BMW in Germany has announced a raft of model revisions, led by the arrival of a new X3 M40d derivative.
The fresh X3 M40d uses the brand’s familiar 3,0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine to generate 240 kW and 680 N.m, enough to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 4,9 seconds. The Munich-based automaker says the newcomer, which employs an eight-speed automatic transmission, will sip at about 6,5 L/100 km.
Of course, this very powertrain debuted in the latest X4 range, which itself will gain a second inline-six oil-burner in the form of the X4 xDrive30d. This variant consumes around 6,0 L/100 km, developing 195 kW and 620 N.m and sprinting from standstill to three figures in a claimed 5,8 seconds.
BMW furthermore announced that there will be an increase in the number of models in the 1 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series and 5 Series ranges that are fitted as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, essentially spelling the end for a number of manual derivatives.
The new 1 Series Edition Metropolitan, which gains standard equipment features that are “specifically designed to enhance comfort and driving pleasure in urban traffic”, will also be added to the range. The additions include Business navigation, park distance control (sensors fore and aft), a reversing camera, parking assistant, road sign detection, speed limit info, comfort access and an instrument cluster with extended features.
Meanwhile, new paint finishes and interior design features will be offered for the 5 Series and 6 Series Gran Turismo, with the fresh-faced i8 Roadster gaining the option of an aerodynamics package comprising a dual-section front splitter and a rear spoiler lip.
BMW is also set to officially launch its wireless charging pad (starting as an option on the 530e iPerformance), while all petrol and plug-in hybrid models produced from July 2018 will be fitted as standard with a petrol engine particulate filter and thus comply with the latest emissions regulations in Europe.
Of course, how many of these changes will reach South Africa (and when) has yet to be determined…
