After the recently revealed refreshed 2 Series, BMW is now launching a new generation M2 model. This is the most powerful version of this model, which now comes with 480 hp. Production will start in August.
The design of the predecessor is retained, but customers will now be able to choose several additional new colors. There are also single-colored aluminum rims, which this time are not in dark shades. However, the dark interior now comes with a new multifunction steering wheel and the new iDrive 8.5 multimedia system. Customers can also choose seats decorated with red details (standard), while lighter and more profiled front seats with a carbon base are optional.
The new M2 is powered by a 3.0-L inline-six engine with 480 hp (358 kW) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque (6-speed manual transmission) or 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque (8-speed automatic gearbox). That’s 20 hp more than its predecessor, putting the M2 on par with the M3 and M4. With a manual transmission, the M2 reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). With an 8-speed automatic transmission, the M2 reaches 100 km/h 0.2 seconds faster.
When it comes to price, the M2 in Germany starts at 77,490 euros.
A few days ago, BMW revealed the new generation of the 1 Series subcompact car, which has been on the market since 2004. It is the fourth generation of this model and the successor to the F40, the BMW 1 Series F70.
The car is somewhat more robust than its predecessor, but with the same wheelbase of 2670 mm. It is equipped with a new front grill with vertical slats interrupted by angled bars, redesigned headlights with a matrix LED high-beam and blue inserts, while the rear LED lights look like those of the current X2 model. It sits on newly designed 17- to 19-inch wheels, and buyers will be able to choose from seven metallic and two solid colors, plus four individual body colors. For the first time, a two-tone body combination with a black roof is also offered.
In the cabin, multimedia system iDrive 9, 10.25-inch driver’s display, and 10.7-inch touchscreen. Most of the conventional controls have been removed, and the previous automatic transmission lever has been replaced by a smaller selector. The seats are wrapped in Arktur fabric. Optional equipment includes sports seats covered in Econeer fabric or a combination of artificial leather (Veganza) and Alcantara, a panoramic glass roof that slides electrically, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, and a head-up display.
BMW 1 Series (118d) is powered by a 2.0-L four-cylinder engine with 150 hp (110 kW) and 360 Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque, which is enough power to push the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.3 seconds with a top speed of 222 km/h (138 mph).
Version 120 is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter in combination with 48-volt mild hybrid technology with a total power of 170 hp (125 kW) and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque. That’s enough for a sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph (226 km/h).
The 120d version is powered by a 2.0-L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine combined with a 48-volt mild hybrid system with an output of 163 hp (120 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. It has the same top speed as the 118d version, but it is faster than the sprint by 0.4 seconds. It should be noted that all versions come with front-wheel drive and a 7-speed automatic transmission.
The top of the range is the M135 version powered by a 2.0-L four-cylinder biturbo engine with 300 hp (224 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. With adaptive drive on both axles (xDrive), the M135 reaches 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
After the recently revealed new generations of BMW Series 3 and BMW M3, the Bavarian manufacturer announces the arrival of the new BMW Series 1. The car was announced in a video on the official BMW Instagram account.
BMW Series 1 is a range of subcompact executive cars that arrived on the market in 2004 and was offered in hatchback, coupé and convertible body styles. The published video shows all previous generations of Series 1 with the description “Ready for the new 1? First we celebrate last 20 years”. Not long after that, the official account of the BMW M department announced “There is new ONE coming soon”.
What is known so far is that it will remain a hatchback body style with a redesigned front and rear bumper, new LED lights. Earlier spy photos confirmed that the M version will feature deeper fenders, a discreet rear spoiler and quad tailpipes, just like the outgoing M135i xDrive. Inside, the new Series 1 will be equipped with a new digital cockpit and the latest technical solutions.
The current 1 Series is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-L four-cylinder engine with 306 hp (228 kW) and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm) of torque. Whether the new Series 1 will have more power and better performance than the current one remains to be seen after the official premiere, which will take place on July 1, 2024.
