BMW's M4 is an open-air thrill ride

CNET - A retractable hard top may not seem like a great idea for a BMW M performance car. It not only adds weight, but that weight shifts the balance of the car, depending on whether the top is up or stowed in the trunk. Most drivers, however, will likely forget those concerns as they pilot the 2015 M4 Convertible down a twisty road and feel the wind and sun.

The open top will let the bark of the 425-horsepower, turbocharged 3-liter inline six-cylinder engine resonate in their passengers' ears -- the note changing dramatically at each shift of the six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Yes, the M4 Convertible should satisfy thrill-seekers as it includes the full range of performance gear available to the standard M4. An available adaptive suspension should help with any weight imbalance from the moveable top and performance settings change the steering response. Throttle and gear-shift response is also programmable by the driver, as is the traction control.   Read More

2014 BMW 4 Series Convertible - 2013 L.A. Auto Show

New BMW 6-series takes dictation, shows virtual gauges

BMW will offer this special edition of the 2014 6-series, called 

the Frozen Brilliant White Convertible.

(Credit: BMW) 

 

 

CNET - BMW announced new features for its 2014 6-series model today, including an advanced voice recognition system that can take dictation from the driver and send out an email or text.
 

The tech arms race between BMW and Audi is yielding some amazing cars, such as the Audi S7 we recently reviewed. BMW fights back with its newly announced 2014 6-series, featuring revised cabin electronics that will not only take dictation and send out emails for the driver, but also debuts a new digital instrument cluster.

 

BMW touted the new voice recognition system for the 6-series in a press release today, noting its simplified voice commands and control over most cabin tech features. The new system will let drivers activate a dictation mode, having the car transcribe emails and text messages. The car reads out the resulting text and includes voice controls for making simple edits. The driver can send the text to anyone in her paired phone's contact list through email or text message. 

 

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2013 BMW 750Li Review

$90,500.00 

 

CNET Editors' Rating

4.0 stars - Excellent  

 

The good: Active suspension technology and four-wheel steering make the 2013 BMW 750Li handle exceptionally well. Data connections allow Google local search and social media interaction. The navigation system includes broad traffic coverage and Bang & Olufsen audio delivers excellent sound.

The bad: Acceleration comes on unevenly, and the idle-stop feature will annoy some drivers. The cabin tech interface needs some refinement so as to make audio sources and music libraries more accessible.

The bottom line: The 2013 BMW 750Li does double-duty as a freeway cruiser and a getaway car, whether you drive it yourself or hire a chauffeur. A wide array of connected features add new capabilities to the already first-rate navigation and stereo systems.

 

Read the Full Review

 

BMW Concept 4 Coupe takes over where 3 Series left off (pictures)

 

DETROIT--At the 2013 North American International Auto Show auto show, BMW's Concept 4 Series Coupe indicates a future design direction for the company, and fills a hole in the lineup. The car serves as a more focused sport vehicle than the current 3 Series, which became watered down when BMW attempted to make it suitable for both performance and luxury seekers. Design cues seen on the front are the light pipes around the headlights and machined, inset pieces on the intake.

View the Photos!