BMW's new product rampage

BMW is not walking away from its performance brand, but 2016 is shaping up as the year of the fuel sippers for the prestige brand in Australia.

If 2015 was all about updated M performance models, this year will see an X5 hybrid, a 3 Series plug-in and an update for the i3, says Marc Werner, CEO for BMW Australia. It's all in line with the company's "future-oriented" outlook, Werner told local journalists during an extensive product-related media programme yesterday.

"We will debut our new range of alternative-fuel vehicles – our Hybrid X5 eDrive40e and 3 Series eDrive330e – will arrive in the second quarter of this year.

"And in the second half of this year, we hope to introduce an update to the BMW i3.

"Our hybrids and our pure electric vehicles signal the real expansion in this area for the BMW Group in Australia. We have been very active in supporting a sustainable approach to personal transport, and as a group we will continue to do so.

But performance fans need not fret. The M2 is on the way. Currently two examples are here for testing, Werner says, and they've already been outed in social media. Also in the works for Australia is the M4 GTS.

"They are a halo for the brand and have already generated a lot of interest," Werner said of the two performance coupes.

In addition, Werner also mentioned, Australia is "definitely getting" the M3 and M4 competition pack, "arriving towards the second half".

Technophiles should also appreciate model updates introducing advanced new features – particularly for the 7 Series flagship.

"750i and 750Li – the first ever BMW vehicles in Australia with laser headlights – will arrive in April," Werner said.

"Later in the year, God and the Australian Design Rules willing, we'll see the first ever BMW with remote parking..."

BMW will roll out updates for the broader 2 Series and 4 Series ranges in the second half of this year, Werner also revealed.

Available immediately are new variants or updated variants of 3 Series, X1, X3 and X4. Filling out the bottom of the 3 Series range is the three-cylinder 318i, and the updated 320i. The three-cylinder entry-level model develops 100kW/220Nm for a 0-100km/h time of 9.1 seconds and uses fuel at the rate of 5.4L/100km. Replacing the 316i in the range, the new model is priced at $54,900 and in addition to new 'LCI' features across the range, the 318i rides on a larger-diameter wheel than the 316i did. Pricing is $1100 more than the 316i, but offers $1700 better value.

The 320i features an updated engine, but while fuel consumption is reduced to 5.8L/100km, power and torque figures remain 135kW and 270Nm respectively.

BMW has announced the front-wheel drive variants of the X1 SUV in two different drivetrain variants, the petrol X1 sDrive20i and the diesel X1 sDrive18d, are officially on sale. The diesel is the cheaper of the two, at $49,500, and the petrol model is priced at $51,600.

An upgraded X3 range is here too, gaining the sports innovations package at no extra cost for all variants. The added equipment includes M Sport package with 19-inch alloy wheels, Comfort Access, Dakota leather upholstery, Surround View 360 degree cameras and Professional Navigation.

Also on deck in local BMW dealerships is the X4 xDrive35d (pictured) – a high-performance diesel variant that replaces the previous 30d variant that has been available in the range since launch. Priced at $89,900 – $5700 than the 30d – the new variant offers $9000 of added features, according to BMW, including a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, 20-inch alloys, Comfort Access, ConnectedDrive Freedom and Internet. Powered by a six-cylinder engine displacing 3.0 litres, the X4 xDrive35d produces 230kW and 630Nm for a 0-100km/h time of 5.2 seconds.

On the MINI front, the brand's MINI Convertible is due here in the second quarter, and there is a reasonable prospect it will be joined by JCW variants, but according to Werner BMW "will have to await final confirmation for that vehicle".