What's the news?
Well, we said both of these things when we brought you news of the latest BMW X4 a few months back, and now they have come to pass: first of all, there's a new M Performance model in the X3 range, where it joins the pre-existing M40i; and secondly, the X4 itself has gained a new six-cylinder diesel engine, to follow up on the launch variants.
Starting with the X3, it borrows the same M40d badging as its X4 cousin, as it uses the twin-turbo derivation of BMW's modular six-cylinder turbodiesel unit. That means 326hp and 680Nm (the torque available from just 1,750rpm), all while returning best eco-stats of 6.4 litres/100km (44.1mpg) and 169g/km of CO2. The X3 M40d is claimed to be capable of 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds and will most likely run on to the 250km/h maximum, making it only ever-so-marginally slower than the 360hp petrol M40i.
Moving to the X4, the xDrive30d model has been confirmed, making it the second inline six-cylinder turbodiesel in the coupe SUV's family after the M40d variant. It has a single-turbo derv motor, delivering 265hp and 620Nm of torque - enough for a 5.8-second 0-100km/h time, without compromising the X4's green credentials, as it can return up to 5.8 litres/100km (48.7mpg) and emit as little as 153g/km of CO2. Both the X3 M40d and the X4 xDrive30d use xDrive all-wheel drive and an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
Anything else?
BMW is enacting a lot of changes throughout its fleet as part of a summer revamp of its products. For instance, the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission will become standard-fit on many more models than it is already, such as the 120i (three- and five-door), the M140i twins (yes, the manual option has gone...), eight different models of the outgoing 3 Series (including Gran Turismo and Touring variants), six versions of the 4 Series (Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible all included) and also the 520d in both Saloon and Touring formats.
Further, there's a new special model of the 1 Series, called the Edition Metropolitan, that adds in extra comfort and safety kit to all variants bar the M140i. New paint finishes are added to the 5 Series and 6 Series Gran Turismo family, with Frozen Dark Silver metallic added to the Five Saloon and Touring palette, while the same colour and Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic are both available on the storming M5 derivative. The 7 Series gets new BMW Individual compositions for exterior and interior finishes, the i8 Roadster can be fitted with an optional aerodynamics package that chucks on a front splitter and a rear lip spoiler, and inductive charging is now possible for the 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid, which means no more cables for plugging in to the mains - instead, you can recharge the BMW's lithium-ion battery pack by means of a 'car pad' and a 'ground pad' that come as part of the kit, the latter capable of being installed on the floor of a garage or similar.