2014 BMW X5

there are vendors and ancillary manufacturers who need to know what the car looks like, so they can produce the appropriate components or models. The new Viper was more or less previewed by a Hot Wheels scale model, and the same appears to be true of the new BMW X5 crossover. Malaysian blog Cars Bikes Trucks (via Jalopnik) spotted these images of the new BMW X5 in a brochure from scale model builders Jadi Modelcraft.

Clearly we’re not looking at a 1/18 scale representation here; instead, the images appear to be press photos of the new BMW crossover, set to debut later this year. While the new X5 is clearly just a design evolution from the current X5, we can see the family resemblance to the new 3 Series in the car’s front end. The headlights in particular carry a familiar shape where they meet the grille, and both headlights and taillights are downsized per current styling trends.

We’re not sure if the new X5 will offer up a third row option, but the spy shots and spy video of test mules we’ve seen appear to be a bit bigger than the outgoing X5. We’ll need to wait for official details from BMW to know for sure, however. As for when the new X5 will debut, some speculate that it could be at this week’s Detroit Auto Show. BMW’s usual process is to release details and images of the car ahead of a major show, so we’re not expecting to see the X5 in Detroit (where BMW will already debut the 4 Series Coupe Concept and the M6 Gran Coupe).

The time is ripe for the new X5 to be shown off, and these low quality and somewhat dithered images which were leaked onto the web, certainly look official. Infact, the BMW X5 has been slowing dropping its camo to reveal more and more of its flesh and these images confirm our suspicions on the new design elements the X5 would inherit from the current BMW lineup. 2014 BMW X5.

Those elements being the BMW Air Curtain technology which features air vents in the front bumper designed to channel air. These vents have been stylized somewhat with border contrasting color which befits the the SUV body much more. Also seen here is the possibility of the front fender vent, ie. the boomerang vent that we've seen on the F32 concept car. Its not clear from these photos if its simply an impression in the sheetmetal or an actual vent, but past spy photos have certainly suggest there would be an actual vent. We shall see.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1081653_is-this-the-2014-bmw-x5

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2013 BMW 328i Sports Wagon

The 2013 wagon drives much like the sedan, feeling poised and balanced overall. The steering is a little light and lacking in feel, but it is accurate. Torsional stiffness is said to be up by 10 percent, and the wagon certainly felt solid and was particularly quiet, which is not easy to achieve when the cabin is so large and extends over the rear axle. The turbocharged four pulls strongly, and we estimate a 0-to-60-mph time of about six seconds, or 0.3 to 0.4 second slower than a 328i sedan. 2013 BMW 328i Sports Wagon.

Even in throttle-dulling eco-pro mode, the transmission is always willing to find the right gear quickly, according to the demands of your right foot. The stop-start system stays out of the driver’s way in operation, but you definitely know when the engine turns on and off. Engine noise and vibration at idle and during startup will have to be reduced by an order of magnitude before these systems become transparent. 2013 BMW 328i Sports Wagon Interior.

The new Sports Wagon will go into production next spring and arrive here shortly afterward. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but if we apply the sedan-to-wagon increase from the prior generation to the new one, we’d expect a base price of about $40,000 for the rear-drive wagon and a two-grand premium for all-wheel drive. For fans of station wagons, the fact that a new five-door 3-series is here at all is good news. That it looks great and drives competently might be considered bonuses. BMW 328i Sports Wagon 2013.

The lift-over height into the cargo area is lower than on the preceding car, and the liftgate opening is several inches wider for easier loading. The hatch is now power operated, and the rear window once again can be opened independently of the sheetmetal. BMW offers the hands-free ability to open the hatch by waving your foot under the bumper, provided the proximity key is with you. This is a feature we’ve seen on European Passat wagons and the latest Ford Escape.

There are a couple of storage compartments under the trunk floor. The forward one has some deep wells, and the rearmost one can hold the roll-up luggage cover when you need it out of the way for taller cargo. Overall, the new model looks a bit sleeker, thanks to the increased length and a beltline that rises more sharply than before. Inside, the wagon looks just like the latest sedan. It has all of that model’s new features, such as the engine stop-start system; an “eco pro” driving mode; electrically boosted steering; and Sport, Modern, Luxury, and M Sport trim options.

Source: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-bmw-3-series-sports-wagon-first-drive-review

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