While the recent Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) update to the BMW 3 Series was fairly mild (from a stylistic perspective), the most pertinent change is in the cabin where the model has gained the BMW Curved Display with the latest iDrive 8 operating system which made its debut in the all-electric BMW i3 sedan earlier this year. The Curved Display combines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster with a larger 14.9 infotainment screen, both housed in a single curved display.
It’s unsurprising then that BMW has announced that this latest technology will trickle down to other ranges, most notably starting with the new BMW 2 Series Coupe. BMW says the system will be fitted as standard as of July 2022 and this invariably implies that the forthcoming M2 will also feature this latest technology.
But that’s not all, BMW has also announced that the 2 Series Coupe will gain a new 218i entry-level derivative that’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine that offers 115 kW and 250 Nm of torque and is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 218i will slot in below the 220i which we tested recently.
Also, performance enthusiasts will also be treated to a rear-wheel-drive M240i that will stand alongside the current range-topping M240i XDrive. It will employ the same 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder engine found in its all-wheel-drive sibling with 275 kW on offer as well as an 8-speed sport automatic transmission and M differential to lay the power down to the rear wheels. The sprint from zero to 100 kph is claimed in 4.7 seconds. Steering wheel mounted shift paddles will also be fitted as standard on all 4-cylinders 2 Series models.
BMW’s Curved Display has also been confirmed for the M3 sedan as of July 2022 while new optional equipment to be offered includes an Innovation Package,wireless charging tray, Personal eSim, M trim in Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite and a Sensatec finish for the instrument panel as well as a new Frozen Pure Grey metallic body colour.
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe range will expand with 2 new derivatives including a 275 kW, 6-cylinder, rear-wheel drive M440i Gran Coupe as well as a new 6-cylinder, diesel-powered 430d xDrive Gran Coupe with 210 kW and 650 Nm.
A wide range of additional optional equipment and packages will also be added across most of BMW’s model range including the BMW 5 Series, 6 Series Gran Turismo, X5 and X6 and also the Z4.
Local availability of these widespread updates has yet to be confirmed and communicated by BMW South Africa but we will keep you updated as soon as region-specific information becomes available.
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