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NEWS
BMW announces expanded model ranges for Oz
Product portfolio to offer greater choice with enhanced equipment and new drivetrain systemsUpdate, January 15: Simon Chiarelli, Product Communications Manager at BMW Australia, advises that Australia will not be taking the 214d Active Tourer, the 220d xDrive Coupe, the 316d, the 418d or the 5 Series Edition Sport package. However, the 2 Series Coupe and convertible will be available with the restyled alloy wheels and updated satellite navigation. The upgraded 2.0-litre diesel engine for the 420d will be introduced, and the M4 will come with Merino leather upholstery in the new matt colour range and black with contrasting stitch.
BMW is rolling out a comprehensive update of its various model ranges with effect from the northern hemisphere spring.
The new production year, commencing from March, will have some impact on locally-delivered models expected to start arriving a month or two later.
Not all the changes – many of which relate to new variants – will reach Australia. BMW is yet to announce which new variants and options will arrive here, but some cars like the 214d Active Tourer and the all-wheel drive 220d xDrive seem unlikely.
In short, BMW's product planning in a global context can be summed up by new entry-level diesel engines for the 2 Series Active Tourer (the 214d already mentioned) and for 3 Series Sedan/Touring and 4 Series Coupe. These new variants will be 316d (sedan and Touring) and 418d (coupe). BMW is also releasing 218i (three-cylinder) variants of the rear-drive two-door 2 Series, in both coupe and convertible form – the convertible (pictured) yet to be launched in Australia at this point in time.
The three-cylinder engine for the two-door 2 Series range is rated at 100kW and 220Nm. Assuming the cars reach Australia at all, they'll likely be specified as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In this form, 0-100km/h acceleration takes 8.9 seconds and (NEDC combined-cycle) fuel consumption should be no worse than 5.5L/100km/h for the coupe and 5.8L/100km for the convertible.
An all-wheel drive (xDrive) system for the 220d coupe is an unlikely starter for Australia, but in other markets it will be offered with standard eight-speed auto for fuel consumption of no worse than 4.7L/100km.
A stronger chance for Australia, the 2 Series Coupe will be available for the first time with Advantage, Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport lines, providing the buyer a higher degree of customisation. Buyers will also be able to option the 2 Series coupe with the up-to-date navigation system Professional, with upgraded display screen. New (2015) models will be identifiable by redesigned alloy wheels.
Additionally, BMW will introduce a 5 Series Edition Sport and new BMW Individual options for the M3 sedan, M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible. Plus, the standard equipment for the i8 plug-in sports car is expanded with the Pure Impulse Experience programme.
For the 214d Active Tourer – which would be a new base model for the local Active Tourer range if it comes here – BMW has specified a new three-cylinder diesel engine, developing 70kW and 220Nm. Acceleration is a leisurely 12.9 seconds for 0-100km/h according to the manufacturer. Official average fuel consumption would be around 3.8 or 3.9L/100km.
Active Tourer models will be offered with a new Travel Pack, which will comprise longitudinal rear seat adjustment, roof rails, tables attached to the backrests of driver seat and front-seat passenger seat as well as a luggage compartment net.
A new 2.0-litre diesel is installed under the bonnet of the 316d in sedan and Touring form. This engine produces 85kW and 270Nm, for 0-100km/h acceleration of 10.6 seconds with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption figures should be no worse, officially than 4.3L/100km for the sedan and 4.6L/100km for the wagon.
For the 418d Coupe, the 2.0-litre diesel generates 110kW and 320Nm for a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.6 seconds with either six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. This car, which is a reasonable prospect for the Australian market, will likely be offered as standard with the automatic, leaving the manual a no-charge option. Fuel consumption will be around 4.4L/100km for the automatic variant.
Existing 420d variants will enjoy a performance hike from the 2.0-litre diesel engine fitted, bumping up power to 140kW and torque to 400Nm. The updated 420d coupe (auto) knocks over 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds and uses fuel at the rate of roughly 4.5L/100km. Updated and new 4 Series variants are distinguished by revised exhaust pipes.
The 5 Series also gains this upgraded diesel in the 520d. Peak power and torque figures are common to the 4 Series variants, but fuel consumption for the 520d is around 4.9L/100km for the sedan, or 4.8L/100km for the Touring wagon.
BMW Australia seems more committed to the Edition Sport 'supplement' for the 5 Series sedan and wagon. Available for all variants excluding M550d, Edition Sport provides leather-bound sports steering wheel, LED fog lights, High Gloss Shadow Line trim and 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels.
For 2015 the 5 Series range will offer two new colours, Mediterranean Blue metallic and Mineral Grey metallic. The 5 Series Gran Turismo will be available in another new colour, Kashmir Silver metallic.
Individual options for the M3 and M4 models will expand, with new matt colours consisting of Frozen Black metallic, Frozen Silver metallic, Frozen Red metallic and Frozen Brilliant White metallic.
Fine grain Merino leather upholstery for the M4 Coupe will be offered in the following colours: Opal White, Amaro Brown, Golden Brown, Cohiba Brown and Nutmeg. Additionally, the Merino leather can be specified in black with a contrasting seam in Sakhir Orange, Yellow, Blue or Silverstone. BMW will offer the M4 with a matching leather instrument panel as well.
For the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, the 2015 model year changes mean an extended standard equipment list and new 'interior design options'. The new interior colour scheme comprises Carpo Carum Grey with light Carum Grey and BMW i Blue accenting for the seatbelt straps and stitching for the seats and floor mats. A new metallic finish – 'Amido' – is applied to the surfaces of the instrument panel, centre console and doors. New options for the i8 include a leather engine cover and black brake callipers.
A new lifestyle program that BMW has named 'Pure Impulse Experience' provides i8 owners with 'culture, design, travel and gastronomy' experiences.
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