BMW is working on its own compact, more affordable four-door coupe to rival the likes of the Audi A5 Sportback and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe is set to debut sometime next year and will go on sale before the end of 2013. The 4 Series Gran Coupe will follow in the footsteps of the recently released 6 Series Gran Coupe, sporting four doors and a slightly longer wheelbase than its two-door counterpart. It’s not exactly classified as a sedan however – that’s reserved for the 3 Series moniker – as the 4 Series Gran Coupe will sport a nice, sweeping roofline.

Chances are the front end will resemble that we see now on the newly-designed 3 Series but with larger air intakes. Under the hood, the 4 Series Gran Coupe will be equipped with the same engine variants offered in the coupe and convertible models: a 428i with a 2.0-liter turbo-four and a 435i with 302-hp. Out in Europe, a 420d diesel is offered boasting 65-mpg.

BMW will also ultimately release an M4 Gran Coupe model, powered by the rumored inline-six, turbocharged engine that will pump out around 450-hp.

[Source: Auto Express]

BMW has anointed its newest Head of Design, Karim Habib, who will effectively take the position starting June 1st, 2012.

Habib is credited with styling the exteriors of the current BMW 7-Series, a vast improvement over the previous generation’s styling designed by Chris Bangle. Even though the E65 7-Series was fairly popular in terms of sales, it’s undoubtedly ingrained in many minds for its ‘Bangle Butt’, the oddly shaped two-level rear end. Ironically enough, the ‘Bangle Butt’ was actually designed by Adrian van Hooydonk, who worked closely with Bangle on the previous generation 7-Series.

Regardless, the German automaker is looking forward to ushering in a new era of design with Habib at the helm. He is a 42-year old Lebanese-born Canadian who has been in charge of exterior design on BMW Automobiles up to this point. Habib will report to the previously mentioned Hooydonk, who is Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design.

Habib joined the BMW Group back in 1998 and worked with the automaker for ten years. In 2008, Habib jumped over to BMW rival Mercedes-Benz for a two-year stint before returning to Munich in 2010.

“Karim Habib is an outstanding designer who has had a significant impact on the design of the BMW brand over many years,” said Hooydonk. “His longstanding experience and subtle instinct for timely elegance and dynamics are the ideal prerequisites for this demanding task. I look forward very much to his support and collaboration,” he added.

After being ousted by Toyota last year, BMW is back on top as the world’s most valuable car brand.

The BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study has been a battle between the German and Japanese automakers over the past few years. In the 2010 report BMW was named number one among automakers, while the previous four years belonged to Toyota.

“As one of the great brands in the world, BMW has been absolutely consistent in the long-term regarding what is meaningfully different about their brand, in highly competitive market places,” said global brand director Peter Walshe of Millward Brown, which publishes the Top 100 brands report. Noted in the report is the automaker’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” slogan.

Toyota’s brand message is also clear, with a focus on reliability and value, and Walshe admits that the drop to the number two spot has less to do with brand awareness and more to do with its bottom line. “The problem with Toyota has to do with its financials, not brand, due to the disasters, which were clearly out of its control,” said Walshe.

German automakers Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi all saw their brand value increase for 2012, due to strong growth in Asia. And much like Toyota, Japanese automakers Lexus, Nissan and Honda all saw a decline.

Hyundai managed a ninth spot on the list, marking the first time a Korean automaker joined the top 10 automotive brands, while Ford was the lone domestic automaker in the automotive top 10.

Taking into account all brand categories, the list is topped by Apple (valued at $182.9 billion), followed by IMB ($116 billion) and then Google ($107.9 billion). While the top automotive brand, BMW ranks just 23rd overall.

List of Most Valuable Automotive Brands:

1. BMW $24.6
2. Toyota $21.8
3. Mercedes $16.1
4. Honda $12.7
5. Nissan $9.9
6. VW $8.5
7. Ford $7.0
8. Audi $4.7
9. Hyundai $3.6
10. Lexus $3.4

[Source: AutoNews Europe]

NASCAR driver Boris Said already has a lengthy racing resume with one win in the Nationwide Series and seven top ten finishes. Now he’s looking to conquer the infamous Pikes Peak Hill Climb behind the wheel of an electric-converted BMW M3.

Built by EV West, the 1995 BMW M3 runs on a Net-Gain HV11 and a Evnetics Shiva and in race trim boasts around 700 hp. Electric vehicles also have a huge benefit making the Pikes Peak trek, with the increased elevation oftentimes hindering combustion engines as drivers get closer to the top. In the video, the BMW M3 already looks to be rubber burning, but apparently it only packed around 400-hp then.

“It’s my 25th year of racing, and I’m fortunate enough to have competed at the 24 Hours of Daytona, Sebring, Bathurst, 24 Hours of Nürburgring, the Daytona 500, Baja 1000 and Circuit de Spa, but never on Pikes Peak, which is on my bucket list,” Said commented on his upcoming journey to Pikes Peak.

Electric vehicles are making plenty of noise for this year’s Pikes Peak event. Mitsubishi recently unveiled its funky i-MiEV Evolution Pikes Peak Race Car, while Monster Tajima is looking to set an all-new record with an EV this year.

We’ll be looking forward to seeing how well these EVs perform on July 8 when the event kicks off.

Check out a short clip of the electric E36 BMW M3 after the break.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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BMW has been providing the official safety cars for MotoGP for the past 13 years, and this year it has decided to update mid-season with the new M6 Coupe, replacing its 1 Series M Coupe safety car.

The MotoGP M6 safety car will make its debut at this weekend’s Nürburgring M Festival sporting plenty of carbon fiber accessories including its front bumper lip, side mirrors, and adjustable rear wing. And since a partnership with Akrapovic was announced just a few months ago, we expect one of Akrapovic’s high quality exhaust systems to find its way on the M6.

After its debut at the Nürburgring, it will make its way to the M Festival’s M Corso event.

As the official automotive partner of the 2012 London Summer Olympics, BMW has been quite involved with the events, even lending its weather testing facility to proof the olympic torch.

Now the German automaker decided to have a little bit of fun, taking one of its 320d EfficientDynamics models, which is part of the Olympic fleet, and pitting it against Olympic gold medalist Mark Lewis-Francis. Sports scientist Professor Greg Whyte joined the event at The Mall in London in order to study the similarities in acceleration between a world-class sprinter and a BMW vehicle.

Three aspects were recorded, similar to a drag race: acceleration, reaction time, and speed. Amazing, Francis who won an Olympic gold medal back in 2004 in the 4×100-meter relay, was quicker than the BMW up until four seconds – almost 100 feet – after the gun went off. It really puts a perspective to how quickly an Olympic sprinter can accelerate.

“As a professional athlete Mark is adept at sprinting from a starting gun and we are able to measure his reaction time from the moment the gun sounds to the point he explodes from the blocks. Along with other factors, it is how efficiently he is able to relay that response which allows him to pull away,” Whyte said.

[Source: Mirror UK]

In what it calls the performance version of the 1 Series for 2013, the BMW 135is coupe and convertible were released today costing $44,145 and $48,845 respectively. 

Sporting a specially-tuned version of the same 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbo engine as the 135i, the more spirited versions come with 320 hp, a 20-pony bump from the lesser version. It also jumps up to 317 lb-ft of torque, which is an increase, but not an exciting one. Fuel economy stays the same despite the slight performance increases.

A six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT will both be available, though choosing the dual-clutch option will yield better performance. In either case, the automaker also worked with this model to improve the sound it will make while revving out by swapping the exhaust for a more performance-oriented version.

Stability and traction control are both standard and can be shut off completely for a more engaging (or challenging) driving experience. Exclusive exterior components include unique 18-inch wheels and a glossy grille.

The trouble is, it’s tough to get excited about this car after BMW scrapped the much more exciting 1M Coupe after a limited run last year. Sure, that preserves its rockstar suave and allure, but it’s hard not to feel cheated.

If you feel differently, the car is available for order now and will hit showrooms this fall.

BMW is pleased with its revamped 5 Series design, and for the 2013 model year will be offering an optional customizable instrument panel along with revised engines for its Gran Turismo model.

In select markets, the German automaker will now offer a 520d Gran Turismo equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel with 181 hp while the 530d Gran Turismo engine has been bumped up to 255 hp from 242. The revised 530d powerplant offers better fuel efficiency and buyers can now opt for the BluePerformance technology package for reduced emissions starting in July.

The top-of-the-line 550i Gran Turismo also saw a boost in performance, with the V8 turbocharged powerplant now with 443 hp, a boost of 40 hp from the former model. Fuel consumption has also been reduced in the 550i, despite the increase in power.

Much of the increased fuel economy is attributed to the auto start-stop system that is now standard on all Gran Turismo models. The Gran Turismo also gets a new electric power steering system and Driving Experience Control with “Eco Pro” mode as standard.

As for the optional customizable instrument panel, the German automaker now offers a multifunction instrument display as an option to all 5 Series models except for the 520d EfficientDynamics Edition ActiveHybrid. The instrument panel is a fancy 10.25-inch display with ‘Black Panel’ technology and now allows the driver to choose between Comfort, Eco Pro, and Sport driving modes. The modes can be customized to display certain colors and information relevant to the driver.

Also starting in July, BMW will offer a Bang & Olufsen high end surround-sound system as an option, while a hands-free system to pop open the trunk by moving your foot below the rear bumper will become standard on all 5 Series models.

GALLERY: 2013 BMW 5 Series

As exciting as it is to see BMW‘s new three-door 1-Series and M135i, sadly, neither be making their way to America anytime soon.

Over in Europe and other international markets, enthusiasts will get an opportunity to get their hands on the new model with a huge variety of engine choices with an aggressive, sporty design. Standard gasoline powerplants include a 114i with 102 hp, a 116i with 136 hp, and a 125i with 218 hp, while diesel options are a 116d with 116 hp, a 118d with 143 hp and a 125d with 218 hp. The German automaker will also offer an EfficientDynamics Edition of its 116d with additional fuel efficiency measures.

But the big news is the introduction of the M135i, BMW’s first M Performance engine to pack a standard gasoline engine. Under the hood is a 3.0-liter, straight-six with 320 hp and M-inspired suspension and aerodynamic features. The BMW M135i will also come in a more conventional five-door setup.

All engine variants available at the vehicle’s launch can be mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard or an eight-speed automatic with sport option. Each three-door 1-Series model can be purchased with a selection of upgrades, such as the BMW Sport Line, BMW Urban Line, and M Sport Package.

Coming in November later this year will be a 118i model with 170 hp, and a 120d with 184 hp. BMW will also offer an xDrive variant for the M135i and 120d marking the first time BMW will use its intelligent four-wheel drive in the 1-Series lineup.

No pricing is available as of yet.

Watch a video of the all-new BMW M135i in action below.

GALLERY: BMW Three-Door 1-Series

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BMW gave its popular 3-Series a revamp for the 2013 model year with the sedan model revealed back in October. We knew the 3 Series wagon variant wouldn’t be far behind, having seen spy photos back in February and now the German automaker has made it official for the European market.

Known as the 3-Series Touring out in Europe, the wagon variant will make its way to America (sooner or later) featuring plenty of space for passengers and luggage having 3.8 inches added to the car’s overall length and almost 2 inches to its wheelbase. Standard equipment will include a 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat bench, an automatic tailgate with separate rear window opening, a separate partition net, and a luggage compartment cover.

As expected, plenty of packages will be made available for the BMW 3-Series Wagon model: Modern Line, Luxury Line, Sport Line, and M Sport package. Out in Europe, buyers will be able to choose from a 328i, 320d, and 330d models, all of which pack BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. The four-cylinder 328i has 245-hp, while the updated 2.0-liter diesel will have 184-hp. The six-cylinder diesel will pump out 258-hp.

Transmission options for the 3 Series Wagon include a sporty six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, which is standard on the BMW 330d. Both transmissions come equipped with Auto Start-Stop technology to help conserve fuel.

There is still no confirmation on which powerplants will make their way to America, but the 328i variant is most definitely a sure bet.

GALLERY: 2013 BMW 3-Series Wagon

With an expanding model lineup, BMW is broadening its naming structure to better differentiate between its cars, the most recent of which will be the 2 Series.

The automaker initially decided to branch its 3 Series coupe into the new 4 Series badge for 2013 in an effort to make the entry-level luxury car less confusing. Now, the brand is taking a similar direction with its 1 Series convertible, which according to CAR will be called a 2 Series in coming generations.

Changes to the 2 Series will be cosmetic, so we’re expecting to see the same engines and underpinnings making it into 2 Series as are already available in the 1 Series. Apparently, this is part of a move by BMW to move its two-door cars farther upmarket to command a bigger price premium.

Predicted for 2014, customers can expect both a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic in the car.

[Source: CAR]

Luxury cars are expensive to maintain, but a little-advertised program called “Ultimate Service” takes care of that for folks who buy a new BMW.

The program isn’t anything new, but there hasn’t been a whole lot of publicity surrounding what would probably be a big plus to many buyers — the idea of having all maintenance covered for four years after purchase. That’s about to change, though, as the brand gears up to launch a new line of commercials that advertise the service.

Other recent ads for the brand have focused more on the “Ultimate Driving Experience” that BMW is so proud to brand, but that’s left room for other automakers to swoop in with snarky spots.

The two videos you’ll find below feature a man and woman, both receiving their BMW after it’s been serviced. The technician says there’s no cost for the repairs, which the woman takes as an advance and the man tries to bribe with sports tickets.

So why the shift from silly to serious? It’s no secret that Audi and Mercedes-Benz have been gunning for BMW’s spot as the top luxury brand. Aside from the ads, it seems the company is trying to generate as much buzz as possible for itself.

Aside from the new ad direction, BMW is also sponsoring the 2012 Summer Olympics, which will showcase a host of green technologies. If all goes as planned, this year could position the brand to keep the coveted top spot.

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