2014 BMW X5 Preview

* Note: This preview doesn't include the X5 M, which has yet to be redesigned.

Pros: The 2014 BMW X5 is the result of two generations of refinement. It isn't radically reformed, but didn't need to be. A highly profitable vehicle for BMW, the American-built X5 is also a dynamically and aesthetically pleasing crossover with enough travel amenities and off-road equipment, not to mention advanced technologies (including three superb engines), to justify its price.

Cons: Like many German products, however, the 2014 BMW X5 may suffer from electronic problems and other reliability issues. It's a pretty heavy vehicle, too, which carries a penalty at the pump. What's more, the long list of options can seriously hurt your bank account.

2014 BMW X5 Price: Buyers have a choice of three models:
X5 xDrive35i at $62,900;X5 xDrive35d at $64,400;X5 xDrive50i at $76,500;2014 BMW X5 Fuel Economy: The official combined city-highway ratings are 7.6L/100km for the diesel-sipping xDrive35d, 9.6L/100km for the standard xDrive35i, and 12.2L/100km for the more powerful xDrive50i.

Improvements and Changes: The 2014 BMW X5 has been fully redesigned. Evolutionary in nature, it features updated styling, revised engines, and slightly more interior space.

2014 BMW X5 Powertrain: Two 3.0L inline six-cylinder turbocharged engines are available, including a 300-horsepower gasoline version and a 255-horsepower diesel unit producing 413 lb-ft of torque. Then there's a 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 engine that cranks out 445 horsepower. All are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Cargo Capacity: The cargo area expands from 620 to 1,750 litres when you fold the rear seats.

Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, and traction control all come standard. Head-up display, night vision, adaptive cruise control, park assist, high-beam assist, and various camera systems around the vehicle are some of the advanced features available to boost safety.

Comparing the 2014 BMW X5: Other medium-to-large luxury crossovers worth checking out include the Acura MDX, Audi A7, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti QX60/QX70, Range Rover Sport, Lexus RX/GX, Mercedes-Benz ML, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg, and Volvo XC90.

April 22, 2014

by Jos?e Paquet

February 11, 2014

by Mathieu St-Pierre

February 10, 2014

by Richard Roch

September 29, 2014 by Mathieu St-Pierre

September 29, 2014 by Miranda Lightstone

September 26, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 25, 2014 by Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan

September 24, 2014 by Mathieu St-Pierre

September 23, 2014 by Miranda Lightstone

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2015 BMW X1 Preview

Pros: The 2015 BMW X1 compact SUV benefits from an impressive engine and transmission duo that is delivered through a very efficient all-wheel drive system. Fuel consumption will most likely drop in this year’s version. Handling is a strong point of the BMW X1, especially for an SUV, and the versatility of this vehicle is exemplified by the three-way split rear seat back.

Cons: The BMW X1 is cramped, especially in the rear. As is the case with many German vehicles, pricing is not one of its strong points, and the addition of too many options only exacerbates the price issue.

2015 BMW X1 Price: The 2015 X1 SUV compact is available in two versions: the xDrive28i at $36,990 and the xDrive35i at $39,990. Both models offer the xLine and Sport Line packages, which add $1,500 and $1,900 respectively.

2015 BMW X1 Fuel Economy: The BMW X1 xDrive28i has an estimated combined fuel economy rating of 8.9 L/100 km while the xDrive35i is rated at 11.2 L/100 km.

Improvements and Changes: As the nest-generation X1 is just around the corner, no major changes have been applied.

2015 BMW X1 Powertrain: The 2015 xDrive28i is equipped with a DOHC turbocharged 2 litre 4-cylinder engine that delivers 241 hp and 258 lb-ft torque and is hooked-up to an 8-speed automatic transmission. As for the xDrive35i, it is equipped with the venerable inline DOHC turbocharged 3 litre 6-cylinder engine that cranks out 300 hp and 300 lb-ft torque mated to a 6-speed automatic that delivers the power to all four wheels.

Cargo Capacity: 420 or 1350 litres of cargo capacity are available with rear seatback either up or reclined.

Safety: The 2015 BMW X1 is equipped with several standard safety features including ABS brakes, electronic braking assistance, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, launch control, and hill assist.

Comparing the 2015 BMW X1: The compact SUV category includes the Acura RDX, Infiniti QX50, the Land Rover LR2, the Mercedes-Benz GLK, the Volkswagen Tiguan 4WD and the Volvo XC60.

July 16, 2013

by Auto123.com

July 14, 2013

by Auto123.com

May 31, 2013

by Mathieu St-Pierre

September 29, 2014 by Mathieu St-Pierre

September 29, 2014 by Miranda Lightstone

September 26, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 25, 2014 by Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan

September 24, 2014 by Mathieu St-Pierre

September 23, 2014 by Miranda Lightstone

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2014 BMW X4 Preview

Pros: With its extroverted design and a choice of TwinPower Turbo engines, the all-new 2014 BMW X4 is said to combine lifestyle and performance by merging the hallmark features of the successful BMW X family (power and utility) with the sporting elegance of a classic coupe. Variable sport steering, Performance Control, and xDrive all-wheel-drive come standard. It's the ideal vehicle for those who dreamed of either a smaller, more affordable X6 or a sportier-looking X3.

Cons: As is the case with the X6, expect limited rearward visibility, rear-seat headroom, and cargo capacity.?

2014 BMW X4 Price: When it goes on sale this summer, buyers will have a choice of two models: xDrive28i and xDrive35i. Pricing has yet to be announced, but a starting MSRP of around $50,000 (or maybe just under) is a good bet.

2014 BMW X4 Fuel Economy: The X4 promises to burn as little as 5.9L/100km on the highway and 8.7L/100km in the city in its most fuel-efficient form (with optional low-rolling resistance tires included). Opt for the larger engine, and these numbers increase to 6.9L and 10.7L/100km, respectively. An ECO PRO mode, auto Start/Stop, a coasting function, and brake energy regeneration are available to improve fuel economy.

Improvements and Changes: The 2014 BMW X4 is an all-new model that introduces the unique “sports activity coupe” concept to the premium midsize segment. It's based on the technical blueprint of the X3, but is 14mm longer and 37mm lower. The driver and front passenger also sit 20mm lower.

2014 BMW X4 Powertrain: The base 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 245 horsepower, while the 3.0L inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine is rated at 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. With the latter, 5.5 seconds are all it takes to sprint from 0-100 km/h. Both are direct injected and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the sports leather steering wheel. As mentioned earlier, power is sent to all four wheels.

Cargo Capacity: While the sloping roofline limits the size of the cargo area to just 500 litres, you can fold the standard 40/20/40 split rear seat to load more items (up to 1,400 litres).

Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, traction control, and cornering brake control all come standard. Then you have available technologies like full-colour head-up display, anti-dazzle high-beam assistant, and Driving Assistant Plus including lane departure warning, active cruise control with stop & go function, preventive pedestrian protection, and a collision warning system which applies the brakes as required.

Comparing the 2014 BMW X4: The X4 opens up a new niche within the premium midsize segment. That said, it will compete for consumer dollars against the likes of the Audi Q5, Infiniti QX50, Range Rover Evoque, Porsche Macan, and Volvo XC60.

September 11, 2014

by Jos?e Paquet

September 02, 2014

by Richard Roch

August 18, 2014

by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Guillaume Rivard

September 29, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

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2015 BMW M3 Preview

Pros: The fabled BMW M3 returns for 2015 after a brief hiatus. This aggressive-looking, track-tuned compact luxury sedan comes with a new turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that promises exemplary power. As always, expect stellar handling and agreeable ride, along with a slew of high-tech, performance-oriented components and technologies. It is, after all, the so-called “Ultimate Driving Machine.”

Cons: On the flip side, the V8 soundtrack is gone, and some M3 buyers may find a fully optioned model to be a little out of their reach.

By the way, if you prefer your M performance in a 2-door body, turn to the all-new M4 coupe.

2015 BMW M3 Price: Buyers can get a brand new M3 for a base MSRP of $74,000, or $77,900 with the dual-clutch transmission, then add options such as M carbon ceramic brakes ($8,500), a Technology Package ($1,500), an Executive Package ($5,000), and a Premium Package ($4,500).

2015 BMW M3 Fuel Economy: The official combined city-highway rating for this four-door pocket rocket is 11.6L/100km with the manual transmission and 12.0L/100km with the autobox, which is remarkable considering the power on tap (see below). The optimum shift indicator, auto start/stop, and brake energy regeneration system deserve part of the credit.

Improvements and Changes: Based on the latest 3 Series, the new 2015 BMW M3 is larger, yet about 175 lbs lighter than its predecessor thanks to aluminum suspension and chassis components, a new carbon fibre roof, and increased use of high-strength steel throughout the body. The powertrain has been completely upgraded, as well.

Inside, you'll find all-new M seats with optimized support and comfort, along with a choice of new trim options.

Don't miss: Advanced aerodynamic work has been done to ensure minimum drag and maximum cooling. The striking front bumper visually embodies the M vehicles' specific aerodynamics concept. On the racetrack, large air inlets ensure perfect cooling of the engine, charge air, oil and brakes, as well as cooling of the dual-clutch transmission oil. The two vertical inlets and the side M gills with integrated “Air Breather” behind the wheel arches create an accelerated flow of air around the front wheels.

2015 BMW M3 Powertrain: Say goodbye to the old 4.0L V8 and get reacquainted with BMW's acclaimed 3.0L inline 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine, which in this application generates 425 horsepower from 5,500-7,300 rpm. Peak torque is 406 lb-ft, available from 1,800-5,500 rpm. The new mill happens to be 22 lbs lighter than the outgoing V8.

Two transmissions are available including a new 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch unit that will deliver 0-100 km/h sprints in 4.3 and 4.1 seconds, respectively (thank you, launch control!). The new Active M Differential not only improves straight-line acceleration, but because it can vary its locking percentage between the rear wheels within milliseconds, it is also tuned to maximize grip and traction, aiding the car's ability to rotate in response to the driver's inputs.

Safety: In addition to stability and traction control, the 2015 BMW M3 offers a host of modern safety and driver assistance systems including pedestrian collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and M-specific head-up display. A high-beam assistant and adaptive LED headlights effectively enhance visibility at night. A parking assistant and various camera systems are available, too.

Comparing the 2015 BMW M3: Alternatives to the new M3 sedan include the 2014 Lexus IS F and 2014 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, although they're based on the previous-generation IS and C-Class, respectively. Don't forget about the Cadillac CTS Vsport.

December 11, 2013

by Jos?e Paquet

October 09, 2013

by Miranda Lightstone

July 29, 2013

by Justin Pritchard

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Guillaume Rivard

September 29, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

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2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d Preview

Pros: With ideal weight distribution and efficient brakes, this is one of the best-handling compact CUVs on the market. It also has ideal size for small, urban families. All-wheel drive comes standard. And of course, the new, clean diesel-powered BMW X3 xDrive28d promises gobs of torque, improved fuel economy, and lower emissions.

Cons: You may find the ride a bit stiff at times, the interior lacks storage solutions, and don't expect to sit more than two adults or three children in the back.

2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d Price: BMW Canada will start selling the 2015 X3 xDrive28d this spring at a base MSRP of $45,000, putting it halfway between the two gasoline-powered models (X3 xDrive28i at $43,300, and the X3 xDrive35i at $48,900). An xLine package is available to boost the appeal and cachet of the vehicle, while the M Sport package enhances its performance and look.

2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d Fuel Economy: Fuel consumption ratings for this new X3 model will be announced at a later date.

Improvements and Changes: The 2015 BMW X3 sports redesigned front and rear fasciae, new twin-circular headlights (standard bi-xenon, optional LEDs), a more eye-catching kidney grille, new exterior colours and interior trim, and new light-alloy wheel options.

BMW's Connected Drive has been upgraded to include head-up display, active cruise control with Stop&Go, the iDrive controller with touchpad functionality, and a parking assistant.

The standard audio system now includes nine speakers totalling 205 watts, while the rear bench seat features a new 40/20/40 split and a centre armrest with cup holders.

2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d Powertrain: The all-new 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine produces 181 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque (exactly like in the 328d sedan), allowing 0-100km/h acceleration in just over eight seconds. The X3 xDrive28d also uses a new 8-speed automatic transmission with taller cruising gears that help save even more fuel, along with an ECO PRO mode.

Cargo Capacity: The X3 boasts a 550-litre trunk that expands to 1,600 litres once you fold the rear seats.

Safety: In addition to the aforementioned technologies, you should know that the 2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d's traction and stability control systems work together with the third-generation xDrive system to prevent slips and slides while correcting oversteer and understeer. Hill descent control is also part of the mix.

Comparing the 2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d: The Audi Q5, Acura RDX, Infiniti QX50, Lincoln MKC, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Porsche Macan, and Volvo XC60 are all worthy alternatives here.

April 22, 2014

by Jos?e Paquet

February 06, 2014

by Jos?e Paquet

June 03, 2013

by Marie-Laurence Paquin

September 29, 2014 by Mathieu St-Pierre

September 29, 2014 by Miranda Lightstone

September 26, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 25, 2014 by Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan

September 24, 2014 by Mathieu St-Pierre

September 23, 2014 by Miranda Lightstone

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BMW Canada recalls several 2010-2012 models

BMW Canada is recalling 20,022 vehicles from the 2010-2012 model years because the housing bolts for the variable camshaft timing system could break, allowing camshaft timing to deviate.

If this occurs, the engine would revert to "limp home mode", thereby limiting power and increasing the risk of a collision, so BMW dealers will replace the faulty bolts.

Affected models include: BMW 1 SeriesBMW 3 SeriesBMW 5 SeriesBMW X3BMW X5BMW X6BMW Z4Source:?Transport CanadaJune 06, 2014

by Jos?e Paquet

June 10, 2013

by Marie-Laurence Paquin

October 18, 2012

by Auto123.com

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Guillaume Rivard

September 29, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

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BMW confirms two world premieres for New York Auto Show

BMW will host not one, but two world premieres at the upcoming New York Auto Show including the all-new X4 crossover and M4 Convertible.

The 2015 BMW X4 seats five and combines all the benefits of other X series models with the sporty looks and profile of a classic coupe. It will offer two engines ranging from 245 to 306 horsepower.

Meanwhile, the BMW M4 Convertible boasts a 431-horsepower, 3.0L inline six-cylinder M TwinPower Turbo engine, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds with the available seven-speed M dual-clutch transmission.

The BMW stand will also feature three North American debuts: 4 Series Gran Coupe, X3, and X5 eDrive concept.

September 11, 2014

by Jos?e Paquet

September 02, 2014

by Richard Roch

August 18, 2014

by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

September 30, 2014 by Guillaume Rivard

September 29, 2014 by Jos?e Paquet

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