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The Facelifted X7 breaks cover…

The BMW X7 broke new ground in the luxury car segment at launch, with impactful styling that showcased the latest BMW design language. Move on three years and BMW has now given the X7 a facelift. The facelifted model features new styling tweaks, mainly around the front and rear, like the split headlight units that have been employed as both the daytime driving lights and the low and high beam lights used to illuminate the road ahead. The daytime driving lights also adopt the function of turn signal indicators. The low-beam and high-beam headlights are generated by two LED units in separate modules positioned below the daytime driving lights. The updated adaptive matrix LED headlights, which also include the adaptive headlights and cornering light functions along with BMW’s non-dazzling high beam, are standard on the new X7. Adaptive light distribution with automatic bad weather lights now also provide the functionality of front fog lights. The new kidney grilles feature Iconic Glow, which provides understated cascade lighting for the two kidneys. At the rear, new light units with three-dimensional sculpting add a striking accent. The L-shaped rear light strips generate significantly greater intensity, which means they double up as brake lights and the units can therefore be kept extremely slim. The turn indicators are housed in their upper sections, and these also generate visually effective pulsating light signals.

Interior revisions include BMW’s Curved Display and ambient light bar. The display is made up of a 12.3” information display behind the steering wheel, while the control display with a 14.9” diagonal screen merges into one fully digital and high-resolution display unit behind a single glass surface. The screen curves towards the driver, although the front passenger can also view the screen and operate the system using touch control, voice control or with the standard BMW gesture control. A three-section panoramic glass sunroof is fitted as standard on all X7s, too.

New six- and eight-cylinder engines are available with 48V mild hybrid technology, with the xDrive40d model having 340hp and 720Nm at its disposal. The petrol powered xDrive40i has 380hp and 540Nm of torque, while the range topping (for now) M60i xDrive has 530hp and 750Nm of torque. This allows this giant to hit 60mph from rest in 4.5 seconds. The new engines are connected to an enhanced eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with launch control and a sprint function.

A new selection of light-alloy wheels are also available, now up to 23”, a first for BMW. There is a choice of Excellence, M Sport and M Performance versions, with prices starting from £80,980 RRP, rising to £103,600 for the M60i xDrive model. The new X7 can be ordered now.

For more info on the X7, please browse www.bmw.co.uk or visit your local BMW dealer.

Alpina launches a B4 Gran Coupé

Alpina has announced that it has added a B4 Gran Coupé to its ever expanding model list. Based on BMW’s elegant 4 Series Gran Coupé, the B4 Gran Coupé is powered by a twin-turbo straight-six engine, fettled by Alpina’s engineers to produce 495hp and 730Nm of torque. In combination with the newest ZF 8HP76 8-Speed Sport Automatic Transmission, the B4 hits 60mph from rest in a scant 3.5 seconds, before running onto a top speed of 187mph. On the Autobahn, of course.

The B4 has bespoke Alpina suspension that combines both a comfortable, refined ride and outstanding handling. Grip has been increased further, too, thanks to the B4 being equipped with BMW’s xDrive system, the torque distribution is still rearwheel biassed.

The B4 Gran Coupé runs on Alpina’s exquisite 20” Classic forged wheels that weigh in at just 12kgs each. The 8.5”-wide front wheels are shod with 255/35 ZR20 tyres, while the 10“-wide rears use with 285/30 ZR20 tyres. The rubber is Pirelli P Zero, all round.

The Classic wheels partly hide the generous brakes. These are made up of four-piston fixed brake callipers with discs sized at 395mm at the front and 345mm at the rear. An optional high-performance braking system with drilled lightweight composite brake discs are available at extra cost.

Interior-wise, Alpina says the B4 Gran Coupé’s standard equipment is class leading, combining comfort functions like seat and steering wheel heating with the latest BMW Driving Assistant technology. The vehicle interior upholstery can be customised to each customer’s wishes, with Alpina’s in-house leather workshop offering near-unlimited design possibilities with its Lavalina leather interiors.

The BMW Alpina B4 Gran Coupé is available to order as of immediately. Deliveries are expected to begin in July 2022, with a price quoted in euros as 91,800.

Alpina’s stunning new B4 Gran Coupé has a top speed of 187mph Federico Izzo has been appointed as the new Director for Mini UK and Ireland, with effect from 1st May 2022. He succeeds David George, who moves into the role of President and CEO, BMW Group Canada from 1st March.

Federico joins Mini UK from his previous role as Managing Director, BMW Group Czech Republic. He has been with the BMW Group since 2007 and brings substantial experience gained across sales and marketing from an international career in the automotive industry which started at Mazda Motor Italy in 2002.

Federico Izzo, the new Director for Mini UK and Ireland

BMW M4 GT3 celebrates first victory New Director for Mini UK and Ireland

The first race victory for the new BMW M4 GT3 has been clinched. Paul Miller Racing won the GTD class at the 100-minute Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in mid-March in the #1 M4 GT3, driven by Madison Snow and Bryan Sellers. Snow had already secured the first pole position for the M4 GT3 in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Snow and Sellers dominated the race, pulling away from the field early and controlling the lead even after a few safety car phases in the second half of the race. The #1 M4 GT3 of Paul Miller Racing had already led the 12h Sebring before it was knocked out of the race by a collision. This time, the team and drivers were rewarded for their impressive performance.