There is no secret anymore that China is the largest and the most important car market in the world, with plenty of auto companies launching new and exquisite models that would fit the fancy needs of their Chinese customers.

This means that each model introduced in China must be special, and by that I mean “stretched out”, as BMW likes to call it. And we have seen for the past couple years a lot of stretched luxury sedans making their way into the Asian market. The latest to arrive is the brand-new 3-Series Li, which is the longer version of the European counterpart.

The model`s announcement coincides with its debut at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show towards the end of the month, with production to be handled locally by BMW Brilliance Automotive. Compared with the previous 3-Series Li, the new model is longer, wider, with the “extra wheelbase length” going towards and “creating class-leading space for the rear passengers”. Unfortunately, we do not have the numbers regarding the wheelbase, but since the previous was stretched by 4.3 inches, we suspect around a wheelbase of 116.5 inches in the new model, which is pretty significant.

Still, inside the cabin, the new 3-Series Li will also feature front and rear comfort seats along with panoramic glass roof coming as standard. Of course, there are extra highlights for fancy customers, such as ambient lighting system or the company`s latest Intelligent Personal Assistant. As for the powertrain, this version will arrive with a flat-four turbocharged banger. Performance figures are not yet revealed, but it should be close to its US-spec model (330i), which is 255 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque.

At the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show which is scheduled towards the end of the month, BMW will also debut other fine models, such as the X3 M and the X4 M, which were already unveiled in Europe back in February. For these beasts, the specs remain rather the same under the hood or inside the cabin. Both come with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder pot, developing 473 horsepower and 598 Nm of torque, with an acceleration to be carried out in 4.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically-limited at 280 km/h. Besides the X3/X4 M, BMW is also throwing in the Competition packages, meaning an upgraded engine with 503 horsepower. This allows a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 284 km/h, thanks to the M Driver`s Package.

Please find out more about the new BMW 3-Series Li in China in the media gallery below! We will keep you updated with fresh news at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show. Meanwhile, stay tuned!

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post China Welcomes New BMW 3-Series Li, Debuts at Shanghai Auto Show Later This Month appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The 2018 Paris Motor Show is on a full swing with plenty of carmakers revealing for the very first time their latest creations.

BMW couldn’t have missed from one of the most important auto events in the world and presented the brand-new G20 3-Series; as you probably know, it replaces another outstanding model, the F30.

As expected, we are dealing here with an extraordinary piece of German engineering, with a whole new design language, the latest onboard technology and improved performance characteristics under the hood.

The model will arrive in the UK and in the US next March, with prices starting at £33,610 (for the entry-level 320d) and $40,200 (for the 330i), respectively. Later on, the much more expensive M Performance and iPerformance plug-in hybrid variants will complete the lineup.

Admiring the body style and the new design language of the 2019 G20 BMW 3-Series, one can observe the bigger size it comes with, from all perspectives. It is taller, wider and bigger, and with an overall wheelbase of 2.851 mm. This creates more space inside for both passengers and their luggage.

From a visual standpoint, the 2019 G20 BMW 3-Series has received a more prominent kidney grille, redefined lines all around the body, as well as wider wheel arches that make room for the bigger wheels. Also, you will be able to choose between a wide range of colours.

Mode visuals separate the UK model from the one found overseas. For instance, European customers will be able to buy the new 3-Series with additional features, like Extended LED headlights with cornering light and eyebrow indicators, along with LED front fog lights, updated front and rear bumper design, custom door sills or the 17-inch alloy wheels.

On the other hand, the US-bound model will be equipped with LED front fog lamps, the same bespoke door sills as well as the 18-inch alloys. As for the top of the line variants, these will receive massive kidney grille with chrome accents, front air intakes or rear apron, all increasing the aggressive looks.

Inside, the cabin has been accessorized with the latest onboard technology, like the BMW Live Cockpit with 8.8-inch central instrument cluster.

There is also the Active Guard Plus system coming standard on all models, and includes the latest safety features – Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Priority Warning and Wrong-Way warning, Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&GO, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking, Lane Departure Warning, or Cruise Control with braking.

Optionally, you can also get the company`s latest head-up display with a projection area of 70% larger than the previous generation model, and much more.

Last but not least, there is also the introduction of the carmaker`s brand-new Intelligent Personal Assistant which carries out different tasks by using voice commands like “Hey BMW, I`m cold”, or “How does the High Beam Assistant work?”, and many more.

More than that, one particular model caught my attention while reviewing the entire lineup, and that is the M Sport variant, which in Europe will become available with a series of new and high-tech enhancements. These include BMW`s Cockpit Professional with 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with is placed right near the 10.3-inch central instrument cluster and the new ID7 operating system. Everything inside is also highlighted by luxury items like Sports seats, Shadow Line trim and gloss black accents, M leather steering wheels or BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite colour.

We`re finally moving under the hood to discover the power and torque of the new 2019 G20 3-Series. There lies a series of four-cylinder engines which have now received some important updates. For instance, the 320d got a 2.0-liter TwinPowerTurbo pot with no less than 190 PS and 400 Nm of torque, with an acceleration of 6.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. On the other hand, the 330i in the US is much more potent – 258 PS and the same 400 Nm of torque, with a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. As for the M340i and M340i xDrive Performance variants, both will be available on the US market starting next spring, with power sitting at 387 PS and 500 Nm of torque. The sprint is also improved – just 4.2 seconds.

Having said that, we now welcome you to browse the amazing media gallery with the all-new 2019 G20 BMW 3-Series shining at the company`s stand at the 2018 Paris Motor Show! Enjoy and don’t forget to tell us what you think about the new generation! Is it more appealing and exciting than the previous F30?

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Paris Motor Show: 2019 G20 BMW 3-Series Detailed in Impressive Media Gallery appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Following previous testing sessions late last year, BMW carmaker has sent the upcoming 2019 G20 3-Series on the roads again for some fresh engine revving.

The prototype we see in the spy video below is still wearing heavy camouflage, meaning that it is still in early phase before production kicks off towards the end of the year. The video also reveals the test mule`s driving capabilities on the German Autobahn.

The all-new G20 3-Series from BMW will follow the company`s new design philosophy and will also stand on the new CLAR platform, also underpinning other models (new X3, 5-Series or 7-Series), meaning more lightweight materials, low fuel-consumption, increased performance and wider space inside the cabin.

From a visual standpoint, the prototype we see in the spy video reveals an aggressive design, highlighted by more prominent kidney grilles, upright nose, slimmer taillights and revised rear diffuser. The new model is also expected to receive the M Sport aero kit as optional, along with LED technology.

Back to the CLAR platform, the new 2019 G20 BMW 3-Series will shed off around 50 kg, which will increase driving dynamics and performance.

Also bigger, it will allow the fitting of a wide range of engines, including a top of the line M340i, with a 3.0-liter turbo six-engine, developing a good 265 horsepower.

As for high-tech gizmos it will incorporate inside, we should expect a full-digital instrument cluster, wide-screen media LCD for the dashboard, and other on-board gadgetries, also present on the 5-Series or 7-Series range.

We are still far-away from finding out full details, so we expect fresh ones in the upcoming period. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the future 2019 G20 BMW 3-Series, now in prototype phase, in the spy video below! How do you find the car? Does it look like a genuine 3-Series or just follows the same overall design language like the rest of BMW range, which practically makes it unrecognizable? Please comment!

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Spy Video: 2019 G20 BMW 3-Series Undergoes Road Tests in Germany appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The winter is over which means that officially, the playground on the Ring is now opened for some new testing, especially for BMW. The German based carmaker is planning the introduction of the all-new M340i, the model being sent for some tests before its unveiling next year, as a MY2019.

Considered to be the follower of the gorgeous M240i, the new model is going to be bigger and much more potent, just like most of BMW`s latest models. Even if it won`t be a match for the new M3, is still going to look menacing and quite powerful.

It will be built around the company`s new platform, which means more lightweight materials, improving thus its performance. Set to arrive as the direct rival of the Audi S4 and Mercedes-AMG C43, the 2019 M340i is going to be a truly luxurious sedan equipped with good power and torque.

Performance wise, the 2019 BMW M340i is rumored to be equipped with the same B58 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine borrowed from the M240i. This means power standing at around 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, a tad slower than the top of the line M2.

As for the rest of the 3-Series lineup, the carmaker is also rumored to spawn hybrid variants as well, starting with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol burner with an electric motor, and continuing with a much more powerful 2.0-liter mill with larger electric motor.

Until further details with the 2019 BMW M340 emerge, please feel free and watch the spy video with the model playing on the Ring!

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Spy Video: 2019 BMW M340i Plays on the Ring appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Plenty of new models from BMW are getting ready for their final reveal later on this year or in 2018. One of them is the G20 3-Series, recently seen on a spy video while still undergoing snowy tests.

The spy video was put together by spy photographs from Carscoops auto magazine and is showcasing the new 3-Series during snow tests. It looks and feels stronger, much more aggressive and ready to take on its direct competitors from Mercedes-Benz or Audi.

The G20 is set to arrive on the market next year as a 2019YM and will come with plenty of features also seen on the latest models from BMW. First, it will ride on the newest CLAR platform, with the same characteristics as the new 2017 G30 5-Series or 2016 7-Series.

Losing weight meaning more space inside and a new range of engines under the hood, facts that also concern the new 3-Series.

Speaking of which, the 2019 G20 BMW 3-Series is going to be bigger than the ongoing model, coming with a wide range of 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol burners and diesels in Europe, extremely powerful and fuel-efficient. On the US market, the same engines will be had with inline-four turbos. As for the next-gen M3, the hardcore variant will retain the same 3.0-liter straight six engine, adding however the water injection technology and more power.

We are also expecting a couple of plug-in hybrids, with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol configuration and two electric motors, or a higher 2.0-liter petrol and an electric motor. Performance figures will be announced at a later date.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Spy Video Shows 2019 G20 BMW 3-Series in New Snow Tests appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The all-new 2018 BMW 3-Series is popping-up into the spotlights in a new spy video, which highlights the test mule`s driving capabilities while performing some drifts on the snow. The model looks extremely aggressive, wider and ready to receive new aerodynamics that would make it high-performance.

We are dealing here with the future G20 3-Series which is undergoing final tests just before arrival at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, in September. Soon after, it will be released in some European countries.

As we can depict from the spy video the car`s design will be highlighted by the production body panels which may reveal its final form. We might be looking here at a short front overhang and Hofmeister Kink, adding vertical headlights and smaller headlights. Previous spy phots also revealed the test mule with trunk lip spoiler, new exhaust system, updated suspension system and improved brakes.

The new G20 3-Series is also looking bigger, bringing it closer to the G30 5-Series. They also share the same CLAR platform, meaning a more lightweight body style, lower weight and improved driving capabilities. This will also allow the fitting of a wide range of engines.

The cabin will also come with increase space for all passengers, adding as well the latest technology, also found on the new 5-Series of 7-Series.

Performance wise, the 2018 G20 BMW 3-Series is expected to arrive with a suite of three-, four- and six-cylinder engines, both petrol and diesel, starting with the entry-level 318i and finishing with the top of the line M340i, the latter one becoming the direct rival of the new Audi S4 and Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. As expected, the carmaker will also introduce a plug-in hybrid variant and possibly, an all-electric vehicle.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Spy Video: 2018 BMW 3-Series Shows Off in Drifting Session on the Snow appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

We have covered a few stories with different carmakers preparing their special rides for the upcoming 2016 SEMA show, taking place in Las Vegas starting the 1st of November, and it was just a matter of time until we would hear good news from BMW.

And yes, the German based carmaker has recently let us know, through some teasers images, that it will arrive in style at the show with some M models, tweaking M Performance Parts and new features inside.

One particular model that we have anticipated for a show-off in Las Vegas is the one-and-only BMW M3, the model now coming with a standout styling, highlighted by a prominent carbon fiber front end and rear, adding carbon rear wing, and the same composite around the diffuser. Other important characteristics refer to custom exhaust pipes.

Inside, the cabin also sports carbon fiber on the gear shifter and around the iDrive controller, handbrake and more.

According to recent reports, there might also be a second M3 coming with the same carbon fiber, with the main highlights on the rear spoiler; but, unfortunately, the teasers only reveal the rear end, which might also belong to a standard 3 Series and not another M3.

The BMW 7 Series could not have missed the show, the carmaker preparing the model with some unique features that would differentiate it from the standard car. We are looking here at black kidney grilles, black diffuser and panel blades, carbon fiber mirror caps, M Performance decals, as well as the 21-inch alloy wheels. We should also expect some customized models from Alpina as well.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW Teases M Models with High-Specs ahead 2016 SEMA Show appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW has been busy testing out, preparing and launching exquisite models all year long, but since there is plenty of action left until the end of the year, the German carmaker has one final act to attend, and that would be the 2016 L.A. Auto Show, where it will present the remaining models for this year.

We are looking here at a plethora of new models to be officially launched at the event, starting with 3-Series versions and ending up with the 7-Series. Alpina will also be present with its B7.

The carmaker`s model fleet for the show starts with the brand-new 2-Series 230i Coupe and Convertible, coming with a 2.0-liter engine; the 240i is also refreshed with a 3.0-liter petrol six-cylinder engine, developing 335 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque.

On the other hand, the iPerformance version of the 330e, comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine paired to an electric motor, delivering an overall of 248 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque. This model is set in the United States at a base price of $44,695.

Moving to the 7-Series range, there will be a particular model that will be standing out from the crowd, and that would be the 740e xDrive iPerformance, with a 2.0-liter flat-four turbo and an electric motor, developing 322 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. The plug-in hybrid allows a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, at a topping of 225 km/h.

The X fleet comprises the X5 xDrive40e, this one also receiving a 2.0-liter and an electric motor as well, with a range of 23 km. On the other hand, the top of the line M760i xDrive packs a massive 12-cylinder engine with 610 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, and a sprint to 100 km/h in a mind-blowing 3.7 seconds.

Alpina fights back with the already announced B7, the hardcore version of the 7 Series packing a 4.4-liter eight-cylinder with 600 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, and a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds. This model will cost in the U.S. around $137,995.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW`s Portfolio for 2016 L.A. Show Is Really Impressive appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW has decided to add more hardcore parts to more models within its lineup, the first ones to receive the BMW M kit being the 2-, 3-, 4- and 7-Series models, and later on the all-new M3 and M4 versions.

Each M Performance kit comes with its own prices and features, according to the model involved.

Starting with the 2-Series, you could spend up to $1,450 for the M Performance kit, but you would get plenty of tweaks, like black kidney grilles, carbon fiber rear spoiler, M Performance decals on the side or custom front splitter.

Moving to the 3-Series, the kit comes handy at $1,640 and comprises most of the features also seen on the 2-Series. The BMW 4-Series is also decided to receive the package at $31,000, the model coming with carbon fiber splitter or blacked-out rear diffuser.

In case you own a BMW 4-Series Convertible, then you should know that you can upgrade your model with the new kit as well, meaning a $1,840 package with nice features, including black kidney grilles, carbon fiber mirror caps, black diffuser and the same M Performance decals.

The top of the line BMW M2 will not be left aside, the version also receiving carbon fiber elements on the new black kidney grilles, rear spoiler or exhaust tips. The M Performance kit is more expensive, meaning that you`ll have to through in $5,100. On the other side, the M3 and M4 are exclusively available with the M kit for $7,860, adding carbon fiber front splitters, carbon fiber exhaust system, mirror caps and so on.

Finally, the BMW 7-Series is also available with the new M kit, meaning M Performance front splitter, new wheels and so on, all for $7,235.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW Model Lineup Now Available with M Performance Parts appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Following the news yesterday, according to which the BMW German based premium carmaker announced an array of body style, interior and powertrain upgrades for some of its important models, we have now news on the kind of the powertrains that would fit the 1-Series, the 2-Series, the 3-Series, the 4-Series, as well as the X5 model.

First off, the BMW 1-Series 118i will come with the 1.5-liter three-cylinder unit, developing 136 horsepower, hooked to a manual as well as an automatic transmission, while the 2-Series Coupe and Convertible will be packed by two diesels in the 218 d and 225d, meaning 150 horsepower and 224 horsepower as well. The convertible will also come with the M235i xDrive version, with 326 horsepower, for its six-cylinder unit.

Second, the BMW 2-Series Gran Tourer 216i version will pack a three-cylinder petrol engine with 102 horsepower, while the 214d will get the diesel three-cylinder, with 95 horsepower. The 220d will develop 190 horsepower, for the same three-cylinder unit.

Next, the BMW 3-Series 318d and 328d Gran Turismo will come packed with 150 horsepower and 190 horsepower respectively, while the 4-Series 420d Convertible will get 190 horsepower. On the other hand, the BMW X5 sDrive25d and xDrive25d will output 231 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post BMW Announces New Powertrains for Its Models appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.