BMW Updates New 6-Series with M Sport, Diesel and xDrive Variants

BMW is wasting no time in enhancing the range of its recently launched 6-Series Coupé and Convertible models. To sum up the changes, from this autumn (and depending on the market, of course) both body styles will be available with an M Sport package, a new diesel engine and for the first time in the 6-Series model’s history, the Bavarian firm’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Starting with the M Sport option, the package includes an M aerodynamics kit with bespoke front and rear bumpers, LED foglamps, 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design, sports seats with Alcantara/leather upholstery and an M leather steering wheel.

In addition, buyers can further customize their cars through the BMW Individual range, which comprises, bespoke paint finishes, light-alloy wheels and numerous other options.

This fall will see BMW adding the 640d Coupe and Convertible models to the lineup. Both are powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six delivering 313-horses at just 4,400 rpm and a monstrous peak torque of 630Nm (464 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 2,500.

BMW says the diesel engine enables acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.5 seconds for the Coupé and 5.6 seconds for the Convertible. The fuel consumption and CO2 values of the two diesel models are: 5.4 – 5.5 l/100 km (51.4 – 52.3mpg UK or 42.8 -43.6mpg US) for the Coupe, and 5.6 – 5.7 l/100 km (49.6 – 50.4 mpg UK) with 147 – 149 g/km for the Convertible.

The 650i Coupe and Convertible models powered by the 407HP turbocharged V8 will be optionally available with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. According to the Bavarian automaker, the 650i xDrive Coupé powers from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds, while the 650i xDrive Convertible requires 0.1 seconds longer to complete the same acceleration.

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BMW Turbocharges X1 SUV with New 2.0 liter Gasoline and Diesel Engines

BMW is extending its smallest SUV’s range by adding two new engines to the X1's line-up. The first unit, which will be available this autumn, is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine producing 184HP and 270 Nm (27,5 kgm) from 1,250-4,500 rpm.

The compact crossover will be available in both rear and four-wheel drive versions bearing the sDrive20i and xDrive20i designations respectively, and which accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.4 (sDrive) and 7.8 (xDrive) seconds.

The newly developed engine has direct injection and the Valvetronic variable valve control system. BMW says it sets new efficiency standards in its performance class, with average consumption ranging from 7.1 liters/100 km (sDrive20i) to 7.7 liters/100 km (xDrive 20i), and CO2 emissions of 165 and 179 gr/km respectively.

The second newcomer in the X1’s range is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel which powers the (rear-wheel drive) BMW X1 sDrive20d. It comes with TwinPower Turbo technology that incorporates variable turbine geometry and common rail injection.

Output is rated at 163HP and peak torque at 330 Nm (243.4 lb-ft) between 1,750-2500 rpm. An average consumption of just 4.5 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 119 gr/km make the sDrive20d the most efficient model in the X1 range.

Both models feature BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology, which consists of a gear change indicator, brake energy regeneration, electromechanical power steering, disengegable air-conditioning compressor, auto start-stop system and low-rolling resistance tires.

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Mercedes Drops 72 High-Res Photos and More Info on 2012 ML-Class SUV

The new 2012 ML-Class has been making the rounds on the web-o-sphere for a couple of days now, and today Mercedes-Benz’ press department finally decided to share the details and a high-resolution photo gallery of its newcomer with the rest of the world. We have already voiced our thoughts about the ML-Class’ styling so on this post we’re going to concentrate on the available engine lineup and specifications.

Starting with the North American model, the third-generation ML-Class will make its U.S. retail debut in September 2011 with two available models at launch, the ML350 4MATIC and the ML350 BlueTEC. More engines will be added down the road.

The gasoline-powered ML350 is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 302HP and 273 lb-ft of peak torque, and returns an estimated fuel economy of 17mpg city and 22mpg highway. The outgoing ML350 with a 268HP V6 returned 15mpg and 20mpg respectively.

The ML350 BlueTEC features a 3.0-liter V6 diesel rated at 240HP and 455 lb-ft, returning 20mpg city and 25mpg highway (previous model: 18mpg/25mpg).

A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard on both models.

In Europe, Mercedes will eventually offer the 2012 ML-Class with a broader range of diesel and gasoline powerplants. New to the lineup is the ML250 powered by a 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel with 204HP and 500Nm (368.8 lb-ft) of peak torque, and a combined fuel economy of 6.0lt/100km (39.2 mpg US).

At launch, there’s also the ML 350 BlueTEC with a 250HP 3.0-liter V6 diesel (6.8 lt/100km) and the ML 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY with a 3.5-liter V6 petrol delivering 306HP (8.5 lt/100km).

All models are equipped with a seven-speed auto and four-wheel drive as standard.

More powerful V8 variants including the top-end AMG with a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 will follow at a later date.

Mercedes will also offer the optional On&Offroad package for the new M-Class (available next year in the U.S.) that utilizes a range of six transmission modes to optimize driving dynamics and handling by changing the settings for the AIRMATIC suspension and the powertrain. The system offers a single automatic mode, two dedicated off-road modes and three on-road modes, all controlled through a rotary knob on the center console.

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