BMW has announced plans to refresh its range for model year 2017, including the introduction of a BMW iPerformance range of Plug-in Hybrid models, engine upgrades to BMW 1 and 2 Series, improved connectivity, plus new equipment and personalisation options.
New BMW iPerformance range
Technology from the BMW i range will be introduced into mainstream models, cutting fuel consumption and lowering emissions.
Electric motors, high-performance lithium-ion batteries and intelligent energy management systems will be taken from the all-electric i3 and plug-in hybrid i8 and put into all iPerformance models.
The existing BMW 225xe Active Tourer, BMW 330e saloon and BMW X5 xDrive40e will be joined by new BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive saloons.
The latter will use a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and synchronised electric motor to deliver 322bhp and should be capable of covering up to 29 miles on electric power alone. CO2 emissions are between 49 and 56g/km and fuel consumption is from 113 to 134.5mpg – attractive to company car drivers looking for lower BIK taxes or for city commutes.
On-the-road prices for the BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive will start from £68,330 and £74,880 and will be available in Exclusive or M Sport trim.
Engine updates for 1 and 2 Series
Both cars will use a new 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, aimed at increasing power and lowering running costs.
Now standard on the 125i is the eight-speed Sport Automatic gearbox, while the 228i Coupé and Convertible have now been replaced by the 230i.
Here are the new numbers at a glance:
| Model | Bhp | Nm of torque (overboost) | 0-62mph | Combined mpg (auto) | CO2 emissions (auto) |
| 120i | 181 | 270 (290) | 7.1 | 47.1 (48.7) | 138 (133) |
| 125i | 221 | 310 | 6.1 | 47.9 | 134 |
| 200i | 181 | 270 (290) | 7.1 (7.2) | 47.1 (48.7) | 138 (133) |
| 230i | 249 | 350 | 5.8 (5.6) | 44.1 (47.9) | 147 (134) |
Superior connectivity for additional six model ranges
The latest iDrive interface and enhanced connectivity series will now be available in the BMW 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, X5 and X6.
This update is incorporated into the BMW Professional media system, has an increase in RAM and allows for more efficient menu navigation around key sections of the interface.
Users will also be able to wirelessly integrate iDrive with third party applications from compatible mobile devices, making it easier to keep up-to-date on the move.
Added convenience can also be enjoyed with the Enhanced Bluetooth option, which now includes wireless charging, WiFi Hotspot preparation and an additional USB socket. wireless charging is offered as standard on all BMW 6 Series and 7 Series models as well as the M3, M4, X5M and X6M.
Improvements have also been made to part of BMW Online Entertainment with the new Connected Music feature, which introduces the option of recognising a track, artist or album when listening to it on the radio. It’s then possible to search for or stream other music by the same artist or music of the same genre.
New equipment and personalisation options
Model year 2017 will see a number of minor changes and new options for personalisation and equipment including:
- New upholstery options on BMW 3 and 4 Series models
- Rear seat entertainment improvements with increased screen sizes with higher resolution, BluRay compatibility and HDMI inputs
- An M Sport version of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer Plug-in-Hybrid will be introduced at £34,405 OTR before Government Plug-in Car grant
- Revised colour options for several models
- BMW Individual leather steering wheel will become standard on all BMW 3 and 4 Series Luxury models
- New Exclusive trim level available for 7 Series models with Executive Lounge seating and Executive Lounge package available on long-wheelbase versions
- 7 Series Executive package, now named Premium package, includes Climate Comfort laminated windows and windscreen
- M Sport Plus package available on various models including the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the X5 and the BMW X6, including Harman/Kardon stereo and sun protection glass, 20-inch alloy wheels on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and 20-inch alloy wheels on the BMW X5 and BMW X6. The pack also includes Head-up Display and a Speed-limit display for both the BMW X5 and BMW X6
