As BMW strive to create the zero emissions vehicles of tomorrow, forty electric MINI E cars have been handed over to their test drivers, who are all members of the public. This field trial will evaluate the psychological, social and technical aspects of living with an electric car. The findings will be used to help guide power providers, policy makers and component manufacturers in their decision making about the cars of the future.

“This is a historic day for MINI and for the BMW Group” said Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW Group (UK). “It is fitting that the brand with its inspiration in the oil crisis of the 1950s is again at the forefront of energy efficiency with a car that is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.”

The front wheel drive, two-seater MINI E uses a single-stage helical gearbox which powers the MINI E seamlessly to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 95 mph. Although based on the familiar MINI Hatch the MINI E is a two-seater because the space normally used by rear passengers is reserved for the lithium-ion battery.

This state-of-the-art rechargeable battery unit combines high output with ample storage capacity and a remarkable power output. A full recharge draws a maximum of 28 kilowatt hours of electricity from the grid. Each kilowatt hour translates into 5.4 miles giving the MINI E a theoretical range of over 150 miles.

With the possibility to extend the car’s range by up to 20 per cent, as soon as the driver lifts his or her foot off the accelerator pedal, the electric motor acts as a generator. This results in braking force and the power recovered from the kinetic energy is fed back to the battery.

Electric MINI E Trials Start in Oxford, UK is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars

The new BMW 5 Series Saloon has been styled to reflect its almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution and has the longest wheelbase in its class at 2,968mm. This extra length means an extra 13mm of knee room for rear passengers and it has a 520-litre boot with the option to specify 40:20:40 split folding rear seats.

The use of Black Panel technology on the instrument panel and centre console adds an extra touch of luxury to the interior.

Buyers of the BMW 5 Series Saloon will be able to choose between three diesel and four petrol engines. The most popular model is expected to be the 520d. This 1,995cc four cylinder diesel accelerates from zero to 62mph in 8.1 seconds before going onto a top speed of 141mph. Fuel economy is great with a combined fuel consumption figure of 56.5mpg.

For those who want power there is the twin-turbocharger 550i with its 407hp 4,395cc V8 engine. It does zero to 62mph time of just 5.0 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

The very first BMW 5 Series Saloon appeared in 1972 with BMW’s first diesel engine appearing in a Five, while other generations introduced innovations such as all aluminium suspension, Head-up Display and Active Steering.

The New BMW 5 Series Saloon is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars

Durable material stretched over a wire frame allow GINA’s look to change with the flick of a switch. The bonnet splits down the centre like a zip bag, doors open like wings, while the headlights close like eyelids when not in use. GINA’s interior is just as flexible, dials and switches are hidden out of sight when not in use.

Despite being nearly eight years old! The car still looks as fresh as it does thanks to BMW’s Chris Bangle and team. To build the GINA, the chassis and V8 engine from the Z8 roadster were taken and dressed to impress.

The GINA hasn’t only been designed to turn heads as Chris Bangle in the video below explains the ideas behind the process of sculpturing an experimental study.

BMW GINA Concept is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars

CarMagazine “broke” the news announcing the BMW M1 Hommage Concept will be making its way into the production, but BMW Blog disagrees, ”As much as we would love to see the BMW M1 Hommage making it into production, that will not happen.”

CarMagazine  in thier July issue will reveal key project details including:

• The timetable for production
• The three-strong powertrain line-up
• The lightweight body construction
• The plan for ‘heron-wing’ doors, and a driver-focused, multi-layered interior

Has BMW Blogs saved us from this Hommage. Only time will tell.

 Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

BMW M1 Hommage for Production, Not! is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars

Overall, Kieron’s review summed up, the pictures deceive the X6, when you see the X6 in the metal, it features tons of presence with aggressive attributes.
The X6 is reasonably priced with the option of 3 engines, the petrol 35i at £42,730, the diesel 30d at £41,965 and the diesel 35d at £44,145.

I defiantly agree with Kieron when it comes to the lack of standard equipment. I speculate in 2009 when Audi realise the Audi Q5 with more standard equipment then the X6, BMW will then revise the X6, improving the standard specification to push for sales.

Exclusive UK BMW X6 is a post from: Reviews 4 Cars