The 2023 BMW XM is an upcoming two-row SUV that will be positioned above the X7 model in BMW’s SUV lineup. This performance-oriented XM looks aggressive thanks to a new kidney-shaped grille, slightly sloped roof (fastback shape), and stacked tailpipes.
On top of that, the BMW XM also has some of the posh interior details that will separate it from the rest of SUVs lineup. Under the hood, this model is powered by a 750-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain that gets its power from the proven twin-turbocharged V-8. BMW also claims that thanks to a large battery cell, this SUV will be able to travel around 30 miles of electric-only driving.
2023 BMW XM First Look
The 2023 BMW XM is looking way more aggressive than any BMWs SUVs in the lineup. According to BMW, this model will be dimensionally larger than the three-row X7. As a performance-oriented model, the manufacturer made its front end very aggressive and recognized on the road.
It looks sporty, by the way, and is tuned by the brand’s vaunted M division. We just got some of the concept images, and we must admit the new BMW XM wears an aggressive design. It features a kidney-shaped grille, slightly sloped roof like a fastback shape, and stacked tailpipes.
Luxurious Interior
When it comes to the interior, the forthcoming 2023 BMW XM is definitively more luxurious than the BMW X7. However, it comes with a more roomy cabin. Thanks to that, you can enjoy in comfort with lots of legroom and a headroom behind. From what we hear, the new SUV will introduce several posh interior details that will make it unique.
First of all, you can count on a large, curved display that stretches across the dashboard, serving as both a digital gauges cluster as well as on-board infotainment. We’re also expecting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to be standard, as well as SiriusXM satellite radio, Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium stereo system.
2023 BMW XM Engine Specs
Under the hood, the forthcoming 2023 BMW XM will be powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain. As far as we know, hybrid will provide 750-hp thanks to proven twin-turbocharged V8. In general, this engine is very popular because it powers almost all M models.
BMW also claim that XM will be able to travel 30 miles on electric only thanks to large battery cell. We expect this engine to be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, just like the BMW X7 model. However, when it comes to its charging time and other hybrid details, the manufacturer hasn’t revealed any information.
Release Date, Price
The new 2023 BMW XM is a three-row SUV that will go on sale next year. This SUV looks futuristic, aggressive and has more equipment than its sibling BMW X7. It’s also powered by a PHEV system that should deliver 750 horsepower and at least 30 miles of electric-only travel. However, it’s not an affordable SUV at all.
According to many reports, the upcoming BMW XM will cost around $125,000, which is much more than the BMW X7 that cost less than $75,000.
3 Standouts From The Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show – Speedhunters
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Last week, I gave you an overall look at the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show 2021, as hosted by Mooneyes. Today I’m going to share with you three of my favorite builds from the event.
I’ll kick things off with this street-registered S130 Fairlady Z drag machine, prepped by Round Engineering.
Cars like this one bring back feelings of nostalgia for the once-thriving Japanese drag racing scene. The lack of any proper drag strip and the sheer costs involved with pushing the envelope has thinned drag racing down to only a few events a year here in Japan.
But this wild Z proves that there are still those chasing zeroyon dreams, and in the process tuning old cars up to levels that I never thought would be possible.
As you can see from the work that’s gone into the intake and exhaust of this L-series, chasing classic naturally-aspirated performance is still very much a thing in Japan. Sure, they could have taken the easy route and dumped this old Nissan straight-six for an RB with a big turbo, but to me, what you see here is far more commendable.
The owner told me that the engine is pushing out around 380hp, which is decent output for a stroked 3.1L. However, what makes this fuel-injected six really special – aside from being controlled by a MoTeC ECU – is that it’s backed up by a Holinger 6-speed sequential gearbox, shifted via paddles behind the Momo steering wheel.
That fact that this car is totally street legal and also able to turn 10-second quarter miles is pretty cool. It crushes that perfect mix of new and old, and I bet it sounds absolutely incredible at 8,000rpm.
Next up we have something that’s less to do with speed but more to do with style.
If you’re of my generation, then Back to the Future might have had quite an impact on you, as it did on me. For how cool Doc Brown’s DeLorean DMC-12 was, an image of the Toyota Tacoma that Marty McFly uncovered in his parents’ garage at the end of the firstmovie is still imprinted in my mind. It might also explain my attraction to lifted pick-ups, regardless of that fact that I live in the most pick-up-unfriendly city on earth.
The details on the truck are absolutely spot on.
The owner didn’t stop at the vehicle itself either; there was a ‘Save The Clock Tower’ flyer, plus a Grays Sports Almanac, Nike MAGs and Mattel Hoverboard from Back to the Future Part II included in the display.
That brings us to my third and final car. As someone who has owned wagons in the past, if you asked me to list my top five favorites, the BMW E34 5 Series would definitely be there – especially in M5 guise.
To get one looking just right takes a very simple yet well-selected list of mods, starting off with a few carbon details and flawless paint.
Next, perfect wheels and fitment – something this wagon pulls off with a set of super-shiny and mega-dished BBS RSs.
The very light gray trim that is so instantly visible through the huge windows – one of those things these late ’80s/early ’90s cars always stood out for – is carried through the entire cabin, including the Alcantara-trimmed vintage Recaro seats.
It’s a pity I couldn’t locate the owner to get a few pictures of the engine – maybe next time. If you recall though, we saw this very car at Wekfest Nagoya earlier in the year, although then it had a different set of wheels fitted. I just had to give it more space here, as I am a massive fan of the BBS mesh design.
I hope you enjoyed this year’s Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show. The next big event from my side of the world will be Tokyo Auto Salon, but right before it, the New Year’s Meeting at Daikoku PA. As always, I can’t wait for that.
The upcoming 2023 BMW X5 prototype has been recently caught testing, and it seems the new SUV will receive some changes and upgrades. As one of the most selling SUVs in the BMWs lineup, the new model is a very important member alongside X6 and X7 models. The first spy shots are available, and the new BMW X5 is wearing a mid-cycle update.
The tweaks on the exterior are minimal, but we can expect more changes on the final variant. Besides exterior changes, we also presume a more modern cabin, plenty of premium materials, and lots of advanced technology. From what we heard, the new SUV will come with a much better infotainment system, and it should hosts plenty of standard equipment.
2023 BMW X5 Design
We’ve all probably seen the X5 refreshed for the 2023 year, but don’t expect anything significant. The manufacturer will most likely make some minor revisions to keep up with its rivals. Overall, the spied mule is wearing a heavily camouflaged body, and it looks proportionally the same as before.
The so-called base model, the sDrive40i, features an attractive design with satin aluminum roof rails as standard equipment. This model also comes with a massive grille and more attractive headlights. However, the M50i is a better choice that offers big wheels, grille, and 2-piece tailgate, which comes with hands-free operation. In general, BMW X5 is the most recognized SUV in the lineup. Two metallic paint finishes are added Sparkling Brown on the regular variant and Dravit Grey on the X5 M50i.
Cabin Refreshments
Everything inside the new 2023 BMW X5 is premium. Also, this SUV is very spacious, offering enough room for all passengers. However, choosing models like sDrive40i/xDrive40i, you can get a third seating row ($2,300), making the X5 a 7-seater. Also, this configuration will bring as well air suspension.
Unsurprisingly, the third row is only comfortable for kids. The luggage area is excellent, and you will find 33.9 cubic feet, which can be increased to 72.3 cubic feet with a folded bench. The xDrive45e is a plug-in hybrid model, and it houses a lithium-ion battery pack under the rear seats, and it sacrifices a small cargo space of a maximum of 1.1 cubic feet. As standard, the BMW X5 comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, two USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and navigation.
Powertrain Specs
Like before, we should expect the same four engine options. The X5 sDrive40i comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, and it delivers 335 horsepower. However, paired with an electric motor, the xDrive45e produces a total of 389 horsepower. Like before, an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard across the X5 range, and the sDrive40i deploys rear-wheel drive (RWD). All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on low entry models and standard on upper ones.
The next engine is under the X5 M50i. This model has a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 generating 523 horsepower. A similar machine in the X5 M develops 600 horsepower or 617 horsepower in the X5 M Competition versions.
How Much Cost the New 2023 BMW X5?
The next-generation 2023 BMW X5 has been spied testing, with noticeable refreshments on the front and rear fascia. The new BMW X5 will reportedly arrive sometime next year, probably in the second quarter of the year.
Alongside BMW X6 and X7 models, the production of the X5 will starts at BMW Group’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The entry-level model should cost less than $60,000, while the top-ranking X5 M can easily reach $105,100. Models in the same class are the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Lexus RX, and Volvo XC90. Interestingly, the X5 is the most expensive rival.
Executing A Vision With A Pandem E93 BMW – Speedhunters
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It has become such a regular occurrence, that I sometimes think we either don’t notice it any more or purposely choose to overlook it.
I’m talking about cars that suffer from identity crisis; cars that really don’t know what they’re trying to be. Show cars pretending to be track cars, or track cars built to such a high standard that their owners are frightened to take them out on track. Often this comes about due to improper planning and foresight; when we don’t look far enough down the road to try and see what we really want to build for ourselves.
What normally happens is that we start out excited and eager to put our mark on a new project. Our intentions are always good, but somewhere along the way we get distracted. Sometimes, we do things because we just fancy a change. Other times, we’re sold on a new product, which although may not actually suit the build does give us an endorphin kick when we purchase it.
I think we would struggle to find anyone who hasn’t been guilty of this at some stage – present company included. None of this is particularly bad in the grand scale of things, but it’s a defining factor in what separates a good build from a great one.
That ability to know from the very start what the longterm plan is – and to stick with it religiously until it’s achieved – takes real discipline. You also need a lot of self-restraint to ensure that you don’t veer off course. Knowing when to stop is another underrated skill.
I don’t think any of this is a problem that Darren Coleman has ever had. He’s a man with a history of great builds behind him, and always knows exactly what he wants to achieve, often before he has even taken ownership of his next project.
BMW’s E93 3 Series convertible might not be the obvious choice in a model range which offers every variant you could ever want; be it a coupe, convertible, saloon or estate. It was, however, the perfect base for what Darren had in mind.
You see, Darren gets his car joy not just from attending and displaying his builds at shows, but the road trips to and from with friends and family. It doesn’t matter if it’s a show in his home country of Ireland, or if he has to take a ferry across to the UK; half the fun is the drive.
Ultimately, this was a car that couldn’t just look the part; it had to be fun to drive along with being usable on long journeys. Further to all of this, it had to be uniquely Darren’s as well. It’s a pretty long list of requirements, which I think only served to sharpen his focus.
Your first thought might be that this BMW has a heavy JDM influence, and you would be correct. Darren’s previous project was a Toyota Supra, and he’s surrounded by the Japanese cars of his friends and family. By integrating Japanese touches onto a German car, he’s already taken this build in a different direction to most.
To best appreciate this car I think we should start from the ground up with its Work VSXX wheels that measure 19×12.5-inches in the front and 19×14.5-inches at the rear. The satin black centres with gloss lips almost disguise their incredible width. Almost. Still, I wouldn’t exactly call them subtle.
There would be zero hope of tucking the wheels and tyres under the car’s factory bodywork, so a full Pandem kit from Japanese legend Kei Miura (AKA Mr. Rocket Bunny) was fitted. This kit features exaggerated box arches, which perfectly complement the E93’s factory lines, as opposed to the more typical rounded arch extensions. To add further aggression to the exterior, an M3 bonnet and rear bumper have been used. The paint is a custom shade of blue.
Even with the right wheels and bodywork in place, ride height is key to pulling these elements together. As someone who wants to regularly drive his car to obscure places, a static setup would never have worked for Darren. Never mind the poor roads around these parts, but best of luck trying to crab your way onto a ferry at low-tide without removing your entire bodykit beforehand.
Thankfully, it’s 2021 (words I don’t believe anyone has written so far this year) and we have been blessed with companies like Air Lift Performance, who will allow you to have your cake and eat it too. In other words, an air suspension system which offers the perfect static height for shows, a usable driving height for getting there, and even the option to raise the car further to clear obstacles or board a ferry – all at the press of a button. What a time to be alive.
On the subject of driving, you might have noticed this isn’t an M3. There’s a good reason for that, which I’ll explain shortly, but this 335i isn’t lacking in the power department. Some mild upgrades see the 3.0-litre twin-turbo engine producing 450hp, including the subtle addition of twin HKS Super Power Flow filters. Most impressive is that this car was originally automatic, but has been converted to a 6-speed manual.
While the V8-powered M3 is top of BMW’s performance 3 Series range, the ‘lesser’ 335i shouldn’t be overlooked. It might not have the widened stance of the bonafide M car, but it has a few tricks of its own up its sleeve. For starters, the N54 power plant is more easily tuned thanks to its twin-turbo setup. Even just mild upgrades on Darren’s have seen his 335i comfortably sail past the stock M3’s power figure, despite being two cylinders and up to 1.4-litres of capacity shy of its more athletic sibling.
It doesn’t hurt that used 335i examples are much cheaper these days as well.
Inside, things remain deceptively subtle. The standard BMW front seats have been swapped for a pair of Recaros sourced from a Honda and appropriately re-trimmed to match the interior.
There’s a Nardi steering wheel, some custom carbon fibre trim and a not-so-subtle yellow half cage.
This last piece is purely functional and not a ‘show cage’. Otherwise, the first thing to meet the road in case of a rollover with the roof down would be the top of Darren’s head. Let’s be honest, that doesn’t sound like a good time.
It’s not a huge spec list, but it’s a perfect example that more isn’t always better. The car features absolutely everything it needs to make it special, and not a nut or bolt more. It’s a car which is as comfortable aired-out centre stage at any show, as it is on a casual Sunday drive.
While I’m sure that there are BMW enthusiasts who believe it’s sacrilege to go down the JDM route, and Japanese car fans who are probably wondering why Darren didn’t just start with a Japanese car in the first place, I think that bringing these two worlds together has produced a much more interesting result.
It’s not the first time this has been done, but it’s something I hope we see more of in the future.
Above all else, this is car which is the result of having a vision. I’m certain that before Darren even drove the BMW for the first time, he knew that at some stage it would look exactly like this. It didn’t happen overnight – it took him a couple of years – but by plugging away at it and resisting the temptation to veer off course, he has produced something truly memorable.
The best part of it all? A good idea is completely free.
Magnus Granberg’s road to classic BMW ownership was written years before he could even drive.
As a youngster, he watched – and no doubt helped – his father work on the various BMW projects that continually inhabited his family’s garage in Sweden. When it finally came time for Magnus to sit and pass his driver license test in 1995, having a project of his own was pretty much the only priority.
It was Magnus’s father who found the car for sale – a 1970 BMW 2002 that was well-used and rusty, which meant it was cheap. In other words, the perfect start point for a BMW-mad father and son project.
Over the next while, Magnus and his father brought the BMW back to life, overhauling mechanical components and repairing the bodywork. In its freshly-restored state, Magnus happily drove the car until 2002, when he decided he’d be better off with an all-wheel drive winter car. The BMW was sold and an Audi quickly filled the garage void.
Although he could now navigate the snow-laden roads around Vadstena, Östergötland County with ease, Magnus instantly regretted selling the classic BMW.
If you’ve ever been in a similar position, you’ll know how Magnus probably felt – especially now that classics from the ’70s and ’80s have become so sought after. But eight years after he sold his 2002, he chanced upon it while searching Blocket (theSwedish equivalent of eBay)for a new car. Magnus had the opportunity to buy to his beloved BMW back, and he didn’t mess around getting the deal done.
It wasn’t all roses though; between the time he originally sold it and 2010 when he got it back, the BMW had spent most of its time outside in the elements, and had crash damage to boot. A lot of work was was needed to bring it back up to the standard it once was, but Magnus was fully dedicated to the cause.
Along the way, new wheels were fitted and the engine bay was tidied up, and once again Magnus could enjoy the fruits of his labor.
in 2019, Magnus decided to enter the 2002 in a car show called Bimmers Of Sweden, an event where his restoration efforts were rewarded with an honorary award. It was at this point that Magnus decided he’d return the following year and show the car without a hood. Serious modifications were now on the cards, and we’ll get to those in just a second after we’ve talked about the exterior upgrades, of which less are definitely more.
From the moment Magnus decided he was essentially going to restomod his BMW, the car’s iconic lines were off limits. Given the shape of the 2002, it would be a hard task to integrate modern aesthetics in a subtle way, and to be honest, I don’t think that thought even crossed Magnus’s mind. He did the right thing, keeping it clean and timeless by fitting genuine 2002 Turbo fender flares and front air dam.
In the paint and wheel department, Magnus took a more contemporary approach but still kept things in the family – the car was resprayed BMW 354 Titan Silver and the wheels are Alpina items. The latter were built by CR Custom Wheels, who took them out to 17×8.5-inch for the front fitment and 17×9.5-inch for the rear, before Magnus had them shod in Nankang AR1 semi-slick rubber.
If money was no object, Magnus would have had an E30 M3’s S14 engine in the 2002’s bay quick-smart, but that dream ultimately gave way to a more accessible S54B32 from an E46 M3.
You might be wondering if a 3.2L inline-six could even fit in the 2002, and initially this was Magnus’s main concern too. As you can see, it’s entirely possible, but it was big job that required major work to the firewall.
Magnus had previous experience with engine swaps, but nothing of this scale. It was certainly a first for Sweden, but perhaps even the world?
With 338hp on offer from factory the S54B32 would have been powerful enough in standard form, but the engine in Magnus’s car has had some work. Inside, there’s Wiseco forged pistons , Pauter forged rods and a balanced crankshaft, while ancillary upgrades under-hood include a modified OEM intake manifold, custom-made velocity stacks, Nuke Performance fuel rail and 790cc injectors, Radium tanks and a DO88 aluminum race radiator. It’s all beautifully presented in the bay too.
One of the coolest aspects is the exhaust, where Magnus has adapted a BMW 1M system to fit – after raising the trunk floor – but added an outlet that bypasses the rear muffler altogether to really let the straight-six sing.
With the M3 engine in play and all tuned through MaxxECU management, the driveline needed an upgrade too. Here you’ll find a ZF BMW 535d gearbox (which necessitated the the floor and transmission tunnel to be extensively modified) a Tenaci flywheel and clutch, and an E36 M3 differential.
The suspension too has been thoroughly overhauled with Öhlins R&T coilovers featuring Millway Motorsport top mounts, modified BMW 2002tii arms and Sellholm Tuning anti-roll bars. In the brake department you’ll find Tenaci 6-piston calipers and 320mm rotors up front, and out back Tenaci 280mm rotors and a hydraulic handbrake .
The interior space is a real mix of old and new. Magnus refurbished the dashboard, door panels and roof liner (the latter trimmed black), then added Recaro BMW Performance seats, BMW M seat belts, Auto Meter gauges, a modified E46 M3 OBP pedal box, custom mats and a custom-aged Momo steering wheel. He also built a new leather-trimmed center console which houses a tablet screen.
Magnus’s BMW attracted a lot of attention from passersby as Alen photographed it. Most who commented were of an older generation, and said that they had owned or at least driven one (BMW built 800,000 2002s after all), and/or the 2002 is on their dream car list. It’s hard to not want one after learning everything about Magnus’s creation.
Earlier in this story I said that Magnus had set out to rebuild his 2002 over the course of a year, so he could show it at the 2020 running of Bimmers Of Sweden. Due to Covid that event was postponed, giving Magnus a little longer than 12 months to complete the project, but that’s exactly what he did. Many a late night was spent working on the car, and Magnus said he couldn’t have done it without the help of his father and his friends.
It’s been a year since the ‘M02′ was completed, and while Magnus is now spending his 2021 summer enjoying it, he’s already sizing up his next project. This time it will something a little louder, brighter and potentially Italian. Whatever Magnus builds, I’m sure it’ll be a fine garage mate for his very cool BMW 2002.
Exterior: Genuine BMW 2002 turbo fender flares & front air dam, BMW 354 Titan Silver paint
Interior: Recaro BMW Performance seats, BMW M seat belts, repainted door panels, custom leather-trimmed center console, LCD screen for ECU, Auto Meter gauges , aged Momo steering wheel, modified OBP adjustable E46 pedal box, custom mats
Magnus Thanks: Klara Hall, Torgny Granberg, Dennis Andersson, Fredrik Ström, Peter Fransson, Andreas Friberg, Figge Ohlsson, Fredrik Edholm, Björn Svensson
A Slammed & Swapped E30 From Latvia – Speedhunters
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The BMW E30 holds a special place in my heart. My father owned a 320i sedan for almost 20 years, and it was in that car that I learned to drive. It also grew my love for four-door E30s, which I think look more visually balanced than the more popular coupe version.
Building a tough E30 sedan has always been in the back of my mind, so seeing Edgar Gumilev’s ‘BMW 330i’ for the first time got me excited.
This is one of the cleanest 3 Series I’ve ever laid eyes on, and I could never have imagined that BMW Individual’s ‘Atlantis Blue Metallic’ paint could look so good in real life – especially on a bright, sunny day in Lativa. Nacre color stripe graphics run down both sides of the car for another unique touch, and the entire look is completed with smoked front lights.
This is all on top of original IS side skirts, an Alpina BMW front lip, and rolled fenders. The exterior look is a winner for sure, especially in a world full of copy-pasted wide-body E30s.
The engine bay is absolutely pristine; every wiring harness and reservoir is hidden and anything deemed unnecessary was removed altogether. If you’re paying attention, you’ll also see that Edgar didn’t even need to open the bonnet in order for me to see what’s going on in the bay – only a third of the hood now remains.
The original engine in the car was a weird one. It was an M20B27 from a 325e model, which we didn’t get many of in Europe as they were primarily designed for the US market. While the engine came from the M20 family and actually had more displacement than the M20B25 – 2.7L versus 2.5L – it had a lot less horsepower – 121hp versus 167hp. The engine’s fuel-efficiency-over-performance design didn’t stop Edgar beating on it until it died, and when that happened the project really started.
Edgar found a solid M54B30 engine, which for those who don’t speak BMW lingo is a 3.0L engine good for 228hp. This one came from a E46 330i – hence the ‘BMW 330i’ plate – and has been hooked up to 5-speed Getrag gearbox.
Once the engine and transmission swap was complete, Edgar set about refining the exterior image. He started with a BC Racing coilovers to sit the body closer to the ground, and then fitted a set of custom Artec S1 wheels. However, those have since given way to the wheels you see here – three-piece OZ Futuras in a 17×8.5-inch front and 17×10.5-inch rear fitment. The wheels features 2.5-inch and 3-inch Radinox lips front and rear respectively.
If I was to modify any ’80s cars, I’d definitely be taking a page out of Edgar’s book. To me, what he’s done here is perfect.
Finding aftermarket seats to fit in an E30 is easy, but just try getting your hands on a mint pair of Recaro Orthopeds with fully functional electrics. These were the go-to for Alpina in the ’80s and ’90s, so they fit in incredibly well here. Edgar also swapped out the original steering wheel for a wooden Raid three-spoke unit, but that’s about it. These subtle changes have had a big impact on the overall feel inside the car.
Given its low stance, I’m sure there’ll be some who will question the functionality of Edgar’s ‘330i’, but seeing how he’s used it for a number of years now, I think it’s safe to say that he knew what he was doing. In my opinion, this elderly E30 is in very good hands.
Vladimir Ljadov Instagram: wheelsbywovka because@wheelsbywovka.com www.wheelsbywovka.com
BMW has begun on-road testing of its luxury SUV X7. The new spy shots are available, and the next-gen 2022 BMW X7 is wearing many improvements. First of all, it looks more attractive, and the manufacturer makes some revisions to the front fascia.
BMW recently revealed that besides exterior changes, the new model will be up to date inside. That means we can expect many standard features and new technology. If you didn’t know, the X7 is the most selling SUV in BMWs lines after X5 model. Because of that, it plays an important role in the segment. It sits below the X8 model, and is powered by three engines.
2022 BMW X7 Facelift
Camouflage wrap makes any changes hard to spot on the 2022 BMW X7. However, we managed to see some small, subtle tweaks on the new SUV. First of all, the model’s front has adopted a more rectangular shape, similar to those we saw on the recently spotted prototype i7.
Also, the manufacturer reshaped a lower bumper adding prominent side air intakes. However, the facelifted X7 keeps the same front grille, which is now much more significant than before. Other visual changes include restyled headlights and the reshaped bumper on the back. Overall, the design is refreshed, and the front end of the new X7 looks similar to series 7.
Interior Updates
BMW X7 is the SUV that has one of the most luxurious cabins in the segment. Like the previous model, the new one can be ordered as a 7-seater with a center bench or a 6-seater with captain’s chairs in the second row. Overall space is excellent, and there’s enough headroom and legroom for all passengers to sit comfortably, even on the back row.
As we mentioned, BMW X7 is one of the luxurious SUVs filled with new technology. This model features an advanced 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the new BMW’s multifunction iDrive controller. It also includes a standard Android Auto smartphone integration, SiriusXM satellite radio with 360L, remote start, and much more.
2022 BMW X7 Powertrain Specs
Under the hood, there is no need for some drastic changes. Exists engines will probably power the new 2022 BMW X7. That means the base model will still use an aluminum-block 3.0-liter engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger that produces 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.
However, the more powerful version can be found under the xDrive50i model. This model uses a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivering 456 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The most potent engine powers the M50i model. It uses a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 making 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Like before, all three engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Also, thanks to them, X7 endows a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.
Release Date and Price
The redesigned version 2022 BMW X7 is ahead of its anticipated launch in 2021. The new model will be most likely introduced in the first quarter of the year, while sales might start a few months later.
According to BMW, we can expect more attractive styling and much-advanced technology. However, pricing has not yet been revealed, but it can be expected to be slightly higher than before.
Two Decades Chasing Perfection: Neil Dawson’s E36 M3 – Speedhunters
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“Everyone started putting M3 mirrors on Corsas, so I figured I’d put AC Schnitzer mirrors on my M3.”
When Neil Dawson, the owner of this E36 M3, first said that, I couldn’t help but crack a huge smile. Partly because it’s the level of pettiness I aspire to, but mostly because I could tell his obsession for all things M3 stemmed from a single pair of mirrors. An obsession that’s lasted some 17-years now, and shows no signs of slowing down.
Back in the 1990s, the E36 M3 was the BMW to have. That and brightly-coloured Tacchini tracksuits along with funky Mitsubishi-logo’d sweets. Its launch made the E30 BMW look and feel dated, and being a BMW fan already Neil quickly decided this was the next car for him.
These were the days before readily-available finance, however. You had to buy things the old fashioned way; cash was king, and good cars were expensive. So while Neil wanted an E36 M3 in the ’90s, his bank account wouldn’t allow it. That’d come later in 2002.
This wasn’t Neil’s first foray into the world of Bavarian brutes. His weapon of choice was a black-on-black E30 325i Motorsport, the kind of thing you’d look at now as a ‘future investment opportunity’. A Dakar Yellow M3 coupe caught his eye, and if he could part-exchange the 325i, it could be his.
That wasn’t going to happen though, because back in 2002, the E30 wasn’t as desirable as it is today. So much so that when he offered it towards the M3, the dealer flat-out refused.
The E36 M3 was by no means a rare car, but it wasn’t the mass-produced behemoth of M3s today. They were pretty exclusive things back then. Being just out of his grasp, Neil settled on a 328i M-Sport to fill the void until the right example came up. And lo and behold, six months later, an Estoril Blue M3 Cabriolet with Silver Grey interior did.
Fortunately, the dealer was happy to take the 328i as a part-exchange, meaning Neil finally had the M3 he always wanted. He was over the moon, and BMW’s approved used cars at the time came with a generous warranty. It would’ve been foolish to rush into any modifications at the time and void it, especially before getting used to the new car. So instead, Neil spent the next four years living with and enjoying the M3, and definitely utilising the warranty.
The roof, gearbox, VANOS and various other components all deteriorated over time, and everything was covered. It was a great game right up until 2007, when BMW decided to start charging customers for their approved used warranties. Given the premium being put forward, Neil decided enough was enough – it was time to get modifying!
We say modifying, but it was more of an OEM upgrade. The M3 Cabriolet never came with the option of Vader bucket seats – something Neil preferred over the stock seats – so that became the first change. He even Connollised the leather himself to get it as close to a match as perfect. For me, I’d have been pretty happy, but Neil had other ideas.
The interior quickly became his main focus, and bit by bit every panel you could see and feel was re-trimmed in Silver Grey leather. That includes the whole dash, tonneau, console and even the foot wells and seat bases. And for the panels not covered in leather? They gained carbon fibre to provide a dark, detailed contrast against the cow hide.
As the owner of a ’90s BMW myself, I can relate with Neil on just how pants the sound systems in these cars were. So with the interior being re-trimmed, it gave him the perfect excuse to begin the boot build. A pair of 12-inch subwoofers with a Directed amplifier were installed in their own dedicated enclosure, also trimmed in Silver Grey leather to match the interior. These were joined by a set of AudioEscape speaker pods in the footwells.
By this point, there wasn’t really anything left to touch in the interior so Neil shifted his focus over to the engine bay. Much like the interior, what started off as a few dress-up parts soon became overwhelmed with both OEM and carbon accessories. Each one was chosen for a particular reason, including the GruppeM intake (which Neil is particularly proud of) and one of the rarest E36 parts available – an AC Schnitzer carbon fibre fan shroud cover. These were usually found on the ‘factory’ ACS3 CLS cars, and very few were ever sold separately.
I’m too young to remember the Max Power days of the UK car scene, but like all types of fashion it inevitably comes full circle a good few years later. There’s no denying that the ’90s/’00s era of styling set the tone for a generation; you could literally go to your local Halfords and (if you had the cash) give your car a complete makeover there and then. A fresh set of rims, spoilers, stick-on chrome detailing and plenty of audio.
It was also the era which made the humble M3 mirror an essential item for every car that wasn’t an M3. Even more so than Lexus tail lights. Whether you were creating an M3 replica from a 318is or simply trying to make your Cavalier stand out from the crowd, M3 ‘style’ mirrors became a necessity.
So if everyone was trying to make their cars look more like the M3, Neil decided he was going to make his look less like one. Cue the AC Schnitzer route. It started with small bits first; the rear was de-badged along with the side trims, and the moulding badges replaced with ACS items. Then came the mirrors, side skirts, more badges and a diffuser.
“I got the badges, skirts and diffuser pieces from BMW Rossiters in the UK, but got the mirrors directly from AC Schnitzer Germany. They were the last of their existing stock if I remember,” Neil says.
Although not pictured, Neil initially went for AC Schnitzer Type 2 Monoblock wheels for a stopgap until the correct set of splits came up for sale. Paired with Eibach coilovers, the car looked well-rounded and (almost) complete, with an aggressive stance and distinctive look. But before Neil could get too accustomed to the style, the perfect splits inevitably turned up – a unicorn set of ACS Type 1 Rennsports. Bear with me a moment whilst I nerd out on wheels, because the 18-inch Type 1 Racing is a very special item.
The 18-inch Type 1 was only available as a face-mounted wheel, and was manufactured by OZ Racing. As such they use a 40-hole design, which was used by OZ for all of their 18- and 19-inch wheels of the era. They are rarer than their successor, the Type 2, and arguably more desirable in 18-inch spec.
Those wheels hold a fairly special place in Neil’s collection, and not just because of their rarity. Back then, PayPal wasn’t really an option for sending large sums of money to people – not unless they were princes from Nigeria. A physical trip to your bank was the main option, and while withdrawing the money Neil was asked what he was buying with it. That cashier turned out to be Ricky Sadasivan – AKA Big Rick – who at the time had a well-known Techno Violet E36 Cab of his own. Neil may have left Barclays with a lighter pocket, but he managed to make a friend in the process.
Fast-forward a few more years, and it was getting to the point where Neil felt the E36 should be ‘retired’ from daily duties to really allow it to progress. So in 2012, he opted to buy an E46 M3 instead. Finished in Estoril Blue to match the E36, the newer M3 boasted a Champagne interior (rather than Silver Grey) which Neil fell in love with immediately. I don’t blame him; the light cream contrasts incredibly well against the blue paint.
The BMW stayed this way for a few more years until 2015, when a new suspension setup that could really bump it up a notch caught Neil’s eye – Air Lift Performance. Switching over to air would allow Neil to keep his E36 usable on rough and bumpy roads, while being able to give it a killer stance at the push of a button. Drive low, park even lower.
More impressively, Neil did all the work himself – from dismantling the previous audio build to constructing the new air setup. It took him a few weekends to run the air lines and switch over to Air Lift Performance struts, but it genuinely was a do-it-yourself purchase.
With the car now sitting perfectly, Neil’s mind was being clouded in a haze of Champagne interior. Just as he was getting close to being finished – again – he decided Silver Grey was no longer the colour for him. Fire up another re-trim…
Never one to do things by halves, Neil did more than simply swap out the leather. The Vaders had gone and been replaced by a pair of super-rare Recaro A8s. Personally, I’m a huge sucker for A8s; they are without a doubt one of my top three bucket seats, fixed back or not.
One of my favourite details about the car are the seat backs. In dark light they appear black, but they are in fact BMW Carbon Black Metallic, so in the light you get an incredible blue pearl which matches the paintwork, yet it’s not evident when first seeing the interior. It’s funny how one of the most frustrating BMW exterior colours works so well inside the car.
Neil’s next change was the wheels, the set of BBS RSs currently fitted. He’d bought them from Budapest earlier on in the car’s life, but never had a reason to build them with the AC Schnitzer wheels being on the M3. Keen for a change given the other work happening, Neil refinished them with brushed faces along with gold hardware and hex nuts. Every detail really does matter to Neil.
Back in 2005, a couple of years after purchase, Neil decided the M3 could do with a little freshen up and as a result had the front end painted. At the time this wasn’t an issue, but it always stood out as being slightly better than the rest of the Estoril Blue paintwork. Not willing to shell out more money on paint, Neil decided to embark on a full detail of the E36 to get it back up to scratch. What’s the worst that could happen?
“I bought a rotary polisher and decided to have a go myself, but I wanted to wet-sand the paint too…”
Inevitably, within about 30-seconds of starting, Neil managed to burn straight through the paint on the top of the rear three-quarter panel. Brilliant.
No one he contacted was willing to do a smart repair on that section, so he took the car back to the painter he’d used previously. The M3 was painted from the doors back to match the nose. Except that it didn’t match the nose. So the car went back in to be resprayed again to match the rear. Thankfully for his bank account, the paint finally matched all around the car.
However, Neil wasn’t really that happy with the paint finish after all this work. Which resulted in a further decade spent (slowly) repainting sections all around the car as he found flaws along the way. No sooner had he fixed one issue, another popped up.
By 2019, things had peaked. Having been accepted for an indoor show called FittedUK, Neil was concerned about the paint under fluorescent lights. He decided that the only way to have the car looking acceptable would be a complete respray, so that’s exactly what he did.
I asked him why he put so much effort into the car over nearly two decades. Especially into details such as paint matching and trimming under the dash – things that the majority of people would never notice. “The more you look, the more you’ll see. You’ve got to keep looking,” he replied.
I can’t think of a better phrase that sums up Neil’s approach to his M3 over the years. If you ensure the details are looked after, the rest of the build will follow.
