What The Untamed Edition Actually Changes On The Countryman

The lift adds almost 20 mm (0.75 inches) of ground clearance, and MINI recalibrated the ABS, stability control, and steering to work with the new suspension and tires. In the US, the package is offered on the S ALL4 and the electric SE ALL4, both on steel springs. In Europe, pedestrian-protection rules limit the lift to the EV, which also gets passive adaptive dampers.

Outside, there’s a grille with vertical slats, protective film against rock chips on the hood and sides, and colors that include a matte Frozen Nomad Blue. Inside, you get rubber floor mats, elastic straps on the center console to hold a phone, rock-pattern fabric, and Untamed badges. The rest is standard Countryman, right down to the drive modes, Go-Kart included.

How It Handled A Rocky Lake Tahoe Off-Road Course

The course is harder than it looks on camera. Early on, one wheel lifted off the ground in a deep hole, and the traction control almost instantly sent power to the tires that still had grip. In a sharp, rutted turn, the Countryman lost momentum and sank into a hole, then climbed out with a little more throttle. On the last big climb, it stalled on top of a rock and needed a short roll back and a faster second run to get over.

The steep descent near the end, at close to 20 degrees of pitch, was the hardest part, and the Countryman got down without scraping its underbody. Guides spotted us through the trickiest sections, and a Jeep ahead of us on the same trail wasn’t finding it easy either.

Is The Countryman Untamed Worth $5,000 Over A Base S ALL4?

The Untamed package costs $1,600, but it requires the $3,400 Iconic trim with Comfort Package Plus. That puts a Countryman S ALL4 Untamed at $43,900 before destination ($45,250 with it), or $5,000 more than a base S ALL4. MINI hasn’t announced pricing for the electric version, and US deliveries are expected to start in the first quarter of 2027. An Autohome roof tent is sold separately.

On the road, you pay for it with tire noise, more road texture through the steering wheel, and a slightly firmer ride than a standard Countryman. None of it bothered us in town, and we’d make that trade. The regular Countryman is a sensible family crossover, while the Untamed looks like something you buy because you want one. Our complaint is that MINI stopped short on both the suspension and the styling. The Countryman is already MINI’s best-seller in the US, and if the Untamed sells, MINI has a reason to build something more extreme.

First published by https://www.bmwblog.com

Unlike the naked F 450 R revealed earlier this month, the RR is coming here. The M Sport is the top trim of the four BMW offers in Europe. Every US bike gets the white and M Motorsport livery, Shift Assistant Pro, the adjustable Sport suspension and Riding Modes Pro as standard. The black Base and red Sport stay in Europe.

The bike was built around Europe’s 48-hp A2 license, and in Germany it starts at €7,250. It’s also the first small RR BMW has sold there. The single-cylinder G 310 RR, essentially a rebadged TVS Apache RR 310 with 34 PS, stayed in India and China. The styling comes from the S 1000 RR. It has a nose-down, tail-up stance, winglets, asymmetrical side panels with gills on the right only, and a split face with the bigger bike’s daytime running light signature.

The Same 420 cc Twin As The F 450 GS, Retuned For A Sportbike

The liquid-cooled twin comes from the F 450 GS. Its crankpins are offset by 135 degrees, a layout BMW claims no other motorcycle uses, and a gear-driven balance shaft ahead of the crank cuts vibration. It has two overhead cams, four valves per cylinder on rocker arms, a 72 x 51.6 mm bore and stroke, and 13.0:1 compression, so it wants premium fuel.

For the RR it gets its own tune, magnesium clutch and transmission covers, and a stainless-steel under-belly exhaust with two catalytic converters. Output is 48 hp (35 kW) at 8,750 rpm and 32 lb-ft (43 Nm) at 6,750 rpm, with 80 percent of the torque available by 3,000 rpm. A six-speed gearbox with a hydraulic anti-hopping clutch drives the rear wheel through an X-ring chain.

Those figures sit exactly at the A2 ceiling. The license, open to 18-year-olds in Germany, caps output at 35 kW and power-to-weight at 0.2 kW/kg. The RR comes in at about 0.198 kW/kg, so A2 riders don’t need a restrictor kit.

BMW quotes a road-ready weight of 392 lb (177 kg) and calls the power-to-weight ratio outstanding for the class. That claim needs an asterisk: Aprilia’s RS 457 makes the same 35 kW and weighs 386 lb (175 kg) at the curb. Brands don’t always measure curb weight the same way, though.

BMW lists 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds and a 110-mph top speed, about 5 mph more than the F 450 R. Fuel economy is 61.9 mpg on the WMTC cycle, and the 3.69-gallon tank is good for more than 217 miles (350 km). Service intervals are 6,214 miles (10,000 km).

A Steel Space Frame, KYB Suspension, And A Single Brembo Front Disc

The chassis also comes from the F 450 GS: a welded tubular steel space frame with the engine as a stressed member. The RR gets a 55.3-inch wheelbase, a 23.4-degree steering head angle and 4.3 inches of trail. It measures 78.8 inches long and 30.3 inches wide at the mirrors.

Up front is a gold-anodized 43 mm KYB upside-down fork, adjustable for rebound and compression on the US-spec M Sport. At the back, a hollow-cast aluminum swingarm works a directly mounted KYB shock with adjustable preload and rebound. Both ends get 5.5 inches of travel, and the cast wheels wear 110/70-17 and 150/60-17 tires.

A single 310 mm disc with a Brembo four-piston monobloc caliper handles the front, and a 240 mm disc with a ByBre single-piston caliper handles the rear. Lean-sensitive ABS Pro is standard.

One front disc and a steel frame shared with an adventure bike show where BMW saved money. This is a road sportbike that can handle a track day, not a race bike with mirrors, and at this price that’s a fair trade. The track details are there anyway:

• A shift pattern that flips to first-up GP
• Forged aluminum levers and side stand
• Passenger peg brackets that bolt on, so they can come off
• A central under-belly exhaust that frees up cornering clearance

Seat height is 31.1 inches (790 mm), with accessory seats 0.79 inches higher or 0.59 inches lower. The clip-ons mount to a forged aluminum triple clamp.

Electronics, The Easy Ride Clutch, And BMW’s Four Trim Levels

Every F 450 RR gets Rain, Road and Race modes, ABS Pro, engine drag torque control and Dynamic Traction Control, which can be switched off. Dynamic Brake Control ignores the throttle under hard braking.

The 6.5-inch TFT pairs over Bluetooth with a phone and helmet communicator without an app. The free BMW Motorrad Connected App adds turn-by-turn arrows, and optional navigation prep supports full maps through BMW’s ConnectedRide accessories. LED lighting, a USB-C port and heated grips are standard, which on a supersport is a very BMW touch.

Riding Modes Pro, standard on the M Sport, adds a Race Pro mode with separate throttle, traction control and ABS settings. It also adds Sport screens for lean angle, braking force and traction control, and a lap timer. Shift Assistant Pro, BMW’s two-way quickshifter, is standard on the M Sport too.

The optional Easy Ride Clutch, part of the $330 Innovation Package in the US, uses a centrifugal unit that engages with engine speed. With the quickshifter, the RR can be ridden without touching the clutch lever, which stays for when you want it. The clutch stays closed on overrun to keep engine braking and only opens at idle, so the engine can’t stall.

Outside the US, BMW offers four trims:

• F 450 RR Base: Cosmic Black
• F 450 RR Sport: Racing Red, adds Shift Assistant Pro and the Sport suspension (sold as the Exclusive in some markets, including the UK)
• F 450 RR M Sport: Snaefell White / M Motorsport with a white frame and M Motorsport wheel decals, adds Riding Modes Pro
• F 450 RR M Sport with Innovation Package: the M Sport plus the Easy Ride Clutch

Like the other 450s, the RR is built by TVS Motor Company in Hosur, India, which also builds BMW’s G 310 models.

First published by https://www.bmwblog.com

Finished in Individual Frozen Purple Metallic, the flagship sedan certainly won’t blend into the background. The matte purple paint gives the enormous luxury sedan a distinctive look, while the Smoke White leather interior provides a bright contrast. It’s an unusual combination for an executive car, but that’s precisely what makes it interesting. We’re growing tired of the black-on-black spec.

BMW has made the refreshed 7 Series more customizable than ever, with more than 500 exterior colors and combinations and roughly 700 interior configurations available. Individual options include everything from special paint finishes to premium upholstery and unusual material combinations. As we previously reported, customers can even commission a virtually one-off G70 LCI through BMW Individual Manufaktur if the regular catalog doesn’t offer enough choice.

This 2027 BMW 7 Series Is A Configurator’s Dream

The M Sport Professional Package adds a sportier edge to the otherwise stately sedan. It brings M Sport exterior and interior content, Shadowline exterior trim, extended Shadowline details, M Shadowline headlights, black M Sport brake calipers, and an M rear spoiler. The illuminated kidney grille and crystal-effect daytime running lights add extra visual drama, while the 21-inch M Aero cross-spoke 1098 M wheels fill the arches.

It’s a generous helping of M-inspired styling without stepping up to a full-fat M Performance model. By the way, three such models already exist: the M760e, i7 M70, and the newly released V8-powered M760. There’s something particularly appealing about pairing that aggressive look with a standard 7 Series, if we can even call this spec “regular.”

Okay, matte paint isn’t for everyone, especially given the extra care these finishes require, but it suits the 7 Series’ imposing proportions. It also shows why BMW’s Individual program is worth exploring if you’re spending serious money on a luxury sedan.

Bavarian Luxury Cocoon

We don’t have interior photos yet, but we do have the next best thing: the build sheet. Inside, the Smoke White theme should create a bright, airy cabin that contrasts with the purple exterior. BMW also fitted Alcantara interior trim and optional glass controls, adding material variety rather than relying exclusively on leather and glossy surfaces.

The extensive equipment list makes it clear that this 740 is configured for occupants who expect to be pampered. Both front and rear passengers get heated and ventilated seats, with massage functions at both ends of the cabin. The rear seats also offer electric reclining and footrest adjustment, complemented by multifunction seating and an Executive Lounge rear center console.

An illuminated ceremonial light carpet welcomes passengers, while the panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof adds atmosphere after dark. Climate-comfort laminated glass helps create a more pleasant cabin, and automatic doors make it easier to get in and out of this enormous sedan.

Screen Extravaganza

The rear compartment also gets the stately 31.3-inch Theater Screen, turning the 7 Series into a rolling entertainment lounge. Up front, the standard-fit 14.6-inch Passenger Screen gives the person sitting beside the driver a dedicated display. It reminds you the 7 Series isn’t just a luxury car for someone who enjoys driving. The extra screen, also available on the new X5, caters to occupants who prefer to let someone else take the wheel.

The G70 LCI introduces a major technology overhaul, borrowing elements from BMW’s Neue Klasse generation of vehicles. BMW Panoramic Vision projects information across the base of the windshield, while the 3D head-up display provides additional driving information. Traditionalists will be disappointed to hear the iDrive rotary knob is gone, and most physical controls are too. The future is apparently multiple layers of screens.

The facelifted 7 Series still has a few tricks up its sleeve. In 2027, BMW ALPINA will introduce its own take on the G70, internally known as the G72. From what we’ve heard, it’ll feature exclusive exterior and interior changes, along with bespoke V8 engine tuning. And yes, there should also be a fully electric ALPINA version based on the i7 M70.

First published by https://www.bmwblog.com

The car in question is chassis number 28 of 50, and it’ll cross the auction block at Broad Arrow’s Zurich Auction on November 7. The event will take place at The Dolder Grand in Switzerland, with the auction house estimating the car could fetch between CHF 900,000 and CHF 1.2 million, equivalent to around €1.3 million or $1.5 million at current exchange rates. That’s a lot of dough for a BMW, but this isn’t your average M car.

The 3.0 CSL was BMW’s way of celebrating 50 years of M while paying tribute to the original E9-based coupe that helped establish the division’s motorsport credentials in the 1970s. Based on the M4 CSL, the modern interpretation received extensive bespoke bodywork to give it a look of its own.

All 50 Cars Had An Identical Retro-Flavored Spec

Finished in Alpine White with the familiar M stripes, the coupe channels the spirit of the original Batmobile. The oversized rear wing is impossible to miss, while gold wheels and yellow daytime running lights add further character. BMW also used carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic for numerous body components, reinforcing the car’s motorsport-inspired focus.

Under the hood sits a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 553 horsepower. That’s a modest increase over the M4 CSL, but it’s enough to make the 3.0 CSL the most powerful six-cylinder, gas-only BMW in history. The transmission makes an even bigger difference to the driving experience. Rather than relying on an automatic gearbox, engineers gave the coupe a six-speed manual that sends power exclusively to the rear wheels. As a result, it also holds the title of the most powerful three-pedal BMW ever.

In a world increasingly dominated by automatic gearboxes and electrification, the 3.0 CSL stands out for its relatively old-school approach. It combines a high-output straight-six with three pedals and rear-wheel drive, a formula that should appeal to deep-pocketed enthusiasts who believe driving engagement matters just as much as outright performance.

Extremely Low Miles And A BMW F1 Connection

The car’s low mileage is another major selling point. With so few miles on the clock, this example has spent considerably more time being preserved than driven. The auction listing describes it as a highly original example, making it an appealing proposition for collectors. Heidfeld’s ownership adds another layer of interest.

The German driver competed in Formula 1 from 2000 to 2011 and raced for BMW Sauber during the team’s most successful period. The sale includes several additional items, including an owner’s book numbered 28/50, a 1:18-scale model, original documentation, and a design sketch signed by BMW designer Viktor Bär. These extras further distinguish the car from other examples of an already rare model.

Wherever the car ends up, its next owner will have a choice: keep it tucked away in a climate-controlled garage as an investment-grade collectible or take advantage of that manual gearbox and enjoy what BMW M created it to do. Given the mileage so far, we’d wager the first option is more likely. If it were ours, we’d drive the heck out of it.

A full photo gallery is available at the source link below. Source: Broad Arrow Auctions / Photos published with approval from Broad Arrow Auctions / Photographer: Tim Scott]

First published by https://www.bmwblog.com

As we’ve seen in the global i3, iX3, and recently unveiled iX4, cylindrical cells offer more than 20% higher energy density, with charging speed and driving range up to 30% better. Those gains could make the next wave of BMW electric vehicles more appealing to buyers who still worry about range and charging times. Gen6 batteries aren’t exclusive to dedicated EVs, either, as the CLAR-based iX5 uses the same next-generation technology.

BMW has also adopted a cell-to-pack design, integrating cylindrical cells directly into the battery housing rather than grouping them into separate modules first. Removing that intermediate step makes better use of available space and lets BMW integrate the battery more flexibly into different vehicle architectures.

BMW Is Expanding Gen6 Battery Production

Shenyang follows Debrecen in Hungary and Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Germany, the first two locations in BMW’s new Gen6 battery production network. Two more assembly sites, in Woodruff, South Carolina, and San Luis Potosí, Mexico, are expected to begin series production in the coming months.

BMW is pursuing a local-for-local approach, building batteries close to the vehicle plants they supply. This strategy reduces the need to transport bulky battery packs over long distances while helping the company maintain a more resilient manufacturing network. The Shenyang facility will support China’s Neue Klasse lineup.

BMW is preparing to introduce its new electric architecture to its biggest single market, where local production and competitive pricing are particularly important. It needs the next wave of stretched EVs to succeed, as sales in China have been on a slippery slope for the past few years.

BMW Is Struggling In China

BMW and MINI peaked in 2021, when their combined sales reached 847,900 cars, but that figure fell to just 626,000 units in 2025. This year, things look even worse, with sales through September down by a whopping 21.8%. The company has reasons to be more optimistic about the fourth quarter of 2026, as the iX3 is now on sale locally, albeit the i3 sedan won’t arrive for another few months.

A China-specific X5/iX5 with a longer wheelbase has already been revealed and could move the needle in a market where rivals Mercedes and Audi are also struggling. The rapid rise of local brands has taken its toll on legacy automakers, as domestic car companies launch significantly cheaper yet tech-laden models. Quality is no longer a laughing stock, and designs have largely moved on from the dark years of blatant knockoffs.

All of which means BMW and its rivals need to step up and price their vehicles aggressively to stay competitive in China.

First published by https://www.bmwblog.com

Luxury sedans aren’t just for executives who prefer to be driven rather than take the wheel themselves. They’re also important tools for chauffeur companies, luxury hotels, and corporate transport services, where reliability and passenger comfort are essential. BMW wants to make life easier for these businesses with a package tailored to their specific needs.

The new BMW Chauffeur Programme brings together six support pillars designed to reduce downtime and simplify ownership. BMW retailers across the UK offer it, and the automaker’s Specialist Sales Channel administers it.

Five Years Of Servicing And A Replacement Car

One of the main benefits is a five-year Service Inclusive package covering unlimited mileage on eligible 7 Series and i7 models. That’s particularly relevant for professional drivers, whose cars can rack up miles much faster than the average privately owned vehicle.

BMW is also including a one-year Security PRO subscription, which provides vehicle tracking, real-time monitoring, driver tag functionality, and direct access to a secure operating center. It’s an extra layer of protection for cars that routinely transport high-profile clients.

The program also addresses downtime. If a vehicle needs warranty repairs, operators can access a replacement 7 Series or i7, or receive support with arranging a hire car themselves. BMW is also highlighting its high-voltage battery warranty, which runs for up to eight years or 100,000 miles.

Specialist Financing And A Free Home Charger

The program extends beyond servicing and security. BMW Financial Services UK and ALPHABET have developed funding solutions for participating operators, with options including regulated and unregulated hire purchase, Business Contract Purchase, and Business Contract Hire. Availability depends on the customer’s business structure and circumstances.

BMW will also help participating businesses promote their services through approved chauffeur-focused imagery and support for retailer marketing activities.

Customers choosing the electric i7 receive an additional incentive. Operators who place an eligible i7 Chauffeur Programme order by the end of the year qualify for a complimentary home charging point, provided installation is completed by March.

The program is open to licensed private-hire operators, chauffeur companies, executive transport providers, luxury hotel house-car fleets, corporate and VIP transport operators, and self-employed chauffeurs. Traditional taxi operators are excluded.

For BMW, the strategy makes sense. A 7 Series or i7 used as a chauffeur car faces different demands than one that spends most of its time parked outside an office or private residence. High mileage, predictable running costs, and minimal downtime matter just as much as rear-seat comfort. By addressing those concerns directly, BMW hopes to make its flagship a more compelling business proposition and give professional drivers another reason to choose the roundel’s biggest sedan.

With the ALPINA-badged version set to arrive next year as a fancier take on the 7 Series, the upcoming G72 could be an even better fit for chauffeur duties than its G70 counterpart.

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Eight thousand people applied for this year’s BMW M Festival in China, and 2,000 of them got through the gates of the Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday, October 11. That’s about half of the crowd that showed up in Chengdu last year, when nearly 5,000 people attended, but interest didn’t drop: the applications alone matched Chengdu’s attendance, and the cap came from how many people the event could take.

The China festival runs every year, and it’s arguably the biggest M Festival BMW puts on anywhere in the world. I joined the BMW M and BMW Design teams in Shanghai for the weekend, which also brought the Chinese debut of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse, presented by van Meel and Heilmer. We also got a look at something new from BMW that we can’t talk about for a while.

The Paddock Boulevard Belonged To M3 Tourings And G87 M2s

Sunday opened on the paddock lane, which BMW China turned into a boulevard lined with owners’ cars it had picked for display. Plenty of M2s and M3s had been modified to an extreme, and some wore liveries you won’t find on any other car.

Two models made up most of the lineup: the G87 M2 and the G81 M3 Touring. The wagon is the more interesting of the two. The M3 Touring made its Chinese debut at last year’s festival in Chengdu, where it went on sale at 943,900 yuan as BMW M’s first high-performance wagon in China. A year later, it was everywhere on the boulevard.

The same strip doubled as the festival’s main street. Visitors could race each other on sim rigs, shop for souvenirs, get their nails painted in M colors or a temporary tattoo, and take photos in rooms filled with racing cars.

Three BMW M drivers held autograph sessions along the boulevard. Augusto Farfus, a BMW M veteran, was there, along with Erik Johansson, the Swedish works driver who won the 2025 China GT Championship. The third was Neil Verhagen, who arrived about a week after clinching the 2026 IMSA GTD Pro title with Connor De Phillippi in Paul Miller Racing’s BMW M4 GT3 EVO at Petit Le Mans.

Autocross, Drifting, And Track Laps In Everything From M2 To M5

BMW spread the rest of the driving program across three more parking lots around the circuit, with autocross, drifting and two-car chase runs.

But when you’re at a Formula 1 track, you need track time, and that’s where the festival is hard to beat. Customers could sample the entire BMW M lineup on the 5.4-km (3.4-mile) circuit that has hosted the Chinese Grand Prix since 2004, from the M2 all the way up to the M5. Instructors handled hot laps for anyone who wanted to see what the cars can do with a professional at the wheel.

Learn How To Change Tires Like A Pro

Michelin had one of the more hands-on displays of the day. Its stand was set up as a pit stop where visitors could play pit crew and do a tire change themselves. That’s a fitting idea at a track where Formula 1 crews swap all four tires in about two seconds, and it quickly shows how much practice that takes.

What BMW Showed At The M Concept Neue Klasse’s China Debut

Later in the day, van Meel and Heilmer took the stage and revealed the M Concept Neue Klasse to an audience that had clearly come to see where M design goes next. Heilmer heads design for BMW’s Compact Class, Neue Klasse and BMW M, so the car comes out of his studio.

The concept made its world premiere at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June and its North American debut at Monterey Car Week in August. Shanghai was its first stop in China. BMW doesn’t call it an M3, but the concept points squarely at the electric M3 due in 2027.

Up front, the shark nose merges the headlights and kidney grille into a single lit unit, joined by what BMW calls M Yellow Lights, a new lighting signature for future M cars. Natural fiber composite takes the place of carbon fiber on the front splitter, the hood vent and the diffuser, and a ducktail spoiler adds downforce over the rear axle.

The hardware underneath is the bigger story. BMW M eDrive uses four electric motors, controlled by BMW M Dynamic Performance Control software running on the Heart of Joy central computer, with wheel-specific control over drive and braking. The 800-volt battery holds more than 100 kWh and uses M-optimized versions of BMW’s sixth-generation cylindrical cells. BMW still hasn’t released power figures.

China is where that car has to convince a lot of buyers. BMW M sales in the country made up 48,915 sales, or roughly 10% of total 2026 BMW sales.

Hundreds Of M Cars Closed Out The Day On Track

As always, the festival ended with the M Parade, where attendees follow BMW M’s own cars onto the circuit for a few laps. Hundreds of cars lined up this year, turning the Shanghai International Circuit into a single, very long M Corso.

If 8,000 people apply for 2,000 places again next year, BMW China will need either a bigger venue or a second day. Shanghai has hosted a three-day M Festival before, back in 2017, so the second option wouldn’t be new.

First published by https://www.bmwblog.com

Sao Paulo Yellow

Sao Paulo Yellow arrived with the current-generation M4, where it became the car’s launch color. That was a memorable choice: the bright, non-metallic yellow emphasizes the G82’s uncompromising styling. It also set the tone for a generation of M cars that seemed more Individualized than any other before it. The very-close-to-highlighter shade works especially well on the M4 because the coupe’s broad front end and angular body can carry a color this intense. Sao Paulo Yellow is loud, but that’s certainly part of its appeal. BMW chose it to make a statement, and it does exactly that. SPY, as its sometimes referred to, has made its way through the portfolio, appearing on other M cars including the X3 M and M2.

Austin Yellow

Austin Yellow Metallic gave the previous-generation M4 a very different kind of presence. Its metallic finish shifts between gold and yellow depending on the light, lending it more depth than a straightforward bright yellow. It can look almost bronze in certain conditions, which makes it a more subtle choice than Sao Paulo Yellow. Phoenix Yellow, from the E46 M3 and M Coupe, was a clear influence, but Austin is a little “more yellow” to my eyes. BMW picked Austin Yellow for the F82 M4’s launch, and it hasn’t appeared anywhere else in the lineup. It has a slightly unconventional look, but that’s also why it suits the M4: it stands apart from the usual black, gray, and white performance coupes.

Golf Yellow

Golf Yellow has an especially strong connection to BMW’s racing history. The color recalls the original 3.0 CSL, and BMW chose it for the 2015 3.0 CSL Hommage as a nod to that car’s predecessor. The Hommage was a concept, but the bright yellow finish helped make the link unmistakable. Golf Yellow sits closer to yellow than green, relative to Sao Paulo Yellow, and feels more like a period piece. It has the warmth and simplicity of a classic solid paint, and it looks right at home on the long, low shape of the 3.0 CSL. It’s a reminder that BMW’s love of vivid paint goes back well before modern M cars.

Atacama Yellow

Atacama Yellow is the rarest shade on this list. BMW offered it as an optional color on the E89 Z4, but it also painted one 1 Series M Coupe in the distinctive yellow finish. That car was one of just four 1Ms built with Individual colors near the end of production, making it a genuine one-off. The color has an earthy quality that sets it apart from the cleaner, brighter yellows here. On the Z4, it gave the roadster a more exotic look; on the compact 1M, it made an already unusual car even harder to miss. Atacama Yellow isn’t the most famous BMW yellow, but its rarity and character make it an easy pick for second place.

Dakar Yellow

Dakar Yellow takes the top spot because it feels like the definitive BMW performance yellow. The non-metallic finish made its debut on the E36 M3, and BMW says it became an integral part of the Individual color range. It’s bright without looking metallic or overly complex, and it suits the clean lines of the E36 especially well. Works okay on other cars, too, including the ludicrous M5 Touring. There’s a reason Dakar Yellow still comes up whenever enthusiasts talk about classic M3 colors. It gives the car a bold, unmistakable identity while feeling perfectly tied to its era. Plenty of BMW yellows have made an impression, but Dakar Yellow is the one that turned a paint option into part of M-car history.

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The first X5 without a combustion engine completed a trip from San Francisco to Newport Beach in Los Angeles, covering 500 miles (805 kilometers) along the way. BMW initially set a more modest goal of 400 miles (644 kilometers). It then raised the target to 450 miles (724 kilometers) before adding another 50 miles (80 kilometers).

The iX5 not only avoided leaving the driver stranded on the side of the road with 0% battery remaining, but it also had range to spare at the end of the journey. BMW could have squeezed another 50 miles (80 kilometers) out of the massive 144-kWh battery, the largest ever fitted to a production model. Doing the math, the 550 miles (885 kilometers) of range adds 115 miles (185 kilometers) to the company’s EPA-based range estimate.

Impressive Range For Such A Heavy SUV

While we don’t have all the details, such as the route, average speed, or just how much hypermiling was involved, 550 miles (885 kilometers) is an impressive feat in its own right. Let’s not forget that we’re talking about a vehicle weighing more than 6,200 pounds (2,800 kilograms), so the iX5 60 xDrive is hardly lightweight.

Of course, you’ll have little chance of replicating BMW’s performance in everyday driving, but knowing it’s technically possible should ease any range anxiety you might have. And even if covering 550 miles (885 kilometers) on a single charge isn’t feasible day to day, the iX5’s ability to charge at up to 460 kW should ease concerns about arriving late. Under ideal conditions, the electric SUV needs just 10 minutes to add enough charge for an estimated 170 miles (274 kilometers) of range.

Let’s face it. Doing 550 miles (885 kilometers) without recharging is more than most of us will ever need. After all, how many people drive that far without stopping to eat, stretch their legs, or make a quick trip to the toilet? Even on a long road trip, bathroom breaks and meal stops are inevitable, so that kind of range is more a bragging right than a necessity for most drivers.

Range Anxiety Is Gradually Fading

Real-world range will inevitably be lower, but starting from such an impressive figure should make the difference less of a concern.

This achievement doesn’t make the iX5 the longest-range electric SUV to wear the roundel. That honor goes to China’s long-wheelbase iX3, which covered 640 miles (1,030 kilometers) without adding any juice to its battery pack.

With every new EV it launches, BMW is gradually making range anxiety a thing of the past. Real-world conditions will always affect how far you can travel on a charge. Still, these endurance runs show what’s theoretically possible when you combine better batteries with increasingly efficient electric motors and more aerodynamic body shapes.

You probably won’t hit 550 miles (885 kilometers) in an iX5 or 640 miles (1,030 kilometers) in an iX3 every day, but knowing the SUVs can go that far under the right conditions should make long-distance electric travel a little less daunting.

First published by https://www.bmwblog.com

The temporary BMW Zdunek Premium Warszawa dealership began operating on August 24 at Jagiellońska 92, on the grounds of the former Fabryka Samochodów Osobowych (FSO) factory in the Żerań district. Rather than building cars here, BMW now sells them, along with certified used vehicles, and provides authorized servicing.

It’s a fitting new chapter for a location that once played a major role in Poland’s automotive industry. FSO produced cars for decades, including the Syrena, Polski Fiat 125p, and Polonez. Production finally ended in 2011, and the factory never returned to its former glory. Fifteen years later, the site welcomes customers again, though the cars on offer have changed considerably.

From Polonez To Neue Klasse

BMW’s new dealership occupies an existing office building that underwent a three-month renovation. The facility follows the automaker’s Retail.NEXT concept, which combines contemporary showroom design with digital tools and a more flexible approach to customer service.

The exterior received a comprehensive makeover, including a distinctive white expanded-metal mesh facade. BMW also plans to add illuminated detailing inspired by the signature lighting of its Neue Klasse models, bringing a recognizable touch of the brand’s latest design language to the historic location.

The dealership offers the full range of new BMW models, along with certified used cars through the BMW Premium Selection program. Those vehicles undergo a comprehensive 360-degree inspection covering their history and servicing, and come with a 24-month warranty valid across Europe.

Customers can also get their cars serviced on-site, while a BMW Motorrad showroom is expected to join the location soon.

The dealership is currently operating as a temporary facility, and BMW hasn’t announced when it will open a permanent location. Still, the new site strengthens the brand’s presence in Warsaw, particularly for customers looking for sales and service facilities in this part of the city.

With the opening, BMW’s Polish network comprises 44 sales locations and 58 service points. The company is also rolling out its Retail.NEXT format across the country, with 32 dealerships already operating under the updated concept.

Time Changes Everything

It’s ironic to see BMW establish itself on the grounds of a factory that once built affordable cars for Polish motorists. The FSO name may no longer be attached to new vehicles rolling off an assembly line, but the site hasn’t completely lost its automotive connection. The difference is that nobody is coming here to buy a new Polonez anymore. These days, the roundel is the main attraction.

Time changes everything, and Żerań is a perfect example. A factory that once built affordable cars for generations of Polish drivers is now selling premium German machines. The Polonez, Syrena, and later Chevrolet and Daewoo models belong to a different era, but the site hasn’t entirely lost its connection to the automobile. Fifteen years after the last Aveo rolled off the assembly line, cars are back at Żerań. They’re just a very different kind of car now.

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The stretched electric sedan completed the endurance challenge with just 1% battery capacity remaining. It also averaged an exceptionally low energy consumption of 8.8 kWh per 100 kilometers, or roughly 7.1 miles per kWh. To put that range in perspective, the 113.4-kWh battery pack is rated for an estimated 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) in the CLTC test cycle, meaning the sedan exceeded that figure by almost 20%.

That’s an impressive result, even for an efficiency-focused electric vehicle such as the new-generation i3. The test included a combination of highway, national-road, and urban driving rather than focusing on just one type of road. While everyone would rightfully assume the run was all about hypermiling, BMW describes it as “real-world driving conditions for ultimate range validation.”

BMW’s EVs Are Breaking The 1,000-Kilometer Barrier

The latest achievement follows BMW’s endurance test of the long-wheelbase iX3 50L in China. As we reported in August, the electric SUV covered 1,030.2 kilometers (640 miles) between the company’s production facility in Shenyang and its research and development center in Beijing. It arrived with 5% battery capacity remaining.

The i3 50L has now gone considerably farther, exceeding the iX3’s distance by approximately 183 kilometers (114 miles). However, the two results aren’t directly comparable without accounting for their different routes and testing conditions. The sedan’s lower, more aerodynamic body should automatically give it an advantage over the taller SUV, which may help explain why it traveled farther on a single charge.

Of course, a manufacturer-backed endurance run shouldn’t be mistaken for a promise that every owner will achieve the same numbers. Driving speed, weather, traffic, elevation changes, and other variables all affect an EV’s real-world range. China’s CLTC certification cycle is also more lenient than Europe’s WLTP procedure and, especially, the EPA’s testing in the United States.

BMW hasn’t revealed the i3’s average speed or how much of the journey was spent on highways versus city streets. My guess? The sedan wasn’t exactly rushing to the finish line.

The BMW i3 Can Go The Extra Mile If Driven Right

Still, covering more than 1,200 kilometers without plugging in is a remarkable demonstration of what BMW’s bespoke Neue Klasse electric platform can achieve under the right conditions. The iX3 has already shown that the Neue Klasse SUV can break the 1,000-kilometer barrier in a carefully planned run. Now, the sleeker i3 sedan has raised the bar even further.

You could argue these endurance tests are overkill when official range figures are already impressively high, but they’re still interesting to watch. After all, most owners won’t drive their EVs until the battery is practically empty just to see how far they can go. Nevertheless, it’s fascinating to see how much farther a car can travel on a single charge when efficiency takes priority over getting anywhere quickly.

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The best part is how the commercial makes us feel nostalgic for a time some of us never even lived through. With its unmistakably retro vibe, the ad takes us back to an era of classic TV commercials, when automakers marketed their cars with a very different kind of charm. It’s a clever way to promote a modern sports sedan by tapping into BMW M’s golden age, even for those of us who didn’t experience it firsthand.

You could also argue that it’s a fitting approach for a car that celebrates a traditional driving experience. The M3 CS Handschalter combines rear-wheel drive with a six-speed manual gearbox, bringing a third pedal to a special edition created for enthusiasts who still prefer to row their own gears.

What’s Old Is New Again In Marketing

Presented in the nearly extinct 4:3 format, the commercial further taps into BMW’s heritage by promoting a car that feels like a throwback in more ways than one. While the current G80-generation M3 packs plenty of modern tech, the Handschalter puts driver involvement front and center.

Limited to the United States and Canada, the M3 CS Handschalter is more than just a G80 with a clutch pedal and a stick, though. M’s engineers have made meaningful changes, including extensive weight-saving measures through a carbon-fiber diet, forged wheels, and a titanium muffler. BMW says the car sheds nearly 75 pounds compared with a standard M3 with optional carbon-ceramic brakes.

BMW is also leaning into nostalgia with the available paint finishes. Buyers can choose from modern colors or reach into the company’s back catalog for Imola Red and Techno Violet, two heritage shades that suit the commercial’s retro aesthetic. The car is exclusive to North America, where dealers had already snapped up all build slots by August.

The Handschalter May Be The Final M3 With A Stick

The Handschalter special edition isn’t just a swan song for the G80; it may also be the three-pedal M3’s last hurrah. Codenamed G84, the next-generation combustion-powered sports sedan is due in 2028 and may come exclusively with an automatic transmission. With rumors pointing to a mild-hybrid version of the S58 engine and M boss Frank van Meel telling us that a 48-volt setup makes it harder to keep the manual alive, it’s easy to connect the dots.

Still, BMW isn’t giving up on the manual just yet, so there’s a glimmer of hope. Even if the M3 loses its stick shift for good, the manual gearbox will live on a little longer in the M2 and M4. The coupes are expected to remain in production through much of 2029. As for the current M3, time is running out, with G80 production set to end next summer.

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2027 BMW i5 Electric Motor and Performance

The 2027 BMW i5 lineup includes three models. The rear-wheel-drive i5 eDrive40 sits at the entry level, with 335 horsepower (249 kW) and 295 pound-feet (400 Nm) of torque. It can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The all-wheel-drive i5 xDrive40 adds a power bump to 389 horsepower and 435 pound-feet (590 Nm) of torque, cutting that sprint time to 5.2 seconds. At the top of the lineup, the 2027 BMW i5 M60 pairs dual motors with all-wheel drive. Its powertrain delivers 590 horsepower and 586 pound-feet (795 Nm) of torque, enough to reach 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.

2027 BMW i5 Charging and Range

No hardware changes for the i5, but BMW does reevaluate range estimates. All models see improved estimated range, starting with the i5 eDrive40, which now achieves between 280 and 328 miles on a full charge. The xDrive model sees a modest bump to 262-283 miles of range, and the quick M60 variant sees small gains to the tune of 259-277 miles. Depending on the model, that equates to between 546 and 630 km on the WLTP testing standard. The i5 can charge up to 11.5 kW on AC power, and DC fast charging tops out at 205 kW. A change from 10 to 80 percent should take around 30 minutes. As of March 2026, all new i5s come with an NACS charging port.

Interior and Cargo Space

The 2027 BMW i5 gains a new Convenience Package. For $950, you get a heated steering wheel and the always-welcome Parking Assistant Plus. It’s available across all trim levels. We still recommend the Premium Package, though, and a miniscule price increase year-over-year can’t change that. More on that in a minute. One more change: Bowers & Wilkins moves to the M60 exclusively as an option. Previously, you could order it on the lower-tier models too.

Leather remains optional at the same $2,450 price as last year. No new colors this time around, but you’ve still got five options to choose from. Luxury Seating Package remains $1,350 and an okay enough value, and don’t forget to grab four-zone automatic climate control ($650) if you’re prioritizing rear-seaters. The i5 offers 17.3 cubic feet of trunk space.

2027 BMW i5 Technology and Connectivity

As mentioned, the Premium Package is our go-to here. Price increases by $50 to $2,250 but still gets you nearly everything you could really want on the i5. That includes Parking Assistant Plus, an interior camera, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise with stop and go. Premium is by no means necessary; the i5 comes well equipped before you tick a single option box. Standard gear includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 14.9-inch central display, navigation, voice commands, and MyBMW app integration.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Again, splurging for the Premium Package ensures you get the most for your money in the i5 when it comes to safety features. Premium adds Park Assist and adaptive cruise control, but there’s still more at your disposal if you want to experience the Ultimate “Driven” Machine. Driving Assistance Professional costs $2,500 but adds Lane Change Assistant, partially automated driving, and Highway Assistant. Note the latter is subscription based after the trial period (four years). Like most modern BMWs, the i5 comes standard with a slew of driver aids standard, including blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning.

2027 BMW i5 Pricing and Production Timeline

Would you believe it? Prices don’t move a hair from 2026, or indeed 2025, levels. The 2027 BMW i5 can be in your driveway for as little as $67,100, or 68,550 with destination fees included. The xDrive40 commands $70,100, and the mighty M60 requires $84,100. Production should run until June 2027. Since 2028 sees a substantial 5 Series facelift, if you like what you see, it might be time to move.

2027 BMW i5: Our Take

The electric 5 Series won’t ever sell in 3 Series or X3 numbers. But it does exactly what a 5 Series is supposed to: feel a step up from the 3er without losing the sporty BMW feel. While that might not necessarily hold true if driven back-to-back with the all-new BMW i3, it’s probably the best way to encapsulate what the car is about. That is, a competent balance of sport and refinement, with EV power to boot. Grab one today if you want, but if you’re not turned off by BMW’s Neue Klasse styling you might be better off waiting for the facelift next year, since it will also likely benefit from battery advancements made in the past few years.

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Players can add the high-performance coupe to their virtual garages by earning 80 points in the Horizon Meets Festival Playlist. The reward is available through November 5, so there’s a limited window to get behind the wheel without spending in-game credits on a separate purchase.

Once they unlock the car, players can take it across Japan’s open world, tackle winding mountain roads, or customize it with the game’s options.

Many Other Cars Join Forza Horizon 6

Beyond the BMW M4 CS, the Horizon Meets update introduces the 2000 Honda Prelude Type SH and the 1968 Holden Monaro GTS 327, while the Festival Playlist brings back the 2018 DeBerti Ford Mustang GT and 2004 Saleen S7. Players can also unlock the 1973 Lamborghini Espada 400 GT as a Series History reward and discover a 1970 Citroën 2CV treasure car.

The update adds more vehicles to Spec Racing, including the 2019 Ginetta G40 Junior, 2020 Lamborghini Essenza SCV12, 1990 Alfa Romeo SE 048SP, 1992 Mazda RX-7 Type R, 2023 Audi R8 Coupe V10 GT RWD, 1987 Ferrari F40, and several racing specials. The Car Pass also brings four more cars throughout October: the 1972 Datsun 240Z #5 Rallye, 2024 Ferrari Purosangue, 1990 Eunos Cosmo, and 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4Matic+.

The update also brings a new collaboration with 7-Eleven, including a themed car meet in the Nangan region of the game’s Japanese map. Players can explore the convenience-store-inspired location, take photos, and use new themed props in their own EventLab creations.

BMW Models Available In Forza Horizon 6

For BMW fans, however, the M4 CS is arguably the headline attraction. The real coupe already has the hardware to make a mountain road entertaining, and the virtual version lets players explore Japan’s touge routes without worrying about tire wear, fuel bills, or the occasional speeding ticket.

The M4 CS joins a growing roster of BMWs in Forza Horizon 6. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait much longer to add the M3 CS Touring to the list.

1. 1957 BMW Isetta 300 Export
2. 1973 BMW 2002 Turbo
3. 1981 BMW M1
4. 1988 BMW M3
5. 1988 BMW M5
6. 1995 BMW 850CSi
7. 1995 BMW M5
8. 1997 BMW M3
9. 2003 BMW M5
10. 2005 BMW M3
11. 2008 BMW M3
12. 2008 BMW Z4 M Coupe
13. 2009 BMW M5
14. 2010 BMW M3 GTS
15. 2011 BMW X5 M
16. 2012 BMW M5
17. 2014 BMW M4 Coupe
18. 2015 BMW i8
19. 2016 BMW M4 GTS
20. 2019 BMW Z4 Roadster
21. 2020 BMW M2 Competition Coupe
22. 2020 BMW M8 Competition Coupe
23. 2021 BMW M4 Competition Coupe
24. 2022 BMW iX xDrive50
25. 2022 BMW M5 CS
26. 2023 BMW M2
27. 2024 BMW X6 M Competition
28. 2025 BMW M4 CS

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Based on the M Sport Package Pro, the limited-run behemoth doubles down on the SUV’s imposing appearance with dark exterior details. BMW fits 22-inch M light-alloy wheels in Jet Black, while the extended High-Gloss Shadow Line treatment adds black kidney grilles and other darkened accents. High-gloss black brake calipers further reinforce the stealthy look.

Despite the Black Line name, the special edition isn’t limited to Black Sapphire paint. Buyers can also opt for Mineral White or Manhattan Green. Black Sapphire is the obvious choice for anyone who wants to fully embrace the monochromatic theme. Still, the contrast between the lighter finishes and the black details should be particularly striking.

Six Seats Only

The changes extend beyond the exterior. BMW equips the special edition with individual second-row comfort seats, reducing seating capacity to six. Instead of squeezing three passengers onto a conventional bench, the X7 offers two separate seats, making the cabin compartment a more comfortable place to spend time.

The cabin also gets other fancy stuff, such as the Individual Piano Finish Black trim, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, Extended Merino leather in black, and a Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof. These features come standard, adding an even more luxurious atmosphere to an SUV that already sits at the top of BMW’s X lineup.

Under the hood, the X7 xDrive40d Black Line sticks with BMW’s familiar 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive. The B57 delivers 347 hp and 720 Nm (531 lb-ft) of torque, including the mild-hybrid contribution.

BMW Adds The Options For You

Ok, so the Black Line doesn’t actually introduce a new engine or a major technical overhaul. Instead, BMW bundles several desirable options into a single, distinctive package, giving the X7 a more exclusive appearance while making its luxury credentials even harder to overlook.

It also reminds us that diesel engines still have a place in the luxury segment, particularly in markets where buyers value effortless torque and long-distance cruising. While electrification continues to reshape BMW’s lineup, the six-cylinder oil-burner remains a compelling option for customers who want a big, comfortable SUV without going fully electric.

The Diesel Engine Lives On

The 3.0-liter diesel is widely expected to carry over to the next-generation X7, internally known as the G67.  However, if the new SUV follows the lead of the latest diesel-powered X5, BMW could significantly detune the engine to meet stricter emissions regulations. As a refresher, the X5 xDrive40d now produces 308 hp and 670 Nm (494 lb-ft) of torque, nearly 40 hp and 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) less than its predecessor.

Logic suggests the revised B57 will also find its way into the facelifted 5 Series, which is likewise scheduled to arrive in 2027. On the bright side, BMW is at least keeping diesels alive, even though the engines have already disappeared from the 3 Series lineup.

Meanwhile, Japan’s X7 xDrive40d Black Line costs ¥15,995,000, about $100,000 at current exchange rates.

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