The Remarkable 2020 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe
Available now at BMW Langley, the remarkable 2020 M850i XDrive Gran Coupe. A true pinnacle of BMW engineering combining the legendary driving performance and signature flair of luxury synonymous with BMW.
New Z4 and 8 series shine at BMW Drive Experience
The 2020 BMW Z4 and 2019 8 Series were two of the handful of newly redesigned BMW vehicles at the recent two-day BMW Driving Experience event at the Vancouver Island Motorsports Circuit.
Best Hardtop Convertibles in 2019
What’s better in the spring and summer months than cruising along one of the Lower Mainland’s great roads, sans top? The only caveat is the amount of rainfall we get — that’s where hardtop convertibles come in. Roof down for wind in your hair; up and it’s like you’re riding in any other vehicle. Here are three of OpenRoad’s favourite examples.
2019 Mercedes-Benz SLC
This SLK-successor has already been around for a little bit but the luxury roadster is still as good as ever. The electrohydraulic vario-roof can be closed in approximately 20 seconds, even while the car is moving at speeds of up to 40 km/h hour. There’s also a panoramic glass option with MAGIC SKY CONTROL allowing the unit to be lightened or darkened via a simple button press.
There are two flavours of the SLC: the 300, which has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine under the hood, and the AMG 43 boasting a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 producing 362 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. Both are mated to 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission.
2019 Mazda MX-5 RF
The fourth generation Mazda MX-5 debuted in 2016 to great fanfare, enthusiasts hungry for another rear-wheel drive, open-air product from the Japanese manufacturer. One year later, the RF arrived, providing the same fun only with the addition of a power retractable hardtop. When closed, the PHRT lends the vehicle a stunning fastback look. In the stowed position, cargo capacity remains the same as the standard variant.
Powertrain specs are unchanged as well, consisting of a 155-horsepower 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G four cylinder mated to either a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic.
2019 BMW 4 Series Convertible
Featuring a three-piece hardtop with full noise-absorbing headliner and integrated LED lighting, BMW has ensured the convertible version of the 4 Series is no less luxurious than any other model. The absence of a B pillar creates a clean silhouette, and a standard load/unload assistance function pivots the folded roof in the trunk upwards if extra storage is required.
Buyers have the choice of BMW TwinPower Turbo motors, one a 2.0-litre four cylinder, the other a 3.0-litre straight six. Protip: bundle in the M Performance Power & Sound Kit that includes a high-flow valve controlled exhaust generating aural bliss at full throttle in Sport and Sport+ dynamic driving modes.
2020 BMW 7 Series receives first plug-in hybrid engine
The significant refresh also includes big changes to both the exterior and interior.
Seventh-gen BMW 3 Series reinvents itself once again
From road presence to performance, the 2019 model year 3 Series ups the ante once more.
Shopping for a car? Save big with an OpenRoad Demo Special
These fully reconditioned former service loaner and company executive vehicles are eligible for all new car incentives and programs.
BMW eDrive Explained
The BMW eDrive system architecture.
You’ve seen the logo on the various electrified vehicles offered in BMW’s current lineup: eDrive. What exactly does it mean, and how does it work? We’re going to find out in today’s blog post.
Three components
eDrive is the new drive technology found in all BMW i models and plug-in hybrids, and is essentially comprised of an electric motor, high-voltage lithium-ion battery and an intelligent energy management system.
The electric motor is what allows for complete zero-emissions driving — for example, the X5 xDrive40e is capable of travelling up to 30 kilometres without using any fuel — or in certain situations, provide a boost to acceleration.
All eDrive-equipped vehicles rely on a special performance li-ion battery to store energy, and utilize a built-in cooling device to constantly keep the unit at the ideal operating temperature, helping increase output and maintain service life.
Intelligent energy management guarantees that everything is running as efficiently and optimally as possible. It partially does so via a predictive strategy, such as using navigation data to determine at which point during the route to switch over to pure electric propulsion, or when to start the charging process. Another facet is regenerative braking, transferring the kinetic energy created from braking into the battery.
Different modes
Although the hybrids possess TwinPower Turbo internal combustion engines (ICE), they feature a MAX eDRIVE button that forces the vehicle to use electricity at speeds of 120 km/h and under, although the ICE will kick in under heavy load or if the throttle is wide open. The SAVE BATTERY function, on the other hand, ensures the battery’s charge state is maintained so fuel-free motoring may be enjoyed at a later time — useful on the highway. Pop the transmission lever into S, and the ICE immediately kicks in and stays on for those times when instant power is required.
eDrive is currently offered on several BMW cars and SUVs, including the 330e, 530e and the above mentioned X5 xDrive40e.
Want to learn more? Speak to a BMW Sales Executive today at BMW Langley or The BMW Store!
Beijing Auto Show 2018 gets electrified
With over 200 million cars on the road in China, it is represents the largest auto market in the world. Unsurprisingly as a result, greenhouse gas emissions are a major issue. At the 2018 Beijing Auto Show, vehicle manufacturers tried to offer up solutions in the form of fresh hybrid and electric options. We take a look at three of them in today’s blog post.
BMW Concept iX3
Recently, BMW has really ramped up its plug-in portfolio, offering models like the 330e, 530e, X5 Xdrive40e and, of course, the i3 and i8. In China, the company announced its first zero-emissions SUV: the Concept iX3, which introduces the fifth generation of eDrive technology. The 270-horsepower electric motor, transmission and electronics are all bundled in a separate compartment to optimize weight, performance and space.
The crossover wears a reinterpreted and sealed kidney grille, and unlike other concepts, looks remarkably road ready. A high-voltage battery yields an estimated driving range of more than 400 kilometres.
Honda Everus EV Concept
Looking a little like an HR-V from another world, this concept teases the first mass-production EV by Honda for Chinese consumption. No specs have been released, but the car is expected to land in dealerships before the end of the year. The automaker has also revealed car-sharing plans for the Everus through a partnership with China-based business Reachstar.
Toyota Corolla PHEV
A plug-in version of the Corolla is bound for the PRC in the near future, part of Toyota’s bid to have 10 new electrified on sale there before 2021 — the Prius, Corolla Hybrid and six other hybrid Lexus vehicles are currently already available. The PHEV sedan can travel approximately 50 kilometres off the battery alone, and is rumoured to utilize a 1.8-litre gasoline engine for additional assistance.
Perfect convertibles for all-season driving
We’re officially well into spring, but it certainly doesn’t appear that way some days here in the Lower Mainland. So it’s still too early to shop for a convertible, right? The answer is most certainly not, especially if you pick the right vehicle capable of being comfortably used all year round. Here are three picks, all with different features ideal for daily driving.
BMW 4 Series Convertible
Representing the spiritual successor for the two-door 3 Series, the beautiful 4 Series knocked a lot of people’s socks off when it first debuted in 2013. The convertible version released shortly after is no less impressive, utilizing a fully powered, three-piece hardtop that can fully open or close in 20 seconds, and at speeds of up to 11 miles per hour, meaning drivers are ready for rain or shine by simply pushing a button.
The weatherproof top has an advanced headliner designed to soak up noise and provide insulating properties making occupants think they’re in a regular coupé. When stashed in the trunk, a load and unload assistant can pivot the folded roof to accommodate bigger items like luggage or equipment.
You can find the BMW 4 Series Convertible at The BMW Store or BMW Langley.
Audi A5 Cabriolet
The Audi A5 family entered just its second generation a couple of years ago, completely updated and culminating in the new Cabriolet model. The two-plus-two seater comes packaged with a quick 2.0-litre TFSI motor producing 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission or grin-inducing six-speed manual. Although running a soft top, it uses thick thermal fabric and is operable when the car is travelling up to 31 miles per hour.
Most importantly for colder seasons, the automaker’s legendary Quattro full-time all-wheel drive system is standard equipment, which sends power to all four wheels. Grip and traction are always available helping maintain vehicle stability in all road conditions, and especially around corners.
Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
The roofless VW Bug gains a more robust powertrain for 2018, in the form of a bigger and torquier turbocharged 2.0-litre four cylinder engine replacing the outgoing 1.8. A Coast trim is all new and comes with a unique Deep Sea Teal exterior paint colour option, surfboard-wood look dashpad, houndstooth cloth-covered seating surfaces and Monster Mats thick rubber floor mats that can contain all the dirt, mud and slush dragged in during the fall and winter.
Other all-season attributes include the quickest articulating top of the bunch, taking only 9.5 seconds to go between the two positions, and a predictable front-wheel drive setup giving those behind the wheel a sense of confidence in inclement weather operation.