Tag Archives: Estate

News

Top 10 finest property vehicles 2024

6. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate

8

Does the E-Class get any extra convincing than in property type? We assume not, as a result of if the position of an enormous Mercedes is to convey the entire household in enviable consolation, the property is the place it is best to spend your cash. 

With the seats in place, there’s a wholesome 615 litres, whereas dropping the 40/20/40-split folding rear bench liberates a cavernous, and flat-floored, 1830 litres of capability (though as with others right here, the plug-in hybrid’s model is smaller, at 460-1675 litres, because of the want to accommodate a big battery).

The load space can also be nicely formed and there’s a low load lip and a powered tailgate, all of which make it simpler to hold awkward objects.

For the newest E-Class – codenamed W214, or S214 for the property – there are a couple of adjustments. The first is that Mercedes has gone all-in on screens and tech. Higher trims get what Mercedes calls the ‘Superscreen’, which fuses a big central display screen and a smaller display screen for the passenger in a big expanse of black.

It largely works fairly nicely, and also you don’t must have it. Interior supplies usually really feel top quality too. Most new E-Classes within the UK come on sport suspension. We’ve but to drive the property within the UK, however we count on the trip to be okay somewhat than pillowy.

The plug-in hybrid E300e is prone to be the comfiest, because it comes on softer suspension. All estates have rear air suspension, however that’s extra for self-levelling than consolation.

From launch within the UK, there are solely three powertrains on provide, all utilizing a 2.0-litre four-cylinder: there’s an E200 mild-hybrid petrol, an E200d mild-hybrid diesel and an E300e plug-in hybrid.

There are six-cylinder and four-wheel-drive variations in Germany, but it surely’s unclear if any of these will make it to the UK. For now, we’ve solely tried the E220d, which proved very refined and really frugal.

News

Volkswagen ID 3 GTX: 322bhp scorching hatch is EV Golf GTI equal

Volkswagen has expanded its line-up of warmed-up electrical automobiles with new GTX variations of the ID 7 Tourer property and ID 3 hatchback – the latter serving as a long-awaited electrical various to the Golf GTI.

The ID 3 GTX has been on the playing cards because the EV was revealed in 2019 and at last arrives scorching on the heels of the technically an identical Cupra Born VZ, proven final month.

As normal, it’s fitted with Volkswagen’s newest APP550 electrical motor on the rear axle, which develops 282bhp – up from 201bhp in the usual automobile.

The enhance in torque is much more substantial, with the electrical motor placing out 402lb ft. That’s additionally significantly greater than the Volkswagen Golf R’s 310lb ft.

The top-of-the-line ID 3 GTX Performance is extra highly effective nonetheless, producing 322bhp for a 0-62mph time of 5.6sec, which makes it VW’s quickest-accelerating EV to this point.

Beyond the powertrain upgrades, Volkswagen’s scorching hatch has additionally gained a number of chassis and suspension tweaks supposed to present it a extra dynamic character.

The ID 3 GTX options retuned steering that has been configured to supply “greater precision”, and the Performance mannequin has a brand new Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system – just like the Golf GTI – which makes use of extra sensors to detect wheel motion to enhance journey and dealing with.

The battery has grown in measurement barely for the GTX model of the ID 3, from 77kWh to 79kWh. Volkswagen claims a variety of as much as 373 miles for the usual GTX, although the Performance pack is more likely to scale back that barely.

DC charging peaks at 175kW to present a 10-80% cost in beneath half-hour.

Meanwhile, the ID 7 GTX Tourer comes as normal with a dual-motor powertrain that develops 335bhp and makes use of the identical 86kWh battery because the ID 7 Tourer Pro S.

Volkswagen

Electrical variability: Volkswagen begins pre-sales of the brand new ID.7 Tourer

  • The first all-electric property automobile from Volkswagen can now be configured in Germany at costs beginning at 54,795 euros
  • The electrical enterprise and leisure all-rounder provides area for 5 folks with as much as 605 litres of bags. Maximum load capability: as much as 1,714 litres
  • Launching first because the ID.7 Tourer Pro with a 77 kW battery, 210 kW (286 PS) output, quick 175 kW DC charging and a spread of as much as 607 km (WLTP)

Volkswagen is driving ahead its main product offensive within the mid-sized class with pre-sales of the brand new ID.7 Tourer. Following the brand new ID.7 fastback saloon, new Passat and new Tiguan, the primary all-electric Volkswagen estate-car is already the fourth new mid-sized mannequin in just some months. The enterprise and leisure all-rounder can now be configured and ordered at costs beginning at 54,795 euros. As one in every of just some producers, Volkswagen is current on the European market with three property fashions within the essential higher mid-sized class: the sporty Arteon Shooting Brake, the utterly newly developed Passat Variant and the ID.7 Tourer. With this mannequin vary, Volkswagen provides all related drive sorts within the mid-sized class and thus a very good selection for purchasers.

ID.7 Tourer Pro – Combined power consumption 16.8–14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 0 g/km; CO2 class: A.

Range of as much as 607 km. The ID.7 Tourer was designed particularly for the European market. At the beginning of pre-sales, the electrical Volkswagen might be configured because the ID.7 Tourer Pro with a 210 kW (286 PS) electrical drive and a battery with an vitality content material of 77 kWh (internet). The WLTP vary is as much as 607 km. The ID.7 Tourer Pro has a prime pace of as much as 180 km/h and may take new vitality on board with a capability as much as 175 kW at DC quick-charging stations. With this energy, the battery might be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in about 28 minutes. 

ID.7 Tourer Pro – Combined power consumption 16.8–14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 0 g/km; CO2 class: A.

Maximum use of area. With a load capability of as much as 1,714 litres, the brand new ID.7 Tourer is without doubt one of the most spacious electrical vehicles in the marketplace. Even with 5 folks on board, a baggage compartment quantity of as much as 605 litres is out there (rear bench seat backrest in cargo place). As the massive wheelbase of two,971 mm nearly utterly advantages the inside, the general size of the ID.7 Tourer of 4,961 mm means there’s above-average legroom within the rear.

ID.7 Tourer Pro – Combined power consumption 16.8–14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 0 g/km; CO2 class: A.

Extensive customary tools. The base value of 54,795 euros features a two-zone automated air conditioner with clever vents, the infotainment system with touchscreen in pill format (diagonal: 38 cm, 15 inches) together with App-Connect Wireless for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an augmented actuality head-up show, the IDA voice assistant, cell phone interface, 4 USB-C interfaces, background lighting (10 colors), anti-theft alarm, seat heating within the entrance, baggage compartment partition internet, LED headlights and LED tail gentle clusters, electrically folding exterior mirrors, encompass lighting together with emblem projection by way of exterior mirror housings and illuminated door deal with recesses, the keyless locking and beginning system Keyless Access, rain sensor, black roof rails (75 kg roof load) and 19-inch alloy wheels.

ID.7 Tourer Pro – Combined power consumption 16.8–14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 0 g/km; CO2 class: A.

Assist programs on board as customary. All variations of the ID.7 Tourer are geared up with help programs such because the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) together with Lane Assist (lane preserving system), Side Assist (lane change system), the Car2X hazard warning system, Dynamic Road Sign Display, Rear View (rear view digital camera system) and Light Assist (main-beam management).

Simple individualisation by way of tools packages. The ID.7 Tourer might be customised in just some steps by way of non-obligatory tools packages.

An instance is the Comfort package deal: this combines options comparable to a three-zone automated air conditioner (Air Care Climatronic), navigation system, inductive charging interface for smartphones and windscreen heating.

The Assist System package deal moreover consists of Connected Travel Assist (assisted driving) and progressive programs for assisted parking.

The Interior package deal Plus consists of, amongst different issues, 30-colour background lighting, electrically adjustable ergoActive consolation seats within the entrance (with therapeutic massage programmes and lively air-con), seat centre panels in ArtVelours Eco microfleece within the entrance and on the outer rear seats, in addition to a Harman Kardon sound system with a complete output of 700 watts.

ID.7 Tourer Pro – Combined power consumption 16.8–14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 0 g/km; CO2 class: A.

The Exterior package deal Plus with Smart Glass provides a big panoramic sunroof as an progressive element. The glass layers of this good glass might be electronically switched between opaque or clear. Among different issues, this package deal additionally consists of DCC adaptive chassis management, IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, Dynamic Light Assist (main-beam management) and LED tail gentle clusters with dynamic flip indicators. Optionally illuminated Volkswagen badges on the entrance and rear spherical off the looks of the ID.7 Tourer.

New Wellness In-Car App. The Wellness In-Car App can be utterly new. This permits synchronised adjustment of varied automobile capabilities by way of three preconfigured programmes (Fresh Up, Calm Down and Power Break) to reinforce well-being on board. Depending on the automobile tools, the app accesses the background lighting, sound, air-con, Smart Glass perform, seat heating, automated seat air-con and seat therapeutic massage perform.

ID.7 Tourer Pro – Combined power consumption 16.8–14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 0 g/km; CO2 class: A.

State-of-the-art Volkswagen plant in Germany. The ID.7 Tourer and the ID.7 fastback saloon are produced on the Volkswagen plant in Emden within the north of Germany.

News

Volkswagen ID 7 Tourer electrical property brings 426-mile vary

The Volkswagen ID 7 Tourer has damaged cowl as a glossy electrical estate which the German agency hopes will broaden the enchantment of its flagship EV and solidify its place within the government market.

Described because the “electric all-rounder of the new era”, the Tourer will arrive within the second half of 2024 to tackle the BMW i5 Touring and forthcoming Audi A6 E-tron Avant. 

Measuring 4961mm lengthy, 1862 mm extensive and 1536mm tall, the property is proportionally similar to the ID 7 saloon, however is shorter, wider and taller than the next-generation Volkswagen Passat, for which the Tourer serves as an oblique electrical different.

It has a 545-litre boot, marginally smaller than the BMW’s 570 litres, however that rises to 1714 litres with the again seats folded to provide the Tourer a load-lugging edge over the likes of the Peugeot E-308 SW and MG 5 estates.

Visually, the Tourer builds on the aerodynamically optimised styling of the ID 7, with its lengthy, rakish silhouette netting a drag coefficient of 0.24 – simply 0.1Cd greater than the saloon. 

From launch, the ID 7 Tourer will likely be provided in two trims: the Tourer Pro will arrive with a 77kWh battery able to charging at speeds of as much as 175kW for a 10-80% charging time of round 28 minutes. 

Topping the line-up is the Pro S, which utilises Volkswagen’s bigger 86kWh battery for a WLTP vary of 426 miles – simply 9 miles lower than the saloon model, and the longest vary of any electrical property on sale. The S may also cost barely faster, with a most pace of 200kW. 

Both variations characteristic Volkswagen’s newest APP550 electrical motor, creating 282bhp and 402 lb ft of torque, on the rear axle – which ought to give a 0-62mph time of just below 7.0secs. A performance-oriented, four-wheel-drive GTX variant is predicted to be added later. 

Inside, the Tourer makes use of the identical 15in touchscreen infotainment show because the saloon, which was closely up to date in a bid by Volkswagen to enhance its usability, graphics and processing occasions. 

It additionally will get Volkswagen’s new IDA voice assistant system, which makes use of ChatGPT to supply extra ‘human’ and conversational interactions – though this can come as an over-the-air replace post-launch. 

Optional options embrace an electronically managed panoramic roof which may both be made opaque or clear on the contact of a button, therapeutic massage seats, and a brand new Wellness app which adjusts the lighting, stereo and local weather management for a calmer surroundings when wanted. 

UK pricing is but to be revealed, however Volkswagen’s first electrical property automobile ought to command a premium over the saloon and begin from round £55,000. 

Volkswagen

Electric all-rounder of a brand new period: world premiere of the ID.7 Tourer from Volkswagen

  • Large property automotive: with the ID.7 Tourer, one of many first electrical property automobiles within the higher mid-sized class makes its debut in Europe
  • Generous house: the ID.7 Tourer affords house for 5 individuals with as much as 605 litres of bags. With two individuals on board, the load capability will increase to as much as 1,714 litres
  • Long vary: the ID.7 Tourer shall be accessible with two battery sizes. The top-of-the-range model is anticipated to realize ranges of as much as 685 km
  • Outstanding consolation: a brand new computerized air conditioner, optionally accessible seats with pressure-point therapeutic massage and air con, and the brand new Wellness In Car app supply a premium-class expertise

The ID.7 is the flagship amongst electrical Volkswagen fashions – a progressive fastback saloon with an extended vary. Volkswagen is now increasing the ID.7 portfolio in Europe with an property automotive: the all-new ID.7 Tourer. It is among the first all-electric property automobiles within the higher mid-sized class. Volkswagen can also be represented on this class with the brand new Passat Variant. Both product strains complement one another and collectively cowl all related drive sorts – from extremely environment friendly petrol and diesel engines to plug-in hybrids with a predicted electrical vary of greater than 100 kilometres (WLTP) and all-electric autos. The new ID.7 Tourer combines the emissions benefits of electrical mobility with lengthy WLTP ranges (as much as 685 km), a high-quality cockpit panorama, excellent journey consolation and superior spaciousness – making it an excellent enterprise automotive. Europe-wide presales are scheduled to start out within the first quarter of this yr.

Strong higher mid-sized class. Imelda Labbé, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management, liable for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, says: “The new ID.7 Tourer is an ideal property mannequin, particularly for households and long-distance drivers. With loads of house and a excessive degree of consolation, it impresses totally electrically with lengthy ranges!” The ID.7 Tourer shall be produced along with the ID.7 fastback saloon and the ID.4 SUV on the electrical mobility plant in Emden, Germany.

Near-production vehicle.

Electric all-rounder. The ID.7 Tourer differs considerably from the fastback saloon on the rear. The lengthy roof line and its elegant transition to the boot lid specifically are placing design options of the electrical property. In phrases of favor, the Tourer is a fusion of a traditional property within the format of the Passat, and a dynamic taking pictures brake such because the Arteon. Thanks to the elevated peak on the rear, the bags compartment quantity is even bigger than that of the fastback saloon: with 5 individuals on board, the ID.7 Tourer has a baggage capability of as much as 605 litres (rear seat backrest in cargo place). When loaded as much as the backrests of the entrance seats and as much as the roof, this determine rises to as much as 1,714 litres.

Up to 685 km WLTP vary. The new ID.7 Tourer is provided with the latest-generation electrical drive system. Volkswagen will supply two completely different battery sizes for the ID.7 Tourer. Depending on the battery vitality content material, the electrical touring automotive is anticipated to realize WLTP ranges of as much as 685 km. The largest battery is designed for a most charging capability of as much as 200 kW at DC quick-charging stations. At this energy degree, the battery might be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in considerably lower than half-hour.

Near-production vehicle.

AR head-up show as commonplace. The new ID.7 Tourer shall be launched with revolutionary technological options, together with an augmented-reality (AR) head-up show outfitted as commonplace. This initiatives info related to the journey into the driving force’s visual view, so their eyes can keep targeted on the highway. At the identical time, the AR head-up show modifications the cockpit structure as a result of it permits traditional devices to develop into compact.

Near-production vehicle.

New Wellness In-Car app. In the brand new ID.7 Tourer Volkswagen is implementing premium-class consolation. This is made attainable with particulars comparable to vents which can be robotically operated by small management motors, and ergoActive seats with a brand new pressure-point therapeutic massage perform and computerized air con. Another innovation on board is the panoramic sunroof with good glass – right here, the glass layers might be electronically switched to be both opaque or clear. The Wellness In-Car app can also be fully new. This permits numerous automobile capabilities to be adjusted by the use of three preconfigured programmes (Fresh Up, Calm Down and Power Break) which will help to reinforce wellbeing through the journey or breaks. Depending on the automobile gear, the app accesses the background lighting, sound, air con, good glass perform, seat air con and seat therapeutic massage in addition to the ID.LIGHT and the infotainment display.

Video of the all-electric ID.7 Tourer: https://youtu.be/G8pEU3WAyg8

News

New Audi RS5 property set to rival AMG C63 with hybrid V6

Saloon and Avant property bodystyles shall be supplied for the usual A5, with every unlikely to develop in measurement in contrast with the present A4. For reference, it stretches to 4772mm in size, 1847mm in width and 1435mm in top. Only the property has been noticed testing up to now in full-bore RS guise, and it isn’t but confirmed if Audi plans to supply a saloon model, as AMG does with the C63.

Meanwhile, volume-selling variations of the A5 shall be accessible with a variety of upgraded petrol and diesel engines with both mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid help, and four-wheel drive.

Further developments for the MLB platform embrace a brand new electrical structure with 48V functionality. This allows the adoption of further capabilities such because the Dynamic All-Wheel Steering system utilized by the A6, A7, A8, Q7 and the ICE Q8, in addition to new level-two autonomous driving capabilities presently being developed by Audi’s Car.Software division.

It additionally supplies the bottom for a variety of latest digital and connectivity options. Among them is near-field communication performance being developed by Audi and Huawei. This allows contactless fee for refuelling or charging, tolls, parking, drive-through eating and different providers from inside the automotive by way of the MyAudi app.

Autocar understands the brand new A5 will run an up to date model of the present mannequin’s aluminium-intensive multi-link entrance and rear suspension, with adaptive damping on chosen fashions. Earlier hypothesis advised the subsequent A5 would obtain rear air springs, however these could also be reserved solely for the electrical A4.

News

Top 10 finest property vehicles 2023

In a rational world freed from automotive prejudice and proof against the magic of selling, the property automobile could be king. Delivering the entire versatility (and sometimes extra) of an SUV, however with the dynamic sharpness and higher effectivity of a saloon, these load luggers actually are ‘all the car you’ll ever want’.

What’s extra, regardless of the inexorable rise of off-road-themed options, which has come at the price of different genres of machine, the property automobile class retains a wholesome range. Not solely are there loads of choices in relation to dimension, however the elastic definition of those machines additionally means our kitchen-sink-carrying cohort contains the whole lot from glossy taking pictures brakes by to extra square-rigged choices that worth most quantity and worth above all else.

There’s additionally a large selection in relation to the way you need your load delivered. Whether you need cosseting consolation, fuel-sipping effectivity or supercar-chasing efficiency and dealing with, there needs to be an property automobile to go well with each style and funds. Some even handle to make a tremendous fist of mixing all these traits.

As has typically been mentioned throughout the Atlantic, there ain’t no substitute for cubic inches. So with that in thoughts, right here’s our decide of nice estates.

1. BMW 5 Series Touring

Pros: Excellent engine line-up, all the ability you’d ever want, plush inside

Cons: Brittle trip consolation, lacks BMW’s stand-out dealing with, Mercedes gives larger boot

It’s not the most important property automobile cash should buy, however as a machine that covers all bases, the BMW 5 Series Touring is tough to beat. Elegantly styled, partaking to drive, nearly massive sufficient for many wants and filled with sufficient neat options to counsel the model has thought exhausting about how it will likely be used, the multi-talented German wins this area race.

If you need one, you’ll should be fast about it. The new 5 Series saloon is out, and though the property hasn’t been revealed but, it’s certain to not be far off. And if the saloon is something to go by, the brand new 5 Series Touring might be larger and extra unwieldy, and fussier to make use of. There might be an i5 Touring electrical model, although, which is one thing to sit up for as electrical estates are nonetheless a rarity.

At 560 litres, boot capability on the present 5 Series Touring is about common (it shrinks to 430 litres within the plug-in hybrids), however the load space is properly formed and the model’s trademark opening rear glass makes it simpler to load smaller gadgets in a good spot. Fold the useful 40/20/40-split rear bench and there’s as much as 1700 litres to play with. What’s extra, air suspension is customary for the rear axle, serving to ship each self-levelling for heavy hundreds and, mixed with non-compulsory adaptive dampers, enhanced consolation.

VauxhallUk

VAUXHALL OPENS ORDERS FOR ALL-NEW ASTRA SPORTS TOURER ELECTRIC

  • Vauxhall’s first fully electric estate car and one of just a handful available on the market
  • Powered by a new, quieter and more efficient 156hp electric motor and next-generation 54kWh battery, achieving 256 miles (WLTP) between charges
  • Focus on efficiency means All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric is capable of 4.2 miles per kWh (WLTP)
  • All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric weighs only 68kg more than Plug-in Hybrid version
  • Efficient battery configuration results in no compromise in passenger space or boot capacity compared to Plug-in Hybrid variant
  • All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric available from £39,995 OTR
  • All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric now open for orders with deliveries from Spring
  • From 2024, Vauxhall will offer a fully electric version of every car model

Vauxhall has opened orders for the All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric, the first fully electric estate car from the brand and one of just a handful available on the market. Prices for the All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric start from £39,995 OTR, with first deliveries from the second quarter of 2024.

With the arrival of the All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric, Vauxhall now offers six fully electric passenger vehicles and will offer a fully electric version of every model from 2024. Already available with efficient petrol engines and advanced Plug-in Hybrid powertrains, the All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric extends the powertrain offer for buyers.

Bold and Pure design

The All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric features Vauxhall’s distinctive bold and pure design language and its ‘Vizor’ front end, which houses the latest driver aids and safety systems, the Griffin logo and the brand’s class-leading Intelli-Lux LED® Pixel Light technology (available on Ultimate models). Meanwhile, the Vauxhall ‘Compass’ design principle ensures the All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric looks balanced from every angle.

All models come as standard with aerodynamic 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels with a specific eco tyre size (215/45R18 A+), contributing to the All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric’s impressive efficiency. 

Electric efficiency

The All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric features a fully electric powertrain powered by a new, more efficient and quieter 115kW (156hp) electric motor producing 270Nm of torque, and a 54kWh battery.  A heat pump and a focus on efficiency enables the All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric to achieve 4.2 miles per kWh (WLTP), resulting in a WLTP-certified range of 256 miles.

The All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric‘s 54kWh battery is integrated into the chassis below the front and rear seats, resulting in a 31% increase in torsional stiffness compared to a petrol Astra Sports Tourer. Combined with a new rear axle design, the increased stiffness also brings improved handling, while a focus on reducing weight means the All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric weighs only 68kg more than the Plug-in Hybrid version.

Drivers can choose between three driving modes; Eco, Normal, and Sport, and range can be preserved by activating ‘B’ mode via a button on the gear selector to increase the level of regenerative braking. The All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric accelerates from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and achieves a top-speed of 106mph.

As with the rest of the fully electric Vauxhall range, the All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric supports 100kW DC rapid charging, with a 20%-80% charge taking just 26 minutes to complete. All Astra Sports Tourer Electric models come standard with a three-phase 11kW AC onboard charger, enabling a 0-100% charge in 5 hours 45 minutes, or 8 hours from a 7kW home wallbox.

Innovative and comfortable interior

The All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric features Vauxhall’s latest interior technologies, driver aids and safety features. The full edge-to-edge, driver-focused, Pure Panel Pro digital interface features a 10-inch digital instrument display and a 10-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation as standard. Frequently used settings, such as climate control, can still be easily adjusted at the touch of a physical button.

The Intelli-HUD head-up display unit, available on Ultimate models, allows drivers to stay focused on the road ahead, while the All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric is also available with Intelli-Drive 2.0, Vauxhall’s most advanced and intuitive driver assist technologies. This includes:

  • Semi-Automated Lane Change Assist – works at speeds between 45mph and 70mph and enables the driver to instruct the vehicle to change lanes, conditions permitting.
  • Advanced Intelligent Speed Adaptation – monitors both road signs and weather conditions to adjust the vehicle speed.

Other features available with Intelli-Drive include Lane Positioning Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Side-Blind Spot Alert.

The All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric features class-leading lighting, with Ultimate models available with Vauxhall’s IntelliLux LED® Pixel Light technology. Featuring 168 individual LED elements – 84 per headlight – the matrix headlights automatically cut out oncoming road users from its beam, ensuring drivers have a clear view of the road without dazzling other road users.

The All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric features comfortable and supportive seating, with Ultimate versions featuring Alcantara® seat and door trim. In GS and Ultimate versions, the ergonomic active sport seats have been certified by ‘AGR’ (German Campaign for Healthier Backs).

Because the battery is housed in the vehicle’s underbody, there is no compromise in passenger room or luggage space. The All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric comes with 516 litres of luggage space, increasing to 1,553 litres when the 40/20/40 seats are folded – identical to Plug-in Hybrid variants. Practicality is boosted in Ultimate versions by roof rails and a hands-free powered tailgate.

Specification

The All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric is available in a choice of three trim levels – Design, GS and Ultimate.

Highlights on Design trim include Vauxhall’s Multimedia Pure Panel Navigation system with wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, as well as automatic LED headlights and front and rear parking sensors. Vauxhall’s numerous drive assist systems provide an added level of safety onboard, with features including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and traffic sign recognition fitted as standard across all trim levels.

GS trim adds a sporty look, with design enhancements including 18-inch black alloy wheels, a contrasting black roof, sports-style bumpers and a black Griffin logo and Vizor frame. Drivers also benefit from an Intelli-Vision 360-degree parking camera and adaptive cruise control, while keyless entry and start, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats provide greater comfort and convenience.

Completing the line-up, Ultimate models are equipped with class-leading IntelliLux LED® Pixel headlights, Intelli-Drive 2.0 and an Intelli-HUD (Head-Up Display). Additional features include a wireless phone charger, panoramic sunroof and Alcantara® upholstery.

Orders for the All-New Astra Sports Tourer Electric are open now, with first deliveries expected in Q2 2024.

Astra Sports Tourer Electric – Pricing

Trim

BiK rates (23/24)

P11D Price

OTR MRRP

Design

2%

£39,940

£39,995

GS

2%

£42,290

£42,345

Ultimate

2%

£45,405

£45,460

BMW

Designworks Creates User Experience Design for Forbes International Tower

Munich. Designworks, the innovation studio of the BMW Group, has been chosen by real estate developer Magnom Properties to collaborate in developing an emotionally engaging design for the façade of the new Forbes International Tower in Egypt. The tower aims to be a significant achievement in sustainable urban development in the Middle East. Architects Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill intend to create a modern relationship between architecture and the environment with the construction of the 230-meter (755-foot)-tall building. To align with this vision, the Designworks team will merge elements such as reflection, illumination, and digital interactivity into their design to establish a seamless sense of connection between the building, the environment, and the building’s inhabitants and visitors.

Designworks will also oversee the design of a continuous user journey across all physical and digital touchpoints of the EV charging park. For this project, the team will draw on the BMW Group’s experience design process, which prioritizes customer needs. CEO of Magnom Properties, Maged Marie, states: “The collaboration with Designworks perfectly complements our goal of creating an exceptional experience that incorporates innovative technologies to provide visitors with a completely new perception of the building, from both the exterior and the interior.”

The 55-story business tower, planned in partnership with Forbes, will form part of Cairo’s new administrative and financial district. With a total space of more than 100,000 m2 (328,000 sq. ft.), it will set a new standard for sustainable architecture. The main objective is to minimize the building’s carbon footprint and achieve the highest ecological construction certifications.

“The BMW Group was the first car manufacturer in the world to have its own environmental protection officer, and today, sustainability is at the core of the company’s focus – extending far beyond automobiles,” remarks Holger Hampf, head of Designworks. “As a BMW Group subsidiary, we are proud to be involved in the design for the Forbes International Tower. We firmly believe that high-quality design can contribute to changing customer mindsets and behavior, promoting more responsible action.”

The Forbes International Tower in Egypt is scheduled to be completed in 2027. Similar commercial towers of this kind are also being planned in the United Arab Emirates and in Saudi Arabia.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Michaela Martinus
Spokesperson Designworks
Telephone: +49-160-963-13773
Email: Michaela.Martinus@bmw.com

Steven Wörns
Spokesperson BMW Group Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-16992
Email: Steven.Woerns@bmw.com

Media Website: www.press.bmwgroup.com
Email: presse@bmw.de

About Designworks

Designworks is the BMW Group’s innovation studio and a global creative consultancy at the intersection of design, technology and innovation. The “Architects of Future” focus on mobility, product and digital life design, as well as strategic design consulting. The formerly independent creative studio was acquired by the BMW Group in 1995. Designworks acts as a driving force for all brands of the parent company and as an innovation driver for a large number of clients from various industries, such as IT and consumer electronics, aviation technology, the medical and environmental sectors, and the lifestyle and sports industries.
The studio was founded in 1972 in Malibu, California by Chuck Pelly. Holger Hampf has been at the helm of the consulting agency since 2017.

www.bmwgroupdesignworks.com

News

Volkswagen ID 7 Tourer previewed as brand’s first electric estate

Volkswagen has given a sneak peek of the upcoming estate version of the ID 7 saloon, set to be officially revealed in the coming months. Called the ID 7 Tourer, this electric estate is based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, which is also used for the ID 3, ID 4, and the recently unveiled ID 7 saloon. The MEB platform allows Volkswagen to maximize interior space by offering a long wheelbase and short overhangs.

The ID 7 Tourer is designed to be highly practical, featuring 545 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1714 litres with the seats folded down – larger than the current Volkswagen Passat. The boot itself is an impressive two meters in length.

Aerodynamics played a crucial role in the development of the ID 7 Tourer, with features like a smooth front bumper, rear lip spoiler, and flush door handles that help achieve a drag coefficient of 0.24cd – slightly higher than the saloon.

An exact range for the ID 7 Tourer has not been disclosed, but considering the ID 7 saloon can cover 435 miles on a single charge, it is expected that the estate version will offer a similar range.

The ID 7 saloon made its debut earlier this year as Volkswagen’s first electric saloon, aiming to rival the Tesla Model 3. It boasts new infotainment software, driving dynamics specifically designed for long-distance travel, and a range of 435 miles.

The ID 7 Tourer will be available in Pro and Pro S trims. In Germany, customers can currently pre-order the Pro version starting from €56,995 (£48,844). For comparison, the ID 4 starts from £38,845, with the more powerful GTX variant priced at £52,865.

The regular ID 7 saloon will launch in Europe and China this autumn, followed by the US in 2024. The electric estate will come with a choice of two batteries: a 77kWh pack, which offers a range of 382 miles and 170kW charging, and a new 86kWh unit that allows up to 435 miles of range and can be charged at up to 200kW. The Pro S version of the ID 7 Tourer is expected to achieve a 0-62mph time of around 6.0 seconds.