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New York Preview: 2011 5 Series the Star Attraction for BMW at NY Auto Show

Additional premieres to include facelifted 3 Series, 335is, 2011 X5 and Alpina B7 xDrive

24/03/2010 | By: Colum Wood Add a Comment

BMW‘s all-new 2011 5 Series will be the main attraction at the German automaker’s display at the 2010 New York Auto Show, joined by four other models, all of which are world premieres. The new 5 Series is a North American premiere after it was first shown at the Geneva Auto Show just a few weeks ago. The rest of the list includes the new facelifted 3 Series, the 335is Coupe and Convertible, as well as the 2011 X5 and Alpina B7 xDrive.

The new 5 Series will arrive in north America is either a 535 or 550, the former making around 300-hp from a single twin-scroll turbocharged inline-six, while the latter will produce 400-hp from a twin-turbo V8. A redesigned X5 for 2011 shares the same engines and comes with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The diesel X5 will also remain an option.

In the 3 Series range, BMW will show a mid-cycle update for the car, with a new single-turbo inline-six (same as in the new 5 Series) making 300-hp and 300 ft-lbs of torque that is both more responsive and more efficient. A new higher-performance 335is will also be on display using an up-rated version of the old twin-turbo inline-six with 320-hp and 332 ft-lbs of torque. An overboost function will also permit short bursts of 370 ft-lbs of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment, but BMW will offer (for the first time ever on a non-M 3 Series), it’s new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds with the dual-clutch automatic and 5.1 seconds with the manual. The convertible model will achieve the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.2 seconds regardless of transmission.

Finally, BMW will show the xDrive version of the Alina B7 sedan (based on the new 7 Series). A rear-drive version was first shown at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year, making 500-hp and 516 ft-lbs of torque from the car’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. With all the improvements of the new 7 Series (and then some) the Alina B7 (in rear-drive form) ca hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It should also be priced close to the rear drive model, with a standard wheelbase at $122,875 and the extended wheelbase at $126,775.

AutoGuide will bring you full coverage of all the New York Auto Show premieres starting March 31st.

GALLERY: BMW Premieres at the 2010 NY Auto Show

Official release after the jump:

2011 BMW X5 Gets All Turbo Engines, $46,675 Base Price

X5 xDrive35i and xDrive50i gets 300-hp and 400-hp respectively

08/02/2010 | By: Colum Wood Add a Comment

BMW has just released information and pricing on the refreshed 2011 X5 model, with an impressive new base engine and base price. For 2011 the old 3.0-liter straight six and xDrive30i model is replaced by BMW’s single-turbo six and xDrive35i model making 300-hp. This is enough to deliver a respectable 6.4 second to 60 mph time, which is the same number the old xDrive48i model hit. Along with the added power, improved acceleration comes by way of a new 8-speed automatic gearbox that BMW claims also improves fuel economy. Better yet, the new base price is down almost $1,800, with the 2011 model starting at just $46,675 including destination.

For 2011 the 48i has been replaced with a new xDrive50i model, using the same 400-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 as found in the 5 Series GT, X6 and 7 Series. It also gets an 8-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for the 50i model goes in the opposite direction, however, increasing by about $2,100 over last year’s model to $59,275.

Other highlights for 2011 include larger air intakes and a new lower front fascia. In addition, more of the body panels will be painted, rather than left black, giving the SUV a more-premium and less rugged look. Also included for 2011 is a new Brake Energy Regeneration system that only recharges the battery when the vehicle is coasting or braking to reduce parasitic loss on the engine and reduce fuel consumption by one-to-two percent.

As for the diesel-powered xDrive35d, it gets aesthetic, but no engine changes.

BMW has said it will release new fuel economy numbers later this year, with the 201 X5 set to debut at the New York Auto Show in late March.