2024 BMW i7 M70 xDrive - Photos From Every Angle

BY BRIAN SILVESTRO - Road and Track

See every detail of BMW's most powerful electric car with our comprehensive gallery.

BMW has revealed the car meant to take the space left by its V-12 7-Series flagship. Called the i7 M70i xDrive, it gets 650 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque thanks to two electric motors, one at each axle. BMW claims a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. There are also a handful of cosmetic and chassis updates to separate it from the rest of the range.

BMW XM 50e Teased As Entry-Level Super SUV

By: Angel Sergeev - Motor1

It will reportedly have an inline-six engine.

Last night, BMW unveiled its most powerful production vehicle in its entire history. The XM Label Red will take a center stage at the upcoming Auto Shanghai 2023 in China but the automaker also has another new member of the XM ready to be launched. The XM 50e is positioned as the most affordable version of the super SUV and a new teaser video shows it from all angles.

The XM Label Red is undoubtedly the hottest new product from Munich and it is somewhat unsurprising that this short 37-second clip flew under the radar. It shows the XM 50e finished in a BMW Individual yellow color with black contrasting paint for the center section of the front fascia, the wheels and wheel arches, and the side skirts. As expressive as the exterior is, it isn’t the big news here, though.

Serving as an entry-level version of the XM, we expect the 50e model to feature a six-cylinder inline engine with hybrid support. Not much is known officially, aside from the range on purely electric energy, which BMW estimates is around 47-52 miles (76-84 kilometers) measured by Europe’s WLTP cycle. However, word on the street is the XM 50e will share its powertrain with the M760e.

If this speculation turns out to be true, it would mean there’s a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine under the hood, good for 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. In the hybrid 7 Series, it is paired with an electric motor with 197 hp, which sits between the combustion mill and the eight-speed automatic gearbox. The M760e has a combined output of 563 hp and 591 lb-ft of torque and we believe very similar numbers will be announced for the XM 50e. 

Nothing in this video hints at when we will see the new base XM make its debut. However, chances are high it will be shown alongside the XM Label Red during the Shanghai show next week so stay tuned for all the details. Early rumors suggest the model won’t be sold in North America, though.

2023 BMW M3 Touring Teased On Frozen Lake With Orange Seats, iDrive 8

The revised infotainment means the M wagon will be based on the facelifted 3 Series.

By: Adrian Padeanu

2022 marks the M division's 50th anniversary and BMW has plans to celebrate the milestone with a cornucopia of exciting cars. Relevant examples include the next-generation M2 and the two-seater M4 CSL, but we're more anxious to see this – the M3 Touring. The first production car of its kind, the AMG C63 Estate rival will pick up where the M3 E46 Touring concept left off more than two decades ago. This time around, it'll be a production model.

BMW took to social media to drop a couple of fresh teaser images depicting the M3 Touring, still fully covered in camouflage. The fast wagon is currently being tested on a frozen lake in Sweden ahead of an official debut slated to take place in the coming months. It’s worth noting the long-roof performance vehicle will be based on the 3 Series facelift, thus bringing a substantial novelty inside the cabin.

We're not talking about those orange seats we can see in the top teaser image, but BMW's revamped infotainment system. The 3er LCI and all of its members will switch to the iDrive 8, which you can partially see by looking at the top section of the dashboard. The upper area is flat since there are now two side-by-side screens installed on the same level – one for the digital instrument cluster and the other for the touchscreen.

The updated 3 Series / M3 Touring will borrow the setup from recent products such as the iX and i4 electric vehicles, along with the new 2 Series Active Tourer minivan. Also on the inside, the fast wagon won’t have a manual gearbox lever as we’ve heard BMW will sell the car exclusively with an automatic and in the hotter Competition guise.

While the AMG C63 Estate will halve its cylinder count to just four, BMW will retain the inline-six good for 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet (650 Newton-meters) of torque. Performance should be roughly on the same level as the M4 Convertible xDrive due to the extra weight over the M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe.

By arriving with the midlife update of the 3er, it means the M3 Touring will have a short lifespan of around three years. It's expected to be joined by a limited-run M3 CS special edition believed to debut in 2023 when an equivalent M4 CS could hit the streets as well.

Source: BMW

BMW Is In No Hurry To Discontinue The Internal Combustion Engine

The transition to EVs won't happen overnight, and in the meantime, the ol' ICE will be updated to meet Euro 7 regulations.

By: Adrian Padeanu - motor1

Mercedes has vowed to go all-electric by 2030 where "market conditions allow" while Audi will be launching only EVs from 2026 before (largely) ending production of combustion cars by 2033. What about BMW? The other member of Germany's Big Three is not ready to make such a commitment for the time being as it argues the combustion engine still has life left in it.

In an interview with Automotive News Europe, BMW's development chief Frank Weber said the transition to EVs won't happen overnight as some questions need to be addressed first: "When is the system ready to absorb all those battery-electric vehicles? It's about charging infrastructure, renewable energy. Are people ready? Is the system ready? Is the charging infrastructure ready?"

Then there's also the issue with the workforce as BMW, much like many other automakers, has lots of people working on the development of traditional powertrains. The workforce is being gradually shifted towards EVs, but it's a complex process that will require a significant amount of time for the staff to be properly trained.

In the meantime, Euro 7 regulations are fast-approaching and are seen by Frank Weber as the last major investment in gasoline and diesel engines. The money put into R&D to comply with stricter emissions regulations will secure the ICE's near-term future, specifically until the end of the decade at the very least. With nine years to go, the man in charge of development at BMW argues it's premature to talk about an exit strategy for conventional engines.

Weber points out BMW doesn't want to pull out of the ICE market too soon and consequently force people into buying EVs, especially if the infrastructure for recharging is far from being able to support the widespread adoption of electric cars. Speaking of infrastructure, the Bavarians are also investing in fuel cells, and we all know it's a much bigger issue to refill the hydrogen tanks.

As for battery-powered EVs, Neue Klasse will arrive in 2025 to signal a family of dedicated EVs. Eventually, Weber says every single model from the 2 Series all the way up to the X7 will ride on the same platform, which is an interesting statement as it doesn't include the 1 Series or the already announced flagship SUV.

Source: Automotive News Europe

New BMW 5 Series Makes Spy Photo Debut In PHEV And EV Flavors

It appears the next 5er won't have the controversial grille.

We've seen our fair share of spy shots depicting the 3 Series facelift / EV and the next-generation 7 Series, so it's only natural we are now being given the opportunity to check out the revamped 5er. Spied for the first time, the G60-generation 5 Series was spotted featuring what looks like the production body, but heavily camouflaged and without the final headlights and taillights.

Much like the strategy that BMW will adopt for the bigger 7 Series, the new 5 will come in plug-in hybrid and electric versions largely sharing the same body with the conventionally powered model. For a dedicated EV from Bavaria, we will have to wait until 2025 when the Neue Klasse will return as a bespoke electric car platform. Until then, BMW will be launching electric cars built on platforms mainly intended for ICE-powered cars.

Our spies stumbled upon PHEV and EV versions of the next 5 Series as denoted by the stickers on the front doors and rear bumper. The prototype with a combustion engine had a cap on the front fender on the driver side to conceal the charging port, while underneath the rear bumper you can notice the dual exhaust arrangement.

Both featured the new door handle design similar to the i4 for better aero as the handles remain flush with the doors rather than sticking out from the body. It's worth noting the prototypes wear extra layers of camouflage on some areas, but by the looks of it, the new 5 Series won't be getting the love/hate grille design of the M3, 4 Series, M4, and i4. The dual kidneys do seem quite wide, but they're not extending all the way down.

The car's shark-like front nose appears to be sitting lower compared to the current model to lend the 5 Series an angrier look without the odd split headlights of the next 7 Series, X7 facelift, and X8 / XM. A subtle spoiler integrated into the trunk lid can be seen as well, while the dashboard appears to be fully camouflaged. It's likely a sign the cabin will be completely revamped, possibly by adopting the dual-screen setup with a 12.3-inch driver's display and a 14.9-inch infotainment as seen in the iX and i4 electric models running on iDrive 8.

With this being our very first look at the new 5 Series, an official reveal won't take place in the near future. It could happen in the second half of 2022 as a sedan, with the more practical wagon arriving shortly thereafter. The oddball 6 Series Gran Turismo (yes, it's still around) is unlikely to return for a new generation.

SPIED: 2022 BMW 8 Series/M8 GC facelift spotted in Germany, looks mildly updated

By: Adrian Dorofte - BMW BLOG

The 8 Series lineup is bound to receive a light LCI procedure right in time for 2022. Two camouflaged prototypes have been caught recently while undergoing road tests in Germany. With the 8 Series models already on the market since 2018 – 2019, it’s time for a refresh. The LCI generations of the G14/G15/G16 model series are due for official reveal late this year or in early 2022. A lightly camouflaged prototype of the 8 Series Gran Coupe facelift was lately scooped in Germany, as was a test car on a trailer, that appeared to be the forthcoming M8 GC facelift. Since we don’t own the spy shots, you can see them here.

After the great distress caused by the kidney grille in the case of the 4 Series, most of the vexed fans and customers will breath a sigh of relief as the 8 Series/M8 appear to be on track to retain their more normal grilles. Mind that the outer framing of the kidneys will be purposely reshaped as to look slightly bigger and display a muscular 3D appearance.

We also expect a new headlight signature, together with a revamped front bumper, complete with new air vents. A slightly revised rear end is also on the menu. On the inside, it is likely that the 8 Series facelift generation will adopt the new infotainment interface already previewed by the iX. It remains unclear at the moment if the LCI models will also get the Curved Display or they will march on with the current classic dashboard architecture.

According to unconfirmed reports, the new facelift G14/G15/G16 models will also be standardly equipped with several features and systems that are currently being offered as an option. This move will likely lead to a price increase for all the 8 Series iterations. Furthermore, the M Sport trim line is also rumored to become standard on the 840d and 840i power variants.

Last, but not least, BMW is allegedly looking to further differentiate the M850i versions from the non-M models, with the help of further evolved styling and updated M Performance technical features.

2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe Spied Looking Production-Ready, i4 Teased

By: Adrian Padeanu

The swoopy four-door version of a coupe based on a sedan is coming with ICE and EV powertrains.

BMW is arguably the king of niche models and the 4 Series Gran Coupe illustrates Bavaria’s modus operandi to slice segments into tiny pieces. It’s a 3 Series Sedan turned into 4 Series Coupe, only to get the rear doors back, keep a coupe-like roofline, and add a liftgate. The Audi A5 Sportback rival is getting a new generation in 2021, and these latest spy shots reveal it’s almost ready to break cover.

Our spies got up close and personal with a production-ready 4 Series Gran Coupe riding on small wheels with winter tires. The test vehicle represents a lower-spec variant of the swoopy liftback as the circular exhaust tips denote we’re not dealing with the M440i variant. Looking at the side profile, stickers resembling conventional door handles do a terrible job at diverting our attention from the new flush handle design not shared with the 3 Series Sedan / Touring or the 4 Series Coupe / Convertible.

Moving at the front of the car, it’s a familiar look as BMW will largely adopt the same styling we’ve seen on the two-door 4er. That obviously includes the love/hate grille with active flaps that open and close automatically, depending on the level of cooling needed by the engine. Images of the interior are not available in this set, but the cabin will likely be virtually carried over from the 4 Series Coupe.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe lineup will include the usual gasoline and diesel engines, all the way up to an M Performance variant. The M440i is expected to use a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid tech for a bit of electric boost and fewer emissions. It will be good for 382 horsepower (285 kilowatts) and 500 Newton-meters (369 pound-feet) of torque.

Separately from our spy shots, BMW has released a couple of teaser images depicting the i4, the 4 Series Gran Coupe’s fully electric counterpart. It will largely inherit the design of its combustion-engined sibling and reportedly spawn a hot i4 M50 xDrive derivative as the closest thing to an M-branded fully electric 4 Series.

While the i4 will be an addition to the 4 Series family, BMW is expanding the 3 Series lineup as well with the launch of a first-ever M3 Touring. These two new arrivals are expected to break cover sometime next year, allowing the German marque to offer even greater variety. Also in 2021, the wraps are going to come off the M4 Convertible.

Chip Foose redesigns the BMW M4 grille, but does it look better?

by Ciprian Florea - Top Speed

The latest BMW M3 and M4 sports compacts are the most powerful of their kind, but they’re also highly controversial due to a single design feature: the kidney grille. Not just wider than before, the grille also extends all the way to the bottom of the front fascia. This design cue alone makes the M3 and M4 looks significantly different than their predecessor, despite the rest of the car many of the old features. American car design Chip Foose also thinks that the M3 and M4 look a bit strange, so he did his own version of BMW’s new kidney grille.

Just like us here at Top Speed, Foose agrees that BMW is simply following a trend. Extending the front grille all the way to the bottom of the front fascia is something both Audi and Lexus did a few years back. In all fairness, BMWs had notably smaller front grilles when compared to cars from Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus, so maybe the Germans just wanted to catch up. Anyway, Foose isn’t the only designer that reimagined the M3 and M4. But unlike other artists, he did more than just replace the new grille with the old.

He kept the upper and lower sections of the new kidney grille and split the kidneys into the middle with an element integrated into the bumper. It’s a bit similar to what Audi did with its Singleframe grille many years back, before adopting a large, one-piece element. Foose also replaced the new horizontal bars with the more traditional vertical slats that BMW used on most of its models from the past.

Does it look better? Well, it’s a matter of taste. I actually don’t mind BMW’s new grille design for the M3 and M4, but Foose’s take is interesting, to say the least. Should BMW hire Foose for a redesign of its high-performance compacts?

2021 BMW M3 and M4 Sport Controversial Looks, Up to 503 HP

The oversized grilles are in your face, but no complaints about the optional all-wheel drive with a rear-biased drift mode, or the six-speed manual on RWD models.

• The 2021 BMW M3 and M4 have even bigger, more ostentatious kidney grilles, but the two cars from BMW's performance division are otherwise true to their existing personalities.

• The M3 and M4 happily still come with the option of a six-speed manual transmission.

• They'll square off against strong competitors including the Mercedes-AMG C63 and the Audi RS5 Sportback, and they'll start arriving at dealers next March.

If you are irked by the protruding nose of the new BMW 4-series, we have bad news for you: The vertical kidneys of the new M4 are even bigger and more prominent, and what's more, they carry over to the M3. This, however, should be by far the most controversial element of the new M3 and M4, because in every other respect, BMW's M performance division has stuck to the proven formula that has made the duo such a resounding success.

In fact, the engineers at M GmbH have listened very closely to customers and journalists. One of the results: Unlike every competitor, you can still get the M3 and the M4 with a six-speed manual transmission. And even better, it is possible to turn off the rev-match system that all too often interferes when you are having fun with the clutch and gearbox.

Of course, there is no such thing as unconditional bliss, and the drawback is that the manual transmission is tied to the lower of two power levels: the entry-level M3 and M4, which are powered by a 473-hp variation of the upgraded S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. The alternatives are the M3 Competition and its two-door sibling, the M4 Competition, which feature another power upgrade to a 503 horsepower and are solely available with an eight-speed automatic sourced from ZF. It is a quick-shifting unit that allows for automatic throttle blipping at downshifts and will select the lowest possible gear when the left paddle is held for an extended period of time.

Maximum power comes at 6250 rpm in both models, 950 rpm shy of the lofty 7200 rpm redline. Peak torque of 406 lb-ft is served up on a plateau from 2650 to 6130 rpm on the regular models, while the somewhat sharper Competition models produce 479 lb-ft from 2750 to 5500 rpm.

Both powertrains send the torque to the rear wheels, but BMW already announced an all-wheel-drive variant that will be offered solely on the automatic-only Competition models. Taking a page from the top-level M models, the all-wheel drive system will be rear-biased, and it will be possible to switch off the front axle entirely for some unfiltered drift action. Rear-axle torque is harnessed by a electronically controlled differential. When the optional M Drive Professional system is specified, axle slip can be adjusted on a range of a full 10 stages.

A 155-mph governor is standard, but it can be raised to 180 mph (in case speed limits are ever lifted). The sprint from zero to 60 mph takes a claimed 4.1 seconds in the regular models and drops to 3.8 seconds in the Competition models.

Engineering geeks will relish features such as the S58's closed-deck block and a forged crankshaft. The engine, first launched on the X3 M and X4 M, features variable valve timing and lift. The automatic transmission needs and gets a separate cooler.

Compared to the regular 3- and 4-series, the M3 and M4 receive a different electrically assisted power steering system with a variable ratio, and the body and chassis are significantly stiffened. Both versions feature different tire and wheel sizes: 275/40ZR-18 front and 285/35ZR-19 rear for the base model and 275/35ZR-19 front and 285/30ZR-20 rear for the Competition model.

Visually, there won't be any mistaking the M3 and M4 for their more pedestrian siblings, and that is not just a function of those nostrils. The M3, in particular, looks far more aggressive than the 3-series, thanks to a number of wide and angular body parts and a large rear diffuser. Those elements spread out a bit more elegantly on the M4, but we like the dominant demeanor of the M3.

Inside, there are M-specific graphics and extra buttons that allow the shortcut to preferred, pre-configurable settings. The fat steering wheel is grippy, and the seats offer a lot of lateral support in fast corners. Curiously, there is no armrest on the rear bench, but these are driver's cars, aren't they?

We have driven an entry-level M3 at a late prototype stage and can attest to its superior performance. If you like to shift yourself, you won't have this much fun in any other four-door sedan.

Given its level of performance, the duo is very competitively priced: The M3 will set you back $70,895, and the M4 starts at $72,795, with the Competition package offered at a modest extra $2900. They will be launched in March 2021, and the xDrive all-wheel-drive Competition models will come next summer.

2021 BMW M3 Spied In Action During Last-Minute Nurburgring Testing

By: Anthony Alaniz - Motor1

It debuts on September 23.

We’re quickly approaching BMW’s reveal of the M3, so we’re not surprised to see it back at Nurburgring for some last-minute testing. The German automaker will reveal the sports sedan, and the M4, on September 23. The M3 won’t reach the US until early 2021, which gives BMW plenty of time to fine-tune the new model before production begins.

The latest video shows the M3 still covered in plenty of camouflage, which is odd considering the approaching reveal. However, even with the coverings, the shape of the sheet metal underneath is a poorly kept secret. The massive kidney grille is impossible to miss, and we can see the fascias will receive an aggressive, tough functional, makeover. The lowered ride height, sporty rear diffuser, and twin dual-exhaust outlets are also noticeable. It looks like a sportier 3 Series sedan, as it always has.

While BMW is keeping the M3’s look under wraps, not everything about it is a secret. We know that when it arrives, it’ll sport BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. It’ll produce 473 horsepower (353 kilowatts) with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox. The higher-performance M3 Competition will use the same engine, but it’ll make 503 hp (375 kW). However, you will only be able to pair it with the automatic.

Inside, there should be upgraded seats, unique trim, M contrast stitching, and plenty of BMW M branding. While BMW is set to reveal the sedan later this month, neither it nor the M4 will likely arrive in the US until early 2021. We expect the rear-wheel-drive versions of both to arrive first before the all-wheel-drive versions come later. There’s also an M3 Touring wagon in development, though it’s at least two years away from being production-ready, and it’s not coming to the US, petition or not.

BMW M4 GT3 racer for 2022 rolled out

By: Gary Watkins

The next-generation BMW GT3 racer based on the M4 has turned a wheel for the first time in the hands of Augusto Farfus.

The M4 GT3, which will replace the current M6 for the 2022 season, was given a shakedown at BMW's Dingolfing facility on Saturday. Farfus completed what was described as a "function test" in preparation for the first track running at the Miramas test track in France. 

It is planned that the car will undertake a limited programme of races in 2021 for testing purposes ahead of its release to customers for the 2022 season. BMW's statement stressed that the M4 GT3, which is being developed in parallel with the road car, remained on schedule in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

BMW Motorsport boss Jens Marquardt said: “It is always an emotional moment when a newly-developed BMW race car takes to the track for the first time. This time, however, I am particularly proud. 

"Given the difficult conditions of the past few months, it is quite remarkable that we have managed to implement our development programme as planned and have managed to stick to the date originally envisaged for the rollout of the BMW M4 GT3."

BMW factory driver Farfus added: “It was a great honour for me to be able to drive the first few metres in the new BMW M4 GT3. I have been involved in the development of several BMW race cars and am always particularly pleased to be a part of such an important project. 

"Although our main job during the rollout is to perform functional tests, I had a good feeling in the car from the outset."

Design of the BMW's new GT3 racer began at the start of 2019 ahead of windtunnel testing in the middle of the year. The M4 is, like its predecessor, powered by a straight-six turbocharged engine producing more than 500bhp. 

It is the third in a line of factory-developed BMW GT3 cars after the Z4 and the M6, which came on stream in 2010 and 2016 respectively.

BMW i7 Spied For First Time With Production Body

Spy photos of the BMW i7, the brand’s electric 7 Series, aren’t new. Images of the all-electric sedan emerged late last year, but at the time, it wore the body of the current 7 Series. That’s no longer the case. New spy photos show the BMW i7 covered in camouflage trying to hide its unique design, though there are some things the automaker can’t hide.

While we expect the i7 to share its look with the upcoming 7 Series update, it appears it’ll have some unique styling features. The front end is a bit more shark nosed than before with the headlights looking to sit lower on the face than before; however, they may not be production units or they’re part of BMW’s camouflage. We can also spot a new design for the door handles.

One thing BMW couldn’t hide well were the multiple cameras on the outside of the car, which could hint at the model’s potential to offer partially self-driving technologies. BMW would be following other luxury automakers that are increasingly focusing on infusing such technology into their top models. There appears to be a camera just above the grille, one in the shark fin antenna, and one on each front fender. There are also seems to be sensors along the car’s side sills, too.

Rumors persist that the new i7 will be the model’s most potent offering. Powertrain details remain corralled in the Speculation category. However, it could offer as much as 650 horsepower (484 kilowatts) or more, supplanting the M760i with its twin-turbo 6.6-liter V12 engine as the car’s most potent option. Allegedly, the car’s battery pack could offer up to 400 miles (644 kilometers of range). BMW likely won’t confirm these details anytime soon as we don’t expect the i7 to arrive until 2022.

2021 BMW 4 Series Design May Not Be as Polarizing as You Feared

The Concept 4’s buck-toothed grille appears to have been significantly toned down for production.

By: Alex Kierstein

BMW released a very dark teaser image of the upcoming 2021 BMW 4 Series, and for those of us who feared it'd hew too closely to the controversial—nay, polarizing—Concept 4's look, you can breathe half a sigh of relief. A version of the new, angular, semi-conjoined kidney grille is present and will get the lion's share of attention from observers, but from what we can see in a lightened-up version of the teaser image, it's not nearly as aggressive or chipmunk-y as we'd thought.

After the Concept 4 dropped, the entire discussion surrounding the car centered on the grille—not the decent overall proportions, or even the promise of superior chassis dynamics, or any of the other things we've thought about when a new BMW in the 3/4-Series size class debuts. The focus on a single, polarizing styling element recalls the last time BMW took a massive styling risk—and how the conversation, for better or worse, focused almost solely on that issue. Yes, we're talking about the Chris Bangle era, and the E65 BMW 7 Series in 2001 that sported the so-called "Bangle butt," pictured below.

You probably know the drill. Most critics hated it. It intentionally challenged buyers and others to rethink their conception of what a luxury car should look like. The 7 Series sat in the eye of a whirlwind of attention, and whether it was a success as an individual vehicle from a design standpoint seemed to be of secondary concern to Bangle. He was confrontational, his designs were meant to polarize. Other automakers, transfixed, grabbed Bangle-esque themes and remixed them, creating more attractive but less impactful designs.

And, to be fair, the "classic" shapes of the pre-Bangle era were (perhaps rightly) knocked for being risk-averse. Our Angus Mackenzie recalls that the E46 3 Series was derided by some as "just another cookie-cutter BMW with predictably cloned design cues from the larger 5 and 7 Series models." After Bangle, you couldn't level that criticism at any BMW.

So, keep that in mind, that history of confrontational, challenging styling that brings a fire hose of attention to the brand. Positive, negative—does it really matter when everyone's got your company's name on the tip of your tongue? BMW's game here seems to be take the most extreme, most challenging version of the design and create a concept car with it—here, the Concept 4—to generate buzz, controversy, and perhaps set a bar for the production car to clear. It doesn't take much watering down for the challenging elements of the Concept 4 to seem, suddenly, proportional, maybe even attractive, while remaining distinctive.

That's what the teaser of the production 2021 4 Series reveals—a mature, almost non-confrontational interpretation of the very unique Concept 4 grille. Up top, it's less angular, a bit gentler. The texturing inside is more modern and traditional. The semi-scalloped surround is less pronounced, from what we can tell, just a hint of the Concept 4's deep convex chin. And the headlights are wider, softer, and more conventional. Nor does it appear that the grille protrudes so much as it does on the Concept 4, which from certain angles appeared to leap forward out of the front fascia like buck teeth.

But of course, it'll take a full look at the car to tell how successful the design truly is—in particular, how well the front end treatment plays with the curvature of the side and the overall proportions of the car. Whatever the final product looks like as a whole, BMW's strategy has already succeeded. The Concept 4's influence hasn't been erased, just toned down. And we're more eager to see the final product than we would be otherwise. It's a clever game that BMW seems to be playing very well.

2021 BMW 5 Series Facelift Teased, Debuts Soon

By: Adrian Padeanu

The wraps will come off in less than two weeks.

Most BMW fans have probably seen the leaked images by now, but the company has still prepared a teaser campaign that kicks off today with the adjacent shadowy image. Unsurprisingly, it appears we’re looking at the very same car that emerged onto the web at the end of April. We’re making this assumption based on the car’s familiar blue paint scheme, leading us to believe it’s the same 530e that somehow “escaped” online.

That would make sense because BMW’s announcement about the facelift’s impending debut briefly mentions how both the sedan and wagon will be electrified. Programmed to break cover in less than two weeks, the 5 Series LCI will be showcased in the plug-in hybrid guise with the M Sport package. BMW has already electrified the 5er in more ways than one as aside from the current 530e, mild-hybrid tech debuted in Europe last year with the 520d in both rear- and all-wheel-drive models.

Our pals at BMWBLOG have it on good authority there will be three new colors to choose from: Bernina Grey Amber Effect, Phytonic Blue Metallic, and Aventurin Red Metallic. A beefier 545e plug-in hybrid is rumored to join the lineup, complete with an electrified inline-six delivering nearly 400 hp, but that remains to be seen.

Aside from the styling changes we’ve already seen pretty much in full, the facelift is also allegedly bringing M Sport brakes with red calipers for the first time on the 5 Series. Inside, the infotainment system will finally get support for Android Auto smartphone integration through a wireless connection. We were expecting this as an announcement was made late last year about the company’s plans to add AA to all cars equipped with the BMW Operating System 7.0.

We will likely have to wait a little bit more for the M5 and its Competition sibling since BMW might want to save the icing on the cake for later. An even hotter M5 CS – presumably with more power and other upgrades – has been spotted and it will ultimately become the range-topping 5 Series model.

BMW USA releases statement as Greer plant remains operational

GREER, SC (FOX Carolina) -  BMW USA released a statement about plans to keep the BMW Manufacturing Plant in Spartanburg operation for now amid the coronavirus outbreak.

BMW has closed plants and dealerships in Europe and South Africa due to the virus, per CNN.

Officials said they are prepared to adjust quickly if government health officials deem it necessary to close the Greer plant and have taken other steps to ensure health and safety at the plant.

Below is the full statement the company provided to us via Twitter:

“In regard to closing Plant Spartanburg, we continue to monitor the situation in South Carolina daily and are in close alignment with both state and local government officials.  We recognize that we are in a dynamic situation and we are prepared to adjust quickly based on the daily analysis of the current environment.  In parallel we have implemented numerous measures to protect the health and safety of our employees.”

Meanwhile, bars and restaurants in South Carolina are limited to takeout orders and delivery only. The governor had also asked private employers to allow non-essential employees to work from home, if possible.

Coronavirus lands at BMW, automaker quarantines 150 employees

A BMW employee in Germany tested positive for COVID-19 and did not travel abroad.

By: Sean Szymkowski Road/Show by CNET

The coronavirus has, so far, defined 2020. The novel virus that first emerged in China has spread to numerous countries around the world, and it continues to impact global business, including automakers.

Although Germany has already reported cases of the coronavirus, it's specifically landed at BMW. The automaker has placed 150 employees under at-home quarantine after an employee tested positive for the virus, Automotive News Europe reports. 

The unnamed employee, who did not travel abroad, works in the company's research and development center and may have come in contact with the employees who have been quarantined. BMW didn't immediately return Roadshow's request for comment, but the automaker told Automotive News Europe the affected area has been closed for disinfection. Operations will continue as normal, according to the report, and most importantly, the employee is doing well.

2020 BMW X5 M and X6 M first drive review: Power isn't everything

BMW's latest high-performance SUVs offer tremendous power, comfortable cabins and an abundance of tech. But they aren't perfect.

By: Steven Ewing - CNET

The 2020 BMW X5 M and X6 M put up some impressive specs. Bavaria's latest big boys offer as much as 617 horsepower from a 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8. Both can accelerate to 60 mph in under four seconds. And all of that happens while the driver and passengers are coddled in plush leather seats, surrounded by the best driver-assistance and infotainment technology BMW has to offer.

But there's a problem. And you've heard this one before. In their quests to be jacks of all trades, able to carry you and your family across the country in great comfort and run up on sports cars out on winding roads or, hypothetically, a race track, the X5 M and X6 M are in fact masters of none.

That's not to say there isn't a lot to like. The standard X5 and X6 on which these M cars are based are more luxurious and techy than ever, and they're some of our favorite contenders in their respective segments. For M duty, everything gets amped up, and that's immediately obvious when you see these SUVs for the first time. All bulgy and snarly, you absolutely will not mistake the X5 M or X6 M for lesser variants, what with their larger air intakes, wider fenders and massive 21- and 22-inch wheels.

As for tangible mechanical differences between the two models, there really aren't any. The X5 M is about 30 pounds heavier, but also offers more space for passengers and cargo. There are teensy-tiny differences in length, width and height, and the X5 M rides one single millimeter closer to the ground.

BMW will sell the X5 M and X6 M in standard and Competition trims, both of which use the same 4.4-liter V8 engine, which is a real doozy. In base guise, the V8 pumps out 600 hp and 553 pound-feet of torque, with Competition models getting an additional 17 hp. This engine is unrelenting in its power delivery, forcing you back in your seat as these behemoths accelerate to 60 mph in as little as 3.8 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission slaps up and down through the gears with a brapp from the exhaust, and the engine will happily rev its heart out. I love the feeling of standing on the throttle and launching these SUVs. It's as thrilling as it hilarious -- these 5,000-pound SUVs rocket off the line quicker than a whole bunch of smaller sports cars.

The X5 M and X6 M come standard with 21-inch wheels wrapped in 295/35 front and meaty 315/35 rear tires. Opt for the Competition model and those back rollers step up to 22s, with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. This wheel-and-tire package proves to be both a blessing and a curse. Visually, the wheels look great, and both SUVs have a wide, planted stance when viewed from behind. There's a ton of grip available, too -- you can really carry a lot of speed through corners, knowing the tires won't give up.

The downside, however, is that the X5 M and X6 M don't exactly beg to be pushed through turns. The steering wheel itself is heavy in all the right ways when you activate Sport mode, but there's absolutely no feedback through the wheel, no sense of what's actually happening at road level. This reduces my confidence to really chuck these SUVs into a turn. I've had issues with BMW's recent steering systems, but the company seemed to be once again finding salvation with cars such as the new 8 Series. The X5 M and X6 M feel like a step backward, when I know BMW is capable of so much more.

Then there's the suspension itself. On pristine roads in Comfort mode, these SUVs ride like a dream, the huge wheels and relatively thin tires transmitting little vibration or harshness into the cabin. But on city streets and highways, the ride is brittle, with even small bumps being enough to jostle me in my seat. I'll admit, these impressions only apply to the Competition models, as that's all BMW had on hand for testing at its media drive program, but the damping rates aren't that different in the base versions. No matter the trim, the X5 M and X6 M uses BMW's rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

I'd be more willing to forgive the harsh ride if it came at the expense of really great handling, but that's not what the X5 M or X6 M do best. Even in the sharpest Track drive mode, these SUVs really show their size while cornering. You genuinely feel every bit of the lumbering weight that you're throwing around, and the overall experience could stand to be better balanced. I'm not harping on the SUVs for this characteristic, either -- they're big, tall vehicles with high centers of gravity. No matter how sophisticated BMW's suspension tech is, the laws of physics still apply.

Speaking of Track mode, it's one of a few ways you can adjust the on-road demeanor of the X5 M and X6 M. In the standard Comfort setting, these SUVs are still rip-snorting good times, and perhaps most balanced in this default mode. BMW will let you alter the behavior of the powertrain, steering, chassis and even brakes, plus there are the across-the-board Sport and Track modes, which is an absolute ton of customization potential. In my experience, Comfort works the best for 95% of driving scenarios, while Sport will offer a bit more engagement (despite a harsher ride) if you're pushing your SUV along, say, twisty mountain roads. You can activate a Track mode by holding the M button down for several seconds, but I'm not really sure when you'd ever use this. Seriously, who's actually tracking one of these things?

No, these SUVs spend their days commuting through the suburbs, or blasting down one of Germany's unrestricted stretches of autobahn. And beyond the inherent performance of the X5 M and X6 M, these SUVs are well poised to make your daily life as easy as possible. Both SUVs have fantastic interiors, with high-quality leather surfaces and some of the best sport seats I've ever tested. Every bit of trim feels as good as it looks, and no one who buys one should ever want for comfort or convenience features.

BMW's latest iDrive 7 infotainment tech is on hand, just as it is in the standard X5 and X6, and the more I use this system, the easier I find the layout of its menu structure. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is reconfigurable and changes based on drive mode, and the second 12.3-inch multimedia screen is bright, colorful and has crisp graphics and fonts. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on all BMW models -- finally! -- and the X5 M and X6 M can be had with wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, connected-car services and more. All the usual driver-assistance features are here, too, though if you want BMW's Extended Traffic Jam Assistant, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, you have to spec the $1,700 Driving Assistance Professional package.

That's pretty much chump change, considering I'm talking about SUVs that start at $107,095 for the X5 M and $110,595 for the X6 M, including $995 for destination and $1,000 for the gas guzzler tax. Competition models are a bit more dear, at $116,095 and $119,595, respectively. Without having tested the base versions, I can't tell you if the Competition upgrade is really worth it, though buyers in this segment do tend to exist in the more-is-more headspace. Really, you just have to pick the one you think looks better, which for me is the X5 M by a country mile. Plus, it's cheaper and more functional from a passenger- and cargo-space standpoint than the X6 M. Win-win.

I get that there's a market for these sorts of high-powered SUVs -- BMW has to have something to compete with the Mercedes-AMG GLE63s of the world, right? Yes, they're fast, and yes, they offer a boat-load of standard comfort and tech features. But consider this: A BMW X5 M50i or X6 M50i offers everything you could every want for a daily performance vehicle, but costs thousands of dollars less. Or heck, for almost half the price, you could buy a brand-new X5 xDrive40i, which is every bit as techy and comfortable and useful as an X5 M, while still being plenty great to drive and far more cosseting around town. Plus, then you can use the leftover cash to buy a BMW M2 Competition, which is one of the best two-door sports cars available today, and hey, it's something you can actually use on a track. Trying to cram the best of both worlds into the X5 M and X6 M results in a pair of potent performers, but even with 600 hp, there are still some compromises to be made.

2021 BMW M4 Coupe Spied Hiding Striking Paint Under Camo

By: Adrian Padeanu

It looks as if it's about to drop the disguise and show its production metal.

BMW surprised just about everyone back in September last year when it unveiled the Concept 4 to preview the next-generation 4 Series. It’s not that we weren’t expecting to see it, but the massive kidneys created quite a stir, for better or for worse. Now that I got this out of my system, I promise I won’t mention the grille anymore.

Despite wearing full camo attire, this particular prototype is quite interesting as it looks pretty much like a production car. The orange side reflectors indicate it’s a U.S.-spec car, while the cutouts in the body wrap for the front and rear parking sensors reveal the test vehicle’s real paint. While some are saying it’s the new Isle of Man Green metallic (C4G codename) shade set to debut with the M3/M4, chances are that one is going to have a darker green finish.

A trustworthy source on the Bimmer Post forums says the car is actually painted in Sao Paulo Yellow (C4H codename), which represents another new hue set to debut with the upcoming M duo. It’s named after Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace and represents the first non-metallic M color in more than 20 years, with the last one being Imola Red.

Body color aside, you can easily tell it’s the M4 and not just a regular 4 Series Coupe judging by the specific M mirrors and chunky brakes. The quad exhaust is the most obvious sign we’re dealing with the cream of the crop, while the stiffer suspension setup with a reduced ride height is another telltale sign pointing towards the direction of the full-fat M model.

BMW has already confirmed it will introduce the new M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe later this year. Our pals at BMWBLOG are reporting the official premiere will take place this summer, but production won’t commence until November. If that’s correct, it means customer deliveries are programmed to begin early 2021.

One thing is certain – there will be plenty of configurations to choose from. BMW has repeatedly said there will be both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations, manual and automatic models, and various engine outputs. Customers won’t be able to combine a stick shift with xDrive, but that’s hardly a surprise. As revealed in spy shots, an M4 Convertible will follow, most likely next year.

Source: CarPix

BMW launches gaze detection so your car knows what you’re looking at

Frederic Lardinois - Tech Crunch

At its CES press conference, BMW today unveiled its new gaze detection system, which can track what you’re looking at outside of the car and then present relevant information about it.

The German automaker is showing off this feature in its i Interaction EASE concept car, which made its debut last October. The idea here is to demonstrate features that simplify the driver’s interaction with the car’s system, including touch control, gesture and speech recognition, with a special focus on what that will look like once our cars are driven autonomously.

“The BMW i Interaction EASE demonstrates what mobility might feel like in the future once autonomous driving becomes commonplace: luxurious, human, and intuitive,” explains Adrian van Hooydonk, senior vice president BMW Group Design. “Passengers start their journey with the feeling of having already arrived.”

BMW already hinted at this gaze tracking system when it first revealed the EASE. Using its AI tools, the car’s systems can follow the driver’s gaze and interpret it. That means you will be able to get more information about a restaurant, for example, or which movies are playing at a cinema that you’re driving by.

All of this works in conjunction with BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant, which you can then use to kick off a conversation about the place you are looking at. In addition, the EASE also features a head-up display that covers the entire front-end windscreen, which essentially makes the car a big augmented reality screen on wheels.

That screen, by the way, has three modes: explore, with a focus on what’s outside the window; entertain, for watching movies; and ease, which, when activated, transforms the car into a “place of calm and relaxation.”

Once you combine gestures, natural language understanding and gaze detection, you have all the ingredients for a very natural human-machine interface in the car.

“We already have quite a long history with natural language understanding in the car at BMW and we have a best in class speech detection on the road today,” said Christoph Grote, the senior VP of BMW Group Electronics, at a press event ahead of today’s announcement. “With the iNext and BMW, natural interaction will hit a new level. The car will be able to analyze and combine your spoken commands, gestures and also your directional gaze. And that’s pretty much what humans do with one another when they communicate well. This also enables the car to much better understand what you want in a specific situation.”

Because the EASE is basically a very forward-looking prototype, the company assumes that the car will have 5G connectivity to power this system as well (though I’d think that this specific use case is not that bandwidth-heavy and latency-sensitive to really require 5G). As the company also announced today, the next BMW iNext vehicle will feature built-in 5G support when it debuts sometime in 2021.

Some of the first ideas from the EASE will make it into BMW’s next-generation iNext electric cars later this year. Which ones are slated for inclusion remains to be seen, but I think it’s a fair guess that gaze tracking won’t be the first to make it.

BMW will offer wireless Android Auto from mid-2020

By Chris Hall - Pocket-Lint

For a long time, BMW has only offered Apple CarPlay in its cars, but that's all set to change with the announcement that BMW will be offering Android Auto in its cars from mid-2020. 

The good news is you don't need to wait for new models to launch: Android Auto is going to be available on cars running BMW Operating System 7.0, so that will include recent models launched in 2019.

The lack of Android Auto on BMW cars wasn't some sort of smartphone snobbery, BMW essentially wanted Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to work the same way. The BMW 5 Series was one of the first cars to enable wireless Apple CarPlay and now you'll be getting wireless Android Auto in BMWs too. 

Wireless Android Auto isn't unique to BMW: it was a feature that Google enabled in 2018, but it hasn't seen much support, with most manufacturers using a cable connection instead. There's a caveat that comes with that however - not all phones will support wireless Android Auto. This is the list of supported devices for wireless Android Auto, according to Google:

• Pixel or Pixel XL

• Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL

• Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL

• Nexus 5X or 6P

• Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+

• Samsung Galaxy S9 or S9+

• Samsung Galaxy S10 or S10+

• Samsung Note 8, Note 9 and Note 10

BMW has confirmed to us that if you don't have a compatible phone then you will be able to use a wired connection instead - and also that Mini has no plans currently to support Android Auto.

The German car giant is also going a step further, saying that there's integration into the driver display and the heads-up display too. Currently you might get things like song titles, but little else, so we're keen to see the system in action to see how different in implementation it is from other manufacturers.

Adding Android Auto will support a wide range of apps and features from your phone, making it easy to use your favourite mapping app or music streaming service, let you respond to messages and have all the convenience of Google Assistant to talk to.

BMW Operating System 7.0 was introduced in 2018 on the new BMW X5 and has been used in subsequent cars. It's designed to be much more dynamic than previous infotainment platforms, offering over the air updates and support for the Hey BMW voice assistant.

While BMW hasn't said anything about the cost of Android Auto, it's worth remembering that Apple CarPlay does come at a cost: most who lease cars will get access to it at no cost, but in the long term it costs about £87 a year for the subscription to the connected package you'll need to enable CarPlay - we suspect Android Auto will be bundled into the same subscription. 

BMW will be showcasing Android Auto at CES 2020, where we'll be sure to take a closer look at it.