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.
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
2019 BMW Z4
2019 BMW 8 Series
2019 BMW X7
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
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.
Most Exciting Car Technology in 2019
There’s a lot of innovation that goes into every facet of modern automobile design. Here are just a few standouts.
BMW introduces M Performance variants of X3 and X4
The Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupe get a whole lot quicker for the new model year.
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.
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!
