Following up on the their earlier efforts at hybrid technology, namely the ActiveHybrid X6 and the ActiveHybrid 7, BMW is set to have twin propulsion powering the F10 5-series as well. Pencilled for a Geneva Motor Show 2010 debut, the lengthily-named BMW Concept 5-series ActiveHybrid features a twin-turbo straight six teamed up with a 40kW (54hp) electric motor, and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Where the ActiveHybrid versions of X6 and 7-series received the 4.4-litre N63B44 twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, the ActiveHybrid 5 (ed: We know BMW will eventually use this name when it goes to production, so we shall take some liberties here) will instead be getting a twin-turbo straight six. Official BMW literature has yet to identify the engine, but Autoblog.com claims that it is the 2,979cc N55B30 direct injection motor that powers the F10 535i.

To help lower urban consumption and emission figures, BMW has engineered the ActiveHybrid 5 Concept to be capable of all-electric motoring besides being equipped with Auto Start/Stop.

Mechanically, the 54hp electric motor sits in between the petrol engine and the 8-speed auto, with an automatic clutch serving as connection between the two engines. A high-voltage battery pack powers the motor, which doubles up as a generator in overrun and braking. It is encased in a special high-strength casing near the rear-axle to satisfy Munich’s chronic obssession with weight distribution.

N55B30 mates with electric motor here.

As you would expect the electronics that go into this car makes for lengthy reading. We’ll leave it to you to decide if it’s desirable, but the energy management system of the ActiveHybrid 5 Concept goes as far as trying to predict future driving conditions using data from the engine & chassis electronics, driving aid sensors, and even the navigational computer. Based on its prediction, the system pre-coordinates energy allocation to various systems to best suit the predicted driving conditions. BMW claims that this feature is able to extend cruising range on electric power by up to 30%.

Still rear wheel drive. Still very much BMW.

KON

See also: Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> BMW 5-series (F10) unveiled

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept, unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, has been green-lighted for production with 2013 being the targeted launch date. Website insideline.com, reports that a senior source in BMW management has revealed to them that ‘the plug-in pure hybrid 2+2 concept car rolled out in September at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show is earmarked for production. No ifs, ands or buts’.

It’s a go for production.

BMW is still deciding on the car’s eventual production volume, which should fall between 5,000 to 10,000 units. The basic frame and powertrain of the concept will be carried over to production, but, says the source, again quoted by insideline.com,  “there will be less of the synthetic glass and more solid structure added to the final design.”

Powering the BMW V-ED concept is a three-cylinder diesel engine working in tandem with two electric motors. The results are quite spectacular – 356hp and 800Nm being the end products. According to BMW claims, this is good enough to demolish the century sprint in 4.8 seconds en route to a limited V-max of 250kph. Claimed consumption and emission figures impress further: FC – 3.76 litres/100km, CO₂ – 99 g/km.

… but question remains, how much of this will be left?

Oh, and as a parting shot, “and that name that the marketing people forced on us,” says insideline.com’s mole, “that’s going to change for sure.”

KON

Source:
- 2013 BMW: Vision EfficientDynamics Is a Go – insideline.com
- BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept Confirmed for Production in 2013 – WorldCarFans.com

Pictures
- BMW press release

British magazine Autocar, in a report also quoted by BMWBlog, has recently reported that development of an M version for the BMW 1-series coupe has just been greenlighted, with possible production set to commence in 2011/2. Though BMW have long denied that they would ever build an M version of the 1-series, they were persuaded to change their minds due to ‘overwhelmingly positive response’ from recent customer clinics. Why BMW ever thought that this model would not sell is anyone’s guess.

Autocar also quoted BMW M division boss Kay Segler as saying, “I want to set a clear signal that our products are financially accessible, ” further adding that, “With the modular production processes in place at BMW, it is possible to create performance cars that customers can not only dream about owning but also realistically afford.”

Inspiration of the car is said to be derived from the 1-series Tii concept unveiled in the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, which means that it’s a safe bet that the show car’s design cues will be carried over almost wholesale. Naming of the new car is still uncertain, as it remains to be seen if BMW will resurrect a nameplate last used in the only mid-engined supercar in the car’s history. BMW M1, BMW 1-series M, BMW 1M, take your pick.

BMW 1-series Tii concept. (Source: BMWBlog)

Autocar further reports that the 1-series M will be powered by the 2,979cc N55 B30 twin-scroll turbo direct injection straight six used in the 535i GT, and the new F10 535i. Targeted output figures for the M car are reported to be in the region of 350hp & 420Nm, up from 306hp & 400Nm in its standard applications. In comparison, the naturally aspirated 3.2-litre S54 B32 used in the E46 M3 produced 338hp @ 7,900rpm and 365Nm @ 4,900rpm. The 4.0-litre S65 B40 V8 of the E90 M3, meanwhile, is rated to produce 414hp @ 8,300rpm and 400Nm @ 3,900rpm.

Artist’s impression of the 1-series M. (Source: Autocar)

Transmission is speculated to be a 6-speed twin clutch transmission, one less than the M3’s 7-speed M-DCT, though I’d like nothing more than a good old-fashioned 6-speed manual. The basic architecture of the 1-series chassis is set to remain, but expect the M guys to do some intense tweaking. As Segler said, “We’re aiming to make it a lot more dynamic than the standard 135i.”

Interesting news to start the year, eh?

KON

Source:
- BMWBlog
- Autocar

Official Press Release from BMW Malaysia

This Christmas, BMW is spreading JOY with Christmas@BMW, an ‘Open House’ event at all its dealerships in the country.

Held over the weekend of the 5th and the 6th of December 2009 from 10:00am to 6:00pm, the event will see BMW give away an iPod Touch (8Gb) with BMW USB Connectors with the purchase of a BMW 3 Series; a portable DVD tablet with the purchase of a BMW 5 Series as well as additional offers for the BMW X5 xDrive30i whilst stocks last.

Also up for grabs for early birds to the dealerships will be special showroom surprises in the form of lifestyle and merchandise vouchers from BMW, Sauber BMW F1 Team sunshades as well as limited edition BMW notebooks which will be decorated on a 9ft Christmas Tree in all BMW dealerships.

Aside from the wide range of BMW cars to test drive, visitors can also expect a day of fun-filled activites for the whole family with activities such as Door Hanger designing and colouring activity as well as Christmas Card making competitions.

All dealerships will also be serving a sumptuous Christmas meal spread.

Geoffrey Briscoe, Managing Director, BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd, in speaking about the Christmas@BMW event said, “To us at BMW, Christmas is a special time for giving and sharing amongst our family members and loved ones. This is exactly what we are doing with our Christmas@BMW dealership events – giving and sharing with our customers!”

He added that the end of the year which is the holiday season is also the time when most people will be paying particular attention to their cars as it is the season for travel.

“At this time of the year, when car checks are particularly important before long travels, what other better way could someone spend their time checking their BMWs than to spend it with friendly, familiar faces from their BMW dealership.” said Briscoe.

See also:

Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Showroom Experience: The Joy Factory @ Auto Bavaria Glenmarie
Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Showroom Experience: The Joy Factory @ Auto Bavaria Sg Besi
Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> BMW Performance Drive
Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Showroom Experience: A Tale of Two Showrooms
Autoworld Blog >> Blog Archive >> Brief Test Drive: E90 BMW 323i

It really wasn’t too long ago that BMW had launched the E60 5-series to huge controversy. Ol’ Chris Bangle had to endure a lot of flak as hardcore BMW fans slammed him left, right, and centre for what was a hugely provocative design. Unlike the elegant and much-loved E39, the E60 was a ‘love-it-or-hate-it’ design, and when it was launched, more had hated it.

Nevertheless, the E60 went on to become a commercial success worldwide. By 2007, more than a million E60s have already been sold all over the globe. For each year from 2005 to 2008, the E60 was the best selling car in its segment. But not 2009, why?

We believe it’s because Mercedes to stole a march on the Bavarians with the W212 E-class launched to critical acclaim early this year. I was at the new E’s launch for Malaysia earlier this week, and the car is as impressive in person, as it is on paper. The only question marks we have now is how well it drives.

With the F10, BMW is under pressure to deliver like never before. Quite simply, it needs to be bloody good in order to be able to competitively match the W212. So, while we wait for the guys in Cyberjaya to plot the F10’s entry into Malaysia, let’s examine its credentials. Read on, as I condense an 80 page press release for you.

It’s finally unveiled – the F10 BMW 5-series

Variants – 528i returns!

After being dropped midway through the E39’s life cycle, the 528i badge is now restored to the 5-series’ lineup for the F10. It is part of a lineup consisting of four petrol, and three diesel powerplant options. The range topper is the petrol-powered 550i, with a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 engine.

The six-cylinder petrol variants, meanwhile, are led by the 3.0-litre turbo 535i, followed by the 528i and 523i, both featuring the same 3.0-litre straight six NA engine in different states of tune. The oil burner range starts with the four-cylinder 520d, then continuing with the six-cylinder 525d and 530d. All variants, petrol & diesel, get BMW’s High Precision Injection (direct injection) as standard.

N57 D30 turbodiesel-six powers 525d and 530d.

Until the M5’s arrival, the 550i will be carrying the role of being the F10’s flagship model. To qualify it for the task, BMW has armed it with the 4.4-litre N63 B44 twin-turbo V8, which we have already seen in the F02 750Li. Displacing 4,395cc, the all-aluminium power unit produces 407hp @ 5,500 – 6,400rpm. Max torque is a staggering 600Nm @ 1,750 – 4,500rpm (i.e. all the time!).

The engine’s architecture aligns the two cylinder banks at right angles to each other, with the two turbos and catalytic converter sitting right in between. This design feature, according to BMW, shortens the distance between the turbo and intake manifold, ensuring greater responsiveness.

The flagship six-cylinder variant, the 535i, meanwhile, gets the single turbo (don’t be confused by BMW’s insistence on calling it TwinPower Turbo Technology) 2,979cc N55 B30 straight six which debuted in the 535i GT earlier this year. The blower, however, is of the twin scroll variety, and working in conjunction with VALVETRONIC, the 535i is good for 306hp @ 5,800 rpm and a considerable 400Nm @ 1,200 – 5,000rpm.

535i’s straight six with TwinPower Turbo Technology (N55 B30)

Rounding up the petrol lineup is the naturally aspirated N53 B30 three-litre straight six in two different states of tune. In the 528i, it produces 258hp @ 6,600rpm and 310Nm @ 2,600 – 5,000rpm. Meanwhile, the 523i gets 204hp @ 6,100rpm and 270Nm @ 1,500 – 4,250rpm.

Four petrol-powered models. Three of them with BMW’s legendary sweet straight sixes.

The F10’s diesel range starts with the 520d, carrying an uprated version of the N47 D20 engine now seeing action in three models in Malaysia – the 320d, the E60 520d, and the X3-20d. For the F10, power is up from 177hp to 184hp @ 4,000rpm, and torque is increased from 350Nm to 380Nm @ 1,900 – 2,750rpm. To further boost its fuel saving credentials, the 520d is also fitted with Auto Start/Stop as standard.

The 520d’s N47 D20 inline-4 turbodiesel.

For the six-cylinder diesels, we once again get a dose of double-tuning from BMW, as both the 525d and 530d receive propulsion from the N57 D30 turbodiesel. In the 525d, the 2,993cc all-aluminium motor churns out 204hp @ 4,000rpm and 450Nm @ 1,750 – 2,500rpm, whereas in the 530d, it produces 245hp @ 4,000rpm, and 540Nm @ 1,750 – 3,000rpm.

Three oil burners

All models, except the 550i, are mated to six-speed manual transmissions as standard. The gearboxes in the 535i, 525d, and 520d use dry-sump lubrication, while the 530d, 528i, and 523i use conventional oil supply. The 550i gets a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission as standard. This all-new electronically-controlled transmission is optionally available in all of the other variants as well.

Additionally, all of the F10’s powerplants are compliant to EU 5 emissions as standard, with the 530d optionally available with BMW BluePerformance technology to go EU 6.

Styling

In terms of styling, the F10 has some difficult acts to follow. Even today, the E39 5-series is still easily the best looking modern BMW. It is one of those rare classic shapes which can be suitably tweaked to portray aggression or elegance with equal effectiveness.

Although the E60 failed to replicate the natural grace of the E39’s timeless design, it was very boldly styled. No doubt the E39 is still the better looking car, but no car has influenced styling quite the same way the E60 did. With its unashamed tendency to flaunt curves, the E60’s styling cues are probably among the most aped both among manufacturers and aftermarket stylists.

Six generations of the 5-series

With the F10, BMW seemed to play a safer route than they did with the E60. While it’s not a blandly styled vehicle by any means, it lacks the shock and wow factor of its predecessor. We hope it’s simply a case of the F10 not being photogenic, because none of the pictures we went through grabbed our eyes the way the E60 did.

The front three-quarter shots show the picture of a handsome car. In fact, BMW has already given us a preview of the styling elements they were planning to use in the E90 3-series facelift, most notably the creased bonnet and the character lines of the front bumper. From the front, it looks like an enlarged E90 plastered with the F01’s amplified kidney grille.

Styling is less controversial than E60.

Along the flanks is an eye-catching contour line running back from the front fender, along the door handles and then meeting with the taillights which seemed to have been derived from the Infiniti G35 sedan. Oh yes, Nissan might be blushing already.

This really reminds me of an Infiniti

Inside, official pictures of the cabin show a cabin which is unmistakably BMW. Through the camera lens, the F10’s cabin seemed massively improved over the E60, making the predecessor’s cabin looking dull by comparison. Where the E-class caters for the rear-seating towkays with some markets offering individual rear seats (not available in Malaysia), the 5-series puts the focus on the driver in typical BMW fashion.

A central feature of the dashboard is the 7^o inclination of the centre stack towards the driver, ensuring that the person behind the wheel has complete control of all the car’s faculties at all times.

BMW picks up the driver-oriented cockpit again.

In the press release, BMW was at pains to point out that the F10’s 2,968mm wheelbase is the largest in the class. We’ve checked BMW’s claims against figures from Merc, Lexus, and Audi, and found the F10 exceeds its competitors wheelbase by about 100mm each. Only the Audi A6 beats it for length, and the new Bimmer also happens to be taller and wider than its rivals too.

All the Gizmoes

Being developed in parallel with the F01 7-series ensured that the F10 received its fair share of toys trickled down from the big brother. Residing in the instrument cluster is the same Black Panel illuminated meters found in the 7.

Black Panel display one of many toys inherited from big brother 7.

Indeed, the 5 is armed with an arsenal of electronic wizardry all packaged in what BMW calls the BMW ConnectedDrive. This suite of systems include Parking Assistant, Surround View, Active Cruise Control, Speed Limit Info (don’t like), Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, heads-up display, BMW Night Vision, and a reversing camera.

Other tasks taken up by the BMW ConnectedDrive system include traffic information, phone calls, and even internet access – with web-browsing and email service also particularly highlighted. So, what’s next? Facebook and Twitter?

For those who are what we Malaysians call ‘fail side parking’, the BMW Parking Assistant actually relieves the driver of the need to perform the task him/herself. All you have to do, is to drive along side the banks of side-parking spots at no faster than 35 kph. The system beeps you when it detects a space longer than the car by 1.2 m. After that, slot into reverse, manipulate the accelerator and brake appropriately, and let the computer do the steering for you.

JPJ might soon need to drop side-parking tests.

On the highways, the Active Cruise Control system has control of both throttle and braking, automatically slowing down when detecting bends and downhills. The optional Stop & Go function on top of the ACC adds auto distant control to ensure breathing room between you and the car in front. It even stops the car for you if it deems necessary.

At night, the BMW Night Vision system incorporates thermal imaging system which usefully detects living objects. If the system calculates that any of the objects, notably people, are on a collision course, it blares a warning on the dash and heads-up display. I definitely see the use of this thing in trunk roads, where cows and buffaloes actually sleep in the middle.

“Watch out!!”

Chassis

As always, the highlight of BMW cars have always been in their sturdy chassis engineering. BMW claims that, on a whole, the F10’s chassis is 55% stiffer than the E60’s. Construction materials include extensive usage of, and I quote from the press release, high-strength multi-phase steel, ultra-high-strength hot-moulded steel, and aluminium.

The body panels are comprised mainly of aluminium. BMW claims that just for the doors alone, opting for aluminium in place of conventional steel has saved the F10 23kg on the scales. Apart from the doors, the bonnet, front fenders, and front spring supports are all-aluminium.

Composition of the F10’s structure.

The F10’s longer wheelbase has also given room for BMW to position the engine further behind the front axle, enabling them to stay as close as possible to their dream 50:50 front/rear weight distribution. Following in the direction set by the F01, the F10 features aluminium double wishbone suspension up front, while the rear is sprung by a multi-link setup dubbed Integral V by BMW.

Supporting the already mechanically sound setup is the BMW Adaptive Drive system, which comprises of the Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Drive anti-roll system. The damper mapping itself can be set by the driver using the Dynamic Drive Control to vary between comfort, normal and sports modes.

There’s a touch of irony that while Mercedes continues with a hydraulic steering system for the E-class, BMW has opted to equip the F10 with electric power steering for all variants. On paper, we favour Merc’s approach, but considering BMW’s obsession with driving dynamics, it is entirely possible that they have cracked the one big issue with EPS – lack of feedback. The press release promises ‘authentic steering feedback’, only a test drive would tell.

Suspension setup is double wishbone / multi-link, with Integral Active Steering optional feature.

Optionally available with the F10 is Integral Active Steering, carried over from the 7-series. It combines the Active Steering system of the front axle with a smaller angle rear-axle steering.

When steered, the rear wheels turn only a maximum angle of 2.5^o. It goes opposite direction of the front wheels at low speeds to give good maneuverability. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels for lane-changing stability.

Integral Active Steering turns rear wheels by up to 2.5^o

For Malaysia

The F10 is set to commence full production in BMW’s Dingolfing plant in early 2010 together with the 5 GT, 6-series, and 7-series. Word is that it would go on sale in Europe by March 2010. If that goes on schedule, I am expecting to see it in our shores by third quarter of 2010.

We can almost guarantee that the first batch of F10s going on sale here will comprise of an all-petrol, and of course, all-auto lineup. However, with BMW Malaysia’s management actively pushing for diesel power, the 520d should be arrive at some point in time as well.

A point of concern for the F10 is that the High Precision Injection engines may not be suitable for the fuel dispensed through our pumps. We know that Mercedes had to retune the E-class CGI engines before launching the W212 here, so BMW might have to embark on a similar exercise or introduce the F10 with slightly older powerplants here.

We are curious to see if BMW Malaysia would bring in the 523i and  the 528i with the 3.0-litre engines, which puts the F10 at a disadvantage in terms of  road tax compared to the 1.8-litre E200 and E250. The official press release made no indication of further variants to be added to the range, though I would suspect that BMW has at least one smaller petrol powerplant for the Asian market, probably to be badged as a 520i.

KON

BMWBlog.com has published spypics claimed to be of the interior of the eagerly anticipated F10 BMW 5-series sourced from the Chinese website Auto.qq.com. Although certain details, such as the steering wheel badge, have been masked, BMW’s fingerprints are obvious. Though spotting an all-new design, components such as the Start/Stop button, the iDrive controller and the ergonomic gear lever have all been taken from existing Bimmers, in this photographed prototype, at least.

All new dash, same ol’ cues.

The handbrake lever is noticeably absent, replaced by a electro-operated parking brake switch similar to that found in the new 7-series and Z4. As expected of a car of the 5-series’ class, the rear passenger gets air-con blowers, though we don’t see any noticeable controls at the back. A strange omission at this end of the market.

No controls for rear blowers?

As of now, the F10 is slated for a 2011 launch. With all the raving reviews Mercedes is getting for the W212 E-class, the F10 needs to be good, and it needs to be very good.

Propeller badge is masked, but that’s fooling no one.

A recent spyshot of the F10, also by BMWBlog.

KON

Source:
- BMWBlog.com (2011 BMW 5 Series interior nearly revealed)
- Auto.qq.com

Recently, BusinessWeek and leading brand consultancy firm Interbrand published their annual Best Global Brands list ranking the world’s top 100 trade marks. For the ninth successive year, Coca-Cola has been ranked the world’s top brand, with IBM, Microsoft, and GE trailing in its wake. The biggest growths were made by Google, Amazon, and Zara, with their brand values increasing by 25%, 22%, and 14% respectively. Not every one had it good though. Notable names such as Merrill Lynch, AIG, and ING were even wiped out from the list altogether.

The world’s most valuable brand.

Perhaps due to the current climate of economic uncertainty, the overall value of the top 100 brands has declined by 4.6% compared to 2008. Brands in the food industry, such as McD, Kellogg’s, and Nestle, registered growth, whereas banks and automakers were hit the worst. You know the news is bad when Hyundai prides itself for having the lowest decline in brand value at 5%. Ferrari registered 0% decline, but everyone else’s brand value took a hit, averaging a 7.4% decline.

The least declining auto brand

Toyota continues to top the list among auto manufacturers, sitting at 8th place with a brand value of US$31b, declining by 8% from 2008. German giants Mercedes-Benz and BMW follow closely at 12th and 15th placing. Toyota’s arch-rivals, Honda, sit three places below the propellor badge at 18th place, with a brand value of US$17.8b.

Still the world’s top auto brand.

American giants Ford, more than US$10b less valuable a brand than Honda, is the 5th biggest auto brand at 49th place. Volkswagen and its subsidiary, Audi, are seperated by ten places at 55th and 65th spots respectively. At 69th place is Hyundai, at US$4.6b, is a more valuable brand than Porsche, Ferrari, and Lexus. Hyundai debuted in this ranking list in 2005 at 84th place, and has been making steady annual growth since then.

“Thanks to eye-catching products like Genesis and the innovative marketing such as the Assurance program, Hyundai is making a big splash in the world market,“ Interbrand said.

Products like the Genesis has helped raise Hyundai’s profile.

BusinessWeek’s “Best Global Brands” special report is featured in the September 28, 2009 issue, on newsstands Friday, September 18th. Expanded content, including full (more) methodology, is available on BusinessWeek.com at www.businessweek.com/go/brand and on Interbrand.com at http://www.thebestglobalbrands.com.

KON

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Never before in human history has issues of pollution, global warming, and depleting resources been discussed with as much vigour as they have been in recent years. Enviro-freaks would have us believe that cars, factories and all the poisonous gasses they’re spitting out are set to doom us to extinction. Countering them on the other end of the argument is another camp of people who maintain that the current pattern of climate change is simply a natural order of events taking place. They say global warming would have happened whether or not we are around redlining our engines.

There is of course, no way of scientifically concluding the argument one way or the other. Indeed, we might never know the truth for sure. Nevertheless, at this moment, it’s the green brigade winning the battle in convincing the public. All the education campaigns are having some effect as more and more people take up environmentally friendly habits like recycling and cutting down usage of plastic bags. At a dinner table, it’s not uncommon to find people talking up their parts in saving the planet. In fact, it is now trendy to love the environment.

Being green is the “in” thing now, which is why hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight sell like hot cakes.  The selling point of these cars is the ‘I love Mother Nature’ image that they help their owners portray. That they offer unparalleled fuel economy is actually besides the point. No, wait, they actually don’t offer unparalleled fuel economy. Last year, two correspondents from The Sunday Times (the one in the UK, of course) took a Prius and a BMW 520d on a trip from London to Geneva and found, much to their shock and horror, that the big BMW saloon recorded superior mileage to the supposed ‘eco-paragon’ Prius.

That version of the 520d was powered by the 177hp N47 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine tricked out with all the enviro-mods under the BMW EfficientDynamics banner. For the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW is set to unveil the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition, powered by this same engine, but detuned to 163hp. The result? Fuel consumption at 4.1 litres/100km, and CO₂ emissions at 109 g/km, making it the most fuel effiecient and the lowest-emission car in BMW’s current lineup.

Your BMW to save the environment.

From the outside, the 320d EfficientDynamics looks exactly the same as the standard 320d. There are no green-coloured enviro-badges plastered all-over the car (at least not on the one used for the official media pictures) for you to tell the world how much you love the environment. The only external visual differentiation is found in the rims, where the five-spoke turbine design combine with various other unseen aerodynamic enhancements to help achieve a claimed Cd of 0.26.

Looks exactly like any other 3-series. Except for the wheels.

BMW’s N47 turbodiesel has seen applications in a wide range of models in varying state of tunes. Featuring an all-aluminium crankcase, it is fed by a piezo-electric common-rail direct injection system and has a variable geometry turbo ramming air down its intakes. In addition, a two-mass flywheel with a centrifugal pendulum helps to balance out vibrations at low revs, ensuring (in BMW’s words) ‘comfortable and acoustically optimised development of power and performance all the way from low engine speeds.’

Though optimised for efficiency, the engine is no slouch in its output figures. Its peak power of 163 horses arrive at 3,500rpm and stay on until 4,200rpm. Like all good diesels, the eyebrow-raising tit-bit on the specs-sheet comes at the line about torque, which in the case of the 320d EfficientDynamics, reads 360Nm @ 1,750 – 3,000rpm. Still more than sufficient to meet your everyday needs, while keeping a clear conscience as the 320d EfficientDynamics (naturally) offers full compliance to EU5 emission standards.

N47 engine tuned for maximum efficiency.

Additional technological EfficientDynamics goodies include the lot of Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, and a gear shift point indicator. The air-con compressor and electronic power steering operate only on demand, detaching themselves whenever their services are not in need. The six-speed manual transmission comes with a longer final drive ratio to further encourage relaxed cruising.

6M/T comes with gear shift point indicator.

It might not burn tarmac, but the 320d EfficientDynamics can still dispatch the century sprint in 8.2 seconds en route to a 225kph top speed. The crucial overtaking sprint of 80 to 120kph using only fifth gear is accomplished in 9.6 seconds. We recommend fourth.

The final clincher is that, in all their generousity, BMW will not charge a penny extra for buyers who opt for the 320d EfficientDynamics over the regular 320d, which would continue to remain on sale. Call it brilliant a marketing ploy, or a sincere attempt in saving the environment, that’s a move worth praising.

Same badge, same price.

KON

Here’s something we’re sure you all know about BMW: nearly all of they make are a dream to drive. Now, then, here’s something we’re sure most of you would not know: their press releases are an absolute nightmare to read! This writer still recalls the nightmare of doing the full technical write-up for the F02 7-series after its launch. Back then, as a part-time writer, he needed a week to prepare the article. It was not just long, but the amount of bombastic technical jargon that BMW sprinkled all over their write-up was simply mind-boggling. It was as though we reading on the Starship Enterprise!

For the all-new BMW X1, we got hold of the press kit, all 27 pages of it, on the thunderstorm-lashed evening of 7 July 2009. There were over 180 images available for download from BMW’s international press website, but we picked out a mere 72 images for downloading. Not too long ago, the idea of a BMW SUV, or Sports Activity Vehicle/Coupe, as they prefer to call it, would have been unthinkable. But, having ransacked all the R&D materials from Land Rover during their brief ownership of the company, BMW needed a channel to practice its new found four-wheel drive capabilities.

One of over 180 official images of the new BMW X1.

It started in 1999 with the X5, and since then it has gotten a little out of hand. For those who find the X5 too big, they can go for the smaller X3. Those who want the height of an SUV (sorry, SAV…) but the look of a sports car have the X6. Now, added to the mix is the X1, codenamed E84 in BMW’s internal model numbering nomenclature. There’s little doubt that the X1 will not only turn out to be an engineering masterpiece, but, like all X cars, it will also outhandle the competition. The question remains, is there a need for such a product? Just how many new niches do BMW think they can come up with?

Well, you can argue all those points till the cows come home. The fact is that BMW has already poured the millions in the R&D, set up the plants, and laid all the marketing groundwork. The X1 will hit the roads, whether you like it or not.

BMW X1 – coming soon to a showroom near you… whether you like it or not!

Your options

As of press time, BMW plans to make the X1 available in four engine options (one petrol, three diesel) and two drivetrain options (RWD or AWD), with a total of six possible model combinations. At the top of the range is the petrol-powered xDrive28i (get used to this model naming convention), with the 3.0-litre version of the famed N52 straight six engine under the hood sending 265hp & 310Nm to all four-wheels.

xDrive28i is the only petrol version on offer.

For the three diesel engine options, and there’s no better way of putting this, but BMW is cheating here. There really is only one: the 1,995cc N47 four-cylinder diesel tuned to three different output levels – 143hp, 177hp and 204hp. In its 204hp state of tune, the engine is offered only with AWD in the form of the xDrive23d. The other two are offered with the option of RWD and AWD with the 143hp version offered in the sDrive18d and xDrive18d respectively. Similarly, the 177hp versions are the sDrive20d and xDrive20d.

204hp AWD xDrive23d tops the diesel range.

Except for the xDrive28i and the xDrive23d, which come with six-speed autos as standard, the entire X1 range is offered with six-speed manual transmission, though the xDrive20d gets the six-speed auto as an option as well. If reading all the above does nothing to help you wrap your head around the possible permutations, the table below should.

Drivetrain options for the X1.

The way it looks, can you handle it?

Like every new model coming out of Munich since the E65 7-series, the X1’s looks will polarise opinions, and it will continue to do so until the end of its model cycle and beyond. We’ll start from the front. The press release from BMW claims that the “front end spells out powerful presence right from the start”, and boy, it does. Whether this “powerful presence” is seen in a positive light is open to debate, but what is not open to debate is that it is not what you would call a boring design. Just look at the pictures if you need proof. You’ll either love it, or hate it.

Boring? Definitely not!

Dominating the front styling are the huge oversized kidney grilles, a design cue which would characterize the upcoming generation of BMWs starting with the F01 7-series and the upcoming F10 5-series as well. The headlights, which still house the trademark angel-eye headlamp design, appear to be formed from an odd mix of headlamp units from the E60 5-series and the X3, with the former contributing the smooth curves, and the latter contributing the oddly angled cut-off lines.

Oversized double kidneys dominate front end. Headlamps look like odd mix of E60 and X3.

In a further display of oddity, the foglamps are moved almost to waist level, located just centimetres below the headlights and embedded deep into the bumper. This made room for a huge gaping air intake vent at the lower bumper. The resulting fascia is controversial at best, and offensive at worst, resembling an animal that would bite your head off. Nevertheless, if BMW set out to make sure that this thing gets attention wherever it goes, they have succeeded big time. When an X1 closes in on your mirrors, you will not mistake it for anything else.

Watch out! It bites!!

The side view of the BMW X1, and this is in BMW’s own words, is characterised by three striking lines. Which three? Well, unless you took a degree in automotive design, you are unlikely to spot them consciously. The most obvious one is the contour line joining the two door handles. It starts from the trailing edge of the front fender and rises up the X1’s waistline going back all the way to meet the tail lights. Together with the sill-line below, it creates, according to BMW, a ‘dynamic wedge shape’. At the starting point of the contour line up front, the third line then angles downwards before leveling and rising back up to connect with the C-pillar, meeting at what BMW still thinks is a Hoffmeister kink.

See the ‘dynamic wedge shape’?

No? Then, allow us…

Where’s the Hoff?

The X1 actually looks the most pleasant from the back, but even then it has some very fussy lines. For example, the L-shaped tail lamp cluster is characterised by odd meetings of angles which you usually see appearing only in schoolchildren’s drawings. The rear bumper is probably the most neatly designed element of the whole car, with a simple grey finish and silver-coloured insert giving the X1 a tough SUV stance. For the facelift, BMW definitely needs to smoothen a lot of the X1’s lines.

Rear end is the best view of the X1.

Getting inside

At this point the various bombastic terms cooked up by the BMW marketing team are already spinning our heads in one direction and then the next. Wouldn’t you, when a press release tells you how ‘the instrument panel is subdivided by horizontal lines creating a special structure continuing into the door panels which, by accentuating the sheer width of the vehicle, heightens the generous feeling of space’?

OK, we know this is a dash, but BMW has very big ideas on what it is.

We don’t know what all that means in plain English, but from the images made available to us, we can see that the X1’s dash has far more interplay of curves compared to those found in the other BMWs. While the dash of the 3-series looks like it was painstakingly measured to perfection by stencils and protractors, the dash of the X1 looks far more like a flowing work of art. This contrasts with all the odd clashing of angles seen outside. In fact, when trimmed in full black, it even looks classy and elegant.

Looks rather good in black, it has to be said.

By default, the BMW X1 is a five-seater with 420 litres of luggage capacity. The back seats feature 40:20:40 split folding capability. They could be reclined by as much as 31 degrees for a snooze, or could simply be stowed away to obtain an enormous 1,350 litres of luggage capacity.

Various possible folding combinations of the rear seats.

The Engines

The geniuses in their engineering and marketing departments have enabled BMW to package a total of six variants out of only two engines. In Malaysia, we are now more than familiar with the N52 engine, seeing it in the 323i, 325i, 523i, 525i, and even the z4 sDrive23i. The range-topping X1 xDrive28i gets the bigger 3.0-litre version of the said engine, displacing 2,996cc and producing 258hp @ 6,600rpm. BMW has tuned the engine’s torque curve to peak in mid-range, with all 310Nm of shove coming in at 2,600rpm.

Coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, the only petrol variant of the X1 is claimed to complete the century sprint in 6.8 seconds. This most powerful version of the X1 maxes out at a top speed of 205kph, though an optional high-speed set-up allows it to go as high as 230kph. On the EU test cycle, its consumption is rated at 9.4 litres/100km, while carbon dioxide emission is at 219 g/km.

The remaining five models are diesel powered, three of them all-wheel drive, two of them rear wheel drive. All of them receive propulsion from the 1,995cc N47 inline-4 diesel in various stages of tune. On top of the diesel range is the xDrive23d. Boosted by BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the engine produces 204hp @ 4,400rpm and a truly astonishing 400Nm of torque available between 2,000rpm and 2,250rpm. Injection is controlled in precision by piezo-electric injectors spraying fuel into the combustion chambers at 2,000 bar pressure.

The other two states of tunes sees the N47 paired with a single variable geometry turbocharger to produce 177hp and 143hp respectively. The former state of tune powers the all-wheel drive xDrive20d and rear-wheel drive sDrive20d, while the latter sees action in the xDrive18d and sDrive18d. In the 20d models, the engine produces the said 177 hp at 4,000rpm. The torque curve visibly flatter than the 23d, and maintains its lower peak of 350Nm from 1,750rpm until 3,000rpm. For the xDrive18d and sDrive18d models, peak torque of 320Nm is delivered from 1,750 to 2,500rpm, while its peak power of 143hp comes at 4,000.

With the exception of the 18d variants, all versions of the X1 are electronically limited to 205kph, though buyers will have the option of removing the limiter by means of what BMW calls a ‘high-speed set-up’. Equipped with various BMW EfficientDynamics measures, all variants of the X1 are compliant to EU5 emission standards. As expected of BMW diesels, the d variants marry strong performance with stingy fuel consumption, with both the sDrive models dipping below the 5.5 l/100km mark.

Performance figures of the X1

Handling

The supreme abilities of the xDrive is already well-publicized in how it makes behemoths like the X5 and X6 handle in ways that SUVs are not supposed to be capable of. Therefore, despite its questionable looks, there should be little doubt on the abilities of the X1 should you decide to take one for a spin at Cameron Highlands, Ulu Yam or Balik Pulau. Connected to the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), the xDrive system can instantaneously re-route power away from spinning wheel(s) to the ones with more grip on the onset of slip.

Expect more physics-defying handling, thanks to xDrive.

When taking corners, the xDrive system automatically feeds more power to the rear axle to avoid understeer, before returning to its original setting upon exit. The optionally available Performance Control system complements it by braking the inner rear wheel when it detects the front wheels pushing out of bends excessively.

Performance Control curbs understeer by braking inner rear wheel.

In the suspension department, the BMW has equipped the X1 with an ultra-sophisticated setup. The xDrive models get a double-joint thrust bar front axle, while the sDrive models feature an aluminium double-joint tiebar setup. Complementing this setup at the back is a five-arm rear axle design for all models. Translated to English, it essentially means that the X1 has double wishbones up front and multi-link suspension behind, full stop.

X1 can take the rough stuff too.

For the steering system, BMW has opted for the good old hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion setup. The xDrive models also get the speed-sensitive Servotronic steering assistance system available as an option.

Availability

As this writer finally complete this write-up on 15 July 2009, a full eight days after getting hold of the 27 page press release, we remain perplexed by BMW’s latest niche product. While there is no doubt that the X1 will drive like a dream, and will fly off the shelves, what is the ultimate point of it? A cheaper means to BMW X ownership? A premium small SUV? But isn’t that the purview of the X3? We suppose some questions will continue unanswered.

We know it’s definitely a brilliantly engineered product, but ultimately, for what?

The X1 will be rolling out this October from the same line as the 1-series in BMW’s Leipzig plant. We are uncertain how BMW Malaysia plans to incorporate this model in its lineup here, but we are not expecting to see it here in the flesh until at least early 2010.

BMW ranked top automobile brand in China, and third most popular in the region. BMW is the most popular premium car brand in Asia, according to the latest survey on Asia Pacific’s Top 1000 brand listing for 2009 by the MEDIA magazine.

The company was also the top-ranked car company in China and came in third in the Top 10 Autos category, closely behind two Japanese mass-market car brands.

“BMW once again secured a high finish in Media’s Top 1000 ranking, reflecting its standing among Asia-Pacific consumers. In the auto category, BMW performed well in all countries surveyed, and was the most popular auto brand in China for the second year running”, said Atifa Hargrave-Silk, Editor of Media magazine.

Mr Johannes Seibert, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia said, “We are delighted and honoured to be ranked as the number one premium car brand. It is a validation of our unwavering premium brand strategy, underlined by the Group’s focus on innovation as we continue to roll out new products, define new segments, and establish higher benchmarks in the premium automobile market. We will ensure that our customers continue to enjoy products befitting of BMW premium brand image”.

Across all industries, BMW was ranked 52nd among Asia Pacific’s Top 1000 Brands.

Asia’s Top 1000 Brands proprietary survey is co-funded by MEDIA magazine, an estimated 3,900 consumers in ten markets were surveyed in the sixth round of the survey: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. The survey covered 11 major product and service categories.