Either to stay in front or within contention, BMW updates its production models twice a year. We’re not talking about full facelifts (or LCI in BMW speak) here, but minor, often unannounced refreshers to keep them at the forefront of the industry. Mid way through 2013, BMW has introduced a wide scale model upgrades that will come into effect as early as this summer (late June).
The first and most significant update is the fulfilment of EU6 classification standard for all series. The latest and strictest exhaust emission regulation takes charge in September 2014 and BMW is certainly ready for its implementation.
Most models with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology will conform to EU6 standard by summer 2013. All BMW M models, six-cylinder versions of the Z4 roadster and most diesel vehicles equipped with BMW BluePerformance technology (currently an option in European markets) will also achieve EU6 classification by the start of 2014.
On the drivetrain front, new four-wheel drive BMW 118d xDrive and 318d xDrive Sedan and Touring models are introduced with a 143 hp four-cylinder diesel engine. Exclusive to the F30 3 Series sedan will be a new range-topping 335d xDrive model with a 313 hp straight six-cylinder diesel motor.
Moreover, the eight-speed sports automatic transmission available for the BMW 1, 3 and 6 Series will be complemented by the new Launch Control function. Previously only offered on BMW M automobiles, this feature permits acceleration with optimised traction from a standstill. For the flagship 7 Series, an optional leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles will now be available.
Also part of the updates is the new sailing function of the gearbox under the ECO PRO mode. At speeds of between 50 and 160 km/h, the drivetrain is disconnected as soon as the accelerator pedal is lifted to achieve optimum fuel efficiency.
Fitted with the optional Professional navigation system, a new anticipation assistant system informs the driver to slow down when approaching bends for better fuel efficiency. For the first time, BMW EfficientDynamics and BMW ConnectedDrive technologies will be networked with each other.
In the upgraded range of BMW ConnectedDrive features, options Driving Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus now filter down for the 7 Series into lower models. The Lane Change Warning assistant now works from lower speeds, while the Head-Up Display now shows additional customisable information.
Lastly, the BMW 6 and 7 Series get the new generation BMW Night Vision that now recognises animals as well as pedestrians. If detected, Dynamic Light Spot would direct the light beam onto the recognised persons or animals, thus drawing the driver’s attention to possible hazards in good time.
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Wow! Bila intro “launch control” into 3 series? But all these come into price increase! And now we MIGHT AS WELL forget cheap cars my dear Malaysian fellow man. Now major newspaper & politicians play racial issue pulak.
BMW is a pariah company in Malaysia. Instead of coming out with thrashy model upgrades, just upgrade your warranty to 5 years. Mercedes is already giving 4 years. Honda, Ford, Hyundai and many others are giving 5 years. Only BMW Malaysia is giving 2 years. This is because they have no confidence in their products and are very sure that after 2 years, some major fault will appear and they are trying to escape from repairing it for free ie under warranty
Will the sailing feature on the 8 speed be available through a TCU update? Plus the new HUD will be available to existing models from an update to iDrive?
Impressive but maintenance is gonna be much more expensive especially when the electronic parts are replaced.
I don’t understand why the 7 series needs a sports steering wheel. Lol.
In many other parts of the world people buy the 7-series especially the short wheelbase version and actually drive their cars instead of having chauffeurs so the sports steering sometimes makes sense :D
that navigation thing will alert you when there is a bend coming..wow! wonder it what form these alerts are. bonking sound? blinking red LED?
imagine this, you are driving at night, approaching a bend, hey hey, i’m in a beemer, lets see what rwd balance 50-50 can do. then suddenly this bend alert comes in, lane departure warning blinking, nightvision things detects whatever objects in front, shifting your focus from that perfect racing line. collision mitigation system? this one got also? potong stim…
joke aside, i’m sure all these can be enable/disable at your preference. but i still think all these driver’s aid reduce one’s driving skill. point, how many driver nowadays unable to park properly without reverse sensor? i have few names already
unfortunately.. “real drivers” make up less than 5% of the buying public.. there are already cars that sidepark for you. Technology seems to be headed towards the autonomous car.. and who knows.. in 60-70 years time.. actually “driving” a car might be considered too dangerous(you being a danger to others) and illegal in the future..
Side track a bit, I was told by a BMW sales rep that BMW now offers 3 years warranty and free service and if I want to extend the warranty to 5 years I need to top up RM10k. Anyone else got this offer?
A lots of interesting features. But when come into Msia…..probably only CBU model or higher range model will equipped it but at “scary” price.