Latest news with #BMWCurvedDisplay
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
New-Gen BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe First Drive Review - More substance with style
The 2025 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe double down on style and tech, while losing its more powerful engine Check Offers The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe turned out to be a fairly successful model since it went on sale in India in 2020. A stylish exterior, powerful engine, and the quintessential Bavarian luxury, endured buyers moving up in the 'ladder of life' found this attractive enough as their first luxury offering. With the second generation, BMW has doubled down on the strong attributes of the 2 Series Gran Coupe, while improving on some of its shortcomings. Can it still be your gateway to the luxury segment? We headed to Chennai to take the second-gen BMW 2 Series GC for a spin and find the answer to that question. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: Still Stylish? The flamboyant styling has played a strong part in the 2 Series Gran Coupe's popularity, and the designers have worked harder to drive that forward. The new shark nose grille sits slightly lower and is illuminated, catching your attention with a more understated look. I do like the illumination that's less 'in your face" when compared to the bigger Beamers. The bumpers have been revised with new vertical air intake on the sides, while the restyled headlamp cluster now comes with adaptive LED lights. The vertical LED DRLs bring a new signature element for a more distinctive appearance. The frameless doors have been carried over, and exude panache, while the Hofmeister kink has been redesigned with the embossed '2" branding. The shoulder area looks leaner for a more balanced look, despite the extended length. Speaking of which, the new 2 Series GC has grown by 20 mm in length, and is now taller by 25 mm. The wheelbase remains the same at 2,670 mm. At the rear, the car gets redesigned taillights with C-shaped elements for a sharp look and makes for a wider stance. There's the new badging, and the overall hunkered-down rear gives the 2 Series Gran Coupe its stunning appeal. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: Improved Ground Clearance Taking feedback into consideration, the ground clearance has improved by 19 mm, while the redesigned bumpers have also improved the approach and departure angles. The approach is now higher at 15.4 degrees, up from 11 degrees on the predecessor. The departure angle has moved up to 22.1 degrees, up by 4 degrees over the older model. This is also helped by the new and larger 18-inch M alloy wheels with tubeless tyres. The tyres are also wider aiming to improve overall handling, while the bigger wheels help reduce the chances of scraping the car's underbelly. The cabin gets the new BMW Curved Display with OS9. It also gets new and comfier front seats from the X1 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: Cabin The cabin has seen an overhaul with a more tech-savvy interior. The car gets the new BMW Curved Display comprising two screens for the digital console and infotainment system. The new unit runs OS9 that brings a host of connectivity features as well as over-the-air (OTA) updates. The dashboard layout is nicer, especially with elements like the hand-stitched M colours, while the new steering wheel is well-positioned for a sporty feel. The fit and finish is good with plenty of soft-touch surfaces, while the plastics feel sturdy all across. There's a new gear selector instead of the conventional gear-shift knob, and the centre console also houses the wireless charging pad. The seats are now upholstered in 'Veganza Leather," BMW-speak for vegan leather, in a bid to push for a more sustainable cabin. That said, what BMW has managed best is the overall comfort in the cabin. The wheelbase remains unchanged but you do get the new front seats that are more comfortable. The carmaker tells us the seats are borrowed from the X1 SUV, which allow for better support overall, and certainly feel better cushioned over the previous version. You still get extended under-thigh support, but the overall experience is a lot comfier with the new seats. The rear seat experience though could've been better. And the compact proportions play a spoilsport. Ingress and egress takes some effort, while the headroom is a luxury due to the receding roofline design. You sit in a knees-up position in the rear seat, and the space is best for two average-sized adults. The third is a bit of a squeeze. The 2 Series GC gets plenty of small storage spaces across the cabin, including cupholders in the centre console. The boot capacity is decent at 430 litres, more than enough to accommodate luggage for a small road trip. The feature stack is extensive on the new 2 Series GC with a host of connectivity options and a new interior camera BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: Feature Stack The feature stack is extensive and packs a Harman Kardon sound system, Parking assist, a head-up display with an augmented view, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, illuminated scuff plates, 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS comprising driver aids such as front-collision warning, Blind Spot monitor, cruise control with braking function, manual Speed Limit Assist, emergency steering intervention, Lane Departure Warning, and more. The sedan gets a digital key card that allows up to four users to access the car without the need for a physical key. The new 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol makes lesser power than the predecessor's 2.0-litre mill. The car makes up for in handling, what it loses on outright performance BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: Performance The engine has seen a downgrade in the new 2 Series Gran Coupe. The 2.0-litre turbo petrol has been swapped for a more mindful 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine that makes 154 bhp and 230 Nm of peak torque. Power is down by 20 bhp, while torque has dropped by 50 Nm. The deficit is evident in the timings with 0-100 km coming up in 8.6 seconds, instead of 7.1 seconds on the predecessor. The top speed is a decent 230 kmph. Behind the wheel, outright power or the lack of it, feels evident. Straightline performance is slower, but what the car loses in bhp, it makes up in handling. The wider tyres and the reworked suspension have helped make the new 2 a lot more agile. Lateral movement is sharper and the car feels more fun around the corners, able to carry higher speeds. We didn't have a lot of corners to throw it around but the car certainly felt confident on the ones we did. The steering feedback is equally good and while it's not direct, it weighs up nicely at high speeds giving you good control. BMW is compensating for the lack of power with a Boost mode that artificially adds an extra 20 bhp via the 12-volt mild-hybrid system. The Boost function can be activated by holding down the left paddle-shifter, providing a small boost in power for 10 seconds. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: Ride Quality & Braking The ride quality has seen a considerable improvement over the previous model thanks to the reworked suspension setup with new dampers and an improved front axle. This, along with the bigger wheels and tubeless tyres, makes for a more pliant ride. It's still firm but not uncomfortable by any length. In fact, this 2 Series GC is more apt to tackle our roads without putting the occupants in discomfort. Braking is more responsive than before with the new Integrated braking system and wheel slip limitation. The car gets discs on all four wheels but the bite could come in a little early. For about ₹ 50 lakh, you could get yet another SUV or opt for the 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, which certainly has more character BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: Verdict What the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe loses on power, it makes up for in handling, style, and a tech-friendly cabin. For about ₹ 50 lakh (ex-showroom), you can have yet another SUV, offering more real estate for the money. Or you can have the 2 Series GC. The difference though is that the Gran Coupe feels more personal, an extension of your personality. Just what you need to stand out from the crowd. First Published Date: 09 Jul 2025, 11:59 am IST
The Citizen
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Brilliant BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport ticks all the right boxes
Peach of a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine makes coupe-styled SUV fast and frugal. It seems like just the other day that BMW started to offer X models, but it has literally been decades. By now X models represent the top sellers throughout the brand's vehicle offerings. This is for good reason, because they offer the best of both worlds. It provides road comfort and manners but with the ability to go off-road (mostly). One of these is the coupe-styled BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport SUV that we recently spent a week cruising around in. You can see the new styling changes to the BMW X6. The slim headlight units with arrow-shaped daytime driving light elements, plus the BMW kidney Iconic Glow that is offered as an option for the six-cylinder models. M Sport package standard on BMW X6 And now for the first time on the BMW X6, you get the M Sport package as standard. Playing a key role here is the octagonal front-end signature below the BMW kidney grille, the generous use of black surfaces, M-specific side skirts, M High-gloss Shadowline trim, while the rear apron has an insert in Dark Shadow. The new exhaust tailpipe trims are trapezoidal in shape. ALSO READ: More powerful plug-in hybrid BMW X5 a true diesel alternative But what has changed under the skin? You have new systems for automated driving and parking and a fully digital iDrive control system with BMW Curved Display based on BMW Operating System 8. Perhaps even more important in the new electrification era, you now have 48V mild hybrid technology on the powertrains. The integration of BMW Operating System 8 and the latest generation of the iDrive control system herald the arrival of the BMW Curved Display in the BMW X6. It is made up of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches – both located behind a single glass surface. The coupe-styled slanting rear roof is a standout feature of the BMW X. Picture: Mark Jones Less physical switchgear The touch control functionality of the control display has brought about a significant reduction in the number of buttons and switches in favour of digital control for numerous functions. It takes a bit more time navigating your way around the cockpit. But an owner who will drive their BMW X6 everyday will adapt. And it will all become second nature to them. Comfort and safety in the BMW X6 are on another level with a significantly expanded selection of automated driving and parking systems. Updates include enhanced capabilities for the standard front-collision warning system, which can now also reduce the risk of a collision with cyclists, pedestrians or oncoming traffic when turning off a road. Among the options now available are automatic Speed Limit Assist, exit warning, route speed control, Emergency Stop Assistant, and Lane Change Assistant. As well as the Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant, the standard Parking Assistant now comprises the drive-off monitoring and Trailer Assistant functions. And the new, optional Parking Assistant Professional enables automated parking into and out of spaces and complete manoeuvres over up to 200 metres to be controlled from outside the BMW X6 using the My BMW App on an Apple iPhone. ALSO READ: Mild hybrid tech gives BMW X5 M60i sting in the tail Brilliant powertrain Getting out on the road is where the BMW X6 really shines though, especially in xDrive30d form. BMW's 3.0-litre turbodiesel has been the feather in their cap for as long as I can remember. They just keep refining this brilliant powertrain and it works. Eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission complete with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel sends the power and torque to the road via BMW's xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The Curved Display makes its debut in the BMW X6. Picture: Mark Jones All the drive units now feature 48V mild hybrid technology. An electric motor integrated into the transmission generates an output boost of up to 9kW of power and 200Nm of torque. And this in turn means that when combined with the combustion engine, the hybrid system can produce a maximum output of 219kW and a peak torque of 670Nm. ALSO READ: Finally priced: BMW puts stickers on all-new generation X3 BMW X6 ticks all the boxes The claim is a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 233km/h. That is more than enough urge for everyday use. Although I doubt this will trouble you too much if you are hauling out close on R2-million for a SUV, but the claimed fuel consumption number of 7.8 litres per 100km should make a difference to your monthly expenses. And The Citizen Motoring achieved the same number during our week of mixed urban and highway driving for what it is worth to you or your accountant. The BMW X6 xDrive30d M Sport did everything right. At R1 905 000 it is substantially cheaper than most of its other premium competitors. And it could almost represent great value for money if you move in these types of circles.
Hamilton Spectator
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
BMW 5, now a plug-in hybrid, is a big rocket. What's the pure EV range like?
Driving the new BMW M5, I am struck by how a car so big and heavy can be so fast. Compared to M5s of old, which were modest mid-size sedans, this car feels large. Supersized. At more than five metres long, and with a curb weight of 2,445 kilograms, the all-new seventh gen. M5 sedan is big. Its 10.7 centimetres longer, 6.7 cm wider, and 474 kg heavier than its predecessor. It's still a rocket. This M5 posts a 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds. I lean on the throttle and blast forward incredibly quickly, but in a manner that still feels smooth and linear. It's all very controlled. Calming, too. The reason the M5 is still a very fast car is because it has a lot of power. As the previous generation did, it has a powerful 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Here, this produces 577 horsepower and 553 pounds-feet of torque, or motive force. These numbers are comparable to the previous version. But what separates the new M5 from the old is hybridization. Yes, the M5 is now electrified, and is sold as a plug-in hybrid only. That's where its extra power comes from. The electric motor, integrated into the M5's eight-speed automatic transmission, delivers an extra 194 hp and 207 lbs-ft. of torque. Total system output is rated at 717 hp and 738 lbs-ft. which is truly eye-popping for a mid-size sedan. Beyond the addition of an electrical socket and power boost, BMW has cranked up the M5's high-tech credentials. Sitting behind the steering wheel, I gaze upon an array of screens, knobs and switches that are dazzling. Maybe a bit too dazzling, I think. What do all these things do? Red steering wheel tabs labelled M1 and M2 are short cuts for stored settings that cover items such as throttle response, steering feel and chassis firmness. The driver can program these settings in various ways. The centre console houses a round iDrive controller for adjusting the infotainment screen, and there's a scroll wheel for volume. Plus! The M5 ambience is immersive. Especially at night. Light pours out from everywhere in this car. There's an M light bar that runs through the dashboard and into the door panels illuminated in red and blue. When the hazard button is pushed, the strip flashes in all red. Doing makes me feel like I'm on an attack submarine in the deep Atlantic. Then there's the BMW Curved Display, which consists of two screens. A main touch infotainment touch panel measures 14.9 inches and the instrument cluster is 12.3 inches. That's more than 27 inches of screen surface, and it's a lot to take in. These panels can be configured in numerous ways. And they govern a lot of the M5's functions. Too many, I think. I go searching in vain for buttons or switches for basic items such as heated seats and heated steering wheel, but they're buried in the touchscreen. Finding them requires digging. And the distraction searching creates when the car is moving can be dangerous. The lower right corner of the screen contains some climate functions, but it requires a few presses. Mechanical buttons would work so much better for this stuff, I think. But I'll admit these minor annoyances dissolve in my mind as soon as I fire up the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 and shift the M5 into drive. I'm not even in the sharpest Sport+ drive mode, and this purple missile is ready to launch in an instant. I didn't perform any controlled launches, but accelerating from rest at stop signs and traffic lights in the M5 can be exhilarating with remarkably little effort. Sure, the electrification helps, but its 43 kilometres of pure EV range is depleted quickly. Most of the thrust I'm experiencing is from old fashioned rumbling V8 power. And it's a delight. The M5's reflexes are still sharp. Accelerating, turning, and stopping are all on point. This car, even on winter tires, is nimbler than its spec sheet implies. I had to get used to its size, and drive to the weather conditions, but the M5's performance capabilities remain impressive. And that's what lingers. Do I wish this M5 was a little more analogue? Yes. Is the electric range worth it for the bulk it adds? Probably not, but this car likely wouldn't meet European emissions standards without hybridization. And it previews the future of the M brand writ large. We should get used to it, in other words. Is the M5 still fun to drive? It sure is. Type: Mid-size high-performance sedan; front-engine, all-wheel drive Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 plus lithium-ion battery, electric motor; 717 horsepower, 738 pounds-feet of torque, or motive force Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Fuel (Premium 91+): 20.4 litres/100 km in the city; 13.5l/100 km on the highway; 17.3l/100 km combined Cargo: 466 litres, or 16.5 cubic feet Price: $135,000; $158,900 as tested, plus $2,480 freight
