BMW updates model ranges for 2017

BMW has announced a range of upgrades across its existing model range, including tweaks to certain trim levels, new engines and some name changes for the 2017 model year.

New BMW M140i and BMW M240i

In line with the facelifted BMW 3 Series, BMW has made some changes to the engine range of the 1 Series hatchback and 2 Series coupe and convertible. The performance-orientated M135i and M235i will be replaced by the M140i and M240i, both powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine producing 335bhp.

When equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, these models feature a rev-matching function that blips the throttle when you change down a gear, making for smoother changes. Cars with BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission – called Sport Automatic – come with launch control, like the faster BMW M2 coupe.

Both the M140i and M240i are faster than the versions they replace. The M140i hatchback and M240i coupe go from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, three tenths faster than the outgoing equivalents, while the M240i convertible will do the same in 4.7 seconds.

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Despite the performance upgrades, CO2 emissions have been reduced and fuel economy improved. Fitted with a manual gearbox, the M140i and M240i are claimed to capable of 36.2mpg, while the automatic’s figure is 39.7mpg. The M240i convertible should return 34mpg in manual form and 38.2mpg as an automatic. CO2 emissions here are 189g/km and 169g/km for the manual and automatic respectively.

Currently, the M135i starts from just over £32,000, but the M140i is set to cost from £31,875, while the M240i will cost from £35,090 for the coupe and £38,535 for the drop-top.

Elsewhere in the 1 Series and 2 Series ranges, a new 2.0-litre engine is being fitted to the 20i, 25i and 30i models, with increased power and improved fuel-economy and emissions figures. The 230i model replaces the 228i.

New BMW 7 Series PHEV

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A plug-in hybrid version of the latest BMW 7 Series luxury saloon will also join BMW’s growing ‘iPerformance’ range. The BMW 225xe Active Tourer, 330e and X5 xDrive40e are already in the hybrid line-up, but the 740e and 740Le saloon joins with 322bhp and claimed fuel economy of 141.2mpg for the standard-wheelbase model. In the long-wheelbase version, this drops to 128.4mpg, while both can drive for 30 miles on electric power alone. The car is also exempt from road tax and the London Congestion Charge thanks to CO2 emissions of 45-51g/km.

You can also now get the BMW 225xe Active Tourer in sporty M Sport trim, priced at £34,405 before any contributions from the Government.

More equipment and options across the range

There are also some equipment upgrades across various models in the BMW range, including some iDrive infotainment updates, the ability to charge your mobile phone wirelessly, a new music app and some more trim choices for certain models.