 5 GT an air of aristocracy over that of the new 5 Series. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo’s sleek exterior profile is a product of the 3 070 mm wheelbase, coupé-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows. The front of the car is characterised by BMW’s new face, first seen on the new 7 Series, that being a short overhang, upright kidney grille and large air intakes. For the first time the daytime driving light function is provided by LED illuminated corona rings within the headlights. LED technology features prominently in the rear tail lights too, which wrap around the tailgate and add proportion to a tall rear end.

It is the tailgate and adjustable rear seats, that to large extent, make the new 5 Series Gran Turismo what it is. Capable of opening in two stages for either quick access, or for maximum convenience when transporting larger items, it is electronically operated and is the gateway to a well thought out cargo area. With the rear seats in their standard postion luggage capacity is a useful 440 litres. When required, the rear seats may be moved individually to the front by up to 100 mm, with legroom still remaining equivalent to the BMW 5 Series Saloon, which increases luggage capacity to 590 litres. Once the rear seats are folded down, together with the partition behind them that offers an acoustic barrier, luggage space increases to its maximum capacity of 1 700 litres.

The 5 Series GT is available with two rear seat configurations. Standard on all new GT models is a 60/40 split configuration, which allows the rear seats to be adjusted individually, fore-and-aft, as well as the backrest angle. As an option, two individual comfort seats may also be specified for the rear, these boast multi-way electronic adjustment for superior comfort. Rear legroom is generous and on par with that of the 7 Series, but as comfortable as the rear seats are, we would have liked more lateral support. Up front, the seats are supremely comfortable, as is the driving position which, being slightly raised, offers a good view of the road. Only the rearview is limited by the tapered rear window, but the 5 Series GT is fitted with front and rear park distance control, including a camera, so parking is made easy. Also standard across the model range is a panoramic sunroof that extends from above the front passengers to those in the rear.

Of course, the quality of interior craftsmanship is of a very high standard, with many design elements and functions being carried over from the 7 Series. Standard equipment includes the latest version of BMW’s iDrive paired with a 10.2-inch LCD display; satellite navigation; bluetooth connectivity; Aux-In and USB ports for portable media players; an 80 GB hard disc for navigation data and the user’s private music collection; climate control; and Integrated Owner’s Manual for quick reference. Some of the optional features include four-zone automatic air conditioning (standard in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo), a DVD entertainment system at the rear, a Head-Up Display, front mounted side cameras, as well as an electrically swiveling towbar.

Three models of the new 5 Series GT are available in South Africa, namely the 530d GT, 535i GT and 550i GT. We drove the 530d and 550i models on the launch and were impressed by the performance of both engines. The diesel produces 180 kW and 540 N.m of torque from 1 750 rpm, enough to launch the near 2 tonne car to 100 km/h from rest in 6.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 240 km/h. Driven carefully, BMW claim a fuel consumption figure of just 6.5 l/100km and a CO2 rating of 173 g/km.

The similarly capable, petrol powered, 535i, uses BMW’s 225 kW, 400 N.m twinturbo 3,0-litre straight six to achieve an identical sprint time from 0 to 100 km/h of 6.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h, while consumption is said to be 8.9 l/100km with CO2 emissions of 209g/km.

The powerhouse in the range is the 550i GT, which has a 300 kW, 4,4-litre, TwinPower Turbo V8, producing 600 N.m of torque from 1 750 rpm. Burying the accelerator pedal will see the 550i GT rocket from standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 250 km/h. BMW claim the V8 requires just 11.2 l/100km of premium octane and emits 263g/km of CO2. All GT models are fitted with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission as standard and in case you were wondering, BMW say there are no plans for an M GT model.

With plenty of torque both the 530d and 550i GT’s we drove, hauled the 2 tonne car along with alacrity. Excellent sound insulation adds to the 5 Series GT’s luxurious nature and, using BMW’s Dynamic Drive Control, the suspension settings and ride quality can be adjusted between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+ modes, depending on the road conditions or your cruising pace. We found the Normal and Sport modes to be all that was required, as the Comfort setting was too ‘wallowy’ and the Sport+ setting seemed a bit too firm over the bumps.

The new 5 Series Gran Turismo is certainly worthy of the GT badge and its implied abilities. It has a well balanced chassis that rides and handles beautifully, especially considering the overall dimensions (4 998 mm long, 2 132mm wide) and weight of the car, plus it has all the luggage capacity and comfort one would expect. But it is lacking something and to help explain we need to call upon one of BMW’s previous catch phrases “Sheer Driving Pleasure”. Yes, the 5 Series GT is undoubtedly a pleasure to drive, BMW now call this ‘Joy’, but it seems there is less of the ‘Driving’ element present in the new car. While the 5 GT handles and drives competently, there is not much BMW character imbued through the steering wheel. Somehow it’s been lost in translation between the 7 Series platform and front suspension, the X3 like ride height and the rear air suspension from the next generation of 5-series Touring. It’s an aspect of the driving experience that may concern BMW diehards, but won’t affect the majority of first time buyers that BMW are hoping to attract with the 5 Series GT.

So, whether dreaming up new classes of vehicles will prove successful remains to be seen. BMW South Africa say they expect to sell around 50 GT’s this year and have already received orders prior to this week’s local launch. One thing’s for sure though, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is an accomplished car.

Price includes a 5 Year/100 000 km Motorplan, non-contributing service and maintenance contract.

All monsters should have a menacing name, which is why Frankenstein wasn’t known as simply Frank. Similarly, BMW tuning specialists, Hamann, have just announced their latest upgrade program for the BMW X6 M. Not simply the ‘BMW X6 M M’ or ‘BMW X6 M Evo’, the official title is the Hamann BMW X6M Tycoon Evo M.

Powered by the standard 4,4-litre V8 engine – which has been fitted with a stainless-steel sports exhaust and received an ECU upgrade – the Tycoon Evo M now has 493 kW available at 6 000 rpm, with 780 N.m of torque between 1 500 – 5 650 rpm. This means it has 85 kW and 100 N.m more torque than the standard BMW X6 M. These power figures translate into a zero to 100 km/h sprint of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 300 km/h.

The new aerodynamics kit of the Tycoon Evo M, includes front and the rear wing extensions, new side skirts, front apron, larger air inlets and a carbon fibre bonnet. The Hamann BMW X6M Tycoon Evo M also comes with a new rear apron and roof spoiler, new centre exhaust system, massive 23-inch rims and a lowering kit that reduces the ride height by 40 mm.

BMW is going hybrid! The German brand has confirmed the production 7-series and X6 ActiveHybrids will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Powertrain information is speculative but both hybrids will most likely use a small 15kW electric motor integrated into the transmission housing. Meanwhile, petrol power comes from a 4,4-litre turbocharged V8 with around 300 kW.

A KERS-style (Kinetic Energy Regeneration System) regenerative braking system will charge the lithium-ion battery, allowing it to power the electrics when the petrol engine is not running.

BMW claims that efficiency improvements of around 15-20 per cent will be seen on these hybrid models compared with their petrol counterparts.

Adapted from AutoExpress