2015 Bmw X3 Xdrive28i on 2040-cars

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2015 BMW X4 configurator is ready to get personal

The 2015 BMW X4 configurator is ready for your special touch. Starting with the 300-horsepower xDrive35i that starts at $48,925 after destination, our special touch aimed at a luxury cruiser and added $9,250 to proceedings for a final tally of $58,175. That got us the Technology, Lighting and Driver Assistance packages, navigation and enhanced USB and smartphone integration. We were tempted to go for the Dynamic Damping Control for just $1,000 and a set of 20-inch M Double Spoke Wheels, but the configurator didn't want to mix the M Sport Line with our Sparkling Brown metallic exterior hue so we skipped it.
We've covered the details on pricing and the breakdown of the order guide elsewhere, so you can always click through for refreshers. Or you can skip all those words and dive straight into trying to build an X4 that makes you say, "Yeah, now I get it."

Two-box BMW X2 breaks from X4 and X6

Our first batch of BMW X2 spy photos has revealed something interesting about the German brand's newest compact CUV. Unlike the even-numbered X cars – the X4 and X6 – these shots show a traditional two-box CUV, rather than the plunging roofline of those lifted, four-door coupes. With a two-box design then, what is there to differentiate the X2 from the X1? For a start, while this is a similar to the X1 shots we've seen, the D-pillar and rear window are significantly more aggressive without compromising the traditional CUV design. That design backs up our spies, who claim the X2 will be a sportier version of the upcoming X1. But while the look will be similar, expect the two cars to share powerplants and drivetrains. That means the four-cylinder B48, used in both the Mini Cooper S and other BMW products, will be on offer at launch. That engine will be joined by turbocharged triples within the first 12 months on the market. An M Performance model will also be offered, boosting the B48's output from around 230 horsepower to an even 300 ponies. That'd put the X2 on a collision course with the Audi RS Q3, although it won't be quite as angry as the Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG. While the X2 could debut as early as the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, our spies claim the X2 won't hit dealerships until the second half of 2017. Check out our array of spy images up top, and pay particular attention to the D-pillar and rear window, to see the major differences between the X2 and X1.

BMW i3 takes to the track, circles it in a way you don't expect

So, who wants to see a BMW i3 race around a track. That's what we thought. It's not a long video, but it is entertaining, and the way the urban EV does a 'loop' at second 25 certainly caught out eye. The i3 is scheduled to go on sale in the US later this year and will start at $41,350. The diminutive electric vehicle has a top speed of 93 miles per hour and can hit 62 mph in 7.2 seconds. We found it a hoot to drive, but we're not sure if hardcore BMW performance fans will totally 'get' this car's performance. The i3 is great at what it does, but it wasn't born to hit the race track. After seeing this video, though, we want a crack at it, skinny wheels and all. You can get a behind-the-scenes glimpse here, where Chris Neff writes, "The i3 basically turns in on itself. This is one sharp turning radius, take a look at 24 seconds into the video. We were actually trying to get the i3 to do doughnuts, but the computer would not let the rear brake loose, still, you can see how it held and how sharp we were turning....about 27 times in a row." Watch all 49 seconds below. And wonder with us if whatever aerial device was used to get the shot that ends at four seconds in was destroyed just after the video cuts away.