BMW

BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe — Performance in a small package



By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

(September 6, 2020) We delight in driving a small car relishing its city driving maneuverability. Throw in outstanding handling attributes and it's even better. Then toss in immense turbocharged performance and it's an automotive brew that we find irresistible. And as frosting on the automotive cake add standard all-wheel drive. The 2020 BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe fulfills all these attributes and then some.

BMW X6 M Competition — Astonishing performance



By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

(July 26, 2020) What's the point of the astonishingly fast BMW X6 M Competition? Is there a reason a rational individual would invest north of 100 grand for a copy of this fire-breathing fastback crossover propelled by a twin-turbocharged V-8 that can complete a 0-to-60 sprint in a supercar mid-3 second time with a top speed of 177 mph? We must put rationality aside in this case and marvel at this German work of art from its unique coupe-like styling to its mechanical wizardry.

2020 BMW X1



MIAMI — As you may surmise from the numerical designation, the X1 is the smallest of BMW’s fleet of  SUVs, but don’t sell it short. This is a roomy vehicle that delivers both a fun driving experience while remaining true to the functional aspects of the SUV segment, or SAV for Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW parlance.

2020 BMW 840i



INDIANAPOLIS — I’ve been craving a grilled chicken sandwich and rolls from the Beef House Restaurant near Covington, Indiana.  With a BMW 840i in the driveway, an 80-mile drive for a yummy snack no longer seemed excessive.  Given too many days locked down with COVID-19 restrictions, I just wanted some road time and a great meal.  I got both in BMW’s best coupe in decades.

2020 BMW X5 M50i



INDIANAPOLIS — There’s no doubt I’d enjoy driving the BMW X6 M Competition with its 617 horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine and hard knuckles to tackle any challenging road.  But, oh boy, that’s an intense way to motor around town or cruise to a vacation spot.  Of course, the regular X6 M steps it down a notch, but even that may be a bit crazy.  Apparently, more than a few BMW customers thought the same because the automaker rolls out a new X6 M50i for 2020.  Think of it as the almost-M X6.

BMW X2 M35i — Performance beast



By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

For most of our driving life we have preferred small vehicles that can be tossed around, that are easily maneuvered on crowded streets and parking lots, a joy to drive fast and hard on a favorite winding road, and that are relatively easy on the gasoline budget. If they have luxury qualities and awe-inspiring power all the better.

2020 BMW X6



INDIANAPOLIS — It took me a long time to warm up to the idea of a “crossover coupe.”  I mean, what’s the point?  It’s big and heavy, but can’t haul as much as a proper crossover.  It’s sporty like a fastback sedan, but doesn’t handle as well as a car.  Other than looking good, the breed didn’t seem to do anything particularly well.  Some of that may still be true, but after many miles, I’ve warmed up to the BMW X6 4.0 xDrive.

BMW X4M Competition — Full-time attack mode



By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

With electrification threatening to take over our driving life in the coming years, this might be the best time ever to enjoy massive horsepower and insane performance from internal combustion engines. It may never get any better — as long as you have the cash to explore the world of monster performance.

2020 BMW 740I



INDIANAPOLIS — BMW had some nerve when it introduced its flagship 7-Series back in 1977.  To even deign to compete with the dreadnought Mercedes-Benz S-Class took an end-loader full of, well, something extraordinary.  While Cadillac was content to offer over-fluffed Chevy Impalas, Lincoln built block-length cruisers, and Audi was still trying to out-live the Fox, BMW said, “You think you’re great, Mercedes?  I’ll have a whack at that!”  Six generations and over 40 years later, BMW may finally have hit its battleship.

BMW M850i convertible — Automotive nirvana

By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

Heads turn as you cruise by, top down, in the curvaceous 2019 BMW M850i convertible with its muscular haunches and sleek lines sitting on beautiful 20-inch wheels. It's hard to conceive that it gets any better than this in style, comfort and performance. We think it’s reaching automotive nirvana. The 850i is the epitome of modern BMW DNA styling starting with the slightly larger, familiar kidney-shaped grille and imposing air intakes up front and continuing to the sculpted LED taillight clusters in the rear.