Reborn German
carmaker Borgward has revealed that it will begin selling its models in the UK
and Ireland starting next year. It has formed a strategic partnership with
importer International Motors, which will be responsible for importing
right-hand-drive Borgward models in late 2019.
Models expected to
go on sale include the BX5 and BX7. The former is powered by a 1.8 litre
turbocharged four-cylinder engine offering 190 PS at 5,500 rpm and 280 Nm from
1,750 to 4,500 rpm, paired to a six-speed auto transmission with all-wheel drive.
There’s also a downsized 1.4 litre turbo four-pot with 150 PS and 250 Nm that’s
available in China.
Moving on, the
bigger BX7 is motivated by a
bigger 2.0 litre turbocharged four banger, offering 224 PS at 5,500 rpm and 300
Nm from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. Transmission choices include a six-speed auto and
seven-speed dual-clutch auto, with power being applied to all corners via a
permanent all-wheel drive system.
According to
Autocar, the line-up will be joined by both the BX5 and BX7’s all-electric
counterparts, the BXi5 and BXi7. The BXi7 gets two independent electric motors
with a combined torque of 390 Nm, which is good for 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds
and a top speed of 195 km/h.
It has a range of
up to 375 km and can be charged up to 80% in 45 minutes. This is thanks to
high-efficiency motors and a battery pack that maintains high performance at
temperatures ranging from -30ºC to +55ºC.
Borgward was
originally founded in 1919 in Bremen, and at the time it rivalled manufacturers
such as Mercedes-Benz throughout the 1950s, with cars such as the Hansa 1500,
Isabella and P1000, before filing for bankruptcy in 1961. It is currently owned
by Chinese automaker Beiqi Foton Motor, a subsidiary of Chinese giant BAIC, and
the reborn marque is targeting the global premium SUV market.
