BMW has ten new or updated cars on display at the
2010 Geneva Motor Show opening tomorrow (March 2nd). Here's the run down.
The
new 5 Series has received plenty of coverage in these pages; it is difficult to believe that this is its first motor show outing. Bigger and better than ever it is bound to attract plenty of interest.
Alongside the production 5 Series the
Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid is intended to highlight BMW's latest fuel-saving technology. For the first time the company has paired its trademark straight-six petrol engine with an electric motor and the car is mooted for production next year.
BMW's other concept car, the
Concept ActiveE, was first seen in
Detroit. Based on the 1 Series Coupé it does without internal combustion, relying on the electricity grid to charge its lithium ion batteries. A handful of these cars will take part in a feasibility study on British roads later this year.
The
1 Series Coupé and Convertible ranges get a new 3.0-litre engine. Power is unchanged but it is cleaner and more economical than before. There is also a new, seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission.
The same engine is now available in the X6 and
updated X5. Both models also get the latest eight-speed automatic transmission while the X5 has received a facelift to keep it looking fresh. The X6 gets a range of dealer-fit accessories including an aero-kit and tuning parts for the petrol models.
Geneva will be our first opportunity to check out the
3 Series Coupé and Convertible's updated styling and interior trim. Those of us who couldn't make it to Detroit will also get a good look at the
new Z4 sDrive35is. It is a faster, sharper Z4 even if it isn't a full-blown M version.
Talking of the Motorsport Division's cars the
updated M3 will be on display. For improved efficiency it gets a stop-start system and there is also a Competition Package for dedicated drivers. The M Sport package for the updated X5 will also be on show.
The
Geneva Motor Show opens to the press on 2nd March and we'll bring you all the news as it happens.
