BMW Vision EfficientDynamics X5 and M3 Convertible

By James Foxall

Motor Shows

05 March 2008 14:20

What’s new on BMW’s Geneva Motor Show stand?

It’s significant that of two debuts on BMW’s stand one is an X5 derivative. The other is the M3 Convertible.

For the first time this model features a folding hard top but it also pioneers BMW’s seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission that will come on all M3s from now on.

The show also marks the debut of BMW Performance, the firm’s in-house accessory line. Shown off on a white 123d with carbon fibre bonnet, mirrors and rear spoiler it’s a lot more tasteful than it sounds as BMW tries to muscle in on Schnitzer and Alpina territory.

But BMW’s main emphasis is on its EfficientDynamics fuel saving technology. And that’s where the Vision EfficientDynamics X5 comes in.

Fitted with a two-litre oil burner BMW claims it’s the world’s first diesel to have more than 100bhp per litre. Performance is further boosted by a 15kW electric motor. And it’s got solar panels on its roof to generate energy used to pre-heat the transmission fluid before starting.

Hidden at the back of the stand is the beautiful CS Concept from last year’s Shanghai Motor Show. A design to rival the Mercedes CLS a production model will appear once BMW has figured out how to make it visually true to the concept while ensuring it’s an involving drive.

With its awkward roof line proving a real challenge to the eye the X6 could be a case of a niche too far.

Purveyor of the Ultimate Driving Machine is trying to convince people it’s selling the Ultimate Green Machine.

2/5

By James Foxall