Tag Archives: BMW

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

electric, Family hatchback, Motoring, Volkswagen

ID.7 is the best EV from Volkswagen by a distance

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Volkswagen’s ID.7 Tourer combines appealing design and functionality, offering a 445-mile range, spacious interiors, advanced technology, and strong safety systems. Priced from £55,260, it effectively balances luxury and practicality for families.

Volkswagen is producing some seriously good cars in the moment. I say at the moment, it nearly always has, but this big ID is its best EV yet.
The market is all about SUV/crossovers, so the big family saloon/tourer bucks the trend somewhat, but seems to have limited competition around. Except maybe for the VW Group stablemate Skoda Superb.

The German brand has clearly put some serious thought into the aesthetics of the ID.7. This car boasts a drag coefficient of 0.25. The aerodynamic profile not only looks good but also contributes to its claimed range of 445 miles.

Range anxiety is decreasing as battery power delivers and an ID.7 Pro S with a standard technology package and output of 210 kW  or 286 PS, recently covered a distance of 585 miles on just one battery charge on a test run in Italy.

It’s huge at just under five metres, although this  tourer has a slightly taller roof, with roof rails to allow for extra capacity.

Standout features include the illuminated VW badge on the slim grille while to the rear, there are tinted windows with a horizontal LED light strip.

Other features include body-coloured bumpers and door handles; gloss black door mirrors with integrated indicators, black roof; silver roof trim strip and 19-inch alloy wheels round it all off.

The interior offers a spacious layout with generous head and legroom, large glass panels and minimal clutter.
The build quality is the best yet and improves on some of the cheaper finishes on earlier models. Exactly what you would want for a motor costing in excess of £55k.  

For that you get plenty of standard equipment, but this model managed to add another £4k worth of extras.

The gear selector is a rocker switch located behind the steering wheel, and the absence of a handbrake lever creates extra space between the front seats for a large central console with deep storage capacity

The comfortable seats are heated with power adjustments and lumbar support and there are leather style trim to steering wheel and door and soothing  ambient lighting with 30 colour options.

The vehicle is equipped with a 15-inch display, an augmented reality head-up display and operates the sat nav with preloaded European maps, speed limit display, and the ability to connect two mobile devices simultaneously. Infotainment includes a DAB digital radio, 8+1 speakers

 Additional features include an online voice assistant, and multiple USB-C ports along with wireless smartphone charging. The optional panoramic sunroof can toggle between opaque and transparent modes via touch or voice commands.

You would expect an estate type vehicle to have plenty of  luggage  space and this is no exception, with a  compartment volume of 605 that expands to a cavernous 1,714 litres

Range anxiety is a diminishing problem with more efficient batteries and a growing charging grid country-wide. The model features an 87 kWh battery mated with a 286 PS motor, which deliver rapid pace and hits 60mph in just 6.7 seconds.  It also produces a massive 545Nm of torque, making it ideal for towing.


As for that huge claimed range, I got nowhere near it, and with a week of filthy, wet, dark and cold weather, it was difficult to tell . But I reckon 350 might have been nearer the mark and the car went back with plenty of range left. Fast charging allows for a 10-minute charge that provides 126 miles of range and can go from 10% to 80% in 28 minutes.

For a big vehicle it handles really well, offering good stability on corners with plenty of grip. But it really is a comfortable, practical estate, at home around town and particularly pleasant on long motorway journeys.

It is packed with safety kit that includes a full complement of airbags, driver fatigue detection, electronic stability control with traction control and a reminder system for unfastened seat belts.
Additional features assisted braking and various traffic and pedestrian warnings.

Factfile

Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer Pro S Match
Price: £55,260
Mechanical: 286PS electric motor and 89kWh battery powering rear wheels via single speed auto transmission
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 6.7 seconds
Range: 424 miles
Insurance group: 38
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
BiK rating: 2%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles