BMW has announced an assortment of updates for the
fall including the launch of a mild-hybrid system in the 5-Series. Starting there, the 520d sedan
and wagon will come equipped with a 48V starter-generator and a second battery.
The starter-generator allows the engine to be completely shut off during
coasting and this helps to reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.3 L/100km.
Furthermore, the starter-generator can act as an
electric motor and this adds an “extra dose of dynamism when accelerating under
full throttle.” Speaking of the 5-Series, the M550d xDrive Sedan and Touring will now
come equipped with BMW Laserlights. The high-tech headlights have a high-beam
range of up to 650 meters.
Moving on, the M135i xDrive will be offered with a
new M Performance package. It features a high-gloss black grille as well as
mirror caps and exhaust tips with a black painted finish. The option also
deletes the standard storage package and adds special 18‑inch lightweight alloy wheels. The latter changes reduce the car’s
weight by approximately 10 km and this helps to improve the 0-100 km/h time by a tenth of a second.
The 8-Series Gran Coupe might be new, but it’s
already getting some updates. In particular, the M850i xDrive and models
equipped with the M Sport package will be offered with a new carbon fiber roof.
Customers will also have the option of ordering new carbon fiber interior trim.
On the crossover side, the X5, X6 and X7 will gain
an assortment of BMW Individual options in December. These include BMW
Individual paint and 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels. Inside, customers can order an Alcantara
headliner, piano black trim and full Merino leather.
The X6 also gains new options such as Ash Grain
Brown or Fineline Stripe trim. There’s also new paint colors, carbon fiber
exterior accents – a rear spoiler and mirror cars – and a load compartment
package that includes “sliding rails, non-slip rails and retaining nets.”
Furthermore, the X5 and X6 gain an enhanced Driving
Assistant Professional system which now includes Lane Change Assistant. The X5
xDrive30d and X5 xDrive40i will also be offered with an Adaptive M Suspension
Professional group which adds active roll stabilization, integral active
steering and an M Sport differential.
