Picture update: BMW 520dA Touring

Last year BMW introduced its new BMW 5-series, the limousine is designated as the F10 and the wagon as the F11, while the Gran Turismo is called F07 in the BMW nomenclatura.

• Pictures of the a Titanium Silver Metallic BMW 520d Touring can be found here. 
• Pictures of an Alpine White BMW 520d can be found here.
• Pictures of a Sophisto Grey II Metallic BMW 530d xDrive can be found here.
• Pictures of an Imperial Blue Metallic BMW 520d Touring can be found here.

Model (Code / Model Year): BMW 520d Touring (F11 / 2012)Engine: 4-cylinder diesel engine (1995cm3)  Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission "Steptronic"Performance: 184hp / 380nm0 to 100km/h: 8,3secTop speed: 220km/h (138mp/h)Weight: 1690kgFuel tank (US gallons): 70 liter (18.5 US gallons)

€44.050,00 BMW 520d Touring F11

€980,00 Black Sapphire metallic
€900,00 18x8J V-spoke style 328 alloy wheels
€2010,00 Venetian Beige Dakota leather
€530,00 Dark ash-grain wood, high-gloss

€2.200,00 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox 

€1.900,00 Comfort package

• Air conditioning, automatic with extended feature
• Soft-close doors
• Climate Comfort windscreen
• Comfort Access
• Ambient lighting

€2.650,00 Innovation package

• Black panel display, full
• Xenon headlights
• Speed limit display
• Head-up Display
• Headlights wash
• Adaptive Headlights

€1.150,00 Independent vehicle heating

€350,00 Sun protection glass
€-,-- (standard) Tailgate operation, automatic
€1.650,00 Panoramic glass sunroof
€380,00 Extended storage
€50,00 Smokers package
€150,00 High-beam Assistant
€1.550,00 Active Cruise Control with “Stop and Go” function
€-,-- (standard) 12v power sockets
€-,-- (standard) Floor mats, velour

€350,00 Roof rails, matt aluminium
€520,00 Exterior trim, matt aluminium

€1.100,00 Electric front seats + driver memory
€380,00 Seat heating, front


€3.310,00 Navigation system – Professional with bluetooth preperation
(Bluetooth preperation "Business")

€0,00 BMW Assist
€0,00 BMW Online
€0,00 Internet
€-,-- (standard) Voice Control


€590,00 Loudspeaker system - BMW Business
€100,00 Telephone USB audio interface
€150,00  Apps

€-,-- Runflat tyres
€550,00 Exterior and interior mirrors - folding, auto-dimming
€810,00 Park Distance Control (PDC), front and rear
€620,00 Lane change warning system
€350,00 Active Protection

Total price in Germany: €69.730,-*

*Prices are the German prices in December 2012

Some pro's and con's on the BMW 520d Touring:

Pro:

• Good interior finish
• Good standard seats
• Good fuel consumption for a car of this weight
• Excellent 8-speed automatic gearbox
• Excellent stereo system
• Excellent 3d navigation system
• Good handling, even withouth the active steering
• Size of the panoramic sunroof

Con:

• Bad location of the cup holders, right in front of the airconditioning
• The light leather is quite vulnerable to dirt and coloring by jeans
• Steep price
• The button to open the trunk is located in an incovenient place
• Storage space for personal items is scarce

More pictures of this BMW 520d Touring can be found here, please click and scroll down.

Black Sapphire metallic exterior finish with exterior trim and roof rails matt aluminium

The blue tone of jeans on the Venetian Beige Dakota leather

Standard seats, electric with Venetian Beige Dakota leather

The foot area is in a light color, causing dirt to be clearly visible

Opposite to the picture above, a clean foot area

Standard steering wheel

Air conditioning, automatic with extended features

Head Up Display including navigation

USB Connection

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Video update: Audi A4 2.0 TDI Avant Facelift

A short while ago, pictures of a Audi A4 2.0 TDI Avat Facelift had been posted. Today the attention turned its spotlight on the videos of this Teakbrown Metallic Audi A4 2.0 TDI Facelift with 143hp (Model Year 2012).

Audi A4 2.0 TDI Avant Facelift walkaround - Exterior and interior shots of the car

Audi A4 2.0 TDI Avant Facelift Fuel Consumption Test - testing the fuel consumption under real life conditions

 

Audi A4 2.0 TDI Avant Facelift Flatout - Putting the pedal to the metal on the German Autobahn

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Picture update: Audi A4 2.0 TDI Avant Facelift

As the fourth generation A4, Audi introduced the A4 B8 in late 2007 at the Geneva Motor Show. In February the model range was completed by the introduction of the A4 Avant, while the A5 served as the coupe and convertible in this range. Both the Audi A4 and A5 share the same platform, which is also intented for use by more VAG-brands in the future.

After 4 years of production, the A4 received a facelift, in November 2011. Apart from technical changes, the appearance of the car was also updated. In the front, the grille and headlight have been changed, if the Xenon plus is included it also features and updated LED-design. Also at the rear of the car the design of the rearlights has been altered, including a new LED-design.

The interior has largely been retaining its old design, but minor changes have been made to the (available) steering wheel and the gear shift lever of the automatic transmission, they have been adapted to the design also found in the interior of the new Audi A6. Also the MMI now has less buttons, while the seat heating can be controlled directly from a button (in the pre-facelift generation it was operated on the climate control).

Specifications of the Audi A4 2.0 TDI Avant Facelift
Model (Code / Model Year): Audi A4 2.o TDI Avant (B8 / 2012)Engine: 4-cylinder diesel engine (1968cm3) Transmission: 6-speed manual transmissionPerformance: 143hp / 320nm0 to 100km/h: 9,5secTop speed: 208km/h (130mp/h)Weight: 1510kgFuel tank (US gallons): 63 liter (16.64 US gallons)Fuel consumption in liter / 100km (U.S. miles per gallon): 7,4 liter / 100 kilometer (31,8mpg / US) (click the link for the fuel consumption test)
€35.600,00 Audi A4 2.0 TDI Avant Facelift  - Ambition

Ambition package:

• Sport seats, front
• Cloth Atrium
• 4-way lumbar support
• Sport suspension
• Sport steering wheel
• Interior trim Aluminium Trigon
• Monochrome driver display
• 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels (7,5J x 17)

€800,00 Teakbrown metallic
€0,00 Cloth Atrium black
€0,00 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels
€0,00 Interior trim Aluminium Trigon
€0,00 Roof rails aluminium

€135,00 Exterior mirrors - heated and electrically adjustable
€125,00 Light & rain sensor
€1.060,00 Xenon plus including headlight wash
€280,00 Interior mirror – auto dimming
€115,00 Storage package
€530,00 3-zone Automatic airconditioning
€190,00 Center arm rest
€190,00 Light package
€285,00 3-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel
€0,00 4-way lumbar support
€350,00 Heated front seats
€0,00 Sport suspension
€400,00 Audi Parking system (accoustic / rear only)
€0,00 Cruise control
€2.810,00 MMI navigation plus 
€115,00 Driver display in color
€525,00 Mobile telephone preparation – Low with Bluetooth and voice control
€245,00 Audi Music Interface

Approximate price in Germany: €43.630,-*

*Prices are the German prices in november 2012

Teakbrown Metallic

New LED-design head- and taillights

17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels (7,5J x 17)

Sport seats with cloth Atrium black

Sport steering wheel

SD-card slot for playing music

MMI navigation plus 3D-maps

Click on the album below to see more pictures of this particular Audi A4:

Audi A4 B8 Facelift

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Fuel consumption: Audi A4 2.0 TDI Facelift

In 2011 Audi introduced a facelift for its current A4, internally designated as the "B8". Guitigefilmpjes has hit the road in order to see how the fuel economy is and if this engine lives up to its expectations. Technical details about this engine type can be found below:

Engine: 2.0 TDI 4-cylinder diesel engine (1968 cm³) 

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission
Performance: 143hp / 320nm
0 to 100km/h: 9,5sec
Top speed: 208km/h (130mp/h)
Fuel tank (US gallons): 63 liters (16.64 US gallons)

In the picture below, the auto-start stop function (when standing still), although on the route (same as when testing the Mercedes Benz C180) did not feature many stops. The driving profile was trimmed perfectly to cut fuel consumption the most, driving almost the while trip on a secondary road at a maximum speed of 85km/h (53mp/h) with only a few stops and accelerations, combined with a few kilometers of light city traffic.  

After having drivin about 66 kilometers (41 miles) the onboard computer displayed an average consumption of 4,8l / 100km (49 mpg US). Considering that the fuel consumption for this route is specified by Audi at 4,2l / 100km, the result is 0,6l / 100km off. 

As this result has been achieved by trying to drive as economically as possible under the best circumstances (almost no braking + acceleration) I think that it is not possible to reach the figure of 4,2l /100km, but this contrast between reality and theory is normal for most car manufacturars. 

The second picture displays the average fuel consumption for several trips combined. The driving profile was divided by 45% Autobahn (fast), 5% highway, 10% inner city and 40% secondary road using the `normal` driving mode. 

After having drivin about 1898 kilometers (1186 miles) the onboard computer displayed an average consumption of 7.4l / 100km (31,8 mpg US). Considering the large part driving on the German Autobahn at fast speeds (driving the consumption up to 9,5l / 100km or 24,76mpg US), it is a acceptable average for the Audi A4 2.0 TDI Facelift.

Previous Fuel Consumption reports:

• Audi A4 2.0 TDI / Audi A6 3.0 TDI / Mercedes Benz E220 CDI
• BMW 530d xDrive / Mercedes Benz C220 CDI
• Mercedes Benz C180 / VW Passat 1.4 TSI / BMW 520d Touring
• Audi A6 3.0 TDI 204hp (MY2012 / C7)
• Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde BlueEffiency Facelift

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Video update: Audi A6 3.0 TDI (4G / 2012)

A short while ago, pictures of a Audi A6 3.0 TDI had been posted. Today the attention turned its spotlight on the videos of this Ice Silver Metallic Audi A6 3.0 TDI with 204hp (Model Year 2012).

Audi A6 3.0 TDI walkaround - Exterior and interior shots of the car

Audi A6 3.0 TDI Fuel Consumption Test - testing the fuel consumption under real life conditions

 Audi A6 3.0 TDI Acceleration - Acceleration test from 0km/h

Audi A6 3.0 TDI Flatout - Putting the pedal to the metal on the German Autobahn

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Picture update: Audi A6 3.0 TDI (4G / 2012)

In 2011 Audi introduced its new A6, also known as the 4G or C7. We already had the opportunity to drive this car, a car review can be found here: Car review: Audi A6 3.0 TDI (204hp) 4G / C7. The most recent A6 was this 3.0 TDI in Ice Silver Metallic, with a few new options which we present in this blog.

Specifications of the Audi A6 3.0 TDIModel (Code / Model Year): Audi A6 3.o TDI (4G / 2012)Engine: 6-cylinder (V6) diesel engine (2967cm3) Transmission: stepless automatic Multitronic CVT-transmissionPerformance: 204hp / 400nm0 to 100km/h: 7,2secTop speed: 240km/h (150mp/h)Weight: 1620kgFuel tank (US gallons): 65 liter (17.17 US gallons)Fuel consumption in liter / 100km (U.S. miles per gallon): 7,4 liter / 100 kilometer (31,8mpg / US) (click the link for the fuel consumption test)€45.850,00 Audi A6 3.0 TDI multitronic

€950,00 Ice Silver Metallic
€850,00 Black Milano leather upholstery
€700,00 17-inch 6-spoke alloy wheels
€0,00 Interior trim blank

€370,00 Heated front seats
€280,00 4-way lumbar support
€285,00 Exterior mirrors - heated, electrically adjustable and auto-dimming
€0,00 Rearview mirror auto dimming
€1.180,00 Xenon plus
€100,00 Storage package
€310,00 Folding rear seats
€650,00 4-zone Automatic Air conditioning
€570,00 Ambient lighting
€0,00 Cruise Control
€780,00 Audi Parking system front and rear
€450,00 Rearview camera
€3.500 MMI navigation plus with MMI touch
€490,00 Bluetooth preparation
€245,00 Audi Music Interface
€420,00 6-disc CD-changer

Approximate price in Germany: €59.060,-*

*Prices are the German prices in November 2012

2012 Audi A6 3.0 TDI with an Ice Silver Metallic paint finish

17-inch 6 spoke alloy wheels

Rear-view camera above the licence plate

Standard seats with black Milano leather

Standard multifunction steering wheel and the large MMI plus screen

Rear view camera

View of the map of the MMI plus navigation system with additional info on the left and right

Center console with the touch pad on the left (with the numers on it)

Rear automatic climate control

For more about the Audi A6 4G / C7 look here:

Audi A6 4G / C7 pictures:

• For a picture comparison of the Audi A6: Comparison: Audi A6 - BMW 5-series - Mercedes Benz E-class
• For pictures of a Phantom Black Metallic Audi A6: Picture update Audi A6 3.0 TDI C7 / 4G
• For pictures of another Ice Silver Metallic Audi A6: Picture update Audi A6 3.0 TDI Ice Silver

Audi A6 4G / C7 videos:

• For videos of an Audi A6 3.0 TDI (204hp): Video update Audi A6 3.0 TDI
• For videos of an Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro (245hp): Video update Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro

Audi A6 4G / C7 driving experience:

• For a fuel consumption test of an Audi A6 3.0 TDI (204hp): Fuel Consumption: Audi A6 3.0 TDI (MY 2012 / C7)
• For a car review: Car review Audi A6 3.0 TDI (204hp) 4G / C7

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Fuel consumption: Mercedes Benz C180 - 1595 cm³

In 2011 Mercedes Benz introduced a facelift for its current C-class, the W204. With stricter CO2-regulations and company policies in place, downsizing is a major trend with car manufacturers. Between 11/2009 and 04/2012 the C180 had a 1796 cm³ engine, but after 04/2012 it had been downgraded to a 1595 cm³ engine, in order to cut emission and reduce fuel consumption. 

Guitigefilmpjes has hit the road in order to see how the fuel economy is and if this engine lives up to its expectations. Technical details about this engine type can be found below:

Engine: M 274 DE 16 AL 4-cylinder petrol engine (1595 cm³) 

Transmission: 6-speed "Agility Control" manual transmission
Performance: 156hp / 250nm
0 to 100km/h: 8,5sec
Top speed: 225km/h (140mp/h)
Fuel tank (US gallons): 59 liters (15.59 US gallons)

In the picture below, the ECO-mode had been engaged which enables the auto-start stop function (when standing still). The driving profile was trimmed perfectly to cut fuel consumption the most, driving almost the while trip on a secondary road at a maximum speed of 85km/h (53mp/h) with only a few stops and accelerations, combined with a few kilometers of light city traffic.  

After having drivin about 66 kilometers (41 miles) the onboard computer displayed an average consumption of 5,5l / 100km (42,77 mpg US). Considering that the fuel consumption for this route is specified by Mercedes Benz at 4,7l / 100km, the result is merely 0,8l / 100km off. 

As this result has been achieved by trying to drive as economically as possible under the best circumstances (almost no braking + acceleration) I think that it is not possible to reach the figure of 4,7l /100km. 

The second picture displays the average fuel consumption for several trips combined. The driving profile was divided by 15% Autobahn (fast), 40% highway, 10% inner city and 45% secondary road using the `normal` driving mode. 
After having drivin about 2791 kilometers (1744 miles) the onboard computer displayed an average consumption of 7.0l / 100km (33,6 mpg US). Considering that Mercedes Benz states that its average consumption for a combined driving profile is 5.8l / 100km, the gap widens as `heavier` driving conditions (lots of braking and acceleration in the city, fast runs on the Autobahn) prevail.

Final thoughts: 

On paper the downsizing trend looks fine, emissions and fuel consumption are reduced, while performance stays the same or is slightly increased. However, the engines are optimized to perform the best during the test cycle, which often does not match realistic driving conditions. Therefore smaller engines do not automatically mean lower consumption, on certain conditions a larger engine can be more economical due to the fact that it does not have to develop so much power to match the same performance.

Hence, on paper the new 1595 cm³ C180 will only match the 1796 cm³ C180, not making any  noticable difference. 

Previous Fuel Consumption reports:

• Audi A4 2.0 TDI / Audi A6 3.0 TDI / Mercedes Benz E220 CDI
• BMW 530d xDrive / Mercedes Benz C220 CDI
• Mercedes Benz C180 / VW Passat 1.4 TSI / BMW 520d Touring
• Audi A6 3.0 TDI 204hp (MY2012 / C7)

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Video update: Audi A3 1.4 TFSI Sportback

In 2003, Audi launched its second generation of the A3, internally called the `Audi A3 8P`. The A3 shares its platform with the Volkswagen Golf V and the Touran. Between 2003 and 2005 the A3 did not have the distinctive Audi doubleframe grille, which was integrated into the cars design during the 2005 facelift. A second facelift took place in 2008, both updating the design as the technology available for the A3.

Pictures and more information about this particular Audi A3 can be found here: Picture update Audi A3 1.4 TFSI Sportback.

Audi A3 1.4 TFSI Sportback Walkaround - Exterior and interior shots of the car

Audi A3 1.4 TFSI Sportback Fuel Consumption Test - testing the fuel consumption under real life conditions

 Audi A3 1.4 TFSI Sportback Flatout - Putting the pedal to the metal on the German Autobahn  

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Video update: Mercedes Benz C180 (W204 Facelift 2012)

In 2011, the Mercedes Benz C-class (introduction: 2007) has received a Facelift, called "Mopf" (Modellpflege) in German. Beside minor changes in the tail- and headlight units and the front spoiler, the major improvement is the interior section. Another change was that the standard trim, which has been known under the "Classic" name, has lost its name and usually is referred to as "standard" or "basis (basic".

In the link below, you can find pictures and more details about this 2012 Mercedes Benz C180 Facelift with the basic trim:

Picture update: Mercedes Benz C180

Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEfficiency Walkaround - Exterior and interior shots of the car

Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEfficiency Fuel Consumption Test - testing the fuel consumption under real life conditions

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