We had the chance to speak to BMW NA M Brand Manager Matt Russell and BMW M Marketing Director Thomas Schemera at the 2012 NYIAS about many things M. We covered some hot topics/models, including the M5, M6, M3 (current and future generation) and M Performance Automobiles.
M5 / M6
Can you tell us about the changes to the 2013 M5 from the 2012 M5? Why the wait for the 2013 model year for the US market?
It’s nothing major. It’s small things; it’s electronics underneath, little computer things. It’s definitely not customer-facing changes and not a great deal of functionality change.
How does the manual transmission affect the M5’s performance?
About 0.10 second 0-60mph difference (slower than DCT). We don’t have official EPA MPG estimates yet, but it’s not much. … CONTINUED
On display at the BMW section of the 2012 NYIAS is the 2013 328i xDrive (AWD) in its first public showing.
The F30 3 series xDrive models will begin production with the 2013 model year which begins in July, for September delivery.
A Frozen Silver (BMW Individual Color) F10 M5 is on display at the 2012 NYIAS, from where BMW has announced the US pricing for the 2013 M5 sedan - starting at $90,695 (destination and handling included).
The preliminary options/standard equipment information for the U.S. 2013 M5 has also been posted yesterday (info here).
The 2013 M5 will begin production in July and begin deliveries in September. Order guides will be available in two weeks and ordering begins on April 23. European delivery is available on dates beginning September 1st.
Frozen silver is among the range of BMW Individual exterior colors recommended for the 2012 M5, including:
Brilliant White Metallic
Frozen Gray Metallic
Frozen Silver Metallic
… CONTINUED
On display at the 2012 NYIAS is a gorgeous frozen blue metallic M3 coupe. Frozen blue metallic paint is available as a BMW Individual color, which (if you remember) can be ordered through any US BMW dealer.
One thing we’ve reconfirmed at the show is that the E92 M3 coupe will see production into mid-2013 and the E93 M3 convertible will end a few months after that. So, there WILL be a 2013 model year M3 coupe and convertible, despite recent faulty information from some dealers.
As for its successor, there will be no F8X M3/M4 (whatever it’ll be called) until after E92 and E93 M3 production ends, so the successor model will come as 2014 model. Our full interview with BMW M is forthcoming.
World premiere – the new BMW 3 Series sedan in the long wheelbase version.
Developed at BMW head office in Germany, it will be rolling off the production line in the new Shenyang production plant and celebrating its world premiere at Auto China 2012 in Beijing – the new BMW 3 Series sedan in the long wheelbase version.
With its wheelbase extended by 11 cm, a conspicuously elegant design, and the best rear seat travel comfort among the competition, this new model fulfils precisely the expectations of Chinese automobile customers. They can choose from the BMW 335Li, the BMW 328Li, or the BMW 320Li, each fitted with a powerful and efficient engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology. Also presented at Auto China will be the new BMW 3 … CONTINUED
Live from the 2012 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), we’re happy to share more photos of the amazing 2013 BMW M6 Coupe and the 2012 BMW M6 Convertible. Powererd by the 560hp 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8 internally dubbed S63 and mated to a 7-speed double clutch transmission, the 2012 M6 Convertible will be the first new M6 model to hit US showroom floors in June and the M6 Coupe to follow in September. The stunning colors seen are sakhir orange on the coupe and san marino blue on the convertible.
BMW announced today that the 2013 M6 Coupe and the 2012 M6 Convertible will be priced at $106,995 and $113,995 respectively (see full pricing announcement).
Preliminary US M6 options/equipment information has also been posted HERE.
Stay tuned to … CONTINUED
The 2013 BMW X1 has been announced for the US market and is making its US premiere at the 2012 NYIAS currently underway.
The X1 arrives in dealerships in the Fall in three models:
sDrive28i (240hp, RWD, starts at $31,545)
xDrive28i (240hp, AWD, starts at $33,245)
xDrive35i (300hp, AWD, starts at $39,345)
The 28i models receive an 8 speed automatic transmission and the xDrive35i uses an 6 speed auto transmission.
The M Sport Package (seen below) will be available at launch for the US X1 models. And unlike the other X models, European delivery for the X1 will be available (because it’s produced in BMW’s Leipzig plant)!
And if you’re interested in ordering an X1, look out for the … CONTINUED
The BMW X1 has made its official US premiere here at the 2012 NYIAS! Seen here is the sDrive28i RWD model with a 240hp 4-cylinder twinpower N20 engine. It starts in the US at $31,545. More info and photos inside.
Now that the US F10 M5 pricing has been announced, see what the standard options and optional equipment are like. Here is the preliminary information. Ordering for the M5 for the US market starts April 23. Ordering guides will be available in under 2 weeks.
