They've clearly been burning the midnight oil over in Munich: on the back of this weekend's reveal of the new 1 Series three-door, M135i and
3 Series Touring
come a whole plethora of updates and new model introductions across the range.
Hands free boot opening soon to be standard
Some are more dismissible than others. A new 520d variant for the
5 Series GT
doesn't make it any less sinfully ugly. A 102hp 114i doesn't stand a chance of rousing interest compared to the three times more powerful M135i. Euro 6-compliant X3? Worthy but dull.
However, hidden in this lot are some intriguing new options coming soon. Does diesel terrify you, for example? Well, BMW will launch a 320i EfficientDynamics model in November, with a 170hp 2.0-litre turbo that combines 54.3mpg with 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds. In your face, derv lovers!
The M Sport variant comes to the 3 Series in July: sounds like a mere trim line but, when you see it, you'll know you want it. Even November's 316i isn't the turgid sloth-fest it sounds: packing a 136hp 1.6-litre from the 1 Series, it hits 62mph in 8.9 seconds and, thanks to the light weight of the engine, could well prove even purer and more agile than today's acclaimed 3 Series variants.
M Sport package coming on 3 Series
The big news is the launch of xDrive in the 3 Series range - the first 'regular' BMW to offer four-wheel drive in the UK for a long while. xDrive is intelligent four-wheel drive, bringing a permanently-variable front-to-rear torque split, and its appearance in the 3 Series adds an interesting new dimension. BMW's dipping its toe in with a cooking 320i xDrive model, but a 320d xDrive is under development and, if we take to it, 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive could follow.
What else? BMW now offers a contrast hard top for the Z4, in black or silver metallic. Kicking the 5 Series in the bum now opens the boot lid (and all cars get an electric lid from July). There's a 1,200-Watt Bang & Olufsen stereo option for the 5er too (complete with the Floating Design speakers that so wowed us last week in the 6 Series Gran Coupe). Love the digital multi-configurable dials of the current Range Rover and Jaguar XJ? They're coming to the BMW 5 Series now too. The setup menu will keep you occupied for weeks.
Contrasting roof option now on Z4
One car we'd love to see remains absent, though. Come on. BMW, when are you bringing us a new 335d, packing the 313hp unit from the 640d? With the new addition of xDrive, that could make the ultimate modern Q-car. Fingers crossed they're busy making such a thing right now...
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