BMW X5 Topic Hub

Sneak Peak! 2016 GLE550 Coupe and C400 Coupe in Mercedes-Benz Detroit Teasers

Updated 11.27.14 Mercedes-AMG has revealed a teaser for the Detroit auto show in January: some sweet new AMG Sport and AMG Performance trims for the C-Class Coupe and GLE Coupe. The AMG Sport is a returning trim level for the C-Class, while AMG Performance is a new feature that has C63-style lower detailing that is dark-colored and very convincing. The new GLE will wear a full revised from bumper design — but this sneak peak indicates a full redesign may be a year or more into the future. Actually, after taking a look at the roofline of this preview more …

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Nov 27, 2014 Read more

AC Schnitzer BMW X5 Upgrades Are Gorgeous and Functional!

Two things come to mind with the new X5 from BMW: the lack of an X5 M (so far…) and an overall bumper treatment that can be very busy and awkward. Where is the clean M-car styling we love so much? AC Schnitzer’s latest upgrades catalog addresses this nicely – with huge wheels, lowering springs and a tasteful bodykit to wrap the front and rear in high-speed style. The exhaust and ECU changes also free up about 50-horsepower for all of the engines, as well as sounding absolutely outstanding! AC Schnitzer BMW X5 – Exhaust Notes Check out the parts …

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Oct 29, 2014 Read more

BMW X Model SUVs Celebrate 15-Year Anniversary Ahead of X7 Launch

What a kerfuffle the BMW X5 created! Between when the X5 was revealed in 1999 and began arriving in the US as a 2000 model-year, people were seriously up-in-arms. They were angry and skeptical and vocal critics. Why would any BMW SUV ever seem logical, they said. How could an SUV maintain the BMW driving style epitomized by the well-liked 3, 5 and 7 series luxury cars? But all that came to a sharp stop the moment you sat in the X5’s driver seat — or any of its five seats, frankly. Led by the 4.4-liter V8 engine and its …

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Oct 18, 2014 Read more

Future Truck Rendering – 2016 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Expected To Adopt Beijing Concept Coupe SUV Nose and Tail

2016 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG Rendering While on a mad Photoshop bender today, here is another interpretation of a future Mercedes-Benz SUV – the upcoming M-Class refresh. The current ML63 AMG and the ML350 4Matic have fallen flat in the marketplace versus the evergreen sales of the BMW X5 and even the Audi Q7. With the arrival of the Porsche Macan and BMW X4 and X6 in the same year as the new X5 — the heat is really on the ML to pull its own weight. The ideas for a totally new Mercedes SUV nose and tail were quite prominent …

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Jun 28, 2014 Read more

2014 Toyota Venza Limited Is Like An Allroad Avalon Limousine

For shoppers with back-seat room and all-weather traction top-of-mind, the Toyota Venza is a compelling luxury sedan alternative. With dimensions that make this much like an ‘all-road’ Avalon, the Venza is able to maintain a truly hushed cabin for five. Roominess in back is even better than the Avalon, courtesy of extra recline angle in the back seat and a higher seat base. Overall access is far easier in a car like the Venza, which is unique in delivering an ultra-low floor and step-in height versus many other crossovers. The huge doors make ingress much easier than even the longer …

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Jun 19, 2014 Read more

Road Test Review – 2015 GMC Yukon Denali Is 6.2-Second, 6.2L V8 Dream SUV

The GMC Yukon Denali has been a pet project of mine since the trio of next-gen GM SUVs debuted in September of 2013. I went from auto writer to fan-boy: creating color turn-tables, pouring over the equipment lists, and generally fawning over the machine. Some seat time only confirmed my strong desire for the Denali as the sweet-spot of the Tahoe/Suburban/Escalade line-up. I deeply enjoyed the Denali’s plush leather and interior mood, while relishing the benefits both the Tahoe and Yukon bring to the table for 2015. Let’s dive in with the usual categories: Exterior, Interior, Driving Experience and Summary. …

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Jun 04, 2014 Read more

2015 BMW X7 – Digital Rendering Shows Modest Wheelbase Stretch, But Keeps New X5 Look

When you know a stretched X5 is coming, the original car starts to look more than a little stubby back there. This is partially BMW’s own design working its magic: the rear cabin is greatly aided by so much roominess in the second row of seating. This leads us to think the new X7 — expected as soon as this Fall/Winter as a 2015 model — will continue to carry many X5 themes and the overall designs for the nose and tail. By keeping the X5 style, BMW may hope to leverage existing buyers and market demand for the X5. …

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May 12, 2014 Read more

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Buyers Guide to Engines, Suspensions and Top Trims: Summit, Altitude and Overland

The 2014 Grand Cherokee is a hugely versatile truck – both in terms of its on-road/off-road skill set and the numerous configurations available. The base Jeep GC Laredo comes in at just $29,000 – and even this 4×2 truck has the latest 3.6-liter engine and eight-speed automatic. In other words, it is no slouch and a solid handler in corners from that light nose. But many buyers will have major engine envy if they stick with the V6. Why? The Three other optional engines catapult the Grand Cherokee from competing with the Ford Explorer — and on to competing with …

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Jan 28, 2014 Read more

2014 Toyota Venza Limited Is Like An Allroad Avalon Limousine

For shoppers with back-seat room and all-weather traction top-of-mind, the Toyota Venza is a compelling luxury sedan alternative. With dimensions that make this much like an ‘all-road’ Avalon, the Venza is able to maintain a truly hushed cabin for five. Roominess in back is even better than the Avalon, courtesy of extra recline angle in the back seat and a higher seat base. Overall access is far easier in a car like the Venza, which is unique in delivering an ultra-low floor and step-in height versus many other crossovers. The huge doors make ingress much easier than even the longer …

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Dec 29, 2013 Read more

2014 BMW X5 – Before and After M Performance Upgrades

The BMW X5 is hotter than ever before. In December 3rd’s WSJ, BMW even cites huge international X5 demand as one of the reasons BMW may lose the number one U.S. luxury sales rank to Mercedes-Benz for 2013. Fun fact: the BMW Spartanburg plant is the largest exporter of American-made cars. In the whole country. Beating all the U.S. brands! (These are official BMW cargo ships, by the way, not grey-market exports.) It seems this America-focused truck is far hotter than BMW ever expected in even its most traditional markets. The draw of seven seats and the latest BMW style …

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Dec 19, 2013 Read more

Volvo XC60 Buyer's Guide Info, Galleries and Videos

It is just a Volvo kind of morning here in Chicago. Snow has been falling for two days, and the temps are extremely frigid. My Subaru had major struggles getting up and out of the steep driveway, thanks to my amazing decision not to shovel. My poor Subaru Legacy GT. What a hard, battered life it leads. Most of the damage sustained by the car has been off the pavement. Something about huge, huge turbo power and AWD has led me — time and time again — to take the low-slung LGT off-roading. Much as I love the Q-car appeal …

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Dec 11, 2013 Read more