BMW Day Overview
Written by Justin Delaney, an Independent Reviewer, Journalist, and Motor expert.
We were recently invited to Mondello Park to sample the delights of some of BMW’s latest creations. Aside from our YouTube overview video that can be seen here we were asked to focus on the all-new X1, 7-Series and much anticipated BMW M3 Touring. A detailed review on each model will be carried out when we spend a week long test-drive period in each vehicle but lets kick off with the X1 featuring a new distinctive design which makes the outgoing model look rather dated. It now gets a high level of electrification across the range and the latest in connectivity technology. This new BMW X1 now looks more like the compact Sports Utility Vehicle that it was always meant to be. Even in standard trim buyers can now expect increased interior spaciousness with a premium ambience, new BMW Operating System 8 and BMW Curved Display with a large selection of automated driving and parking systems to ensure the X1 stands out against its competitors.
In this third model generation, the BMW X1 offers a fully electric version for the first time. This new addition to a rapidly growing vehicle segment will complement the brand’s existing battery-electric models and make driving an all-electric BMW more accessible to an even larger audience. From launch, the new BMW X1 will be available with one petrol engine and two diesel engine options. A pair of plug-in hybrid models will join the range immediately after launch, as will the new BMW iX1 xDrive30, the BMW Group’s first premium compact model based on a flexible vehicle architecture to have an all-electric drive system. BMW will offer the usual healthy array of trim levels to include Sport Premier, xLine Premier, xLine Premier Pro, M Sport Premier, and M Sport Premier Pro. This new BMW X1 is already available to order with prices kicking off from €48,200.
Next on the list or should I say in the adjacent garage sitting alongside a stunning E30 BMW M3 was the all new BMW M3 Touring. This is machine designed to offer an intoxicating blend of performance and practicality with it’s wagon or estate body style. This Touring M3 will be available exclusively in Competition guise with the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. It will no doubt combine that performance track oriented appeal with a feeling of immense versatility. Weekend adventures with the family and dog on board will be an absolute pleasure!
Like the normal M3 Competition which we took around the track, power comes from the 510hp six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. Thanks to the Drivelogic system and power split between the four wheels the BMW M3 Touring offers blistering performance at all times both on the road and on the track. Agility and precision is a trademark of BMW M tradition and we have been assured by the BMW boffins that the M3 Touring has the ability to disquise its mass, and perform regardless of conditions to make you feel safe but yet alive at the same time. This new BMW M3 Touring is priced from €147,160 with orders at BMW retailers already open. Thankfully we know of a couple already in the order book destined for Ireland.
Last but not least on our list, it’s time to focus on the new BMW 7 series. This is the latest iteration of the brand’s flagship saloon. With this vehicle BMW is no doubt out to redefine the luxury segment with new levels of luxury, electrification, sustainability and digitalisation. Having spent some time with outgoing 7-Series recently we can safely say this new BMW 7 Series represents a significant step up from its predecessor. Beneath the stunning exterior that brings modern style with the practicality and imposing nature of a premium saloon, the new BMW 7 Series introduces an advanced drivetrain that brings plug-in electrification to every model to be sold in Ireland.
Available exclusively in long-wheelbase form in either M Sport or Excellence specification, the new BMW 7 Series range comprises of models from both the BMW i and BMW M brands. Launching later this year with the pure electric i7 xDrive60, the plug-in hybrid 750e xDrive and M760e xDrive are set to follow in spring 2023. The dedicated M Performance model will deliver 571hp, combining the blistering performance characteristics of a BMW M model with the efficiency of plug-in hybrid technology. Also available will be the BMW i7 M70 xDrive and this will naturally become the future flagship model in 2023. As expected the new BMW 7 Series complements its state-of-the-art drivetrain with a blend of luxurious interior design and an astonishing array of entertainment. Sitting into the rear of the i7 in Mondello Park we were greeted with a 31.3-inch 8K BMW Theatre Screen and seat’s that almost recline flat! With the latest generation of BMW Operating System 8 and the new BMW Curved Display it really is a sublime place to be.
Like the outgoing model the new BMW 7 Series will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. Sustainability is a key consideration, with all electricity for the production of the new BMW 7 Series coming from renewable sources, while use of recycled and sustainable materials in the car has been significantly increased. The first Irish deliveries on the new 7 series are expected to commence in the coming months and prices for the fully-electric BMW i7 xDrive60 kick off from €132,210. Just wait until you see the road presence of this machine on Irish roads!
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To watch our video review overview of the BMW day please click here.
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