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APEX X7: The BMW Store Launch Event

OpenRoad Auto Group on April 17, 2019

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.


BMW eDrive Explained

Benjamin Yong on July 24, 2018

The BMW eDrive system architecture.

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.

bmw e drive 2

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!

bmw e drive 3

Beijing Auto Show 2018 gets electrified

Benjamin Yong on May 14, 2018

 

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 front

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.

BMW Concept iX3

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

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

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

Benjamin Yong on April 13, 2018

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

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

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.

Audi A5 Cabriolet interior

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 Coast

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.

OpenRoad's top three picks from Vancouver International Auto Show 2018

Benjamin Yong on April 3, 2018

This year marked the 98th edition of the Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS), and as a testament to its growing popularity the event took over the entire Vancouver Convention Centre West for the first time adding 30,000 square-feet of exhibition space. In this post, we’ve rounded up some of the top vehicle debuts that happened at VIAS 2018. Read on.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

A proper hatchback version of the best-selling Corolla finally returns to the Toyota lineup. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture that also underpins the Prius and CH-R, the hatch on display looked stunning painted in a vibrant blue colour. Performance specs have yet to be released but we know it will sport a 2.0-litre Dynamic Force Engine mated to a choice of a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission.

2019 Honda Insight

2019 Honda Insight

Showgoers got to check out the production version of the third generation Honda Insight, a hybrid model originally introduced back in 1999. Formerly a coupe, the electrified vehicle has been reborn as a premium sedan and shares the same platform as the 10th-generation Civic. The Insight combines a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine and an electric propulsion motor together generating 151 horsepower and 197 lb-ft of torque, and a fully independent suspension setup ensures the car is as nimble as it is efficient.

2019 BMW X4 front

2019 BMW X4

The second generation BMW X4 made its initial North American appearance at VIAS, bigger and more refined than the outgoing model. The crossover has grown 81 millimetres in length and 37 millimetres in width while dropping three millimetres in overall height resulting in a solid, planted appearance. The signature kidney grille now has a 3-D quality to it, and the thin, horizontal foglamps integrated with the lower air intakes replace the previous round units. A new option for the X4, customers can get an M performance M40i variant putting down 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque via an inline six mill.

2019 BMW X4 rear

Biggest reveals from Geneva Motor Show 2018

Benjamin Yong on March 9, 2018

 

One of the more extravagant auto shows to make the annual rounds, the 88th Geneva Motor Show did not disappoint this year with huge unveils from the likes of Toyota, BMW, Audi and others. Read on.

Toyota GR Supra Concept

Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept

It seems like people have been talking about a replacement for Toyota’s legendary sports car for ages now, and the Japanese automaker adds fuel to the fire with the debut of the GR Supra Racing Concept. Created by Toyota Gazoo Racing, this two-door, front-engine rear-wheel drive concept is constructed almost entirely out of lightweight composite material. Performance parts by BBS, Brembo and OMP can be found sprinkled throughout the vehicle. The number “90” on the doors is a reference to the “A90” codename for the upcoming fifth-generation version.

Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion concept

Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion

The latest VW I.D. concept to come out of Wolfsburg is the Vizzion, an autonomous electric vehicle demonstrating what transportation could be like in the year 2030. It’s the first Volkswagen to be built without a steering wheel or pedals — the EV utilizes a “digital chauffeur” that navigates, steers and even automatically sets the climate controls by learning individual occupant preferences. Front and rear electric motors provide all-wheel drive and a combined output of 302 horsepower.

BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe

BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe

Showing what is possible with a new BMW lineup flagship model, the company says the “M” in M8 stands for “more,” as in more of everything. The opulent four-door features several design flourishes like gold-coloured kidney grille trim, an aggressive front apron, severely flared fender arches, duckbill-style spoiler and a quad exhaust system. The entire body is sprayed in a Salève Vert colour that changes from green to greyish-blue depending on the light.

Audi A6

Audi A6

After a long seven years since the last redesign, Audi’s executive A6 sedan is about to enter generation five. Sporting sharp, defined body lines indicative of the new styling language also seen on bigger brother the A8, the car will launch in Europe as a 2019 with both a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 and a diesel utilizing mild-hybrid technology. A turbo 2.0-litre four cylinder will also be available at a later date.

BMW Concept Z4 goes back to bare essentials

Benjamin Yong on December 21, 2017

At this year’s Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, one of the most extravagant automotive shows in the world, BMW presented its take on a brand new roadster. Called the Concept Z4, the open-top two-seater hints at what a production model will look like when unveiled next year.

Since being introduced 15 years ago, the Z4 became a little bit heavier and more comfortable over two generations. The manufacturer has promised a return to sportier beginnings for the next iteration.

BMW Concept Z4 rear angle

“The BMW Concept Z4 in an all-out driving machine,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design. “Stripping the car back to the bare essentials allows the driver to experience all the ingredients of motoring pleasure with supreme directness. This is total freedom on four wheels.”

bmw concept z4 domes

A long wheelbase, low-to-the-ground stance, stubby rear-end and other traditional styling points have been kept. A shorter hood than previous models allows the driver to sit closer to the centre of the vehicle for better balance and feel. The built-in rollover hoops have been integrated into “domes” that slope towards the back provide a retro aesthetic.

BMW Concept Z4 front end

Enthusiasts will notice a handful of elements borrowed, but reinterpreted, from other cars introduced into the design, like the front bumper air intakes as well as the air breathers behind the front wheels. Headlight and kidney grille placement has been influenced by the former Z8. BMW’s love of carbon fibre has translated into crafting parts of the front end, the rear diffuser and other trim pieces with the lightweight composite material.

BMW Concept Z4 interior

Keeping in line with the driver-focused mentality, the minimalistic cockpit wraps around the occupant behind the wheel. Two high definition screens flow into one another to make up the instrument cluster and infotainment displays, which show vital vehicle information, navigation and more. The entire dashboard is finished in black to avoid creating distraction.