BMW X Models 2014 News

The concept unveiled at Beijing motor show previews the styling and mechanical package expected to feature in the German marque's upcoming 'MLC' SUV. Based on the practical ML, the Concept Coupe SUV adopts a more unique and sporty appearance similar to that of Mercedes' most recent coupe models rather than its bulkier high-riders. At the front a large grille with an oversized badge, combined with a three-dimensional lower valance and chiseled bonnet, give the concept a look which is clearly derivative of the new S-Class Coupe.The Beijing concept features a low sloping roof, which will likely compromise rear passenger headroom over the boxier ML. The swoopy roofline does however gives the SUV Coupe greater visual presence and style over its staid sibling.The rear of the car has been designed to look elegant and sporting with the design finding influence in the new S-Class Coupe which features similarly thin taillights and a rounded off rear window. The vehicle number plate is also incorporated into a heavily sculpted rear bumper, giving the rear tailgate a smooth appearance. Flared wheel arches, integrated tailpipes and stylish air 'vents' also add aggression and athleticism to the design.The concept rides on 22-inch wheels shod in massive 305/45R tyres which give a mean look while hinting at the car's dynamic intentions. The Coupe SUV concept is 4935mm long, 2208mm wide and 1739mm tall, making it slightly larger in every dimension than the current BMW X6 – which is due to be updated later this year.It is understood the design of the 'MLC' production car will not differ dramatically from this concept, though the show car's wheels, door-handles and mirrors will be swapped for more feasible items.The concept also debuts with Mercedes' new 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 which will also be available in the upcoming facelifted version of the existing ML as well as the MLC. The new motor uses direct injection and produces 245kW and 480Nm of torque.The Coupe SUV uses the German brand's new 9G-TRONIC PLUS nine-speed automatic gearbox with five different modes – Comfort, Slippery, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system also features, along with racey carbon ceramic brakes.The MLC SUV will use a development of the ML's chassis architecture. While the wheelbase dimensions will be the same on both models, the sportier coupe will have wider front and rear tracks to give a more assertive stance. The model will be available with air suspension and adaptive damping, plus active roll stabilization, which tilts the car into the corner to reduce lateral forces on the vehicle's occupants.The production-ready MLC SUV Coupe is expected to arrive during 2015 with a high performance AMG-tuned version likely to follow. 

Most SUVs don't need all-wheel-drive. Many never venture off road, tackling nothing more challenging than a large speed bump or gutter. And all-wheel-drive systems add weight, while increasing cost and hurting fuel economy. BMW, well aware of the city-dwelling habitat of most of the SUVs it sells, is now offering both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive versions of the 25d that arrives this week as a new entry point to the X5 range.Priced from $82,900 the new X5 sDrive25d is also the first X5 to be offered with a four-cylinder engine. The 2.0-litre twin turbo diesel unit churns out 160kW and 450Nm of torque, while the gears are handled by the same eight-speed automatic used by the rest of the X5 range, though you'll have to plump for the more powerful and expensive xDrive35i and above to gain steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Fuel economy is quoted as an impressive 5.8L/100km for the sDrive25d and 6.0L/100km for its $87,900 all-wheel-drive equivalent.The introduction of the new four-cylinder variants has dropped the X5 entry price by around $10,000 over the previous generation. However, to accommodate the new models the price of the popular xDrive30d model has risen by over $6000 to $99,900. However, BMW says buyers are getting more standard equipment than before, including Parking Assistant and forward collision and pedestrian warning systems.BMW Australia expects customers to react positively to the new entry-level X5 models. "Both of these variants promise to be a cracking success, delivering typical BMW X5 performance and dynamics and the high levels of sophistication our customers have come to expect," spokesperson Toni Andreevski said.Also joining the X5 range this month are the xDrive35i and xDrive40d models. Priced from $106,900 the 35i is powered by BMW's award winning 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six engine which produces 225kW and 400Nm of torque. The sprint from zero to 100km/h takes 6.5 seconds (0.3 seconds quicker than before), while fuel consumption is rated at 8.5l/100km (down 1.6l/100km).The xDrive40d starts at $115,900 and employs a 3.0-litre twin turbo diesel straight six engine. With 230kW and a storming 630Nm of torque on tap, the 40d can sprint to three figures in just 5.9 seconds. And still, provided you're wearing your softest slippers, fuel consumption of just 6.2L/100km is achievable.  The 35i and 40d X5 models also feature a leather-covered dashboard, sports seats and a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon surround sound system over lesser models.  All of the new X5 models are on sale now, covered by BMW's Condition Based Service program.2014 BMW X5 pricing (including GST and LCT, but excluding on-roads)BMW X5 sDrive25d $82,900BMW X5 xDrive25d $87,900BMW X5 xDrive30d $99,900BMW X5 xDrive35i $106,900BMW X5 xDrive40d $115,900BMW X5 xDrive50i $133,900BMW X5 M50d $147,900 

BMW has expanded its niche-busting range of models with the unveiling of the new X4 SUV in Geneva this week. Like the bigger X5-based X6 SUV, the X4 takes the conventionally-bodied X3 and adds a sloping roofline and sharpened styling to create what BMW describes as a Sports Activity Coupe.Teased in thinly-disguised concept form at last year’s Shanghai motor show, the X4 will go head to head with the Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3 and the upcoming production version of the Lexus NX concept.The production X4 rides on the same 2810mm wheelbase as the X3, but is 14mm longer overall at 4671mm, 36mm lower at 1624mm and the same 1881mm overall width.Helping passengers fit within the 36mm lower roofline is a 20mm lower front seating position and 28mm in the rear, and unlike the bigger X6 there’s standard seating for three in the rear. The rear bench splits 40/20/40 and cargo capacity is just 50-litres shy of the X3 at 500-litres. European X4 models are all-wheel drive and are available with either 20i, 28i or 35i petrol and 20d, 30d and 35d diesel drivetrains, but Australian specifications will have to wait until its local arrival later this year. The X4’s pricing is expected to sit above the X3’s $59,000-$76,500 local lineup.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn Watch the desktop version of the BMW X4 launch video here. 

So gangs of bikies will apparently halt to wave the X5 through, and trains will do the same at level crossings.Of course, when it comes to a river, we expect to see the water part in a biblical salute to the BMW top-selling SUV, but it seems there's no need with the big Bimmer's fording ability.Watch the desktop version of the BMW X5 stops bikies and trains video here. This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott  

The New York motor show in April will see the announcement of which vehicle has won the 2014 World COTY, and there looks to be a tough -- and very varied -- field of finalists.Last year's winner was the Volkswagen Golf, which also took awards in pretty well every country on the globe. But this year it could be anything from the little electric BMW i3 to the offroading Jeep Cherokee and even the Citroen C4 peoplemover, judging by the shortlist.A panel of 69 motoring experts from around the world -- including Carsguide's Paul Gover and National Motoring Editor Joshua Dowling -- will choose the winner from: Audi A3, BMW 4 Series, BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Ford Fusion/Mondeo, Infiniti Q50, Jeep Cherokee, Lexus IS, Mazda3, Peugeot 308 and Skoda Octavia.The 10 finalists for the 2014 World Luxury Car are the Bentley Flying Spur, BMW X5, Cadillac ELR, Cadillac Escalade, Maserati Ghibli, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Porsche Macan, Range Rover Sport and Rolls-Royce Wraith.Due to a tie, there are 11 finalists for the 2014 World Performance Car: Alfa Romeo 4C, Audi RS 6 Avant, BMW M6 Gran Coupe, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Ferrari 458 Speciale, Ford Fiesta ST, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster, Mercedes-Benz A/CLA45 AMG, Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche 911 Turbo and Volkswagen Golf GTI.A separate panel of five 'green' experts will choose the 2014 World Green Car from Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (+ Audi e-gas), BMW i3, Honda Accord Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Volkswagen XL1.Similarly, a panel of five design experts will decide on the 2014 World Car Design of the Year, from among: BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Mazda3, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volkswagen XL1.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $20,000-$40,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSMini Cooper: Mini will bring the all-new third-generation ‘new Mini’ Cooper to our shores from May, with the entry models using a new 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo petrol or diesel engine, and the hot Cooper S to step up to a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol from the same family. The three-door hatch will be the only bodystyle to lob in 2014, with convertible and a new five-door hatch (at least) to follow later. (Approximately $31,000-$46,000)SMALL CARSAudi A3 sedan: Audi will add a sedan version of its A3 small car to the existing Sportback hatch lineup from January, with the hot S3 version to follow in April, and the drop-top A3 Cabriolet (from about $57k) to complete the lineup in about September. (Approximately $65,000)BMW 2 Series: The discontinued 1 Series coupe will be replaced by the new 2 Series coupe in around May, and will likely mirror the petrol and diesel drivetrains of the existing 1 Series hatch. A soft-top convertible is also in the works, but its launch date is still up in the air. (Approximately $45,000-$85,000)Lexus CT 200h: Lexus will complete the spindle grill-ification of its Australian lineup when it launches the mid-cycle refresh of the CT 200h hybrid hatch before July. Along with the stylistic alignment with the rest of the range, the new CT will feature revised suspension tuning and interior trim, with the possibility of sharpened pricing in the pursuit of sales volume. (Approximately $40,000-$58,000)Renault Megane: Also due around June is a mid-cycle refresh for the Megane coupe, cabriolet, and wagon models. (Approximately $20,000-$50,000)Subaru Impreza WRX: Underwhelming or otherwise, Subaru’s new WRX performance sedan is due in late March, ahead of a hotter-again STI version by mid-year. (Approximately $40,000)Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance: The upgraded Golf GTI Performance pack will complete the GTI lineup during 2014, with an extra 7kW, bigger brakes, tricky diff, plus xenon headlights, LED taillights, 19 inch wheels, and alcantara added to the tartan cloth interior trim. (Approximately $47,990)Volkswagen Golf R: The all-wheel drive Golf R performance flagship is also expected in 2014, with 206kW and 380Nm promising performance to trump all before it. (Approximately $50,000)FAMILY CARSFord Falcon: The once-mighty Falcon range is set to undergo its final facelift in the fourth quarter of 2014, ahead of it’s now certain doom in 2016. Minor styling revisions are expected, but the addition of Ford’s SYNC multimedia system and the return of the XR8 V8 model (as FPV is wound up) are likely to be the biggest changes. Approximately 37,000-56,000Infiniti Q50: Infiniti models are set to become a more common sight on Australian roads before June, with the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series-rivalling Q50’s arrival, boasting fresh styling, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of diesel or hybrid drivetrains. (Approximately $51,900-$73,900)Skoda Octavia RS: The Czech brand will launch the hot Octavia RS in the second quarter, with the petrol version matching the new Volkswagen Golf GTI mechanically, and the diesel version is expected to continue with the same spec as the Golf GTD available overseas. (Approximately from $40,000)Volvo S60 and V60: Volvo will introduce the first of its new Drive-E engines to the S60 sedan and V60 wagon range in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $49,000-$78,000)PEOPLE MOVERSHonda Odyssey: An all-new Odyssey eight-seat people mover will follow in February, with fresh styling, improved features and safety and a more efficient drivetrain. (Approximately $35,000-$43,000)Kia Grand Carnival: Later in the year, Kia will replace the segment-champion but ageing Grand Carnival model. Improvements to safety, features, and efficiency are expected, and should be a winner if the smaller new Rondo is anything to go by. (Approximately $39,000-56,000)SUV/4WDBMW X1: The baby bimmer SUV is also in line for a refreshing in March, with styling and interior tweaks expected. (Approximately 46,000-63,000)Ford Territory: The Territory SUV will also score similar SYNC-inclusive revisions at around the same time, ahead of the same 2016 fate. (Approximately $40,000-$63,000)Honda CR-V diesel: Honda will kick off 2014 by adding the first-ever diesel variant to the local CR-V SUV lineup in January. The 2.2 litre unit produces 110kW/350Nm, and will be available in six-speed manual or five-speed auto with all-wheel drive only. Official fuel consumption is as low as 5.8L/100km. (Approximately $35,000-$45,000)Isuzu MU-X: Isuzu will introduce the seven-seat MU-X in January, with the company’s first SUV sharing much of its design with the D-Max ute and Holden Colorado and Colorado 7 models. The MU-X will be equipped with the same 3.0-litre diesel engine as the D-Max, and offer family 4WD toughness for a lot less than Toyota’s Prado. (Approximately $40,500-$53,500)Kia Sorento: The final Kia model for 2014 is likely to be a significantly revamped Sorento seven-seat SUV, with a comprehensive design update inside and out to bring it in line with the fresher styling of its Hyundai Santa Fe mechanical twin. (Approximately $38,000-$51,000)Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: The stylish Range Rover Evoque is due for an update before June, with a new nine-speed auto delivering fuel economy gains of about 10 per cent, plus styling tweaks to bring it in line with the new full-size Range Rover and Sport models. (Approximately $50,000-$91,000)Mercedes-Benz GLA: Mercedes will bring the new A-Class-based GLA SUV to our shores in May, with the all-new model taking the fight to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 in the premium compact SUV segment. Priced from about $45,000, the GLA will be available in front or 4MATIC all-wheel drive and engines from launch will include the 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre GLA200 and 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre GLA250 petrols, and 100kW/300Nm 2.2-litre GLA200 CDI and 125kW/350Nm 2.2-litre GLA220 CDI turbodiesel options. (Approximately from $45,000)Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Mitsubishi will introduce its first hybrid model in April, in the form of the plug-in hybrid Outlander SUV. Priced from about $50,000, the Outlander PHEV promises Holden Volt-rivalling efficiency for about $10,000 less, and wrapped within a more practical SUV body. (Approximately from $50,000)Nissan Pathfinder hybrid: Nissan will complete its new Pathfinder SUV lineup in the second quarter, with the addition of a new petrol-electric hybrid variant to help silence the naysayers lamenting the lack of a diesel option in the new model. The 187kW/329Nm hybrid drivetrain uses a 15kW electric motor paired with a supercharged 2.5 litre four cylinder petrol engine, resulting in a claimed 25 per cent fuel efficiency gain. (Approximately $55,000-$60,000)Nissan X-Trail: Nissan will replace its hugely successful X-Trail medium SUV in about July, with the bigger design offering seating for seven for the first time, and improved refinement to go with its softened exterior design. (Approximately $30,000-$47,000)Skoda Octavia Scout: The Octavia RS will be followed by the jacked-up Scout AWD variant in about mid-year. (Approximately $40,000-$45,000)Toyota Kluger: Toyota will introduce the third-generation of its Kluger large SUV in the first quarter, with the all-new larger model promising improved seating for seven and fresh styling, but its continued reliance on a petrol V6 might threaten its sales success next to the diesel and hybrid options offered by most rivals. (Approximately $40,000-$60,000)Volvo XC60: Volvo’s new Drive-E engines will also appear in the XC60 SUV in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $57,000-79,000)COMMERCIAL VEHICLESFord Transit: Ford’s commercial lineup will receive a boost in January with the arrival of an all-new Transit van model, with the light-duty Transit Custom touching down ahead of the heavy-duty Transit Cargo range in April. (Approximately $36,000-$52,000) 

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $20,000-$40,000New cars for 2014 | $40,000-$59,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSBMW i3: BMW will bring the high tech i3 city car down under from September, with the pure-electric i3 BEV expected to start at about $60,000, and a range-extended i3 REX version with a 647cc petrol generator further up the price scale. (Approximately $60,000)SMALL CARSAudi A3 sedan: Audi will add a sedan version of its A3 small car to the existing Sportback hatch lineup from January, with the hot S3 version to follow in April, and the drop-top A3 Cabriolet (from about $57k) to complete the lineup in about September. (Approximately $65,000)BMW 2 Series: The discontinued 1 Series coupe will be replaced by the new 2 Series coupe in around May, and will likely mirror the petrol and diesel drivetrains of the existing 1 Series hatch. A soft-top convertible is also in the works, but its launch date is still up in the air. (Approximately $45,000-$85,000)FAMILY CARSInfiniti Q50: Infiniti models are set to become a more common sight on Australian roads before June, with the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series-rivalling Q50’s arrival, boasting fresh styling, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of diesel or hybrid drivetrains. (Approximately $51,900-$73,900)Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Mercedes' new C-Class sedan and wagon are due around mid-year, with a range of new engines and an 80mm wheelbase stretch to help combat the also enlarged BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS rivals. Drivetrain availability from launch will include the 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre C180 and 135kW/300Nm 2.0-litre C200 petrols, and the 125kW/400Nm 2.1-litre turbodiesel C220. A smaller diesel, diesel-electric hybrid and more powerful petrol engines will come later. (Approximately from $60,000)Tesla Model S: The long-awaited Tesla Model S pure-electric passenger car is due to arrive locally in the second quarter, with the five door hatch balancing style, performance, and all-electric tech in equal measures. (Approximately $80,000)Volvo S60 and V60: Volvo will introduce the first of its new Drive-E engines to the S60 sedan and V60 wagon range in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $49,000-$78,000)LUXURY CARSLexus RC: Lexus’ new RC coupe should arrive before the end of 2014 to take on the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5, with a choice of petrol V6 and hybrid drivetrains likely to expand to include a high-performance 5.0-litre V8 RC-F soon after. (Approximately $70,000-$130,000)SUV/4WDAudi RS Q3: The company’s first RS-badged SUV will arrive in February, with the RS Q3 borrowing its 228kW/420Nm five-cylinder heart from the TTRS, and promising 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds. (Approximately $81,900)BMW X1: The baby bimmer SUV is also in line for a refreshing in March, with styling and interior tweaks expected. (Approximately 46,000-63,000)BMW X5 sDrive 25d: BMW will add the first two-wheel drive X5 to the new 2014 lineup early in the year, with a price-leading $82,900 2.0-litre turbodiesel sDrive 25d undercutting the existing all-wheel drive xDrive 25d by $5000. (Approximately $82,900)Ford Territory: The Territory SUV will score SYNC-inclusive revisions by the end of the year, ahead of its 2016 fate. (Approximately $40,000-$63,000)Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: The stylish Range Rover Evoque is due for an update before June, with a new nine-speed auto delivering fuel economy gains of about 10 per cent, plus styling tweaks to bring it in line with the new full-size Range Rover and Sport models. (Approximately $50,000-$91,000)Porsche Macan: Porsche will add the new sub-Cayenne Macan SUV to its Australian lineup from June, with the cheapest diesel model forming a new entry point to Porsche ownership at $84,900. Twin-turbo 3.0 and 3.6-litre V6s will sit further up the price scale, with the 294kW top-spec capable of 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds. (Approximately $84,900-$122,900)Volvo XC60: Volvo’s new Drive-E engines will also appear in the XC60 SUV in March, with power and efficiency gains promised, along with a new eight-speed auto. (Approximately $57,000-79,000)SPORTS/PERFORMANCEAlfa Romeo 4C: Alfa will bring a limited number of its limited-build 4C sports car to Australia in around June, with the mid-engined, carbon-chassised performance hero expected to lob for as little as $75,000.Peugeot RCZ-R: Building on the brand’s reignited performance cred thanks to the excellent 208 GTi, the French brand will also add the hot RCZ-R to the lineup in the second quarter, with a highly tuned 199kW version of the existing petrol version’s 1.6-litre turbo. (Approximately $70,000)CONVERTIBLESBMW 4 Series convertible: The folding hardtop version of BMW’s 4-Series coupe is expected by March, and echo its hardtop sibling with 420d, 428i, and 435i drivetrains. (Approximately $85,000-$120,000)  

This time it's the upcoming X4 being pounded around the Nurburgring ahead of sales in the second half of 2014.  

Mercedes-Benz will build a new low-roofed coupe-SUV crossover to face off against the BMW X6. A Mercedes executive told Car and Driver magazine that while an X6 rival would be something of a bizarre vehicle, it would make a lot of financial sense for the German carmaker. The executive said the business case had a strong foundation in that development costs would be relatively modest, while profit margins would be high. The crossover segments are growing around the world: not only in Australia, Europe and the US, but also -- and possibly more importantly -- in the developing markets of Asia, So Mercedes logically believes adding more to their lineup makes good business sense. Mercedes first hinted at a low-roofed coupe/SUV chimera a couple of years ago, when it announced that it would begin producing a second model alongside the M-Class at its Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant in the US. A Mercedes publicity image showed a cloaked vehicle with the profile of an X6 rival, with the tagline "Start of Production: 2015." The new model -- which is likely to be based on the M-Class -- would slot into the line-up as a big brother to the recently-unveiled GLA-Class. But they're not the only German brand to be eying the success of BMW's X6. Audi has also discussed the possibility of developing a sporty, low-roofed crossover. As far back as 2011, Volkswagen Group head of design Walter de'Silva said Audi was planning to launch a sporty crossover that would slot between the Q5 and Q7. Unofficially known as Q6, this crossover could end up being a bit smaller than the midsize X6 and ML-based vehicles; in which case it would more comfortably be positioned against the future BMW X4. www.motorauthority.com  

Fans of BMW’s M performance line will need to look elsewhere than the X4 for a high-performance SUV. The German carmaker says it’s unlikely to build an X4M to add to the line-up, with concern it would cannibalise sales from the X6M.“It’s not yet decided, but …  it would always come back to the business case,” BMW product communications manager Bernhard Ederer told Carsguide.“It’s really something of a chess game: what customer are we talking to? Are we talking to someone who's willing and able to afford the X6 -- who would switch to the X4M but to who we could easily sell the X6M? So … I would not bet on there being an M performance version of the X4.”However Ederer suggested there was a strong chance we will see a plug-in hybrid X4, following in the path of the Concept X5 eDrive that was revealed at the recent Frankfurt motor show. “We've communicated in the past that we are planning to offer a plug-in hybrid in each and every model series,” Ederer said.“This is really the next step in terms of our ‘efficient dynamics’ strategy. At the other end we have our i3 and i8 and the i8 … which really show you both ends of the bookshelf and have been made (that way) for a good reason -- to really show what is possible (with hybrid technology).”However Ederer says any plan for the hybrid X4 would depend on customer response and demand. “Obviously for each and every car, BMW has to have a business case. And at the end of the day, the answer to this question will come from the customer -- whether they are willing to accept this car, whether they are asking for that kind of a car.”And there may even be potential for the i3 and i8 to be joined by an SUV under that sub-brand. “Never say never,” Ederer says.  “If it makes (business) sense we will do it.”This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott