BMW & Mercedes-Benz hiring experts to compete with Google

German premium car makers BMW and Mercedes-Benz are hiring software experts in a bid to compete with tech firms including Google and Uber, in the race to develop the first self-driving car. Big Motoring World reviews the move and what it could mean to future car technology.

Premium Technology

Experts in software are suddenly in high demand in the automotive industry, with the battleground for the world’s self-driving car becoming ever more competitive. The main issue for automakers is that cars need lines of code to connect electric car motors to batteries, talk to smartphones or activate brakes when a radar system detects an obstacle ahead. 

The premium features such as autonomous driving and car-sharing will be able to be matched by BMW and Mercedes with new expertise, which would otherwise have not been possible.

Jobs

Companies are also in the process of buying others’ maps and technologies in a way of monopolising the premium automotive industry, which should increase jobs across the globe. In August, German automakers paid Nokia £2.5billion for their maps.

BMW’s workforce increased by more than 6% at the end of June from the same time last year, with plans to further increase before the end of 2015.

Malcolm Earp, chief executive at Magma People, a specialist automotive recruitment company, explained the changing emphasis in the industry to Economic Times India: "What car companies are doing is hiring people generally from outside automotive. Some companies a few years ago didn't have a connected car department. They all have that now.”

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. 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 BMW 525d Touring

The BMW 525d Touring is as impressive in stature as it is in terms of performance, with typically German efficiency partnering endurance and power. Big Motoring World reviews the driving experience.

Performance

The vast bonnet is intimidating and suits the style of the car, which has impressive, sustained power and hits a top speed of 155mph, with 46.3 miles per gallon – the fastest car of the range.

The 3.0 litre diesel engine has the best of both worlds – its advanced aerodynamics make it astonishingly silent, then the engage Sport mode kicks in the grunt sound of the engine which sounds spectacular.

A muscular 630Nm of torque means rapid acceleration is only a twitch of your right toe away and the BMW is a superb tool for safe, stress-free overtaking.

Practicality

There’s plenty of headroom, and there’s enough space for adults in the back. For a machine that weights nearly two tonnes, the economy is good when handled correctly. The automated gearbox mean it can cleanly switch gears at a moment’s notice. The boot size is also spacious, with 560 litres, whilst the 60:40 seats can be folded in a moment’s notice for extra space.

Extras

With elite cars, much of the problem is in juggling all of the extra, often unnecessary technology. But in the case of the BMW 525d Touring, it all fits into the driving experience seamlessly.

The interior is well-finished, in line with its elite driving experience, and the technology on the dashboard with engaging graphics and a regular layout.

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 and has plans to expand the site even further, so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World reviews 2015 BMW 3 Series 318

Big Motoring World reviews the new BMW 3 Series 318i, which sports the same 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine as the BMW i8.

With a sportier design, BMW has re-released the 2015 3 Series with a new generation of engines and high-class technology.

Design

With a BMW 3-Series, you know what to expect from the design. Adjustments for this model include moderated front headlights, stronger suspension, 10mm drop in ride height and comfier seats inside – there are five seats too. The boot has 480 litres of capacity with five passengers, or the back seats can be folded to allow for even further room.

Performance & Handling

The engine is a 3-cylinder with a small turbo, producing 136hp and hitting 60mph in just less than 9 seconds from a standing start. Torque is also rated at 220Nm. An 8-speed automatic transmission is an additional add-on, benefitting from GPS assistance which allows it to select an appropriate gear depending on the road ahead. Impressively, it will downshift to a lower gear as you approach a roundabout or upshift early if you’re approaching a long section of road. As with all 3-Series’, handling is fantastic but in particular it is perhaps sharper than previous models.

Technology

The car also includes two-zone air con, keyless engine start, Bluetooth and BMW’s new ‘Professional sat-nav’ with 6.5-inch screen. The iDrive control is included and it includes a full suite of electronic safety aids with dynamic stability control, cornering brake control, dynamic traction control and a crash sensor that switches on the hazard lights. It also unlocks the doors and cuts off the batteries.

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 and has plans to expand the site even further, so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

Big Motoring World reviews hybrid BMW i3

Big Motoring World reviews the sustainable, silent and quirky BMW i3 – the latest hybrid to be released by the German automaker which is taking the market by storm.

The beauty of a hybrid, aside from its flawless efficiency and low carbon emissions, is its silence on the roads. Rather than just a show-off for the latest technology and engineering, it’s a serious proposition which continues to bridge the gap between fashion and efficiency. The i3 is sensible, practical and ideal for city driving. It’s seriously light with its carbon-fibre reinforced plastic frame.

Range

Much has been said about the practicality of a hybrid for longer journeys, as you need to be charged up and in range of power. The battery doesn’t last as long as a petrol engine – however, the changeover to the two-cylinder range-extending petrol engine is seamless. The engine takes nine litres of petrol, so it’s compact but gets you through the rest of your journey and keeps the weight of the car to a minimal. And the dashboard will keep you right up to date with all the information you require in a prompt, efficient manner.

Interior

Of course, this vehicle is all about travelling light so it’s compact inside but there’s plenty of style and substance in the cabin. A slick leather interior is naturally tanned with an olive oil leaf-based agent, with a wooden dashboard complementing the latest technology.

BMW

BMW is going big on electric and this car is right up there with the best they’ve released to date. As well as its efficiency and stylish look, the power is incredible as it goes 0-62 mph in 4.4 seconds. It also hits a top speed of 93mph – what more could you need?

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.