Constant updates, upgrades and additions is the name of the game and BMW is one of its best players around with the Bavarian carmaker announcing a multitude of news for its 2014 range, some of which concern its European portfolio and others its global lineup.
Beginning from spring 2014 and right after the market launch of the 2-Series Coupe, BMW will extend the range with two diesel variants, the 218d Coupe and 225d Coupe, both of which are powered by a 2.0-liter turbo diesel producing 141hp (143PS) in the former and 215hp (218PS) in the latter.
The 218d Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 8.9 seconds (automatic transmission: 8.6 seconds) and returns a combined fuel consumption of as low as 4.2l/100km (54.7 mpg US or 65.7 mpg UK). The 225d does the same in 6.3 seconds and delivers an average fuel economy of 4.7l/100km (50 mpg US or 60.1 mpg UK).
Moving on to the 3-Series and the Gran Turismo, there’s a new 330d version with a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six rated for 255hp (258PS) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) hooked up to a standard eight-speed Steptronic transmission. It can be ordered with xDrive (BMW’s all-wheel drive system), while BMW says it hits 100km/h (62mph) from standstill in 5.7 seconds (xDrive in 5.4 seconds), and consumes as low as 5.1l/100km (equal to 46.1 mpg US or 55.4 mpg UK) on average.
A second new model for the 3-Series Gran Turismo range is the 335d xDrive, with the six-cylinder diesel producing 309hp (313PS) for a 0-100km/h (62mph) in 4.9 seconds and delivering an average fuel economy of as low as 5.6l/100km (42mpg US or 50.4 mpg UK).
In addition, BMW will offer a new innovation package for all 3-Series models. It includes Xenon headlights, adaptive cornering lights, the BMW Head-Up Display, the High-Beam Assistant and Speed Limit Info including No Passing Indicator.
Next up is the 4-Series, with the Coupe gaining a fourth diesel engine in the guise of the 425d with a 215hp (218PS) 2.0-liter inline four (0-100km/h in 6.7 sec with a manual and 6.5 sec with the 8sp auto), and a new all-wheel drive version, the 430d xDrive with a 255hp (258PS) 3.0-liter turbo diesel (0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds) paired exclusively to an 8-speed automatic.
For the first time, the 4-Series Convertible will be offered with an all-wheel drive variant, the 428i xDrive. The 242hp (245PS) hardtop convertible is available only with an 8-speed automatic and goes from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.5 seconds, while delivering a combined economy of as low as 7.0l/100km (33.6 mpg US or 40.4 mpg UK).
From spring 2014, BMW will also open its Individual program to all prospective owners of the 4-Series, offering special exterior paints, wheels and trims.
Rounding out the rest of the changes to the range, all BMW cars with the exception of the X6 will come equipped with a new standard tire pressure indicator for each individual wheel, and upgraded navigation and audio systems, while a Driving Assistant system will be incorporated in the X5, and M sports exhaust system will come as standard on the 650i Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe models.
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