BMW i3 WITH ADDED GRUNT

BMW has introduced a second-generation drive system to its all-electric i3, giving it about 50 per cent greater range, as well as increased performance. The batteries now have 94Ah (Amp hours), the original 2014 model i3 had 60Ah. The BMW i division and technology partner Samsung SDI have managed to gain the substantial battery capacity improvement without any increase in the exterior dimensions. We’ve just experienced a most enjoyable week in this ‘car of the future’, covering mainly suburban use with occasional runs on motorways to test the little electric… Read more

‘SEVENTH HEAVEN’ FROM THE NEW BMW 5 SERIES

BMW has built a reputation on drivers’ cars: vehicles that deliver a sense of satisfaction in the act of driving, a perfect marriage of man (or woman) and machine. The new 5 Series, the seventh generation of the popular mid-size sedan from the German automobile giant, is no exception. It’s a technological tour de force clothed in a supremely well cut, if somewhat conservative, automotive equivalent of a Savile Row suit. Four models, with four or six-cylinder diesel or petrol power, are on offer in Australia on launch, beginning with… Read more

MOUNTAIN HIGH FOR BMW RANGE PREVIEW

BMW and Mini models

BMW took members of the motoring media to the top of the mountain to give them a clear view of what is in store for the German automobile giant’s Australian customers this year. With a line-up of more than a score of models it was more of a glimpse than a good look but was enough to get even the most cynical of scribblers’ juices flowing during a ‘range day’ up Mount Macedon in Victoria. Among the vehicles lined up to try were 22 BMWs, four Minis and four motorcycles,… Read more

BMW X3 2004 – 2015

2006 BMW X3

BMW was one of the early prestige companies to spot the surge in interest in SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles). Realising that most SUV buyers aren’t interested in exploring off-road trails but wanted a tall station wagon BMW calls its vehicles SAVs, (Sports Activity Vehicle). Having said that the X3 with BMW’s xDrive system has good traction on muddy and icy surfaces. As there’s almost no demand for a BMW X model that can go off road, the suspension engineers have gone for handling and comfort ahead of traction on unsealed… Read more

2016 BMW 230i REVIEW

The BMW 2 Series received a major upgrade a few months back, with an emphasis on what’s under the skin rather than in facelifting and tail tucking the body. The emphasis was on added performance and further improvements to already good fuel efficiency. New-design engines are a big feature. The 2 Series range is closely related to the 1 Series, but comprises the sportier models, the coupe and convertible bodies. Somewhat oddly, there’s also a station wagon, the Active Tourer, which is aimed at the sporting family wanting to transport… Read more

NO-CHARGE CHARGING AT WESTFIELD SHOPPING CENTRES

In a strong sign of the future of the automobile, BMW and Westfield have teamed up to install 40 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in 10 Westfield shopping centres across NSW, Queensland and Victoria. The charging stations can be used by any electric vehicle not just BMWs and there’s no charge for the charging. By March 2017, electric vehicle owners will be able to access four charging stations per centre at Westfield Bondi Junction, Chatswood, Miranda, Sydney, Warringah Mall, Carindale, Chermside, Doncaster and Southland. Speaking for Westfield, Tim Roberts,… Read more

BMW 440i CONVERTIBLE IS GREAT FUN

Springtime, Gold Coast, Convertible – what a combination! To make life even better the convertible is a BMW powered by the most powerful engine in the range, the new 440i unit. Sometimes road testing can be a bit of a chore, it certainly wasn’t last week with the hot Bimmer sitting in the garage just asking to be fired up. And fired up it was, with several trips to the scenic hinterland behind the Coast during the week – to keep us away from the weekend roads crowded with wandering… Read more

BMW’S LITTLE HOTSHOTS GET MAJOR UPGRADE

BMW M240i Convertible

  BMWs 1 and 2 Series models have received major upgrade in their engine and technology departments, with a further emphasis on improving fuel efficiency in their already impressive drivetrains. By way of explanation, the BMW 1s are the everyday small five-door hatchbacks – if you can ever describe any BMW as being everyday – whereas the 2s are the specialty variants based on the 1 Series. Special in that the ‘2s come with coupe and convertible bodies. Both are offered with high-performance versions that further improve driver involvement. Given… Read more

2016 BMW M3 COMPETITION REVIEW

For those drivers who feel that lots of performance isn’t quite enough BMW Australia is now importing the BMW M3 Competition sedan, and M4 Competition coupe and convertible. Our test week in the hottest BMW M3 sedan was an extremely enjoyable one. M3 Competition has even stronger engine performance, recalibrated steering, suspension and stability settings than the standard M3. Its springs are 15 per cent stiffer and the Adaptive M suspension has firmer damper settings across Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes. Anti-roll bars and bushings are also changed to suit…. Read more

BIG BMW X5; CLEAN – AND QUICK

BMW already has the cleanest range of cars in Australia when measured on grams of CO2 produced per kilometre travelled. Far from being content with this, the German marque has just introduced a petrol-electric, plug-in hybrid model to the X5 range. BMW X5 xDrive40e; the ‘e’ obviously indicates ‘electric’; the important part of the name, though, is the ’40’. Because the eDrive has similar performance to the ’40’ performance models in the BMW range; that is those with mid-sized V8 engines or turbocharged sixes. STYLING The BMW X5 has a… Read more