BMW's first foray into the hybrid vehicle market, the 2010 ActiveHybrid X6, will go on sale starting December 5 for $89,725. That's quite a bit of green to go green, and, as our associates at Inside Line pointed out, the new X6's fuel economy falls short of groundbreaking. EPA estimates the ActiveHybrid X6 at 17 mpg city/19 mpg highway, compared to 13/18 mpg for the gas-only powered V8 and 15/21 mpg for the V6 models. Considering the price increase on top of the X6 V8 model ($67,050) and meager fuel savings, we're curious to see how well ActiveHybrid X6 sales will fare.
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
Straightline: 2010 BMW 550i GT: 15-Minute Drive Straightline had the opportunity to drive the 400 horsepower V8 version of the BMW 5 series Gran Turismo, and saw more similarities to the 7 Series than the 5. The 550i GT is expected to hit showrooms this December.
Green Car Advisor: EPA's Fuel Economy Guide Should Be Based on Cost, Not Mileage Now that electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles are making their way into the marketplace; the old method of calculating miles per gallon is becoming less and less relevant. How can the average shopper compare the fuel consumption of a hybrid versus an electrical vehicle? Edmunds.com and Green Car Advisor are proposing an alternate method.
Auto Observer: Trying to Figure Out what the Honda Crosstour Is The Honda Accord Crosstour is not only polarizing in its styling, but also in how people perceive it as well. This article examines how potential customers are reacting to this and other vehicles that are somewhere in between a crossover and a wagon.
Despite less-than-stellar sales performance thus far from the stunningly good six-cylinder 335d (and its X5 xDrive35d powertrain partner), BMW is forging ahead with a new four-cylinder diesel that will be offered in a variety of stateside products (likely including the 2011 X1 crossover, pictured above). According to BMW, this downsized oil-burner will provide the performance of a six along with the exceptional fuel economy diesel drivers have come to expect.
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
IL News: Priced 2010 Lexus ES 350 The Lexus ES350 has received some significant changes for 2010. But these changes in sheet metal also come with a $330 increase in price. This now makes the ES 350 $1200 more than a Mercedes-Benz C300 and $3400 more than an Audi A4 2.0T.
Auto Observer: Consumers Wary of GM Money-Back Guarantee The internet is buzzing with talk over General Motor's new money-back guarantee. But is it really that easy to return a vehicle as advertised? Will you get all of your money back? Not quite. There are a number of scenarios in the fine print that can potentially reduce the amount you get back.
Green Car Advisor: BMW Learning Lessons from Mini E Test The Mini E was designed as a trial run for future BMW electric vehicles. Green Car Advisor has chronicled a few of the setbacks along the way, and what lessons BMW has learned from them. Chief among them is realization that the electric vehicle infrastructure isn't quite where it needs to be to sustain a fleet of EV vehicles.
Owners of some 2009 BMW Z4 models may want to take those corners a little slower. BMW issued a recall today for Z4 30I and 35I vehicles manufactured between March 10-19, 2009. A defective electrical crimp connector could prevent the seat belt tensioner from working properly in a crash. Owners are urged to contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or through SaferCar.gov. Reference NHTSA campaign number 09V327000.
With car shoppers expected to flock to dealership lots to claim the government's "Cash for Clunkers" credit, BMW has created an incentive of its own -- a $4,500 "Eco Credit" for its two new diesels, the 2009 335d and the X5 xDrive 35d.
BMW's Eco Credit is in addition to the "Cash for Clunkers" credit so a car shopper could be looking at the 335d would get a price reduction of $9,000. (Since the X5 has a base MSRP of over $45,000, it doesn't qualify for the Cash for Clunkers credit.)
Additionally, the 335d qualifies for a $900 alternative fuels tax credit and the X5 XDrive35d qualifies for a $1,800 credit. Finally, the sales tax on both cars is also tax deductible.
With Cash for Clunkers rolling out today, many manufacturers are viewing this as a chance to boost lagging sales. Some carmakers, such as BMW, are doubling the government's credit.
Consumers have long been lukewarm in their acceptance of run-flat tires. While many people like how a run-flat tire eliminates the hassle (and potential danger) of road-side tire changes, they've also found them to be more expensive, harder to replace, less supple in terms of ride quality and lacking in overall tire grip and performance as compared to an otherwise equivalent regular tire.
In the past 12 months, however, a couple of tire manufacturers have introduced next-generation run-flat tires. The companies say that these new tires deliver improvements in both ride quality and tire performance, thereby addressing at least a couple of people's concerns.
Last week we had the opportunity to test out these claims at a Michelin-sponsored event featuring Michelin's latest run-flat summer tire, the Pilot Sport PS2 ZP.
Today the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall for all 2008 BMW 1 Series and 3 Series cars. Incorrect crimp connectors may have been used on the side airbag and seat belt tensioner wiring in the front seat. This could result in the airbag or seat belt failing to act when needed, increasing the injury risk. Side impact crashes are more common than frontal crashes.
BMW hasn't issued a plan for the recall yet, but owners should call BMW at 1-800-831-1117. The campaign ID number is 09V257000, and owners can also contact the NHTSA Safety Hotline at at 1-888-327-4236 or go to Safercar.gov.
BMW is in the process of recalling model year 2009 X5 and model year 2009 X6 models for potentially defective rear brake discs. The discs may not have been manufactured to proper specification, which could result in reduced braking performance at the affected wheel(s). In extreme cases, the disc(s) could break, which obviously would increase stopping distance in an emergency situation, potentially resulting in a crash.
Affected vehicles: 2009 BMW X5, 2009 BMW X6
Recall Campaign Number: 09V255000
Though as of yet there is no remedy action, we expect that to be forthcoming and owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117
The all-new 2009 BMW Z4 seems a world apart from its predecessor, a car seemingly designed by cleaver-wielding art school students and tuned to take on (unsuccessfully) Porsche's slick-handling Boxster. The new car is beautiful, catching impressed glances from those who pass by. It cunningly sets a new styling course for itself, while honoring successful aspects of BMW's roadster past. But it's the new Z4's handling and performance that really signal this roadster's change in philosophy.
"The so-called German spirit," groused Nietzsche in 1888. "For the past 18 years a contradiction in terms."
Pity he didn't live to see BMW's 2009 convertible lineup.
Among contemporary droptops, it's the American spirit that's increasingly a contradiction in terms, whereas BMW and its Mini and Rolls-Royce brands have quietly amassed the most spirited collection of convertibles in the world. With roofless versions of the Mini Cooper, 1 Series, 3 Series and 6 Series, as well as the Z4 and incomparable Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, the Bavarian juggernaut now offers al fresco motoring for every budget.
For this test, we assembled our usual four-man comparison team and selected two of the most affordable topless options under the BMW umbrella: a 2009 BMW 128i and a 2009 Mini Cooper S. We commuted in them, abused them on winding canyon roads, wedged bulky items into their boots, and steadfastly resisted the temptation to cruise four-deep through Venice Beach in the Cooper with "M-I-N-I" painted on our bare chests.
After two weeks of evaluation, we had an undisputed winner on our scoring sheet, yet we'd unanimously recommend buying the loser if you can. More on which below.
It's heartening to hear that Ford will bring its excellent Euro-spec Fiesta and Focus compacts to the US market by early next year. Too often, though, Europeans get the good stuff while we're stuck with the dregs (e.g., the current Focus). Here are the three Euro-only models I miss the most.
Are you kidding me? How could the BMW M6, let alone the 6-Series, be highlighted as a deal of the week? I mean, this is the vehicle that had Edmunds' editors gushing over its phenomenal V10 (and that unique howl) that helped to offer exotic car performance without the associated exotic car price tag. Of course, it still ain't cheap. So BMW also offers much of the unique look in the less powerful 650i that offers seamless acceleration from its V8, agility that belies its size and a quiet and luxurious cabin. Most importantly, the price of entry is over two Salmon Chases less than the M6.
However, being fast and luxurious doesn't make you a deal-of-the-week. See what makes these Bavarian barn-stormers a deal, after the jump.
Older car buyers are a diverse bunch. Still, there are certain themes that reveal themselves when analyzing their needs. These themes tend to be dictated by the physical challenges that many face in their golden years.
The choices listed in our top 10 vehicles for seniors stand out for the skill with which they address these themes.
Our mix of vehicles covers all the bases. There's a minivan for seniors who need extra passenger capacity, and there are compact cars for those who appreciate the parking convenience that smaller vehicles provide. Our list also includes technology-laden luxury cars, a couple of spacious full-size sedans and an innovative SUV.
S does not equal M. Although it seems natural to compare Audi's S line of sport-tuned offerings to BMW's M division entries, we've often found that it's not a fair fight when it comes to performance. In an Inside Line comparison test, the BMW M3 trounced the Audi S5 in our instrument testing - it was quicker in all our acceleration and handling tests, and it stopped 10 feet shorter from 60 mph (100 ft!). Meanwhile, the hardcore BMW still proved perfectly capable as a daily driver. The future Audi RS5 would clearly be a closer competitor for the M3, but what to throw against the perfectly likeable S5? Well, how about the BMW 335i?
From their luxury box suite at the Santa Anita horse track, Josh Sadlier saddles up in the Audi S5 Quattro while James Riswick takes the reins of the BMW 335i Coupe, which is rear-wheel-drive but there's an all-wheel-drive version available for those in frosty climes. It's a battle of German stallions (the cars, not the editors) as dictated to Associate Editor Mark Takahashi who sat uncharacteristically comfortably sipping on a Mint Julip. Now off to the races.
Green Car Advisor: Don't Panic Over the New CAFE Standards
Under-informed automotive enthusiasts have been in a tizzy over the Obama Administration's new corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. But fear not fellow petrol heads, this will not result in the equivalent of spaying and neutering all vehicles. As also covered in Edmunds Daily
, the CAFE standards are not the same as EPA mileage estimates -- in fact, they're quite a bit more generous than most would expect. So if you see Inside Line's Mechanic
curled up in a ball, weeping uncontrollably, please clue him into the reality of the CAFE standards.
Inside Line: Cadillac Lifts the Veil On Its New Lexus Fighter When it comes to the luxury crossover segment, the Lexus RX 350 rules the roost. Cadillac will join the fray with the redesigned 2010 SRX, and fights the good fight. What happens when the dust settles? Head over to Inside Line and find out for yourself.
Straightline: 2010 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Well, maybe it'll have a nice personality. BMW releases more information on its oddly-styled ubersedanwagon. Sir Mix-a-Lot would be proud, but quite frankly, we're still scratching our heads. Take a look, but don't say we didn't warn you.
Cars are always changing -- its the essence of why you read this Web site and why I write for it. If every car lasted as long as the original Volkswagen Beetle or the Saab 9-5, we'd all get very bored and start to think about automobiles on the same plain as a toilet. The old John hasn't really changed in more than half a century -- you've got a bowl, a tank, a seat and a handle (usually in the same place). It's only in Japan where they add heated seats, water sprayers and a Karaoke machine.
What was I saying? Oh yeah, cars are always changing, but it seems that the rate of change is rapidly increasing to other areas beyond styling. While the functionality of something may have been improved from one generation to the next, the basics remained fairly constant. You turned the key on with a metal key. A radio had preset buttons, volume and tuning knobs, and tone control. The shifter was mounted on the floor in a straight line labeled with PRND (perhaps with 3,2,1 following), or the odd column-mounted shifter. The emergency brake was a pull lever or a push pedal.
In the past few years, BMW's have been known for their excellent free vehicle maintenance program. BMW announced earlier this month, that all models are now eligible for a two year extension to their Ultimate Service program.
If the vehicle is within four years or 50,000 miles, owners can pay between $1,400-$3,000 (depending on the model) to extend the free maintenance for up to 6 years or 100,000 miles- whichever comes first.
But what if your free vehicle maintenance plan just ended? For an additional $200, the enrollment period can be extended to five years and 60,000 miles.
Some people may view this as a pre-paid maintenance plan that isn't much of a deal. But we would argue that a car is in greater need of expensive repairs past the four year mark, and that's when this new maintenance plan kicks in. Let's look at a few common repairs to see if the coverage is worth it.
BMW likes to tout its "Ultimate Service" program, which covers all scheduled maintenance and most wear items (excluding things like tires) for the first 4 years or 50K miles. BMW has now introduced a plan that offers owners the ability to extend their coverage for an aditional two years or 100K miles (whichever occurs first), however it comes at a price that helps reinforce the notion that luxury vehicles, especially European ones, can be expensive to maintain. Details after the jump.
By now it is a cliche, "the ultimate driving machine." For decades, the BMW 3-Series has been the yardstick by which all other sport sedans are measured against. While many have come close, none have been able to match the combination of deft handling, telepathic steering feel, brisk acceleration, extensive luxury amenities, leading technology, superior resale value and plain old consumer desirability.
That desirability is partially due to the fact that the 3-Series comes in the proverbial 31-flavors with a variety of choices in body styles and drive-trains. You can get one in sedan, wagon, coupe, convertible forms powered by normally aspirated and twin-turbo gas engines, and now a new diesel engine, along with your choice of manual or automatic transmissions across the entire line-up with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive putting the power down.
Now through May, BMW is offering a variety of incentive choices too. Read about them after the jump.
In a recent feature story, we detailed the latest advances in safety tech -- when they would be available and on which vehicles. But you don't always have to buy a new car to get the cutting-edge safety features found on the latest models, since some of the same suppliers also offer similar technology through the mobile-electronics aftermarket.
Southern California's iconic car audio chain Al & Ed's, for example, announced yesterday that it will offer Mobileye's AWS-4000 and AWS-2000 accident-avoidance systems. Mobileye supplies similar systems to automakers such as BMW, General Motors and Volvo, and the company's technology is behind Volvo's City Safety system in the new XC60.
Like City Safety, the Mobileye AWS-4000 and AWS-2000 are camera-based systems that detect and measure the distance between its host vehicle and vehicles in front as well as lane markers. If the system calculates that you're too close to either, it will issue a warning.
The AWS-4000 (which Al & Ed's sells for $1,299 and is pictured above) comes with a camera and integrated processor, a pair of speakers that provide audible/directional warnings and a display-control unit for visual/directional warnings. The AWS-2000 ($999) includes the camera/processor and a single speaker with a volume control.
As with the night-vision system from FLIR, a company that also supplies technology to both automakers and the aftermarket, the Mobileye systems aren't cheap. But they may be less expensive than an auto accident.
In an effort to lure in younger buyers, boxy econo cars are packing a great deal of technology for less than $20,000. Edmunds.com's Technology Editor Doug Newcomb recently tested a 2010 Kia Soul equipped with a Bluetooth hands-free system, iPod integration, an eight-speaker stereo system, and a USB port for playing music files on a flash drive. Is that technology any good? Follow the link for the full story.
Subaru believes that the lack of interior room was the reason why the previous generation Legacy didn't sell, so they went back and took a "bigger is better" approach to the new model. The automaker will be unveiling the upsized 2010 Subaru Legacy at the New York Auto Show this week. Inside Line got the early details on the midsize-sedan that will be 3.2 inches longer, 3.6 inches wider and 3.2 inches taller than the outgoing model. But while the new sedan makes its entrance, the Legacy wagon bows out.
If the standard Yukon Hybrid is too pedestrian for your tastes and the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is out of your price range, General Motors has the answer for you. The 2009 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid gets 21 mpg in city driving while riding on 22-inch chrome wheels and offering a host of luxury features.
We live in an age in which car gadgets allow us to do more than ever behind the wheel: make hands-free phone calls, receive and send text messages, search for the best gas prices and restaurants, listen to our entire music library and more. But of all the cool car technology available, the most significant advances are the ones that could save your life. Or at least a trip to the hospital or the body shop.
In a recent Edmunds feature, we highlight the latest safety technology from BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo that you'll see in showrooms soon. From cameras and sensors that help a driver see what's around a vehicle to Volvo's City Safety (shown above) that provides automatic braking in stop-and-go traffic, these innovative features represent the cutting-edge of available auto safety technology.
And could someday become as common as seatbelts and airbags.
Thinking about anything that happened to me as occurring "20 years ago" is still a difficult concept to wrap my youngin' head around. But 20 years ago, my father hung a full newspaper page ad on the side of our pistachio green Kitchenaid refrigerator. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" it said and there was a picture of the brand new 1990 Mazda Miata. See, my dad had to sell his purple 1973 MGB in order to buy a house, and a decade-plus later, the Miata was a chance to return to his roadster ways. A few months later, we cleared space in the garage for a red Miata.
Dad didn't drive it much, it was simply a weekend toy. Six years and only 7,000 km later, we moved from Toronto to Indianapolis. When he went to plate the Miata, the horrible news came that we couldn't keep it. See, Miatas in Canada didn't have the driver airbag mandated in the United States. According to whoever at whatever agency, we'd have to install an airbag and subject the Miata to a front-end crash test in order to keep it. Thanks a lot, jerk. After a one-year swan song, the Miata got shipped back to the Great White North where we sold it for a pittance. My dad's roadstering ways were ended once again.
Nowadays, any segment of the automotive industry that isn't in decline is considered a success story. And so it is with certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. According to Edmunds data, while new car sales dropped 20.1% and used cars dropped 8.1% as a percentage of franchised dealership sales in the last 12 months (Feb. '08 - Jan. '09), CPO vehicles have risen 6% during the same time. (In fact, a month ago, Edmunds reported that approximately half a million car shoppers that would have bought new cars in the previous three months had opted for used cars, including CPO vehicles, instead.) This trend continues despite the record-setting rebates available on many new cars, whereas CPO vehicles only qualify for special APR financing.
Automakers, in response, are pumping up their CPO programs. Last month, Toyota extended its certified used program to its Prius, Camry and Highlander SUV hybrids, making it the first dedicated certified pre-owned program for hybrid vehicles. As more of the popular hybrids come off lease, the new Toyota Certified Hybrid program will allow more people to get into these fuel-efficient vehicles at a price they can afford.
BMW, which leases a huge percentage of its new cars, is pushing its CPO program as well. They're offering 0.9% financing on MY 2006 vehicles through April 30th. That will allow many consumers who coveted the BMW name, but couldn't afford one, to finally get in the driver's seat. Although it wasn't true a few years ago, today every mainstream brand offers a CPO program. You can get details on all the individual CPO programs here.
Currently, CPO vehicle prices average $1,284 more overall than non-certified vehicles, but they come with the peace of mind that only a comprehensive inspection and a factory-backed extended warranty can provide. And because they don't take the depreciation "hit" that new cars do, you're typically getting a better bang for your buck. It's no wonder, then, that buyers are opting for CPO over new or plain old "used" vehicles.
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