Introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show the F10 M5 is receiving a facelift treatment, or LCI in BMW’s language, alongside the rest of the 5 series line-up. The twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine with a peak output of 412 kW/560 hp remains unchanged under the bonnet of the M5 as the changes are only visual. While both the front and rear bumpers are left exactly as they were before the facelift, the headlights now feature the redesigned “flat-bottom” corona rings and the taillights have new graphics with high-contrast thin LED light strips. The kidney grill is also redesigned, with the new one also showing the model designation.

In the interior, our attention is caught by the new steering wheel, now shared with the M6 models. Available as an option is the new iDrive controller with a touch-sensitive  function, allowing the driver to enter characters or numbers, for example when programming a destination for the navigation system. As of July, BMW Individual will be offering a range of new exterior colours for the BMW M5 (Pure Metal Silver, Pyrite Brown metallic, Frozen Blue metallic and further BMW Individual matt paintwork finishes), as well as exclusive leather shades (Cashmere Beige and Nutmeg) which will be combined with the new wheel design, seen in the photo above.

Finally, the LCI introduces an extended range of features from BMW ConnectedDrive and the new Driving Assistant system, that combines Lane Departure Warning with Collision Warning including braking function, as well as a Competition Package details about which you can read here. You can also find the press release and photo gallery by clicking “more”.

Source: [BMW]

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Posted in: BMW

Few cars in the world have the status of the S-Class, which explains the intense anticipation many GCFers are experiencing. Our member Meilensammler though, came to their rescue by posting the complete S-Class brochure (found in the photo gallery after the jump), that is scheduled to debut in 4 days time, on May 15.

The first thing that caught our attention are the striking looks. Even though design is subjective, this one is undeniably beautiful. Moving on to the interior, there are two LCD screens in the dashboard, that measure 31cm in diagonal, via which most of the cars functions, like the optional Burmeister high-end sound system will be controlled. The new S-Class will be equipped with MB’s latest suspension technology, under the name Magic Body Control, with anticipatory Road Surface Scan, as well as the Driver’s Assist Pack Plus, which includes the Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Pre-Safe Plus systems. LED lighting will also be optional.

Measuring 5116mm in length, (5246mm for the Long version), 2130mm in width and 1496mm in height, the new S-Class will initially be offered with one diesel engine (S350 BlueTEC), a 3.0l V6 with 258hp, 620Nm and 5.9l/100 of combined fuel consumption, one petrol engine (S500), a 4.7l V8 with 455hp, 700Nm and 9.1l/100km of combined fuel consumption and a hybrid system that’s based on a 3.5l V6, having a combined output of 306hp and 370Nm, while only requiring 7.4l per 100km. All engine variants come with a 7G-Tronic automatic transmission.

Until the official press release is out, follow our forum discussion here: (link) You can also find the complete brochure by clicking “more”.

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Posted in: Mercedes-Benz

The segment of the premium urban SUVs is growing rapidly, with the sales of the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 growing each year. The GLA is Stuttgart’s answer to the Q3 and X1, and comes with some quite striking looks, which are clearly originated from the recently introduced A-Class. Although the GLA shares the same underpinnings as the A-Class and have an identical wheelbase, it has actually grown in every direction, resulting in 4383mm of length. MB’s new design language, as shown is the recent A and CLA-Class is evident with this concept car, which we suspect that even in its production form, will be looking fabulous.

Under the bonnet the company’s 2.0l turbo-four with 211hp, sent two all four wheels with the help of MB’s AWD system, the 4-Matic, and the 7G-DCT, a dual clutch automatic transmission. An interesting piece of technology that comes with the GLA Concept are the laser-beam projectors fitted in the headlights, which can be used to either, well, light up the road in front, or project pictures and films onto any surface. On top of that, two cameras are fitted in the front roof rail, which can be used to record some driving action.

The production version is expected to launch in the Frankfurt Motor Show the coming September. Also, various spy photos suggest that there will be an AMG version of the GLA, which will feature the M133 2.0l turbocharged four cylinder engine, that produces 360hp.

You can find MB’s full press release and photo gallery after the jump.

Source: [Mercedes-Benz]

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Posted in: Mercedes-Benz

A while ago we presented you some photos of the BMW 4 series coupe without any camouflage. This time, BMW was more cautious, as the prototype, caught by our spy photographers, testing around the ‘Ring was slightly camouflaged, with plastic cladding and funky tape covering the M-Sport bumpers. The optional full-LED headlights with the new angel eyes are clearly visible, though, as are the M-Sport brakes.

The 4 series coupe will be officially unveiled later this year, in Frankfurt Motor Show the coming September, with sales expected to begin by the end of this year. Until then, click “more” for our full photo gallery and drop by our forum discussion (link).

Source: [CarPix]

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Posted in: BMW, Spy Photos

This M5 LCI prototype was caught parked at the Nürburgring, as it is undergoing testing in the world’s most famous circuit. The M5 LCI will be revealed later this year along side the LCI of the rest of the 5 series range and the latest spy photos reveal that the visual changes will be very minor and limited to slightly redesigned head- and taillights, the former incorporating the latest improvements in LED lighting technology, and front- and rear bumpers.

The regular 5 series LCI is expected to begin production in July with sales starting in September. We expect the M5 to follow the same dates. You can find more spy photos of this M5 LCI prototype after the jump, and you can also participate in our forum discussion (link).

Source: [CarPix]

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Posted in: BMW, Spy Photos

Looking at the photos of the X4 one could easily as “Did BMW just shrink the X6″? The answer is both yes and no. Yes, because behind the X4 is the same concept, the same principle as behind the X6 – that of the Sports Activity Coupe. What these three words picture, is a vehicle with a high ground clearance and specific off-road capability, yet with a coupe-resembling roof-line and an altogether sporty profile, hinting to a much sportier package than a traditional SUV. On, on the other hand, because the X4 is based on the X3 and designed to cater quite different needs and target a quite different target group than that of the X6. The X4 is a more affordable SAC, designed with urban environments in mind.

But what do we see? Sure, the overall proportions hint to the X3 and the roof-line to the much bigger X6, but the details and execution are distancing the X4 from the other two models. The front bumper, at first, resembles the F30 3 series fascia, with the headlights meeting with the kidney grills and the headlights themselves featuring the latest LED technologies, yet with the evolution of the traditional angel eyes. In the rear, we see a pair of L-shaped taillights that we expect to reach production unchanged. There are quite many interesting details, such as the side mirrors, but sadly this is concept material and sadly will not reach production.

BMW has not published any photographs of the interior so far, but we hope for more material, as the concept will be making its world debut in Shanghai Motor Show in a few days. Until then, please join our forum discussion (link) or click more to see our photo gallery, a video of the Concept X4 and find the official press release.

Source: [BMW]

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Posted in: BMW