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BMW has a vision for the next 100 years

After 100 years of making the ultimate driving machines for Sheer Driving Pleasure, BMW shows us a glimpse of the future.
2 min read5 Apr '16
Staff Writer

Continuous innovation. Radar, computer chips, gesture control – BMW has always been at the forefront of seamlessly integrating new technologies in the vehicles it makes. The brand’s centenary, while being a great reason to celebrate, also gives BMW the perfect opportunity to share an exciting vision of the future. 

The BMW Vision Next 100

BMW has a vision for the next 100 years

BMW now wants to take Sheer Driving Pleasure into the future with a visionary vehicle that will make you the “Ultimate Driver”. What is the BMW Vision Next 100? It is a vehicle that is in continuous dialogue with the driver. It is a vehicle that recognises what you need to be the “Ultimate Driver”. It enhances your perceptions, adjusts to your requirements and seamlessly connects you to intelligent technologies and materials to take your driving capabilities to the next level. It is a vehicle that enables you to become the best driver you can be.

BMW has a vision for the next 100 years

It arrives with an integrated system called the Companion, which is an intelligent assistant that heightens your senses. It learns and gets to know you, and understands your needs to deliver a better experience for you. Unobtrusive and always on, it is seamlessly connected with you and your environment, and is always ready to meet your personal needs during driving and your daily life.

Dual Mode

BMW has a vision for the next 100 years

The future is automated. Obviously the BMW Vision Next 100 is capable of autonomous driving. Its ‘Ease Mode’ allows you to sit back, relax and catch up with whatever you want as it drives you to your destination. But BMW stands for Sheer Driving Pleasure. An exciting and emotional experience that cannot be compromised. For that, there is the ‘Boost Mode’ where you take command of the vehicle and with the support of the Companion, become the “Ultimate Driver”. 

10 crazy AMGs, one insane day

What do you get when 10 AMG cars come together at one place? Sheer madness.
3 min read1 Apr '16
Shapur Kotwal

“To race is to live; all the rest is just waiting.” We take Silver Arrow racer Rudolf Caracciola’s advice seriously and run an impromptu drag.

AMG says it is an engine maker first, and we seem to have some of the best on sale here. Three individual engines and one variant power the cars sold in India. The range starts off with the record-breaking 2000cc turbo four, known as the M133. It powers the CLA 45 (red) and GLA 45. The M157 5.5-litr

Mercedes-AMG C63S.

Small car, big engine, always a recipe for success.

Aero plays a big role in adding stability today.

Mercedes-AMG CLA45.

CLA’s chin is too low for our conditions.

2.0-litre turbo engine makes 355bhp.

Mercedes-AMG E63.

Seats can be set for a tight embrace; a nice touch.

Essential config buttons are always on hand here.

Mercedes-AMG G63.

Stub side exhausts help deepen the growl further.

The LED strip is the only new bit here.

Mercedes-AMG GL63.

The AMG experience, uniquely enjoyed seven up.

Adjustable dampers essential for sport mode.

Mercedes-AMG GLA45.

One-piece race car-inspired seats look cool.

Splitter helps give SUV look.

Mercedes-AMG GT S.

Launch control allows you to rocket to 100 in just 3.82sec.

The GT S bends the laws of physics for sure.

Mercedes-AMG S63.

AMG pipes hint at what’s under the hood.

An AMG you don’t mind being chauffeured in.

Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupe.

The seats are well put together and very comfy too.

Dynamic Curve helps the car lean into a corner.

Mercedes-AMG SLK55.

5.5 litres of V8 muscle help raise SLK game.

BMW X5M, X6M track drive

The X5M and X6M are designed to be fast SUVs that provide a user-friendly experience. We find out how they perform on the track.
2 min read15 Oct '15
Selvin Jose

Brute Force

The RFC-winning Force Gurkha is a tremendously capable vehicle. Selvin Jose tosses it about.
1 min read6 Oct '15
Selvin Jose

It does more than this picture suggests.

Building the one millionth Nissan

We travelled to the Renault-Nissan Alliance plant in Oragadam, Chennai to help Nissan assemble the plant's one millionth car - a Micra.
2 min read24 Mar '16
Shapur Kotwal

This is where it all begins, from cold rolled steel. From here it goes to a blanking machine where it’s chopped to size.

This plant operates one 800-tonne blanker and three stampers that range from 2,800 to 5,400 tonne.

The first stage I get involved in. Welding the body isn’t for the faint hearted, what with all the sparks flying at you.

The robotic welders take over when it comes to making larger welds that require more accuracy and speed.

Robots give the car a coat of primer and two shiny coats of red paint, deposited using a negative charge on the body.

Our Micra joins a long line of Renault-Nissan cars on the way from the paint shop to the assembly area.

Real assembly work begins; I bolt on the engine mount that has to take all the load of the engine.

The doors now come off for better access; they are put on a trolley and sent away on a separate line.

Fixing the Nissan emblem after attaching a guide, but I still get it wrong the first time. Luckily, the gum isn’t dry.

Snap-fixing the central console isn’t easy if you are on the other side, and sometimes, the holes don’t align.

This car is an export model so it gets curtain airbags which need special care when they are being installed.

Bolting on the frame for the steering column; lots of precision needed here, but the right tools are always at hand.

Some power tools are cordless and this is a massive help, especially when trying to get at something this tricky.

Torquing the starter motor onto the engine is essential, and then you have to check it off the digital list with the barcode reader.

Many operations are manual, but all the heavy lifting is done using powered machines like this electric hoist.

The engine and suspension come together with the part-assembled body; everything is controlled by software.

Fixing the front bumper needs a bit of push and pull, but you have to be careful you don’t crack it.

Manoeuvring the pre-assembled dashboard into a freshly painted shell isn’t all that easy, even with the crane.

Fitting the spoiler needs a bit of help, you have to careful with the rear windscreen so close.

Our Micra goes across from one side of the line to the other, which gives us a much needed break.

Finally, with the completed car, seats, doors and all. Earlier this morning, this was just a sheet of metal: simply amazing!

Car of the Year - Renault Kwid

The Renault Kwid is the Autocar India Car of the Year 2016.
2 min read23 Mar '16
Staff Writer

The Renault Kwid shattered the perceptions its segment held.

Our jury of experts analyses the test data.

Thoughtful features make the Renault Kwid a joy to live with.

India’s most fuel-efficient petrol engine.

BMW has a vision for the next 100 years - Introduction | Autocar India