BMW At The 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show

The 2015 BMW X6 M and X5 M. Image Credit: BMW AG

BMW At The 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show

As usual, BMW did not disappoint the car enthusiast with its presentations at Los Angeles.  BMW chose diversity in unveiling four models at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.  Two of these were World Premiers while the other two are new to the US market.

The aggressive 2015 BMW X6 M in Laguna Seca Blue as seen at the LA Auto Show. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

"Innovative technology and powerful presence" is the way BMW describes the new X5 M and the X6 M.  Both making their world premier in Los Angeles. These vehicles are unfazed by any weather and road conditions and yet can be "thrillingly dynamic" on the track. Like all Motorsport BMW's they have been designed for an exceptional driving experience.

The 2015 X5 M as seen at the LA Auto Show. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Both the X5 M and X6 M are powered by the same V8 with M Twin Power Turbo technology generating an output of 575 hp and a maximum torque of 553 ft. lbs.  Both vehicles are equipped as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic propelling them from 0-62 mph in 4.2 seconds. Even with this substantial power, fuel economy and CO2 emissions are about 20% lower than previous models.

The interior of the X6 M. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Joey Hand, of BMW racing fame, was on hand for the premier. Stepping out of his current ride, a BMW M4 DTM, he had a chance to take the X6 M for a few laps at Texas and was impressed with the its agility, speed, and stopping power. He was looking forward to driving the car more at Laguna Seca which is one of his favorite tracks. It sounds like BMW hit the mark again with it's new X6 M.

The US Premier of the 2015 BMW 228i Convertible. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

One of the new models for introduction into the US market in February 2015 is the BMW 2-Series Convertible.  Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO of BMW North America mentioned that Los Angeles was the perfect location to unveil this new model because of its great top-down year round weather.  The electrically operated soft-top is acoustically optimized for comfort and can be closed in 20 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.

The 2-Series Convertible will be available as two models; the 320 hp M 235i and the 240 hp 228i.  The M 235i will go from 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds while the 228i takes 6.1 seconds.  The M 235i can be equipped with a Six-Speed manual transmission or the Eight-Speed  Steptronic Sport transmission which will be standard on xDrive versions as well as the 228i Convertible.

The driver oriented interior of the 2015 BMW 228i Convertible with optional red leather. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The interior is driver focused and contains the high-quality materials that BMW is noted for.  The specially designed climate control panel features a display with white readouts.  With the top down the standard climate control system takes into account the impact of the airstream on the temperature.  The optional leather trim includes surfaces that use SunReflective technology to reduce the extent the leather is heated by the sun.

The rear seating area as seen on the 2015 BMW 228i Convertible. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Intelligent connectivity between driver, vehicle, and the outside world is another step forward for BMW. Among items found in the BMW ConnectedDrive program are the rear view camera, Parking Assistant, System Driving Assistant which includes Lane Departure Warning and Collision Warning.  The 2-Series Convertible is BMW's first model that can be upgraded with the new-generation Navigation system Professional which allows free over -the-air updates via the built-in SIM card.

The 2015 BMW X6 making its debut at the LA Auto Show. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The final vehicle making it's first US showing is the 2nd generation BMW X6. The X6 captures the imagination of the Sport Activity Coupe with its even more potent presence, the extrovert athleticism of its design, and its standout performance.  The X6 will be offered as two models.  The xDrive 50i offering 445 hp and the xDrive 35i offering 300 hp.

The beautiful interior as seen on the 2015 BMW X6. Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Both models come equipped with the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive all wheel drive technology. Optioned with one of the three Adaptive Suspension packages the new X6 offers a supreme driving experience to any type of driver wanting the sporty looks and functionality that the X6 offers in a larger sport activity coupe.

(words and photographs by Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images unless otherwise noted)