Volvo Penta Ecu 3858887 on 2040-parts.com

BMW, Daimler experiment with upscale rent-by-the-ride

Two European luxury brands are tiptoeing into car sharing, a radical move for carmakers whose business for the past 100 years has been selling to individuals. German archrivals Daimler AG and BMW AG have launched sharing programs. The automakers say the move was prompted by changing attitudes about car ownership, especially among young buyers, and increased urban congestion.

BMW i3 starts at $42,275

The electric BMW i3 mini crossover will cost $42,275, including destination, when it debuts to the press on July 29. The company is hosting three simultaneous launch events in London, New York and Beijing. The production version of the car was first seen at the Frankfurt motor show in March.

BMW Concept 4-series Coupe (2012) first photos

BMW is overhauling the 3-series Coupe - it'll be replaced in 2013 by the new 4-series Coupe and Convertible, previewed in this remarkably production-ready concept car. Munich reserves the 'Concept' moniker for its show cars which are in reality showroom ready. So strip away the sexed-up exhausts, 20in wheels and other trinkets and what you're looking at here is the new 2013 BMW 4-series.