More Power, More Efficient. 2017 BMW’s get the works

As of July 2016, BMW will refresh their 1 and 2 series M Performance models, promising improved performance and greater fuel economy.

There is a new 3.0-litre inline-six engine on the block that develops 250kW – 10kW more than its predecessor. Improved performance is just the start. BMW has also stated the engine uses less fuel while also keeping CO2 emissions low.

The 3.0-litre unit with further developed M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology is a product of BMW Group’s latest engine generation.

First to benefit from the new engine will be the BMW M140i and M240i. Complementing the above increase in power comes an increase of 54Nm of torque, leaving the two models with a peak of 500Nm between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. Continuing to outdo its predecessors, the 2017 models will further trim 0.3 seconds off their 0-100km/h time.

Both the M140i 3-door and 5-door models will spring from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds with the 6 speed manual, or 4.6 if optioned with the 8-speed auto. The xDrive variant (not offered in Australia), comes standard with an 8-speed automatic and will do a 0-100km/h run in 4.4 seconds.

Meanwhile, the M240i Coupe will accelerate in a brisk 4.8 seconds (auto: 4.6 seconds). BMW also offer this model in an all-wheel-drive guise further improving 0-100km/h time to 4.4 seconds.

The introduction of part time electric coolant pump and map-controlled oil pump help improve on fuel economy, along with Electric Power Steering, Auto Start Stop function and Brake Energy Regeneration and a few of the other solutions implemented under the BMW EfficientDynamics banner.

M Performance models now benefit from auto-blipping if optioned with a manual gearbox. Auto’s also receive wider gear spread allowing for quicker downshifts and better internal efficiency. Something to sway you toward the Auto box, BMW now includes Launch Control and predictive shifting that works by utilizing the GPS to determine the best traction for different surfaces.

Prices and full specifications will be available closer to its launch Date.