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.

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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.

Long-previewed and already seen in official pictures and details, the China-only 2017 1-Series Sedan is currently sold locally in a joint venture with Brilliance Auto, in Shenyang.

However, there were rumors according to which the model would also be sold elsewhere, particularly in Europe, as a direct response to Audi`s new A3 sedan or Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Thanks to a recent report from Autocar, BMW has no intention of selling the model in Europe, and that for fear it might shadow the success of the newly-arrived 3-Series.

This is Autocar`s official report: “There are no immediate plans to sell the 1-Series saloon outside of China. The initial signs there are quite positive.”

In China, the all-new 2017 BMW 1-Series Sedan is wider, longer and taller than Europe`s E36 3-Series variant and is standing on the carmaker`s new UKL platform, also seen on other models within the German group.

It is equipped with a front- and all-wheel drive layout on variants like the 118i or 120i. The first one uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline three-cylinder flat-four engine with 136 horsepower, while the latter one comes fitted with a 2.0-liter gasoline flat-four with 192 horsepower. There is also the 125i, with the same 2.0-liter turbo, but with a higher output of 231 horsepower.

Inside, the model is equipped with the latest technology and gizmos, also present on other finest BMW models in Europe or the United States. We could mention the design for the new infotainment system with a rotary-knob control, adding multi-function steering wheels, dual-zone climate control, leather trim throughout the cabin, sunroof and aluminum inserts.

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Marcus M.

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The post 2017 BMW 1-Series Is an Exclusive China-Only Sedan appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Previously decided as a China-only affair, the upcoming 2017 BMW 1-Series Sedan might as well find its way on the South American market, if the carmaker decides that it is good for the business.

The rumor mill comes from NoticiasAutomotivas via the QuatroRodas and states that BMW representatives are currently looking for solutions to build the model in Brazil. If this happens, it will surely happen at the carmaker`s plant in Santa Catarina.

Once it will receive the green light for Brazil, the upcoming BMW 1-Series Sedan will stand on the company`s new UKL platform, the same one that the Chinese version will be also underpinning. It will also arrive as the main competitor of the new Audi A3 Sedan or Mercedes-Benz CLA. More details will be known in the near future.

As a reminder, the China-based 2017 1-Series Sedan will officially arrive at the 2016 Guangzhou Motor Show and will be longer than its European sibling. The company`s UKL architecture, fitted with a front- and all-wheel drive layout, is the same architecture also found on the BMW X1, 2-Series Gran Tourer or MINI models.

In China, the 2017 BMW 1-Series Sedan will feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline three-cylinder engine in the 118i, with 136 horsepower, while the 120i would receive a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline flat-four, with 192 horsepower. Finally, the 125i would also get the same 2.0-liter but with a power output of 231 horsepower.

Once announced for the market, the 2017 1-Series Sedan will be built with Brilliance Auto, which is the German carmaker`s joint venture in Shenyang, China.

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Marcus M.

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The post Besides China, 2017 BMW 1-Series Sedan Might Start Production in Brazil, Too appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The German-based carmaker BMW has prepared a host of models intended for the Chinese market alone, some of them being officially introduced at the upcoming 2016 Guangzhou Auto Show, later on this month.

One of the models that will arrive in China will be the all-new 2017 BMW 1-Series Sedan, the lineup comprising up to three versions, the 118i, 120i as well as the 125i.

Ahead the Chinese Auto Show, Chinese media have released the first image with the interior of the 1-Series Sedan, the cabin being equipped with the latest technology and gizmos, all seen on BMW`s new models in Europe or in the United States.

Seen in the photo bellow is a high-end version of the 1-Series Sedan, possibly the 125i, the interior featuring a standout design for the new infotainment system with a rotary-knob control, adding multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, leather trim throughout the cabin, sunroof and aluminum inserts.

Once arriving on the Chinese market, the all-new 2017 BMW 1-Series Sedan will share the same UKL platform, also underpinning the upcoming 2-Series Active Tourer, Gran Tourer or the new BMW X1.

All three versions will also come with their own choice of engines: the 118i will get the 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo engine with 136 horsepower, the 120i will arrive with a 2.0-liter engine with 192 horsepower, while the top of the line will be equipped with the same 2.0-liter mill but with an increase 231 horsepower.

Full details and prices with the all-new 2017 BMW 1-Series Sedan will be revealed at the 2016 Guangzhou Auto Show.

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Marcus M.

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The post China-Based 2017 BMW 1-Series Sedan Gets First Preview Inside appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The increasing popularity of the recently unveiled 2017 G30 BMW 5 Series makes it even more desired outside Europe, with the model getting spied in new shots while undergoing tests in China, and wearing camouflage around the body.

In case you already noticed from the spy photos, we are looking here at a stretched version of the standard 5 Series Sedan, with reference to the upcoming BMW 5 Series 5Li, which will be produced in a joint venture with Brilliance division.

It seems that all-new models released by BMW with standing ovations have to be present on the Chinese market as well, BMW customers on the local market simply adoring the long-wheelbase versions.

Speaking about a long-wheelbase, the model will be around ten centimeters longer than its European sibling, coming thus with increase space at the back. This means that the car`s roof line from the rear B-pillar were visibly extended.

Otherwise, the stretched upcoming 5-Series 5Li will come with similar looks as the model in Europe, featuring an evolutionary body styling and fully-tweaked with rather the same technology.

In the engine department, the model will come with a wide array of four- and six-cylinder engines, followed by a plug-in hybrid. Once it will arrive in China, next Spring, it will take on the same stretched versions of the Audi A6L, new Volvo S90L, Mercedes E-Class L or Jaguar XFL.

Until fresh details emerge on the market in a couple of months, don’t forget to take a closer look at the spy photos below and decide for yourself if it will be as luxurious and hot-looking as its European sibling!

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Marcus M.

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The post China: Stretched 2017 BMW 5 Series 5Li Gets Spied appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW has recently unveiled the smaller xDrive25Le iPerformance version from the X1 lineup, the model getting its official round of applause at the China`s Chengdu Motor Sport. The SUV will be built and sold for the moment in China alone, with plans to include Australia and other markets in the near future.

The BMW X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance is the first plug-in hybrid within the X1 lineup, the model focusing on fuel-economy and low Co2 emissions.

Also, thanks to the small hybrid powertrain, the small SUV comes with plenty of cargo space inside, meaning a capacity of 505 L with the rear seat being up and a full 1550 L with them being folded down.

It uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 100 kW and 220 Nm of torque being sent to the front wheels. The conventional engine works closely with an electric motor, allowing an additional of 70 kW and 165 Nm of torque, being sent to the rear axle.

With all the power all together and an all-wheel drive layout, the BMW X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance is capable of running the whole straight line in a good 7.4 seconds. As aforementioned, the SUV`s main attribute is the fuel consumption.

Thus, the BMW X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance, thanks to a 10.7 kW lithium ion-battery, the X1 comes with an incredible 1.8L for each 100 km, along with a range of 60 km, at a topping of 120 km/h.

The model can be charged using a 220/16A socket which allows an 80 percent charge in 2.9 hours, or a full charge in 3.7 seconds.

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Marcus M.

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The post BMW X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance officially Unveiled in China appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Every carmaker that produces luxurious models and enters China must comply with the Chinese policies: it has to be stretched, special and limited edition.

It is also the case of Rolls-Royce which has launched today a special edition of its Ghost, called the “Special Love”, the exclusive model being produced in a limited edition of just 16 units.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost “Special Love” is special indeed with the two-tone body wrap, consisting of the English White and Silver Stain, that come with two swans in the form of a heart on the coachline.

The overall love theme and exterior color is complemented by the 20-inch polished forged alloy wheels. The cabin is also coming with the same “love affair” on the leather seats, along with the Hotspur Red trim on the headliner, seat stitching, or headrest embroidery.

The illuminated treadplates also come with the “Love is Eternity” lettering, along with a bespoke clock which perfectly complements the Tudor Oak wood panel.

Under the hood, the Rolls-Royce Ghost “Eternal Love” is packing a 6.6-liter bi-turbo V12 engine, with 563 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque, sending the power to the wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

The carmaker has not yet released the price tag for the model, but we should expect fresh details after its premiere at the Minsheng Art Museum in Beijing.

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Marcus M.

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The post Rolls-Royce Ghost “Special Love” Is Aimed for China appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The BMW 1-Series Sedan is ending up into the spotlights again, the model being caught on shots while performing some tests in China.

From a visual standpoint, the new BMW 1-Series will share some design cues from the Concept Compact Sedan, which was recently unveiled and which is presumed to spawn the next 1- and 2-Series Sedans.

The upoming BMW 1-Series Sedan will be offered on the local market by BMW and Brilliance joint venture, the model standing on the company`s new UKL platofrm, the same found on the new 2-Series Active Tourer.

This means that the BMW 1-Series Sedan will come with a front-wheel drive, while an xDrive all-wheel version will also join the club at a later date.

Still refering to the same UKL platform, the 1-Series Sedan will also adopt the same engine lineup found on its older 2-Series Active Tourer sibling, including the 1.5-liter three-cylinder or the 2,0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline and diesels.

Once it will be released on the local market and later on, worldwide, the BMW 1-Series Sedan will compete against the all-new Audi A3 Sedan as well as Mercedes-Benz CLA. Full details with the new 1-Series Sedan will be revealed next year, where the model is set to debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

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Marcus M.

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The post BMW Tests 1-Series Sedan In China, Spy Shots Revealed appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Couple of weeks ago there was too much fuss about the upcoming BMW models coming with an all-wheel drive layout, while the next-generation BMW 1-Series Sedan was also rumored to come with a front-wheel drive configuration, which is set to be cheaper, thus making the heavy competition against the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3 Sedan, much more bearable.

This time, the 2017 BMW 1-Series Sedan is ending up in our news again, through some spy shots provided by the Chinese website auto.sohu.com, which showcase the test mule wearing a camouflaged body with the fake body panels and vinyl tape, all of them revealing almost nothing about the model.

As already discussed in a previous article, the 2017 BMW 1-Series Sedan will come with an array of engines under the hood, like the three- or the four-cylinder inline direct injection petrol units, as well as some diesel engines with common-rail technology.

Apart from that, the model is expected to reach China, wearing a longer wheelbase, which will actually complete the gap between the 1-Series Hatch and the F30 3-Series Sedan. Apart from the front-wheel drive layout, the 2017 BMW 1-Series Sedan will also emerge with an xDrive version, meaning an all-wheel drive layout. We should expect more details later on.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post 2017 BMW 1-Series Sedan Spy Shots in China appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The BMW German based automaker, which is also the biggest automaker in the world, has recently joined the list of dropping prices, standing now side-by-side with Audi, Mercedes-Benz or the Jaguar Land Rover.

Since there seemed to have been an anti-competitive process between the aforementioned models, the China`s government decided to cut off the prices, as they seemed to overcharge the Chinese buyers, concerning cars and spare parts.

BWM representatives reported that the NDRC`s Price Supervision and Anti-Monopoly Bureau have stated their worries concerning the cost problems in the auto industry.

“BMW has been paying close attention, and in response, is making the effort to bring down wholesale prices and promoting the flow of original parts,” BMW also reported.

To take hands into its own matters, the BMW automaker has already announced cutting prices for about 3,300 components in the Asian country with around 15%, moving to 20% this month.

With the anti-competitive strategy going around the main players in China, the Chinese price regulator will be imposing fines to Audi and Chrysler.

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Marcus M.

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The post BMW Forced to Drop Prices in China appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.