BMW leads charge on notable debuts
Roomy 7 series sedan and new X1 among automaker’s best and brightest
FRANKFURT, GERMANY— The world’s largest auto show sets high expectations for its flag-bearing manufacturers and BMW responded this year with a comprehensive suite of new model debuts covering the full spectrum of its product lineup. X1 The world premiere of the new X1 marks the second generation for BMW’s smallest SUV. Along with renewed styling to more closely match its larger siblings, the X1 boasts a roomier interior, full LED headlights and BMW’s head-up display among other upgrades.
The Driving Assistant Plus feature lineup can now be added as an option, which includes active cruise control, lane-departure warning, traffic jam assistant, collision warning and pedestrian warning.
The Canadian market will see only one derivative on launch, the X1 xDrive28i — which is BMW-speak for a 2.0 L twin-turbo, direct-injected I4 engine that makes 228 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque at 1,250 RPM, equipped with all-wheel drive. This model will ship with an Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission.
The new X1 hits the Canadian market Oct. 24 at a base price of $38,800, a $1,900 increase over the outgoing model. 7 Series BMW has taken cues from some of its much-pricier rivals in developing its all-new 7 series.
Canada will receive three models on launch: the 750i xDrive in short and long wheelbase, which come with a 4.4 L twin turbo, direct-injected V8 that makes 445 horsepower and the 740Li xDrive (long wheelbase only) with a 3.0 L twin turbo, direct-injected V6 that makes 320 horsepower. A plug-in hybrid model is set to debut in 2016.
The 7 series is the roomiest sedan BMW has ever made and promises an improved experience on several levels for both driver and passengers.
Through use of plastic reinforced with carbon fibre, the torsion strength of the passenger cell is improved and the car’s overall weight is lighter than the outgoing model, which should make for a lighter and more dynamic drive feel.
The interior is elegantly appointed with quilted leather upholstery and wood and aluminum inlays. In the back seat, the opulence ratchets up with class-leading rear leg room, deep pile carpeting, optional individual infotainment systems and reclining seats, airplane-style tray tables and standard four-zone climate control.
An optional M Sport package adds front and rear aprons and side skirts, 19-inch or 20-inch light-alloy wheels, illuminated door sill plates, and chrome accents.
The new 7 series goes on sale in Canada on the same day as the X1, Oct. 24, with pricing on the 750i starting at $113,900. Pricing for the 740Li will be announced closer to the launch date. Other debuts The 3 Series will receive a facelift for the coming year and the success of BMW’s electric offerings has prompted plug-in hybrid models to be added throughout the lineup. In addition to the 740Le, two more new hybrids will make their way to Canada: the X5 xDrive40e and the 330e. The X5 hybrids will launch in the first quarter of 2016 with the rest to follow later in the year. The BMW M6 GT3 also tipped its hat, a new race car targeted for purchase by customer teams. It debuted alongside its road-going sibling, the BMW M6 Competition Edition, which boasts 600 horsepower, along with a combined fuel consumption rating of 9.9 L/100 km.
Unfortunately, the marque didn’t get an opportunity to show these new products to the world press in Frankfurt. BMW CEO Harald Krueger, who took over the position in May and was leading his first major auto show press conference, fainted mid-presentation and needed assistance to leave the stage.
Krueger was unhurt in the incident, but the press conference was never resumed. Mini Clubman Just down the hall, Mini took the wraps off the thoroughly overhauled Clubman, which returns to the brand’s lineup after a brief absence.
The Clubman’s vastly increased dimensions — 27 centimetres longer than the new Mini 5-door, 9 centimetres wider and with a 10-centimetre longer wheelbase — make it the least-mini Mini ever to grace the lineup.
While it now boasts comfortable seating for five and a maximum seats-down cargo capacity of 1,250 L, the Clubman’s new styling retains its signature split rear doors.
Two variants are available in Canada. The Mini Cooper Clubman comes with a 1.5 L, three-cylinder engine with an output of 134 horsepower and peak torque of 220 Nm (230 Nm with overboost), paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
The Mini Cooper S Clubman gets a 2.0 L four-cylinder with 189 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque (300 Nm with overboost), equipped with either the six-speed manual transmission, a Mini-first eight-speed automatic, or an eight-speed sporttuned automatic with paddles and launch control.
The new Clubman goes on sale in Canada in the first quarter of 2016, with pricing still to be determined. It will be very interesting to see how it fares as it pushes Mini into new competitive territory in the premium compact segment.