The longest serving model range in the BMW line-up is the 5 Series launched seven generations ago in 1972, writes David Miles. Since the last new models were launched in 2017 over 66,000 of them have been sold in the UK and 600,000 of them globally, now it the latest updated models which have just gone on sale and there are more versions to follow. Competitor’s models in the executive car sector … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: BMW 420i M Sport Coupe
In these days of health and safety in this Covid era holding mass motoring media product test driving events is not easy, you need space. And to meet that space requirements for this week’s BMW UK Media Showcase event of their new and updated models they used an aircraft hangar at the Bicester Heritage Centre for the media to assemble and collect their test drive cars. This event heralded the … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe
BMW has never been afraid to go out on limb when it comes to models or styling and it’s generally worked in its favour like it should with the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Announced at the end of 2019 and with a UK launch delayed in March by the Coronavirus epidemic, the newcomer is just getting out to customers. After the 6, 4 and then 8 Series Gran Coupe models, this … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: BMW M340i xDrive Touring
BMW has a vast array of model ranges, writes David Miles. There are Saloons, Touring estates, Active and Gran Tourer MPVs, Coupes and Gran Coupes to start with. Then we have Convertibles, Sports Cars, SUV X models and an increasing number of current and future ‘I’ all-electric models. Backing up this formidable array of body types of course are multiple trim and spec options, including the … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
The first BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is the smallest member of BMW’s dour door coupes comprising 4 Series Gran Coupe, 6 Series Gran Turismo and range flagship 8 Series Gran Coupe, writes David Miles. The new 2 Series Gran Coupe with four passenger doors, a sleek coupe silhouette and front and four wheel drive models architecture also extends the existing 2 Series line up of the rear wheel drive 2 … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: BMW 1 Series 118i auto M Sport 5-door
The third generation BMW 1 Series range of 5-door hatchbacks is now with us, writes David Miles. In a change from previous versions this generation is predominately made up of front wheel drive versions with transversely mounted engines which have a shorter bonnet, the cabin area moved forward within the car’s footprint and the rear seat knee room is increased with a larger boot so it’s a roomier … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: BMW 320d saloon MY2020
The BMW 3 Series has been a two ‘marks’ model, writes David Miles.Firstly it’s the ‘hallmark’ core model range in the extensive BMW model line-up and secondly it’s the ‘benchmark’ model that other manufacturer’s models in the upper medium sized ranges of saloon and estates are compared to. The new BMW 3 Series Saloon is the seventh generation stretching back over 40 years of sales … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW 840d Convertible
Refinement and rarity are the driving forces behind the new BMW 8 Series, and its halo has to be the convertible. Relaunching its flagship series last year after nearly two decades out of the market it means the premium German brand is better placed to tackle its rivals and raise aspirations among owners. The 8 Series comprises four-seat coupe or cabriolet body styles with a … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW X4 2.0d M Sport
BMW has been in the driving seat of the SUV sector for a number of years, notably in America but also in Europe, writes Robin Roberts.It has gradually spread its experience through all sizes of cross-over models but it’s arguably in its element with the X4, the bigger stablemate to the X3 and without going into the higher priced and larger X5 family series. Up to now it’s range … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: BMW X4 2.0d M Sport X
The BMW X4 is a five door aggressively styled coupe version of the X3 mid-sized Sports Activity Vehicle as BMW calls its SUVs.This is the second generation range and the new X4 made its World debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year. Over 200,000 global sales were achieved by the first generation niche model introduced in 2014.As before each version has xDrive all wheel drive … [Read more...]