BMW announces M235i xDrive, 7 Series Exclusive among summer upgrades

Tue, 13 May 2014

Like any automaker worth its lug-nuts, BMW is constantly striving to improve its products. And so it has announced a series of upgrades for the summer – none of them revolutionary, but a couple of them notable.

For one, the Bavarian automaker has announced that is is offering xDrive traction on the M235i coupe, a model that has been available until now only in rear-drive configuration. The all-wheel drive version comes with the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six with 326 horsepower (320 in the US market) and eight-speed automatic transmission as the rear-drive version, but now channels that power to all four wheels for a 0-62 time quoted at 4.6 seconds – two little ticks quicker than the existing version. It's the first time that all-wheel drive is being offered on the 2 Series, and will also be fitted on the convertible – at least, that is, in Europe. We're waiting on confirmation of North American availability.

Among the other announcements is a special edition of BMW's flagship luxury sedan. The 7 Series Exclusive Edition upgrades with metallic paint, 19-inch V-spoke alloys, Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-trimmed instrument panel. Buyers will also be able to opt for the Merino fine grain leather and Alcantara roof lining from the BMW Individual catalog, and choose between any available engine or either wheelbase lengths.

BMW is also offering broader range of powertrain choices on a variety of models and new options in the BMW Individual catalog. Scope out the details in the press release below and the fresh images of the M235i and 7 Series Exclusive Edition in the galleries top and bottom.

BMW model upgrade measures from the summer of 2014.

New four-cylinder diesel engines strengthen the BMW 5 Series' efficiency lead – additional engine variants and BMW xDrive for the BMW 2 Series Coupe, the BMW 4 Series Convertible and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe – 8-speed Steptronic transmission with proactive drive system for the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 4 Series and BMW 5 Series – Radio Professional and navigation system Business with optimised functions for the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series and BMW 5 Series – Edition Exclusive for the BMW 7 Series – new BMW Individual features for the BMW M3, BMW M4 and BMW X5.

Munich. From the summer of 2014, the pleasure of driving and high-level efficiency can be experienced in a whole new dimension. BMW is extending its range of engines and is presenting a new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines for the BMW 5 Series and additional engine variants for the BMW 2 Series Coupe, the BMW 4 Series Convertible and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

On the BMW 518d and BMW 520d models, maximum output has been increased by 5 kW. This is combined with substantially reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Delivering 140 kW/190 hp, the BMW 520d Sedan in conjunction with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission returns an average fuel consumption of 4.1 – 4.5 litres/100 kilometres and a CO2 emission rating of 109 to 119 grams per kilometre and thus establishes new standards in the premium segment of the upper midrange class.

Intelligent four-wheel drive can now also be ordered as an option for the BMW 2 Series Coupe.
First of all, the BMW M Performance BMW M235i xDrive Coupe will give a starting signal for even more driving pleasure. In addition, this series' model range will be complemented by the BMW 228i Coupe.
As many as ten new model variants will be introduced to the BMW 4 Series. An additional petrol engine and three additional diesel engines will be available for the 4 Series Convertible. From the summer of 2014, two straight six-cylinder diesel engines will be on offer for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Moreover, two additional petrol engines can be combined with BMW xDrive.

The new generation of the radio Professional and the navigation system Business featured by the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series and BMW 5 Series models ensures additional comfort and driving pleasure. Furthermore, a fascinating innovation will find its way into the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 4 Series and BMW 5 Series. On vehicles equipped with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission and a navigation system, a proactive drive system identifies and takes into account the current route features when determining the ideal moment to change gears. Further innovative options available from the summer of 2014 include the Edition Exclusive for the premium BMW 7 Series sedans and a comprehensive extension of the selection of BMW Individual equipment features.

The pinnacle of efficiency in the upper midrange segment: The BMW 5 Series featuring new four-cylinder diesel engines.
Yet again, the BMW 5 Series will set the benchmark in efficiency in the upper midsize class in the summer of 2014. A new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology will premiere on the BMW 518d, the BMW 520d and the BMW 520d xDrive, which will be available as sedan and touring models. The 2.0-litre power units feature an aluminium crankcase with thermally joined liners for optimisation of internal friction coefficients, integrated balance shafts, a map-controlled oil pump, a highly efficient turbocharging system with variable intake geometry and Common Rail direct injection with solenoid injectors, whose maximum pressure has been increased to 2 000 bar. Furthermore, the diesel units, which are based on the BMW Group's new modular engine system, excel through optimised thermal dynamics of the basic engine and an extremely spontaneous response when using the Auto Start Stop function.

The entry models deliver a maximum output of 110 kW/150 hp (+5 kW/7 hp). This allows the BMW 518d Sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds (BMW 518d Touring: 9.1 seconds). Average fuel consumption according to the EU test cycle is a mere 4.3 to 4.7 litres/100 kilometres (BMW 518d Touring: 4.6 to 5.0 litres.) The CO2 emission rate is 114 to 124 grams (122 to 132 grams) per kilometre (values dependent on selected tyre format).

The launch of the new generation has an even stronger impact on the BMW 520d and the BMW 520d xDrive. Maximum output is up by 5 kW to 140 kW/190 hp. Maximum torque has been increased by 20 Nm to 400 Nm. This ensures that they can achieve dynamic acceleration from standing: the BMW 520d Sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, the BMW 520d Touring in 8.1 seconds. The figures for the four-wheel models are as follows: 7.9 seconds (Sedan) and 8.2 seconds (Touring). At the same time, consumption according to the EU test cycle has been dramatically reduced. Consumption is rated at 4.3 to 4.7 litres for the BMW 520d Sedan (CO2 emission: 114 – 124 g/km), 4.6 to 5.0 litres for the BMW 520d Touring (CO2 emission: 122 – 132 g/km), 4.7 to 5.1 litres for the BMW 520d xDrive Sedan (CO2 emission: 124 – 134 g/km) and 5.1 to 5.4 litres for the BMW 520d xDrive Touring (CO2 emission: 133 – 143 g/km). In conjunction with the 8-speed transmission, the BMW 520d Sedan returns an average fuel consumption to EU standard of 4.1 to 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres and a CO2 emission rating of 109 to 119 g/km. The figures for the new BMW 520d Touring with 8-speed transmission are 4.5 to 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres and 118 to 128 g/km (values dependent on selected tyre format).

Premiere for BMW xDrive in the BMW 2 Series. Launch of the
BMW M235i xDrive Coupe.
Superior sportiness in the compact segment will become even more attractive from the summer of 2014. The new BMW M235i xDrive Coupe consistently transfers the power generated by its 240 kW/326 hp straight six-cylinder engine to all four wheels according to each specific situation. The intelligent four-wheel drive system will be available for the first time in the BMW 2 Series Convertible. The BMW M235i xDrive Coupe, which features as standard an 8-speed Steptronic sport transmission, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. This model completes the sprint 0.2 seconds faster than the BMW M235i Coupe featuring traditional rear-wheel drive. Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 7.8 litres/100 kilometres. The CO2 rating is 182 grams per kilometre.

The second new addition to this model series is the BMW 228i Coupe, whose four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology delivers a maximum output of 180 kW/245 hp and peak torque of 350 Nm. This enables the driver to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 5.7 seconds. The average fuel consumption of the new BMW 228i Coupe stands at 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The corresponding CO2 emissions are 154 grams per kilometre (values per EU test cycle, dependent on the selected tyre format). In all, there is a selection of three petrol and three diesel engines available for the BMW 2 Series Coupe.

An even wider selection of engines for the BMW 4 Series Convertible.
The number of engines variants available for the BMW 4 Series Convertible will increase from five to nine by the summer of 2014. The BMW 420i Convertible will be on offer as the new entry model, whose 2.0-litre petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology mobilises a maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp and a peak torque of 270 Nm, facilitating acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds. The BMW 420i Coupe's average fuel consumption amounts to 6.6 to 6.8 litres/100 kilometres, CO2 emissions are 154 to 159 grams per kilometre (values per EU test cycle, dependent on the selected tyre format).

The 225 kW/306 hp straight six-cylinder petrol engine of the BMW 435i Convertible can be optionally combined with the four-wheel drive technology xDrive. Average fuel consumption of the BMW 435i xDrive Convertible is 7.9 to 8.1 litres/100 kilometres. The CO2 emission rating is 184 to 189 grams per kilometre (values per EU test cycle, dependent on selected tyre format).

Furthermore, three additional diesel engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology can be had for the open four-seater. The BMW 425d Convertible's 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine features multi-stage turbocharging and Common Rail direct injection, a technology which helps it achieve a maximum output of 160 kW/218 hp and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. The particularly favourable relation between sporting character and efficiency is reflected by an acceleration of 7.3 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, an average fuel consumption of 5.2 to 5.4 litres/100 kilometres and a CO2 emission rate of 138 to 142 grams per kilometre (values per EU test cycle, dependent on the selected tyre format).

From the summer of 2014, the straight six-cylinder diesel engines available for the BMW 4 Series Convertible will feature BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. On the BMW 430d Convertible, this engine technology incorporates a turbocharger with variable intake geometry and Common Rail direct injection with solenoid valve injectors. A maximum output of 190 kW/258 hp and a maximum torque of 560 Nm help the car, which is equipped as standard with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission, to accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The BMW 430d Convertible consumes 5.3 to 5.5 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres. CO2 emissions are rated at 139 to 144 grams per kilometre (values per EU test cycle, dependent on the selected tyre format).

The BMW 435d xDrive Convertible boasts even higher performance and presents itself with standard four-wheel drive. Multi-stage turbocharging and Common Rail direct injection with piezo injectors incorporated into the engine give it a maximum output of 230 kW/313 hp and a peak torque of 630 Nm. The 8-speed Steptronic transmission is also a standard feature on the BMW 435d xDrive Convertible, which takes a mere 5.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h. Average fuel consumption ranges from 5.7 to 5.9 litres/100 kilometres, with CO2 emission levels of between 151 and 155 grams per kilometre (figures according to the EU test cycle, dependent on the selected tyre format).

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe: Additional engines and further models with BMW xDrive.
With five additional model variants, diversity of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe range will be extended yet again. On four variants, engine power is transferred to all four wheels. These variants include the BMW 420i xDrive Gran Coupe with its 135 kW/184 hp four-cylinder petrol engine and the BMW 435i xDrive Gran Coupe featuring a 225 kW/306 hp straight six-cylinder petrol engine. The two new models sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.6 and 5.3 seconds, respectively. Average fuel consumption ranges from 6.9 to 7.1 litres (BMW 420i xDrive Gran Coupe) and from 8.3 to 8.5 litres/100 kilometres (BMW 435i xDrive Gran Coupe). The corresponding CO2 emission levels are between 161 and 164 grams per kilometre for the four-cylinder model and between 194 and 198 grams per kilometre for the six-cylinder model (values per EU test cycle, dependent on selected tyre format).

Side by side, the BMW 430d Gran Coupe and the BMW 430d xDrive Gran Coupe will also make their debut in the summer of 2014. The straight six-cylinder diesel engine developing 190 kW/258 hp, which is mated to the 8-speed Steptronic transmission on both models, enables the rear-wheel drive variant to accelerate from 0 to 100 km in 5.6 seconds. The BMW xDrive variant requires 5.3 seconds to accomplish this task. The consumption and CO2 values are equally impressive. The BMW 430d Gran Coupe returns a fuel consumption of 5.1 to 5.3 litres/100 kilometres and an emission rating of 134 to 138 grams per kilometre. The BMW 430d xDrive Gran Coupe keeps fuel consumption down to 5.3 to 5.5 litres/100 kilometres, which equates to CO2 emissions of 140 to 144 grams per kilometre (values according to the EU test cycle, dependent on the selected tyre format).

The most powerful straight six-cylinder diesel engine generating a maximum output of 230 kW/313 hp is mated as standard to four-wheel drive on the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. The BMW 435d xDrive Gran Coupe, which will also be introduced in the summer of 2014, has the 8-speed Steptronic transmission onboard and takes 4.8 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. Its sporting spirit goes hand-in-hand with an average fuel consumption of 5.6 to 5.7 litres/100 kilometres and a CO2 emission rating of 146 to 149 grams per kilometre (values according to the EU cycle, dependent on the selected tyre format). Thus customers of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe will have a choice of three petrol and four diesel engines. Six of these engine variants will be combined optionally or as standard with BMW xDrive.

A richer experience thanks to intelligent networking: 8-speed Steptronic transmission with proactive drive system.
From the summer of 2014, the new 8-speed Steptronic transmission with a proactive drive system will also be available for the models of the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 4 Series and BMW 5 Series. On vehicles equipped with a navigation system, the proactive drive system ensures that the moment to shift gears is precisely adapted to the prevailing driving situation even if the navigation system is not active. The Proactive Driving Assistant works in tandem with the navigation system and "sees" a bend or a roundabout ahead and takes into account turn-offs and motorway exits. If the vehicle is approaching a roundabout or a bend, the transmission automatically changes down to the most appropriate gear, making optimum use of the engine braking effect. Subsequently, the system again shifts to the optimal gear for accelerating out of the bend. Furthermore, unnecessary gearshifts and hunting between bends are avoided through intelligent interaction with the navigation system.

BMW X5: Optimised 8-speed Steptronic transmission.
Several variants of the new BMW X5 available from the summer of 2014 will feature as standard an optimised 8-speed Steptronic transmission. It excels through extremely precise transmission control, outstanding internal efficiency and a remarkably high degree of shifting dynamics. The driver of a BMW X5 equipped with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission will profit from more effective acceleration and a drop in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The BMW X5 models equipped with the optimised 8-speed Steptronic transmission will set new standards in performance and efficiency in their respective segments.

High-speed graphics, additional functions: The new generation of the navigation system Business and the radio Professional.
With enhanced functions and optimised performance, the latest generation of the radio Professional and the navigation system Business is raising comfort and driving pleasure to an even higher level. Both newly revised options will be introduced to the models of the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series and BMW 5 Series in the summer of 2014. Following the introduction of the new navigation system Business to the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 4 Series Coupe and the BMW 4 Series Convertible in the spring of 2014, the new generation of the radio Professional will also find its way to these models in the summer of 2014.
Both systems have a new control unit with boosted computing performance. Thus, for example, Bluetooth audio streaming will be available in the vehicle with the integration of mobile devices as well as additional BMW ConnectedDrive Services. The most significant innovation to the navigation system Business are the graphic images which now generate 10 times faster than before on the 16.5-inch control display. High-resolution maps, which now have 3D elements and animations, and an increased speed when calculating routes characterise the advancement made possible by the optimisation of the control unit technology. In conjunction with the ConnectedDrive Services option, the navigation system Business can be used in future for the Concierge Services, Real Time Traffic Information and Remote Services. In order to establish the necessary online connections in an optimum manner, the new system uses the 3G standard for mobile telephone networks.

Increased driving pleasure through an extended range of series equipment and additional functions.
Detail enhancements have been made to the series equipment of a multitude of models and the functionality of features that come as standard or are fitted as an option. From the summer of 2014, all model variants of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo will feature as standard the Dakota leather trim. The range of standard equipment on all models of the BMW 3 Series will include, among other features, the speed-sensitive steering assistance Servotronic and a rain sensor with automatic headlight control. A further optional feature on the BMW 3 Series Touring and the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is the Smart Opener, which automatically opens and now also closes the boot lid via gesture control – namely a foot movement underneath the rear bumper. The standard Driving Experience Control button will now be available for all models of the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series and BMW 4 Series, allowing the driver to adapt the vehicle to meet his or her needs. In SPORT mode, accelerator pedal progression and the characteristic map of the power steering can be adjusted independently from one another to meet personal preferences.

Stylish luxury: The BMW 7 Series Edition Exclusive.
Elegance, luxury and supreme driving pleasure characterise the fascinating style of the BMW 7 Series luxury sedans. This will be emphasised even more intensively by an attractive edition model.

The Edition Exclusive, which will be introduced in the summer of 2014, intensifies the driving experience through high-class and distinctively matched equipment options. This edition comprises metallic paintwork and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in V spoke design, which have been exclusively designed for the edition models, an enhanced version of the exclusive Nappa leather trim and an instrument panel finished in leather.

The optional BMW Individual all-leather trim Merino fine grain and the BMW Individual Alcantara roof lining, which can be had at an attractive price, are a perfect complement to the range of features included in the Edition Exclusive. The Edition Exclusive is available for the BMW 7 Series Sedan and the BMW 7 Series Sedan with extended wheelbase and can be combined with all engine variants.

New options in the BMW Individual product line.
The diversity of the BMW Individual portfolio will be extended yet again by additional options and new model-specific features. Particularly expressive exterior finishes, exclusive light-alloy wheels and premium equipment options for the interior offer possibilities of an individually tailored configuration that addresses the exclusive tastes of every owner. From the summer of 2014, four BMW Individual matt finishes will be offered for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, which are applied in a complex process requiring meticulous workmanship. With their brilliant shimmer, the BMW Individual exterior paints Frozen Grey metallic, Frozen Brilliant White metallic, Frozen Bronze metallic and Frozen Cashmere Silver metallic ensure particularly intensive accentuation of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe's flowing lines.

The BMW M3 and BMW M4 can be ordered in Azurite Black metallic, Pyrite Brown metallic, Tansanite Blue metallic and Moonstone metallic. The exterior colours' special pigments contribute to a fascinating interplay of hues that results in extraordinary brilliance, intensity and depth. The BMW M3 Sedan can be delivered with the BMW Individual leather trim Merino fine grain or the BMW Individual leather trim with contrasting colour stitching in Shakir Orange, Blue, Yellow or Silverstone finishes and a leather-covered BMW Individual instrument panel.

Additional BMW Individual options will also be available for the new BMW X5 from the summer of 2014. These include the two new BMW Individual exterior colours Pearl Silver metallic and Azurite Black metallic, three additional upholstery colours for the BMW Individual fine-grain Merino leather trim and the BMW Individual Ash Volcano Brown fine-wood trim. In addition, the steering wheel can be specified in leather with a fine-wood insert (corresponding to the BMW Individual fine-wood trim) from the summer of 2014. All options for the interior of the Sports Activity Vehicle excel through exclusive materials, top-class craftsmanship and a standalone design.

At a glance: The new BMW models introduced in the summer of 2014
BMW 2 Series Coupe	Output (kW/hp)	Fuel consumption in the EU cycle (l/100 km)	CO2 emission (g/km)
BMW 228i Coupe	180/245	6.3 – 6.6	148 – 154
BMW M235i xDrive Coupe	240/326	7.8	182

BMW 4 Series Convertible	Output (kW/hp)	Fuel consumption in the EU cycle (l/100 km)	CO2 emission (g/km)
BMW 420i Convertible	135/184	6.6 – 6.8	154 – 159
BMW 435i xDrive Convertible	225/306	7.9 – 8.1	184 – 189
BMW 425d Convertible	160/218	5.2 – 5.4	138 – 142
BMW 430d Convertible	190/258	5.3 – 5.5	139 – 144
BMW 435d xDrive Convertible	230/313	5.7 – 5.9	151 – 155

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe	Output (kW/hp)	Fuel consumption in the EU cycle (l/100 km)	CO2 emission (g/km)
BMW 420i xDrive Gran Coupe	135/184	6.9 – 7.1	161 – 164
BMW 435i xDrive Gran Coupe	225/306	8.3 – 8.5	194 – 198
BMW 430d Gran Coupe	190/258	5.1 – 5.3	134 – 138
BMW 430d xDrive Gran Coupe	190/258	5.3 – 5.5	140 – 144
BMW 435d xDrive Gran Coupe	230/313	5.6 – 5.7	146 – 149

BMW 5 Series Sedan	Output (kW/hp)	Fuel consumption in the EU cycle (l/100 km)	CO2 emission (g/km)
BMW 518d Sedan:	110/150	4.3 – 4.7	114 – 124
BMW 520d Sedan	140/190	4.1 – 4.7	109 – 124
BMW M520d xDrive Sedan	140/190	4.7 – 5.1	124 – 134

BMW 5 Series Touring	Output (kW/hp)	Fuel consumption in the EU cycle (l/100 km)	CO2 emission (g/km)
BMW 518d Touring	110/150	4.6 – 5.0	122 – 132
BMW 520d Touring	140/190	4.5 – 5.0	118 – 132
BMW 520d xDrive Touring	140/190	5.1 – 5.4	133 – 143

BMW X5 with optimised 8-speed Steptronic transmission
BMW X5	Output (kW/hp)	Fuel consumption in the EU cycle (l/100 km)	CO2 emission (g/km)
BMW X5 xDrive30d	190/258	5.9 – 6.0	156 – 158
BMW X5 xDrive40d	230/313	6.0 – 6.0	157 – 159
BMW X5 xDrive50i	330/450	9.6 – 9.7	224 – 226
BMW X5 xDriveM50d	280/381	6.6	173

By Noah Joseph