Used Cars

BMW

Founded in 1916, BMW vehicles have long been known as being perfect drivers’ cars. There’s a reason for that: The brand, for the most part, have stuck to the mantra, ‘front engine, rear-wheel drive’. To the automotive purist, this matters a lot. Whatever an individual’s driving preferences, BMW is one of the most successful purveyors of premium cars.

BMW Design

Seen in a rear view mirror, a BMW is instantly recognisable thanks to the distinctive kidney-shaped grille, the centrally positioned emblem and the twin headlights. Another characteristic of most of BMW’s output is the ‘Hofmeister Kink’. This is the counter curve in the window outline at the base of the rear roof pillar. Since 1961 this feature has appeared on almost every BMW. The Hofmeister Kink emphasises the dynamic forward thrust of the vehicle and draws attention to another characteristic feature: the rear-wheel drive.

BMW Cars

Models are identified for the most part by a simple number and the middle range models are especially popular with business users as VAT qualifying cars. Thus the success story for this brand is mostly due to the popularity of the long-running, fuel-efficient 1 Series hatchback, the various versions of the best selling 3 Series and 5 Series saloons all of which have a wide range of engines and trim available. The company has also diversified these series with GT versions and not forgetting the agile Z4 sports car. This delightful roadster is offered with a choice of engines up to a maximum of 340hp. More than enough power.

The number series range culminates in the distinctive flagship 8 Series, the long bonnet signifying sports car dynamics in a prestige saloon. This 8 Series is luxurious and refined yet capable of enormous performance from a 530hp V8 petrol or 320hp six-cylinder diesel engine.

Staying with the number designations, the BMW range of SUV style vehicles commence with the diminutive X1 all the way up to the mighty X7. The X denotes the inclusion of BMW’s long established XDrive all-wheel drive system, making these cars great all-rounders. The flagship X7 in particular offers unrivalled luxury in the large 4×4 sector. Three versions are available, featuring a six-cylinder petrol engine and two six-cylinder diesels. The X7 offers three rows of full-size seats and is as capable off-road as it is on the highways.

BMW’s diversification continues with the launch of its electric-powered i3 and the creation of two new coupés: the 2 Series and the 4 Series. The German company also continues to build high performance variants. Perhaps the most famous is the now legendary M3, but buyers can also buy M5 and M6 versions, plus the blistering two-door M4 sport coupé for real driving performance.

BMW Technology

As might be expected, all BMW’s are bristling with the latest technology from the sophisticated all-wheel drive through to the latest in connectivity. Safety features are especially to the fore with a wide arsenal of kit including night vision and park assist, sign recognition and traffic information.

X7 drivers for example can expect new Adaptive Mode technology, where driving modes are adjusted automatically to respond to the driving situation. The car immediately reacts to acceleration, cruise control, steering movements and side indicators. Drivers’ cars indeed.

BMW In The Future

The BMW Group already offers one of the world’s widest selection of premium cars with an electrified drive system, regularly increasing the proportion of electric driving offered by plug-in hybrid models. BMW 7 Series, 5 Series and the X1 will also feature pure electric drive. The company have declared that by 2030, two thirds of their range will be fully electric. They also have a hydrogen-powered car in development.

Further, the creation of new niche models is likely to continue with such models as the all-electric i8 and featuring different body styles, new technology and design. Find out more about getting into the BMW world of driving through our website where, among other things, we can help import cars from the UK to Kenya, for example.