BMW’s 2014 Upgrades Include New xDrive Models and 8-Speed Auto Across the Board

BMW has announced a number of model upgrade measures that will be effective starting this summer in Europe. With the EU6 exhaust emission standard coming into effect in September 2014, BMW will increase the number of models that already fulfill the EU6 emission regulations.

Beginning the summer of 2013, almost all models featuring the BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine will comply with the EU6 classification as standard. At the beginning of the 2014 model year, the BMW M automobiles as well as the six-cylinder versions of the BMW Z4 will also comply with the EU6 classification. As for the diesel engines, BMW will increase the number of units which are equipped as standard with BMW BluePerformance and as a result also achieve the EU6 classification.

Another measure implemented by BMW is the addition of five more four-wheel drive variants for the BMW 1 Series and 3 Series. These new variants are the BMW 118d xDrive 3-door and 5-door, the 318d xDrive Sedan and 318d xDrive Touring – all powered by the 2.0-liter 143 PS (141 hp) four-cylinder diesel unit. The fifth new xDrive model is the 335d xDrive Sedan, powered by the 3.0-liter straight-six cylinder diesel engine that develops 313 PS (308 hp). This model comes as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Speaking of the 8-speed auto, BMW says it is now available for models across its range, with the 1 Series, 3 Series and 6 Series also getting a new Launch Control function. The equipment range for the sports automatic transmission also includes shift paddles on the steering wheel and a specific gear selector switch. For the 7 Series, the optional leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles will be available from the summer of 2013. 

Other new upgrades announced are the Eco Pro Mode of the EfficientDynamics system that now has a "sailing" function and anticipation assistant that help achieve better fuel efficiency. At speeds of between 50 and 160 km/h in the Eco Pro Mode, the drive train is disconnected as soon as the driver lifts the foot from the accelerator pedal without applying the brakes. The anticipation assistant informs the driver of the ideal time to slow down when approaching bends and stretches of road where speed limits are in force in order to obtain better fuel efficiency.
Finally, BMW ConnectedDrive will gain new options as the Driving Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus.