Tag Archives: BMW

News

BMW canceled the contract with Northvolt worth 2 billion euros

Four years ago, BMW signed a contract with Northvolt, but the contract was recently cancelled. Northvolt is a Swedish company that produces lithium-ion batteries, and the contract was worth 2 billion euros.

In 2016, two former Tesla executives founded Northwolt, and in January they raised $5 million to expand a battery recycling facility in Sweden. In March, the company began building a new gigafactory for battery production in Heide, Germany, and is considering a new facility in Borlange, Sweden.

The reason for the termination of the contract between BMW and Northvolt is that the Swedish manufacturer did not fulfill its obligations due to problems with serial production, a delay of two years behind the original plan, but also that it produces too much waste. Battery cells would be produced from wind and hydropower.

BMW still has a contract with Northvolt to supply next-generation battery cells for Neue Klasse electric vehicles. The first next-generation car to hit the market is the iX3, which has been announced for the end of next year. After this model, an electric sedan the size of the current Series 3 will arrive, and then the iX4 sedan and station wagon are expected in 2027. The successor to the current iX2 model will also be part of the Neue Klasse family.

BMW has already started talks with Samsung SDI about the supply of batteries needed for their current electric cars.

Source: BMW

Tuning

Manhart MHX3 650 based on the BMW X3 M Competition

After BMW revealed the new generation of the X3 M Competition, the powerful SUV quickly became the project of many tuners. Among them is the best when it comes to cars from the Bavarian manufacturer, which presented the Manhart MHX3 650 based on the BMW X3 M Competition.

Like most Manhart projects, the MHX3 650 is painted black but without the stripes that we can see on some of their cars. It is equipped with a carbon aerodynamic kit that includes a front spoiler and side skirts with fins, a roof spoiler and a rear diffuser. There are also big bright red calipers on the factory fitted M Compound braking system, MANHART lowering springs from H&R which lower the car by about 30 millimeters and ensure better cornering, stainless steel exhaust with valve control, MANHART sports tailpipes with 200 cellular HJS catalysts and four 100 mm carbon-coated tailpipes. Ceramic coated exhaust pipes are optional.

The interior is also equipped with carbon fiber details such as steering wheel spokes and shift paddles.

When it comes to the powertrain, thanks to the upgrade of the MHtronik auxiliary control unit, the 3.0 liter in-line six cylinder engine now has 650 hp (485 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission. As a reminder, the standard X3 M Competition has 510 hp (380 kW) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. It is mounted on 22″ Multispoke wheels wrapped in 255/35ZR22 and 295/30ZR22 tires.

Source: Manhart

Gallery:

Manhart MHX3 650 based on the BMW X3 M Competition
News

2025 BMW X3 (G45)

The Bavarian manufacturer has revealed the fourth generation of the X3 which is now bigger, better equipped and with a mild hybrid system and a new plug-in drive option, the BMW X3 G45.

With a refreshed two-volume body, the new X3 is slightly larger and wider than its predecessor (G01) but with the same wheelbase. It comes with new 19″, 20″ and 21″ rims, but also a few details that are reserved for the most powerful version of the M50, whose cabin is decorated with special seats and elements in the familiar colors of the M division. The car is spacious and now offers a luggage space of 570 liters. When when it comes to price, the new generation ranges from 65,230 to 82,500 euros.

The X3 has received upgraded petrol options with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, and the plug-in petrol option has also been upgraded. Each X3 comes paired with xDrive and an 8-speed automatic transmission, with the M50 at the top of the range powered by a 3.0-L inline-6 ​​turbo gasoline engine assisted by a mild hybrid system that produces 398 hp (297 kW) and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) of torque. That’s enough power to push the car to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The BMW X3 (30e) is powered by a 2.0-L four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine combined with an electric motor for a total output of 299 hp (223 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. It is equipped with a 19.7 kWh battery that ensures a range of up to 90 kilometers (WLTP) without the assistance of an internal combustion engine. Another option is a 2.0-L four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with 255 hp (190 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.

The cheapest option is a 2.0-L four-cylinder turbo petrol with 190 hp (142 kW) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque, which is enough to get the car to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.8 seconds with the top speed of 215 km/h (133 mph).

Diesel fans will have to settle for just one option, a 2.0-L four-cylinder engine with 197 hp (147 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.

Source: BMW

Gallery:

2025 BMW X3 (G45)