Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[BMW announces 7 Series xDrive and M Sport models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/bmw-announces-7-series-xdrive-and-m-sport-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/bmw-announces-7-series-xdrive-and-m-sport-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/bmw-announces-7-series-xdrive-and-m-sport-models/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 BMW 7 Series M Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW introduced its first all-wheel drive 3 Series in the mid-80's, with an all-wheel drive variant of the 5 Series arriving on the scene several years later. Today, BMW has announced that its range-topping full-size 2010 7 Series sedan will finally get the automaker's all-wheel drive "xDrive" treatment. Designed with a rear torque bias to maintain rear-wheel drive handling characteristics, the all-season traction will be available on the turbocharged eight-cylinder models initially, as BMW has not announced any plans to adapt it to the V12-powered 760Li flagship. The standard model will be called the "750i xDrive" while the long-wheelbase model carries "750Li xDrive" nomenclature.

The Bimmer boys also announced the availability of the "M Sport Package" for all 7 Series models. The package includes lift-reducing aerodynamic cladding, shadowline trim, Active Roll Stabilization (RWD only), anthracite headliner, and 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance rubber. If that isn't enough, BMW is also offering special Carbon Black Metallic exterior paint and 20-inch wheels for the new 2010 7 Series M Sport models. Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 BMW 7 Series





Continue reading BMW announces 7 Series xDrive and M Sport models

BMW announces 7 Series xDrive and M Sport models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 Series7 Series M Sport750i xDrive750iXdrive750Li xDrive750liXdrive7Series7SeriesMSportall-season tractionAll-seasonTractionall-wheel driveAll-wheelDrivefour-wheel driveFour-wheelDriveM SportMSportxDriveWed, 01 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/bmws-2009-unveiling-schedule/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/bmws-2009-unveiling-schedule/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/28/bmws-2009-unveiling-schedule/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

BMW Blog has trained its spyglass on what it says is a list of BMW rollouts for 2009, and it will begin next month with the brand spankin' new Z4 showcased at the Detroit Auto Show. It is March, though, that will bring year's first real bounty. At Geneva, BMW will be showing off a concept version of the Progressive Activity Vehicle (half 5 Series, half X6), the Concept eDrive (an electric 1 Series or 3 Series), a Z4 Individual, and the Rolls-Royce 102EX (otherwise known as the RR4). Then in April, BMW's taking the show to Shanghai with the 760Li.

Post-Shanghai, you'll get a few months to digest. Then at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, BMW is expected to have the production-ready Progressive Activity Vehicle on display and the MINI Crossover. It is there, perhaps, that they'll also trot out a show pony speedster they call the Vision-Z with eDrive, their idea of "progress of sports cars for the future." And sprinkled on top throughout the year come launches of the 7 Series xDrive, 7 Series Hybrid, X5 M, X6 M, and X6 Active Hybrid. For bimmer lovers, 2009 is going to be a jubilee year.

[Source: BMW Blog]

BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 series7Seriesbmwdetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowedrivefrankfurt motor showFrankfurtMotorShowminimini crossoverMiniCrossoverrr4shanghai auto showShanghaiAutoShowvision zVisionZx5x5 mX5Mx6x6 mX6Mxdrivez2z4Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW to offer 7 Series with xDrive AWD in late 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/25/bmw-to-offer-7-series-with-xdrive-awd-in-late-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/25/bmw-to-offer-7-series-with-xdrive-awd-in-late-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/25/bmw-to-offer-7-series-with-xdrive-awd-in-late-2009/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 BMW 7 Series

Buyers in the upper echelon of the luxury segment are increasingly demanding all-wheel traction on their rides, and BMW has evidently grown tired of seeing would-be customers flocking to rival automakers like Audi and Mercedes-Benz to get what they want. So for the first time in the model line's history, the new BMW 7 Series will be offered with all-wheel drive.

Engineers in Bavaria have reportedly worked hard to keep the 7's rear-drive dynamics intact, and have opted to fit the xDrive system with a 30:70 rearward bias instead of the 40:60 in other applications. xDrive-equipped 7s will also get a slightly higher ground clearance and Hill Decent Control, a system usually reserved for serious off-road vehicles. The option will be available on all versions of the 7 save the smallest diesels and gasoline engines that we don't get in North America anyway, fetching a €2500-2800 premium (in European markets) over conventional rear-drive versions. BMW is testing the 7 Series with xDrive in snow-draped locales before the option is offered in other markets starting at the Frankfurt Motor Show in October 2009, after which Quattros and 4Matics will be looking over their shoulders.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series


[Source: Automobilwoche and BMW Blog]

BMW to offer 7 Series with xDrive AWD in late 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Dec 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7 series7 xdrive7Series7Xdrivebmwbmw 7 seriesbmw 7 series xdrivebmw xdriveBmw7SeriesBmw7SeriesXdriveBmwXdrivexdriveThu, 25 Dec 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2009-7-series-raises-prices-on-everyt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2009-7-series-raises-prices-on-everyt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/bmw-announces-pricing-for-2009-7-series-raises-prices-on-everyt/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 BMW 7 Series

The latest iteration of BMW's all-singing, all-dancing plutocrat limo will roll out the door starting at $81,125. That sum will get buyers the 2009 750i (including $825 for destination charges), but those who are looking for a bit more legroom in back will have to pay $85,025 for the 750Li. Production for these models began last month, but don't expect to see them on the forecourts of your local BMW Center until later this spring.

The rest of the BMW lineup is also getting a nudge on pricing, with the average MSRP climbing by 0.7 percent. All pricing increases are effective January 1, 2009; so if you're planning on gifting yourself a M5 or X6 for the holidays, make sure you do so before New Year's.

Click on the jump for BMW's official press release and full-line model pricing for 2009.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else

BMW announces pricing for 2009 7 Series, raises prices on everything else originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-Series3-SEries5-SEries7 Series7-series750i750Li7SeriesBavariaBavarianBimmerBMWPricingX3X5X6XDriveZ4Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[What's in a Name? BMW to roll out sDrive for rear-drivers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/03/whats-in-a-name-bmw-to-roll-out-sdrive-for-rear-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/03/whats-in-a-name-bmw-to-roll-out-sdrive-for-rear-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/03/whats-in-a-name-bmw-to-roll-out-sdrive-for-rear-drivers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Remember the good old days when at least BMW nomenclature was straightforward? The first digit designated the series and the second and third the displacement of the engine. Maybe an extra letter would be tacked on, but that was it. Then they started with M this, Z that and X for the SUVs with xDrive all-wheel drive. So now we've got things like the X6 xDrive 35i. Now they're dropping another one on us: rear-wheel-drive models, which used to be the entire BMW line-up, will now bear the "sDrive" nameplate in addition to whatever else they stick on there.

We already knew this was coming for the upcoming X1, which will be offered in both xDrive (AWD) and sDrive (RWD) variants. (The current X3, X5 and X6 crossovers are all strictly all-wheel-drive models.) BMW has even reportedly registered the trademarks for sDrive18, sDrive20, sDrive30 and sDrive35, as if someone else would try and use the confusing nomenclature. Wait a second... sDrive35? As in the twin-turbo straight six in the 335i? That's bigger than the engine offered in the larger X3, so what is BMW up to?

Reports indicate that the sDrive nameplate could begin appearing on other BMW models driven through the rear axle, including the replacement for the Z4 roadster that was just caught nekkid today. If you look closely on the front fender, you can see a badge that looks an awful lot like "sDrive". We wouldn't expect to see the moniker on the standard series models (1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 Series), since those get the suffix "iX", but we're not sure we can even count on that anymore.

[Source: PaulTan.org]

What's in a Name? BMW to roll out sDrive for rear-drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4wdall wheel driveall-wheel-driveAllWheelDriveawdbmwbmw s drivebmw sdrivebmw x driveBmwSDriveBmwXDrivefour wheel drivefour-wheel-driveFourWheelDriverwds drivesdrivex drivexdriveWed, 03 Dec 2008 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW X1 to offer both all- and rear-wheel drive]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/bmw-x1-to-offer-both-all-and-rear-wheel-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/bmw-x1-to-offer-both-all-and-rear-wheel-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/bmw-x1-to-offer-both-all-and-rear-wheel-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the BMW X1 Concept


In a move that marks a significant departure from its current direction, BMW will offer both all- and rear-wheel drive versions of its upcoming BMW X1 model. Up to this point, consumers have only been offered all-wheel-drive mechanicals under the skin of the BMW X6, BMW X5 and smaller BMW X3. The German automaker cites weight savings and gains in efficiency as the reason why its newest and smallest SAV loses its front driveshafts, but be assured that it's also a cost-saving maneuver as automakers squeeze to keep prices down. As the models will appear virtually identical from the outside, BMW will offer the rear-wheel-drive version with a special "sDrive" badge to differentiate it from the xDrive-equipped all-wheel-drive model (of course, you'll have to squint to discern the badge differences between a rear-wheel-drive "BMW X1 sDrive28i" and the all-wheel-drive "BMW X1 xDrive28i"). Built on the 3 Series platform (and set for production at the same Leipzig plant), the showroom version of the X1 is expected to look much like the X1 Concept shown in Paris last week. There has been no word on when we'll see it on this side of the pond, but those in Europe should look for the X1 to appear in showrooms sometime in 2010.

Gallery: BMW Concept X1


Gallery: BMW X1 LIVE


[Source: Autocar]

BMW X1 to offer both all- and rear-wheel drive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW X1BmwX1LeipzigProductionrear-wheel driveRear-wheelDrivesDriveX1 ConceptX1ConceptxDriveThu, 09 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 BMW 3 Series unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/11/2009-bmw-3-series-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/11/2009-bmw-3-series-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/11/2009-bmw-3-series-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for 40 hi-res images of the freshened 3 series

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.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 3 Series


[Source: BMW | Photos: BMW via BMW Blog]

Continue reading 2009 BMW 3 Series unveiled

2009 BMW 3 Series unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 bmw 3 series2009Bmw3Series318d318i320d320i325d325i330d330i335d335ibreakingconnecteddrivefaceliftiDrivesedantouringwagonxdriveFri, 11 Jul 2008 09:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: BMW unwraps the production X6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-bmw-unwraps-the-production-x6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-bmw-unwraps-the-production-x6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/detroit-2008-bmw-unwraps-the-production-x6/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click above to view more high-res images of the BMW X6

Dropping the "concept" descriptor that it carried in Frankfurt, the BMW X6 was just revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in full production trim. Not surprisingly, it's almost identical to what we saw in Frankfurt, with a sharply-raked backlight and hatchback replacing the squared-off rump of the X5. BMW likes to describe it as a blend between a coupe and a crossover, which leads us to ask - is it possible to crossover from something that's already a crossover? Does this mean that it's been double-crossed? The mind boggles.

Follow the jump for our first impression...

Gallery: New York 2008: 2009 BMW X6 - Live

Continue reading Detroit 2008: BMW unwraps the production X6

Detroit 2008: BMW unwraps the production X6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4.4LBMWCUVDetroitDetroit Auto ShowSUVturbotwin-turboX5X6xDriveSun, 13 Jan 2008 16:23:00 EST