BMW X Models 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. 

When BMW first launched the X6 coupe-styled SUV, one pundit tagged it "the answer to a question nobody asked". Move on six years, and Mercedes-Benz is offering an answer to the X6's success after launching in 2008.At Beijing motor show, Mercedes will unveil its own coupe crossover concept, with a similar swooping rear roofline to the X6. The teaser sketch shows it from a front three-quarter view, but the angle of the roof clearly shows the intentions.It sports the Mercedes family face, and gains some crossover accessories in the form of side rails and front skid plates for the show stand. But this is more than just a motor show design exercise. Based on the M-Class platform and tipped to be called the MLC when it hits production, the vehicle has already been spotted testing in mule form around Europe.Engines and transmission are likely to echo those of the more practical end of the M-Class at initial launch, but you can also later expect to see a MLC AMG powered by a handbuilt twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

BMW recently expanded production capacity at Spartanburg in the US where BMW makes most of its SUVs. More than that actually, they increased capacity by 50 per cent – so something big is afoot and that is an X7 which will compete with the likes of Audi’s Q7, VW Touareg, Benz GL class and other big, luxury SUVs.BMW X3, X5, X5 M, X6 and X6 M models have been manufactured so far in Spartanburg, BMW’s centre of competence for X vehicles. They recently added the X4 fast back to the production schedule.BMW is open about the X7 saying "With the BMW X7, we are developing another, larger X model, which we will produce at our US plant for our world markets - once again underscoring our commitment to the US."The range topping SUV will feature plenty of flow on features from the 7 Series passenger cars including luxury kit, technology and powertrains. Think 3.0-litre turbo diesel six cylinder as a starting point - with eight speed automatic transmission. Also factor in the latest in digital connectivity and think reasonably good off road ability on some models.It will probably weigh well over two tonnes and approach the size of a Toyota Landcruiser, perhaps bigger an style-wise, the X7 will share the family look - much like a scaled up X5 which isn’t a bad thing gauged off the new model X5.Prices? Toss a coin, but rest assured there will be an extensive list of options and availability is likely here sometime next year. 

The X7 will build on the success of the benchmark X5, with the German carmaker saying the larger SUV will add space and luxury throughout the cabin, in particular a roomier second and third row of seats, to rival the size of Audi’s Q7 and Mercedes Benz’s GL class.The latest addition of an expanding BMW range was confirmed by BMW Group chairman of the board of management, Dr Norbert Reithofer. "We have decided to develop and build a totally new X model – the new BMW X7. I promise this SUV will also be highly fuel efficient while offering outstanding driving performance. It will be a true BMW," Dr Reithofer said in a statement.The model will be produced for the global market at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, North Carolina. While no specifications have been confirmed, it is expected that the new model will use uprated versions of BMW’s straight 6 and V8 petrol engines and 6 cylinder turbodiesels.However it remains unknown if the X7 will be based on a stretched X5 platform or on the upcoming BMW 7 Series platform, with the former the more likely option as the X7 will share manufacturing facilities with the X5.The new model also hints at the possibility of a rumoured Rolls Royce SUV becoming a reality, as BMW owns Rolls Royce. The partnership could result in BMW X7 underpinnings with a Rolls Royce body, interior and powertrain – and badge – to tackle the Range Rover Vogue and upcoming Bentley four wheel drive. 

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 

There are strong rumours that it will become front-wheel drive with a switch to the UKL platform also used for the latest Mini and upcoming BMW 2 Series.Expect more rear legroom with the body change, as well as more efficient new engines.This reporter is on Twitter: @PaulWardGover 

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 

BMW has their revised X3 waiting in the wings for a global debut at Geneva motor show next month, and official images and details are giving an early viewing of the styling and equipment changes.The fornt of the X3 follows the updates we've seen to the 3 Series and on the new 4 Series ranges, with redesigned headlight clusters integrating more tightly with the lines of the wider chrome-bevelled kidney grille. The front bumper has also been given a makeover with more imposing air intakes, and the side skirts have been resculpted. The cabin has been given trim and feature upgrades to freshen it and bring it in line with the other latest arrivals to the stable. The X3 cabin was last given an update -- and a classy one at that -- about three years ago, so it was due for some extra weaponry to better capture buyers in the SUV segment.The X3 will be available overseas with a larger choice of than the four we currently get here: the xDrive20i 135kW/270Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, plus the more powerful 180kW/350Nm version in the xDrive28i, with the turbodiesel side catered for by the xDrive20d's 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre and xDrive30d's 190kW/560Nm 3.0-litre inline six.The new line-up upgrades the xDrive20d with a new 2.0 litre turbodiesel, lifting the outputs to 140kW and 400Nm and giving it better fuel economy of 5.4L/100km (an improvement of 0.2L) or as low as 5.0L with optional low rolling-resistance tyres. The range also sees the addition of a rear-wheel drive sDrive18d with a 110kW/360Nm turbodiesel, while overseas markets will continue to get the xDrive35d with a 230kW/630Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel, the rear-wheel drive sDrive20i with a 135kW/270Nm 2.0-litre petrol four, and the xDrive35i with a 225kW/400Nm 3.0-litre petrol six .New features include LED fog lights and turn indicators as standard across the range, and full-LED headlights as an option, along with cosmetic and wheel upgrades avaialable in the optional M Sport and xLine packages.BMW says the updated X3 will arrive in Australia in the third quarter of this year, but it's to far in the future to determine exact price and spec. "We're still going through specification and details, but it will follow the current X3 -- which has proven to be quite popular -- in being highly featured and attractively priced," BMW Australia spokeswoman Lenore Fletcher says. "Pricing and positioning of models has been an ongoing focus for BMW, and you can expect to see similar strategies applied to the new X3."This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott