A quarter of a century ago, BMW turned the hierarchy in the luxury segment upside down: In March 1987, the second-generation 7 series (E32), itself a marvel of technology, got a range-topping V-12 engine. Rated at 296hp, it utterly humiliated the Mercedes-Benz W126 S class. The Stuttgart competitor managed to reach this level of power only with a non-catalysed version of the 5.6-liter V-8 - an engine which was lacking the smoothness of its 4.2-liter and 5.0-liter siblings.
It wasn’t BMW’s first attempt at a V-12. In fact, two prototypes had preceded the engine that finally made it into production. As early as 1972, BMW set out to create a V-12 from two six-cylinder engines. The 5.0-liter engine, code-named M33, made 296hp - but it was … CONTINUED
Car and Driver Contributing Editor Csaba Csere gives an in-depth review of the German-tuned 2013 BMW Alpina B7 on the latest episode of Car and Driver: Tested.
2012 was a busy year for BMW and saw the company introduce many models. These include the LCI 7 Series, 6 Series Gran Coupe, ActiveHybrid 5, F10 3 Series Sedan, F11 3 Series Touring, M135i hatchback, M Performance Automobiles, M6 Coupe and Convertible, and M6 Gran Coupe.
BMW revisits the 2012 year in this review video.
In the “Auto Trophy 2012″, the new BMW 3 Series was chosen as the most popular mid-range automobile, while the BMW 1 Series Convertible came out top in the “Convertibles up to 30,000 euros” category. The “Best Advertising” award also went to BMW - here readers of the automobile magazine “Auto Zeitung” showed a clear preference for the BMW 5 Series Touring campaign. The outstanding BMW result was rounded off with numerous other top 3 placements for the BMW 5 Series, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé, the BMW 7 Series and the BMW X1.
The award ceremony for the “Auto Trophy 2012″ was held yesterday at the Meilenwerk in Düsseldorf. Representing the Munich-based premium automobile manufacturer and there to receive the trophies presented by TV … CONTINUED
BMW today announced a portion of its lineup to be displayed at this year’s Los Angeles International Auto Show press days [public days go from November 30 - December 9]. From the exotic BMW Concept i8 Roadster to the versatile new BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride based on the popular new BMW X1 with graphics designed by Designworks USA, the company will showcase a comprehensive product arrangement which strikes the perfect balance of high performance, innovative efficiency, and outstanding design. There will be more BMW i news at the show.
BMW i4 Concept: The “more BMW i news at the show” alluded to in this official press release could be referring to the debut of a BMW i4 Concept, recently rumored to be coming to the … CONTINUED
BMW announced over the summer that the US would be getting new turbo diesel engines (a 180HP 4-Cylinder and 255HP 6-Cylinder), and now we see that BMW is planning 6 new diesel models for the NA market in 2013 and 2014.
The slide you see below was reportedly taken during a BMWNA meeting and it reveals the upcoming diesel model lineup and schedule:
• F30 3 Series sedan diesel - first half 2013
• F31 3 Series touring - second half 2013
• F10 5 Series diesel - third quarter 2013
• X5d diesel - end of 2013
• 7 Series diesel - first half 2014
• X3d diesel - first half 2014
No info yet on which models may receive what engines, but the 4-cylinder mentioned above may see duty in models … CONTINUED
At the 2012 Paris Motor Show, three fascinating concept studies will point the way forward to a future defined by both sustainability and driving pleasure. What is more, BMW sends out an impressive signal in terms of efficiency, premium quality and innovative technology with its latest models in a range of vehicle segments. BMW Connected Drive innovations and the
BMW M Performance accessories round off the appearance at the
Paris show.
BMW Concept Active Tourer: more space for innovations.
The BMW Concept Active Tourer sees its premiere at the
2012 Paris Motor Show and offers an initial insight into further innovations
for the premium compact segment. In this study BMW demonstrates groundbreaking solutions in terms of both the interior and the drive concept. The latter features a … CONTINUED
BMW launches a very special limited edition 25th Anniversary Edition 760Li V-12 reflecting a rich tradition of V-12 engines that began back in 1987 with the then groundbreaking BMW 750iL when BMW engineers crafted the most Ultimate Driving Machine of its day with the introduction of its first automotive V-12 engine. Only 15 of these very limited edition models will be available to US customers on a special order basis only for BMW Center delivery in early 2013 at a price of $159,695 including destination and handling.
The “V-12 25 Years Edition” BMW 760Li features BMW Individual Champagne Full Merino Leather and, exclusively for this model, black piping. The black floor mats and rear footrests are also complimented by contrasting piping in Champagne. The door sills, headrests … CONTINUED