For more than 25 years the BMW M5 Saloon has defined the high-performance saloon segment, in the process becoming the most successful car of its type in the world. Now a new fifth-generation model raises the concept of the premium executive saloon combining track-car dynamics and supreme touring comfort to an even higher level.

It features the most potent engine ever devised by BMW’s high-performance M division, here making its world premiere, along with race-bred chassis technology that includes, for the first time, an Active M differential and electronic damping control. The unique exterior design has been dictated by the technical requirements of the car, while the luxurious sports car-like cockpit offers an extensive range of innovative driver assistance systems and mobility services.


The new M5 Saloon will be available from Vines BMW priced at £73,040 on-the-road.

BMW M5 Saloon

• Power Hp: 560
• Torque Nm: 680
• 0-62mph seconds: 4.4
• Top Speed: 155*
• Combined Mpg: 28.5
• Co2 Emissions g/km: 232

To register your interest in the New BMW M5 Saloon click here.

Vines BMW Group

You can keep up with news, stories and events by following Vines on Twitter: @VinesBMW or join us on our new Facebook page.

www.vinesbmw.co.uk

Labels: BMW Gatwick, BMW Guildford, BMW Redhill, New M5, Vines BMW

Off to a perfect start: the new BMW 1 Series wins “Golden Steering Wheel” award.

 New edition of compact model wins renowned competition run by the "Bild am Sonntag" magazine - second place in the convertible category goes to the new BMW 6 Series Convertible.

Munich. Just a few weeks after its market launch, the new BMW 1 Series has already won its first internationally significant automobile award. The edition of the BMW compact model is the winner of the “Golden Steering Wheel” awarded by "Auto Bild" and "Bild am Sonntag". The coveted trophy was presented to BMW AG Board Chairman Dr. Norbert Reithofer at a gala event in Berlin yesterday. The BMW 1 Series asserted itself in the class of compact automobiles. The second BMW model to compete for the "Golden Steering Wheel", the new BMW 6 Series Convertible, likewise achieved an outstanding result with second place in the category of open-top vehicles.


It was the 36th time “Golden Steering Wheel” has been awarded, making it one of the most important and tradition-steeped automobile awards in Europe. It goes to the most impressive new models which have been launched on the automobile market during the year in question. This year, 46 new models competed in various segments. The choice of best in each class was based on a readers' vote, in which some 260,00 readers of the automobile magazine group "Auto Bild" and the Sunday newspaper "Bild am Sonntag" took part, as well as the verdict of a 42-strong jury made up of racing drivers, engineers, editors and celebrity testers.


In the star-studded compact vehicle category, the new BMW 1 Series came out top in both the readers' vote and the jury's verdict. It was able to outshine the competition with its outstanding sporty style and efficiency, optimised comfort and extended space, expressive design and premium quality. "The success of the new BMW 1 Series shows that we are doing excellently in this segment, too," said Dr. Norbert Reithofer after the award ceremony. The current trophy is the second "Golden Steering Wheel" to be won by BMW for a compact model. The BMW 1 Series Coupé won the sought-after award in 2008.


The BMW 1 Series stands out as an exceptional automobile within the compact segment not least due to its rear-wheel drive, still unique in this class. Its sporty character is also underlined by a fully updated portfolio of engines. Two newly developed petrol engines and three diesel power units cover an output range from 85 kW/116 bhp to 135 kW/184 bhp. Due to BMW Twin Power Turbo Technology and the large number of standard BMW EfficientDynamics measures used in all engines, the excellent driving pleasure offered by this model is combined with often significant reductions in fuel consumption and emission levels.


As compared to the predecessor model, the luggage volume of the new BMW 1 Series has increased to 360 litres and it also offers additional leg space at the rear. Its extensively refined chassis technology also ensures perceptibly optimised ride comfort. In addition to the air conditioning system, standard fittings include the drive experience switch with ECO PRO mode for individual vehicle set-up and fuel consumption optimisation. The new BMW 1 Series is the first model in its class to be fitted with an optional 8-speed automatic transmission. What is more, the range of driver assistance systems and mobility services under BMW ConnectedDrive reaches a level previously only available in much higher vehicle segments. Some of the features available for the BMW 1 Series include the BMW parking assistant, lane departure warning including rear collision warning, Speed Limit Info with overtaking ban display, real-time traffic information and apps for use of the online services Facebook and Twitter inside the vehicle.

Vines BMW Group

You can keep up with news, stories and events by following Vines on Twitter: @VinesBMW or join us on our new Facebook page.

www.vinesbmw.co.uk

Labels: BMW 1 Series, BMW Awards, BMW Gatwick, BMW Guildford, BMW Redhill, New BMW, Used BMW

BMW named most reliable car manufacturer in Fleet News annual survey

Research into nearly 900,000 cars operated by the country’s biggest 50 leasing companies has found that the BMW 3 Series range is the most reliable model in the 2010 FN50 survey, whilst BMW was found to be the most reliable manufacturer.

The FN50 reliability survey, undertaken by Fleet News and financial consultants Grant Thornton, asks leasing companies to assess reliability according to the number of breakdowns per model on their fleet.  The majority of the vehicles surveyed are used for business and are subjected to higher than average mileage and are constantly used in all conditions.  This testing environment means that winning the FN50 is a true testament to the reliability of the BMW range and specifically the BMW 3 Series.

Fleet News editor, Stephen Briers, said: “BMW has built on its position as the most reliable car manufacturer supplying the UK’s largest contract hire companies with the 3 Series taking first place as the most reliable model, adding yet another attribute to low CO2 emissions, modest overall running costs and rewarding driving behaviour and making its cars more desirable to fleet operators and company car drivers.”

Tim Abbott, Managing Director at BMW UK, said: “We are delighted to have won the overall honour in the FN50 reliability survey. The outgoing BMW 3 Series Saloon and the 3 Series range overall has been and continues to be an outstanding success for us. Awards such as this ensure customers can buy a class-leading vehicle safe in the knowledge that only years of enjoyable, hassle free motoring in a premium car await.”


The new BMW 7 Series Luxury Edition
In addition to the existing SE and M Sport models, BMW is pleased to announce the latest addition to the BMW 7 Series line up, t he Luxury Edition.

The BMW 7 Series Luxury Edition offers customers an enhanced specification and is available on all diesel powered 7 Series models.  The Luxury Edition adds 19-inch light alloy multi-spoke wheels, powered bootlid operation, comfort seats, BMW Professional loudspeaker system, rear seat heating, soft-close doors, sports leather steering wheel, exclusive Nappa Leather upholstery and a choice of Azurite or Moonstone BMW Individual metallic paintwork.

This enhanced package, worth £7,785, is available for an additional £1,500, making the 7 Series Luxury Edition available from just £58,920 OTR.


BMW press fleet to be equipped with winter tyres

BMW UK believes so strongly in the benefits of winter tyres that it will equip almost all of its press cars with the special rubber between November and March - the first time any premium manufacturer has taken such a bold step in the UK. This will enable users of the press fleet to experience winter tyres for themselves and allow them to travel throughout Europe without restriction, whether it be a legal, safety or performance issue.


BMW 530d Gran Turismo is the 2011 chauffeur car of choice

The BMW 530d Gran Turismo took home the class win in the under £50,000 category at the Chauffeur Car of the Year Awards 2011.  Commended for its high levels of luxury and impressive economy, the BMW 530d Gran Turismo trumped stiff competition from the Mercedes-Benz E-class, Jaguar XF and Audi A6.

Paul Gibson, Editor of thechauffeur.com and head of the awards committee, commented: "The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo represents amazing value for money for any chauffeur, especially with the program on offer by BMW.  The vehicle offers the rear seat client almost the same comfort and space as the 7 Series range whilst offering the chauffeur incredible MPG figures and adequate space for luggage. This is what set the 5 Series Gran Turismo apart from its competitors in the category.”

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is available on the BMW Chauffeur Programme along side the BMW 7 Series.  The programme offers competitive contract hire rates, for example a 530d Gran Turismo for £525 per month based on three years or 60,000 miles including servicing, enhanced specification packages and predictable running costs.

BMW crowned Fleet Manufacturer of the Year at GreenFleet Awards 2011

As recognition of the class-leading position BMW Group vehicles command, courtesy of EfficientDynamics technologies, the marque has once again scooped the top prize at the Green Fleet Awards to be crowned Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year.

BMW Group was recognised, for the fourth year in a row, as the car manufacturer that had shown the greatest improvements in CO2 emissions, expanding its range of low emission vehicles available to fleet customers.  This commitment is demonstrated by the introduction of vehicles such as the new BMW 520d EfficientDynamics, which has CO2 emissions of just 119g/km, and the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics, which returns just 109g/km.

Stephen Chater, BMW Group Corporate Operations Manger, said: “It is great news that BMW has once again been crowned Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year.  This award recognises BMW’s continued commitment to reducing emissions through its EfficientDynamics programme, across the entire range.”
 
BMW EfficientDynamics triumphs at 2011 ACFO Awards

BMW has retained the Environmental Initiative Award for the second year in a row at the 28th annual Association of Car Fleet Operator Awards for its use of EfficientDynamics technologies in reducing fleet emissions. 

The Best Environmental Initiative Award was given to BMW for the suite of technologies, present in every BMW model, which helps businesses to improve their carbon footprint.  The BMW EfficientDynamics programme was first introduced in 2007 and incorporates a wide variety of fuel-saving and emissions-reducing measures across the whole vehicle range as standard.  EfficientDynamics technologies include Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and Active Aerodynamics, amongst a range of other features.

Labels: BMW 3 Series, BMW 320d EfficientDynamics, BMW 530d Gran Turismo, BMW 7 Series Luxury Edition, FN50 Reliability Survey, GreenFleet Awards

Congratulations to the winners of the new BMW 1 Series test drive competition; Miss S Gavigan, Mr P Wilcox, Mr D McDonagh, Mr R Gillett and Mr D Orchard. We do hope you enjoy your stay compliments of Vines BMW at Old Thorns, Spa and Hotel. www.oldthorns.com.

Vines BMW Group

You can keep up with news, stories and events by following Vines on Twitter: @VinesBMW or join us on our new Facebook page.

www.vinesbmw.co.uk

Labels: Vines BMW Gatwick, Vines BMW Guildford, Vines BMW Redhill