The new BMW 7 Series: Sporting poise and luxurious comfort in perfect harmony

New full-LED headlights, a prominent BMW kidney grille and a modified front apron define the unmistakable appearance of the new BMW 7 Series range.

New to the cockpit are the multifunctional instrument display allowing the driver to select a variety of information and the central Control Display with 3D graphics. New Rear Seat Entertainment package.

New and upgraded engine variants raise the bar in terms of output and efficiency. Eight-speed automatic transmission is fitted as standard. Fuel savings of up to 25 per cent are possible.

Engine line-up ranges from a TwinPower Turbo diesel unit that holds the title of the world’s most powerful straight-six diesel engine to the second-generation BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

Advanced features such as coasting mode, proactive hybrid technology and the Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode enhance both driving comfort and efficiency.

Optimised chassis – with self-levelling air suspension at the rear axle – gives long-distance comfort a noticeable boost.

New Connected Drive highlights: latest-generation Professional navigation system, BMW Night Vision + Dynamic Light Spot, anti-dazzle LED High-Beam Assistant, BMW Parking Assistant, Driver Assistant Plus, Active Protection.

The new BMW 7 Series is set to reinforce its position as the most innovative sedan in the luxury segment. The flagship model series of the BMW fleet embodies sporting elegance, refined powertrain technology and luxurious comfort in equal measure. And now, by making a clear step up in terms of product substance, the Sedan is set to underline its leadership. New LED headlights, an upgraded interior with optimised soundproofing, markedly improved ride comfort, a comprehensive selection of optional equipment and state-of-the-art safety technology combine to create an in-car experience from the top drawer. A line-up of either new or optimised drive systems, including the world’s most powerful six-cylinder in-line diesel engine and the second-generation BMW ActiveHybrid 7, set new performance and efficiency benchmarks.

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MINI has announced the introduction of a new engine for the John Cooper Works family. Even though the new twin-scroll turbo engine develops much the same power and torque output levels as the engine it replaces, its cylinder block and bearing mounts are now made from aluminium which, join forces with reinforced pistons, a particularly high-strength cylinder head and low-weight crankshaft. The exhaust valves are sodium-filled to help with the heat dissipation requirements of a turbocharged engine and the intake camshaft features infinite phase adjustment. This new engine is coupled with a 6 speed manual transmission as standard although a six-speed automatic gearbox can now be fitted as an option to all models in the JCW line-up.

The new engine is installed in the MINI Cooper, Clubman, Convertible, Coupé and Roadster versions of the John Cooper Works range and is based on the unit in the standard MINI Cooper S which employs a twin-scroll turbocharger, petrol direct injection and variable valve control – based on the BMW Group’s VALVETRONIC system – in the pursuit of the best balance between throttle responsiveness and efficiency. The  maximum output of the engine is 155 kW/211 hp at 6,000 rpm, while peak torque of 260 Newton metres (192 lb-ft) is on tap between 1,850 and 5,600 rpm. The overboost function allows this figure to be raised to 280 Newton metres (207 lb-ft) for a short time between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm.

The same engine with a slightly higher output can be found in the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. Its 160 kW/218 hp is channelled through an all-wheel-drive system with peak torque of 280 Newton metres (207 lb-ft) being available between 1,900 and 5,600 rpm.

Check our photo gallery and BMW’s press release after the jump!

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Since its introduction to the market, the BMW 3 Series sedan holds the title of the most dynamic-to-drive car in its segment. And, since the E30 3 Series, these driving dynamics have also been available in a Touring style bodyshell. BMW has just unveiled the all new 3 Series Touring, internally codenamed F31, which is expected to combine the amazing character of the F30 3 series sedan with the added practicality afforded by a Touring wagon and its 495 litres of stowage room – a benchmark in this segment.

At first, the engine choice consists of the 28i, 20d and 30d powerplants but more gasoline and diesel engines, as well as the xDrive system, are expected to be offered later on. Of course, BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology, Auto Start-Stop function, ECO PRO mode and an eight-speed automatic gearbox are avaliable for all models. The – already familiar from the sedan – Modern Line, Luxury Line, Sport Line and M Sport packages can be specified, alongside an extensive selection of assistance systems, including the full-colour Head-Up Display. Finally, adaptive suspension for enhanced handling and ride comfort, variable rate Electric Power Steering and other M Sport options are among the many enhancements avaliable.

See the press release and our extensive photo gallery after the break.

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The successful Urban SUV from BMW already counts 275 000 units sold worldwide to date and it is now recieving its mid-circle refreshment, just in time for the beginning of sales in the US. The most noticable change is the new headlight design with LED accent lights and LED light rings for the LED daytime running lights in conjunction with optional Xenon lights combined with new foglamp surrounds. The plastic bordering at the lower edge of the body is also reduced and the side indicators are now integrated into the exterior mirrors. Also, new exterior colours and alloy wheels are now availiable.

The LCI marks the beginning of availiability of BMW Lines in BMW’s X models. BMW xLine accentuates the robust diversity of the new BMW X1 with BMW Sport Line emphasisong its agility and dynamics. M Sportpackage will be offered as a further option. The integration of BMW EfficientDynamics technology is also comprehensive: Auto Start-Stop function for manual models as well as those with eightspeed automatic transmission, ECO PRO mode (optional), Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering, Optimum Shift Indicator, disengageable climate compressor are now availiable in the X1.

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