The BMW i4 is under its testing phase, which means a lot of spy shots have been circulating the internet trying to make sense of the upcoming design. The latest photos have revealed a lot more than before, including details of the front-grille design.

The front-end is partially visible, and although it is still covered by camouflage material, a lot more can be said about the grille’s shape and size. The BMW i4 will have the same signature kidney-grille as before with practically the same size as in the earlier models.

The headlights are also clearly visible for the first time revealing a c-shaped design. The LED daytime lights and the two projector-beam combo has been the go-to for BMW in the recent past and the i4 follows the same pattern.

Unsurprisingly, the rear of the vehicle also shows more than it did earlier. The taillights, for example, can be seen more clearly and we can decipher their near-final shape. Since the camouflage panels have started coming off, we can say for sure that the BMW i4’s release is not that far away.

The prototype vehicle is in its final stages of testing and once that is complete, BMW will reveal the I4 in its final form. It is expected to be released by late 2021 so expect a full unveiling by the Spring/Summer of 2021.

The BMW i4 is touted to be more powerful than some of BMW’s performance cars like the M3 and M4. The i4 will produce 530 hp at its peak, which will allow it to go from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 4 seconds or less. The whopping performance figures are possible thanks to the single motor setup and BMW’s intuitive drag-reduction aerodynamic technology.

BMW has been tight-lipped on the price of the i4, but expect it to be around $70,000 for the base variant.   

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The post Upcoming BMW i4 Spy Shots Slightly Reveal New Design appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

German-based carmaker BMW released its latest model, the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster back in March, with deliveries already starting in the United States and recently in the United Kingdom.

Well-received and appreciated all-over the world, the company`s newest toys has also attracted tuning companies, and that`s because of its design language and advanced technology.

One prove in this regard is the extensive tuning program that famous German-based aftermarket shop AC Schnitzer has carried out on the i8 Roadster. You can see full details about it in the media gallery below.

Famous for their exclusive programs, particularly at the exterior, AC Schnitzer have added a full body kit with parts made from carbon fiber. However, under the hood, the model has not received any new modifications. This means the same 1.5 three-cylinder turbocharged engine plus an electric motor, both delivering a total of 369 horsepower. It also manages an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, meaning a 0.2 second difference compared with the i8 Coupe. The new battery also allows for an average consumption of 70 eMPG.

As for the exterior highlights, almost every inch of the car has been modified. Starting with the wheels, which is my favourite part, the technicians from AC Schnitzer have fitted 21 inches AC1 lightweight forged bi-colour, providing at the same time a 4.4 kg decrease in weight. They make the car extremely aggressive, especially since it sits lower to the ground, thanks to the new custom lowering spring kit.

From a visual standpoint, the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster by AC Schnitzer comes with a new front spoiler, middle front spoiler, front side wings and front and rear air outlets. There is also the “Racing” rear wing for more downforce or the 160 mm emblems on the sides, and the new door handle panels.

The interior perfectly complements the exterior with floor mats covered in velour, aluminum pedals and footrest.

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BMW lovers in the United Kingdom are glad to know that the hot i8 Roadster is here for the taking. However, it doesn’t come cheap, customers emptying their pockets for at least £124,735 OTR. For that money, you get technology at its best, plenty of driving modes for a more comfortable ride, fuel efficiency and so on.

Speaking of fuel efficiency, the all-new 2019 BMW i8 Roadster uses a hybrid powertrain combining a three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. All in one, the system develops 374 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. That also means a standstill to 100 km/h in a blasting 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. The result is, according to the carmaker, a combined fuel economy of 141.2 mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 46g/km. That makes the perfect roadster for “a typical commute through city traffic and along country roads.”

As for the driving modes involved, there are no less than five – Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro in hybrid driving and Comfort and Eco Pro in all-electric driving.

The hybrid also features some tuning components for the damping systems and suspension. They come as standard and refer to the double-wishbone front axle, five-link rear axle and the company`s new Dynamic Damper Control.

The car`s structure also comprises a frameless dihedral doors, with the windscreen frame being made out from carbon fiber reinforced polymer, also known as CFRP. That makes this particular convertible more lightweight, with just 60 kg more over the Coupe.

From a visual standpoint, the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster follows the same language design as the standard model, however it does come with features of its own – 20-inch light-alloy wheels in W-spoke design or the new roof design. BMW is also offering new paintjobs like E-Copper metallic of Donington Grey metallic.

The interior is also high-class with the multi-functional instrument display, Carpo interior trim with full-leather upholstery or sports steering wheel.

More details about the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster in the United Kingdom can be seen in the media gallery below. Enjoy!

The post Media Gallery: 2019 BMW i8 Roadster – Price Announced in UK appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW is revitalizing part of its model lineup by introducing new updates and engines starting this July. The changes involve the 1-Series model as well as some variants from the 5- and the 7-Series, along with the newly-launched i8 Roadster. Also, SUVs from the X range will receive new engine updates.

Starting with the BMW 1-Series, the carmaker has set up a special car titled the “Metropolitan Edition”, which adds up new features “specifically designed to enhance comfort and driving pleasure in urban traffic.”

These new highlights refer to “instrument cluster with extended features”, GPS navigation, rear-view camera, Comfort Access pack, Park Distance and Speed Limited Info.

Next is the 5-Series in both Sedan and Touring disguises, set to arrive with the fabulous Frozen Dark Silver Metallic paintjob, while the top of the line M5 is now dressed with the new Frozen Marina Bay Blue Metallic. On the other hand, the 7-Series has been optimized with a wide choice of colours, along with Merion leather with special trims and high-end roof liner inside.

Moving up to the new i8 Roadster, the hot model is now available with new aerodynamic styling package, with main highlights comprising updated front splitter and rear spoiler. As for the I Performance models – ranging from the 225xe iPerformance to the i8 – these come equipped with the latest technologies onboard.

The new engine updates comprising both petrol and plug-in hybrid forms have been equipped with a particulate filter to comply the new Euro 6d-TEMP regulations.

The power of the engines have also been enhanced. For instance, the BMW X3 M40d is now producing no less than 320 horsepower and 680 Nm of torque, all squeezed from a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, enabling a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Also, in August, BMW will also introduce the X4 xDrive30d with a 3.0-liter diesel with 261 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque; paired to a high-performance eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive configuration, the model can jump to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds.

The transmissions have also been modified. For instance, there is the new eight-speed automatic, available from August on models from the 1-Series (12oi, M140i) or the 3-, 4- and the 5-Series (520d Sedan, 520d Touring).

The post BMW Announces Special Edition for 1-Series, New Updates and Engines, Starting this July appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

We already knew BMW had plans regarding its access to the electric vehicle market. The release of BMW models such as the i3 and i8 is proof of this, however, turning already released vehicle models, such as the BMW X3, into fully electric cars, shows that the Bavarian automaker really means business when it comes to becoming more environmentally friendly.

While at first glance the BMW X3 looks like a normal version of the very popular SUV, the absence of an exhaust system and the presence of a charge port near the left, front wheel arch remind us that this is indeed a special variant of the BMW X3 model. The interesting fact about this particular version is that no compromise has been made in order for it to be transformed into an electric vehicle. Apart from the fuelling system being radically different, the electric BMW X3 will be fitted with the same equipment we see on the regular BMW X3s out there.

The electric BMW X3 is without a doubt a car that most BMW fans look forward to. The vehicle itself combines the best of both worlds. On one hand it is as luxurious as we’ve come to expect from the Bavarian automaker, while on the other, it is more environmentally friendly. Owning an electric vehicle also means saving money on account of electricity being cheaper than fuel. Another important advantage is the reduction of noise. It will be interesting to see how many people will decide to buy the electric BMW X3. The future looks promising for this particular model.

BMW has already planned to release a hybrid version of the same BMW X3 before it releases the fully electric one. Even if BMW is serious about concentrating on the electric vehicle market, it seems that the Bavarian automaker has planned a smooth and slow transition from the classic fuel vehicles to the modern electric ones. Having a solid strategy, BMW will definitely evolve and reach a new level of development.

The electric BMW X3 will definitely prove a successful concept. It will be interesting to see which BMW models will become electric next. Regardless, the presence of the BMW X3 electric prototype is a reminder that the electric upgrade plan has already begun. This shows that the Bavarian automaker is serious about concentrating on the electric market. This means BMW is about to offer serious competition to the other manufacturers of electric vehicles.

The post Electric BMW X3 Prototype Proves BMW Wants to Become More Environmentally Friendly appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Each year, a jury of 48 international journalists from the automotive industry announces the finalists and awards the best cars for each category involved. This year`s World Car of the Year have also announced the finalists for the World Urban Car, World Green Car, World Luxury Car, World Car Design of and World Performance Car of the Year categories. Finally, the 2018 World Car of the Year decides which is the best model in the world.

The winning cars will be announced at the New York International Auto Show in March, with three finalists to be listed at this year`s 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

As expected, the competition is pretty tight and gathers the world`s most important models in each category. BMW is proud to be a finalist in no less than five of them. Unfortunately, it does miss the World Urban Car of the Year, this category being dominated by cars like Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo. Please find below each category with all the finalists listed in the official order.

2018 World Car of the Year

World Urban Car Category
Ford Fiesta
Hyundai Kona
Nissan Mirca
Suzuki Swift
Volkswagen Polo.

World Green Car Category
BMW 530e iPerformance
Chevrolet Cruze diesel
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Nissan LEAF.

World Luxury Car Category
Audi A8
BMW 6 Series GT
Lexus LS
Porsche Cayenne
Porsche Panamera.

World Car Design Category
BMW i8
Lamborghini Urus.

World Performance Car Category
Alfa Romeo Giulia QV
Audi RS 3
BMW M5
Honda Civic Type R
Lexus LC 500.

2018 World Car of the Year
Alfa Romeo Giulia
BMW X3
Kia Stinger
Land Rover Discovery
Mazda CX-5
Nissan LEAF
Range Rover Velar
Toyota Camry
Volkswagen T-Roc
Volvo XC60.

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Recently Norway has come to the attention of car manufacturers on account of its legislation that encourages its people to buy electric or hybrid vehicles over the classic fuel functioning cars. This is truly an important move in automotive industry, as Norway will become the perfect test ground for electric and hybrid vehicles released around the world. Among these vehicles, the BMW i3 is the second best choice for the Norwegian people.

The BMW i3 proved the perfect candidate for the changes made in the Norwegian legislation. No emission or low emission vehicles will prove to be the future of the automotive industry. The folks over at BMW have already acknowledged that. They regard the move made by Norwegian authorities as a first step towards changing people’s perspective regarding the importance of hybrid and electric vehicles. This will prove most beneficial for the environment.

In the face of such change, BMW is sure to release new electric and hybrid models. In Norway’s case the demand is high for such cars. This has been achieved as a result of the raised taxes applied for those that own or want to own fuel based vehicles. It is much more profitable to own a hybrid or electric vehicle in Norway. Of course, investments had to be made in Norwegian infrastructure. The investments made in this area helped sustain the changes in legislation.

Norway will prove to be the perfect place to test the limits of electric vehicles. BMW as well as other automakers that produce electric or hybrid vehicles will have the perfect chance to test the limits of the technology used in their cars in the cold Norwegian weather. Improvements will most likely be on the way, as glitches and problems may or may not surface in these harsh conditions. No matter how you look at it, the legislation change in Norway regarding the automotive industry brings many advantages.

BMW has already produced successful electric and hybrid models. The new trend regarding the importance of these environmentally friendly vehicles will most likely prompt automakers to design and produce new electric and hybrid cars. It remains to be seen what new models BMW will come up with and what new ideas the Bavarian automaker will bring to the table. Without a doubt, the changes brought by the Norwegian state will encourage other states to move in the same direction, prompting, as a result, the change of the automotive industry.

The post BMW i3 Among Favorite Electrified Cars Sold in 2017 Norway appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Without a doubt eh BMW i8 is one of the most iconic vehicles produced by the Bavarian automaker at this point. Not only is it a hybrid, it also looks and feels fresh. Its futuristic look is enough to convince anybody to actually dream about owning this particular BMW model. Taking this in account, how would and SUV variant of the same vehicle look? Someone decided to imagine this scenario. The result is quite interesting.

The BMW i8 is without a doubt one of the best vehicles in term of design and technology implementation. It’s a car any BMW fan would want to own. This particular BMW model is the embodiment of performance and comfort. It is one of the most balanced vehicles in terms of its look and feel. While imagining it as an SUV vehicle may seem to some as a bit of a stretch, the idea itself is not bad at all. In fact, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if BMW decided to indeed create a hybrid SUV i8 model.

The imagined BMW i8 SUV looks like a combination of the i8 and another of BMW’s well known models, the X6. The car not only looks interesting, but seems as if it were real. There is nothing that would indicate this is indeed an imagined model. Every aspect of the car seems to have been adapted to the new assigned role. The car’s aspect remains quite aggressive, while retaining, at the same time, the futuristic look the i8 has already accustomed us with.

BMW has announced that an electric X3 is in the works, but will there also be an i8 SUV model waiting to be released? The chances are quite small. In the end a hybrid SUV variant would not make much sense after the announcement of an electric SUV model. It would be an interesting idea for BMW to produce an SUV variant of the i8 as a limited edition vehicle. BMW fans would most likely look forward to purchasing such a vehicle in order to expand their private collection.

No matter how you look at it, the idea of a BMW i8 SUV quite interesting. The futuristic design of the i8 combined with the SUV concept would definitely fit well for this imagined model. The only thing that remains to be seen is whether or not the folks over at BMW will decide to create such a vehicle. The imagined BMW i8 SUV would prove to be quite an asset, were it to be indeed produced.

The post BMW i8 Imagined as SUV appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Following numerous debates, leaked info, or renderings based on spy photos, the almighty 2018 BMW i8 Roadster has been finally revealed to the world in the first official videos which highlight its exclusive exterior, exciting driving and performance capabilities.

The model is also highlighted standing side-by-side its i8 Coupe variant, both models looking exceptionally well and appealing.

From a visual standpoint, the new i8 Coupe is everything a BMW enthusiast would ever want – a more evolutionary design, state-of-the-art technology, improved mile range and so on; and the i8 Convertible follows the same aesthetic rules.

As we can depict from the videos below, the 2018 BMW i8 Roadster features a soft top roof which is electronically stowed in its compartment in just 16 seconds. We are also dealing here with a fabric roof featuring a 3D printed mechanism that increases the car`s cargo space.

Inside, the i8 Roadster`s interior offers generous space as well, complemented with Tera World Copper with E-Copper upholstery, carbon fiber trim and sport steering wheel. All these are in perfect balance with the car`s exterior choice of E-Copper or Donnington Grey colours.

As mentioned before in previous posts, just like the new i8 Coupe, the i8 Roadster too comes with an increased range of around 18 miles.

The hybrid`s drivetrain involves a three-cylinder turbocharged engine plus an electric motor, which delivers a total of 369 horsepower. It also manages an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, meaning a 0.2 second difference compared with the i8 Coupe. The new battery also allows for an average consumption of 70 eMPG.

And since words are useless at this point, we invite you to watch the impressive videos revealing the new 2018 BMW i8 Coupe and i8 Roadster in all their plenitude! Do you find any particular differences between the two of them? Please comment!

The post Official Videos: 2018 BMW i8 Roadster – Exterior & Driving Detailed appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The BMW i8 is by far one of the most futuristic looking car models that exist today. Its design lines seem to have been brought out straight from a science fiction movie. At this year’s LA Auto Show BMW showed a variant of the i8 that will soon reach production, the BMW i8 Roadster.

Just like the original i8, the i8 Roadster is a futuristic looking vehicle. The design has been kept pretty much the same. The only visible difference is that the BW i8 Roadster, as the name suggests, lost its roof in favor of a mobile soft-top. The BMW i8 Roadster seems sportier on account of it losing its hardtop. The retractable roof is capable of fully deploying in a mere 16 seconds. It can also be activated without fully stopping the car.

The interior has also been adapted to fit the new personality of the car. Just like in the case of the original BMW i8, it keeps the futuristic look, which in turn gives the car a cohesive look and feel. The newly added badges complete the car’s new look. The BMW i8 Roadster seems like a fun car to drive. With the roadster, BMW has also attempted to attract a different buyer segment than previously. The car looks and feels sporty while also being eco-friendly.

The engine of the BMW i8 Roadster has been kept virtually the same. It outputs 228HP and is the result of a hybrid type system that uses both a small petrol engine and an electric motor to give this car all the power it needs. It does 0 to 100km/h in about 4 seconds. The folks over at BMW claim that there is no change in performance for the Roadster in comparison with the original BMW i8. Given the fact that the engine hasn’t changed and neither has the overall structure of the body, the performance of the car should be the same as in the case of the original BMW i8.

No matter how you look at it, the BMW i8 Roadster is a welcomed addition to the BMW family. While it retains the original spirit of the BMW i8, the Roadster adds quite a lot of fun factor. Combined with the already defining eco-friendly aspect, the BMW i8 Roadster seems like one of the most complete road experiences you can get out there.

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