Several new models join BMW lineup
Everything seems to be going right for BMW these days. A recent report shows that 2014 represented the 24th year of consecutive growth for the Munich-based German automaker, and January sales are up nearly 10 per cent compared to last year. It’s not by accident — in the last few months alone they’ve facelifted the 6 Series, completely redesigned two X models and just last week announced a brand new vehicle, the 2 Series Cabriolet. And they’re not done yet.
“The BMW Group will launch more than a dozen new models and model revisions this year. This means we will have a lot to offer Canadians,” said Hans Blesse, president and CEO of BMW Group Canada, in a news release.
Here’s a rundown of some of the latest developments from Bavarian Motor Works.
6 Series
This third-generation luxury grand touring vehicle has been massaged for MY2015, and is offered in three different forms: the two-door Coupé, the Convertible and the four-door Gran Coupé. The aesthetics have been altered quite a bit: the signature BMW kidney grille has been enlarged for additional engine cooling, the front and rear fascias have been given a more aggressive makeover and the six cylinder models sport larger rear tailpipes. The headlamps are now full-LED and with Adaptive LED technology available as an option.
Engine choices for the 6’s include two TwinPower Turbo engines: a 315-horsepower inline six cylinder for the 640i, and a 445 hp V8 for the 650i. An eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission is standard. Upgrades to engine management and the more aerodynamic body results in a 0.2 litres less fuel burned per 100 kilometres compared to the outgoing 6 Series.
BMW X5 M/X6 M
Arriving this spring, BMW refers to the 2015 X5 M and X6 M as a Sports Activity Vehicle and a Sports Activity Coupé, respectively. The X5 M combines the practicality of a SUV with the raw power represented by the M badge, and the X6 M redefines the utility vehicle class with looks usually reserved for two-door sports cars.
Compared to the previous iterations, the outside of the redesigned all-wheel-drive crossovers now feature bigger grill openings, Air Breather vents that improve reduce turbulence and improve fuel economy, quad exhaust setup and a rear spoiler on the X6 M.
Both share a new 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine with more horsepower and torque than ever before: 567 hp (three per cent increase) and 553 lb-ft of torque (10 per cent increase). Zero to 100 km/h takes only 4.2 seconds.
BMW 2 Series Cabriolet
Not since the discontinued 1 Series Cabriolet has the world seen another premium drop-top in the subcompact segment from BMW. Coming soon to showrooms, consumers will see two variants of now familiar cars — a 228i convertible with the xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, and an open-top version of the M235i.
Starting at MSRP $45,200, the former utilizes a 2.0 L turbo mill with a maximum output of 241 hp and peak torque of 258 lb-ft. Even with those numbers and AWD, the 228i is still expected to deliver a fuel economy rating of 7.2 L/100 km on the highway and 10.6 L/100 km in the city.
Add an additional $6,700 and you upgrade to the M235i. A larger 3.0 L motor churns out 322 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque controlled by either a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional quick-shifting eight-speed sport automatic transmission, which also provides a launch control function maximizing traction and performance dynamics from a standing start.
