Big Motoring World reviews BMW range-extending hybrid

BMW is a proponent of fuel cell technology for the future. Automobilwoche, the German car review website, is reporting that the German automaker is developing a model that can travel an incredible 706.2 miles per gallon (mpg). Big Motoring World reviews the latest technology in production for the i Series.

Design

It’s set to be a four-seater made from carbon-fibre with a reinforced plastic body, which has an ultra-low drag coefficient. That’s a large contribution to the weight loss over the previous model – an impressive 2,645 pounds. By comparison, the BMW i8 weighs 3,455 pounds and averages 28 mpg when its 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine is operating. So this new model is clearly built for efficiency and speed.

Power

While it appears this won’t be a fully electric model, the range-extending electric vehicle will use a two-cylinder gas engine to generate power for an electric motor which will have priority for cruising. The combination will reach a top speed of nearly 112 miles per hour.

Verdict

This model is only in development form yet so won’t be in production for some time. But this does prove that BMW is continuing to be innovative and is sure to learn a thing or two from this engineering. The features will surely trickle into future i Series cars.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

A 200mph limo? Big Motoring World reviews

The one rule that Big Motoring World has on supercars is that more really is more. If there’s one manufacturer that really honours that rule, it’s Mercedes.

Luxury upgrade

The stretched 6.3.0 litre Rocket 900 is a significant rise in luxury from the previous model, the V12 Mercedes-Maybach S600. A new billet crankshaft includes forged pistons, upgraded turbochargers and larger intake manifolds. All of this leads to a hotter engine, but this is dealt with by the use of real gold heat shields. They really have every base covered.

Efficiency and Speed

Mercedes feed the energy created in their engine testing room into Germany’s national grid. That says everything you need to know about the company. And the results for this car are as you’d expect in that regard – it has 900 metric horsepower (888bhp), 1,106lb ft of torque, a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 217mph.

Design

The inside of this car is simply luxurious. It represents a typical limo in the cabin, with leather in brown and cream. But it does have a racier feel – and that’s no surprise considering this can go more than 200mph.

With a choice of 21-inch wheels, retuned suspension dropped by an inch, a full aero kit and new radiator grille, the design is sleek to say the least. And as sumptuous as it is already, there are further upgrades available with special leather and Alcantara upholstery, wood and carbon-fiber trim, and its full iBusiness suite.

Verdict

There's no official word on the price for this model, but the Mercedes-Maybach S600 starts at £166,000, so this one’s likely to be a little higher. But for the novelty alone, this car really is something else.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World reviews a classic: BMW E34 M5

The BMW M5 is an all-time classic, no doubt. Big Motoring World looks into why it was - and still is - successful.

The E34 M5 was the last of the six-cylinder M5s by BMW, and to car connoisseurs it’s arguably the best of the lot. The E28 created the template for the modern-day performance carry-all, whilst the E34 moved it forward.

Usability

For its era, the early 1990s, the E28 seemed pretty much perfect. But BMW made things even better with the 3.8-litre upgrade to this M5 in 1992. This featured a 3795cc engine with an upgraded engine management system, plus revised suspension. There was also an increase in safety and security, which was followed by a six-speed gearbox in 1994.

When maintained properly, this car can clock up in excess of 200,000 miles. Some models had leather in grey or black, whilst others used cloth – both last extremely well and when scrubbed up, your car will look like it has been around for two years rather than two decades.

Verdict

The BMW M5 E28 is a bargain for a performance car and can be picked up for less than £4,500. No other car offers this level of usability, build quality and dynamic prowess for that sort of money and the engine sounds phenomenal.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World reviews Mercedes-Benz SL 550 Mille Miglia 417

Big Motoring World reviews the special edition Mercedes-Benz SL. Mille Miglia was a road race in Italy between the 1920s and 1950s, and it was in 1955 when American John Fitch and his co-driver Kurt Gessl drove the 300SL to which this car pays homage.

The pair came fifth in the race overall, an incredible achievement in a production car, beating many race cars.

Design

Available in matt black, today’s SL is comes with black wheels which measure 19 inches up front and 20 inches at the back. The black design includes red accents throughout – it’s not discreet but well executed throughout. The hardtop roof is, of course, retractable and that adds to its powerful, racy look.

With the top up or down, the SL550 Mille Miglia 417 is fast. It goes from 0-60 mph in just over four seconds, reaching a top speed of 155 mph.

Drive

Driver assistance is included which helps with braking and steering. The steering precision and directional ability are on point, with a comfortable ride guaranteed thanks to the luxurious interior.

Valued at around £30,000 less than its competitors, the SL63 AMG and AMG GT, it is a bargain and worth having for the unique driving experience alone. Check out our Mercedes showroom here.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you. 

Big Motoring World Reviews the BMW 4-Series convertible

Summer is upon us, so what better time to purchase a new BMW Convertible? Big Motoring World reviews the 4-Series Convertible and its qualities.

Cruising this summer

The BMW 4-Series convertible was released on the back of the highly-successful 3-Series, which proves there is a market for this sort of model. It uses the body and interior of the new 4-Series coupé, replacing its fixed roof with a clever three-piece folding hard top.

In recent years, trends have turned from the folding tin-tops towards more traditional fabric roofs, deemed to be quieter and safer. They are also typically heavy and bulky, but this BMW combats that with a slim backend which maintains a sleek, balanced model.

The car is fast and gloriously smooth, with a range of engines and specs on offer depending on your driving styles and tastes. The most economical option is the 420d, while the most powerful is the 435i.

Interior

Inside, the roofed and the roofless are identical, premium models. Leather is flowing through the interior, with a high emphasis on technology to help with navigation systems and other gadgets to enhance your driving experience.

The full rear camera helps with the parking element, with various sensors and features available to enable you to drive in comfort in style.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.