Size may not be everything, but clearly nobody told the BMW X7 that. Big SUV, big grille, big luxury, and big price tag: the 7-seater may be the German automaker's first full-sized SUV, but nobody could accuse it of playing things safe. Then again, with the segment as competitive as it is, safe was not an option.
The push to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions in Europe is strong, and automakers are relying on both full-electric and hybrid technology to reach economy and emissions goals. BMW says that while it's expanding its range of all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, it is also expanding its use of mild-hybrid technology.
BMW has confirmed that the production of the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car will end in April. The car was produced for nearly six years and was intended as a Porsche 911 rival. The discontinuation of the model comes as BMW plans to shift its focus to a line of bespoke electric cars that include the iX3 compact SUV, i4, and iNext SUV.
Mini has unveiled a new special edition of its four-seat drop-top that will launch in March. The car is called the Mini Sidewalk Convertible, and it has individual design and equipment features. The car will come in three different engine versions.
BMW will be showing off the i3 Urban Suite EV at CES 2020. The new car is tailored entirely to the passenger's needs. The vehicle was designed to be a place for relaxing and enjoying in-car entertainment or focusing on work in a laid back setting. To achieve this, BMW completely changed the inside of the car.
The 2020 BMW X6 excels in the very niche it created more than ten years ago. Back then, the first-gen X6 was polarizing, to say the least. But it found its way into garages of people who embraced the concept of a sportier type of SUV: in fact, the X6 has been one of BMW’s best sellers for the past decade or so, and hence the introduction of an all-new third-generation X6 to carry that torch.
BMW has revealed its newest eDrive EV drivetrain, which will be at the heart of the upcoming BMW iX3 electric SUV. The German automaker is promising over 273 miles (WLTP) in range despite only packing in a 74 kWh battery, claiming that efficiency rather than extra power-density is the key to avoiding range anxiety.
![BMW reveals wireless Android Auto roadmap [Updated]](https://www.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/bmw-steering-wheel-0-1280x720.jpg)
BMW is adding Android Auto to its cars, with the promise of wireless connectivity with Google's dashboard-safe smartphone interface from midway through next year. Joining Apple CarPlay as an option on BMW vehicles, Android Auto will have tight integration not only in the central touchscreen of the car, but in the digital cockpit driver's instrumentation and, if fitted, the head-up display.
New cad models these days are almost expected to have one form of integration with mobile ecosystems or another. That means either letting users hook up to a manufacturer's proprietary system or directly integrating Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Just because it's expected doesn't mean it has to come for free, which is the rather unpopular position BMW made a few months back. Now it's making a U-turn and will not charge owners of 2019 and 2020 models $80 a year just to use CarPlay in their cars.
Ford might have thought it would get the lion's share of new EV attention this week, but BMW is aiming to upstage the Mustang Mach-E with news that the new BMW i4 is now in testing. The sleek "four-door coupe" will be all-electric when it pulls into dealerships from 2021 onwards, and the promise is V8 performance with zero emissions.
BMW may not be short on big SUVs, but when it comes to the gems of the line-up it's arguably smaller, punchier models like the new 2020 BMW M2 CS Coupe that best capture that "ultimate driving machine" legacy. The latest iteration of the M2, this further-tweaked model is expected to offer 444 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
BMW is adding a plug-in hybrid version of its X3 compact crossover, with the BMW X3 xDrive30e promising all-wheel drive along with the ability to motor on just electric power alone. The latest iteration of the X3 range comes ahead of a fully-electric version of the crossover, which BMW says will be available alongside conventional ICE and PHEV models.