e-nthusiast. November 2009
Creating exciting new cars across the spectrum is what BMW does best and so the new BMW X1 and 5 Series Gran Turismo are surprising but no surprise at all.
The BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle is one of the automotive success stories of the 21st century. It’s success in combining a premium market vehicle with dynamic performance and handling, wrapped in a contemporary body to deliver joy to owners, sparked a generation of me-too copies. The BMW X3 repeated the success of the X5 with its excellent driving performance. Rivals too copied it.
Now, in the first half of 2010, BMW brings the unique X1 to market. Compact, yet premium. Versatile yet focused. Fun to drive, fun to own and perfectly sized for urban dwellers that want more than A-to-B transport in an anonymous box.
The BMW X1 naturally delivers spectacular driving dynamics. Equipped for Australia with a choice of 2.0-litre four-cylinder Turbo Diesel engines; the efficient and dynamic 130 kW version, and the 150 kW TwinPower Turbo engine that delivers a mighty 400 Nm of torque.
The X1 is 215mm longer than the 1 Series Sports Hatch and rides 124mm taller and consequently offers more interior space. Smart features include the 40/20/40 split rear seat squab that can be individually adjusted through pre-determined positions to increase lounging room or boot space dependent on needs. The interior has been well thought out, there’s even space for large drinks bottles in the door pockets.
With famous BMW all-wheel drive xDrive traction, punchy BMW Turbo Diesel engines and a host of typical BMW high-technology features as standard or optional, the BMW X1 will offer a new class of sophistication to city folk who like to get out and about but who don't need a large car in which to do it.
To find out more about the sparkling new BMW X1 and to register for updates, visit www.BMW.com.au/X1
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Imagine blending the BMW 5 Series Sedan and Touring with a BMW 6 Series Coupé and a BMW 7 Series. Sounds like a salad only a Master Chef could love. But in fact the result is the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo – an exclusive, exceptional car that soaks up long-distances in Imperial, sporting style and luxurious comfort while also accommodating all your baggage.
That car for all reasons and all seasons is coming to Australia in February 2010, powered by the choice of petrol or diesel six-cylinder engines, the former using the 225 kW TwinPower Turbo six, the latter providing 540 Nm of torque. Alternatively, there’s always the new 4.4-litre 300 kW V8 TwinPower Turbo petrol engine.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo has plenty of smooth, athletic pace to match its grace and space, thanks to the extremely slick eight-speed automatic transmission borrowed from the V12 BMW 760Li.
It is also pretty smart. Not just in looks, but in its intelligent innovation. The fastback silhouette hides a full-size tailgate that makes loading and unloading large cases or golf bags a cinch. But if all you need do is pop a small bag into the boot, the vertical section of the tailgate flips open independently at the touch of a button.
The interior is luxuriously appointed and offers BMW 7 Series standards of legroom and BMW X5 levels of headroom. Back-seat drivers may have access to individual infotainment systems displayed on individual screens set into the backs of the front seats. Rear seats adjust silently on rails to increase sprawling space or luggage capacity as required. The dashboard employs BMW 7 Series Black Panel technology, while comfort gems such as Head-Up Display and four-zone climate control are standard.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo presents a unique, desirable and exciting amalgam of luxury, flexibility and exclusive style.
To find out more about the innovative new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo visit www.bmw.com.au/5Series