BMW TO EXPAND ITS EV RANGE

  BMW Australia has announced details of three new EV variants due to arrive here  either late this year or early in 2024.   The three additions are i4 eDrive35, iX3 M Sport and iX1 eDrive20. All three will be  priced below $89,332, exempting them from both Luxury Car Tax (LCT) for fuel  efficient vehicles and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) for fleet operators.   The BMW i4 eDrive35 and iX3 M Sport will arrive at the end of 2023 followed by the  iX1 eDrive20 in the first quarter of 2024… Read more

BMW 328 ROADSTER

Bayerische Motoren-Werke (which translates to Bavarian Motor Works and which we know today as BMW) was founded in 1916 principally to build aircraft and aircraft engines. It branched into motorcycles in 1923, producing its first flat-twin motorcycle in Munich. Its first production of motor cars took place in 1923 when BMW acquired the Dixi company and their motor works at Eisenach. This car was called the BMW-Dixi and was based on the English Austin 7, being built under licence. It had a four-cylinder engine which BMW developed further into a… Read more

WARMER WEATHER AND HOTTER BMW X1 BY CHRISTMAS

For those that can’t afford something larger and more expensive, BMW plans to launch an M version of its smallest SUV the X1 later this year. It will be known as the BMW X1 M35i xDrive, joining the highly regarded M135i xDrive, M235i xDrive and M240i xDrive. But remember, this isn’t a full M model like the BMW M3 or M5 – but a mid-range offering. The four-cylinder power turbocharged engine will produce 233Kw of power and 400Nm of torque from 2000-4500 rpm, and will be able to dispatch the… Read more

BMW X1 A NEW BEST FRIEND FOR THE FAMILY

The new BMW X1 is a little car with big ideas. BMW has imbued the third generation of its compact SUV with extra space, higher tech and more features to make it what the maker claims is the segment leader. I tend to agree. Coming to Australia in two petrol powered variants – an electric version is penned for later this year – the entry-level is the X1 sDrive18i front wheel drive, which leaps to the X1 xDrive20i all-wheel drive. Added attractions have upped prices to $60,400, plus on road… Read more

BMW X3 2011 – 2021

  BMW calls its X3 is an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) rather than an SUV (Sports Utility  Vehicle) because the German maker realises that most people are looking for a  practical station wagon not a bush bashing off-road beast.    So, the suspension engineers have gone for handling and comfort. While not really in  the BMW 3 Series class in its on-road behaviour it’s impressive the way it handles. It  also provides the good feedback that keen drivers love.   The BMW X3, was one of the early players in… Read more

BMW X1 XDrive 2.0i

The BMW X1 xDrive 2.0i is an impressive piece of machinery from the upmarket German company that has been at the forefront of automotive engineering for many decades. The X1 is the smallest model in BMW’s SUV range with five larger models on offer. Some of these are what we would call SUV bodies, others are coupe-like in their shape. It’s quite large, indeed being it’s almost the size of the BMW X3 of a few generations back. STYLING It’s an attractive vehicle, with a very large front grille that’s… Read more

FIRST-EVER BMW XM

The first-ever BMW XM will be launched in Australia in the first half of 2023. It is powered by an electrified drive system. The M Hybrid drive system has an overall system output of 480kW using a combustion engine and an electric drive system. The extensively updated V8 engine features a cross-bank exhaust manifold, reinforced crankshaft drive and optimised oil separation process to deliver an optimum balance of power and efficiency. The engine is assisted by an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. The motor’s power is… Read more

LATEST ITERATION OF BMW’S Z4 ROADSTER

The latest iteration of BMW’s Z4 roadster will launch in Australia early in 2023 with many key revisions. It will have fresh design accents for the exterior, newly available paint finishes, a new alloy wheel design and an expanded range of equipment. BMW Australia will continue its existing two variant line-up with the Z4 sDrive20i and M40i, providing high levels of response and efficiency from their TwinPower Turbo engines and eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmissions. It will have a new kidney grille design that features horizontal slats and new front apron… Read more

BMW 303

BMW – the Bayerische Motoren Werke – launched their first ‘300 Series car’ in 1933. The company’s start as a manufacturer of motor vehicles goes back to 1928 when they acquired the Dixi marque produced at Eisenach. Prior to its entry into car manufacture BMW produced aero engines and motorcycles but in 1928 they entered the motor vehicle business where their main competition came from DKW, Hanomag and Opel. The first car to carry the BMW badge was the 3/15 model introduced in 1929. This was a slightly modified version… Read more

BMW 1 SERIES 2011 – 2021

The BMW 1 Series is the smallest car in the prestigious German company’s range. It’s aimed at those who enjoy their driving, rather than simply seeing it as a way at getting from one place to another. It has excellent engines driving the rear wheels. A downside is that rear-wheel drive takes some cabin and boot space because the engine and transmission are mounted longitudinally rather than sideways, so it encroaches into the passenger area. There’s good legroom in the front seats, though foot-width is restricted by the gearbox housing…. Read more