2011 BMW Models - Lots of News

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor
Amsterdam Bureau
The Auto Channel

MUNICH, December 14, 2010. This spring we will see many new models, model variants and new features from the Bavarian car manufacturer.

As of March, the 1 Series Coupe and Convertible will get a face lift, or as BMW calls it: design modifications and improved aerodynamics.

The new models will bow at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, just like the 1 Series M Coupe, of which we published the first pictures and details last week ( HERE). The exterior of the M Coupe gives away some of the details of the face lift for the 1 Series. Significant is the new front apron that creates so-called air curtains to address turbulence in the wheel wells and at the same time reduce drag. Redesigned head lights and rear lights, as well as new colours and different interior trim and upholstery are the main features.

Another premiere in Detroit is for the 6 Series Convertible (more on this model on Saturday)

Also announced was an M Sports package for the new X3. This means that the crossover gets sports suspension calibration, M Aerodynamics and M components. Such as 18-inch M alloy wheels and Performance Control as an add-on to the standard xDrive AWD system. The X3 xDrive 35i this all will be combined by a Sports automatic transmission, shift paddles and variable sports steering, including Servotronic.

The new model also gets sport seats with pearlpoint fabric/leather sport seats, an M leather trimmed steering wheel and M logos on the door sills. The package will be available for all engine versions from spring.

The new X3 model line is available as xDrive35i and xDrive 28i, but will also get the six-cylinder diesel engine in the xDrive 30d.

The 320d Touring EfficientDynamics Edition, that will be launched this spring, will offer e combination of good performance and extra-low emissions. The ED Edition has 163 hp and only uses 4.3 liter/km, or 65.7 mpg, in the European test cycle, while the CO2-emission is as low as 114 g/km. The torque of the common-rail direct-injected turbo charged I-4 diesel engine peaks at 380 Nm, or 280 lb-ft at 1,750 rpm. Acceleration is still very much okay with 8.3 seconds from 0-100 km/h or 62 mph and its top is reached at 223 km/h(138.5 mph).

Also the BMW 5 Series gets new versions and new optional equipment. The model line will be extended with the intelligent xDrive AWD system in the BMW 535i xDrive Sedan, the 530dxDrive Sedan and the 530d xDrive Touring models. They come standard with 8-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic and auto start/stop function. The power of the 530d is increased with 10 kW/14 hp in the 530d xDrive. From spring the 5 Series will also be available in two new Individual paint colours, Champagne Quart metallic and Amazonite Silver metallic, while the BMW Individual Merino leather trim and special Individual interior trip strips will also be on the Individual list, just like new 19-inch V-spoke alloy wheels, with 245/40 rubber up front and 275/35 in the rear.

New is also the optional full-colour BMW HUD (head-up display) and the instrument panel with supplementary information modes, additional permanent displays and the parallel display of the navi system and on-board computer data. The IP is like the system used in the 5 Series GT and the 7 Series.

The 530d will also be available with a 6-speed stick shift and ULEV BMW Diesel BluePerformance technology, that already meets the future EU6 emission standard.

The 7 Series gets a rear telephone with WiFi hotspot function, that provides internet access for notebooks, iPads and the likes.

The X6 will be available with a five-seater package (not for the ActiveHybrid X6) and a sports leather steering wheel with shift paddles.

Following the introduction of Mini Connected, now also BMW will offer selected iPhone applications in BMW models for integrated use in the vehicle. This further enhances the ConnectedDrive package. The system will debut in the 1 Series Coupe and Convertible models and offers integration of the Apple iPhone in the car, which makes it possible to show Facebook, web radio and Twitter on the display and access it with the iDrive controller.

I will be in Detroit reporting on these and other new and exciting introductions, more then.