Category Archives: Executive saloon

BMW, Executive saloon, Performance

A wolf in not quite sheep’s clothing

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BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé

By Bill McCarthy

To describe this BMW as a wolf in sheep’s clothing might be a bit misleading. At first glance, this second-generation model’s sleek, elegant, compact lines scream executive car, but styling cues give it away. 

The performance M branding, coloured brake calipers, larger air scoops, lowered suspension, bespoke alloys, and slim iconic kidney grille all point to sporting prowess – as do features like the quad exhaust tailpipes, smart rear spoiler, and rear diffuser. It looks the part and beneath the bonnet lurks a 300bhp beast that delivers stunning performance.

The evolving larger kidney grille size on some BMW models over the years has sparked debate and polarised opinion. For me, this slimmer, shallower style gets it right and is instantly recognisable.

Sporty-looking it certainly is, but conversely, this performance machine is a comfortable four-seater. Despite its rip-roaring performance, it’s more than adequate around town, and its compact size doesn’t compromise practicality – it even offers a reasonably sized boot. So, you get peak performance and everyday usability.

The two-litre, four-cylinder power unit may lack the snarl of a V6, but the 302bhp on tap delivers performance that edges close to supercar territory. The sprint to 60mph, delivered via the latest Steptronic transmission, takes just 4.7 seconds, also supported by BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Despite the performance, economy is reasonable with up to 37mpg, although high emissions mean business users face a hefty benefit in kind tax.

Hit the Sport option, and the engine sound enhancement delivers the spitting, backfiring notes associated with performance cars. The performance is genuine – and impressive

Inside, the cabin is pure premium quality, with leather-bound sports seats, soft-touch trim finishes, and brushed aluminium. The M branded multifunction steering wheel also features paddle shifters for a more engaging drive, while the whole of the interior feels solid and well put together. Neat touches like selectable ambient lighting create a relaxing experience for occupants.

At the heart of the car is a high-resolution curved display, combining a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster controlling smartphone connectivity, infotainment, navigation, and various apps with a 10.7-inch central touchscreen for real-time driver information. 


Like many hi-tech systems, it can take time to master, and I found it slightly confusing at times – but the graphics are top-notch. It also features QuickSelect, enabling swift access to frequently used functions like climate adjustments or media controls, via touch or voice commands.

While the performance is electric, BMW’s enhanced xDrive system ensures this model grips like a limpet when pushed into corners. The steering is responsive and pin-sharp, with excellent driver feedback. Adaptive M suspension and the slip differential keeps the car stable, and the performance brakes haul you to a stop in very short order.

Practical and versatile – it’s not a hatchback – but its 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats allow long items like sports equipment to be transported while retaining passenger space.

The sloping nature of the coupe styling means head space is limited for rear passengers, but boot capacity is generous for most needs, offering 430 litres of storage, complemented by a wide opening for easy loading.

Fast and furious but safe as houses with a comprehensive list of active and passive safety measures and includes a full suite of  airbags, stability control and all wheel drive traction.

Also available are parking cameras and sensors, collision and lane departure warning.

Factfile

  • BMW M235 xDrive
  • Price: £45,945
  • Mechanical: 300PS, 1998 twin turbo petrol engine  driving all wheels via automatic transmission
  • Max Speed: 155mph
  • 0-62mph: 4.9 secs
  • Economy: 35-37mpg
  • Insurance Group: 31
  • C02 emissions: 175g/km
  • Bik rating: 37%
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Audi, Executive saloon, Performance, Sports saloon and hatches

Stunning performance and style

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Audi RS7 Performance

By Bill McCarthy

The RS 7 Sportback performance is aptly named. It delivers performance in every sense offering amazing acceleration, fantastic stability and a driving experience few can match. The mighty four litre V8 engine has even more power, as if the previous 605PS was not enough and delivers a whopping 625bhp.

As a result, it powers the car 60mph in just 3.4 seconds, supercar performance.

It also delivers a whopping price tag at £124k plus. Expensive? There was another £10k worth of options on this model.

It is a big car, long and wide, but is actually practical and the raging beast is transformed into a tranquil puppy when pottering around despite the immense power lurking under the bonnet.

The RS and Quattro badging is quite prominent as are the huge twin exhausts and optional 22-inch alloys on this model. But despite the low-slung, sleek appearance, with its muscular body and slim, stylish lights, its appearance only hints at the power it can unleash.

 Allied to its four-wheel drive system and eight-speed tiptronic gearbox, performance is astonishing with the car capable, where permitted, of hitting a top speed of nearly 190mph. Not that you would ever be able to achieve that, except maybe on a runway or track, and it is limited anyway to 155mph in the UK.

The V8 bi-turbo TFSI engine has cylinder-on-demand technology. This means four of the eight cylinders can shut down for more leisurely driving conditions, ergo saving more fuel. 

But floor it and it literally pins you back in your seat as it rockets to 62 mph in a couple of blinks of the eye, with the twin exhausts burbling and spitting as it surges ahead.

This is as a result of a decision to reduce sound insulation to amplify the V8 soundtrack.

The claimed average fuel consumption is also impressive at a claimed 24-odd mpg,  which for a supercar is positively miserly and is helped by the slightly incongruous stop/start technology. 

That I suppose is part of the beauty of this car, a light touch on the accelerator means it behaves in a refined and comfortable way out and about in town. But for a real thrill, select the dynamic setting and you have full-fat supercar performance.

 It’s not just the speed, the ride, handling and steering are sensational, and the optional RS Dynamics and suspension package includes all-wheel steering and the quattro sport differential. This means the car can be powered through bends and twists in country lanes with ease. The steering is nicely weighted, while the 22-inch tyres and all-wheel drive offer incredible grip, even at edge-of-the-seat speeds.

The multiple driving modes allow drivers to tailor their experience to their preferences. With all that power on tap, it’s important to be able to stop it and this model features the optional (at more than £9k) blue Brembo-style RS Ceramic brakes, which brings the vehicle safely to a halt as quickly as it hits 60mph. It needs to be safe as well and it features a dual-airbag setup that is supported by knee, side, and rear passenger-side airbags, lane departure warning, surround-view camera system with front and rear parking sensors and a full complement of airbags including knee. airbags.

You get the full Monty in terms of equipment, with a beautifully laid out plush leather interior, with a state-of-the-art central control system that offers more technology than a space probe.

There is a variety of colour options, interior accents, and additional features to personalise the vehicle.

Goodies are too numerous to name but include a host of technological wizardry, heated seats, parking aids, radar warnings, adaptive lights, top-notch infotainment system. 

The heated seats are both comfortable and still supportive enough for hard driving while the centrepiece is two digital displays, the central screen brains of the car operates the latest infotainment, smartphone connectivity and navigation.

The familiar virtual cockpit delivers real-time information to the driver and new features like the blinking shift indicator and Launch Control.

The boot is shallow, but long and with the rear seats in place it offers an excellent 535 litres, which opens up to a huge 1,390 litres.

Clearly, a high-performance vehicle that caters to enthusiasts who value driving thrills but still has plenty to offer interns of practicality and even a nod to fuel economy.

A brilliant car with a brutal price tag. But with sales still on the up, it seems Audi can do little wrong.

Factfile

Audi RS7 RS 7 Sportback Performance quattro 630PS carbon black tiptronic

Price: £122,175

Mechanical: 625PS, 3,996cc, V8 petrol engine driving four wheels via 8-speed auto gearbox

Max speed: 155mph limited

0-62mph: 3.4seconds

Combined mpg: 22.8

Insurance group: 50E

CO2 emissions: 282g/km

BiK rating: 37%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles