Big Motoring World reviews new BMW X1

BMW's compact Sports Activity Vehicle, the X1, has been a constant top-seller since its initial release in 2009. Now it’s newer, more dynamic model is one the market. Big Motoring World reviews the new X1 and the benefits of the new version.

BMW X1

The first version has sold over 730,000 models globally, with 40,000 sales in the UK. With dynamic BMW X1 styling, this new sporty sporting character is a blend of outstanding efficiency and innovative equipment with features in comfort, safety and infotainment. The all-new range of engines and xDrive all-wheel drive system exemplify BMW’s EfficientDynamics philosophy.

Specifications

There are one standard specification and three further model lines – the XLine, Sport Line and M Sport. Dakota leather is available exclusively for the three sport models, with 18-inch light-alloy wheels in their own specific design, exclusive door sill plates and an LED lighting package. Lights are used for ambience and have a variety of colours and LED optical fibres in the door panel trim.

XLine – LED headlights and heated front seats are upgrades on the standard model. This also includes a BMW kidney grille with side skirts and underbody protection all in black.

Sport Line – This features a black BMW kidney grille with black sport seats, accent strips and underbody protection. Air intakes with accents are in high-gloss black.

M Sport – M Sport models are fitted with a model-specific M aerodynamic package and 18-inch or optionally 19-inch M light-alloy wheels. This pack also benefits from LED headlights. The interior features heated front sports seats and a leather steering wheel.

Prices start at £26,780 for the sDrive18d up to £36,060 for the xDrive25d the xDrive20i the only petrol in the range starts at £31,225.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

By: Big Motoring World On 10:26

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Big Motoring World reviews Mercedes-Maybach S 600

With the return of the Maybach badge, Mercedes-Benz are able to compete with the top end of the super-luxury car market. Big Motoring World reviews the Mercedes-Maybach S 600.

Longer, taller and even quieter than previous S-Class models, this is the pinnacle of the range which has undergone some major revisions.

Performance

Mercedes claim that this car is the quietest saloon on the roads, as the entire structure has been changed to enable the sound of the engine to be significantly decreased. The stiffer feel to the car is helped by foam-filled tyres which quieten the car on the move.

There is an overall feel of serenity in this model, with luxury feel across the model. There has been an increase in space for the interior, with 207mm of length and height added to the model. The seats not only recline, but also give massages and can change in heat on demand. Re-profiled rear doors and standard window blinds increase an element of privacy in the cabin.

The driver’s voice can also be projected into the back through the speakers with subtle amplification so you won’t even need to raise your voice. And with such a quiet car, the 1,540-watt 24-speaker Burmester sound system gives an incredible sound in the cabin.

Power

The luxury does add around 120kg of weight to the car, but this is counterbalanced with the S 600’s 6.0-litre biturbo V12 engine having 522bhp and 830Nm of torque. This means that it remains competitively quick, reaching 62mph in just under five seconds. Magic Body Control keeps it a smooth journey along the road, as the car adapts to lumps and bumps on the road.

The specification and technology make this car worth every penny of the £165,700 starting price.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

By: Big Motoring World On 09:05

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Big Motoring World Reviews Mercedes A-Class Facelift

The Mercedes A Class has had a facelift to bring it in line with the rest of the Mercedes range classification. As the Mercedes has always been a handsome car, so Big Motoring World reviews the latest model.

New Features

Mercedes claim there’s an extra £1,100-worth of technology, but the price of the car is only £350 more than the previous model. Additionally to the tech, there is also a new feel around the cabin.

The well-finished interior is comfortable and has more of a firm style across the model. New features in the standard model include a fresh media Interface, 16-inch alloys, a reversing camera, Artico upholstery and other items to make them feel premium.

Practicality

Running costs should be impressive, though, as even the automatic-only A220 d sits in Band B for VED, amounting to £20 a year. It’s a 2.1-litre 4cyl turbodiesel engine which produces 175bhp and 350Nm torque. It goes from 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds, with a top speed of 140mph. The optional ‘Comfort mode’ enables an even better drive in soaking up road imperfections, so it feels like a smooth surface before other occupants even notice.

Verdict

Whilst in appears similar visually to the former model, this refined A Class includes some important tweaks. Perhaps the biggest news is the option of adaptive damping for the first time – plus the fitment of Dynamic Select variable drive modes across the majority of the range. Starting at just over £28,000, the A220 d is a similar price to its competitors but feels much more high-quality.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars and has plans to expand the site even further, so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

By: Big Motoring World On 17:17

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Big Motoring World reviews 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show

The 15^th of September sees the start of this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the first time since March where European firms can show off their latest technology and designs. Big Motoring World reviews what we can expect to see.

Frankfurt Motor Show

Frankfurt sits alongside Geneva and Paris as one of the biggest motor shows in the world. And whilst Europe’s main designers will all be in attendance, we will also see some manufacturers from around the globe in attendance.

The event runs until 27^th September, with the 17^th and 18^th of September reserved for trade and fleet visitors. Tickets for the public days are still available from the official website.  

BMW

It is expected that BMW will be debuting the new X1, the second generation of its small SUV, which is a more rugged version of the previous model. It includes new petrol engines, increased interior space and the latest safety technology from BMW, which is top-of-the-range.  

The 7 Series is also making an appearance, the current flagship car for the brand. New technology includes a new touchscreen infotainment system, gesture control and a world-first ‘Parking Assistant’ features. 

BMW also has plans to showcase two new models to add to their range of hybrids, with the330e and 225xe also appearing at the show.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes will also be bringing along a show-stopping new cabriolet version of the S-Class luxury Coupe, which is due to go on sale before the end of this year. Refinement and unrivalled luxury are promised by the German manufacturers, as it prepares to take on the BMW 4 Series coupe next year.

Merc also plan to debut the C63 AMG and Edition 1 variant, the new GLC and possibly the GLC Coupe.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars and has plans to expand the site even further, so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

By: Big Motoring World On 10:31

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Big Motoring World reviews 2015 Mercedes V250 Bluetec SE

Mercedes-Benz have reworked the V-Class into a trendy, new model – named the V250. Formerly known as the Viano, the seven-seater has now been brought up to date. Big Motoring World reviews the latest update.

Technology

The new V-Class maintains the traditions and expectations of the usual V-Class, but this one contains the very latest Mercedes materials, technology and infotainment. The exterior styling has also been updated to integrate the firm's two-blade grille and three-pointed star.

Efficiency

Although the 2.1-litre diesel engine in the V250 has been carried over from the previous model, it has been revised for this year. It emits 166g/km of Co2 and manages 44.8mpg combined, which is better than all of its rivals. 

Interior

Mercedes take a huge emphasis on comfort, style and luxury. The interior of the V250 is no different, with slick, full leather and the latest infotainment dash board included as standard. The visibility is top-of-the-range, with a high seating position offering very good forward visibility. Parking sensors and rear-view camera make light work of tight parking situations and make the whole car feel easy to drive.

Performance and handling

The V-Class's four-cylinder diesel is impressively refined, staying both quiet and largely vibration-free when pushed. That said, it rarely needs to be stretched, such is its low-down pull. It manages to get to 62mph from a standing start in just over 9 seconds.

Handling and drive

The steering is consistently weighted and precise, making you feel as though you’re gliding on the road. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox works well too, slipping between gears without fuss and rarely getting over-excited and dropping too many gears when a short burst of acceleration is required.

Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is the largest independent seller of used BMWs and Mercedes-Benz in the UK. June’s figures showed the highest ever sales in 20 years of business. Based in London and Kent, Big Motoring World hold over 1000 cars so we are sure to have the perfect car for you.

By: Big Motoring World On 14:44

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