29 Sep 06 17:20
BMW has been running hydrogen-powered 7-Series prototypes around for years, but it has finally committed to low-volume production. The zero-emissions Hydrogen 7 is not a fuel cell-powered car, generating its own electricity on-board from hydrogen. Rather, it has a conventional hydrogen-compatible internal combustion engine. The 260bhp 12-cylinder unit is also capable of running on petrol (a vital facility, since hydrogen supply is limited). Top speed is 143mph and the 0-60mph time 9.5 seconds, and the Hydrogen 7 has a range of over 400 miles between refuelling stops (125 miles in hydrogen mode, 300 from the petrol tank).
The Hydrogen 7 is just the first of a series of hydrogen-powered vehicles to come from BMW, which describes it as 'a milestone in industrialising hydrogen technologies for automotive use'. There have been significant moves to establish hydrogen refuelling points in the US, particularly in California, where the Hydrogen 7 will be offered to customers following its US launch at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November.
Gunning for the less eco- but more image-conscious market, BMW has revised its slightly disappointing X3 off-roader, which gets tweaked interior and exterior styling as well as the most powerful diesel engine ever to power a BMW in the UK.
On sale now, the new X3 is offered with the 535d's twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel with 286bhp. The headline figures for the X3 3.0sd are 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds and a top speed of just under 150mph. Peak torque is developed at just 1,750rpm, which means the performance on offer will be hugely flexible and responsive.
Also new to the X3 are a 2.5-litre 218bhp and a 272bhp 3.0-litre petrol. Both of these powerplants are based on the world's lightest production six-cylinder engine constructed of aluminium and magnesium alloy. The smaller capacity engine can power the X3 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds before going on to a top speed of 137mph. The higher output 3.0-litre engine reaches 62mph from zero in just 7.5 seconds and steams on to a top speed of 142mph.
To give the new car a chunkier look, the kidney grille is larger and the bumper and front spoiler have been redesigned. The foglights have also been incorporated into the main section of the bodywork. The exhaust pipes are also larger.
Stung by criticism of the cabin's downmarket feel, BMW has used materials calculated to give a better sense of quality, especially around the centre console. And for the first time for an X model, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC+) is standard fit.
