Top 10 Summer Accessories You Need for Your Car

Long drives can get boring and if you’re spending hours on the road, unexpected events can happen along the way. Why not make your summer trips much safer and more enjoyable with these 10 accessories you can get for your car!

5 Brand New Manual Transmission Cars You Can Still Buy in Canada

It’s clear whether you’re looking for a new SUV, truck, sedan, or 2-door coupes and convertibles, there’s still a solid selection of new manual transmission vehicles for sale today. Here’s a list of Raymond’s 5 picks for brand new vehicles with manual transmissions available at an OpenRoad dealership near you.

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.

Best Hardtop Convertibles in 2019

2019 BMW 4 Series Convertible

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 front

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.

2019 mercedes-benz slc top view

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 side

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.

2019 mazda mx-5 rf rear

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 front

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.

2019 bmw 4 series convertible power top

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.

APEX X7: The BMW Store Launch Event

New heights were reached at The BMW Store Vancouver with the APEX X7 event in April. Launching the first-ever BMW X7 called for hosting over 200 guests for the unveiling of the entirely new addition to the BMW lineup.

The BMW Store APEX X7 Launch Event

The BMW Store APEX X7

2019 BMW Z4

2019 BMW Z4

2019 BMW 8 Series

2019 BMW 8 Series

2019 BMW X7

2019 BMW X7

2019 BMW 3 Series

2019 BMW 3 Series

Guests enjoyed an event that paid tribute to the spectacular British Columbia landscape BMW vehicles were made for. The exquisite West Coast menu featured a gourmet poutine bar and Temari sushi station along with an assortment of passed canapés. Drinks from Fernie Brewing Company and Moraine Winery were served, bringing the best tastes in BC to guests. The natural plant wall served as the perfect backdrop for souvenir photos as DJ Neky the Kid spun the night’s playlist.

Temari Sushi

Temari Sushi

Gourmet Poutine Bar

The luxury sports SUV was unveiled to the crowd along with several newly updated 2019 models in the BMW lineup, including the adrenalin-charged Z4, the thrilling 850 Cabriolet and the next-generation 3 Series. All the new models were on display and unlocked for guests to personally experience in the showroom.

The BMW X7 marks the apex of BMW luxury, adding an innovative and capable new model as well as a progressive approach to luxury for the BMW brand.