Latest news with #xDrive
Auto Blog
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Here's Why BMW Hasn't Pulled The Trigger On M2 xDrive... Yet
The Most Capable M2 Ever Could Still Be Coming Rumors of an xDrive all-wheel-drive version of the BMW M2 first surfaced around two years ago, but so far, there has been no official confirmation from the automaker. The M2 is still only available with rear-wheel drive, unlike the larger M4 Coupe. However, an executive has told BMW Blog that the M2 xDrive is still an option, while also providing a logical reason for why the grippier AWD setup hasn't yet been introduced on the brand's smallest coupe. It all comes down to production timelines and how often new variants of high-performance M models are launched. BMW M2 xDrive Still An Option Source: BMW Dirk Häcker, the head of research and development at BMW M, told BMW Blog that an M2 xDrive 'could' still happen. He was specifically asked why the M3 and M4 have the optional xDrive system but the M2 does not, and responded with this: 'I think the M3 and M4 CS are in a later stage. We introduced the M2 about two years ago, so we have started with rear-wheel drive. We now offer the M2 CS, and we have a lot of time to the EOP [end of production] of the car. So there could be also ideas to offer for the future of an xDrive system, but there is no final decision.' BMW Blog's sources suggest the xDrive model will go into production from August 2026, alongside the current RWD model. RWD M2 Unique In Its Segment While the possible M2 xDrive is expected to be slightly quicker in a straight line and around a track, the current M2 with RWD is unique in its segment. Audi and BMW don't make comparable small sports coupes, and their closest M2 rivals – the RS3 sedan and CLA 45 S Coupe – are exclusively available with AWD. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Furthermore, the M2 is available with a six-speed manual, which both of these rivals lack. The M2 xDrive, if it does materialize, is expected to be sold exclusively with BMW's eight-speed automatic transmission. The six-cylinder engine is also unique to the M2. For now, M2 fans will have to settle for RWD, but the new M2 CS at least offers a hefty increase in power to 523 horses. One can only imagine how devastating the M2 CS would be with AWD, and we wouldn't rule out the possibility of such a model in the future. Ultimately, it looks like the best of the current M2 is yet to come. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
The Citizen
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Frugal and fast BMW X3 20d proves that diesel is not dead yet
SUV well-priced offering in the premium segment inhabited by Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Because I have been around a while and by that I mean like forever, I was there when all everybody could talk about was diesel. If you didn't have diesel vehicles in your portfolio, you were struggling as a motor manufacturer. This was a time when diesel was the clever option. You didn't buy an oil-burner to show off. You bought it because you were the guy who could drive from Joburg to Cape Town on one tank. BMW keeps the faith Diesel was efficient, torquey and sensible. And then people decided that battery electric vehicles is the thing that was going to save the world. Conveniently ignoring how the batteries are made and that we burn coal to produce electricity to charge these batteries. And that's how diesel ended up in the naughty corner. But thankfully BMW didn't get the memo. Because here we are in 2025 and The Citizen Motoring has just spent a week driving the new G45 X3 20d xDrive M Sport. The idea being to figure out if diesel still has a place in a world that wants everything to plug in, light up, and talk back. And I can say without a doubt it absolutely does. The oil-burner offers the best of both worlds. Picture: Supplied Most of this sentiment is because under the bonnet is BMW's long serving, much-loved, tried-and-tested 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel. It is now paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system to help it not only meet emissions regulations, but to also provide a little extra urge when wanted. Talking of which, you have 145kW of power and 400Nm of torque on tap that runs through an eight-speed auto box to the xDrive all-wheel drive set-up. ALSO READ: PODCAST: Why all-new BMW X3 is just what the doctor ordered BMW X3 20d easy on the juice The BMW X3 20d's forte is gobbling up open road kilometres with absolute ease and returning real world fuel consumption figures that easily live around the mid 6-litres per 100 kilometres and offer close on 1 000 kilometres per tank. But it is also rather brisk for what is seen as the baby of the new BMW X3 range. Not that I think this aspect of my review will interest you too much if you are an out and petrolhead as this is more what the X3 M50 is about. But we had this BMW X3 20d at Gerotek and it hit 100km/h in 7.9 seconds, only just off BMW's claim of 7.7-seconds. Top speed is said to be 215km/h and that is more than enough for those long straight roads in the Karoo. If your conscience and wallet will allow you to treat the N1 as the Autobahn that is. ALSO READ: New BMW X3 ticks all the boxes with versatile powertrain line-up Practicality hasn't been forgotten either as you would expect from a mid-size family orientated SUV. There is a decent amount of space for the rear seat passengers, with 570 litres of boot space. This is expandable to 1 700 if you fold the rear seats down. The new BMW X3 20d is a solid choice. Picture: Supplied Making a lot of sense The latest in digital screens and infotainment systems are in use. And the cabin looks and feels as modern as ever without being too complicated or gimmicky. The BMW X3 20d xDrive is probably as flashy in M Sport trim, as it is well-made. Retailing for around R1 175 000, it is not here to compete with the high-end of the Chinese market. But rather be an exceptionally well-priced offering in the premium segment inhabited by Audi and Mercedes-Benz. ALSO READ: Finally priced: BMW puts stickers on all-new generation X3 You won't win any influencer points driving a diesel in 2025. But if you care about range, torque, comfort, and the ability to drive across provinces without needing to charge anything but your smartphone, this BMW X3 still makes a whole lot of sense. BMW X3 20d test results
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Luxury meets the wild: A weekend escape with the BMW X7 to Marchula Estate
Not every road trip is about chasing thrill. Some are about finding a pause — a chance to disconnect from the pace of city life and settle into a slower rhythm. This was one such drive. A getaway that starts with the journey We left Delhi around midnight, making the most of clear roads and cooler temperatures. The destination — Marchula — lies roughly 270 kilometres away, tucked deep into the lesser-explored edges of the Jim Corbett region. Unlike popular hill stations that crowd up quickly over weekends, Marchula offers something different. It is quiet, less commercial, and more rooted in its natural landscape. Our route took us past Moradabad and Kashipur before we began climbing onto the hills. The BMW X7 xDrive40d handled the change in terrain without any drama. Under the hood, its 3.0-litre inline-six diesel engine delivers 340 hp and 700 Nm of torque. But the power delivery is smooth and refined — it never feels aggressive. Cruising on the highway was quick and easy, but what really stood out was how composed the X7 felt once the road narrowed and the surface began to break up. Thanks to the adaptive air suspension and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, even the uneven mountain stretches felt manageable. The cabin remained quiet throughout, isolating us from road imperfections and keeping fatigue at bay — something you appreciate even more on a long, overnight journey. Arriving in Marchula By morning, we were deep in the forested hills of Uttarakhand. A short river crossing just before Marchula gave us a final reminder of the X7's off-road credibility. Raised suspension, hill descent control, and ample torque helped us through the shallow water crossing without fuss. It is a reminder that despite its luxury leanings, the X7 is more than capable when the terrain changes. Marchula itself is not a place you stumble upon — you come here deliberately. Set on the banks of the Ramganga River, it is a peaceful village surrounded by dense jungle, with very limited development. There are no shopping streets, no cafés, and no crowds. What you get instead is uninterrupted greenery, fresh air, and a real sense of stillness. A stay that matches the mood Our base for the weekend was Marchula Estate, a six-key sustainable retreat that blends seamlessly into the forest. Run by Mansi and Mustafa, the estate offers a low-impact, thoughtful approach to hospitality. It is not about bells and whistles, but about living lightly and creating a space where Nature leads the experience. There are three stand-alone cottages on the hillside — Amaltas, Gulmohar and Deodar — along with three rooms in the main house. Each has a unique aesthetic, built using upcycled wood, natural stone, and local materials. Solar power runs the essentials, and the water is filtered and served in reusable glass bottles. The estate grows its own herbs, composts waste, and encourages guests to adopt a slower pace. Conversations with Mansi and Mustafa revealed that this was not just a business idea. It was a life choice. Tired of the city, they decided to build something more meaningful — not just for themselves, but for their guests and the environment they inhabit. A different kind of weekend There is not much to do at Marchula — and that is exactly the point. Mornings start with mist rising off the river and the occasional call of a barking deer. Afternoons are for long walks along the Ramganga, or sitting with a book while the sunlight filters through the thick canopy. Mobile signal is patchy, and you will not find Wi-Fi. In a setting like this, the BMW X7 stood out for its versatility. Large and luxurious, yes, but also quietly capable. It did not look out of place even in this wild setting. When we did use it to explore nearby villages or take a short drive up into the forest roads, it handled everything with ease — from loose gravel to tight turns. Heading home As we packed up on Sunday afternoon, there was a sense of calm that had replaced the noise we had carried from the city. The X7 was loaded with bags and a weekend's worth of stillness, and the drive back felt shorter somehow — smoother and quieter, both on the road and in our heads. The X7 remained impressive throughout. It delivered what you expect from a flagship luxury SUV — power, comfort and advanced tech — but what really stood out was how well it adapted to every part of the journey. Whether it was the expressway, mountain climbs, or river crossings, the SUV did not miss a beat. Final thoughts If you are looking for a weekend getaway that is offbeat, peaceful and rooted in nature, Marchula should be on your radar. It is far enough to feel like an escape, yet reachable within a half-day's drive from Delhi. And if you are lucky enough to do it in something like the BMW X7, the journey itself becomes part of the reward. Together, Marchula Estate and the X7 delivered a rare combination — comfort and connection. Not just to a place, but to the idea of slowing down. Something most of us could use a little more of. Motorscribes, in association with The Hindu, brings you the latest in cars and bikes. Follow them on Instagram on @motorscribes.
Forbes
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving The 2025 BMW iX—From Caterpillar To Butterfly
BMW iX When sitting at traffic lights in a BMW iX in 2021, a van driver rolled down his window to shout 'Not the prettiest, is it?" Five minutes later, a gentleman asked me where he could buy one. It's continued to divide opinion since its release, but BMW has recently introduced some desirable changes to what could be their best car yet. There's no escaping the large kidney grille, but a new mesh pattern enhances things, and buyers can now specify an illuminated grille surround. Likewise, the black trapezoid (cheek) sections found previously below each headlight are now body-coloured on Sport models, and have been replaced entirely with sharp inlets on M Sport models; the headlights are new too. It's less visually awkward, and dare I say it: it's a handsome brute, but then, I've always harboured fondness for the iX. BMW iX £75,000 ($75,150) gets you the entry-level iX xDrive45, which adds 82 bhp and 125lb ft over its predecessor, the xDrive40. This means 408 bhp and 516lb ft, while BMW claims the larger 94.8Wh battery will return 374 miles, a 100-mile increase. Upgrading to M Sport costs £3,000 ($4,500), but this only adds extra trim bits and if you want the more powerful xDrive60, like the model tested here, you'll need to spend an additional £15,000, or $13,350 for those overseas. I was collected in a 7 Series so I didn't get lost in the Cotswolds countryside, which I did anyway, but that's another story. I was reclined; the massager attempting to loosen 30 years of back knots as the chair cooled my behind—bliss. 2025 BMW iX Wafting around the English countryside in the iX was almost as blissful. I wasn't reclined, the local 5-0 would frown at that, nor did I have a massive 31-inch TV to gawk at, but I was serene. My sound meter recorded 63 dB at 60mph as the wind whipped around its wing mirrors without a whisper, and at lower speeds, the meter dipped to 59 dB. Even with the monstrous 22-inch wheels fitted it was silent, but that's helped with BMW's foam absorption technology, which reduces tyre noise. It's eerily quiet. BMW iX boot The cabin is airy and light and you feel usefully perched forward. There's heaps of room and opening the boot reveals a large 1,750-liter cargo area. If you fancy a bit of fun, the iX will also oblige. It's no sports car, of course, but it will still corner precisely and respond to sharp steering inputs. The xDrive60 feeds 544 bhp and 564lb ft through all four wheels, meaning 0-to-62 mph takes 4.6 seconds; the top end is 124 mph. It's mighty fast for a 2,580kg SUV. I decided to go off-route and find Jeremy Clarkson's farm shop after watching every season of Clarkson's Farm. What was meant to be a 21-mile journey turned into a tour around the Cotswolds because of various road closures. BMW iX Exceeding 35 miles, I finally reached Clarkson's farm shop. After a quick browse through the aptly-named produce, I headed back to the venue where the efficiency readout showed 3.0mi/kWh on arrival. BMW claims the xDrive60 will return 426 miles thanks to its gargantuan 109.1kWh (usable) battery. It'll also charge at 11kW AC and DC is up to 195kW, meaning the 10-80% charge takes just 35 minutes for the latter. BMW has done a fine job at making the iX not only more appealing, but by giving it more power, and range, to boot. The entry-level Sport gets a Harman Kardon surround system, electrically adjustable front seats, steering wheel heating, all-wheel drive, a heat pump, and DC charging up to 175kW, a decent standard kit list. If you can, go for the xDrive60. You get more power, tech, charging capability, and range. Oh, and it looks much nicer. Follow me on Instagram.
NZ Autocar
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
BMW NZ expands X3 range with new entry-level petrol variant
BMW New Zealand will expand its local X3 lineup later this year with the arrival of a new petrol-powered entry model, the BMW X3 20 xDrive. The addition will round out the fourth-generation X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) range, which already includes the 20d xDrive diesel, 30e xDrive plug-in hybrid, and the high-performance M50 xDrive. How much power does the X3 20 xDrive have? Powering the X3 20 xDrive is a 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo in-line four-cylinder engine paired with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. The setup produces 140kW of power and 310Nm of torque, with the mild-hybrid system contributing an additional 8kW and 25Nm via a belt-integrated starter-generator. Read more 2024 BMW X3 20d xDrive Review BMW says the hybrid assistance enhances responsiveness during acceleration and take-off, while also ensuring smoother operation of the automatic start/stop system. Energy for the electric boost is drawn from a 48-volt battery housed beneath the luggage compartment. What is the fuel consumption of the BMW X3 20 xDrive? Performance-wise, the X3 20 xDrive accelerates from 0–100km/h in a claimed 8.5 seconds and has a combined fuel consumption of 7.6L/100km. The new variant brings with it all the enhancements of the fourth-generation X3, including a refreshed design, improved chassis dynamics, sustainable interior materials, and BMW's latest Operating System 9 infotainment interface. Specification levels will align with the current X3 20d xDrive, with the primary difference being the petrol powertrain. It is priced at $97,900. Updated BMW X3 line-up Powertrain and drive Max. Power (kW) Torque (Nm) 0-100km/h (secs) Price* 20 xDrive 2.0L T IL4 petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid; 8-speed auto; xDrive 140 310 7.6 $97,900* 20d xDrive 2.0L IL4 diesel engine with 48V mild-hybrid; 8-speed auto; xDrive 145 400 7.7 $111,900* xDrive30e 2.0L T IL4 petrol engine with fifth generation BMW eDrive plug-in hybrid technology; 8-speed auto; xDrive 220 450 6.2 $118,900* M50 xDrive 3.0L IL6 T petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid; 8-speed auto; xDrive 293 580 4.6 $150,900*
