New BMW M GmbH product range based on current BMW models:

BMW M Performance Automobiles complement the model family with their clear focus on sports performance combined with unrestricted everyday usability and outstanding efficiency; new product category launches with four models:
* BMW M550d xDrive Sedan,
* BMW M550d xDrive Touring,
* BMW X5 M50d,
* BMW X6 M50d.

Rigorous use of BMW M GmbH development expertise in the optimisation of agility, precision and emotion; BMW M Performance Automobiles with harmonious interplay of powertrain, chassis technology and design features typical of M models; exclusive, extremely powerful engine; detailed modifications to chassis technology and power transfer; aerodynamically optimised body.



World premiere for a new six-cylinder in-line diesel engine developed exclusively for the BMW M Performance Automobiles; new, globally unique M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology: three turbochargers, common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors and maximum injection pressure of 2,200 bar; 3.0-litre displacement, 280 kW/381 hp, maximum torque: 740 Newton metres (546 lb-ft); instantaneous responses and outstandingly dynamic power delivery into the upper reaches of the rev range; maximum revs: 5,400 rpm; impressively economical thanks to optimised efficiency and extensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology, including Auto Start-Stop function and ECO PRO mode.

Eight-speed Sports automatic transmission with enhanced gearshift dynamics fitted as standard on all BMW M Performance Automobiles;
BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with bespoke set-up optimised to enhance dynamics; BMW M550d xDrive and BMW X5 M50d with Performance Control, BMW X6 M50d with Dynamic Performance Control.



M-specific tuning of suspension, bodyshell mounting, engine and transmission mounting, springs and dampers, all standard and optional chassis control systems, and the Servotronic mapping for the hydraulic steering; result is significantly enhanced agility and precision in dynamic driving situations, with the linear build-up of lateral forces familiar from M cars.

BMW M550d xDrive comes as standard with the Driving Experience Control switch, including ECO PRO mode; BMW M550d xDrive Touring also features air suspension on the rear axle and automatic self-levelling; both models available as an option with Dynamic Damper Control and Adaptive Drive including anti-roll control.

BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d fitted as standard with air suspension on the rear axle and self-levelling, Adaptive Drive standard on the BMW X6 M50d and available as an option for the
BMW X5 M50d.

Purposeful design modifications in familiar M style set individual models apart and provide aerodynamic optimisation; exterior mirrors and air intake bars with striking Ferric Grey metallic paintwork; trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes; BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line; 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design standard on the BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring; 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design standard on the

BMW X5 M50d; 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design standard on the BMW X6 M50d; exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey available as an option for all models; model lettering on the door sills, boot lid and, in the case of the
BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d, also in the instrument cluster; engine cover with “M Performance” badge.

Bespoke interior design shows clear emphasis on the cars’ sporting character; gearshift lever with M logo; exclusive Alcantara/Nappa leather M sports seats in Black (BMW X5 M50d, BMW X6 M50d) or Alcantara/Cloth in Grey Shadow (BMW M550d xDrive) with contrast stitching and embossed M logo; M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles; BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite; interior trim strips in Brushed Aluminium Shadow (BMW X5 M50d, BMW X6 M50d) or Aluminium Hexagon (BMW M550d xDrive); interior sound design adds further emphasis to the characteristic six-cylinder soundtrack.



All BMW M Performance Automobiles contain a wide range of comfort-enhancing equipment as standard; extensive individualisation possible thanks to virtually full availability of BMW 5 Series, BMW X5 and BMW X6 options; includes Comfort Access, automatic tailgate operation (standard in Germany on the BMW X6 M50d and BMW M550d xDrive Touring), hands-free tailgate opening (BMW M550d xDrive, BMW M550d xDrive Touring), electrically operated glass/panoramic sunroof, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, trailer coupling, heated steering wheel, active seats, Adaptive LED Headlights (BMW X6 M50d), navigation systems with hard disk storage, high-quality audio and rear-seat entertainment systems.
Wide range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive unmatched by any rival: Head-Up Display, Adaptive Headlights, High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition (BMW M550d xDrive), Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Change Warning System (BMW M550d xDrive), Lane Departure Warning System (BMW M550d xDrive), rear-view camera with Top View (BMW X5 M50d, BMW X6 M50d), Surround View (BMW 550d xDrive), Speed Limit Info, internet access, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real-Time Traffic Information and apps for receiving web radio and using Facebook and Twitter.

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EXPECTATION AND SYNERGIES

Can a BMW four cylinder, turbo-charged car drive and behave like a normally aspirated power plant and yet be more efficient, powerful and refined at the same time?

This was one of many questions I pondered while test driving the brand new 1 – series 118 (F20) sport over three days. But before I arrive at my conclusions let us explore this new kid on the block, a little more.

When the 1-series (E87) 5 door was launched way back in 2004, it was greeted with mixed reaction due to its unusual and for some controversial styling, which divided public opinion. When pictures emerged on the internet of the 2012, one series eyebrows were raised once again, and this time about its “sad” face, with wider grille and headlights that resembles the latest 5-series. But when I saw the new 1-series test driven in Spain early this year and the urban and sport models premiered at the Frankfurt Motor show in September 2011, they appeared very attractive and youthful to me and the synergies with the other BMW models such as the 5 series, Z and X models were pleasingly appropriate and deliberate. But I wanted to find out for myself if this car with its Eco Pro and turbo-charged technology was better than its predecessor.

You would then understand my elation when BMW Donford, Stellenbosch asked me to test drive their mineral grey metallic 118; 5 door hatch sport line; over a weekend and share my impressions with their clients. The night before taking delivery of the car I was very excited, like I always am when a new BMW model arrives. I planned the routes, test hurdles and photographic locations with my brother and packed my “tools of the trade”: a trusted Sony compact camera, tiny notebook, pen and plenty water. The weekend of 21 -23 October 2011 was blessed with typical Cape weather, sun, wind, rain and a hideous rain storm on the Saturday afternoon – perfect with the ONE as companion!



VISUAL IMPACT

Having owned the e87 120d since 2005, I was keen to square up these two siblings and draw comparisons. The car was delivered to my office promptly on the Friday by the efficient Donford sales team of Tiesa Naude and the first thing that struck me when the old and the new one series stood next to each other was the fact that the new 1- series is undoubtedly a dynamic evolution of the 2004 model, yet bolder, more aggressive and grown up. The new design is far more practical and 85mm larger than that of the outgoing model, and the styling will “grow on” the public once more of these is seen on our roads.

From the side, the 17" star spoke light alloy wheels complimented the racy, squat, purposeful, flowing, forward looking and forward moving appearing newcomer.

Read full coverage here: Review: 118 Sport (F20) Eco Pro Drive