Changes ahead for BMW’s MY24 line-up

A NUMBER of additional or updated models are rolling off various BMW assembly lines from March some with a new colour palette, some with extra tech, others with a rapidly expanding digital service offering and some with more powertrain options.

The upgrades include easier use of the voice assistant Siri (as part of the integration of the Apple iPhone into cars specified with BMW Operating System 9), and the optimised display of ratings for charging stations for fully electric and plug-in hybrid BMW models.

The steady expansion of the range of functions for the My BMW App also continues.

The innovative semi-automated Highway Assistant will bring “increased comfort levels over longer journeys to more of the brand’s model series”. This Level 2 semi-automated driving function will be available for the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan, BMW iX, BMW XM, BMW X5, BMW X6 and BMW X7.

A BMW Australia spokesman told GoAuto a few of the changes will filter through to Australian spec’ models but some won’t make it here for the time being at least.

“We will announce any additional models or specification upgrades as they may occur.” he said. 

But it’s worth keeping an eye on what the Bavarian automotive behemoth is up to in case some of the changes make it through to Oz-delivered Bimmers. 

For example, a third fully electric version of the 5 Series sedan, the i5 xDrive 40 was announced in BMW’s 2024 production plan statement though our BMW Australia source said the current line up remains: one 2.0-litre 520i ICE powered model and two BEVs, the eDrive 40 and the M60 xDrive.

BMW’s iX2 fully electric models will roll off assembly lines soon with an additional drive system variant. The drive system offerings for the X2 and XM have also been expanded and additional exterior paint finishes will be offered for the 5 Series Sedan, BMW X2 and BMW iX2.

BMW says its model offensive in the area of BEVs brings additional variety to the premium compact segment including a new entry-level variant of the fully electric BMW iX2.

“The new BMW iX2 eDrive20 takes a particularly economical route to delivering locally emission-free driving pleasure in a compact Sports Activity Coupé and is powered by a 150kW electric motor at the front axle delivering a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds with a claimed range of 439-478km (WLTP) from a 64.78kWh battery that can be charged from AC sources at 11kW as standard and up to 22kW as an option. DC charging is possible at up to 130kW.”

A diesel X2 xDrive20d counterbalances the electric iX2 eDrive20 capable of a claimed combined fuel consumption of 5.2-4.8 litres/100km WLTP. It is assisted by 48V mild hybrid technology the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine linked with an electric motor integrated into the seven-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch.

The motor serves as a crankshaft-driven starter generator and acts in unison with the diesel engine under load or to maximise economy.

The combined drive system develops maximum 120kW/400Nm channelled to the road via the all-wheel-drive system xDrive for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.

BMW XM 50e surfaces with high performance and maximum efficiency “blending signature M dynamism, extrovert design and progressive interior luxury.”

The vehicle’s M Hybrid all-wheel drive system is composed of a six-cylinder in-line petrol engine and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission for a combined output of 350kW and 700Nm.

The 3.0-litre petrol six cylinder in the XM 50e now uses the Miller combustion cycle, dual injection, an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head and electrically operated VANOS variable camshaft timing.

Its coupled electric motor has a pre-gearing stage patented by BMW which allows the effective torque at the transmission input for the motor to be increased to 450Nm. The claimed electric only range is 77-83km WLTP.

New digital services with additional functions begin arriving with MY2024 BMWs including extended smartphone integration for vehicles equipped with BMW Operating System 9. This enables the Siri voice assistant for the Apple iPhone to be activated directly by voice command and without needing to press the push-to-talk button.

The cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps now has improved info display on charging stations as the available images and ratings are shown both in the list of search results and in the detailed display. The charging station ratings are now shown clearly on a scale of zero to five stars.

Further, the iDrive display and control/operation system in many current models also enables digital payment of parking fees and (in Germany) also fuel top-ups from inside the car. As with payment of parking fees, this uses the credit card information pre-stored in the vehicle apps.

The MyBMW App is a universal digital interface for data exchange between the customer and their car that now offers an expanding number of functions such as Comfort Access with the Digital Key Plus integrated into the App in vehicles equipped with BMW Operating System 8, 8.5 or 9.

In addition, the map view for selecting navigation destinations imported into the vehicle has been newly designed to improve the search function and the visibility of the most relevant content. Map and routing functions will in future be proposed based on current vehicle or user contexts.

A new E-mobility analysis function is being added to the My Trips menu in the App aimed at switching current BMW owners over in the future to electric power suggesting an appropriate model based on the customer’s driving requirements/habits.