Unveiled at the Frieze Los Angeles art fair, the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, named after Mahlangu’s eldest son, showcases an animated exterior. This animation is made possible by two strips adorned with millions of microcapsules of E Ink spread across the car’s hood, roof, sides, and rear. These strips can be electronically controlled to shift the color particles’ structure, allowing for dynamic visual effects.

The i5’s unique exterior is made up of 1,349 sections of individually controllable E Ink film, meticulously cut by laser to fit the sedan’s contoured surfaces. This advancement signifies a leap from the Dee concept, with the technology now capable of displaying an even broader array of colors. Furthermore, improvements have made the E Ink film more durable, hinting at its potential for mainstream production, though it remains exclusive to concept models at present. Adding to the car’s uniqueness, BMW commissioned Renzo Vitale, an acoustic engineer and sound designer, to create a distinctive sound for the i5 Flow NOSTOKANA.

Reflecting on its roots, the #12 BMW Art Car made a historic return to South Africa this month, over three decades since its debut. Meanwhile, BMW is finalizing its #20 Art Car, the M Hybrid V8 endurance racer, designed by Julie Mehretu, set to be revealed on May 21.

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Equally Matched Power

The power spectrum ranges from 490 horsepower in the Nio ET5 to 513 horsepower in the Tesla. In this case, the G80 M3, equipped with the M xDrive all-wheel drive, closely follows the Tesla with 510 horsepower. In terms of torque, the M3 brings 479 lb-ft to the table, the Model 3 Performance offers 487 lb-ft, and the ET5 delivers 516 lb-ft. In the weight department, the G80 M3 comes in at 1855 kilograms, the Model 3 weighs 1919 kg, and the ET5 is the heaviest at 2160 kg.

In the first drag race, which starts at 1:53, the G80 M3 gets off to a less-than-ideal start despite using active launch control. However, in both the second race, commencing at 2:35, and the third race, beginning at 3:30, the combustion engine of the M3 dominates, leaving the electric cars no chance and securing a decisive victory in the quarter-mile sprint. The Tesla Model 3 Performance consistently outpaces the Nio ET5, but all three vehicles operate at an exceptionally high level. It’s evident that electric cars pose a formidable challenge for combustion engines, especially in those critical initial moments.

From 5:00 onwards, the three-way battle transitions to everyday driving conditions with a rolling start. As expected, the BMW M3 struggles in this scenario, requiring several gear shifts during an unexpected kickdown before achieving full acceleration. In contrast, the Tesla Model 3 and Nio ET5 effortlessly unleash their maximum performance and quickly leave the M3 behind.

At 5:35, we witness the remarkable difference in the BMW M3’s performance when all settings are dialed to their sportiest. Nevertheless, the M3 only truly shines when it’s in the optimal gear at the start of the drag race, as seen from 6:35 when it starts at 80 km/h in third gear, enabling it to pull ahead seamlessly right from the beginning.

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It’s worth noting that the zero-emission Gran Coupe boasts a pair of electric motors generating a combined 396 horsepower and an instant torque of 443 pound-feet. It’s important to mention that both the i4 and i5 in the eDrive40 trim offer 335 hp, but the i4 eDrive40 delivers 317 lb-ft of torque, while the i5 eDrive40 offers only 295 lb-ft. It remains unclear whether there will be any differences in the case of the xDrive models.

In related news, the 550e xDrive also appears in the document as a plug-in hybrid model, a confirmation that was awaited for the US market until now. It carries a price tag of $73,800. Additionally, in the coming year, likely as a 2025 model year offering, the M5 Sedan is expected to make its debut as the flagship model, boasting over 700 horsepower from a plug-in hybrid setup based on the new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 “S68” engine. While the M division has confirmed the return of the M5 Touring, it remains uncertain whether this high-performance wagon will be available in the United States.

Source: BMW USA

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Zipse assured participants that the new concept car is remarkably close to standard production, making it a reliable indicator of what we can expect in 2025. BMW plans to commence production of the first models on the NE architecture in 2025 at the newly established Debrecen plant in Hungary. Subsequently, Munich and Shanghai will follow suit a year later. Additionally, the luxury brand has already confirmed its intentions to assemble NE-based vehicles in San Luis Potosi and Spartanburg in the latter half of the decade.

BMW is taking the lead with its new lineup of electric vehicles, which will include a sedan and a crossover in the 3 Series segment. These vehicles, akin to a globally available i3 (currently exclusive to China) and the next-generation iX3, will be powered by cylindrical batteries that promise impressive improvements. Specifically, they will deliver a 20% increase in energy density while reducing weight by 20%.

BMW’s sixth-generation battery technology is set to revolutionize the EV market with its numerous advantages. Notably, it will offer 30% faster charging speeds, 50% lower production costs, and an impressive 60% reduction in CO2 emissions during the manufacturing process.

To cater to different vehicle types, BMW is developing two battery sizes. SUVs will be equipped with 120-mm tall cells, while smaller vehicles will feature 95-mm cells. Both battery types will substantially increase the range compared to the current generation of EVs, with an expected improvement of up to 30%. However, the company has clarified that it is not planning to pursue a range of more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), as it would be excessive.

In terms of charging, the efficiency of these new batteries is remarkable. Spending just a minute at a charging station will provide an additional range of 30 miles (48 kilometers). Moreover, a mere 12 minutes of charging will be sufficient to replenish the battery from 0% to 95%. Even after a decade of use, the batteries are projected to retain 80% of their original performance, showcasing their durability and long-term viability.

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The 2024 i4 eDrive35 can now be ordered with several new packages: the M Sport Package, Convenience Package (ZCV), and Premium Package (ZPP). The Convenience Package includes lumbar support, heated front seats, Iconic Sounds Electric, and wireless charging. On the other hand, the Premium Package incorporates everything from the Convenience Package but also adds a heated steering wheel and the curved display with a head-up display.

Unfortunately, there is no information available regarding the pricing of these packages or any new individual options that may be offered. However, one notable new option for the i4 is the Icon Adaptive LED Headlights with Laserlight. Additionally, it remains unclear whether the BMW i4 will receive any new standard equipment. Nonetheless, there is news of a slight price increase for the i4, with a $200 bump from $52,000 to $52,200.

The BMW i4 eDrive35 serves as the entry-level model and is the least powerful and fastest variant in the lineup. It utilizes a single rear electric motor, which is the same motor found in the pricier i4 eDrive40. However, the motor is detuned for the base model, producing 282 horsepower compared to the 335 horsepower of the more expensive version. The entry-level i4 also offers a slightly lower maximum range of 256 miles, while the higher-end model can reach up to 301 miles. Nevertheless, the performance discrepancy is minimal, as BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds for the base model, just 0.3 seconds slower than the more expensive variant.

For many customers, outright performance and range are not the primary concerns when choosing an electric vehicle. Instead, they seek comfort, well-equipped features, and practicality, especially at a lower price point. With the introduction of these new optional extras, the BMW i4 eDrive35 is poised to become even more appealing to potential buyers. BMW’s intention is to make the model even more popular than it already is. Moreover, the i4 eDrive35 presents a more cost-effective option overall, allowing customers to acquire a well-rounded electric car with decent range at an attractive price.

[Source: BMWBLOG via Bimmerpost]

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In the teaser videos, we are treated to a glimpse of the new BMW 5 Series, showcasing its illuminated kidney grille with slimmer headlights featuring arrow-shaped daytime running lights similar to those found on the 2024 X5 and X6. The grille is wide, but not overly tall, and the headlights are a single cluster rather than two separate modules like those on the larger 7 Series, X7, and XM. Inside, the center touchscreen is quite large and runs on the recently debuted Operating System 8.5, which was first featured on the i7 M70 and will be introduced in more affordable models over time.

On the day of the reveal, we will also get to see the M Performance version, the i5 M60, which boasts a dual-motor setup with 590 horsepower. Additionally, a more affordable rear-wheel-drive variant known as the i5 eDrive40 will be available, offering a respectable 335 horsepower. This base electric model is estimated to have a range of up to 362 miles (582 kilometers) in the WLTP cycle or 295 miles (475 kilometers) for the US version rated by the EPA.

BMW will also offer the G60-generation 5 Series with several four- and six-cylinder engines for those who prefer traditional internal combustion engines. However, the M550i may not be returning, leaving the M5 as the only option for those seeking a V8 engine with its plug-in hybrid setup based on the “S68” engine. The flagship M5 sedan is expected to debut next year, with an M5 Touring likely following soon after. Additionally, the i5 will receive a wagon variant in 2024.

Following its global debut later this month, the new 5 Series is anticipated to hit the market in the second half of the year.

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According to Car and Driver, the South Korean automaker is working on a high-performance version of the Ioniq 5. The Ioniq 5 N is expected to have some impressive specs, making it a potential competitor to the 576 horsepower KIA EV6 GT. C&D claims that the Ioniq 5 N will likely have around 600 horsepower from its dual electric motors. Although there are no official specs available yet, this is exciting news for those who are eagerly anticipating its release.

The Ioniq 5 N is camouflaged in snowy test mules, making it hard to visualize the car’s final design. However, it’s expected to have sportier features, such as wider fenders, a lower front bumper, a rear diffuser, a lower ride height, and a small rear spoiler. The car is said to look playful in the snow, drifting around and shooting white rooster tails in the air.

Hyundai brought C&D along to test the Ioniq 5 N prototype, and it seems to be a promising little performance EV. It features an electronically controlled limited-slip differential at the rear axle, which helps shift torque between the rear wheels, providing exceptional lateral performance. Most EV manufacturers avoid additional diffs as they put a damper on efficiency, but when it comes to high-performance cars, lateral performance is more important than a small efficiency bump.

Former BMW M boss Albert Biermann is largely responsible for where Hyundai is today. The new Ioniq 5 N is a testament to what Biermann brought from BMW to Hyundai, making it a genuine rival for the Bavarians. The Ioniq 5 N is something that BMW should absolutely be keeping an eye on. To see just how far Hyundai has come in terms of making genuinely fun performance cars, check out the prototype drive review from C&D.

[Photos: Hyundai Press]

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The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is an exclusive annual event in Italy where the world’s most luxurious and exclusive vehicles are displayed, and it’s the perfect venue for the premiere of the i7 M70. BMW has not provided many details about the car, but it has confirmed that it will be an all-electric M Performance model of the 7 Series and will feature an exclusive two-tone finish.

The i7 M70 will sit at the top of BMW’s electric vehicle lineup with a pair of motors that will deliver a combined output of “well over” 600 horsepower and more than 737 pound-feet of torque. The original press release stated that the i7 M70 xDrive would have as much as 660 horsepower with the overboost function, making it the most powerful BMW production car ever.

However, the i7 M70’s reign as the most powerful BMW may be short-lived, as the company has already announced the XM Label Red, which will pack nearly 750 horsepower from a plug-in hybrid V8 setup. The i7 M70 will have a dual-motor setup that will enable it to go from 0 to 62 mph in less than four seconds, making it a super sedan that is sure to impress.

While BMW has not revealed the pricing of the i7 M70, it is expected to cost significantly more than the i7 xDrive60, which is available in the United States from $119,300. BMW charges an extra $24,400 for the iX M60 compared to the iX xDrive50, and it remains to be seen whether the i7 M70 will hit the $150,000 mark.

The i7 M70 is not the only M Performance electric car to be revealed this year. BMW is also planning to give the next-generation 5 Series Sedan an i5 M60, and in 2024, an i5 Touring will be launched. It’ll be interesting to see whether the long-roof model will also get the M60 treatment.

Overall, the i7 M70 is an exciting addition to BMW’s electric vehicle lineup, and it’s sure to turn heads when it makes its debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2023.

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Standard features include LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, and a black Senstatec/cloth interior. The M Sport package adds aerodynamic visuals, Shadowline black exterior trim, 18-inch aerodynamic wheels, an M Sport steering wheel, and an Alcantara/Sensatec interior with blue contrasting accents. Due to its lower cost, the BMW i4 eDrive35 may become the volume seller in the UK.

This vehicle is ideal for city-dwellers who have access to charging stations and don’t require long-range batteries. Despite its lower power output, the i4 eDrive35 has sufficient acceleration of under six seconds, and its rear-wheel drive and premium interior make it an attractive option for its price.

“Following the huge success we have seen with BMW i4 in the Corporate and Fleet markets since launch, we are very pleased to bring the eDrive35 model to the UK portfolio. We’re offering this model in Sport and M Sport trims, which both include an impressive level of standard equipment, including 18 inch alloy wheels, alongside a range of up to 299 miles. This latest model to join the i4 range will make electric driving accessible to even more of our customers.” said Steve Roberts, General Manager, Corporate Sales, BMW UK.

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According to BMW sources, the first M-engineered fully electric car will not arrive until the Neue Klasse family of cars is on the road. This means that the first-ever BMW i5M will likely not arrive until then. The G60 BMW 5 Series, set to be unveiled this Spring, will use the flexible CLAR architecture, with a focus on combustion engines. However, the integration of electrified drives is expected to become more prevalent, and by 2025 the focus will shift towards electric drivetrains.

If you are looking for an M-lite electric sedan, the BMW i5 M60 could be your only choice for a while. Rumors suggest that the 2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive will send nearly 600 horsepower to all four wheels, with a torque level similar to, if not better than, the iX M60 at 811 pound-feet of torque. The i5 will weigh significantly less than the massive iX crossover, providing a lower center of gravity, similar to the already high-selling i4 M50, and delivering excellent driving dynamics.

Although the i5M may not be arriving anytime soon, an electrified BMW M5 will be part of the G60 5 Series generation, featuring an “S68” 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with a hybrid electric motor. The range of the hybrid electric motor is expected to be around 30 miles, but the power output should be sufficient at 715 horsepower.

While the rumors of the BMW i5M are exciting, BMW has yet to confirm any plans of bringing an i5M to the next generation G60 5 Series. However, the shift towards electric drivetrains means that we can expect to see more electrified models from BMW, including the potential arrival of the i5 M60 in the future, along with the electrified M5. Only time will tell what the future holds for BMW and its electrification strategy.

[Render www.instagram.com/germanysfinest43]

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