What's the news?
BMW is going to launch a range of new engines, models and transmissions over the summer across its whole product portfolio, including diesel engines that are a bit more powerful and cleaner, gearboxes that shift ratios according to what the satnav tells them, and an all-wheel drive version of one of its performance greats.
To try and précis what is a lengthy list of new tech flooding the road car offerings, the headlines are: new four-cylinder diesel engines that add power to the 518d and 520d while simultaneously improving economy and emissions; new engines and the option of xDrive all-wheel drive on the 2 Series Coupé, 4 Series Convertible and 4 Series Gran Coupé; an eight-speed Steptronic auto with proactive drive system (otherwise known as satnav-derived optimal gear selection) for every range from 1 to 5 Series, while the X5 gets an optimised eight-speed transmission all of its own; enhanced functions for the Business navigation and Professional radio systems in the 1, 2 and 5 Series; an Edition Exclusive version of the 7 Series; and new Individual features for the M3, M4 and X5. Phew!
One of the juiciest little gems within a huge document from BMW is an xDrive version of the storming M235i. Using the same 326hp twin-turbo straight-six and with an eight-speed Steptronic sport auto as standard, the weight penalty of the xDrive system is offset by the extra traction to nip 0.2 seconds off the rear-wheel drive car's 0-62mph time, clocking the benchmark sprint at just 4.6 seconds. It does have an effect on emissions and economy, though, the xDrive M235i returning 36.2mpg and 182g/km CO2, compared to the regular model's 37.2mpg and 176g/km. However, quell your faint hopes - the four-wheel drive M235i won't make it to our shores, more's the pity.
Also announced is a new model for the 2 Series range, the four-cylinder turbocharged 228i. This offers 245hp and 350Nm, allowing the 228i to hit 62mph from rest in 5.7 seconds, with 42.8mpg capability and emissions of just 154g/km. So there's plenty of performance choice in the 2 Series range already, even before anyone's mentioned a full-blown M2 in years to come...
Meanwhile, the 7 Series Edition Exclusive, to be introduced in summer, comes with metallic paint, 19-inch light alloy V-spoke wheels, an enhanced version of the exclusive Nappa leather and an instrument panel also finished in leather. You can opt for all-leather Merino fine grain trim instead and the BMW Individual Alcantara headlining as extras, and the EE specification is available on all engine and wheelbase variants of the Seven.
Anything else?
The Individual range of unusual colours inside and out is growing, with the 4 Series and X5 benefiting from some new hues. But of chief interest here are some fresh paintjobs for the two new M twins. Either M3 or M4 can be ordered in Azurite Black metallic, Pyrite Brown metallic, Tansanite Blue metallic or Moonstone metallic. The M3, meanwhile, also gets some further interior choices, including Merino fine grain or Individual leather trim, the latter featuring contrasting stitching in Sakhir Orange, Blue, Yellow or Silverstone finishes, and a leather-covered BMW Individual instrument panel.
Matt Robinson - 13 May 2014