Tag Archives: BMW

Buyers don’t want BMW XM

At the end of 2022, BMW presented its new crossover SUV, the BMW XM. Although it achieved poor sales results from the very beginning, customers are now increasingly moving away from this SUV. In the last couple of months, demand for the XM model has dropped by 30%.

The BMW XM is a large and expensive SUV, and in Q3 2024 only 307 units were sold, which is 136 units less compared to the same period in 2023. This makes the XM less popular than the Z4 model (543 units), a segment that is certainly not achieving good sales results. Sales of the Z4 did increase by almost 64%, but that was only an increase of 212 units.

In the first six months of 2024, BMW sold 1,096,486 cars worldwide, which is a growth of 2.3 percent compared to the same period in 2023. Although the biggest growth was recorded in the sale of electric cars, and 180,000 of them got new owners ( +34%), customers still mostly opt for cars powered by internal combustion engines and hybrids.

However, in the last three months, the Bavarian manufacturer has recorded a significant drop in demand for almost all models. In Q3, BMW sold 5% fewer passenger cars, 8.5% less SUV models, 13.7% fewer Serie 3 units, while the once-popular Mini brand recorded a surprisingly large drop of 33% compared to 2023.

Source: BMW

BMW X3 got a new M Performance kit

BMW has not yet revealed the X3 M, and the Bavarian company has made an effort to prepare a special M Performance package for X3 model owners. These are components made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), high-strength aramid and high-gloss polyurethane that make the car sportier than ever.

This package is compatible with the M Sport Package bodykit and the M Sport Package Pro package. This includes a new gloss black front splitter, M Sport bumper, radiator grill, side mirrors, Frozen black side decals and carbon fuel tank cap, rear sports bumper, new diffuser and a large roof spoiler. All these components are painted in glossy black, but the spoiler can also be obtained in body color. The company also offers carbon tailpipes, characteristic of the M2 M50 xDrive.

The interior of the car is decorated with M Performance sill plates made of carbon or aluminum, stainless steel pedals, and special floor mats with contrasting thread. BMW also offers an anodized aluminum lock button with a color M logo, as well as a new key holder made of Alcantara and leather.

The BMW X3 M50 xDrive is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine with mild hybrid technology, which develops 399 hp (293 kW) and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) of torque. It is mounted on a set of 22-inch “Y” rims, and a 20-inch set is also available.

There are chances that the BMW X3 M50 xDrive with M Performance parts could remain the sportiest version of the internal combustion engine model, as the BMW M version could be reserved for the upcoming Neue Klasse iX3, which arrives next year with an all-electric drive.

Source: BMW

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Most BMW M5 owners don’t take their cars to the track

A recent study showed that most BMW M5 owners do not use their cars on the tracks, even though they are super powerful cars. “We know that a very small percentage of M5 owners have driven on the track at least once, while almost no one does it consistently,” said Daniela Schmid, product manager for the M5.

This news comes as a surprise to some, but it won’t stop the Bavarian company from developing better M models. “It is important for us that every M model can be used on the track. If there are customers who want it, they can do it without any problems, but that potential is also available when they drive the car every day,” said Schmid.

Two months ago, BMW revealed the most powerful M5 ever, but also much heavier than its predecessor. It is powered by a 4.4-L biturbo V8 engine combined with an electric motor with a total output of 727 hp (542 kW) and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. That’s enough power for the car (500 kg heavier than its predecessor) to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 305 km/h (190 mph). It is equipped with a 14.8 kWh battery that enables an electric range of up to 40 kilometers.

It should also be noted that drivers will now be able to choose two optional work programs (Dynamic and Dynamic Plus) with which this M5 shows all its capabilities. By activating them, the driver can choose to transfer all the power to the rear axle only, with the assistance of an electronically controlled limited differential lock. There is also the possibility of individual adjustment of the suspension, brakes, steering system, gearbox and drivetrain.

Source: BMW