BMW introduced a slew of new models last night including the X2 xDrive25e as well as the facelifted 5-Series and 6-Series GT.
However, those models were just the tip of the iceberg as the company also announced a slew of other changes.
Starting under the hood, BMW will add mild hybrid technology to an assortment of vehicles this summer. The system will become standard on 37 variants (though not all of these will be available outside of Europe) including versions of the 3-, 5-, 6- and 7-Series. There will also be new mild hybrid versions of the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7.
Also Read: 2021 BMW 6-Series GT Gets A Mild Facelift, But Falls Victim To SUVs In The UK
All will feature a 48-volt starter generator and an additional battery. Besides helping to improve fuel efficiency, the system can deliver an extra 11 hp (8 kW / 11 PS) when accelerating.
Speaking of powertrains, BMW will install a new generation of 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesels in an assortment of models. They feature the aforementioned 48-volt mild hybrid system, optimized turbochargers and upgraded fuel injectors.
In 30d models – including the 730d, 730d xDrive, 730Ld, 730Ld xDrive, X3 xDrive30d, X4 xDrive30d, X5 xDrive30d and X6 xDrive30d – the engine produces 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. This is an increase of 21 hp (15 kW / 21 PS) and 22 lb-ft (30 Nm).
In 40d models – including the 740d xDrive, 740Ld xDrive, X3 M40d, X4 M40d, X7 xDrive40d – the engine produces 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. In the 740d xDrive, it cuts the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time by 0.2 seconds to five seconds flat.
The 2-Series Gran Coupe lineup will expand in July as the sedan will gain an entry-level 218d variant. It features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 8.6 seconds when equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission. Opting for the optional eight-speed automatic drops the time to 8.5 seconds.
Customers looking for more power can get the new 220d xDrive Gran Coupe. It has 187 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. Thanks to all-wheel drive and a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) takes 7.3 seconds.
Sticking with powertrains, plug-in hybrid models will get a new eDrive Zone function. It will automatically switch the vehicle to EV mode when it enters low-emission zones which are found in approximately 80 cities throughout Europe.
The 3-Series will receive a handful of tech updates including BMW Operating System 7. The model’s standard BMW Live Cockpit also boasts a redesigned instrument cluster with a 5.1-inch display. The 3-Series also gains newly optional M sports seats and a new Phytonic Blue metallic exterior.
On the topic of technology, the company’s Driving Assistant Professional system has been enhanced in the 3-, 5-, 6- and 8-Series as well as the X5, X6, X7, M5 and M8. It gains a new Active Navigation Guidance function which “indicates lane changes that are necessary … to continue driving along the selected route when destination guidance is active. The driver can then carry out this operation conveniently with the aid of the lane change assistant.”
The system also gains a new Emergency Lane Assistant function which “automatically guides the vehicle to the ideal edge of its lane in congested situations on motorways.” Furthermore, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go gains an adaptive distance control function which adapts to environmental conditions and the traffic situation.
BMW’s Speed Limit Info system is also getting smarter as it will now account for speed limits that only come into force during certain times or days of the week.
More importantly, BMW is finally embracing Android Auto. It will be supported on “numerous” models this summer and allow easy access to Google Maps and Google Assistant.
Rounding out the key updates are new exterior colors for a handful of models and an optimized Integral Active Steering system for the 7- and 8-Series.
