New arrivals

BMW all-new M5

The German automaker has launched its sixth generation of its mid- to large-size luxury high-performance car, the BMW M5. The company says it perfectly mixes track racing capability with daily driving.

The latest model is equipped with a new generation S63 4.4-liter V8 M TwinPower Turbo engine and an 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. The M5 generates 441 kW and has peak torque of 750 Nm with an efficiency of 100.3 kW/L and carbon emissions of 254 g/km.

The car's newly developed turbochargers, indirect air cooling and increased fuel injection pressure combine to increase power and torque. For track use, the M Steptronic system provides lightning-fast gear changes.

The Drivelogic system allows the driver to adjust the characteristics of the transmission to suit their personal preferences.

The new M5 accelerates from 0-100 kph in 3.4 seconds, and 0 to 200 kph in 11.1 seconds, surpassing all previous models. The M xDrive, developed by BMW M GmbH, can be adjusted to deliver sporting agility as desired. The driver has five configurations to choose from, all with traction control modes.

The M engineers have redesigned the broader front side panels and front bumper trim to include larger apertures for the air feeding the cooling systems and brakes. The M-specific designed bonnet is made from aluminum with sculpted lines which extend to the lightweight carbon fiber-reinforced plastic roof.

SAIC Skoda Karoq

The Sino-German joint venture launched its compact SUV, the Skoda Karoq, on Monday in Chengdu, Sichuan province, offering four variants priced from 139,900 to 185,900 yuan ($22,100 to $29,300).

The model is manufactured locally by SAIC Skoda and comes with two powertrain options - TSI230 and TSI280 turbocharged direct injection engines fitted with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox.

The TSI280 model accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 9.3 seconds and its torque peaks at 250 Nm.

The car boasts a range of intelligent technologies, including auto braking, third-generation auto parking, automatic cruise control with start-stop and front safety assistance.

It has a length of 4.43 meters with a 2.69-meter wheelbase and a 1.17-square-meter panoramic sun roof.

The 455-liter trunk can be expanded to 1,543 liters when the rear seats are folded. Three aluminum alloy rim options are available in 16, 17 and 18 inches.

Debuting at Auto Guangzhou in November, the Karoq is the second SUV released by Skoda. The company expects this model to help build its future SUV lineup in the world's largest auto market.

Volkswagen all-new Touareg

The German brand's refreshed mid-size SUV made its world premiere in Beijing on Friday with a whole host of luxury technologies that cement its position as a near-premium product. The all-new Touareg comes with Volkswagen's completely redesigned grille that integrate the headlights, in addition to the brand's latest family design that features angular headlights, sharp creases on every panel and a rear-end profile. The new model looks wider and longer than its predecessor, thanks to its expanded trunk capacity, but aluminum materials help the model maintain its prior weight.

The techie upgrades inside are the real deal. The all-new Touareg features a digital Innovision Cockpit system with a 12-inch gauge display next to the 15-inch infotainment touch screen on the dashboard. Besides being visually impressive, the system reduces physical-button clutter around the infotainment screen. A full-color head-up display is also equipped so users can more easily read road and car information while driving.

The carmaker announced that the new model packs in a whole raft of advanced driver-assist technologies, including a night-vision camera in the front grille of a configured variant. The driver-assist system also includes lane-keeping functionality, a front-facing cross-traffic assist system and four-wheel steering.

(China Daily 03/26/2018 page18)