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MOST car makers have one model that is best described as a ‘brand shaper’. Some are easy to spot – such as the Porsche 911 – others less so. The BMW 5 Series isn’t the big seller it once was, but it’s still hugely important for the company across the world. And when you think of BMW, it’s probably the car that springs to mind, along with the 3 Series. I can only imagine the pressure that must heap on the team that has to bring a new version to market, especially when the market is moving so quickly. I’ve spoken often about how well the company has managed its two British brands, MINI and Rolls-Royce, but that applies to the BMW model range, too. Where Mercedes is getting us…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy • Plug-in hybrid variant is set to join the line-up in 2024• Long-standing model grows in size and adds lots of tech BMW has been using a twin-track approach on electrification for some time, mixing combustion power with pure electric on several vehicles. But now the German brand is really ramping it up by applying the policy to one of its most iconic models: the all-new 5 Series. The eighth generation of the executive saloon will be sold as a petrol model or an EV, after a radical range overhaul that sees diesel ditched (in the UK, at least), a plug-in petrol hybrid offered alongside mild hybrids, and a further growth in dimensions to improve the cabin space. An evolved version of BMW’s CLAR platform underpins the car,…

IT remains to be seen how BMW’s chassis tweaks have affected the petrol-powered 5 Series, but we can confirm from a short drive in both i5 variants that it’s destined to remain the exec saloon of choice for keener drivers. The steering feels sharp and rear-axle steering helps the whole package to feel more agile than a car weighing 2.2 tonnes should. Indeed, on the right road it could almost pass for its smaller, svelter stablemate, the 3 Series. Both electric powertrains offer lots of shove and exceptional motor refinement. Ride quality, particularly on the adaptive suspension set-up, is exceptional. So while this is the biggest step in the history of one of BMW’s most famous models, we’re already convinced that, regardless of powertrain, it’s going to feel every bit a…

BMW has taken inspiration from the iconic ‘clown shoe’ Z3 M Coupé with the brand’s latest concept. The firm has revealed the one-off fixed-roof version of its Z4 Roadster at the Villa D’Este car show on Lake Como, Italy. The unique model has been designed in the image of BMW’s historic compact two-seater coupés, from the ‘02’ shooting brake concept of the early seventies right up to the iconic Z3 M Coupé of the early 2000s (a car known colloquially as the ‘clown shoe’ for its ungainly style). The new Concept Touring Coupé is based on the contemporary, third-generation Z4 Roadster, sharing the same distinctive set of proportions that combine a very short wheelbase with a comparatively long front overhang and compact tail. Replacing the fabric roof is a new…

sean_carson@autovia.co.uk • Latest corporate look revealed• Hybrid petrol and new EV options “A flush panel between the headlights creates a solid look, with squared-off headlight units” BRITAIN’S favourite supermini has been updated for 2023, with the Vauxhall Corsa receiving new styling, more tech, mild-hybrid petrol engines and a boost in range for the Corsa Electric. The biggest change is to the car’s looks, with Vauxhall tweaking the Corsa’s front end to add its now-trademark Vizor grille. The compact five-door model is the last car in Vauxhall’s line-up to receive this styling feature, which has already been seen on the Mokka, Astra and Grandland. There’s a flush black panel between the headlights, creating a solid look, with the new, squared-off headlight units (upgraded IntelliLux matrix pixel LED units are available for…

Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk @AllieCrooks • Revised look for SUV • Petrol, diesel and PHEV power THE Volkswagen Touareg has just received a mid-life facelift, with changes not only coming to the exterior design and interior technology, but also the way the premium SUV drives. The Touareg is going up against perennial rivals such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE, and VW says it has “implemented the wishes of customers in the new model”. Starting with the cosmetic updates, the facelift is pretty comprehensive. At the front, there’s a new grille, bumper and headlights to give the Touareg a more aggressive look. The rear features a full-width light bar and illuminated VW badge. Fresh wheel designs up to 21 inches in size are available. Four trim levels will be offered: Touareg, Elegance,…