BMW’s Herbst 2024 Model Refresh: Neue Motorvarianten, M Technik Pakete und Elektrifizierte Dynamik

BMW Announces Model Upgrade Plans for Autumn 2024

Expanded Engine Options for New 1 Series, 5 Series/i5 Touring, and More

BMW has a long-standing practice of implementing minor revisions or additions across various model series in the spring and autumn of each year. Essentially, these are updates that don't quite qualify as a full model refresh, internally referred to as LCI.

BMW 1 Series: New Entry-Level Model Offers Second Version with All-Wheel Drive

Starting November 2024, the BMW 116 will offer a more economical way to experience premium driving pleasure in the compact class. This addition introduces a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine to the BMW 1 Series lineup.

The maximum output of 90 kW/122 hp and a peak torque of 230 Nm are standardly transmitted to the front wheels via a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with dual-clutch. The new BMW 116 can accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds. What's the cost in Germany? Starting from 32,900 euros.

Photo Gallery: BMW's Model Update Measures for Autumn 2024

Additionally, the lineup will be expanded to include a new all-wheel drive option. The latest BMW 123 xDrive will feature an electrified four-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, capable of delivering a combined output of 160 kW/218 hp – provided by the gasoline engine with up to 150 kW/204 hp and the built-in electric motor with up to 14 kW/19 hp.

The immediate response of the electric motor is especially noticeable during initial acceleration and mid-range acceleration bursts, aiding the new 123 xDrive in achieving a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of just 6.3 seconds. The starting price for this model is set at 43,900 euros.

Starting in November 2024, an exclusive M Technology Package will be available for the new BMW M135 xDrive. This package includes additional structural reinforcements and lightweight construction measures, as well as unique suspension components tailored to enhance the performance characteristics of the series' flagship model. Features such as robust piston rods for the front shock absorbers, lightweight aluminum stabilizers with increased rigidity, and extra bracing under the bodywork will improve steering accuracy.

Additionally, there is an application for steering and control systems. Weight reduction is achieved through the use of an M Compound brake system and M forged alloy wheels. The 19-inch wheels are paired with performance tires, with track tires available as an optional extra.

Photo Gallery: 2024 BMW M135i xDrive on Trial

The enhanced lateral dynamics and improved braking performance provided by the M Technology Package significantly reduce lap times on the racetrack, and these benefits are also strongly felt during everyday driving. Moreover, the M Technology Package for the new BMW M135 xDrive includes an M High-gloss Shadow Line with extended features, as well as M sport seats featuring integrated headrests and an illuminated M logo at the top of the seatback.

Starting from November 2024, new BMW 1 Series models will offer extra customization options for the exterior. The color palette for exterior paint will be expanded to include Fire Red metallic, BMW Individual Tanzanite Blue metallic, and M Brooklyn Grey metallic. Moreover, the new BMW 1 Series can have its sporty look enhanced with the addition of 19-inch Y-spoke design forged alloy wheels.

When opting for the M Sport package, customers have the option to pair it with sport tires, just as with the M Performance model. For the top athletic model in the lineup, the M Technology Package also offers the choice of track tires. As for the interior of all other model variations, they now come standard with an interior trim in Dark Chrome finish.

The range of powertrains for the new BMW 5 Series Touring will see an expansion in November 2024. The latest BMW 520i Touring model will feature the newest version of the four-cylinder petrol engine, enhanced with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. This engine can deliver a maximum output of 140 kW (190 horsepower) and a peak torque of 310 Nm.

The mild hybrid system's crankshaft starter generator enhances the driving power to as much as 153 kW/208 hp and the torque to a maximum of 330 Nm. The latest BMW 520i Touring model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds. The starting price is set at 59,550 euros.

The latest BMW 550e xDrive Touring features a fusion of a straight-six petrol engine with BMW's TwinPower Turbo technology from their newest modular generation, and the most recent version of BMW's eDrive technology designed for plug-in hybrid systems. This 3.0-litre power unit delivers a rated output of 230 kW/313 hp at 5,000 to 6,500 rpm, and a rated torque of 450 Nm at 1,750 to 4,700 rpm.

The electric motor designed for the hybrid propulsion system is fully integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, along with its power electronics, contributing up to 145 kW/197 hp to the total system output of 360 kW/489 hp. The motor's standard torque reaches up to 280 Nm and is effectively boosted to a torque of up to 450 Nm at the transmission input through a BMW-patented pre-gearing system. This, coupled with BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system, propels the new BMW 550e xDrive Touring from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. Starting price is from 79,300 euros.

Photo Gallery: The 2024 BMW 5 Series Touring with M Performance Parts

The new BMW i5 xDrive40 Touring, as the third full-electric model variant, merges an integrated electric drive unit at both the front and rear axles, creating an electric four-wheel drive system. It boasts a combined power output of up to 290 kW (394 hp) and a peak torque of 590 Nm. This enables the latest BMW i5 xDrive40 Touring to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, with a maximum speed cap of 215 km/h.

The high-voltage battery of the car offers a usable energy content of 81.2 kWh. The new BMW i5 xDrive40 Touring's Combined Charging Unit allows for standard alternating current charging up to 11 kW and can optionally be upgraded to 22 kW. At fast-charging stations, the vehicle can be charged with direct current at a rate of up to 205 kW. Starting price is set at 77,600 euros.

Starting November 2024, both the BMW 5 Series Touring and the BMW 5 Series Sedan will offer a new exterior color option, the BMW Individual Frozen Portimao Blue metallic. Additional BMW Individual paint finishes, such as BMW Malachite Green II metallic, will also be available. When combined with the M Sport package and the extra Comfort Package, the M multifunction seats for the driver and passenger, particularly in the Black Merino leather version, will enhance daily comfort and long-distance travel.

The BMW 5 Series Touring now offers a new optional feature, and when paired with the panoramic glass roof, it's also available for the BMW 5 Series Sedan. This feature, the M Alcantara Anthracite headliner, enhances the vehicle's interior atmosphere.

Enhanced charging capabilities for plug-in hybrids

The plug-in hybrid versions of the BMW 5 series, along with the X5 xDrive50e and the latest BMW M5 sedan, now enjoy a boost in alternating current charging power. The upgrade from the previous 7.4 kW to a new level of 11 kW allows for a much quicker recharge of the high-voltage battery.

The battery of the BMW X5 xDrive50e will soon be able to charge from zero to full in just three hours. The charging duration for the BMW M5 and the 5 Series plug-in hybrid models will be reduced by an hour to 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Upcoming Fall 2024 will see the introduction of new and enhanced features for current BMW models through remote software upgrades. These updates will be wirelessly transmitted directly to the vehicle. Availability will vary based on the model variant, the specific features of the vehicle, and the version of the BMW Operating System in use.

BMW is also enhancing the feature that allows for the sharing of the BMW Digital Key or the BMW Digital Key Plus with additional users. A new function called "Sharing in a Chain" will be available in the future. This function enables the sharing of keys with varying levels of access, including by users who have already received a shared key.

Come fall 2024, a fresh wave of entertainment options, including video streaming and in-car gaming, will become available on the control displays of models X5, X6, X7, XM, and iX, as well as the luxury sedans in the 7 Series, all produced after July 2023. Customers will have access to an ever-expanding selection of streaming services, such as JOYN and the Tagesschau app. Additionally, a partnership with the gaming platform AirConsole will introduce a one-of-a-kind in-car gaming experience within the automotive industry.

Drivers and passengers can now entertain themselves with light-hearted games known as Casual Games while their vehicle is stationary. All they need is their smartphone, which acts as a game controller. The ever-expanding collection of games available includes racing, sports, and trivia games, with "Pictionary" set to join the lineup in December 2024. This streaming and gaming service can be subscribed to via the BMW ConnectedDrive Store and is delivered directly to the vehicle over-the-air.

Settle your fuel payments from the comfort of your car

The latest update to the optional BMW Digital Premium package makes refueling or charging at public stations even more convenient for vehicles equipped with the BMW Operating System 9. Starting now, customers in Germany can pay for their fuel digitally without leaving their car at any participating gas stations. The new "Fuel Payments" app allows users to easily locate nearby gas stations that offer this feature with just a single click.

Within the BMW Maps feature, users have the option to mark a preference for online payment when looking for gas stations, regardless of whether route guidance is in use. Once refueling is complete, the amount of fuel and the charges are confirmed on the Control Display. Payment is then easily processed through the credit card saved in the My BMW app or the vehicle's menu system.

Examining the Latest BMW Innovations:

The BMW Operating System 9 is also enhancing the process of locating public charging stations for fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. A new quick filter feature allows for a more rapid and convenient selection of the desired charging point. Additionally, users can now sort charging stations by their preferred providers. Furthermore, the system now displays charging stations with restricted access and provides additional details about the chosen charging location.

Enhanced Comfort Package for BMW X1 and 2 Series Active Tourer

Starting in the fall of 2024, the updated Comfort Package for the BMW X1 and the 2 Series Active Tourer will enhance the comfort of the passenger as well. Both the electric seat adjustment and the active seat will now be included for the passenger side, in addition to the driver's side, as part of the package.

The athletic look of the X2 M35i xDrive can now be further accentuated with the addition of unique 21-inch M light-alloy wheels featuring a two-tone finish. These come with a Y-spoke design and are paired with performance tires.

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