Major changes for the BMW model lineup in Australia from July.
Headlining the new additions are the high-performance BMW M135i and a new entry-level 114i. The M135i features xDrive all-wheel-drive (now also available for the 120d).
The BMW 114i is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 75kW/180Nm and fuel consumption as low as 5.5l/100kms.
Of course the show-stopper for the 1 Series is the M135i, developed by the legendary M Performance division. Power comes from a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 235kW/450Nm, driving through a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission and delivering zero to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds.
BMW xDrive is also available with three petrol engine variants of the 3 Series sedan and, in a few months, in the 320d. Also arriving for the 3 Series is the 330d – the Australian debut of BMW’s straight-six diesel engine – plus the 320i EfficientDynamics Edition.
Later in the year, BMW will add to the 3 Series lineup again with the launch of a new entry-level 316i model. Under the bonnet will be a four-cylinder engine delivering 100kW and driving through a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.
And here’s the good news for BMW 3 Series buyers – from July the M Sport Package arrives. Included in the goodies are aerodynamic enhancements, uprated brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels and the usual interior and exterior M Sport equipment.
BMW 6 Series scores extra technology highlighted by ‘Speed Limit Info’ and ‘No Passing Info’ systems.
The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo adds a new model, the 520d, plus new, more powerful engines for the 530d and 550i as well as electronic power steering, Driving Experience Control with ECO PRO and optional Active Protection, plus BMW Parking Assistant.
BMW says the 520d Gran Turismo boasts 135kW/380 Nm from its 2.0-litre diesel engine. This translates into zero to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds and combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.3l/100kms.
On the options list is technology to upgrade the BMW Gran Turismo 530d, 330d sedan and X3 xDrive 20d to EU6 emissions standard.
For the BMW 5 Series, look for model-specific changes including a new multifunction instrument display with Enhanced Black Panel technology and a 10.25-inch screen all of which is easily programmable. Also included as options on the BMW 5 Series are a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and remote ‘touchless’ boot operation.
The BMW Z4 gets optional contrasting colours for the roof – black non-metallic or ‘Titan Silver’ metallic.
And, from August, the BMW X3 gains extra options including a sports leather steering wheel with shift paddles, an M sports leather steering wheel also with shift paddles and BluePerformance technology for the X3 20d.
