Category Archives: BMW

BMW, SUV, SUV/4X4

Revamp has the X Factor

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BMW X1

By Bill McCarthy

Think of the 1 series and you picture a relatively small car, but not so with this third-generation model of the X1, with its distinctive styling and increased space.

A bit of a transformation from its predecessor, with more standard kit, this SUV — BMW describes it as a Compact Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) –- certainly looks the part with eye-catching curves, smart light clusters, signature kidney-shaped grille sitting above a large air scoop. 

The rear end features a spoiler, while integrated roof bars and smart alloys round off a pleasing profile.

The interior is a real upgrade on what went before with high-end soft-touch trim and chrome finish dominating.

With the leather seats and multi-function steering wheel featuring snazzy stitching, there is no mistaking this is a premium vehicle.

The raised seating position emphasises the SUV-like quality and it features two information screens which seem to almost blend into each other and a floating armrest which houses the gear selector together with the smartphone charging tray.

The screens are a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a central curved 10.7-inch infotainment screen which controls navigation, infotainment and smartphone connectivity.

BMW says the latest iDrive is designed to provide intuitive touch and voice control. This reduces the number of physical buttons, controls and switches required.

The system offers optional functions like the Augmented View function as an optional add-on for the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system.

An interior camera makes it possible to take snapshots of the occupants or have images of the interior sent to a smartphone.

Engine options available are the usual BMW multitude of choices including two petrol, two diesel, two plug-in hybrid, and one all-electric model, with a choice of Sport, xLine, and M Sport models available. Prices start at just over £34k.

All models are well equipped and the xLine driven here features auto dimming rear view and wing mirrors, interior camera, parking assistant and head up display, but as with all BMWs the options list appears endless.

Powered by a two-litre turbo petrol engine supplemented by a 48V mild hybrid electric motor, this model offers plenty of pace and is fuel efficient.

The system is linked to seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch as standard.  Economy is decent with the claimed 39-43mpg seeming pretty close to the mark.

The 215 PS unit powers the car to 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds while the intelligent all-wheel drive, or XDrive, gives maximum traction when required.

Various drive modes are offered from economy to sport with the upgraded chassis technology delivering agile handling, if not the comfiest of rides, particularly on difficult surfaces.

As an SUV, sorry SAV, it is a practical vehicle. Stowage space is good with a split height boot floor while the folding seats allow a capacity of 540 litres to be increased to 1,545 litres. Various cup holders and a central bin adds to practicality.

It is also packed with safety equipment, a comprehensive array of airbags, cruise control with brake function and the front-collision warning system, parking assistant including reversing assist camera and reversing assistant.

It now has a real X factor.

Factfile

BMW X1 xDrive23i 

Price: £37,595

Mechanical: 215PS, 1,998cc, four-cylinder petrol engine and mild hybrid electric motor driving all wheels via seven-speed Steptronic transmission

Max speed: 112mph

0-62mph: 7.1 second

Max speed: 145 mph

Combined mpg: 41mpg

Insurance group: tbc

CO2 emissions: 152g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

BMW, Coupe, Executive

SUPER COUPE PACKS A REAL PUNCH

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BMW M440i Gran Coupe

By Bill McCarthy

When it comes to producing compact performance coupes, BMW has few peers. Stylish, desirable, pricey and offering, blistering performance together will all-wheel drive technology, there’s a huge amount to like, although this model will set you back north of £53k.

It’s not perfect, no car is, but it comes close. It gives a whole new dimension to the phrase ‘hot hatch.’, with its four-doors, hatchback and brutal pace.

The BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupé, has a rather grand sounding name and no, doesn’t refer to shoehorning your gran into the car.

There are small things I am not keen on, like the flush door handles that can be fiddly in the rain and  I am unsure about the larger kidney grille. Actually though, I think I like it.

But it is a striking looking motor, with predatory stance, sweeping profile with short overhangs, cat’s eye type light cluster and that black honeycomb grille flanked just below by huge air scoops finished, like the grille, in high-gloss black.

An M-specific spoiler on the boot lid rounds off the distinctive appearance, as does the performance brake callipers painted in blue and the striking alloys.

BMW describes the interior as a driver-centric cockpit, the dash layout is familiar with the central touchscreen, while a sport leather steering wheel also controls various functions.

The classy leather interior is finished with neat blue stitching, while soft touch finish abound throughout the car offset with contrasting metal inserts.

There are five seats with three full sized to the rear which, despite the compact look of the car, offer decent legroom and reasonable headroom.

Controls are logical and intuitive with the familiar iDrive operating system linked with a central screen and 12.3-inch high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.

The central screen controls, infotainment, navigation and connectivity for smartphones, with built-in SIM card with 4G LTE connectivity and BMW’s  Connected Package Professional enabling remote digital information services.

It is pretty practical, being a hatchback, with 470 litres of boot space up 39 litres on the previous model, which can be expanded to a maximum of 1,290 litres while the hatchback features an automatic opening and closing mechanism.

There are various petrol and diesel models available, but the M version is all about performance and it doesn’t disappoint.

Powered by a three-litre, six cylinder turbo-charged engine it delivers blistering pace, hitting 60 mph in under five seconds, while the eight-speed automatic transmission slips seamlessly through the gears.

A mild hybrid system boosts electrics and adds to the engine power when required.

It is a thrilling experience to give it the full beans and all the while the adaptive M suspension works in the background together with the four wheel-drive to deliver maximum stability and a satisfying driving experience.

The driver can also select various drove modes from COMFORT, ideal for motorway cruising through to the most driver-orientated SPORT mode.

 Here you get the full roar and the spitting and crackling from the exhaust as everything sharpens up and you can give the car its head on the open road as it powers through bendy, twisting roads with ease. All within the law of course.

As you would expect, this model features a comprehensive list of safety kit, with full complement of airbags, traction, steering aids as well as cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking and speed limit information.

FACTFILE

BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe

 Price: £53,980

Mechanical: 374PS, 2199cc, six-cylinder, petrol engine driving all wheels via 8-speed automatic transmission

Max Speed: 155mph

0-62mph: 4.7 seconds

Combined MPG: 35.3

Insurance Group: 40

C02 emissions: 184g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles