Tag Archives: spy-photos

SPIED: ALPINA XB7 Facelift Seen Testing with Split Headlights

BMW’s upcoming split headlight design is no longer a secret. In fact, it’s going to be a staple of high-end BMW design moving forward. All high-end BMW models, including the 7 Series, X7, and XM, are going to get split headlights and massive kidney grilles. Apparently, that includes the ALPINA XB7 as well, as some new spy photos reveal the new split front lamps. (We don’t own the photos but they can be seen here)

Seen in these new photos, you can clearly see the ALPINA XB7, painted in the brand’s signature shade of blue and wearing ALPINA-specific wheels, and its front headlights are split between upper and lower sections. The split headlight design was first seen on the BMW XM Concept and, on that car, the lower section of the lights is actually hidden behind a black panel. That doesn’t seem to be the case with the ALPINA XB7 in these photos, as both sections of lights are visible.

The grilles also seem to feature a slightly different shape and could potentially be a bit more cohesive. However, they’re still enormous.

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Aside from those differences, though, the XB7 doesn’t seem to chance much, as to be expected. It’s likely going to get all of the same LCI changes as the standard BMW X7, just with some added ALPINA flair.

I do hope some of that ALPINA flair makes it to the cabin, though. As good as the XB7’s interior is, it lacks the specialness of some ALPINAs of the past. It’s too much like a standard X7 inside (although, that’s not such a bad thing), which can be disappointing for ALPINA fans.

Performance specs shouldn’t change. So expect the same 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 making 612 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Last I drove the XB7, I felt it was the best driving luxury SUV I’ve ever experienced. I don’t expect that to change a bit, which means it will be well worth owning, despite its oddball looks.

[Source: Car Scoops]

G87 BMW M2 Coupe going through final testing stages

2022 will bring a few exciting BMWs, and one of them will be the G87 BMW M2. The sports coupe needs no introduction. It is one of the most popular M cars today and a fans’ darling. Based on the G42 2 Series Coupe, the G87 M2 might be the last of its kind. With a production cycle of seven years, we expect the following generation M2 to arrive near 2030 but with an electrified drivetrain.

Our sources say that this new G87 M2 will take the performance and handling to a new level. BMW has a great base model in the new 2 Series Coupe, so some of the work was cut out for the M engineers. But of course, they will add their own touches and technical bits to make the G87 M2 one of the best driving BMWs.

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Spy photos courtesy of instagram.com/wilcoblok/

The new G87 M2 aims to differentiate itself from the new 2 Series Coupe, and especially from the M240i model. Its grilles with horizontal slats are different than those of the 2 Series Coupe while the bumper features very square front air intakes. The inner sides of each grille are incredibly upright, with perfect 90-degree angles at each inner lower corner.

The headlights have a lot of rounded, soft edges in contrast with the square grilles and air intakes. The M2’s wheel arches are nicely swollen, it sits low to the ground, it features nice big quad exhausts, and a wider wheel track than the standard 2 Series.

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Spy photos courtesy of instagram.com/wilcoblok/

BMW’s new M2 will be released with an option between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Essentially, the very same options found in the new M3/M4. In standard form – since Competition, CS or even CSL models will follow – the new M2 will make around 450 horsepower. We expect a similar torque as the standard M4 – 406 lb-ft of torque.

BMW will likely introduce the G87 M2 in mid-summer 2022, so stay tuned for more details!

[Spy photos provided by instagram.com/wilcoblok]

SPIED: 2023 BMW X1 M35i Seen Testing — Entry-Level M Performance

The upcoming third-generation BMW X1 is a car we’re surprisingly interested in. Typically, the X1 is a mom/dad-mobile, designed to take kids to school and then take mom/dad to work, rinse and repeat. However, the second-gen X1 is a better car to drive that you’d think, with surprisingly good steering and chassis dynamics for a front-drive crossover. It’s no canyon carver but it’s a pleasant thing to drive. And it’s only going to get better with the addition of an M Performance models, which is why these new spy photos are intriguing. (We don’t own the photos but you can see ’em here)

I still remember driving the second-gen X1 for the first time and being pleasantly surprised. This new model, then, with its improved chassis dynamics, better engines, nicer interior, and an all-new M Performance version.

The third-gen BMW X1 will be getting its own M35i variant, similar to the X2 and the 2 Series Gran Coupe. If its engine is to be the same as the other two, which we assume it will be, the X1 M35i will use a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 301 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. It will almost certainly be paired to BMW’s Aisin-sourced eight-speed auto and a Haldex-based all-wheel drive system.

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Image by @wilcoblok on Instagram

In these photos, the BMW X1 M35i actually looks pretty cool. It’s a bit chunkier than the previous two generations; with the first looking like a mutated wagon and the second looking like a generic crossover; but it also looks better. The roofline is a bit sportier than before, its overhangs are shorter than you might imagine a front-wheel drive crossover’s to be, and its lights look like they’re shaping up to look cool. The most interesting design feature, however, is its quad exhaust.

For ages, proper BMW M cars were visually separated from their standard counterparts with quad exhausts. Since the late ’90s, only proper M Division vehicles had four pipes out back. Now, though, BMW is migrating that design over to its M Performance cars and a crossover at that. While it certainly makes the X1 M35i look cool, it’s going to upset the M faithful, who will feel as if this dilutes the M brand’s design.

Exhaust pipe heresy aside, the BMW X1 M35i is likely going to be a cool little car. There are a lot of BMW enthusiasts that need the extra space but also want something premium and fuel efficient. The BMW X1, despite not being an enthusiast’s car per se, fits that bill perfectly.

[Source: Car Scoops]

2022 BMW 3 Series Facelift allegedly leaked on Instagram

This is certainly not a good month for the BMW press and marketing teams. After the infamous leak of the future BMW M2 – which has yet to be confirmed by the Bavarians – today, we might have an early look at the facelifted BMW 3 Series. The refreshed 3er is scheduled to arrive in 2022, four years after it made its debut at the Paris Motor Show. The leaked image allegedly points to the facelift, but of course, we can’t confirm it at this moment.

The image shows the front-end of a 3 Series featuring a new bumper design and redesigned headlights. The inner lights feature an inverted design, in contrast to the current model. The indent into the lower part of the headlights has also been removed along with the upper eyebrow. The kidney grille doesn’t seem to have changed in size, so we expect to see a similar design as on the current vehicle.

Judging by those images, we might be also looking at either the M340i or a 3 Series with the M Sport Package and M Performance Parts. The image also reveals the aftermarket side skirts, rear spoiler and M-style mirrors. Unfortunately we don’t have a rear view, so we can’t really tell if there are any changes to the taillights.

If this image turns out to be the real deal, then the design changes are fairly mild. And that’s somewhat expected considering the popularity of the current G20 3 Series. But inside, things might be different. BMW could down the route of the new i4 electric car and include two large LCD screens featuring the latest iDrive 8. Changes to leather and trim options are always expected, as well as subtle updates to the color palette.

We expect BMW to unveil the facelifted 3 Series sometimes in early 2022, followed a few months later by a global rollout.

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2023 BMW M2 G87 spotted again near the Nurburgring

December 2022 will kick off with the production of the BMW M2 G87 platform. The second generation BMW M2 will arrive in customers’ hands in early 2023 and it’s shaping up to be one, if not the best driving M car on the market. To properly prepare the “Baby-M” for the launch, BMW M engineers continue to test several prototypes around the world. These new images hail from the Nurburgring showing again a highly camouflage test mule. Images come courtesy of @wilcoblok

Images courtesy of @wilcoblok

The very same designer who penned the new 2 Series is also behind the G87 M2 drawings, so there is certainly continuity in the design language and ideas. The new M2 is also likely the last non-hybrid M product, which makes it even more exciting and potentially, a unicorn of this decade. The new G87 BMW M2 is rumored to come with an option between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Essentially, the very same options found in the new M3/M4. In standard form – since Competition, CS or even CSL models will follow – the new M2 will make around 450 horsepower. We expect a similar torque as the standard M4 – 406 lb-ft of torque.

Images courtesy of @wilcoblok

Lots of the features and options are inherited from the M3/M4 brothers, starting with a Head-Up Display, sport seats and an optional carbon fiber roof. The wheel choices are split among 19 and 20 inch sizes. We also expect to see inside the new, large and high resolution LCD screens from the upcoming i4.

For the first time ever, BMW Individual colors will be available to customers around the world. Cars destined for European customers will be built in Leipzig, while the US customers will received M2 models manufactured at the San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico. This is not confirmed, but it certainly makes sense considering that the 2 Series production starts in Mexico.

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SPIED: BMW iX Test Mule Caught on the Road in New Jersey

The BMW iX has already been revealed, so there really isn’t much reason to camouflage it. Yet, even with that in mind, there seems to be a camouflaged test mule roaming around New Jersey and there are a few of reasons as to why that might be. (We don’t own the spy photos but they can be seen here)

In these photos, we see a camouflaged test mule BMW iX, without a smidge of its body shown. Now there are a few reasons why that might be. One of which is that it’s just an old test mule that someone from BMW was using. The camouflaged wrapping car companies use to disguise upcoming models is annoying to remove, so most brands don’t actually ever do so, especially since the cars are never going to be sold or used anyway. So this could just be an old iX test mule that BMW didn’t feel like unwrapping. I get it, BMW.

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Another reason could be that this is a test mule for some sort of new technology, potentially self-driving tech. In the photos, you can see a ton of computers (or whatever they are, I’m feeling very old at the fact that I don’t know what those devices are) in the trunk, all plugged into the car in some manner. So it could be that this is some test-bed for a future technology.

It could also be that this is a new model variant of the BMW iX, which might have some different looking body panels. Being that the models BMW already revealed are the top-spec iX xDrive50 and lesser xDrive40, different models could have different looking bumpers, trims, and other little design touches to distinguish the model variants. So maybe this is an even less expensive model than the xDrive40 or an even more expensive model than the xDrive50. If that’s the case, the camo would still be necessary.

One must also remember that BMW’s North American headquarters is located in New Jersey, so this test mule could be anything. Either way, it’s always interesting to see an upcoming car spotted in heavy camouflage in the real world.

[Source: Car Scoops]

Spy photos of the upcoming 2022 BMW M440i Gran Coupe

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The only 4 Series left to be unveiled is the four-door variant — the 4 Series Gran Coupe. Fans of the previous-gen car will be happy to hear that it will be getting a successor based on the new G22 4 Series, which should make the new one more capable, more premium and more enjoyable to drive. It will also be gaining an M Performance version, to match its two-door sibling, the BMW M440i Gran Coupe, which has just been seen testing in the wild.

In these photos, we can clearly see that this 4 Series Gran Coupe is the M440i version, due to its trapezoidal exhausts and more aggressive wheels. There’s also a subtle lip spoiler and vents in the camouflage for the front air intakes, so we know this is going to look a bit more aggressive than the standard 4 Series Gran Coupe. And, of course, it will have the massive new kidney grille.

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When the BMW M440i Gran Coupe debuts, it will have the same engine as the M440i Coupe; a 3.0 liter turbocharged inline-six with 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. That engine will be paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive. It should be every bit as quick as the M440i Coupe, which is a seriously quick car.

Where the Gran Coupe will differ from its Coupe sibling is in its practicality. The 4 Series Coupe has a decent back seat for its size but the Gran Coupe has two extra doors, a much more usable back seat and even a liftback tailgate. We’re not sure if this new model will have the liftback tailgate of its predecessor but we’re assuming/hoping so. If it does, it will make the BMW M440i Gran Coupe the pick of the bunch, as it will offer the most practicality while also providing that small GT car experience.

[Source: Photos @leon_strth]

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SPIED: The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer Looks… Good?

For BMW purists, there may not be a more heretical car than the 2 Series Active Tourer. Not only is it front-wheel drive-based but it’s essentially a minivan. It’s a compact people mover designed to do just that and only that — move people. It’s a pleasant, premium, A-to-B type car that is sort of the antithesis of what a BMW is supposed to be. However, among actual buyers, people who put their money down on BMWs, the 2 Series AT proved to be quite successful for the brand. So it’s getting a new mode and it looks, dare I say, good? (These new spy photos aren’t ours but you can see them here)

When BMW first launched its front-wheel drive ‘Tourers, the Grand Tourer and Active Tourer, the latter was the smaller of the two and the only one to survive long enough to see a second-generation. This new second-gen 2 Series Active Tourer gets some new styling and a shape that actually might make it a handsome car.

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Up front, slick look headlights give it a high-tech, sporty vibe and its large grille makes it a bit brash. So while it’s going to be a people mover by nature, it’s not going to look like a vanilla econobox. It’s going to have some style. Whether that style is good looking or not is up to the buyer but it’s going to stand out, there’s no doubt about that.

Out back, classic BMW L-shaped taillights remain and sit about an exhaust-less rear bumper. It’s not like BMW to hide exhausts but it seems to be doing so here. The test mule in question doesn’t seem to be a hybrid or an EV, due to its seeming lack of charge point and/or “Electric Test Vehicle” stickers. So it looks like BMW is going to hide the exhausts behind the rear bumper for the 2 Series Active Tourer, which is new for the brand.

What surprises me the most about this car is that, in profile, it actually looks sort of sporty. Well, at least as sporty as a front-wheel drive van can look. It has a semi-athletic stance and, when put on M Sport suspension with slick wheels, might actually not look too bad.

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Current 2 Series Active Tourer Interior for Reference

So if you’re a BMW fan but need something practical for your daily life; handling the school run, getting groceries, etc.; this might actually be a great option for you.

[Source: Motor1]

SPIED: BMW iX Seen Testing Up Close Yet Again

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The upcoming BMW iX, formerly known as the iNEXT, is quite possibly the most important upcoming Bimmer. Not only is it going to be fully electric but it’s also going to be highly autonomous — which is still likely going to be Level 3 at best — and pack the brand’s best battery and electric powertrain tech. So it’s going to be BMW’s next big thing. Some new spy photos have surfaced, showing off the new iX, up close and personal. (We don’t own the spy photos so we can’t post them but you can see them here)

In these photos, we can actually make out some interesting design details that we don’t normally get to see so closely. For instance, the BMW iX seems to sport a funky new wheel design, which looks quite cool. It also has what seem to be interesting new flush door handles that look different from any other BMW we’ve ever seen. That’s not a surprise, though, as aerodynamic door handles are actually quite important for EVs. The iX’s interpretation of the famed BMW Hofmeister Kink also looks interesting, with a rectangular cut-out in it.

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One more interesting design feature is its rear tailgate. It could very well be the camouflage tricking our eyes but it seems as if the trunk aperture is going to be extremely wide, with the rear tailgate’s side seemingly extending into the rear quarter panels. One of the benefits of EV platforms is that they boast incredible amounts of interior and cargo space, so it could be possible that BMW is offering an enormous trunk aperture with the iX, which would be welcome.

The BMW iX might not be the most exciting of cars, from an enthusiast’s viewpoint, as it’s an all-electric crossover that’s going to feature BMW’s most advanced semi-autonomy yet. That said, we’re very excited to see what it becomes, drive it and check out its tech. The iX is one of the most important cars in BMW’s near future so it’d better be good.

[Source: Car Scoops]

SPIED: Facelifted BMW X7 LCI Seen with Camouflaged Front and Rear

One of the most surprisingly good BMWs on sale at the moment is the X7. Despite being the antithesis of everything the brand is supposed to be, the BMW X7 is actually a remarkably good luxury SUV. In fact, it’s probably the best one in the segment, despite it being a new segment for BMW to compete in. Having said that, it does have one major flaw — it’s ugly. Thanks to its monstrous grille (the O.G. big-grille BMW), the X7 is just not a looker. Thankfully, it will be getting an LCI facelift relatively soon. (We don’t own these photos but check ’em here)

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In these new spy shots, we see a BMW X7 that’s clearly been given a bit of a nip and tuck, thanks to the indicative camouflage on the front and rear ends. Admittedly, unless BMW is using this LCI facelift to replace the grille with something smaller (won’t happen), the X7 isn’t going to magically become beautiful overnight. However, there are some small tweaks that could make meaningful changes to the car’s overall design.

For instance, it seems like the BMW X7 will get a fresh new set of headlights that also seem larger than before. This is good news, one of the odder aspects of the X7’s mug is that its squinty headlights seem disproportionate to the rest of its face. So larger, more proportionate headlights might go a long way to making it look more cohesive. Also, if BMW can better integrate the grilles into the front end, that’d be helpful too, as they seem sort of tacked on at the moment.

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It won’t be getting any significant changes at the back, though. While there’s camo there, we can see that the taillights seem mostly the same, the exhausts are the same and the overall shape of the tailgate seems the same. So it’s likely only going to get some very minor tweaks to its bum. That’s fine, though, as the back end is the best looking end of the X7.

One thing I personally hope BMW does with the X7 LCI is to add some snazziness to the cabin. While the interior of the BMW X7 is lovely, it’s just a bit boring to look at. Add some spice, BMW. It’s a six-figure luxury SUV. Make it look like one.

[Source: Car Scoops]

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