November 14, 2017April 25, 2018

2018 BMW M240i – Review

November 14, 2017

BMW’s 2 series is known for providing an exciting driving experience. This is taken to new heights with the BMW M240i. With it's inline 6, near perfect weight distribution and compact weight and size, this car is clearly designed for uncompromising performance.

The 2018 features very slightly refreshed styling; with it only having minor changes to both the interior and exterior design.

The model we drove was the 2018 BMW M240i, with the manual transmission. It is without a doubt a win for BMW enthusiast. The smooth manual transmission was a pleasure to drive even in the steady stop and go of some daily Vancouver city driving, and the slight vibrations felt through the shifter help provide the connection that is an integral part of the complete driving experience. The true to form sports coupe is quick, nimble, and engaging, and while the interior may be too cramped for four, it could easily be the perfect vehicle for a person in search of a more exciting commute. The M240i is available in coupe, cabriolet, xDrive, with either the automatic 8-speed Steptronic Sports transmission, or the preferred 6-speed manual transmission

With BMW slapping the M-Series logo on everything it’s hard to define what is a true BMW M-class sports car. While the M240i does feature many of the track inspired tech that can be found on M2, it does have a few missing pieces that a full-on track car like the M2 or M3 has such as the electronically-controlled, multi-plate limited slip-differential, wider subframe, and stiffer springs. What it does have though is the impressive output of the M Performance TwinPower Turbo inline 6. This 3.0-litre produces 335-hp, 369 lb-ft of torque and throws this little car from 0-100km in 4.8 secs. This is right up there with the Audi S3 and the Mercedes AMG C43, all with an almost identical 0-100km, but with the S3 having 292hp and the C43 having whopping 362hp. This car also features the M performance suspension tuning setting and variable sports steering. The Servotronic steering can implement a variety of steering ratios that can ensure less effort is required when parking and turning, or improve handling and performance when driving more dynamically.

The interior was only slightly changed in the 2018 model, with the biggest improvement coming from the standard 6.6-inch center touchscreen (or an 8.8-inch optional one). Which I was quite surprised to find out was the first time the 2-series even had the option for a touchscreen. M240i stands on 18-inch M double-spoke rims, with Michelin sports rubber. We recommend the available 12-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound audio system, which includes a 360-watt amplifier, five tweeters, five midrange speakers, and two central bass speakers located under the front seats. Also new was some metallic paint jobs like the Mediterranean and Seaside blue, as well as the Sunset orange that is seen in this articles images.

Key Features:

Starting at $47,000 CND
Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 7.8
Engine power in hp at 1/min 335
Engine torque (Nm) at 1/min 369
Top speed in km/h 250
Acceleration 0–100 km/h in s 4.6[4.8]

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Automotive Reviews

November 8, 2017June 20, 2018

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2018 Audi A7 Sportback – Review

Vince Sandhu

2018 Audi A7 Sportback – Review

November 8, 2017

The all-new 2018 Audi A7 is here with a new facelift and a load of screens inside. Re-styled from the last generation with a few tweaks for an extra ‘pop’ but the overall shape and appeal still catches everyone’s eye.

The target market hasn’t changed from the previous years as the “Elite class sedan with its sporty features” while offering a “Futuristic lounge atmosphere” as Audi likes to put it. The A7 is confined selection of trims from the Premium Plus and Prestige package, which are available with the S-Line package.

I’ve always been a fan of the A7s styling, pushing boundaries with the diving rear end, which they’ve kept with the newest generation. The main exterior change Audi has revealed is the wide gaping front grill, headlights, and taillights, which give the car an even more aggressive look than it already had. The taillights stretch across the entire trunk, just below the hidden spoiler (which automatically rises once reaching 75 mph). A three headlight systems are up for grabs, with the flagship Matrix LED System using Audi’s laser light technology.

The interior has been stripped of its buttons and dials and is now replaced with an 8.6” touchscreen in the center console; alongside the 10.1” media/navigation screen above it, with the digital speedometer. The sheik interior design in previous A7s has always been appealing and never distracting, but many have had complaints about the view out the rear window, due to the sloping roof. Drivers end up seeing the eyes of the backseat passengers rather than the headlights of trailing cars.

Available with up to 10 airbags for extra safety. It comes standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) that works with the Quattro All-Wheel Drive system to detect loss of traction and provide braking to avoid unnecessary body motion or slip. All models come standard also with ABS. If you’re feeling over the whole “driving” thing while behind the wheel, Audi has fitted adaptive cruise control, night vision, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

Audi has revealed the 3.0L supercharged V6, where as the RS7 comes with a twin-turbo 4.0L V8 that growls out 605bhp and 553lb-ft of torque to throw you from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. The A7 six banger will belt out 340bhp and 325 lb/ft of torque that gives you a more subtle 0-60 in 5.2 seconds. It is connected to a 48-volt hybrid system which allows the start-stop system kick in at 13mph. With a redundant (my opinion) 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, all this comes together to provide the driver with an apparent 12L/100 km combined figure.

Audi supplies the A7 with a warranty of 4years/80,000km from the vehicles in-service date and covers defects in material and workmanship, a 12year/unlimited mileage corrosion perforation warranty, an emissions warranty, and an 8year/160,000km high voltage battery warranty.

Considering the only changes in the new generation are the mean looking front end and the interior is riddled with touch screens, there isn’t much of a change in driveability from the previous years model. The hood doesn’t feel as long as it looks when behind the wheel. For someone who drives a truck as their main vehicle, the earlier models didn’t have a feeling of being too low to the ground. Never felt a problem with blind-spots, and when driving alone, the view out the rear window was decent. The 2018 stunner is a few cm shorter, which makes it much more appropriate for city driving (not that it wasn’t before.) Similar to the years prior they’ve been a great drive, smooth on the most uneven roads, handles itself around corners well, and when you put your foot down, it is completely stable.

The A7 has quietly, but not completely, been overlooked when being compared to its opposition in my opinion. The M6, CLS and the Panamera are its competitors who are fitting. Four door sporty sedans that push you into your seat when you want it too while pulling a few neck muscles with their stance. Biased aside, the CLS is the favorite, Panamera clawing its way to the top year after year with its redesign, and the M6 sticking to a winning recipe. In regards to the 2018 A7 Audi is done being overlooked.

Key Features:

Starting at $82, 300
Twin-turbo 4.0L V8 producing 605bhp and 8-speed transmission
Ten standard airbags
12L per 100 km combined city/highway