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So here it is… The BIG one. 2014 has been an excellent year for cars of all shapes and sizes. We have had MPVs that brought style to a class where traditional there is none, trendy crossovers, sleek superminis, a batch of fantastic sports cars and family cars that just keep raising the bar. It was genuinely a tough decision to make, but after whittling down the list of potential winners we eventually came to a solid conclusion. The overall winner of Inside Lane Car of the Year 2014 is the BMW M235i.
When we say this car is a deserving winner we really mean it. In a world where driver involvement in being quashed and the enthusiast is a minority, here is a car to meet your petrol headed needs. Whilst not a fully fledged M car, we thought that this M235i possessed a great balance between performance and everyday usability. Powered by a turbocharged 3.0 litre straight-six engine producing 321BHP, the BMW M235i will get you to 62MPH in just 5 seconds. Looking handsome and arguably the right proportions to be a modern day M3, the current model is huge in comparison to the original, its driving manors fit like a glove. Sharp, responsive and just a tad tail happy, this is the recipe manufactures should strive for.
Find out exactly why this car has won the grand prize of 2014 in its review HERE.
BMW have announced their new 6 series for next year and styling tweaks give it a more purposeful and dynamic stance. On the inside a more sportingly luxurious approach has been adopted by BMW due to new trim materials, centre console surfaces and lighting as well as a broader range of standard and personalisation features.
Each of the petrol models come with a sports exhaust system for a more impressive note. Aerodynamic improvements alongside BMW’s Efficient Dynamic technology mean that the six cylinder models have greater fuel economy than before. Due to various features such as Dynamic Damper Control, Active Drive and Integral Active Steering drivers are now able to take a made-to-measure experience.
All three styles are available with efficient TwinPower Turbo in-line six-cylinder and V8 engines with eight-speed automatic transmission.
Despite the impressive economical performance of the new 6-series’, each of them will comfortably achieve 0-62 in 5.5 seconds and for models such as the 4.4-litre V8 bi-turbo 650i, 62 mph is dealt with in a considerably smaller amount of time. Over at the M division, BMW’s performance specialists have now squeezed out 560 bhp out of the V8-engined M6.
There are 18-inch alloy wheels for the coupe and convertible as well as the option to increase the size to up to 20-inches. Five new metallic paint finishes: Jatoba, Cashmere Silver, Glacier Silver, Mediterranean Blue and Melbourne Red.
The leather dashboard with contrasting stitching, once an option on all but the M Sport versions, now comes as standard – hinting at the improved quality and opulence in the new range. Dakota, Nappa and Merino leather trim will come as standard in the UK, depending on the model.
Connected Drive is also linked as standard to the newest version of the BMW Head up display, which shows safety and guidance information. The Concierge Services includes helpful features such as traffic information, reserve hotel rooms, flight information, ATM machines and out-of-hours pharmacies. Also, the backlighting of the multifunction information display changes colour depending whether the Comfort, Eco Pro or Sport mode is selected.
At the top of the extensive range featured on the new options list is Driving AssistantPlus which is a camera and radar based system that uses Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Departure Warning and Pedestrian and Collision Warning.
The new BMW 6 Series Coupe, 6 Series Convertible and 6 Series Gran Coupe, as well as their M equivalents, go on sale from the 1st March 2015 in the UK.
BMW are globally known for three things… Firstly their flagship M performance cars which are truly world class. Secondly their extreme rivalry with two other German luxury brands. The final aspect that has been true of all BMWs since the dawn of time is that they are rear wheel drive. With the X range of cars they ventured into the all wheel drive segment, but in the grand scheme of things that is only a recent development. To some the thought of a front drive BMW would be sacrilege, however, armed with their experience from the Mini brand the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer becomes the first BMW to use just that. We had to find out what the front wheel drive BMW 218d Active Tourer brings to the table and also see if it is still a true BMW.
This is also BMWs first step into the MPV arena, somewhere arch rival Mercedes-Benz is well established with the B-Class. Proportionally the 2 Series Active Tourer is of a good size and its design is inoffensive. The BMW family characteristics are clear to see with large chromed kidney grills and intricate light clusters. Tasteful amounts of chrome trim detail the bumper and outline the windows along its length. Whilst there is no doubting that there is a premium tone to its aesthetics, to my eyes at least it lacks any sort of individualism and overall comes across as a bit bland. Appearances are subjective, I know, and MPVs are not the sexiest of machines but Citroen managed to pull it off.
The interior of our test car was a masterclass in light airy design. This models large windows flood the cabin with natural light promoting a real sense of space. Canberra beige Dakota leather contrasting with the clacks of the dashboard and console ushered in a classy feel. Piano black elements paired with aluminium makes this car feel expensive. The interiors ergonomics are very good with everything falling to hand. A large display on the console, powered by the latest version of BMW iDrive, houses an excellent satellite navigation system and infotainment options. Its front seats are supportive and ideal for long plods on the motorway. In the back both head and leg room is generous for occupants in the outermost seats, however, a protruding transmission tunnel in place ready for future xDrive models limits middle passenger leg space. These rear seats are adjustable and even have the capacity to recline. The Tourer’s boot is a reasonable size at 469 litres but is smaller than the B-Class. The rear seats neatly fold flat at the push of a button giving you a total of 1,510 litres of space, which is actually more than a BMW 3 Series Touring.
Power for this car comes from a new 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine that when opted for in this model can return a claimed 68.8MPG. This unit is smooth and with 330Nm of torque it has good levels of “get up and go.” Visibility is ok but large pillars do restrict the view at times, that said, parking sensors do come as standard and so whilst parking that isn’t really an issue. Its shiny new four cylinder engine is paired with an 8 speed ZF gearbox which, yes it must be getting boring to read the same comment, is absolutely marvellous. Changes are so incognito that you don’t really notice them, but better yet is that when requested manually the gear changes are instantaneous. Cruising along this BMW 218d Luxury Active Tourer is perfectly pleasant with only small amounts of wind noise and engine percussion becoming audible when pushing on. The steering is direct and accurate allowing for easy placement of this MPV on the road. There isn’t much in the way of body roll around tight corners either, but the trade is that the ride could be interpreted as a bit firmer than expected on Britain’s bumpy roads. Grip levels are high and can be exploited in more spirited driving, but don’t expect the same level driver engagement you get in other BMWs, this is an MPV and ultimately being front wheel drive reduces its playfulness.
Don’t go thinking that the BMW 218d Luxury Active Tourer is a bad car or even a bad BMW. It is a different BMW, one which is of a flavour we haven’t sampled before. As an MPV it scores well on comfort and day-to-day liveability. Producing just 109g/km of CO2 is also impressive. The £34,535 being asked for our test car is expensive, but remember that you are buying a German luxury product and so the options on this model soon add up. Overall we liked the Active Tourer even if it does lack the traditional handling traits of other BMWs.
Can you imagine a day in the workshop of BMW’s M division? There is no denying their genius what with masterpieces such as the M4 and M235i vouching for them, not to mention other historic cars, but during a lull I can imagine things get a bit crazy. A spare 20 minutes could result in straight six powered desk chairs or drifting toasters all before everyone calmly gets back to work. With the 2015 BMW X5 M and X6 M some of that mad creativity has found its way out.
To make their debut at the 2015 LA motor show, the BMW X5 M and X6 M put the Sport in Sports Utility Vehicle. These large SUVs have been turned from school-run material into absolute monsters. Both are powered by a 4.4 litre twin-turbocharged engine producing 564BHP and 553lb ft of torque. Considering that these cars are based upon something often seen in the Tesco car park, that is high performance indeed. An 8 speed automatic gearbox manages gear changes and the four wheel drive system is capable of sending up to 100% of power to the front or rear axel.The 2015 BMW X5 M and X6 M will both get from 0-62MPH in just 4.2 seconds as well as go onto an electronically limited top speed of 155MPH. An X5 M will set you back £90,179 and its coupe sibling £93,070.
Deliveries begin April 2015.
Once upon a time the thought of BMW producing an SUV would have been laughed at, but today they make not just one but five. The BMW X range has been a huge sales contributor for the German brand offering potential customers an executive option in this segment. If the BMW X5 and X6 are too large as well as the BMW X4 being a little too ostentatious for your tastes, the X3 might just be the bowl of porridge that is just right. Playing Goldilocks in the scenario, we took the 2014 BMW X3 sDrive 18d SE to see what this sales success is all about.
To be totally honest, I wasn’t much of a fan of the original X3. It always looked like the poor relation of the BMW family and drove a bit like one too. This F25 generation, however, really does look sharp. In Space Grey the cars sculpted nose and strong shoulder lines creates a purposeful aesthetic. Chromed kidney grills are classic BMW and match the roof rails of this specific car. Proportionally the X3 is a good size being not too small to be mistaken for a jacked-up hatchback, but also not too large. It looks like the car of a professional and is easily the best looking X3 to date.
The interior of this BMW X3 is well equipped and comes with plenty of standard equipment. Parking sensors, automatic lights, automatic wipers and leather seats are included at no extra cost. For 2014 heated seat and an electric tailgate are also thrown into the standard equipment list. Our test car had a handful of additional toys including the media package and sports seats. Heading the console is a widescreen display which hosts all of the cars infotainment. It runs the latest version of BMW’s iDrive and has arguably the most detailed navigation system of any premium brand. There is a great deal of space within the cabin and the high quality materials that furnish the space makes it a nice place to spend time. The leather seats are well bolstered and very supportive. A rear split folding bench will seat two adults comfort, however, the middle seat is compromised in width and also in leg room due to a protruding transmission tunnel. Its boot capacity is a pleasing 500 litres with the rear seats in place, but fold them flat and that extends to 1,600 litres.
Under the bonnet of this 2014 BMW X3 sDrive 18d SE is a brand new 2.0 litre 4 cylinder diesel engine that produces a 141BHP and a healthy 236lb ft of torque. This engine may not be the quietest but BMW claim it can net you 56.5MPG combined. Comfort and refinement are good on motorway journeys, especially with this cars adaptive suspension. It soaks up bumps well and keeps road noise to a minimum. Surefooted at speed, the X3 makes for a good daily commuter. The engine performs well with its torque happy to surge you along. However, it is in its handling where you will find this compact SUV to be most impressive. This rear wheel drive model feels nimble and when put into sport mode it has good throttle response and steering weight. Whilst it is by no means the fastest X3 you can buy, especially with a 0-62MPH time of 9.5 seconds, you can carry plenty of speed through the corners thanks to a lack lateral motion. It is keen to turn into corners and has reassuring levels of grip. Despite being what purest might call “not a traditional BMW” the keen handling traits beg to differ. We can see the 2014 BMW X3 being an easy car to live with as visibility is good all around and the steering is light around town. This car was optioned with the 8 speed ZF automatic transmission, and I know we say this in almost every BMW review of late, but it is fantastic. Easily the best automatic transmission on the market with seamless shifts that you hardly notice and quick responses when you manually select a gear.
Whilst the 4X4 models might be a better option for when the weather turns nasty, this 2014 BMW X3 sDrive 18d SE presents a good case for itself. This car came to £36,345 but can be had without any extras for £30,085. That is still a considerable sum of money, however you are buying a truly premium product in the X3 and its highly polished driving manors make it a true consideration for class honours. We would suggest trying out the more powerful xDrive 20d which adds all wheel drive and a bit more power. That said, the 18d isn’t to be knocked.
What will the future bring? It is question that many people are asking and one that nobody really knows the answer. You want proof that nobody has successfully predicted the future? Where is my damn hoverboard?! Or better still, flying cars? One thing we can predict with some degree of certainty is that fossil fuels will run out, again nobody can tell you exactly when, but they are a finite resource. With strict emission standards coming into force and a diminishing combustible resource, our heroic supercars will likely be the first casualty. However, BMW claim that there is a future for performance cars and the BMW i8 shall lead the way.
Looking almost identical to its concept car, this spacecraft is indeed the finished article. It really is unlike anything that has come before it with a sleek profile detailed with intricate design. The iconic BMW kidney grills may well be more of a design element than something of function, but the lineage is there. Strong shoulder lines and a tapering bonnet are actually what you might expect of a modern-day M1. Every millimetre of this car has been extensively engineered and as good as the car looks, everything you see is functional.
Open the swan-like doors and a four seat cockpit is unveiled. A three pronged sports steering wheel sits at the drivers chest whilst the superbly ergonomic interior is sculpted around occupants. A high console divides the driver from the front passenger and in the back there is enough room for adults if the journey is to be short.
Sitting midship surrounded by carbon fibre is a 231BHP 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine which powers the rear wheels. A small generator motor is also coupled to this. In the front of the car is a larger electric motor and when all is said and done, the BMW i8 produces 356BHP and 420lb ft of torque. The car is silent in all electric mode, as you would expect, but put your foot down in regular driving and the petrol engine comes to life. Don’t go thinking that because that unit is from a Mini it sounds drab. Mash the throttle and the engine awakes emitting a sonorous noise. In sport mode when everything is devoted to maximum performance, acceleration is rapid as all of that torque sucks you back into your seat. 0-62MPH? Just 4.4 seconds and it will go onto an electronically limited top speed of 155MPH.
It is an impressive performance machine but arguably what is more impressive is that it will do a claimed 135MPG and emit only 49g/km. Whilst our time with the BMW i8 was brief, there is no denying that this car points to the future. Whether it is a watershed moment for the breed remains to be seen until after we spend some more time with it.
If you are looking around the automotive industry wondering why car manufacturers are endlessly trying to create new niche products then look not further than the BMW X6. Since its launch this coupe styled SUV has created over 250,000 sales for the German brand. Regardless of what you think of how it looks, drives or says about its owner, you can not argue that the X6 is anything other than a success. Hence the gold rush to find “the next big thing.” BMW hope to replicate that success on a smaller scale with the new X4. We got behind the wheel of a BMW X4 xDive 30d M Sport to see for ourselves.
When reading road test you have to remember that the section talking about a cars visuals is subjective and solely that journalists opinion. I personally do not like the looks of the X6 and so was surprised that I warmed to the proportions of the X4. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still no visual picnic, but it not being quite so big and imposing does do something for the design. This M Sport model with sculpted bumpers and large grills appeared subtle in Carbon Black, which is actually a shade of very dark blue. Retaining proportions usually reserved for a large SUV, the BMW X4 has the visual cues of a coupe. A sloping roofline neatly tapers off to create a short rear overhang, something that made its bigger brother such a big seller.
The interior is classic BMW in that it is logically laid out and ergonomically designed. This cars dashboard is predominately black plastic but is detailed with areas of glossy piano black inserts. The console is headed by a large widescreen infotainment display which is excellent for navigation due to its size allowing for a greater peripheral of the map. Supportive Oyster Nevada leather seats contrast against the black of this cabin creating a two-tone dynamic. Whilst the front seats are very good, the rear bench presents several cons along with its pros. Whilst head and leg room is good, the way in which BMW have gained head space with a coupe roofline is by lowering the seat swab. The end result is rear passengers sitting in a squat position which isn’t the most comfortable. Another compromise in having the X4 over its more practical X3 sibling is the reduction in boot space, again due to its profile.
Something that can not be criticised about this car is its engine. BMW arguably make the best diesel engines and this BMW X4 xDive 30d M Sport benefits from a 3.0 litre turbocharged unit. A 0-62MPH of 5.8 seconds thanks to 255BHP reaching the tarmac via all four wheels reminds you that this car is no slouch. In fact, stamp on the go faster pedal in Sport+ mode and 560Nm of torque makes itself know by pulling you back into your seat. This X4 handles much better than it has any right to considering how much it weighs. In its regular driving mode the steering is light and so makes it very easy to drive, however, in Sport+ where the steering weights up this SUV will eagerly hit any apex you point it at. Put the suspension in its tautest setting and body roll is all but eliminated. Somehow BMW has managed to get a big heavy car to handle like a grippy 3 Series. We suspect witchcraft… The 8 speed ZF automatic gearbox is arguably the best in the business with seamless shifts and a responsiveness to driver inputs on the paddles that is immediate. In this car it is the perfect partner for the diesel engine enabling you to quickly get the car into its torque band and surge out of corners. Whilst the BMW X4 xDive 30d M Sport undoubtably has very good handling characteristics, there is a tradeoff. The ride at low speeds is not what you expect of a luxury SUV thanks to the sporting nature of its suspension. It is upset by our potholed roads, not helped by this cars 20 inch alloy wheels, and results in thuds going through the cabin. Whilst on the subject of noise, the X4 does make a for an excellent motorway cruiser, but a buildup of wind noise at motorway speed again upsets the tranquility of the journey.
The BMW X4, much like the X6, attempts to be so many different things that it compromises on SUV cores such as comfort and practicality. This BMW X4 xDive 30d M Sport moves with impressive vigour and is genuinely enjoyable to drive. In the UK there are only two engine options, of which both are diesel. Having this 3.0 litre turbocharged unit under the bonnet makes for a commendable choice. Ultimately this car will be bought for its appearance and if sales of the X6 are anything to go by, it will do very well. For those of us who aren’t willing to sacrifice sustenance for style, there is always the X3 which can be had with the same engine. Our test car came to £55,248 which is a vast amount even with its impressive equipment list. Love it or hate it, you will likely see plenty of them about.
There is nothing like owning a convertible on a sunny day. Roof down, sun beating down and the wind in your hair. Having a car that is actually half decent beneath you amplifies this great sensation dramatically and the BMW 1 Series Convertible ticked the boxes. It was one of the best compact convertibles but has now been replaced by the BMW 2 Series Convertible, one of the final pieces to the new German number game.
As BMW finishes its rebranding of coupes, convertibles and saloons we find ourselves with this, the 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible. Making its debut at the Paris motor show, this sleek drop-top inherits the handsome flowing lines of the coupe but adds a folding fabric roof. Said roof can complete the cars transformation in 20 seconds and can be operated at speeds of up to 30MPH. Prices will start from £29,180 and before you ask, yes there will be an M235i variant. That top spec car will push out 322BHP and 332b ft of torque from its inline six cylinder turbocharged engine. 0-62MPH takes just 5.2 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155MPH is also possible. 218i, 220i and 220d models are also on offer.
Deliveries start February 2015.
We all dream of owning a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Bentley or Aston Martin but the reality is that the vast majority of us simply can not afford one. Premiership footballers are paid vast amounts of money to perform on the world stage and are in a prime position to be the star customers of prestige brands. Whether they deserve such sizeable salaries is another debate all together, but have you ever been curious what is the car of choice amongst the rich and famous? Here are the most popular cars for premiership footballers to own.
Oracle Finance has published details relating to what cars they have helped “big names” get the keys to. Why finance if the players are so wealthy? It is apparently a more “tax-efficient” way for them to buy a car. (Open next can of worms labeled footballers should pay more tax.) Here are the top 10.
1. Range Rover 28
2. Bentley Continental GT 26
3. Range Rover Sport 24
4. Audi Q7 21
5. BMW X5 18
6. Porsche Cayenne 16
7. Lamborghini Gallardo 13
8. Ferrari 458 Italia 8
9. Maserati Gran Turismo 4
10. Aston Martin DB9 3
Though Bentley are very close to taking the top spot, it is clear that the preference is for SUV’s when it comes to the most popular cars for premiership footballers. The Range Rover is the undoubted king of its class, and for that at least, we must commend them on their choice.
Drifting was once confined to 70’s film cop chases when it was used to portray the worst driver starting to lose control and taking a slower line than the hero. Today it is a very different story with controlled slides being engineered into an art form, one that a certain Mr Block has made a career from. BMW has shot a video of ace drivers putting the BMW M235i through its paces… Sideways. Named the BMW Driftmob, they are very good.
Starring in likely the most impressive piece of synchronised driving you will witness today. The BMW Driftmob take over a roundabout and preform a choreographed routine that not only includes prolonged slides, but also some manoeuvres that come within inches of each other. These five M235i’s burn rubber like there is no tomorrow and then simply vanish into the city. Fantastic driving from each of these highly talented drivers.
We know that the BMW M235i is a very capable car with its 3.0 litre straight six engine producing 321BHP. See our review here. With a 0-62MPH of just 5 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155MPH, it walks the walk and talks the talk.
Check out the BMW Driftmob video.
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