What's the news?
BMW has announced a raft of updates to a number of models for 2015 as part of its continued model cycle improvements. Both the BMW 2 Series and 2 Series Convertible will be offered with a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, similar to that in the latest MINI, which will produce 136hp and 220Nm. For those not keen on doing their own gear shifts it will also be available with the choice of an eight-speed automatic transmission. If you'd rather a diesel-powered 2 Series Coupé, the 220d, which has a 190hp four-cylinder engine, will be available with xDrive, BMW's all-wheel drive system, from March onwards.
The 2 Series range will also get new alloy wheels added to the options list and the latest 'Professional' navigation system will be made available, which features an 8.8-inch display. A new sport indicator, which provides real-time information on the engine's performance and torque, is now also available.
A new entry-level diesel engine is being introduced to the 2 Series Active Tourer. The 95hp three-cylinder engine will generate 220Nm of torque that will see the 214d Active Tourer, as it will be badged, complete a 0-100km/h run in 12.9 seconds. More importantly, the new diesel engine will offer emissions of 99g/km and a fuel consumption figure of 3.8 litres/100km.
Both the 316d Saloon and Touring models will benefit from a new 2.0-litre diesel engine, which gains a modest 10Nm of torque while also managing lower fuel consumption. Similarly, new engines have also been introduced into the 4 Series Coupé and 4 Series Gran Coupé. The entry-level 418d will be the fifth diesel engine to be offered in the 4 Series range and will produce 150hp and a respectable 320Nm of torque. Depending on tyre size, it can fall into tax Band A3 thanks to its lower emissions. The performance trade-off won't be too bad either with BMW claiming that it can still hit 100km/h from rest in 8.6 seconds with either the manual six-speed or eight-speed automatic transmissions. Slightly more powerful versions of the 420d Coupé and Gran coupe will also come on stream thanks to a revised diesel engine.
A new BMW 5 Series Edition Sport will go on sale in March and will be available in both Saloon and Touring body styles. The new specification will feature leather-upholstered sports seats and steering wheel, LED fog lamps, 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels and the High Gloss Shadow Line from the BMW Individual range. BMW is also introducing new exterior colour option of Mediterranean Blue metallic and Mineral Grey metallic on Saloon and Touring models while the 5 Series Gran Turismo will be available in Kashmir Silver metallic.
Performance fans will be able to choose from a host of new exterior hues for the M3 Saloon, M4 Coupé and M4 Convertible, all of which will feature a "matt de luxe shimmer". Frozen Black, Frozen Silver, Frozen Red and Frozen Brilliant White are metallic paints that are applied in such a way as to give a distinctive finish.
Anything else?
Even the stunning BMW i8 is getting a slight update for 2015. An extended range of design options for the interior will be offered as standard whilst the Pure Impulse Experience programme will now be included in the range of features available to order with the plug-in hybrid sports car. This is made up of lifestyle products in the areas of culture, design, travel and gastronomy, which BMW feels are closely aligned with the i brand and are aimed at enhancing the overall ownership experience of the i8.
Note that all of the above information has been provided for the German market and may change when the cars arrive in Ireland.