Comprehensive Endurance Warranty Reviews (2020)

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• Founded in 2006 in Northbrook, Illinois, Endurance is one of the most popular extended car warranty companies
• It operates as a direct provider, meaning no brokers or middlemen. 
• The company offers five different coverage plans, which all come with a free one-year Endurance Elite Membership. 
• The majority of Endurance warranty reviews are positive, with special mention of the company’s competitive rates and customer service.

New cars are covered by a standard factory warranty, which is typically enough for most people, at least for the first few years. So, why do most dealerships and third-party providers still offer extended warranties? The concise answer is they give drivers peace of mind.

By covering unforeseen repairs for select components in the long run, an extended auto warranty picks up where your original factory warranty ends. Although exact coverage varies from plan to plan, extended warranties are one of the most popular ways to stay protected while you’re on the road. 

Endurance is a leading extended car warranty provider, which has protected owners and their vehicles since 2006. Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, it’s known as one of the most trusted companies in the nation, and was recently included in Inc.’s 2019 guide to the 5,000 fastest growing privately held businesses in America.

If you’re on the hunt for an extended warranty, Endurance is a provider you must consider. Read our Endurance warranty review to see what we learned, then get a quote customized to your vehicle.

Best Direct Provider

Get Quote (877) 374-1840 The best option for a direct provider, meaning you work with their team throughout every step of the process.

Endurance Warranty Highlights

Within the vehicle protection industry, Endurance stands out by being a direct extended warranty provider. Rather than acting as a broker or reseller, Endurance actually provides and fulfills most of its plans – no middlemen in the process. By keeping everything in-house, with no extra steps or expenses, the company is able to keep its prices very reasonable.

Endurance has also gained an impressive number of accolades from its own customers, building a strong reputation for providing some of the most competitive vehicle protection plans in the country. It prides itself on giving the best customer service, something greatly appreciated when it comes to unexpected car malfunctions or repairs. 

Based on our review of Endurance as an extended warranty provider, we break down all the pros and cons in the chart below:

 

Pros	Cons
Direct provider of extended warranty contracts	Limited number of protection plans (only five levels with one contract per level)
Covers vehicles up to 20 model years and 200,000 miles	Coverage not offered in California
Coverage clearly stated online (even exclusions and fine print)	Not accredited by the Better Business Bureau
All extended warranty plans 100-percent insured
Free year of Endurance Elite Membership
No waiting for reimbursements, as repair services are paid for directly by Endurance
Clear, simple claims process
Endurance Protect App
30-day money back guarantee
Most plans transferable

Endurance Coverage Overview

Endurance currently offers five comprehensive coverage plans, each one carefully designed to maximize coverage and value for the customer:

• Supreme: As close to a factory warranty as you can get, this plan provides maximum protection for all your vehicle’s parts. Referred to as “bumper-to-bumper” coverage, it gives maximum breakdown protection for all parts, unless specifically excluded in the plan. 
• Superior: As the plan with the most stated-component coverage, Superior covers hundreds of specific components, including the engine, transmission, transfer case, drive axle, suspension, cooling system, and more.
• Secure Plus: With the shortest wait period among all plans (30 days and a 1,000 miles), this offers a mid-level warranty with a higher level of coverage compared to the Select Premier plan.
• Select Premier: This plan is designed to protect the vital components of higher mileage vehicles, which are often less in value, higher in risk, and more prone to mechanical failure. It covers select parts, such as the engine, transmission, transfer case, electrical components, and more.
• Secure: Offered as Endurance’s most affordable coverage option, this plan only covers the most vital and costly components. Coverage, though a bit limited, includes the engine, transmission, transfer case, drive axle, and turbocharger – all at a reasonable price.

If you live in California, you’ll need to look elsewhere for coverage, as Endurance doesn’t offer protection plans to California residents.

Endurance Elite Membership is one of the company’s best benefits. One year of membership comes free with all contracts.

Endurance Elite Membership

The Endurance Elite Membership distinguishes this provider from many other car warranty competitors. With every vehicle protection plan, Endurance offers a one-year membership, which includes tons of perks and exclusive services, such as:

• $500 toward any lost or broken key fobs
• Up to two tire replacements or repairs per year
• Additional discounts offered by select merchants
• Up to $5,000 in repair loans, which offer easy payment installments 
• Protection against ID theft, using an entire suite of ID protection tools
• Rental reimbursement of $30 per day and a maximum of $150 per breakdown
• Endurance Protect App that allows easy connectivity to Endurance information and staff
• $250 worth of member rewards, which you can spend with Endurance’s partner companies
• 24/7 roadside assistance, including dispatch, towing, flat tire services, jump-starts, lockout services, and more
• Trip interruption coverage of $150 a day (maximum, not to exceed $450 total) if more than 100 miles away from home
• Endurance personal concierge, a live human who helps with everything from reservations and tickets to road emergencies

Endurance Claims Process

Endurance simplifies the warranty claims process by giving customers a single point of contact. Rather than dealing with the repair shop or other fulfillment companies, a customer can file a claim by following these five simple steps:

1. Take your vehicle to a licensed repair facility of your choice: Endurance considers licensed repair facilities to be any “for-profit entities recognized by the state, in the business of repairing motor vehicles.” The company doesn’t require policyholders to go to a specified location, as long as the shop meets these standards. 
2. Before agreeing to any repairs, it’s important to provide the repair facility with a copy of your Endurance contract and obtain authorization from Endurance for the claim. This is usually done by the service manager, but you can also call Endurance at 877-414-0134. 
3. Authorize the repair facility to perform any required vehicle tear-down and inspection to diagnose the issue.
4. Pay any applicable deductible to the licensed repair facility. Deductibles are the only agreed upon amount you have to pay for your claim. Endurance will take care of all other paperwork and payments made to the repair facility for the cost of any approved repair work.
5. Once repairs are complete, all documentation must be submitted to Endurance within 30 days (365 days in Wisconsin) to be eligible for payment. 

Endurance Warranty Reviews

With the company being in the extended warranty business for over a decade, there are many Endurance warranty reviews across the most popular rating sites. 

For the most part, Endurance has received positive reviews from customers. The company rates four stars (with over 500 reviews) on Trustpilot, and almost four stars (at just under 1,000 reviews) on Better Business Bureau (BBB), although it’s not BBB accredited. 

A few of the most recent reviews are below: 

“Endurance replaced my engine. They saved me $3,500 in repair costs. The only thing that was a bit frustrating was it took three weeks from the time I first took it to the mechanic to when the repair was approved.” – John O. (March 28, 2020), Trustpilot

“I purchased a plan a few years ago, so thought it would benefit me now that I needed some work done for parts listed under coverage. But since these are considered wear and tear and standalone parts, the claim will not be covered. I talked to an agent about upgrading to another more robust plan, but after reading what it covers, I believe it would be more of the same. So, I feel I just wasted money on this, which is upsetting.” – Henry Parker (Dec 3, 2019), Trustpilot

“Very helpful with any questions. Polite and professional! First time I have used this company and I am happy to note they have been quick to respond when I called them.” – Pamela Benton (March 13, 2020), BBB

“After a not-so-great experience with a different company, I have to say Endurance knocks it out of the park. My roadside assistance has come in handy so many times, that this service alone is well worth the price of the vehicle service contract!” – Alexis H. (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), Endurance

Endurance Warranty Costs

Like many other warranty providers, Endurance does not have a standard cost for each of its vehicle warranty plans. Instead, it describes the policies as containing many “moving parts” used to determine the cost of each individual’s extended car warranty. 

According to Endurance, these moving parts typically include the following: 

• Vehicle model and make
• Vehicle age 
• Vehicle’s total mileage
• Driver’s age
• Driving habits (How frequently do you drive? Which areas do you tend to drive and park in?)

Other factors that may be taken into account are desired coverage, length of the contract, and the chosen deductible. 

On average, an Endurance extended warranty plan costs $350–$700 per year. Its plan deductibles are usually $50 or $100 – there is no $0 deductible option, except in certain cases. 

In addition to its affordable rates, Endurance even offers to customize a specialized payment plan for its customers. As a direct provider, rather than a third-party, the company is able to develop its own plans and therefore find the best price to fit your budget.

Of course, the final rate differs from customer to customer. If you feel like Endurance could be the provider for you and are interested in seeing the available options, get a quote.

 

Best Direct Provider

Get Quote (877) 374-1840 The best option for a direct provider, meaning you work with their team throughout every step of the process.

Conclusion: Is Endurance a Good Extended Warranty Provider? 

Based on our research and Endurance warranty reviews, Endurance is a solid choice to protect your vehicle through the years. While the company is not BBB accredited and offers a relatively limited selection of plans, it’s definitely a provider to consider if one of its plans fits your needs. Endurance is a particularly good option to protect vehicles more advanced in age, as it covers cars up to 20 model years and 200,000 miles.

If you’d like to see more options, our team has also put together a list of other top extended warranty providers. These providers, including CARCHEX and autopom!, offer many other coverage plans and terms. As always, it’s best to reach out for a free quote and then make your choice based on all the available options.

Top Used Car Warranty Companies

We reviewed the top extended warranty providers, and here are our top picks. 

No. 1 Used Car Warranty Provider	Best Customer Service	Best Direct Provider	Most Popular
CARCHEX	autopom!	Endurance	CarShield
Get Quote	Get Quote	Get Quote	Get Quote
(866) 254-0205	(888) 691-2354	(877) 374-1840	(800) 563-2761

Original article: Comprehensive Endurance Warranty Reviews (2020)

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2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review: How Does This Plug-In Hybrid Stack Up?

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

In Our Opinion:

There will be some trade-offs with the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. For example, to account for the hybrid powertrain, the Outlander PHEV ditches the third row and spare tire. The increase in fuel economy drops the fun factor behind the wheel, as this variant isn't very engaging or energetic. However, the different drive modes will maximize charging and range in nearly every situation. And as a bonus, all-wheel drive is there for good measure.

Exterior Styling

72

Interior Layout

80

Driving Dynamics

70

Safety & Tech Features

87

Everyday Functionality

90

Pros

All-Wheel Drive

Range & Efficiency

5-Star Rating From NHTSA

Cons

No 3rd Row

No Spare Tire

Power Output

80

SUV shoppers looking for fuel economy should put the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) on their list. It comes with DC fast charging, 22 miles of electric-only propulsion, and over 70 combined MPGe. In addition, the Outlander PHEV has a generous list of advanced safety tech, a new upscale interior package, and mild off-road capabilities for those with active lifestyles.

This week, we drove the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT with all-wheen drive.

Mitsubishi Outlander: What’s New For 2020?

The Outlander SEL now has forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams as standard equipment. A second rear USB charging port is now available on SEL trims.

The eight-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio system comes with new graphics and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Features & Options: Comfort & Tech

Our 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT ($41,495) came standard with 18-inch alloy wheels; automatic headlights; fog lights; heated side mirrors; automatic wipers; power liftgate; keyless entry; and push-button start. On the inside, our test vehicle had leather upholstery; power-adjustable heated front seats; 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seats; dual-zone automatic climate control; and a rearview camera. 

Tech and connectivity features included three USB ports, and an eight-inch touchscreen display compatible with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Driver safety aids included forward collision alert with pedestrian detection; automatic emergency braking; lane departure warning; blind-spot monitoring; rear cross-traffic alert; and automatic high beams.

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Features & Options: Audio & Luxury

Our GT tester included a sunroof; heated steering wheel; multiview camera; dual AC power outlets (replacing the rear USB ports); adaptive cruise control; and an upgraded sound system. A new Mitsubishi Power Sound System replaces the previous Rockford-Fosgate audio unit on GT trims.

A new Premium Interior package ($400) is available for the GT. It added a diamond-quilted leather pattern to the seats, black instrument panel accents, and a black floor console to the inside of our 2020 Outlander PHEV. On the outside we had Pearl White paint ($395).

What Does The Outlander PHEV Cost?

Total MSRP, including destination, for our test vehicle: $43,600. By comparison, the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at $36,295.

Interior Highlights: Comfortable Yet Smaller

Stepping inside the Outlander PHEV reveals the new GT premium interior right away as the diamond-quilted pattern really stands out. The new leather-trimmed seats are comfortable and there’s plenty of soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. The PHEV-specific, four-spoke steering wheel features an EV mode button and a unique shifter on the center console. Five levels of regenerative braking can be selected by the driver at any time using the steering wheel paddle-shifters, which are easily within reach.

We made liberal use of the heated seats and steering wheel as temperatures dropped in the Denver area this week. Front and rear headroom and legroom are unaffected by the extra PHEV hardware in this model. However, the PHEV only has two rows of seats unlike the standard Outlander offering three rows.

Cargo room in the PHEV is affected with a higher rear deck, as cargo capacity behind the second row dips from 34.2 to 30.4 cubic feet. There’s also no temporary spare tire under the floor because the PHEV uses that space for the hybrid hardware, substituting a tire inflation kit instead.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Powertrain

The Outlander PHEV is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 117 horsepower. The engine is mated with two 60-kilowatt electric motors at each axle. These units supply power to all four wheels and give the Outlander PHEV a total system output of 190 horsepower. The front-mounted generator converts mechanical power to electricity and continuously charges the drive battery, while a Power Drive Unit helps to convert the electric power and send it to the front motor.

Electrical power is stored in a 12-kWh lithium-ion battery pack consisting of 80 cells configured in a series (total voltage of 300V). The battery is located in a dust-proof and waterproof casing beneath the passenger compartment sub-floor and between the front and rear axles. It does not intrude on the interior and passengers won’t know it’s there.

• Related: The Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer Concept has a cruising range of 434 miles.

What Is The Range of The Outlander PHEV?

The Outlander PHEV comes with enough battery-only power for an EPA-rated 22 miles, as long as you are on level terrain. It gets an EPA-estimated 74 MPGe and 25 gas-only mpg.

There are three ways to charge the plug-in hybrid system. You can use a 120-volt Level 1 backup cord which takes between eight and 13 hours to recharge. You can use the standard 240-volt Level 2 electric-vehicle charging equipment which takes about 3.5 hours; or you can use the 400-volt Level 3 CHAdeMO charging equipment which fills the battery to 80 percent in just 25 minutes.

Not to worry if you run the battery down to zero. The Outlander PHEV has electric motors at both ends, and uses regenerative braking in which both drive motors are temporarily reconfigured to use their magnetism to turn motion into electricity. So if you are traveling downhill, you’ll notice the battery gauge on the dash refilling as you drive.

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV on the open road.

Driving Dynamics: Solid But Lacks Energy

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is an undemanding crossover that’s mostly quiet, comfortable, and well-mannered on the open road. Be that as it may, it can seem a bit soft and detached from the driver. For example, the 2.0-liter engine, coupled with the single speed fixed reduction gear transmission, is designed for fuel economy. It won’t give you the engagement and thrill that other gasoline-only SUVs might.

We pushed the Outlander PHEV hard going up I-70 at 9,000 feet elevation, and it held its own while hauling two people. Add a full complement of kids and gear and it will struggle, however. If you drive in the city, which most families will, the Outlander PHEV will be just fine.

Even though the optional lane-departure warning is a bit annoying, it worked almost too well as we traveled the two-lane mountain roads. Our Outlander PHEV also came with a forward collision mitigation system that notifies the driver when they are following another vehicle too closely. If the driver fails to react, it automatically applies the brakes to reduce the severity of an impact.

Driving Dynamics: Benefits of All-Wheel Drive

Families who want the security of all-wheel-drive will benefit from Mitsubishi’s many years of rally racing where they perfected the system. The system, called S-AWC, sends the optimum torque split to each wheel when driving, even when just one tire is on ice. We were able to test it on a few snow-covered roads in the mountains, and we felt confident.

Should I Buy An Outlander PHEV?

If you need an affordable and efficient SUV, the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is worth considering. It’s an example of how you don’t need to enter the luxury market for plug-in hybrid technology and all-wheel drive capability. As far as all-wheel drive systems go, Mitsubishi has one of the best.

Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his firsthand reviews are archived on our test drives page. Follow Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy

Original article: 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review: How Does This Plug-In Hybrid Stack Up?

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Audi RS 3 Nardo Edition: Quick, Cool & Available (But Limited!)

The 2020 Audi RS 3 Nardo Edition is quick, cool, and available! Well, kinda available that is. Only 200 units will be produced for the U.S. market. While we imagine Nardo is a reference to the town in southern Italy, this special RS 3 is only for true blue enthusiasts.

“The standard RS fixed sport suspension allows for increased agility and enhanced cornering capabilities on and off the track,” reads a statement from Audi about the RS 3 Nardo Edition. “Building on the success of this model, RS 3 Nardo Edition delivers maximum performance for true automotive enthusiasts with a passion for driving.”

Audi RS 3 Nardo Edition: Styling & Design

We like the Nardo Gray paint and the Black Optic exterior trim. Both are contrasted nicely by the 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and oval exhaust outlets at the rear. The Singleframe grille with “quattro” script highlights, and the black Audi rings and badges are befitting for the RS 3 Nardo Edition.

2020 Audi RS 3 Nardo Edition. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.

Interior Treatments: Tech & Crescendo Red

Inside, drivers will find Audi’s virtual cockpit, MMI Navigation plus, and MMI touch with handwriting-recognition technology. The 12.3-inch display delivers vibrant color at 60 frames per second with an NVIDIA quad core processor. The standard Audi smartphone interface enables Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The inside is full of little touches, like the RS-embroidered floor mats and Alcantara knee pads with Crescendo Red stitching. That same Crescendo Red stitching appears on the air vents and seatbelts.

What Engine Does The Audi RS 3 Nardo Edition Have?

Under the hood is a 2.5-liter TFSI turbo engine. The inline-five plant, found in the “normal” 2020 RS 3, produces 394 horsepower and 354 lb-ft. of torque. However, Audi says the RS 3 Nardo Edition can reach an electronically-limited top speed of 174 mph, 19 mph higher than the standard RS 3. Audi also promises a more robust engine note, thanks to the Nardo Edition’s sport exhaust.

• Related: What you might pay to maintain a new Audi.

Hallmarks of the 2.5-liter TFSI turbo engine include a dual overhead cam, aluminum oil pump and crankcase, and a magnesium oil pan. Like the standard RS 3, the Nardo Edition’s engine is connected to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic and quattro all-wheel drive.

Pricing & Availability

The Audi RS 3 Nardo edition is now arriving at dealerships with an MSRP of $59,900 plus destination. Better move fast though. As we said before, Audi is only making 200 of them for the U.S. market.

The Automoblog staff covers automotive industry news, trends, and technology along with new vehicle releases. Automoblog is owned and operated by Gearhead Media LLC., based in Detroit, Michigan and Berlin, Germany.

Photo & Source: Audi of America, Inc.

Original article: Audi RS 3 Nardo Edition: Quick, Cool & Available (But Limited!)

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Here’s the new BMW R18, with specs, prices and more

It’s been ten months since BMW Motorrad threw the wraps off the Concept R18 prototype. Today we’re finally getting a clear look at the production cruiser, ending weeks of rampant speculation and spy shots.

The R18 plays on two levels. On one hand, it’s a bid from BMW to tackle the cruiser (ergo, the US) market. On the other, it’s a nod to the boxer motor’s heritage—even more so than the wildly popular R nineT.

The price for the showroom bike will be $17,495 (standard model) or $19,870 (upmarket ‘First Edition’) in the US, and €22,800 in Germany for the ‘First Edition’ only. So the cost of the R18 is on a par with much of Harley’s cruiser range, including the Low Rider S, FXDR and Fat Bob models—plus the Indian Chief.

As expected, the R18 looks good… apart from a few niggles. The images confirm a lot of what we’ve already pieced together from the extensive teaser campaign, and the customs from Custom Works Zon and Revival Cycles. Keen eyes will also spot a number of parts that were already on the two concept bikes that BMW themselves released.

When the first cruiser concept broke cover at the Concorso d’Eleganza last year, BMW design boss Edgar Heinrich cited the iconic 1936 R5 as the R18’s primary design inspiration. The connections are immediately clear; the general line of the frame, the shape of the 16-liter fuel tank, and the classic black paint with white striping. All point to the Bavarian marque’s history.

A closer look reveals some tasty details. The way the swing arm tubes loop around the final drive hub is a clear copy of the R5 design, and so is the exposed drive shaft. Even the valve covers mimic the basic form of those on the R5, as do the fishtail tips on the exhausts. And, just like back in the day, the roundels on the tank are screwed on rather than stuck on.

The 49 mm front forks are wrapped in period correct fork covers, while the rear shock is completely hidden within the frame architecture. The R18 gets spoked wheels too; 3.5 x 19” in the front, and 5.0 x 16” out back. The front brake setup features twin 300 mm discs, and there’s a single 300 mm disc at the rear.

Thanks to the sheer mass of the motor, the R18 is a physically large bike, with a wheelbase of 1,731 mm. At just over 68 inches, that’s almost two inches longer than the current Honda Gold Wing.

It’s porky too, with a curb weight of 750 pounds (345 kilos). Sure, it is a cruiser, but that wet weight figure is 51 pounds more than a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy… and that’s saying something. On the upside, it’s 18 pounds less than Indian claims for a fully fueled Chief Dark Horse.

The weight probably won’t deter hardcore cruiser fans or larger riders, and the engine itself is attractive. It’s the biggest boxer BMW have ever made, with a capacity of 1,802 cc. It’s also clearly tuned for cruising: at 91 hp (67 kW) it makes less power than the 110 hp (82 kW) R nineT.

The R18 mill makes over 50% more torque than the R nineT though, with 116 ft-lb peaking at 3,000 rpm. Most of that torque is available as a thick slab of grunt between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, making it comparable to the 109 ft-lb pumped out by the Fat Boy’s Milwaukee-Eight 107 and the 119 ft-lb of the Indian Chief.

The top speed is 112 mph (180 kph)—which suggests it’s electronically limited—and BMW is quoting a 0-62 mph figure of 4.8 seconds.

The air- and oil-cooled motor uses BMW’s modern four-valve design, but also has a throwback overhead valve drive with two camshafts per cylinder. The crankshaft has an additional bearing at the center, to help control vibration. It’s also worth noting that the motor, air box and six-speed transmission weigh 244 pounds (110.8 kilos) collectively.

BMW have crammed in a few useful rider aids too. ABS and switchable automatic stability control are standard, as are three flickable riding modes: Rain, Roll and Rock (groan). There’s also ‘MSR’—an electronically controlled anti-slip feature to prevent skids under heavy acceleration or over-enthusiastic downshifts. Heated grips and hill start assist will be available as optional extras, along with a reverse gear, driven by an electric motor.

But despite the tech, and aside from the decidedly modern-looking oil cooler, there are hardly any superfluous bits and pieces cluttering the layout. Having to meet regulations tends to ruin perfectly good concepts, but BMW have done an admirable job with the R18.

The side covers and extended rear fender are well executed, and we can even live with the chrome-covered air box intakes. But that bulbous fishtail exhaust, which has undoubtedly swollen to accommodate emissions control things, is borderline comical.

We also miss the lower headlight and narrower bars of the Concept R18, which have given way to a high, wide and mostly chrome arrangement. Admittedly, it looks like a comfortable setup for anyone looking for a cruiser, especially when paired with a relatively low 690 mm seat height.

But those specific riders might not get along with the BMW’s foot peg placement. With two big cylinder heads sticking out, fitting forward pegs is impossible. BMW say that the ‘laid back’ setup is optimized for comfort and control. But even though they’re technically correct, it could be a deal breaker for some customers.

Kudos to BMW for a neat cockpit though; there might be a lot of chrome, but all the wiring runs inside the handlebars, and even smaller parts like the handlebar clamps look great. The speedo’s a mostly analog affair, with a small digital display. And there’s LED lighting all around, with the rear turn signals double up as taillights, neatening things up more.

As with the R nineT, BMW are hoping customers will customize the R18. So they’ve made certain parts modular. The rear fender struts are removable, and the valve cover and engine breastplate can be swapped out without needing an oil change. And the hydraulic lines and handlebar wires are all plug and play.

There’s already an extensive catalog of bolt-on parts, including offerings from partners Roland Sands Design, Vance & Hines, and Mustang Seats. Some of the more whack options include ape hangers [above], and a bizarre front turn signal setup that resembles a mini handlebar, with LED signals in the shape of bar-end mirrors.

But there are also various handlebar and luggage options, and some slick machined parts. Plus there’s a 21” front wheel option, if that’s your thing.

One customized example [below] shows exposed forks, lower handlebars and a seat that’s a dead ringer for the vintage Denfeld unit. Along with a slim rear fender that hugs the wheel, and a side-mounted plate bracket, it’s a stunning example of the R18’s potential—and a step closer to the look of the R5.

BMW will be selling the R18 as a limited ‘First Edition’ initially (some markets will get a standard version too). It gets metallic paint, more chromed bits and extra trim. But it also comes with an owner’s box that includes period correct roundels with brass lettering, brass screws, a screwdriver and a pair of gloves for assembly.

We reckon that’s a nice touch—and there’s a book about BMW Motorrad’s 100-year history in there too.

Interview: Edgar Heinrich, BMW Motorrad Head of Design

In today’s regulated world, building a modern cruiser that’s also a homage to a legendary vintage bike is a challenging prospect. So we pitched a few burning questions at Edgar Heinrich [above] to get his take on the R18’s design.

Bike EXIF: Help clear this up for our readers: the R18 was 100% completed before you handed it over to CW Zon and Revival Cycles to customize, and before Unique Custom Cycles began work on the Concept R18 and Concept R18 /2, right?

Edgar Heinrich: “To develop an all-new bike, including a brand-new engine, takes more than four years. So when the four concept bikes were revealed, the series production bike was already on its way onto the production line.”

“The concepts were very important milestones: they helped prepare the storyline, and they provided indispensable feedback to the development team from potential customers. Most importantly was the fact that the overwhelmingly positive feedback gave us confidence and security in our quest of entering new territory.”

Was there room for the concept and custom bikes to have an impact on the final product, or was it pretty much locked down?

“The feedback was important and highly appreciated, but the basics had been cast in form long before the concept bikes became public.”

“We were curious as to how a big boxer would be perceived in the custom scene. CW ZON did an amazing job with the first custom—even beyond expectations by winning Best of Show at Mooneyes. So did Revival Cycles, by staging this monumental engine within a fragile-looking titanium frame. The customizers had free rein with their creations, and they couldn’t have done it any better!”

“Unique Custom Cycles played a significant role, as Ronna Norèn is a long-time friend and was there all along the R18’s development. He provided input and advice during the creation process, being a renowned specialist in the cruiser field. The Concept R18 was executed by UCC, yet designed by the BMW Motorrad design team in Munich.”

There are shades of the historic R5 here, but this is specifically designed as a bigger, more heavy-duty cruiser. Do you think that BMW’s classic style translates well into a cruiser style, or were there challenges here?

“It’s obvious that we dove into our history here. I think before the R nineT family, this legacy had been neglected. In the old days, there were no segments or such differentiators; there were only ‘naked bikes,’ as we would define them today.”

“We believe that a contemporary cruiser is about pure riding pleasure, about simplicity and reduction, and less about performance.”

“Hence, linking this with our legacy of the R5 from 1936 is obvious, restoring those clean and perfect proportions, visual purity, honest materials; but also interpreting this unique architecture with the transverse flat twin engine, clutch, gear box, and the shaft drive aligned with the bevel-gear final drive, resting in the double loop frame. As it used to be in previous times.”

“Altering one part would mean altering the whole concept. This set-up is unique, technically and visually absolutely beautiful, and it connects effortlessly with our heritage. My friend Ola [Stenegärdl used to say: ‘Today it is easy to make things complicated, but is very difficult to keep things simple.’ Spot on!”

Whenever a manufacturer releases such an impactful prototype, and then a production bike later, there are inevitably gripes about how the production model doesn’t look like the prototype…

“Very true! A concept’s nature is to elevate the character and emotion of the standard product. That’s a bit of a curse, too. The focus lies on finding the right balance between raising emotions and curiosity, yet not disappointing when unveiling the series production bike.”

“As for the R18, I think we were lucky, by having the main components already finished for production: engine, frame, swing arm, tank, etcetera. We just had to add custom fenders, forks, and other, smaller components—always being aware to preserve the basic character of the bike. But the core was all there.”

In general, what were your biggest design challenges?

“The biggest challenge was the clean look of the bike. But this is a general problem when developing a modern naked bike: how to avoid the clutter of wires, cables, sensors and black boxes on a possibly small bike without a big fairing?”

“In terms of homologation, you need all these electronics. Stripping down a modern bike is pretty scary; sometimes you hardly see the engine from the harness.”

“This super clean look of the engine was hard to achieve. Engineers design an engine from the inside out, which is the normal procedure if you need to achieve a state-of-the-art motor with all the emission, noise and performance requirements. But a high-tech, visually cluttered and potentially brutal looking engine was not something we had in mind.”

“Technically superior solutions might not always be the best choice—which is a sometimes hard to understand for a company most renowned for innovation and technology. It was an intense development process, sometimes it took tough decisions, there were arguments and controversy, but eventually the team of engineers and designers grew together during the process and learned from each other.”

We know that the exposed shaft-drive is a nod to BMW’s history, as are the screw-on badges. Are there any other details that you are particularly proud of?

“If you take a close look, you will spot many more details crafted with passion and emotion. The tank filler cap, the speedo gauge with beautiful detailing, the fluid reservoirs and hand controls, the brake calipers, the seat fixings, the fishtail… all these components are made for the R18 only. Function-wise, we could have taken these from the shelf—but we wanted more.”

“The screw-on badges are also kind of special. According to our corporate rules, we could not use the old-style letters and had to take the modern badge, but by screw-fixing we can offer the stylish heritage badge as an extra.”

“As for the open running shaft drive, we are very proud we achieved that super clean look. There were concerns if it would be possible at all, but eventually with dedication, hard work and extensive testing it turned into reality.”

BMW haven’t given us an exact date, but say the R18 will be available in Europe and the USA around autumn of this year.

The real question is, who is it for? Will it entice owners away from other cruiser brands, even though cruiser sales worldwide are suffering? Or will it fill a heritage-shaped hole in the hearts of existing BMW customers?

Only time will tell.

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