BMW is expanding its popular 3-series coupe-convertible (folding steel roof) and newly-launched 1 series coupé lines with new versions. The new 320d convertible and 125i coupé will make their global debuts at the Geneva motor show in March alongside an EfficientDynamics concept car and other new models.
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The new concept will, the automaker said, showcase the outlook and future direction of its innovative EfficientDynamics programme.
It will appear alongside the global debut of the forthcoming M3 convertible with M double clutch transmission. The new X6 crossover (shown as a ‘concept’ at Frankfurt last September) and 1-series convertible will also take a European bow in production form.
Trim and equipment levels will vary by market (mostly in Europe) with BMW’s UK unit offering the new 320d convertible in both ‘nicely equipped’ SE and sporty M Sport trims. The 320d shares the same popular 177bhp/350Nm 1,995 cc engine with other 320d body styles in the range.
Using EfficientDynamics, the new car has stop-start technology (with manual transmission) and a diesel particulate filter fitted as standard and achieved 53.3mpg on the EU combined test cycle. CO2 emissions are just 140g/km. Both models go on sale in RHD UK in March 2008.
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By GlobalDataThe new six-cylinder, 128hp 125i coupe joins the twin-turbo 135i M Sport, the four-cylinder 120d, and the 123d models launched recently – the coupe is also launching the 1-series range in the US for the first time.
This version also has EfficientDynamics and gets 35.8mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 190g/km of CO2. It’s on sale here in the UK from March.
Other Geneva motor show introductions will includes the new M3 convertible, the first in the M range to have a retractable hard-top and also the first BMW to feature the automaker’s new seven-speed M double clutch transmission (M DCT) as an option.
Changing gear using either paddles on the steering wheel or the gear lever, the new gearbox has the next gear pre-selected in readiness and changes gear in just a few milliseconds. The M DCT-equipped car also outperforms the manual version in terms of outright performance, economy and emissions, BMW said.
The M3 Convertible’s four-litre EfficientDynamics V8 engine develops 420hp at 8,300rpm and 400Nm of torque at 3,900rpm and returns 21.9mpg on the combined cycle.
The new X6 crossover marks another BMW first as the entire model range is turbocharged using a quartet of forced induction engines.
The flagship is an all-new twin-turbocharged V8, the X6 xDrive50i, producing 408hp. This the first engine in the world to locate twin-turbochargers and a catalytic converter within the cylinder vee.
There is also a three-litre twin-turbocharged 306hp I6 X6 xDrive35i and two turbodiesels – the single turbo xDrive30d producing 235hp and the xDrive35d with 286hp twin-turbocharged I6.
Just-auto understands that the German automaker will soon offer at least one of its latest I6 turbodiesels in the US – rival Mercedes launched a 50-state-compliant Bluetec diesel in California last October.
BMW GB has also upgraded 1-, 3-series and X3 SUV models with standard floor mats and front seat Isofix child seat fixings.
The 3-series saloon and Touring (wagon) are also now offered with specially-priced navigation and visibility ‘value-added’ packages. The Media Package – Business includes Business navigation (with map and arrow view), Bluetooth mobile telephone connectivity and the automaker’s ConnectedDrive Assist and Online for GBP1,645 (GBP2,115 on the wntry-level ES), saving up to GBP635 compared to individual option pricing.
The Media Package – Professional upgrades Business navigation to Professional navigation (with widescreen format and perspective map view) and adds voice control for GBP1,935 (GBP2,405 on ES), saving up to GBP745.
A visibility package with adaptive xenon headlights, headlight washers, rain sensor with automatic headlight activation and high-beam assistant is priced from GBP605, saving up to GBP270 for the individual options.
Buyers of twin-turbo 123d and 135i models can now opt for an automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles for GBP1,505.
1 series cars are also now offered with a much wider colour choice with five new shades available for the convertible alone.
