All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Tuning

BMW X5 upgraded by AC Schnitzer

The BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV that arrived on the market in 1999 as the first SUV of the Bavarian manufacturer. In 2023, a renewed version of the fourth generation hit the market, and tuners soon began to expand their offer for this luxury German SUV. One of them is AC Schnitzer which presented its upgrade package for the BMW X5 model.

AC Schnitzer modified the front and rear view giving the car a more aggressive look. This has been achieved using aerodynamic enhancements compatible with the M package, which include a new front splitter, deeper side skirts and a large rear spoiler. Most noticeable are the new 22-inch AC5 wheels, first seen on AC Schnitzer’s BMW XM, available in a variety of finishes. The rear wheel track has been increased by 24 mm, and the SUV can be lowered by an additional 15 to 20 mm (depending on the equipment package), if it did not come out of the factory with air suspension.

Inside the cabin, there were no major changes. The existing interior design has been retained with the addition of a new pair of aluminum paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel, as well as new aluminum pedal attachments.

When it comes to the powertrain, the BMW X5 xDrive40d now has 382 hp (281 kW) and 575 lb-ft (780 Nm) of torque. That’s up from the stock model, which has 352 hp (259 kW) and 531 lb-ft (720 Nm) of torque.

AC Schnitzer allows BMW X5 owners to purchase components separately. The price is not known.

Source: AC Schnitzer

Gallery:

BMW X5 upgraded by AC Schnitzer
Tuning

Land Rover Defender – Reborn Electric

Ever since it appeared on the market in 1948, the Land Rover Defender has gained iconic status, with over 2 million units produced. Now, British electric vehicle supplier and manufacturer, Bedeo, has done a conversion of a classic example of this model, bringing it to life as a fully electric car, which is the first car in their Reborn Electric line.

The SUV looks like a standard Defender 110 Station Wagon, however, everything changes when you see the massive IWM engines behind the wheels. “We are committed to maintaining the vehicle’s original weight, charm and driving dynamics, while at the same time ensuring easy maintenance and delivering all the benefits of electrification. For the Defender, as well as other models to come, this means no emissions or noise, while at the same time keeping it nostalgic and classic driving experience without sacrificing substance and adding unnecessary weight. The Icons line represents a natural evolution for us as a pioneer in sustainable mobility. The Defender’s conversion shows the versatility of our in-wheel motors. We’re not just turning cars into electric vehicles, but we preserve the automotive heritage and enable clean and efficient transport in the future,” said Osman Boyner, founder and director of Bedeo.

The Land Rover Defender is now powered by four electric in-wheel motors (IWMs), each delivering 122 hp (91 kW), for a total of 488 hp (364 kW). That’s enough to push the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 10 seconds with a limited top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph). It is equipped with a 75 kWh battery that enables a range of 246 kilometers. Bede says that with the use of a 50kW charger, the battery can be charged in an hour and a half, or five hours in the case of using a 22kW cable.

Source: Bedeo

Gallery:

Land Rover Defender - Reborn Electric
EV

2025 Denza Z9 GT

At the end of March, the Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD announced that it had produced seven million electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company announced on its official website and social network Weibo that the 7 millionth NEV was the Denza N7 SUV, their premium brand car created as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz. In a few days (April 25), a new all-electric model will arrive on the market as a competitor to the Porsche Taycan, the Denza Z9 GT.

The Denza Z9 GT is 5,180 mm long, 1,990 mm wide and 1,500 mm high, with a wheelbase of 3,125 mm. This means that it is about 130 mm longer than the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo and 53 mm wider, but also slightly higher. It is powered by three electric motors, one on the front axle (312 hp) and two on the rear axle (2 x 327 hp), with a total power of 966 hp (720 kW). The car weighs 2,875 kg, which is more than the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUVs, and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph).

At first glance, the front of the car is characterized by angular headlights, a sculpted bumper with large openings and dramatic creases across the hood. The bold look continues with a profile with rims designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, flat door handles and creases. At the rear, LED taillights, a roof spoiler and a secondary spoiler that extends from the trunk lid set the Z9 GT apart from the competition.

Battery specifications are still unknown, but it is certain that BYD’s Blade design will be used. We will have more information on April 25, when the premiere of this model will take place.

Source: Denza