BMW Z4 at Geneva Auto Show

Out of the entire BMW line up, the exciting Z4 must be the least advertised model of them all. Despite its qualities, its looks and, in the end, the legacy of its name (Z), the model is seldom the recipient of the car maker's attention, at least when compared to say the BMW X1.


Still, the Geneva Auto Show is a chance for the model to shine again, and this time in new clothing. The German auto maker thought it would be best to bring the Z4 back into the spotlight by introducing the Design Pure Balance package, a set of upgrades for both the interior and the exterior.

The most noticeable change at the exterior is the addition of Mineral White metallic paint, a first for the model, accompanied by the non-metallic and metallic exterior paint finishes. The interior receives a facelift as well, with BMW going for a more luxury look and feel.

BMW Z4

BMW Explains Connected Drive System

BMW showed up to Geneva with a new concept called the Vision ConnectedDrive. As you can see, it’s an almost impossibly low roadster with trick, Kaiser Darrin-style sliding doors. It also shows off BMW’s new interior design language that they’re calling “Layering.” Says BMW, “The term ‘layering’ describes a new approach to the BMW Group’s concept of design and its design language, redefining the way surfaces, interfaces and materials have been treated in the past.” Oddly, BMW had very little to say about the design, powertrain and/or handling of the Vision vehicle at the press conference, instead they chose to focus on the technologies available to the driver and passenger. It’s all part of what they are calling ConnectedDrive.


The first is convenience. BMW (and most other brands) already offer a form of this connected technology. For example, when your phone connects via Bluetooth to your car. However, BMW aims to take it a step further. Imagine your car then reading your calendar, figuring out that you have a meeting in 25 minutes, noting the address and calculating the fastest route possible (taking traffic information into account, of course) and then telling you where to park when you get there. We like it.

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept Car

Concepts show us a path to the future. If this BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept Car shows us what we can expect, than the future looks bright. The unique setup of this two-seater roadster presents the automobile as a fully integrated part of the networked world in both its design and technological innovations. BMW combines current and future in-car technology for optimizing comfort, safety and infotainment.
The interior is divided into three layers – comfort, infotainment and safety – each with a corresponding light installation. Each layer is defined by a colour, rhythm, motion and texture and, through the transparent surfaces the path taken by the information can be seen via fiber optic lighting.

2012 BMW 1-Series Coupe

2012 BMW 1-Series

 BMW has announced several modifications and updates to the 2012 BMW 1 Series Coupe. The new design includes BMW’s innovative Air Curtain that counters turbulence near the wheel arches and so reduces the aerodynamic resistance of the vehicle and numerous exterior and interior design changes. The company plans to begin the sale of this updated 1 Series Coupe this Spring.

It was in 2008, BMW had introduced the 1 Series to the US. At the time of its making this vehicle drew inspiration from the iconic BMW 2002 model. The modified vehicle comes with powerful engines, rear-wheel drive and inspirational agility, which makes the BMW 1 Series Coupe stand out from the crowd.

2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible

2012 BMW 650

 The 2012 BMW 650i Convertible is smoother and less polarizing than the car it replaces. BMW is no doubt hoping the new design will help renew interest in the car, as the present 6 Series coupe and convertible have sold just 2348 units through November of this year, down from 3346 cars during the same period in 2009. You can draw your own conclusions about what’s caused the car’s low sales but if you think styling might be to blame, let’s compare the two cars.

Still an imposing car, the 2012 BMW 6 Series has pulled-back headlights without the thick “headlight eyelashes” of the 2010 car. The trademark BMW grille is large and vertically positioned, lending the car more of an executive look.

2010 BMW M5 - Review Summary

We want to love the 2010 BMW M5. Who wouldn't, with its race-derived, 500-horsepower V-10 engine, and a 0-60 time of just 4.5 seconds?


Despite its charms, we can't get past the M5's serious flaws, the result of timing and a product at the end of its life cycle. An overabundance of technology almost kills the joy of that huge power. For starters, BMW's semi-manual SMG transmission is only for fans of a truly harsh shift experience. You'll need to choose the no-cost six-speed manual to enjoy the M5 to its utmost, thanks to crisp throws, precise gates, perfectly arranged pedals, and surprisingly smooth clutch engagement.

But you can't opt out of the technology that commands the M5's suspension, steering, and throttle inputs. They offer a bewildering 279 combinations through an MDrive menu that can be linked to the steering wheel's MDrive button, which might as well be a panic button for users who can't figure it out.

Then there's BMW's frustrating iDrive controller for audio, navigation, and climate settings. It's been improved for this model year but still could use its own community-college course for first-time drivers.

There's a new M5 on the way - and from what we've seen from the new-generation BMW 5-Series sedan and 5-Series Gran Turismo hatchback, the picture's going to improve, radically.

One BMW Frozen Gray M3 Coupe for sale

A BMW M3 Coupe on the official BMW USA web page is priced at $58,400. A nice Space Gray Metallic paint adds an extra $550. Okay, everyone, get out your calculators. That’s a total of $58,950. Now, let’s add taxes and a little extra for safe measure. That should bring you up to about $65K, give or take. Now we get to the good part. Recently BMW unveiled the Frozen Gray M3 Coupe priced at $77,600. Anyone else confused? Why would anyone buy the Frozen Gray coupe over a standard M3 Coupe that leaves you with an extra $10K in your pocket? Well, it’s probably because the Frozen Gray M3 is a limited edition with only 30 units being produced. That means 30 "lucky" customers will be the proud owners of a limited edition M3 which sold out in an unbelievable 12 minutes!