BMW has revealed an M Sport version of the X1 along with a new, four-cylinder turbocharged engine, the new 318i Coupé and prices for the 6 Series Convertible.
Following the M Sport treatment for the X3 BMW has done the same for its smallest X model, the X1. The package includes 17-inch star-spoke alloy wheels, high-gloss 'Shadowline' window surrounds and a sports interior. Prices start at £26,615 for the X1 18d and BMW has also announced that the
X3 M Sport will cost from £33,830.
An important new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine was part of the latest announcements from the company. With 242bhp and 258lb.ft it has more power and torque than the company's smaller six-cylinder engines. The new power unit is also said to be smaller and lighter than the sixes. BMW claims that 35.7mpg is possible with CO
2 emissions of 186g/km - although it doesn't say in which car. Expect to see the new motor in BMW models from the autumn.
Before then BMW will install another 2.0-litre engine in the 3 Series Coupé. The 141bhp unit slots in below the existing 320i with the designation 318i. A 0-62mph time of 9.1 seconds is claimed, along with combined cycle fuel consumption of 44.8mpg and 146g/km CO
2 emissions. The emissions figures place the car in VED band F, costing £125 at present, and it is expected to prove popular with company car drivers. The 318i Coupé costs from £26,995 and goes on sale in March.
The BMW 6 Series Convertible will also go on sale in March. Prices have been announced with the 640i SE starting at £65,680 and the 650i SE from £73,430.
Finally BMW is celebrating six consecutive years of winning What Car? magazine's Compact Executive Car award. Versions of the 3 Series received top honours in the respective price categories with the 320d SE taking the overall prize. In the 'Best Open-top Car' category the Z4 sDrive23i was placed at the top of its class for the second year running.
John Lambert - 24 Jan 2011