Spyshots: 2014 BMW X7 Spotted Testing in California

BimmerBoost has posted images of what they believe to be the long-rumored 2014 BMW X7. Rivals like Mercedes-Benz and Audi both have been very successful in the large SUV market, especially in the United States. It would only make sense financially for BMW to at least make an attempt to enter and compete in the large SUV market.

The X7 is reported to be a main rival to the widely popular 7-seat variant of the Mercedes-Benz GL SUV range. The photos were snapped in the California mountains, where the car was testing. No surprise really, as California remains one of the regions of the United States with the highest year-to-year SUV sales.

The car looks markedly larger than the recently spotted next generation BMW X5, with the test driver reportedly stating the car “is a 2014 X7.” While little additional information is known beyond the realm of pure speculation, the pictures appear to show a non-M variant X7 prototype, which fits logically with BMW’s historical release schedule. No word on if a X5M-style variant will be offered.

Check out the pics and full story on BimmerBoost. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.

News source:  BimmerBoost

Read More

All-New 2014 BMW X5 Leaks

While BMW’s design philosophy doesn`t really excite anybody anymore, the advent of a new X5 is still a very big deal. Now, ahead of its official reveal later this year, the all-new 2014 BMW X5 has leaked onto the web, and we have two low-quality photos, taken from what appears to be the BMW configuration online app.

After looking at the spyshots we got from our photographers, it was very clear that it would not be a great departure, from the old model. It isn`t - the all-new X5 looks exactly like what you would expect it to, with the more rounded and bolder new family face (or the slightly-altered ‘old’ family face), a 3-Series-inspired grille, which touches the inner part of the headlights, and brushed-aluminium trim pieces to finish off the front end.

Again, like all the latest BMW’s the X5 is imposing, but it`s not what you`d call pretty - not by a long shot. Around the back, it features lights which look as if they were lifted straight from the new X3, and enlarged by 10%. They could have opted to differentiate it more from its ‘little brother’, as some buyers may not even get the X5 any more, since it looks so similar, has the same basic range of engines and all the same gadgets and gizmos.

Speaking of kit, the new X5 does come with a lot of new stuff, including pedestrian airbags, AEB and the latest updated version of the brand’s i-Drive infotainment system. Furthermore, a new and interesting addition to the X5 range will be an X5L model, which will have a slightly longer wheelbase, and an extra row of seats in the back, thus offering the BMW SUV the capability of carrying seven people.

The range of engines will be carried over from the outgoing model (which we tested), so expect V6 and V8 petrol and diesel units to be the norm. The main piece of news from under the X5’s bonnet is the addition of a four-cylinder diesel engine, which will most likely be that which powers the 325d and 125d, with 218 hp and 450 Nm of torque - it will be a direct rival for the Mercedes-Benz ML250 CDI.

Read More

BMW at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show

No big motor show with a global reputation is complete without a slew of BMW concepts and production vehicles being unveiled. The Bavarians are dominating the premium car market with their cars, and for this year’s North American International Auto Show, they’ve announced four debuts.

Read More

Spyshots: 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA Sheds Some 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA Sheds Some Camo

Mercedes’ plans with the compact luxury segment include the launch of a front-wheel drive sedan, shaped a bit like the CLS four-door coupe. Based on the new naming system the company is preparing, it will be called the CLA, indicating it’s the smallest model of its kind they plan to offer.

The architecture will come from its A- and B-Class models and will be stretched to accommodate a boot and more legroom. Reports suggest it will even be on offer in the US as an entry to the Mercedes range for younger luxury buyers to enjoy.

Thanks to the Concept Style Coupe shown recently at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, we have a pretty good understanding of what it will look like, a fact reinforced by the latest spy photos that show the CLA testing with less camo than ever.

In Europe, the CLA should cost from about €25,000 and be produced in Germany and Hungary.

Via: autoevolution

 

Read More

2014 BMW F15 X5 Nurburgring Testing

The next generation of the BMW X5 has been caught by our photographers as it was testing on the famous carousel of the equally well known Nurburgring track in Germany. For a full-sized SUV like this, it’s impressive performance in this high speed turn.

The next big thing in SUV-ing will arrive in 2013 on a brand new platform that’s rumored to use aluminum extensively, something the German automaker has shied away from. The new platform will also be modular, in that there will also be an extended wheelbase version with more room in the back.

Rumor has it that thanks to the lighter body, the F15 BMW X5 that will arrive in 2013 will even be powered by four-cylinder engines for the first time since the model way launched. The ActiveHybrid will combine a 2.0-liter diesel with an advanced electric system.

Read More