BMW News, Photos, Videos, Reviews, Test Drives
New BMW technologies coming from 2013 Summer
BMW continues the high technological involvement in the auto industry, by launching new technologies for the entire range of cars in summer 2013.
Intelligent four-wheel drive concept xDrive for further models of the BMW 1 Series and BMW 3 Series.
With five further models, which can be optionally equipped with BMW xDrive, BMW will also be continuing the current four-wheel drive initiative in the summer of 2013. The permanent, electronically controlled four-wheel drive technology optimises not only traction and vehicle stability in all weather and road conditions, but also driving dynamics when taking bends. This can in future also be experienced in the models BMW 118d xDrive 3-door version and the BMW 118d xDrive 5-door variant. Like the new models BMW 318d xDrive Sedan and the BMW 318d xDrive Touring, they are also powered by a 105 kW/143 hp four-cylinder diesel power unit. Furthermore, as from the summer of 2013, a new top-of-the-range diesel model for the BMW 3 Series also featuring BMW xDrive will become available. Power from the 230 kW/313 hp straight six cylinder diesel engine under the bonnet of the BMW 335d xDrive Sedan is distributed between the front and rear axles according to each specific situation. The BMW 335d xDrive Sedan comes as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The BMW sound
A BMW has not only to look good, but also to sound good, from engine to all other aspects, like doors or indicators. That is the main idea behind the special acoustics engineering team, that take care of all aspects regarding quality of the sound that is present in the cabin. The video below describes the work performed by this team at the Munich development center. The end result is to give the entire vehicle a harmonious overall sound and a typical character of a BMW.
BMW Night Vision technology with Animal Detection System
During current year, BMW will update the Night Vision optional feature with a new cutting-edge technology: Animal Detection that works beyond the reach of the headlights. How does it work? An infrared thermal camera that is mounted in the front of the car, can detect heat-emitting objects from a distance of approximately 100 metres. Another party piece of the system, is the auto-detect feature to distinguish between humans and animals by the level of heat.
In case of an imminent collision with an animal, the new BMW Nigh Vision system can direct a series of flashlights towards the zone where the animal is spotted, while at the same time displaying warning rectangles on the main dashboard display.
The new Mercedes S-Klasse, that is soon to be launched this year, will also benefit of a similar system.
60 Years of BMW Safety Development
When comes to BMW, almost everybody thinks about premium sedans with a sporty feeling. Beside the engaging feel of the handling, the dynamic chassis and suspension, BMW also has a 60 years old history of development and research in safety.The following two videos shows how BMW development in safety has progressed in the last 60 years and the latest technologies used.
The development of high safety standards started early back in time, just after world war II, when BMW had taken the first measures to protect the passengers by using a short steering column and an optimized position of the fuel tank after the rear axle. Starting with the 60′s the first crash and stress tests begun, and more importance had been given for the body materials . The safety standards are being pushed to a higher level with each new BMW generation, and so the latest BMW models offer features like lane warning assistance, night vision or side cameras.
All BMW models offer 5 star ranking in terms of security, but beside of the actual passive safety technologies, a solid and trustful insurance for your BMW vehicle should also be taken into consideration, like the AVIVA insurance
BMW research in safety has evolved a long way in 60 years, so the question is what do you think the next 60 years will bring?
BMW i8 First review
Autocar magazine had one of the first reviews on the super technical electric sports car under development by BMW, the electric prototype i8. The video review takes place on the frozen roads of Sweden where most cars are usually tested in rough conditions. The BMW i8 model development is all about a new breed of sports car that will take BMW into the future. Is all about fuel economy, low emissions and at the same time great street performance, by using very lightweight chassis and a hybrid powertrain composed of an electric engine and a three cylinders conventional termic engine. The All wheel drive electric system helps the i8 to face no problem on the icy roads.
From inside, the i8 possesses all the hallmarks of a proper sportscar. You sit low, below the level of the carbonfibre sill, with your legs well out in front. The seats are tight, hugging, hard shell affairs. The deep but low dashboard is very prominent. However, it is the instrument binnacle – whose mesmerising graphics alter depending on the driving mode chosen, going from a calm hue of blue in eco-pro and comfort to a racier orange hue in sport mode – that initially steals my attention as we set off down a slip road and out on to BMW’s test track.
BMW M Performance Steering Wheel
Tim Schrick , from DMAX TV show, has tested the latest version of the BMW M Performance Steering wheel. This rally style steering wheel, allows the driver to check many types of visual information like : quarter mile time, engine temperature, lap times, and also one of the best features, is the drag-racing style LED lights that are displayed based on the engine revs level, which help the driver for better gear changes.
Tim Schrick is a professional driver and has one of the best E60 M5 reviews, which you can watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcjtTQXFCqE