Time for another round of facelift Mercedes-Benz C-Class spy pictures. In this instance we can see the top edge of the headlamps covered with some sticky tape. It looks like the C will sport an LED strip for the first time.
Other styling changes expected include a new front bumper, a new bonnet and a modified rear end. The interior should receive some minor upgrades as well. The engine range will remain largely the same and include such powerplants as the 125kW (170hp) four-cylinder turbo diesel and the 3.5-litre petrol V6. European sales are scheduled to commence some time in 2010.
The all-new sixth generation BMW 5-Series codenamed F10 has finally been revealed today.
In contrast to the current E60 generation which was characterized as being overly dramatic and baroque, the new F10 returns to a more graceful and conservative design reminiscent of the fourth generation E39, yet still aggressive and sporty. We are sure the F10 will win back a lot of alienated BMW fans from the previous Chris Bangle design era.
The new 5 Series sedan will launch with one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder petrol engines as well as two six-cylinder diesels. Approximately three months later, the range will be rounded off by a direct injection four-cylinder turbodiesel.
Starting with the petrol units at the top of the range, the 550i TwinPower Turbo V8 makes 300 kW/407 hp, 535i twin turbo straight-six delivers 225 kW/306 hp, while the two straight-six engines with direct injection develop 190 kW/258 hp in the BMW 528i and, 150 kW/204 hp in the BMW 523i, respectively. For the diesels, the 530d produces 180 kW/245 hp and the 525d with 150 kW/204 hp. Lastly, the 520d and its four-cylinder makes 135 kW/184hp boasting an average fuel consumption figure in the EU5 test cycle at 5.2 litres/100 kilometres, the CO2 emission rating is 137 g/km (provisional figures with automatic transmission). BMW's new eight-speed automatic transmission is available as standard on all models (in Germany).
For the front suspension BMW is doing away with the MacPherson strut system that has been in use since 1965 and adopts a more sophisticated multi-link system already seen on the 7-Series F01. The rear suspension has been upgraded as well but remains the same in principle, also as a multi-link system. When equipped with a Sport Package, Adaptive Drive is added which includes Driving Dynamics Control, Dynamic Damping Control and Active Roll Stabilization. Optional Integral Active Steering will virtually extend or shorten the vehicle's wheelbase for improved stability at high speeds and enhanced agility at lower speeds.
BMW EfficientDynamics technologies are featuring as standard Brake Energy Regeneration, a gearshift point indicator, active air flap control, and on-demand operation of ancillary units including a detachable a/c compressor. Body construction features aluminum components such as the doors, hood, front fenders and suspension to reduce weight.
A tour de force of driver's aid and infotainment features are available on the 5-Series. They include a Parking Assistant, Surround View, collision warning with application of the brakes in conjunction with Active Cruise Control plus Stop & Go, and a new Speed Limit Device. Further features also available are Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, a Head-Up Display, a High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, Park Distance Control and a back-up camera.
The latest fourth generation of BMW iDrive control appears in two versions: with 7.0-in. dimensions and 800 x 480-pixel resolution in standard form, or with the optional Navigation system, in a 10.2-in., 1280 x 480-pixel version with a wider range of features and functions as in the new BMW 7 Series. Displays are transreflective so that light from the sun actually makes the images on the screen brighter.
The 5-Series will be built at BMW Plant Dingolfing along side the new 2009 BMW 7 Series F01. The 5-Series F10 is based on the same architecture as the 7-Series as both vehicles extensively share components.
Dealer and press junket is scheduled for February 2010 in Lisbon, Portugal while European market launch takes place in March 2010.
With days before its official unveiling in Munich on November 23rd, a new and most likely last spy video of the new 2011 BMW 5 Series has showed up on our radar. The fellows journalists at Auto Motor und Sport spotted the new 5 Series during several testing sessions on the roads of Munich.
The video shows different 5 Series variants and exterior colors: 550i, 535i and Sophisto Gray, Amethyst or Alpine White. What strikes us the most about this video compilation is the professional method in which it was shoot, a sign that the launch is imminent and the car is out in the open.
As we mentioned, the new 2011 BMW 5 Series will launch next Monday and our German publication, BimmerToday.de, will be there to report live. As always, stay tuned for a complete coverage of this new model.
How about this -- it might be the long-rumored A7. You know, the swoopy "four-door coupe" set to compete against cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLS. That makes much more sense. Take a long look at the rear glass and thick C-pillars in this spy shot. We thinks we may be on to something. Especially if you stare long and hard at the tail lights -- the outer ones appear real and taped off, while the inner lights appear to be fake pieces of reflective tape. A design that conforms to the blurry A7 shots we've seen.
Top Gear returns with a new episode and for us, the BMW fans, it gets quite exciting. Top Gear decides to compare the all new BMW flagship, 760Li, against Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG. The BMW 760i and 760Li are powered by a completely new 6.0-liter V12 all-aluminum engine with Twin-Turbo Technology.
The V12 engine outputs 544 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 533 lb-ft at 1,500.The engine is matted to an 8-speed automatic transmission and the 760 runs from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
Now, let’s take a look at the Mercedes Benz S63 AMG. The S63 uses a 6.3-liter V8 engine which outputs a hefty 456 lb-ft. of torque on tap and 518-horsepower. The engine is matted to AMG-modified seven-speed automatic.
Who takes the crown? Let’s watch this great video from Top Gear.
The first spy photos of the next generation BMW 3 Series broke out just a couple of weeks ago. With three years left before the unveiling, several test mules began the lengthy testing process.
The prototypes seen on the road now carry a large amount of plastic camouflage on them that cover the actual design lines. What the photos reveal currently are similar proportions to the current model and a slightly longer wheelbase.
Sources close to BMW mention that the proportions of a typical 3 Series will remain, meaning squat proportions, short rear overhang and wheels placed to each corner.
The first official teaser for the 2011 BMW 5-Series F10 released earlier this week was met with little enthusiasm. Fans criticised that the teaser, which showed the silhouette of the F10 body using BMW's kinetic sculpture, didn't reveal enough "skin" to keep fans intrigued or generate further excitement. This reaction is quite understandable as WCF readers have been staring at the F10 body shape for months thanks to our intrepid spy photographers.
However, an anonymous BMW dealer supposedly decided to take matters into his/her own hands, and forwarded to WCF exclusively via a liason this low resolution image of the F10 front corner completely uncovered.
Since the source cannot be verified, we have to emphasize that the alleged F10 image could be a clever digital manipulation. Compared to spy photos included on this page, there are some differences in the image which don't match, particularly at the rear corner of the headlamp where it meets the fender and bumper fascia. Also, the headlamp washer pump opening is missing from the bumper fascia as well.
Despite the minor discrepancies, the image looks good enough to serve its purpose, which is to intrigue, pique curiosity and perhaps generate excitement for BMW's highly anticipated premium sedan.
BMW has finally announced the media release of the all new 2011 BMW 5 Series (F10) to take place via Live-Stream on November 23rd, 8p.m. CET. Along with the annoucement comes the teaser image and video using BMW's kinetic sculpture from the BMW Museum to illustrate the vehicle's silhouette.
With the timing of the unveiling so close to the Los Angeles Auto Show (Dec 2), it's likely the 5-Series will have it's public debut at the last major show of 2009. The F10 5-Series is one of the most anticipated vehicles of the year.
Please see related links below for a selection of spy photo articles covering the latest known info of the 2011 5-Series.
Our spies have caught a Mercedes E-Class Cabrio virtually undisguised.
While only a few pieces of camouflage hide the headlights and emblems, we've already seen these design elements on the E-Class Coupe. Nearly identical to the aforementioned model, the Cabrio features a canvas roof and a unique pop-up wind blocker (the black section at top of the windshield) that reduces air turbulence when the roof is down.
Like the coupe, engine options are expected to include a 215 kW (292 hp) 3.5-liter V6 and a 5.5-liter V8 with 285 kW (388 hp). Since Mercedes has nixed the AMG version of the E-Class Coupe, the Cabrio won't receive the fire breathing 6.3-liter (6208cc) V8 engine with 386 kW (525 hp) and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque.
Look for the E-Class Cabrio to debut at the North American International Auto Show or the Geneva Motor Show.
