The new BMW M4 Convertible sticks with the tried and test performance cabriolet formula Verdict The BMW M4 Convertible is one of few options at this price point in the performance cabriolet market, so the fact buyers have this choice when many German rivals have deserted this sector should be celebrated. It’s not the sharpest driver’s tool, and removing the roof doesn’t provide much more access to the noise. But it does give a different dimension to the driving experience. If you want an exclusive, larger convertible with lots of performance, this is your best bet. Performance cabriolets are a dying breed. Book-ended by cars such as the Mazda MX-5 at the lower end and many carbon fibre-chassis roadsters beyond…

We take this omission seriously. Plus, internet points matter less to us than driving satisfaction, so our long-term M3 has a mere 473 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual transmission. So far, we think it's the right one to live with for the next 40,000 miles. Say what you will about the M3's novelty-sized snout, we think the optional Isle of Man Green Metallic paint ($550) makes up for it. Paired with the M Shadowline black inlay in the front headlights ($300) and 18-inch wheels, the exterior has the kind of presence that elicits compliments from folks in parking lots. Inside, the Silverstone and Black Leather ($2550) and Individual Aluminum trim ($1080) add a pleasing contrast. We also opted…

PROS State of the art purpose-built electric car from BMW Impressive to drive with outstanding comfort and refinement Eye-catching interior, packed with user-friendly technology CONS Exterior design takes some getting used to Not all of the driver assistance tech works flawlessly Cheaper, more conventional BMW electric cars on the way The BMW iX is a new purpose-built luxury electric car, and the flagship for BMW’s latest electric vehicle technology. It combines controversial exterior looks with a plush, ‘lounge-style’ interior and a seriously impressive driving experience – as well as offering a large number of modern safety and driving aids. Rivals include the Audi E-Tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC and Tesla Model X. Is the BMW iX any good? If you’re in the…

The X3’s midcycle update brings good tech upgrades and better looks. The last time we drove the third-gen BMW X3, we were a bit disappointed with its cabin design, technology, and overall position in the segment. The 2022 BMW X3 is trying to change that with its midcycle update, which involves a moderate improvement to its interior and exterior design, plus the addition of more up-to-date technology. Are these changes enough to impact its impression among our staff? What Changed? If you place a 2018 and 2022 X3 side by side, the differences are quite noticeable. Up front, the grille, headlights, and fascia are new, with the air vents getting bigger and bolder, particularly on versions with the M Sport…

The reveal of the all-new, eighth generation of the BMW 5-Series is scheduled for 2023, but sightings of camouflaged prototypes of the premium sedan combined with reports from insider sources have painted a pretty clear picture of what to expect. Additionally, a speculative rendering from Magnus.Concepts based on the prototypes give us a glimpse of what the upcoming 5er could look like. The current 5-Series was unveiled in 2016 and received a facelift in 2020, so it is natural for a clean-sheet design to follow in 2023. The new generation will be based on the CLAR platform and, true to the “Power of Choice” strategy of the Bavarian automaker, will be offered in petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric…

"BMW's first all-electric compact executive model has arrived to challenge the Tesla Model 3" Pros Classy interior Great handling 300-plus mile range Cons Expensive No front boot Confusing infotainment The BMW i4 is a vital new model for the brand because it represents the first all-electric model intended to win over buyers of its core BMW 3 Series and BMW 4 Series models. Not only that but it also locks horns with the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2, and gives BMW a headstart on Mercedes in the compact executive electric car class. Most similar in proportions to the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, the i4 gets four doors and a hatchback but still looks low and sporty. In M…

BMW’s newest SUV previews our and its electric future. BMW is serious about going green. Forget about concept cars; starting in 2025 all BMWs will ride on what's for now called the Neue Klasse platform, a single electric vehicle architecture to rule them all. Board member and development CTO Frank Weber called the Neue Klasse "new new" and went on to describe it as "the most radical departure BMW has ever done." Until that time, the Bavarian automotive giant is launching all sorts of EVs on various other platforms, including the i4, an electric 5 Series presumably named i5, an i7, as well as a small SUV that will most likely be called the iX1. BMW already sells an electric …

Plug-in BMW 3 Series is an excellent, tax-efficient all-rounder At a glance New price £40,440 - £51,145 Lease from new From £475 p/mView lease deals Used price £24,905 - £45,360 Used monthly cost From £622 per month Fuel Economy 156.9 - 217.3 mpg Road tax cost £145 - £480 Insurance group 33 - 36How much is it to insure? New 26.5 - 36.8 Miles per pound (mpp) PROS Up to 41 miles of battery-only range Lovely steering and balanced handling Great hybrid efficiency and performance CONS Not as nice to drive as a standard petrol 3 Series Lacks the sweet-sounding engine of a 330i Reduced boot space compared with non plug-ins Is the BMW 330e any good? It won't exactly…

The verdict: Even more capable than before, the new M3 is a supercar disguised as a sedan — but it’s the disguise itself that might just be a deal breaker. Versus the competition: The M3’s adjustability sets it apart from competitors like the Mercedes-AMG C63 and the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio; it can be a calm around-town cruiser or the ultimate track monster with the push of a few buttons. The BMW M3 is one of those iconic sports machines that creates strong feelings among enthusiasts. Is the new one as good as the old one? Can all its technology make up for the extra weight it lugs around? Has it become too expensive, too unattainable, too electronic? There’s plenty…

The BMW M5 is the high-performance version of the standard BMW 5 Series and competes with the Mercedes-AMG E63, Porsche Panamera and Audi RS7 for buyers looking for a ‘super saloon’. The Mercedes matches the BMW most closely in shape and price, though – both are four-door saloons that will set you back nearly £100,000 before options. A substantial amount of what you’ll pay for the car goes towards what’s under the bonnet. Now available in ‘Competition’ spec, the M5 is powered by a 616bhp 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine that takes the car from 0-62mph in only 3.3 seconds. Considering it weighs almost two tons, both the M5’s straight-line speed and agility are remarkable. When the ‘F90’ M5 model was…