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BMW Vision Future Luxury Concept is bold and beautiful in Beijing

BMW officially unveiled the Vision Future Luxury Concept today (or is it tomorrow?) at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, giving the world's media an in-the-flesh look at not only a future design theme for the brand, but a rumored flagship model.
This is a looker in person, thanks to its Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe-inspired design, and it's not too difficult to imagine it in production car form, with smaller wheels, larger mirrors and the other minor transformations that take place from drawing board, to auto show and, finally, to assembly line. In general, it seems like there are more than a few parts of this vehicle that are ready for production.
We didn't talk about it in our initial post, but it bears mentioning that this particular concept is wearing an eDrive badge on its backside, indicating that under the Vision Future Luxury's long hood is some form of plug-in-hybrid propulsion. It's anyone's guess as to what engine, battery and motor combinations BMW is playing with, although it does seem questionable whether BMW would launch a PHEV flagship to do battle with a top-rung variant of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (which will likely use V12 power).

BMW 5 Series future: 3-cyl engines and 600-hp M5

What if we told you the next BMW M5 would crest 600 horsepower? You probably wouldn't be too surprised, considering the steady increase in output that's accompanied each preceding generation. Now, what if we told you that the next BMW 5 Series would be available with a three-cylinder engine? Yeah, that'd be a surprise. But it may be a reality, according to a new report from Car. In its roundup of information on the next-gen BMW 5, code-named G30, the Brit mag predicts the new sedan will arrive in the summer of next year riding on an all-new platform that trims nearly 180 pounds of body fat through the use of high-strength steel, aluminum and carbon fiber. That platform, called the CLAR, which is short for Cluster Architecutre will give birth to not only a new 6 Series, but (for some reason) a 5 Series Gran Turismo and a Touring model, which won't likely be sold in the US. It will also underpin the 7 Series, eventually. Under hood, the lighter 5er will be paired with a new 1.5-liter, three-cylinder turbodiesel for the entry level 518d. This is the same three-pot oil-burner found in the 2 Series Active Tourer and Mini Cooper D. Of course, considering how little of BMW's actual engine range is sold in the US, we very much doubt the 518d will make it across the pond. More likely candidates for the US market include a range of a 2.0-liter, four-cylinders, such as the 272-horsepower 528i, and potentially a four-cylinder diesel. Naturally, there will be six-cylinder mills, found on the 530i, 530d, 540i and M550d. At the very top of the range, of course, will be a 600-hp M5. There will even be a range of hybrids and plug-in hybrids that are sure to further annihilate the formerly logical BMW nomenclature. Car expects the new 5er to arrive next summer, which we'd wager would lead to a debut at either the 2016 Geneva Motor Show or perhaps next year's Auto China, in Beijing. Featured Gallery BMW 5 Series Next Generation Spy Shots News Source: CarImage Credit: CarPix Rumormill BMW Diesel Vehicles Hybrid Luxury Sedan

Refreshed 2016 BMW 3 Series adds two new models to the range

The BMW 3 Series had years standing at the forefront of the luxury sedan segment, but competitors have continued to get better at challenging its long reign. To make sure the stalwart model can keep up, BMW is bringing some new powertrains and other upgrades to the range with a refresh for the 2016 model year. Plus, the exterior sees a very slight styling update. There are two big additions in the 3 Series range for 2016. First, there's the new 340i with the B58 turbocharged, inline-six engine to replace the 335i. Displacement is still 3.0-liters, but the latest mill makes 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque – gains of 20 hp and 30 lb-ft over the outgoing model. BMW estimates the 340i can reach 60 in 4.8 seconds with the standard eight-speed automatic or in 4.6 seconds with xDrive. A six-speed manual is also available as a no-cost option. The other new member of the family is the 330e plug-in hybrid, and it joins the lineup later in the year. BMW isn't specifically talking about the PHEV's powertrain, but the company estimates total output of 250 hp and 310 lb-ft. The sprint to 60 is forecasted at 6.1 seconds, and the range on electric power is predicted at 22 miles. Fuel economy isn't disclosed yet. Beyond these two models, there are a host of other upgrades under the skin for the 3 Series. The eight-speed automatic should be slightly more efficient thanks to wider gear ratio, and the handling is reworked with new front struts, rear dampers, and retuned electric power steering. There's also a Track Handling Package for gas-fueled models that combines Variable Sport Steering, Adaptive M Suspension and M Sport Brakes with high-temperature pads. The nav system accepts over-the-air map updates now, as well. You certainly can't see all of the changes on the outside, though. For the 2016 3 Series, BMW's designers tweak the front fascia slightly and update the headlights. LED units are optional on the 320i, 328i, and 328d, and they're standard on the 340i. The rear features reshaped LED taillights, and inside there's additional ambient lighting and chrome trim. In one other small adjustment, the look of the Sport Line package with black trim on the grille, B-pillars and rear bumper is now included on the 328i, 328d and 340i. Related Video: The New BMW 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon: Lifecycle freshening for all 3 Series Sedans and Sports Wagons. New 340i Sedan features new 320 hp TwinPower Turbo Inline 6-cylinder.