BMW Wins Court Order to Ban Sales of Chinese X5 Clone in Germany

In a decision that might set the example for similar cases in the near future, a court in Munich, Germany ruled that China Automobile Deutschland GmbH’s Shuanghuan SCEO SUV infringes BMW's design rights as it’s appearance clearly resembles that of the previous generation X5 SUV.

The Munich Regional Court ruling not only prohibits the importer from selling the SUV in German but it also decided that the China Automobile Deutschland GmbH must destroy all models it still has in its possession. Although China Automobile Deutschland GmbH plans to appeal against the court ruling, sources from Germany state that a change of mind is extremely difficult in this case.

Toyota RAV4 & BMW X5 Chinese Clones Go On Sale in Germany

Nearly a year after China Automobile Deutschland made its European debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Munich-based importer announced today that it has began sales of its SCEO and UFO SUVs at 80 dealerships across Germany. Both models have caused quite a stir in Europe as the Mitsubishi Pajero based Shuanghuan SCEO’s appearance resembles the first generation BMW X5 while the UFO DR is essentially a clone of the previous Toyota RAV4.

The X5-inspired SCEO that’s equipped with a 125Hp 2.4-liter petrol engine goes on sale in Germany with a base price of €25,900 or about $40,700 (including 19% tax). That’s a far cry from the inexpensive cars that we were all expecting from China. For example, a 152Hp 2.0-liter base Toyota RAV4 will set you back €26,600 in Germany. What would you buy?

On the other hand, the UFO is priced significantly lower at €15,990 or $25,000. The Chinese RAV4 clone is offered in Germany with two petrol units, a 129Hp 2.0-liter and a 136Hp 2.4-liter engine. Not that we'd ever be tempted to buy a clone, but at €16k, the UFO doesn't seem out of this world, does it...

Hartge Introduces New Bodykit for the BMW X5 E70

BMW tuning specialist Hartge presented its latest aerodynamic kit for the new X5 SUV (E70). Hartge’s proposition includes a front spoiler, a rear skirt, wheel arch extensions and side sills. Additionally, buyers can complete the X5’s looks with a set of 10-spoke 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Continental or Pirelli tires. –More images after the jump

BMW Recalling MY 2008 X5 SUVs

The Bavarian automaker has announced that it will be sending a recall letter to 55 MY 2008 X5 owners in the States for problems with the SUV's rear axle stabilizer (anti-sway bar). These particular X5s were equipped with a sports-suspension stabilizer instead of the standard suspension stabilizer on the rear axle. According to BMW, under certain driving conditions, such as high speed fast lane changes, the vehicle could experience a dangerous 'over-steer' behavior. BMW dealers will replace the rear axle stabilizer free of charge.

How To Transforming the Chinese SCEO into a BMW X5

Even though it is apparent that the Chinese automaker Shuanghuan was heavily inspired from the previous generation BMW X5 when designing the SCEO SUV, it would have been a bit too inappropriate -even for their standards- to blatantly imitate bimmer’s characteristic double-kidney grille and badgetry.

When it comes to private owners however, that’s another story. This Chinese driver decided to complete Shuanghuan’s work by adding a BMW grille along with a set of logos on the body and the wheels and presto; a near to perfect imitation of the X5 at a fraction of the price. -More images after the jump

Via: Le Blog Auto , Source: CCT

Geneva Preview: BMW X5 2.0-liter Twin Turbo Diesel Hybrid Concept

We finally managed to discover BMW's mystery concept car for the Geneva Show (see here): it's the “Vision EfficientDynamics”, or as we prefer to name it, the X5 2.0-liter Twin Turbo Diesel Hybrid Concept. The prototype model offers an insight into BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies that are set to find their way into production models in the near future.

The X5 Concept combines BMW’s all-new, twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine with a compact generator that, for the first time, is flange mounted directly onto a new eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers 204hp and 400Nm of torque between 2,000 and 2,250rpm while the mild hybrid concept generates a further 20hp and 210Nm of torque under acceleration.

According to BMW, while the Vision EfficientDynamics concept completes the sprint from zero to 62mph in just 8.9 sec it boasts an avg. fuel consumption of 36.5 MPG (US) or a mere, 6.5-liters per 100 km and just 172g/km of CO₂ emissions. -Continued after the jump (Picture modified by Carscoop)

Apart from the hybrid system, the prototype also features a Brake Energy Regeneration system which utilizes highly efficient lithium-ion batteries in the boot area to store the power generated which can be used to power the air conditioning, electric coolant pump and the electric power steering system.

Additionally, the prototype X5 is fitted with roof mounted photovoltaic solar panels, measuring 1.0 square meter. The energy generated can either be used immediately or stored for later use. Importantly, the power created in this zero- CO₂ way can be used to pre-heat the diesel fuel. The less efficient warm-up phase is thus shortened considerably.

The chassis and ride-height of the X5 have also been adapted for the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. This includes the aerodynamically-efficient but gargoyled 19-inch light alloy wheels with reduced ventilation.

Geneva Preview: BMW X5 2.0-liter Twin Turbo Diesel Hybrid Concept

We finally managed to discover BMW's mystery concept car for the Geneva Show (see here): it's the “Vision EfficientDynamics”, or as we prefer to name it, the X5 2.0-liter Twin Turbo Diesel Hybrid Concept. The prototype model offers an insight into BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies that are set to find their way into production models in the near future.

The X5 Concept combines BMW’s all-new, twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine with a compact generator that, for the first time, is flange mounted directly onto a new eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers 204hp and 400Nm of torque between 2,000 and 2,250rpm while the mild hybrid concept generates a further 20hp and 210Nm of torque under acceleration.

According to BMW, while the Vision EfficientDynamics concept completes the sprint from zero to 62mph in just 8.9 sec it boasts an avg. fuel consumption of 36.5 MPG (US) or a mere, 6.5-liters per 100 km and just 172g/km of CO₂ emissions. -Continued after the jump (Picture modified by Carscoop)

Apart from the hybrid system, the prototype also features a Brake Energy Regeneration system which utilizes highly efficient lithium-ion batteries in the boot area to store the power generated which can be used to power the air conditioning, electric coolant pump and the electric power steering system.

Additionally, the prototype X5 is fitted with roof mounted photovoltaic solar panels, measuring 1.0 square meter. The energy generated can either be used immediately or stored for later use. Importantly, the power created in this zero- CO₂ way can be used to pre-heat the diesel fuel. The less efficient warm-up phase is thus shortened considerably.

The chassis and ride-height of the X5 have also been adapted for the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. This includes the aerodynamically-efficient but gargoyled 19-inch light alloy wheels with reduced ventilation.

Geneva Preview: BMW X5 2.0-liter Twin Turbo Diesel Hybrid Concept

We finally managed to discover BMW's mystery concept car for the Geneva Show (see here): it's the “Vision EfficientDynamics”, or as we prefer to name it, the X5 2.0-liter Twin Turbo Diesel Hybrid Concept. The prototype model offers an insight into BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies that are set to find their way into production models in the near future.

The X5 Concept combines BMW’s all-new, twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine with a compact generator that, for the first time, is flange mounted directly onto a new eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers 204hp and 400Nm of torque between 2,000 and 2,250rpm while the mild hybrid concept generates a further 20hp and 210Nm of torque under acceleration.

According to BMW, while the Vision EfficientDynamics concept completes the sprint from zero to 62mph in just 8.9 sec it boasts an avg. fuel consumption of 36.5 MPG (US) or a mere, 6.5-liters per 100 km and just 172g/km of CO₂ emissions. -Continued after the jump (Picture modified by Carscoop)

Apart from the hybrid system, the prototype also features a Brake Energy Regeneration system which utilizes highly efficient lithium-ion batteries in the boot area to store the power generated which can be used to power the air conditioning, electric coolant pump and the electric power steering system.

Additionally, the prototype X5 is fitted with roof mounted photovoltaic solar panels, measuring 1.0 square meter. The energy generated can either be used immediately or stored for later use. Importantly, the power created in this zero- CO₂ way can be used to pre-heat the diesel fuel. The less efficient warm-up phase is thus shortened considerably.

The chassis and ride-height of the X5 have also been adapted for the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. This includes the aerodynamically-efficient but gargoyled 19-inch light alloy wheels with reduced ventilation.

Geneva Preview: BMW X5 2.0-liter Twin Turbo Diesel Hybrid Concept

We finally managed to discover BMW's mystery concept car for the Geneva Show (see here): it's the “Vision EfficientDynamics”, or as we prefer to name it, the X5 2.0-liter Twin Turbo Diesel Hybrid Concept. The prototype model offers an insight into BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies that are set to find their way into production models in the near future.

The X5 Concept combines BMW’s all-new, twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine with a compact generator that, for the first time, is flange mounted directly onto a new eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers 204hp and 400Nm of torque between 2,000 and 2,250rpm while the mild hybrid concept generates a further 20hp and 210Nm of torque under acceleration.

According to BMW, while the Vision EfficientDynamics concept completes the sprint from zero to 62mph in just 8.9 sec it boasts an avg. fuel consumption of 36.5 MPG (US) or a mere, 6.5-liters per 100 km and just 172g/km of CO₂ emissions. -Continued after the jump (Picture modified by Carscoop)

Apart from the hybrid system, the prototype also features a Brake Energy Regeneration system which utilizes highly efficient lithium-ion batteries in the boot area to store the power generated which can be used to power the air conditioning, electric coolant pump and the electric power steering system.

Additionally, the prototype X5 is fitted with roof mounted photovoltaic solar panels, measuring 1.0 square meter. The energy generated can either be used immediately or stored for later use. Importantly, the power created in this zero- CO₂ way can be used to pre-heat the diesel fuel. The less efficient warm-up phase is thus shortened considerably.

The chassis and ride-height of the X5 have also been adapted for the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. This includes the aerodynamically-efficient but gargoyled 19-inch light alloy wheels with reduced ventilation.

Geneva Preview: BMW X5 2.0-liter Twin Turbo Diesel Hybrid Concept

We finally managed to discover BMW's mystery concept car for the Geneva Show (see here): it's the “Vision EfficientDynamics”, or as we prefer to name it, the X5 2.0-liter Twin Turbo Diesel Hybrid Concept. The prototype model offers an insight into BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies that are set to find their way into production models in the near future.

The X5 Concept combines BMW’s all-new, twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine with a compact generator that, for the first time, is flange mounted directly onto a new eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers 204hp and 400Nm of torque between 2,000 and 2,250rpm while the mild hybrid concept generates a further 20hp and 210Nm of torque under acceleration.

According to BMW, while the Vision EfficientDynamics concept completes the sprint from zero to 62mph in just 8.9 sec it boasts an avg. fuel consumption of 36.5 MPG (US) or a mere, 6.5-liters per 100 km and just 172g/km of CO₂ emissions. -Continued after the jump (Picture modified by Carscoop)

Apart from the hybrid system, the prototype also features a Brake Energy Regeneration system which utilizes highly efficient lithium-ion batteries in the boot area to store the power generated which can be used to power the air conditioning, electric coolant pump and the electric power steering system.

Additionally, the prototype X5 is fitted with roof mounted photovoltaic solar panels, measuring 1.0 square meter. The energy generated can either be used immediately or stored for later use. Importantly, the power created in this zero- CO₂ way can be used to pre-heat the diesel fuel. The less efficient warm-up phase is thus shortened considerably.

The chassis and ride-height of the X5 have also been adapted for the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. This includes the aerodynamically-efficient but gargoyled 19-inch light alloy wheels with reduced ventilation.