Frankfurt Motor Show Around the Corner..

BMW have provided an in-depth press announcement, in advance of the Frankfurt Motor Show, to whet our whistle. As we already knew, the 1-Series will be at the show, as I have already written about extensively. However, the new sustainable, electric-driven vehicles, the Concept i3 and Concept i8, will be dominating the show.

    

What else will be there?

BMW will be premiering the first twin turbo V8, M5 with an output of 560 bhp and a staggering maximum torque of 680 N/meter. In addition, the company have said that this new M5, will be up to 30 per-cent more economical than the previous model, despite the performance improvements.

 In terms of the second generation 6-Series, an X-Drive model will now become available for the European market. Whether this extends to BMW GB, remains to be seen however it would make the existing product line-up more competitive against other car manufacturers, in particular, Audi who have an all-wheel drive A5 and S5. This would be an advantage to BMW in the interim period between now and the availability of the 4-Series, which will compete directly with Audi's all-wheel drive coupe models.

Furthermore, the 6-Series will have a new diesel engine at its disposal for the European market. Although this engine is already available in the UK,  luxury coupe buyers on the continent will be able to choose from a 'frisky' petrol engine or a more 'thrifty' diesel. Either way, buyers will be able to chose a high-performance engine with the option of either going petrol or diesel. This model will take over from the previous 635d model, in the form of a 640d.

Finally, the Twin Turbo Powered Z4, will be launched to the German market for the first time, with the option of an 8-speed gear-box, also a first for the Z4.

Still no word of the 3-Series. If it isn't to be premiered at Frankfurt, where and when will it be premiered? If they leave it until the Geneva show next year, the premier and the launch of the car will be very close together. But, I guess that is what they are doing the new 1-Series, aren't they?

Photos courtesy of BMW Group.