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Aug 5, 2010 | Canadian Driver: 2011 BMW 335is Coupe

Perfect steering, braking, and cornering

“Steering, braking and cornering are exactly what everyone says about the 3 Series — perfect.”

- James Bergeron, Canadian Driver, July 26, 2010

James Bergeron of Canadian Driver had a week with BMW’s new 335is, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. He had a fully loaded 335is coupe, including navigation, Executive Package, and of course, the beloved 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission).

He first describes the interior layout, saying that BMW drivers will find themselves at home as the basic feel of the interior is in line with other BMWs. Moving to the back of the car, he was surprised with the level of comfort of the rear seats, “rear head and leg room are okay; let’s be honest here — it’s a coupe, so you aren’t buying it for these features but the rear seats are pretty darn comfortable if I’m being honest.”

But the BMW 335is is all about the acceleration, handling, exhaust note, and dynamics. Bergeron loves that the suspension is sporty yet “very smooth and compliant,” and “the engine is a dream: torque comes on almost immediately from idle and gives you a great kick in the pants.”

The most important part of the review is this one line: “Steering, braking and cornering are exactly what everyone says about the 3 Series — perfect.”

And if you’ve been reading any reviews of the 335is, everyone is raving about its exhaust. Canadian Driver included. “Put the windows down, apply some throttle and the burble becomes an intoxicating sound you could get high on — hit the gear lever and listen to those perfect rev-matched downshifts and it’s like being in automotive nirvana.”

Bergeron was very impressed with the 335is, and says he’ll miss it very much.

Click here to read the full review on the Canadian Driver website.

Aug 5, 2010 | Canada.com: 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid

The BMW X6 hybrid is, surprisingly, a blast to drive

“Occasionally, something comes along that doesn't just break the mould, it shatters it. The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is a prime example.”

- Graeme Fletcher, National Post

Graeme Fletcher of the National Post recently reviewed the world’s fastest street-legal hybrid: the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid. He starts off by describing the typical character of hybrid vehicles, “dreary, dull, or in the worst case, both.” And he says that occasionally something comes along that “doesn't just break the mould, it shatters it. The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is a prime example. It does the planet-friendly thing without sacrificing fun in the least.”

It’s not totally surprising, since the X6 ActiveHybrid is the most powerful hybrid vehicle in the world, with 480 horsepower, and 575lb-ft of torque. The Sport Activity Coupe uses BMW’s Twin-Turbo 4.4L V8 engine and adds two electric motors, giving it its unrivaled power that takes the X6 ActiveHybrid to 100km/h in just 5.4 second. And this is where the ActiveHybrid shines; during his tests, the vehicle returned “an enviable average of 13.1 litres per 100 kilometres -- and that was with little regard for economy. Squeeze the best out of the hybrid system and consumption drops to less than 12 L/100 km.”

Fletcher then describes his views of the X6 ActiveHybrid’s xDrive system, suspension, and steering: “Another bonus is that the xDrive system splits the power 40/60 front to rear, which imparts a rear-drive feel. Throw in a suspension that dials out practically all body roll without sacrificing ride comfort and a fully electric steering setup that has commendable feel and feedback and you have a vehicle that goes where it's pointed with unerring accuracy. There are few sports cars that are as obedient; there's not another hybrid that comes close.”

Fletcher absolutely loved every part of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid. He was impressed by its acceleration and braking performance, sports car handling, and luxurious leather-wrapped interior.

Click here to read the full review.

Aug 5, 2010 | Motor Trend: BMW 535i vs. Mercedes-Benz E350

A physics-defying technological wonder

"The BMW 535i is a physics-defying technological wonder that no longer flaunts its electronics.”

- Motor Trend

When BMW launched the 6th generation 5 Series Sedan earlier this year, the automotive press that drove the car in Lisbon, Portugal and tested its dynamics on the famous Estoril race track raved about the car’s design, interior room and quality, and its surprising dynamism (for a car of it’s size).

At the same time, Motor Trend decided to take their tests one step further, and requested a Mercedes-Benz E350 to compare against the new 5. Only a few months back, Motor Trend had pitted the previous-generation 535i against seven other German, Japanese, and American midsize luxury sport sedans. The seven-year old 535i came out in first place, and the brand new E350 in third. This time around, it was the new 5 compared with Mercedes’s midsize sedan, and history repeated itself.

In first place, the BMW 535i, is “a physics-defying technological wonder that no longer flaunts its electronics.” Next in line, the Mercedes-Benz E350 “feels as strong, solid, and capable as we used to think our banks were.” (Motor Trend)

Motor Trend loved the smooth and quick engine under the hood of the 535i, which takes the car to 100 km/h in one full second faster than the E350’s 3.5-liter V6. The “transmission also serves the BMW much better in the hills, being slightly quicker to respond to throttle kick-downs… It must be noted here too that there probably isn't a V-6 on earth-and certainly not a 90-degree one-that can match the sweet, sonorous music of a proper straight-six-even when it's partially muzzled by a turbo.”

The reviewer also liked the light and nimble feel of the BMW, as well as its Driving Dynamics Control, which modifies the car’s throttle, steering, and suspension at the touch of a button. [The Driving Dynamics Control] “gives the car incredibly sharp responses that make it feel light and nimble, especially in the Sport + setting, which eliminates virtually all body roll. The level of feedback at the helm feels much closer to that of the benchmark E39 5er. Dialing back to Normal mode approximates the roll-control and ride quality of the steel-sprung Benz, while engaging Comfort mode seems to carpet the BMW's path in a lush Berber. In the ride/handling category, the nod has to go the BMW.”

For the full review, please click here.

Aug 5, 2010 | Motor Trend: BMW M3 vs. Audi RS5 vs. Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

The M3 is the oldest car here, but like a good red wine, it's getting better with age.

“The M3 is the oldest car here, but like a good red wine, it's getting better with age. Driver-focused powertrain and chassis make it a scalpel among sledgehammers.”

- Angus MacKenzie, Motor Trend, September 2010 issue of magazine

One of the most highly regarded automotive magazines recently took two new enemy performance cars into Bavarian territory to pit against the BMW M3. The competition was between Bavaria’s finest (BMW M3), the all-new Audi RS5, and the all-new Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. The latter two were launched in the past few months; the M3 has been on the market since 2008.

The cars were driven on the German Autobahn – the pinnacle of high-tech and truly high-quality highways – as well as Bavaria’s most attractive twisty back roads. We’ll leave the details to Motor Trend’s excellent review, but here is a summary of their views on the three cars:

“Each of these cars is seriously fast and highly desirable. That we could even contemplate putting a Cadillac up against the best from BMW and Audi and not have the thing left gasping and wheezing, brakes on fire and suspension turned to mush after three days of hammering around Bavaria shows how far Caddy has come from the days when most of its customers left their teeth in a glass by the bed at night. The RS 5 is a marvelous Grand Tourer, an elegant, classy two-door that will feel just as comfortable antiquing in the Hamptons as hustling over the Grossglockner Pass in an early autumn snowstorm. But when it comes to performance, passion, and pure driver appeal, the BMW M3 is still the benchmark.”

- Angus MacKenzie, Motor Trend

And to recap the vital points of Motor Trend’s review, the Cadillac is a fantastic American product that has come a long way from what Cadillac stood for up to even a decade ago, and is only affected by a subpar transmission and “stereotypical American” (as Motor Trend puts it) size and weight. Audi has entered the high performance Coupe market with a powerful RS5, which is the perfect Grand Tourer, and is also blessed with the capability of going fast, easily. And the M3? Well, as it has been for 25 years, it’s the benchmark of performance and driver appeal. It’s The Ultimate Driving Machine; it is Sheer Driving Pleasure.

Click here for the full review, as well as beautiful photographs of the three marvels and great scenery.

Jun 30, 2010 | National Post: 2011 BMW 550i

The new 5 Series is utterly gorgeous...

“The new 5 Series is utterly gorgeous, all aerodynamic fluidity, rounded corners and sensuously aggressive lines. It looks like a high-performance car, not a gigantically outsized toaster.”

 - David Booth, National Post, May 14th, 2010

National Post’s David Booth had what seems to be the drive of his life in the new BMW 550i. First, let’s get one thing out of the way; Booth did have one complaint. Inside the 5 Series, there is “no high-end, name-brand stereo, finely crafted timepiece nor any magic chair that gently massages your heinie while telling you the meaning of life.” Sure, the new 5 Series doesn’t have a magic chair, but its balance of plush comfort and sports car performance has magic written all over it. Booth loved every aspect of the 550i, from the “utterly gorgeous” design and more user-friendly iDrive to “one of the best powertrains in the business” and dynamic drive control. “The 5 Series is once again the Ultimate Driving Machine.”

“The new 5 Series is utterly gorgeous, all aerodynamic fluidity, rounded corners and sensuously aggressive lines. It looks like a high-performance car, not a gigantically outsized toaster. Perhaps the highest compliment I can pay is that it looks like the natural evolution of the two-generations-ago 5 Series”

In the performance aspect, Booth likes that the “massively powered V8 and the new eight-speed transmission are buttery smooth…Putting your foot into it is like flicking the Enterprise's warp drive switch -- there's not much fuss, but, all of a sudden, the lights are flashing by with amazing alacrity.”

And with BMW’s Dynamic Drive Control, “at the flick of a button, the 550's suspension morphs from Cadillac soft (or, more accurately, what used to be Cadillac soft) to almost M5-like competent. That the same car can manage the continuous pothole that passes for driving in Toronto yet at the same time not feel direction-ally incompetent compared with the sublime Ferrari California I drove last week is a major accomplishment.”

Describing the interior, Booth lists all of the technology and electronics inside the new 5 Series, like the parking assistant and frontal collision warning system, but goes on to say “despite the onslaught of all this technology, however, what is significant about the 550i is its return to BMW's roots -- it is, quite simply, an achingly beautiful four-door sedan that drives like it's a two-door sports coupe.”

Click here to read the full review on the National Post website.

Jun 30, 2010 | National Post: 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7

In operation, the hybrid combination is completely seamless.

“In operation, the hybrid combination is completely seamless. Tromp the gas and the rear tires chirp until the electronic nanny steps to the fore. The heavy (2,195 kilograms) 7 romps to 100 kilometres an hour in just 4.9 seconds. From there on the car pulls strongly right to its electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Bring the car to rest and the engine shuts down to conserve precious fuel. Lifting off the brake sees the engine start instantly; the electric motor also acts as the starter motor. There really were no nits to pick.”

- Graeme Fletcher, National Post, June 25^th, 2010

The National Post has just published a review of BMW’s ActiveHybrid 7, written by Editor Graeme Fletcher.

This is no standard 7 Series, and as such the most important part of the article is BMW’s unique hybrid drivetrain. Fletcher describes the hybrid combination as completely seamless. “Tromp the gas and the rear tires chirp until the electronic nanny steps to the fore. The heavy (2,195 kilograms) 7 romps to 100 kilometres an hour in just 4.9 seconds… Bring the car to rest and the engine shuts down to conserve precious fuel. Lifting off the brake sees the engine start instantly; the electric motor also acts as the starter motor. There really were no nits to pick.”

But, this is a 7 Series after all, BMW’s flagship luxury sedan. And the 7 Series has always been known as the industry leader in mechanical and cabin technology. The ActiveHybrid 7 (and new 7 Series in general) showcases the most sophisticated, yet surprisingly unobtrusive electronics to keep drivers and passengers comfortable and entertained. “Up front, the 16-way seats, which are wrapped in buttery leather, coddle the riders while providing superb support. Likewise, the materials, including the leather that caresses the instrument panel, is rich, and the ride (thanks to laminated front and side windows) is quiet and refined. The ergonomics are also much better than previous 7s. The iDrive system, which has been the source of much ridicule, is now surprisingly easy to master.”

What Fletcher found most surprising was “the ActiveHybrid 7's extraordinary pace and driving dynamics - it hugs the road with unerring accuracy, yet it dispenses with rough tarmac as though it was not there. The result is a full-sized car that actually feels alive and remarkably nimble. The bonus, of course, comes from the green side -- better fuel economy (a test average of 12.9 litres per 100 km) and a smaller emissions footprint. Looking at the 7 Series lineup and then picking this version over the others should be a no-brainer.”

Click here to read the full review on the National Post website.

Jun 30, 2010 | National Post: 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

David Booth: This Z4 is BMW's sportiest roadster yet

“If turbocharging and firm suspension be the new face of BMW performance, let us rejoice over the beauty of forced induction and adjustable dampers. This Z4 is BMW’s sportiest roadster yet and deserves to be compared with Porsche’s best.”

- David Booth, National Post, June 15^th, 2010

David Booth of the National Post recently drove BMW’s new Z4 sDrive35is, the high performance model in the Z4 lineup. Powered by the four-time engine of the year award winner BMW 3.0-liter twinturbo N54 engine, the Z4 sDrive35is sports 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, available from just 1,500 rpm! An overboost function will allow for brief torque increase to 369 lb-ft.

“The only transmission available with the sportier S version is BMW’s seven-speed, double-clutch automatic-shifting manual. Shifts are quick and unbelievably smooth and the tranny’s performance is only marred by an occasional reluctance to shift into Drive from Park.”

Booth liked the Dynamic Drive Control, which in a way, makes the BMW Z4 three cars in one. With distinct customizable drive modes that can be tailored to the driving situation at hand, the Z4 can be a comfortable highway cruiser and an agile sports car all in one. “Equipped with its optional Adaptive M Suspension, the new Z4 is much closer to the Porsche’s Boxster than Mercedes’ flouncier SLK. With three positions in the Dynamic Drive Control system to choose from — Normal, Sport and Sport+ — the Z4’s suspension can still be relatively cushy, but the whole package seems to gel when the Sport+ mode is engaged. The electric power steering becomes a little tighter, the suspension firmer and even the throttle seems to respond with more alacrity.”

The only fault Booth can find with the new BMW Z4 is limited luggage space when the hard top roof is closed. That’s a required compromise when we’re gaining a beautiful and quiet hardtop roof that converts this roadster to a regular coupe in 20 seconds.

“Nonetheless, I love the new Z4 35iS. Herself loves it as well, but she would have a hard time with the trunk limitations if it was her only car. It’s a valid point, and I wonder if all convertible manufacturers might best follow Mazda’s lead by offering the option of hardtops or soft-tops.”

Click here to read the full review on the National Post website.

Jun 21, 2010 | Autonet.ca: 550i BMW's 'bahn stormer

Unrivaled Performance and Ultra-Luxurious Interior

"It's not often I'd consider spending this much on a car - even if I had the money. But when I win the lottery, the 550i Gran Turismo is the car for me."

- Glen Woodcock, Autonet.ca, June 20th 2010

Autonet.ca’s Glen Woodcock spent a couple of hundred kilometers in BMW’s 550i Gran Turismo, and was delighted by the car’s performance and luxurious convenience and comfort features.

Apart from loving the impressive 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 engine under the hood, Woodcock appreciates the GT’s “almost 50/50 weight distribution and the optional integral active steering [that] is quick and precise with great road feel.”

Away from the performance aspects of the 550i GT, Woodcock loved the interior, saying, “if you can’t get comfortable in the 16-way power driver’s seat – also heated and ventilated – then you’re not comfortable sitting down anywhere.”

In the electronics and gadgetry department, the reviewer found the new iDrive system easy and enjoyable, and especially enjoyed using the “split-screen mode, where you can see the title of the tracks you’re listening to and still view a map of where you’re going.”

With 1,700 litres, the BMW 550i GT is "built on the modular chassis of the 7 Series, with its longer wheel-base (3,070 mm) and wider track (1,611 mm front, 1,654 mm rear)", making it suitable for an active family with lots of gear to haul around.

He did find one vital flaw with the GT. “As sold in Canada, the BMW 550i Gran Turismo has one major problem: it’s thousands of kilometers from the nearest German Autobahn.” Solution? European Delivery. Take delivery of your 550i GT (or any other BMW for that matter, exception: X5 and X6) in Germany, drive it on the legendary German Autobahn and across Europe, then hand over the keys back to BMW for transport to Canada.

Woodcock claims the BMW 550i Gran Turismo is the car for him, committing to buy one as soon as he wins the lottery.

The full review will be available to view at autonet.ca soon.

Jun 9, 2010 | National Post: 2011 BMW 135i Coupe

David Booth: The 135i has the best drivetrain in the segment.

“Psst! C’mere. Yeah, you. Have I got a deal for you. A BMW. An M car, even faster than the M3. The real McCoy. Really. The best part? It costs less than $50,000 [taxes-in]. Yes, it is new. No, it’s not stolen. But, hurry, it’s a special deal. A limited-time offer. For select customers only such as yourself.”

- David Booth, National Post, Thursday, June 3rd 2010

Like anyone who has driven a BMW 135i, David Booth of The National Post absolutely loved the small yet monstrous BMW, naming it the best car BMW makes.

He raved about the 135i's engine and transmission combination, saying it’s the sweetest powertrain in the segment, and perhaps in the entire automotive business.

“The engine growls like a high-performance in-line six should. The turbocharged six is an absolute gem, especially in a coupe that weighs only 1,530 kilograms. Mated to the optional ($1,950) seven-speed, double-clutch DCT transmission, this is the sweetest powertrain in the segment if not the entire car business. There’s a glorious amount of torque from as low as 2,000 rpm, making shifting the seven-speed tranny unnecessary and, when you do decide to play with the steering wheel-mounted paddles, the shifts are gloriously fast and smooth.”

And of course, no BMW would be a BMW without providing the Ultimate Driving Experience, and a big part of that is due to the exceptional handling, provided through the suspension setup.

“BMW has also struck an enviable compromise in the coupe’s ride/handling department…Outright grip might not be quite in the M3’s league — nor even in the Mitsubishi Evo’s, for that matter — but it does harness that famous BMW combination of well-controlled body roll and precise, communicative steering. The M-Sport package’s well-bolstered seats and thick sport steering wheel make it all feel more authentic.”

As a side note: For those interested in getting even more performance out of a 135i, a few accessories out of the BMW Performance collection will make the 135i completely track-ready.

Searching for something to gripe about, David Booth can only complain about the lack of a spacious rear seat. “Yes, four adult-like humans can fit into the little coupe, but those in the rear perches had better be small, flexible or medicated…Try to ferry around four middle-aged fast-food devotees and there’ll be some griping.”

Overall, David Booth loved the 135i so much that he goes on to say the car would be his first choice if he was to spend his own money on a car, and if the 1 Series was offered in a four-door configuration. “Were it available in a four-door sedan configuration, it would also be my first choice as the car to buy — God forbid I am ever actually forced to spend my own loonies on an automobile — with my own money.”

Click here to read the full review on the National Post.

Jun 3, 2010 | BMW is the World's 4th Most Reputable Company

And the Most Reputable Automaker in the World.

In a recent study conducted by the Reputation Institute, BMW ranked as the 4th most reputable company, amongst 600 of the world's most prominent corporations. The research highlights the top 28 companies that are most admired and trusted by their customers. Google and Sony share the top spot, while Disney and BMW follow at a very close third and fourth place, respectively. BMW earned the top spot in the list in the automotive industry.

The Reputation Institute conducted its research in two stages. In January, the reputations of the 600 largest companies in the world was measured in the home countries. The highest rated companies in each nation were then selected for a second study that rated the world's most visible and valuable corporate brands.

The study weighed the scores of seven different factors for the companies, with public perceptions of their product and service quality, innovation, and corporate governance being heavily weighted. Other factors considered were citizenship, workplace quality, leadership, and financial performance.

In addition to placing fourth overall and first in the automotive segment, BMW also led the rankings for High Quality Product and Services, paving the way for its strong global reputation score. High tech companies lead global perceptions of Innovation with Apple, Google, and Sony occupying the winners' podium. BMW ranked #1 in the automotive industry for innovation.

May 25, 2010 | The BMW Gran Coupe Concept

Setting new benchmarks in the design of 4-door sport coupes

The BMW Concept Gran Coupe concentrates the fundamental values of the brand. Its body design authentically captures a sense of superior dynamic performance and high-quality elegance. The shaping style, which follows a coherent pattern down to the last detail, convincingly visualizes BMW’s philosophy as an automobile manufacturer. As with the Concept CS 2007, BMW once again sets new benchmarks in the design of 4-door coupes with a distinctive sporty character.

May 10, 2010 | The 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe and Cabriolet

Joy's admirers are anything but secret.

Introducing the next generation BMW 3 Series Coupe and Cabriolet. The bold lines of its redesigned exterior and the resculpted LED lights immediately grab the attention of all who see it. But the ultimate pleasure is reserved for those who get behind the wheel. The newly engineered six-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo delivers exhilarating performance, with increased fuel efficiency that's just as impressive. Wherever you go, all eyes are sure to follow. Come experience it today!

Apr 6, 2010 | The BMW X1

The First Sports Activity Vehicle in the Premium Compact Segment

Firmly plan for spontaneity every day. Enjoy the little things in life in grand style. Know the rules so you can break them at the right moment. Look at the world with different eyes again. Carry on when you could just stop. Stop when everyone else carries on. Look for detours along the shortest route. Experience freedom with all your senses. Joy is the new BMW X1, your all-round partner in every situation – in the urban jungle and beyond. Coming Soon.

Mar 14, 2010 | The BMW Ultimate March Sales Event

Joy is now closer than ever.

BMW Waterloo is excited to bring you the Ultimate March Sales Event. For the month of March, lease a 2010 BMW 323i for just $348 a month. Joy is xDrive All-Wheel Drive. Lease a 2010 BMW 328i xDrive or X3 xDrive28i for just $468 a month. Introducing a new generation of diesel engine - the 2010 BMW xDrive35d, an international award-winning variable Twin Turbo diesel engine, finance from 2.9%. Go to our Special Offers for full details. Joy is now closer than ever.

Mar 14, 2010 | The New 6th Generation BMW 5 Series

Arriving this Spring!

The world debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan marks the epitome of modern design and driving pleasure in the world of premium midsize sedans. Through its athletic and executive looks, driving dynamics typical of BMW, and innovative comfort and safety features, the sixth generation of BMW's executive express accurately reflects the standards upheld by the world's most successful manufacturer of premium cars. Arriving in our showroom this Spring.

Mar 14, 2010 | Uncompromisingly different.

Experience the next chapter of BMW M.

The power of BMW M meets the all-wheel-drive capabilities of a BMW Sports Activity Coupe in these revolutionary vehicles. The BMW X6M and X5M are breathtakingly mesmerizing.

Mar 14, 2010 | It's arrived: The BMW ActiveHybrid X6

The ActiveHybrid X6 is set to establish itself as the world's most dynamic hybrid, with BMW ActiveHybrid Technology setting itself apart through an uncompromising commitment to joy.

Mar 14, 2010 | Introducing the BMW 550i Gran Turismo

The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is set to define an entirely new vehicle segment by masterfully melding attributes of an elegant sedan, contemporary Sports Activity Vehicle and classic Gran Turismo into a single, harmonious vehicle concept.