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Borgward, once a luxurious and innovative automobile manufacturer, has emerged from the sinking again. Thanks to Christian Borgward, grandson of company founder Carl FW Borgward and Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer Foton, Borgward is returning to the German scene. Borgwards have been commercially available in China since last year. We can currently get used to the top version BX7 TS Limited Edition. It impresses with standard equipment and many extras. The "TS Limited Edition" model was specially designed for the European market and is limited to a low three-digit number in Germany. Borgward focuses on the high-demand SUV market. To offer a leggy German-Chinese counterpart makes sense, even if the established competition ala Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-5, Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5 and Co. may seem intimidating.
Borgward relies on cooperation
The Stuttgart-based company is making an unusual start when the brand is re-launched: the vehicle will initially only be available for purchase online. In addition, there is the rental car giant Sixt as a sales partner, who brings the customer their vehicle to the front door. Borgward enters into another partnership with the ATU workshop chain. A clever move because ATU has a 577 station network nationwide and Borgward customers benefit from relatively low prices. Furthermore, there will be eight technical competence centers, in which more complex work, such as the replacement of a transmission, can be carried out, as well as 30 other special service stations.
Borgward wants to wake memories
Above all, the borgwards are supposed to be "remarkable". Well, you can notice in different ways. Particularly striking is the love of the rhombus pattern, whether in the radiator grille, as a formulator of the individual elements of the daytime running lights or in the interior lining of the doors - the attentive beholder they sting again and again. In general, you have tried to revive many design elements of the old days in the new BX7 TS LE. So he also has the typical high side lines, the legends like Isabella or Hansa 1800 should call to mind.
The interior looks well sorted and well processed. Above all, the many mocha-colored leather flatters the viewer. Only the plastic center console and the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel tarnish the optically pretty overall impression. The space and feeling of space is very appealing. Even taller passengers will find sufficient leg and headroom in the rear to comfortably survive even longer journeys. However, the low payload of only 387 kg could limit the travel range and number of passengers. At 545 liters, the trunk volume is on par with the competition. Typical SUV - the Borgward also has the high loading sill.
The eye-catcher in the interior is the 12,3 inch large touchscreen. The infotainment system with the name Carl, based on the company founder, can be operated quite intuitively, but takes a little time until the desired command is processed. The same applies to the built-in TomTom Navi, which thanks to speed camera detector will certainly save one or the other driver from expensive souvenir photos. Also on board are an Internet connection, IOS Carplay and Android Auto. An 360-grade camera system, panoramic glass roof, xenon headlamps, 18 Zoll-Alus and a driver assistance package with blind spot and fatigue warning are also included in the full range. A distance control or emergency brake assistant, however, you are looking in vain.
The limited version of the BX7 TS is only available in Germany as petrol engine. Diesel and hybrid technology are completely out at Borgward. In order to be prepared for the future, all models offered are to be powered by a gasoline combustion engine or an electric motor. Speaking of the future, currently has the aggregate of the BX7 TS the exhaust emission standard 6b, but from the fall of the BX7 is to succeed and then 6d compliant.
It depends on the inner values
The intelligent torque-on-demand all-wheel drive distributes the 224 horses and 300 NM of the BX7 TS to all four wheels if necessary. The average consumption ex works is estimated at 8,9 liters per 100 km. In the test we came to around 12 liters. It is not really clear to us whether the difference is solely due to the mountainous Stuttgart hinterland.
The engine makes a solid impression, but tends to growl at higher speeds and seems a bit sluggish now and then. That may also be due to the six-speed torque converter automatic, which calls for a commemorative second as a tribute every time you shift. The two-liter unit transports the 1,8 tons in 9,4 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h. If you persistently remain on the accelerator, the end of the feed at 208 km / h is reached. Generally, however, the entire vehicle balks against a sporty driving style. The brakes have an unusually long brake pedal travel. Especially in the Stuttgart city traffic, this caused surprises during our test drive. The steering impresses with a smoothness par excellence. The steering wheel can be turned with only one finger. What is great and helpful in the city and when parking, but on the highway is a hindrance. Similar to the steering, the suspension is also designed for comfort. As a passenger in a BX7 TS Limited Edition you only scurry across every bump. A little teetering here and there is included. Since we would have liked a somewhat tighter attitude, which gives the pilot more feedback about the currently traveled underground, optionally also like via electronic damper control.
A lot of money for little special
This package is available for purchase at Borgward for 44.200 Euro. For this sum, the Stuttgart provide an SUV of the C segment: designed in Germany, made in China. Whether that can convince the average SUV buyer, remains to be seen. Borgward will find it difficult to sell a premium product. The competitors are very strong and offer vehicles with today's usual features such as a lane departure warning system, trailer hitch and, for example, a fast infotainment system.
The question remains how distinctive the new Borgward is now. Its features, whether external or internal, do not necessarily indicate a specific brand identity, nor does it have unique selling propositions that set it apart from the crowd. That leaves the prestigious name. Whether this provides for willing willingness to buy, will show in the next few months.
All photos: Manufacturer