Latest news with #iDrive
TimesLIVE
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
AC Schnitzer gives the BMW M5 a boost
AC Schnitzer is offering an exclusive upgrade package to enhance the power, appearance and all-round performance of the latest BMW M5 saloon (G90) and estate (G99) models. Starting with the engine, the German tuning firm has managed to extract a few more horses from the car's 4.4 l twin-turbocharged hybrid V8 — 596kW, up from 535kW. This increase is due in part to a fruitier-sounding, freer-flowing AC Schnitzer stainless steel exhaust system, which features four 110mm tailpipes finished in racy 'carbon sport'. A special suspension spring kit lowers the ride height by about 20mm, while a full set of 21-inch AC Schnitzer AC6 lightweight forged wheels (with a Y-spoke design) help slice unsprung mass for sharper handling at the limit. Available in natural aluminium or gloss black, the wheels are shod with 285/35 tyres at the front and 295/35 at the rear. For those who prefer to keep the standard rims for a more under-the-radar look, AC Schnitzer offers aluminium wheel spacers (7mm per side) to better fill out the arches. The exterior has also been amped up with an aggressive-looking aerodynamic package that's said to improve high-speed stability and balance. It consists of a front splitter, front side wings, side skirts, roof spoiler or wing (depending on the model), rear spoiler (saloon only), a three-piece rear diffuser and unique design elements for the front fenders. Image: Supplied Interior upgrades are more subtle, including aluminium pedals, a matching footrest, a key holder and an aluminium cover for the iDrive controller. AC Schnitzer says all these components are in development. Availability, delivery dates and pricing will be announced soon.
Top Gear
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
BMW 2 Series Coupe Interior Layout & Technology
So, it's inside where the most obvious updates have come. The giant 'Curved Display' now dominates the dash with its 12.3in dial display and a 14.9in infotainment screen. The central touchscreen is supremely clear and responsive, but we still think the menus in this current BMW system are too fiddly. The iDrive wheel remains, but removing the programmable shortcut buttons is an own goal. The 2024 facelift didn't really include many changes to the actual face of the 2 Series Coupe. In fact, it essentially added some new exterior colour options and then changed some of the trim from black to body colour. The physical climate control buttons have also gone, but BMW says that you can now activate the air con, front seat heating and (if fitted) the steering wheel heating using voice control. Good luck if you've got a regional accent. Overall cabin quality does look more expensive than the 220i's sub-£40k start price would have you believe, though. Is it comfortable? The chunky front seats do their job well whatever your shape, and put you in a low-slung straight-ahead driving position with an equally chunky, flat-bottomed steering wheel in your hands. Sitting in the driver or passenger chair is generally a great place to be, even if you haven't spent the extra £890 on the optional M Sport seats. Any adults in the back wouldn't be so happy, though. It has only two sets of belts and head restraints, and leg and headroom are tight. Anyway, this is clearly not a car for people who have people. Then again, you could say the same of a 4 Series. The 2 and the 4 really do seem to do the same job equally well.
Miami Herald
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
BMW Isn't Going to Like the Genesis GV70's 27-Inch Dash Display
Although there's a push in the industry to return to physical buttons, switches, and dials rather than touchscreen-only controls, there's no going back to a time when cars were screenless. Technology will only become more advanced, and touchscreens are a present reality that's not going away anytime soon. It took BMW several iterations of its iDrive system before it got it right, having started in 2001 in the 7-Series. BMW's iDrive 8.5 is now present on most of the brand's current models, with infotainment screens ranging from 10.7 inches in the 2-Series up to 14.9 inches in models like the 7-Series, X5, and XM. iDrive 8.5 is beautiful, easy to operate, and quick to respond–together with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the expansive setups are the focal point of the premium cabins. However, Hyundai's luxury arm, Genesis, has something to say about that, with a huge 27-inch panoramic OLED display in models like the GV70, which we recently drove. It's sleek, futuristic, and user-friendly-and BMW definitely won't like how good it is. The GV70 has already earned praise for its refined driving manners, powerful engine choices, unique styling, premium materials, and outstanding value. But the 2026 model, part of Genesis's mid-cycle refresh, introduces what could be its most game-changing feature: the massive 27-inch digital display. Unlike many automakers that split screen real estate into separate gauge clusters and infotainment screens, the version in the GV70 is one big swath of electronic goodness with no black frame partition in between. Drivers can split the screen if so desired, but no line of demarcation prevents full-width display. The result is a sweeping curved display that enhances usability while offering a visual smorgasbord of menus and driver data in one stunning layout. Genesis says the screen was inspired by the horizon, a design meant to increase visual calmness while maintaining important vehicular information. The OLED panel delivers vivid color, deep contrast, crisp fonts, and smooth transitions, making navigation, vehicle settings, and media playback feel intuitive and premium. Widgets are customizable, too, and the redesigned interface is easier to read and decipher than BMWs, reducing the time needed to operate functions. Genesis did its homework, and the payoff is one that balances style and user friendliness. Genesis hasn't forgotten those who love to drive, either, being a brand that's committed to excellent physical controls, not just on-screen touch controls. The revised center stack provides knobs for audio, temperature control, and infotainment selection. They're wonderfully tactile with great knurling, and they're also nicely sized for easy operation without having to take your eyes off the road. As we mentioned before, the current BMW Drive 8.5 is one of the best in the industry, after numerous also-ran versions before it. On top of that, the iDrive infotainment system was one of the first to shift control to a rotary knob and screen-based menu system, and the brand continues to innovate with features like natural voice control and augmented-reality navigation. The 2025 BMW X3, now entering a new generation, comes with BMW's iDrive 9 system and a curved display of its own: a 12.3-inch digital cluster paired with a huge 14.9-inch touchscreen, both slightly angled toward the driver. It's a clean, functional setup, but also one that relies on on-screen climate controls rather than switchgear like the GV70's. BMW's recent shift toward touchscreen-only climate controls and deep menu layers for common functions can be frustrating, overly complicating simple operations. While BMW's tech is undeniably powerful, it often feels more like software designed by engineers rather than something intuitive or joyful to use. That's where Genesis not only creates beautiful and seamless screens, but it also carefully thinks about the user experience. The GV70's 27-inch screen seems more fluid in its operation, and climate controls remain accessible through physical knobs below the screen. It seems the Germans prefer a bit of obfuscation, as the menus are visually cluttered and complex. Genesis avoids this, and it speaks volumes about the brand. Yes, BMW still eclipses Genesis sales figures, but the South Korean luxury brand is making some serious headway. BMW still leads the segment in terms of raw sales, but Genesis has become an increasingly uncomfortable competitor in the Bavarian's rearview mirror. In 2023, BMW sold approximately 65,000 X3s in the U.S., while Genesis sold just under 25,000 GV70s -a respectable number for a relatively new player in a game BMW has been playing for a long time. Genesis exhibited more growth than BMW and Lexus, while Audi has dropped. With the 2026 refresh, Genesis is leaning hard into its tech set. The 27-inch display isn't just a flashy update; it's a direct challenge to BMW in functionality and style. Genesis is making a strong statement that it's not just playing catch-up; it wants to lead the pack. That same 27-inch stunner is also in the G70 sedan and GV80 SUV. Watch the cascade continue. Of course, the GV70 isn't just about the in-car technology. It offers a choice of robust engines, including a 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a powerful 375-horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, both with standard all-wheel drive. The ride and quiet road manners are improved for 2026, yet the GV70 remains responsive, with quick launches and confident cornering ability. Interior materials continue to rival German rivals, with quilted Nappa leather, real aluminum trim, and a clean, airy cabin layout. For 2025, Genesis has also improved cabin ergonomics and updated the rotary shifter and climate controls for a more streamlined experience. The upgraded and much larger screen also gave rise to an improved center stack and center console. Add standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a new wireless device charger, and driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and blind-spot monitoring, and the GV70 continues to check just about every premium box that a BMW X3 can, for a lower price. Genesis is onto something, and it's not just value. When a newer brand matches or exceeds your tech, comfort, and build quality (often for less money), consumers start to question the premium charged for Bimmers. Genesis was once viewed as an also-ran, lacking the power, polish, and technology of the Germans. Just a handful of years ago, Genesis was considered an alternative brand that was more accessible but less desirable. That's no longer the case when you put them side-by-side. Genesis understands this shift in mastery and execution and is capitalizing on it. The 27-inch display is more than a screen, it's a statement that the brand is going after BMW's meal with a big fork and knife. Rather than being a copy of BMW, Genesis is doing things its own way, and sometimes even better than the rest of the field. No one will choose the GV70 over an X3 simply due to the displays, but there's no denying that it's an important part of the sport-luxury SUV conversation. It's the entire package, of course, but the Genesis package is that much more compelling with cutting-edge electronics, great visuals, and smooth operation. 2025 GV70's 27-inch panoramic display won't make the X3 obsolete, but it may make it feel unnecessarily complicated. Oh, and those Genesis physical controls add more than just icing to this South Korean automotive cake. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Edinburgh Reporter
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Edinburgh Reporter
What to Do When Your BMW Breaks Down? Ask the Breakers, Not the Dealer
When your BMW lets you down, your first instinct might be to call the dealership. But more and more drivers across Edinburgh and the UK are discovering a better way to get back on the road: BMW breakers. Image source: MT Auto Parts If it's a blown turbo, faulty ECU, or a cracked headlight, the dealership route often means long lead times and high prices. But BMW breakers like MT Auto Parts are changing the game, focusing on offering original BMW parts at significantly lower costs, delivered nationwide, including straight to your mechanic's door in Edinburgh in only 24 to 48 hours. Why BMW Breakers Are Becoming the First Call In 2024, the UK's automotive aftermarket was valued at £22 billion, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), with a growing number of car owners choosing used and refurbished parts over new OEM alternatives. This shift isn't just about cost, it's about speed, sustainability, and smarter ownership. Take BMW parts, for example. A new iDrive screen or headlight module from the dealer could easily set you back £1,000 or more. That same genuine part, tested and sourced from a dismantled vehicle, might cost half, or even less, from a trusted BMW breaker. The Problem With Dealerships It's no secret that dealership servicing is expensive. According to Compare the Market, dealership repairs cost on average 34% more than independent garages, and that doesn't even factor in parts they use. Many BMW drivers wait weeks for basic items like gear selectors or ECUs. And when the quote lands? Expect premium prices. Worse still, parts for older BMWs (especially F generation models) are sometimes no longer stocked by dealers at all. What Makes MT Auto Parts Different? MT Auto Parts is one of the UK's leading BMW breakers. Based in South Yorkshire, they specialise in dismantling BMWs from 2012 onwards, focusing on F and G generation models. Their warehouse stock includes: Complete engines and automatic transmissions iDrive units, ECUs, instrument clusters M Sport bumpers, mirrors, and door trims Hybrid and electric drivetrain components And other BMW spare parts and accessories Parts are cleaned and tested if needed and listed with model, part numbers and high-quality pictures, so you know exactly what you're getting. Their BMW parts are backed by a 30-day warranty (T&Cs apply), and most orders reach customers within 48 hours, including in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other UK mainland cities. Edinburgh Drivers Are Catching On Edinburgh drivers are no strangers to high running costs, especially with premium models. Whether you're driving a 520d or an X3, odds are you've faced the dealership price wall. Local garages are now increasingly working with parts sourced from national BMW breakers, cutting costs for customers without sacrificing quality. Why Choose a Breaker Over a Budget Online Seller? There's no shortage of cheap parts online, but with BMWs, quality matters. The last thing you want is a questionable aftermarket part that causes a bigger issue down the line. MT Auto Parts deals only in genuine BMW car spares, OEM parts pulled from real vehicles, matched by chassis number and thoroughly inspected (if needed) before sale. That means better fitment, longer lifespan, and far fewer headaches for your mechanic. Final Word: A Smarter Way to Repair Your BMW If your BMW has broken down or you're in need of a key component, don't wait weeks and pay over the odds at the dealership. Trusted BMW breakers offer a faster, more affordable solution, and most reliable ones, they deliver across the UK, including to customers and garages in Edinburgh. One of the most trusted BMW breakers in the UK is MT Auto Parts. Browse their availability today and find needed used BMW parts, compare prices, and see why over 20,000 BMW drivers trust this car breaker, to keep their BMWs running at their best. Like this: Like Related
7NEWS
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz team up to develop connected vehicle software
Germany's automakers – the Volkswagen Group, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz – are teaming with up the nation's auto suppliers to jointly develop underlying software for vehicles. They are part of a consortium of 11 companies brought together by Germany's Automotive Industry Association (VDA) that will develop an open-source software stack, which will authenticate car components and handle communication between them as well as with cloud services, customer interfaces, and the overarching operating systems of vehicles. Most of the software being developed by the consortium will be 'non-differentiating', and not items that drivers or passengers will directly interact with. This means that user interfaces, such as BMW's iDrive and Mercedes-Benz's MBUX, will continue to be developed in-house, and remain completely distinct from each other. Members of the consortium are also free to continue developing, distributing and using their own software as required. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. But by coming together, the companies hope to bring down the cost of software development, while also speeding up new model delivery times 'in order to stay competitive in the global market'. Established automakers from Europe, Asia and the US have largely been caught flat-footed by the Chinese automotive industry's speedy rise up the leaderboard over the last few years. Many factors have contributed to their success, including sharp pricing, more appealing designs, and eye-catching user-facing technology. Thanks in part to their large home market, Chinese automakers have also been able to iterate their designs and technologies at a fierce pace. The consortium plans to have the first version of its software stack available for use in development vehicles by 2026, and hopes to have its tech in showrooms by 2030. Other companies involved in the consortium include Bosch, Continental, ETAS, Hella, Qorix, Valeo Brain, Vector, and ZF. According to Automobil Woche, talks are already under way to bring French automakers and suppliers into the consortium via that country's automotive association.
