2010 BMW 6 Series
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For better or worse, the 2010 BMW 6 Series is a reminder of what happened on erstwhile BMW design chief Chris Bangle's watch. With its Porsche 911-esque profile, distinctive ducktail trunk and lidded headlights, the 6 Series has been alternately wooing and alienating luxury coupe and convertible buyers since its debut back in 2004. Aesthetics aside, we've had few complaints about BMW's flagship GT over the years, and for 2010 BMW has addressed a major one by installing the much-improved fourth-generation iDrive system. If you're in the market for a car of this type, the 6 Series still merits close consideration, even in its seventh year of production.
As noted, the big news this year is on the iDrive front, where BMW has finally taken its much-maligned electronics interface back to the shop for serious revisions. The result is – gasp! – a system that's actually fairly intuitive, thanks to the addition of numerous controller-adjacent physical buttons for frequently used functions (stereo, navigation, telephone) and redesigned menus that are more logically arranged. Additionally, the navigation system is now hard-drive-based and offers 13 gigabytes of multimedia storage and real-time traffic information. It may have taken six full years of production, but the 6 Series now boasts industry-standard cabin technology in addition to its other virtues.
As ever, these virtues are plentiful, starting with the mellifluous 4.8-liter V8 under the hood of the 650i (the only available 6 Series model). While this motor clearly lacks the low-end punch of a Mercedes-Benz V8, it compensates with velvety refinement and a thrilling high-end punch. To BMW's credit, a manual transmission is still available for the presumably few buyers who want one (BMW is mum on the take rate), though it's now a $250 option rather than standard. Additional points in the 6 Series' favor include a choice of coupe and convertible body styles, a trick soft top with an independent power glass rear window on the convertible, and excellent ride and handling characteristics.
As noted, the big news this year is on the iDrive front, where BMW has finally taken its much-maligned electronics interface back to the shop for serious revisions. The result is – gasp! – a system that's actually fairly intuitive, thanks to the addition of numerous controller-adjacent physical buttons for frequently used functions (stereo, navigation, telephone) and redesigned menus that are more logically arranged. Additionally, the navigation system is now hard-drive-based and offers 13 gigabytes of multimedia storage and real-time traffic information. It may have taken six full years of production, but the 6 Series now boasts industry-standard cabin technology in addition to its other virtues.
As ever, these virtues are plentiful, starting with the mellifluous 4.8-liter V8 under the hood of the 650i (the only available 6 Series model). While this motor clearly lacks the low-end punch of a Mercedes-Benz V8, it compensates with velvety refinement and a thrilling high-end punch. To BMW's credit, a manual transmission is still available for the presumably few buyers who want one (BMW is mum on the take rate), though it's now a $250 option rather than standard. Additional points in the 6 Series' favor include a choice of coupe and convertible body styles, a trick soft top with an independent power glass rear window on the convertible, and excellent ride and handling characteristics.
2010 BMW 5 Series
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When you think of luxury executive saloons, one car always comes to mind, the BMW 5-series. A class leader since its inception, the 5-series remains a crucial car to BMW. With the current E60 5-series introduced back in 2004, BMW is preparing the sixth-generation model to be revealed in 2010. It will be a tough job for the designers as well as the thousands of engineers working across BMW’s development centers to renew the current model, a car that already resides at the edge of the technical front line.
The new design is critical for BMW’s design manager Adrian van Hooydonk and his team, who have to create an exterior that radiates the brand’s distinctive design values and at the same time feels new and fresh. Using information from various sources, these renderings were compiled by our partners over at Sweden’s Auto Motor and Sport and their illustrator Radovan Varicak, giving us a preview of what the final version will look like.
The front-end will likely feature a more upright kidney grille in order to comply with stronger pedestrian protection laws, while the headlights won’t be stretched out like on the current model. BMW’s characteristic interaction between convex and concave shapes will still be emphasized, and will be clearly indicated in the engine hood’s lines.
The rear roofline and C-pillar connects more fluidly to the trunk lid, which is now devoid of the Bangle-butt that was so universally derided with the E60 model. Parts of the tail-lights continue onto the trunk lid in order to strengthen the impression of width. We must say, this design is very pleasing and if BMW’scar looks anything like this, we sure it’ll lure back any customers loss to its rivals because of the controversial styling of the former E60.
The new design is critical for BMW’s design manager Adrian van Hooydonk and his team, who have to create an exterior that radiates the brand’s distinctive design values and at the same time feels new and fresh. Using information from various sources, these renderings were compiled by our partners over at Sweden’s Auto Motor and Sport and their illustrator Radovan Varicak, giving us a preview of what the final version will look like.
The front-end will likely feature a more upright kidney grille in order to comply with stronger pedestrian protection laws, while the headlights won’t be stretched out like on the current model. BMW’s characteristic interaction between convex and concave shapes will still be emphasized, and will be clearly indicated in the engine hood’s lines.
The rear roofline and C-pillar connects more fluidly to the trunk lid, which is now devoid of the Bangle-butt that was so universally derided with the E60 model. Parts of the tail-lights continue onto the trunk lid in order to strengthen the impression of width. We must say, this design is very pleasing and if BMW’scar looks anything like this, we sure it’ll lure back any customers loss to its rivals because of the controversial styling of the former E60.
2010 BMW 6-Series
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The BMW 650i delivers stellar performance, refined handling and that unique combination of elegance and sportiness that defines BMW.
Available as a coupe or convertible, the rear-wheel drive 650i boasts a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8 engine, mated to a six-speed Sport automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles; a six-speed manual transmission is optional. The 650i is equipped with a multitude of progressive technologies, including a sport-tuned suspension with Active Roll Stabilization, 18-inch run-flat tires, adaptive brakelights, Park Distance Control and adaptive bi-xenon headlights. Inside its lush cabin, the 650i provides seating for four, with high-quality leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and aluminum trim. A voice-activated navigation system and Bluetooth wireless connectivity are also standard. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability and traction control, active anti-whiplash front head restraints and up to eight airbags, while more advanced technologies such as a lane-departure warning system and night vision are optional.
The BMW 650i carries over with minimal changes for 2010. Both the coupe and convertible are now outfitted with digital HD Radio, while the next-generation iDrive system includes a new internal hard drive-based navigation unit.
2009 BMW 3 Series
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BMW has unveiled photos and details pertaining to the facelifted, Euro-spec 2009 3 Series sedan and wagon. We touched on the visual updates yesterday, but to recap, the car sports a revised front fascia, a new hood, restyled mirrors, and reshaped taillamps. The changes are subtle, but good. Inside, the new iDrive trickles down to the 3, which also gets BMW ConnectedDrive in-car internet, as well as an 80-gig hard drive. The 3 Series sedans and wagons are available with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The 7-speed DCT doesn't make it into the four- and five-doors at this time, but it becomes available on the 335i coupe and convertible. Read on after the jump as we run down the model variants and engine offerings.
The 3 Series sedan and wagon model rundown is as follows
* 318i / 318d
* 320i / 320d
* 325i / 325d
* 330i / 330d
* 335i / 335d
Furthermore, the all-wheel-drive versions adopt the new xDrive nomenclature (the xi suffix is history)
* 320d xDrive
* 330d xDrive
* 325i xDrive
* 330i xDrive
* 335i xDrive
BMW's naming scheme no longer has anything to do with engine size. The 318 and 320 cars have 2.0L four-cylinders, while the 325, 330, and 335 cars have 3.0L inline-sixes. This applies for both gasoline and diesel-powered cars. If we had to guess, we'd look to see only the 330i and 335i come stateside, with the 325 staying home along with the four-bangers.
The 3 Series sedan and wagon model rundown is as follows
* 318i / 318d
* 320i / 320d
* 325i / 325d
* 330i / 330d
* 335i / 335d
Furthermore, the all-wheel-drive versions adopt the new xDrive nomenclature (the xi suffix is history)
* 320d xDrive
* 330d xDrive
* 325i xDrive
* 330i xDrive
* 335i xDrive
BMW's naming scheme no longer has anything to do with engine size. The 318 and 320 cars have 2.0L four-cylinders, while the 325, 330, and 335 cars have 3.0L inline-sixes. This applies for both gasoline and diesel-powered cars. If we had to guess, we'd look to see only the 330i and 335i come stateside, with the 325 staying home along with the four-bangers.
2010 BMW X6 M
The X6 M is a high-performance variant of BMW's controversial head-turning crossover. Unveiled at the New York Auto Show in 2009, the X6 M uses a potent version of BMW's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. Output is pegged at 555 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and peak torque is 501 pound-feet, available between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. The car can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, according to the automaker.
The hotrod SUV, which goes head-to-head with Porsche's Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S is priced from $88,900, making the M $9,000 cheaper than the Turbo -- which is likely the intended competitor -- and $35,000 less than the Turbo S, which has a similar horsepower rating.
The X6 M and X5 M are the first xDrive all-wheel-drive vehicles from BMW to sport the "M" badge. Coupled with special "M" air suspension featuring Adaptive Drive and the newly developed Servotronic power steering, the performance 'ute promises very competent handling. Other high-tech features include launch control for maximum acceleration and an "M" six-speed automatic optimized for performance. Drivers can manually select gears using either paddles or an an electronic gear selector lever.
Electronically controlled, variable power distribution to the front and rear axle prevents even the slightest tendency to over- or understeer right from the start, before DSC Dynamic Stability Control is even required to cut in.
BMW is referring to the new 4.4-liter motor as its "M TwinPower Turbo" unit. The name reflects the fact that the motor features Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology and a common exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders.
Although traction control is standard, the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) greatly reduces the aggressiveness of the system. The MDM setting allows the driver to enter a controlled drift and push the vehicle's handling to the limit. There's also a DSC-Off Mode for drivers seeking a more purist experience
The hotrod SUV, which goes head-to-head with Porsche's Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S is priced from $88,900, making the M $9,000 cheaper than the Turbo -- which is likely the intended competitor -- and $35,000 less than the Turbo S, which has a similar horsepower rating.
The X6 M and X5 M are the first xDrive all-wheel-drive vehicles from BMW to sport the "M" badge. Coupled with special "M" air suspension featuring Adaptive Drive and the newly developed Servotronic power steering, the performance 'ute promises very competent handling. Other high-tech features include launch control for maximum acceleration and an "M" six-speed automatic optimized for performance. Drivers can manually select gears using either paddles or an an electronic gear selector lever.
Electronically controlled, variable power distribution to the front and rear axle prevents even the slightest tendency to over- or understeer right from the start, before DSC Dynamic Stability Control is even required to cut in.
BMW is referring to the new 4.4-liter motor as its "M TwinPower Turbo" unit. The name reflects the fact that the motor features Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology and a common exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders.
Although traction control is standard, the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) greatly reduces the aggressiveness of the system. The MDM setting allows the driver to enter a controlled drift and push the vehicle's handling to the limit. There's also a DSC-Off Mode for drivers seeking a more purist experience
BMW Z4
The 2010 BMW Z4 sees no major changes following its redesign for the 2009 model year. Z4 seats two and only comes as a convertible with a power-retractable hardtop. Z4 comes in two trim levels, each with a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine. The sDrive30i has 255 hp, while the sDrive35i is turbocharged and has 300 hp. Both have a standard 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic is optional on the sDrive30i, while a 7-speed automatic is optional on the sDrive35i. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that provide head and torso protection. BMW's Dynamic Drive Control, which allows drivers to alter throttle, traction control, and steering response is included as part of the optional Sport Package. The Sport Package also includes adjustable shock-absorber control and 18-inch run-flat tires. Leather upholstery and automatic climate control are optional on the sDrive30i and standard on the sDrive35i. A navigation system is optional. The optional "through-loading" system includes a luggage pass-through for skis or golf bags to the passenger compartment.
BMW 7 series
BMW has officially announced the details pertaining to the 5th generation 7 Series, so let's cut right to the chase. In Europe, there are five models arriving on the market in November of this year: the 730d; the 740i and Li; and the 750i and Li. The latter two are powered by the same twin-turbo 4.4L V8 that debuted in the X6. In the U.S.-market 7 Series, the turbo eight is rated at 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, and it is the sole engine option being made available. If you want a BMW 7 Series in America, it will be a 750.
Europeans get more choices. The 730d's 3.0L diesel I6 pumps out 245 horses with nearly 400 lb-ft of torque. Despite the grunt, it boasts a combined fuel economy number of 32.6 U.S. miles per gallon (39.2 Imperial). The 740 models are powered by the now-familiar 3.0L twin-turbo gasoline engine. In the 7, the 3.0TT's power output is 326 horses and 332 lb-ft -- enough to hustle the 740Li from 0 to 62 mph in six seconds flat. All the engines are connected to a six-speed automatic. Follow the jump for more details and BMW's official press release.
Europeans get more choices. The 730d's 3.0L diesel I6 pumps out 245 horses with nearly 400 lb-ft of torque. Despite the grunt, it boasts a combined fuel economy number of 32.6 U.S. miles per gallon (39.2 Imperial). The 740 models are powered by the now-familiar 3.0L twin-turbo gasoline engine. In the 7, the 3.0TT's power output is 326 horses and 332 lb-ft -- enough to hustle the 740Li from 0 to 62 mph in six seconds flat. All the engines are connected to a six-speed automatic. Follow the jump for more details and BMW's official press release.
