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2019 BMW M850i – Video Review

Top Motorist

Top Motorist

2019 BMW M850i – Video Review

A pinnacle of BMW styling, power, and technology. Truly worthy to wear the 8 Series badge.

While it has come a long way since its very first introduction in 1989, the BMW M850i remains one of those cars made only for the affluent. It is smaller in length than the 7 series and even the 6 series. However, the 8-series BMW styling can only be directly compared with the Gran Coupe. Sculpting in the double-bubble style racing roof, with a gaping air intake in the frontend and subtle swivels in the hood, the BMW M850i provides a design unlike any other in the BMW line-up.

In terms of performance, the M850i has shed the V12 -engine option from 1989 and replaced it with its twin-turbocharged and intercooled dual overhead cam 32-valve V-8 engine. This is propelling the driver to 100km/h from a standstill in 3.7 seconds thanks to its launch-control program, 523 horsepower, and 553 lb-ft of torque. Controlling that power the M850i series is the equipped adaptive steering control, and awd control. The technology seamlessly displaces power to each of the four wheels as needed in order to maintain control through corners, and launch off a standstill. During testing, this car experienced less than ideal weather conditions, and surprisingly, the M850i felt solid on every type of puddle, corner, and bump. To top it off, the counterbalanced wheels with 245/35R-20s up front and 275/30R-20s out back improves its handling.

2019 BMW M850i - Exterior #1
2019 BMW M850i - Exterior #5
2019 BMW M850i - Exterior #2
2019 BMW M850i - Exterior #3
2019 BMW M850i - Exterior #4

The BMW M850i starts at $124 000, but given all the optional packages including executive package which includes a crystal gear shift, professional driver assistance, and optional carbon-fiber roof the price quickly climbs to $136 860. Buyers are going to have to consider spending the extra dollars to climb from a 6 series to 8 series for more-or-less prestige status. In any regard, the BMW M850i was a pleasure to drive, for a more in-depth analysis, please check out our video review:

Key Features:

  • Starts at $124 000
  • Engine: twin-turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block, and heads, direct fuel injection producing 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode
  • Dimensions: Wheelbase: 111.1 inches / Length: 191.2 inches / Width: 74.9 inches / Height: 53.0 inches / Trunk volume: 12 cubic ft / Curb weight: 4643 lb
  • Fuel consumption (combined): 11.5L/100km
2019 BMW M850i - Interior #1
Fabian Kirchbauer Photography
2019 BMW M850i - Interior #2
2019 BMW M850i - Close Up #1
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Automotive Reviews Car Video
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2018 BMW 440i – Automotive Review

Jared Syrenne

Jared Syrenne

2018 BMW 440i – Automotive Review

The 2018 BMW 440i, a unique blend of sportiness and elegance, that can be built to suit the demands of even the pickiest consumer.

2018 brings a refreshing update to the 4 series line-up, which was first introduced in September 2013. With a notably wider stance and longer wheelbase than its predecessor, the BMW 4 series is available as a Coupé, Convertible, and a 4-door Gran Coupé.

“The maxim guiding the BMW 4 Series model update was ‘stick to the proven formula but add extra richness to the cars’ character’. That’s why the exterior design shines the spotlight most brightly on the dynamic and elegant qualities of the BMW 4 Series family”

                  -Domagoj Dukec, Head of Exterior Design BMW Automobiles.

Major Updates Include:

  • Restyled nose, keeping with the broad muscular almost bulldog BMW styling.
  • Larger central air intake that increases in size toward the exterior edges
  • Similar front headlights but now new bi-LED headlights as standard, with available Icon II full-LED adaptive headlights
  • Elongated design of the rear end with everything focusing on giving the impression of the car sitting wider, lower and having an enhanced muscular look
  • The rear LED lights are no longer divided into individual lights but are given a more cohesive look that tapers off towards the center.
  • Signal indicators take up more space, and the inner section of each rear light is now used for signaling as well
2018 BMW 440i - Coupe Exterior
2018 BMW 440i - Exterior Cabriolet
2018 BMW 440i - Exterior Grand Coupe
2018 BMW 440i - Coupe Exterior Rear

Exterior

New exterior paint finishes have been made available for the 2018 BMW 4-series. The first is called Snapper Rocks Blue Metallic, which is a new shade of turquoise, and the second is called Sunset Orange which is a burnt orangey-red color.

Interior

The interior of the BMW 440i was everything you would expect from a luxury import vehicle. With extra fine materials used throughout, the refresher for 2018 had only minor improvements like the finishes added to the air outlets, and the controls on the door panel. However, when sitting in this car you can tell there was an army of engineers who were tasked with ensuring maximum functionality of even the smallest unnoticeable details. Also new to 2018 is some additional interior colors, such as Midnight Blue, Cognac, and Ivory White, all complete with coordinated contrast stitching and piping. We tested the BMW 440i convertible in the new Snapper Rocks Blue mixed with the White Dakota leather interior, and it looked like the car was straight from Miami Vice. I swear the creamy white interior was getting dirt marks on it from just looking in the same direction as the car.

Driving

The 4 series has a lower center of gravity and a wider\longer wheelbase compared to the 3 series. Combine that with the stiffer M sports suspension with advanced damping technology and an upgraded steering set-up, the 440i drove more like a sporty coupe compares to a full sized 4-door sedan. All the engine options for the 4 series are from the latest modular BMW EfficientDynamics family and include the BMW TwinPower Turbo. The inline 6 found in the 440i coupe generates 320 hp and has an average combined fuel consumption rate of 9.6 l/100km. These engines are mated to a standard eight-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission, with an available six-speed manual gearbox for no-cost only on the BMW 4 Series Coupé.

2018 BMW 440i - Interior Cockpit
2018 BMW 440i - Interior Console
2018 BMW 440i - Interior Infotainment
2018 BMW 440i - Interior Instrument Cluster

Technology & Safety

Redesigned iDrive 6.0 infotainment system

  • Highlights include:
    • New main menu structure with configurable tiles featuring live content.
    • Intelligent Voice Control system including Natural Language Understanding.
    • Automatic over-the-air map updates up to 4x annually.

Key Features:

  • Pricing
    • 440i Coupé starting at $56,850 CND
    • 440i xDrive Gran Coupé starting at $57,550 CND
    • 440i xDrive Cabriolet starting at $71,050 CND
  • Power
    • Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 4.9s (440i xDrive Coupé)
    • 320hp & 330 ft-lb of torque (440i xDrive Coupé)
  • Fuel
    • Combined in 9.6l/100 km (440i Coupé)
    • Combined in 9.6l/100 km (440i Grand Coupé)
    • Combined in 10.2l/100 km (440i Cabriolet)
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Automotive Reviews
2018 BMW M550i Exterior
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2018 BMW M550i – Review

2018 BMW M550i Exterior
Andrew Harwood

Andrew Harwood

2018 BMW M550i – Review

The newly redesigned BMW M550i just might be the most ‘bang for your buck’ luxury sports sedan of 2018.

When purchasing a vehicle, it’s almost impossible to believe that you are getting a bargain. No matter what that sly salesman might have you believe, they are not doing you any favors. BMW however, is doing us all a favor with the new redesigned M550i. Loaded with a handful of bells and whistles, BMW has packed multiple features and technology inside this sedan.

Dressed in the “M” performance badge, which is a first for the 5-series, the performance was exceptional. The 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 sedan propels you in your seat, going from 0-100 in 4.5 seconds. The tuning of the transmission shifts smoothly and seamlessly. Generating an impressive 456 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, the M550i is one of the fastest sedans in its class. For comparison sake, the Mercedes E43 AMG has only 396 horsepower output. It may not be a track car (try looking at the m5 and paying more coin.) but, the M550i has a loose suspension due to some weight displacement in the front and rear. When put into modes Sport and Sport+, this tightens up quite nicely and adaptively lowers the suspension.  The fuel economy isn’t spectacular, especially in a class where everything adds up. At a modest 14L/100km city and 9L/100km highway fuel efficiency, the BMW M550i ranks in the lower half of its class.

It’s almost as if Lexus has captured Denzel in Man on Fire with its fierceness. The IS 350 looks like it can casually leave a scene of fire chaos and look bold while doing so. The front end has a draped black “netting” outlined in a unique shape. Along with air intake ventilation accompanying the grille, the IS 350 also features a check mark style LED lights underneath the existing headlights. It has a low stance look to the overall vehicle giving a more powerful look. From the backside, the IS 350 has sleek taillights sharply jagged and wrapping around the sides of the vehicle. The exhaust looks substantially larger and produces a decent roar.

2018 BMW M550i Exterior
2018 BMW M550i Exterior
2018 BMW M550i Exterior
2018 BMW M550i Exterior

Accompanied with some aerodynamics, BMW has kept a classic styling to this 5 series. This is a subtle but, effective move to fans of BMW’s. There’s something visually appealing to BMW, and they didn’t redesign a complicated and busy look for this new sedan. The BMW M550i includes a performance inducing spoiler, vents, and sculpted body styling. The exhaust does its job projecting the amplified V-8 engine letting the Honda Civics’ with aftermarket exhausts know who is boss. A nice accent is the metallic silver trim around the vents and on the mirrors mimicking the cars rotors. Blue brake calipers complete the look entirely.

The interior is spacious for all and looks sharp. Dressed in cream-white leather seating and the carbon fiber accents compliment the inside nicely. Also, BMW has draped some multicolor rope lighting along the dashboard that’s very attractive to the eye. There is plenty of head and leg room in this sedan for people of all body types. The display screen with multiple functions is a great size measuring 10.25 inches wide but, the non-touch screen is a disappointment. The classic scroll dial has me sometimes frustrated when it slips to the wrong desired function. A gesture mode has been added to impress anyone that hasn’t seen it before. Simply roll your index finger in a circular motion in front of the display to turn up the volume. 

2018 BMW M550i Interior
2018 BMW M550i Interior
2018 BMW M550i Interior
2018 BMW M550i Interior

The drive itself was very comfortable, and smooth. I had myself enjoying the exhilarating power and adrenaline from this sedan. Often found myself bullying my way around other vehicles, but before you judge me, this car made me do it. The drivability, quality, and comfort have continued to satisfy what you expect BMW would produce. Now, I will say it ranks high in a stiff competitive based on its performance and quality. Where it stands out and blows my skirt up is the price. (Yeah, I said skirt.) The tested BMW M550i was priced at $89, 650. Lower than any competitive sedan. The Audi A6 will ring you around $91,000 and the Mercedes-AMG E 43 at around $93, 000.          

Key Features:     

  • Starts at $82,000
  • 4L twin-turbocharged V8, 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission
  • 456 horsepower, 0-100 in 4.5 seconds
  • xDrive (all-wheel drive)
  • Four years/80,000kms warranty

If the lack of fuel efficiency has grabbed your concern, BMW has covered their bases by adding a Hybrid model BMW 530e, where you can sacrifice power for fuel savings. The BMW 530 can cover up to 25kilometers on a single charge. You sacrifice significant power obviously, but it is no slouch in its own right. The BMW 530i produces 248 horsepower from a turbocharged-2L inline-4 engine. The combined fuel economy will give you 8.7L/100km (city and highway).

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Automotive Reviews
2018 BMW M240i Exterior
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2018 BMW M240i – Review

2018 BMW M240i Exterior
Jared Syrenne

Jared Syrenne

2018 BMW M240i – Review

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

2018 BMW M240i Exterior
2018 BMW M240i Exterior
2018 BMW M240i Exterior
2018 BMW M240i Exterior

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.

2018 BMW M240i Interior
2018 BMW M240i Interior
2018 BMW M240i Interior
2018 BMW M240i Interior

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
2017 BMW 750i xDrive Exterior
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2017 BMW 750i xDrive – Review

2017 BMW 750i xDrive Exterior
Andrew Harwood

Andrew Harwood

2017 BMW 750i xDrive – Review

Adopting the phrase, “luxury reinvented” the BMW 750i xDrive is giving its drivers a taste of future. The most impressive aspects of this car aren’t even directed at the driver.

Adopting the phrase, “luxury reinvented” the BMW 750i xDrive is giving its drivers a taste of future. The most impressive aspects of this car aren’t even directed at the driver. You may want to hire someone to drive you while you enjoy the roof light show and entertainment screen. This vehicle lays out an LED carpet for you as you walk towards the door. BMW has flooded this car with features to make a statement against its biggest competitor the Mercedes S-Class. It has succeeded. Accompanied by a monumental list of features are a superb driving experience and enhanced performance.

With a 4.4L twin turbo engine, this BMW 750i bolsters 445 horsepower. The sound transmitting from the exhaust demonstrates the sheer power of this machine with the appropriate luxury sound level inside the vehicle. The frame is made from lightweight aluminum, accompanied with carbon fiber accents in the body making this luxury sedan incredibly light. These innovations will reduce your co2 emissions by 25%. Fuel efficiency is decent, using the stop and start feature; the BMW 750i has a fuel rating of 14.7/100km City and 9.7. Air vents and radiator grille automatically controls the air flow to the engine bay as well as providing aerodynamics and efficiency.

2017 BMW 750i xDrive Exterior
2017 BMW 750i xDrive Exterior
2017 BMW 750i xDrive Exterior
2017 BMW 750i xDrive Exterior

Do yourself a favor and take a test drive of this BMW 750i xDrive, at night time. Wait, scratch that. Get a friend or loved one to drive this vehicle at night, while you kick back and enjoy the backseat. Like I said the most impressive aspect of this car is not directed at the person behind the wheel. BMW has put an onslaught on your senses. Beginning with smell, the 750i provides a fragrance ionizer. Its driver and passengers are treated to fermented scents all controlled by the display to increase or decrease the strength. The sense of touch; well, the display screens behind the seats, front display, and removable tablet-(yeah, removable!) all are touch screen activation. Allowing for controlling of entertainment and functionality to be conducted throughout. Did I also mention a key fob display that may be a bit unnecessary, but a unique feature that publishes a variety of vehicle information. Controlling some of the display screens can even be conducted by gestures. For your sight, an increased size of the heads up display is a subtle but valuable improvement. Taking a page from Rolls Royce, BMW has an interior light show cascading the entire roof and siding. Colors are changeable of course. Bower and Wilkens surround system will do any song justice and provides crisp quality for your hearing pleasure. This brings me to the last sense of taste. You are probably thinking to yourself; no way have they had something for that as well. Even though it isn’t highlighted anywhere in regards to this vehicle, nor have I tried it myself, but try giving the luscious leather a lick.

2017 BMW 750i xDrive Interior
2017 BMW 750i xDrive Interior
2017 BMW 750i xDrive Interior
2017 BMW 750i Display Key Fob
2017 BMW 750i Backseat Touchpad

The overall drive of this vehicle was fantastic. It does, however, have a minor jerk when pushing the gas to take off, however, resulting in a lag. The BMW 750i has new innovative engineering with the suspension adjustments. It contains a new adaptive mode that dynamically shifts looseness suspension as you are driving which I recommend should be the default. By default it drives in a comfort setting, giving it a balloon type feel. Overall though it is a technically advanced vehicle with a list of features longer than a Donald Trump’s bizarre tweeting record. (Maybe not.) My only critique of the vehicle would be the lack of innovation to the exterior of the vehicle. I can understand keeping the classic BMW look, but maybe something with the grill or rear to have slick appearance would be good. Never the less, it’s an inventive piece of German engineering well worth the sticker price, or a test drive if you aren’t high class.

Key Features:

  • Price:$132,600
  • Monumental list of interior features
  • 13.9/100km City
  • 9.1/100km Highway 
  • 4.4L Twin Turbo V8
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Automotive Reviews
BMW X4 M40i Exterior
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2017 BMW X4 M40i – Review

2017 BMW X4 M40i - Review

BMW X4 M40i Exterior
Jared Syrenne

Jared Syrenne

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BMW blends the lines between its class of SUVs and car with their all-new 2017 X4. This lineup is labeled as an SAV or sports activity vehicle. The acute angles and fastback sloped rear has this vehicle reminiscent of a coupe in overall appearance with the larger aggressive stance of an SUV.

This new addition to BMW’s lineup is very similar to their very popular X6. I found the exterior to be more exciting and sporty than the typical blocky right angles found on most SUVs including the very similar X3. This coupe-like design does create a smaller space for the second-row seating, with about 45mm lost in leg and headroom. Now the spec’s do show a decrease in cargo volume, with the foldable seats and nearly identical exterior dimensions as the X6, I felt there was ample room for an SUV in this class.

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The X4 was truly designed to be driven under the M badge as the M40i, with its “TwinPower” turbo 3.0l inline 6. This is the same engine found in BMW’s M2 coupe. And after being tuned for the SUV, it delivers 0-100km/hr. in 4.9 seconds with 355hp and 343 ft./lbs. of torque. With these impressive specs, it beats the similar priced; Porsche Macan S having 0-100km/hr. in 5.0s and the Audi SQ5 at 5.3 seconds. Providing some of that speed and acceleration are technologies like “TwinScroll” turbo, high precision injection system, DoubleVANOS variable camshaft control system, and the VALVETRONIC fully variable control system. The additional $12,000 at MSRP between the Xdrive 28i and the M40i provides an increase of almost 100hp, which allows it to live up to its sports car-like appearance. An interesting point to note is that the performance doesn’t come at a sacrifice to fuel consumption as both the competition above had a combined fuel consumption of 12.2l/100km, whereas the X4 M40i was only 11.3l/100km

As expected with a luxury brand such as BMW, the driving experience was always unapparelled. The exciting new role of a small sports SUV, showcased all their advances in racing technology, while still providing ample space for the daily commute or weekend escape. For someone who doesn’t want to fully give up the thrill of driving a small coupe like the BMW M240i, you can find all that power and excitement in the larger and more versatile BMW X4 M40i

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Key Features

  • MSRP $61,000
  • Power 355hp @ 5,800 – 6,000rpm
  • Torque 343lb-ft @ 1,200 – 5,000rpm
  • Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 4.9s
  • Combined fuel consumption 11.3 l/100km

2023 Volvo S60 T8 Recharge

Andrew Harwood November 3, 2023

The 2023 Volvo S60 Recharge T8: Where Power and Eco-Consciousness Dance I’ve recently had the pleasure of embarking on an electrifying adventure with the 2023

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