BMW ends year with strong new models

NAMHAE, South Gyeongsang Province ― During a media meeting wrapping up this year on Thursday, BMW Korea CEO Kim Hyo-joon spared his words on what the company has achieved this year, including another possible sales record of about 33,000 vehicles.

But he did not hide his high expectations for next year. Among other things, the long-anticipated i3 electric car will hit the Korean market in May, while a new BMW driving center ― the first outside of Germany and the U.S. ― will open in Yeongjongdo Island off Incheon in June.

“We will continue our creative challenges that spread social values,” the CEO said.

During the two-day test-drive event on the picturesque island of Namhae, I was given the two latest vehicles in the market ― the X5 xDrive35d and 4 Series Coupe, both of which made their Korean debuts in October.

I wouldn’t say they are the best BMWs I have driven but they are good enough to improve the carmaker’s lineup.

X5, a sports sedan with agility

The 2014 BMW X5, the third-generation model since its debut in 2000, boasts a more luxurious interior, revised styling, a more fuel-efficient engine and a higher level of performance.

In order to show off the car’s agility and sharp handling, BMW Korea chose Namhae, known for its numerous winding roads. It was the same place where I somewhat struggled with the Jaguar XJ limousine during a previous test-drive.

But my fears about driving the chubby X5 SUV along the narrow country roads disappeared immediately when I slipped into the bolstered seat.

Despite its height, a revised suspension setup, matched with an additional dynamic handling package, allowed a smoother and more comfortable ride. The diesel engine was also noticeably quiet.

On the Sport or Sport Plus mode, the electric power steering became heavy and precise, while the chassis felt tighter. Even the Comfort mode showed a degree of agility uncommon for a 2,070-kilogram vehicle.

Korean customers may have mixed feelings about the exterior styling, which seems designed to appeal more to the U.S. market. Without significant change from its predecessor, the sleeker and wider version has embraced new features such as quad headlights and a new kidney drill with a forward tilt.

The newly equipped vertical slits at either end of the lower front apron send air to the “Air Curtains,” which allows better air flow around the front wheels and reduces turbulence around the tires and wheels.

The 2,993cc twin turbo diesel engine generates 258 horsepower. Its fuel efficiency is rated at 12.3 kilometers per liter.

4 Series Coupe: Four is better than three

It wouldn’t be fair to call this car just a coupe version of the 3 Series.

This even-numbered coupe elevated my expectations about its performance compared to the 3 Series sedan, with which it shares the platform.

The 4 Series Coupe is lower and wider than the 3 Series sedan. BMW says the new coupe boasts the lowest center of gravity of any car in its current portfolio.

That made a big difference in handling. I took the car to the same winding roads that I tested the X5. Even considering their different segments, the 4 Series was an absolute joy.

Adding to the driving fun was a heavily sculpted body line. Behind the more masculine look is Kang Won-kyu, one of the five Korean designers at BMW who led the design work on the 4 Series concept as well as the production model.

The flowing roof emphasizes its masculine shoulder and voluminous body. The driver-focused front cabin allows to the driver to feel as though in an entirely separate compartment.

In Korea, the 4 Series is priced at 55.3 million won for the basic line and 64.2 million won for the M Sports package, about 10 million won more than the 3 Series.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)