Spring is nearly two months away, but that hasn’t stopped BMW from announcing a handful of product updates.
While this year’s spring update is relatively small, the M4 and 4-Series will become the latest models to feature a Curved Display. It consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment system running BMW Operating System 8.
The 4-Series lineup also receives steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a new gear selector, and standard Shadowline side window trim. The M4, on the other hand, can be equipped with a Sensatec-wrapped instrument panel as well as an M graphic on the hood and trunk of the Coupe. M4 and 4-Series customers will also find a new Aluminum Rhombicle anthracite trim option.
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Elsewhere in the lineup, the BMW 7-Series gains additional individualization options inside and out. Starting with the latter, there’s a new BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue option as well as a two-tone option featuring BMW Individual paint.
Inside, customers will find an M Merino leather interior with elements in Taupe Grey/Night Blue and Caramel/Atlas Grey. They can also opt for BMW Individual Merino leather/cashmere wool with elements in Black/Grey.
The X7 will be offered with newly available crystal headlights with Iconic Glow. These debuted on the 7-Series and feature Swarovski crystals for a “particularly vibrant presence.” Customers will also find an expanded Shadowline exterior that now includes black accents out back.
7-Series, X7 and iX models equipped with the Parking Assistant Professional system can be controlled from an iPhone this spring. The company says this is useful when parking in tight spaces as owners can pull up to the spot, exit the vehicle, and then use their phone to park.
Speaking of the iX, it features a “further developed” predictive heat management system for the battery pack. It appears to incorporate some tech from the i7 and BMW said owners will be able to manually initiate pre-warming for optimized charging at DC fast chargers.
Sticking with EVs, models that support 22 kW AC charging – including the iX, i7 xDrive60, and iX1 xDrive30 – will come with a new mode 3 charging cable Professional. The company says it increases both efficiency and speed when charging.
BMW is also showing Android owners some love as phones with ultra-wideband technology will support automatic unlocking when approaching the vehicle. Shared keys can also be “activated more easily inside the car.”
Lastly, BMW announced Operating System 9 will arrive later this year. As part of an initial pilot, the OS will be found on X1 models in the United Kingdom starting in the second quarter. OS 9 “opens the door to an extended range of apps, optimized touch control and more frequent updates,” and BMW said additional “compact-class models will follow suit in other countries over the course of 2023.”
