Skip advert
Advertisement

Big BMW updates bring new X3 diesel engine, longer range for i5 and more

BMW has given its lineup a comprehensive update for 2025, with new engines and more kit

BMW i5 Touring cruising
  • New six-cylinder diesel engine for BMW X3
  • Longer range for BMW i5 and i5 Touring
  • Two new engines for BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

We’re only one month into 2025 and BMW has already announced a raft of updates for its model lineup, with new engines, more EV range and more standard equipment.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The improvements kick off with a new diesel engine for the BMW X3, badged ‘40d xDrive’. Unlike the ‘20d xDrive’ engine that’s already available, the 40d is a bigger, six-cylinder unit, delivering more power and torque. As a result, it brings a welcome performance boost,with the 0-62mph sprint taking just 5.4 seconds. The engine uses mild-hybrid tech, too, so fuel economy stands at around 42mpg.

If diesel isn’t your thing, the electric BMW i5 could be for you, especially after its update for 2025. It only went on sale a little over a year ago, but BMW has already found a way to squeeze a bit more range from its executive EV without having to fit a larger battery. 

Changes to the wheel bearings, new eco tyres and some electronic wizardry have added up to 29 miles of range to the i5. BMW hasn’t quoted a new range figure, but the i5 Touring eDrive40 has seen the biggest efficiency improvement – an extra 29 miles would boost its total range to 358 miles.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The BMW i5 has also benefitted from an uplift in standard kit for all versions, including ambient interior lighting with the glowing dashboard ‘interaction bar’, lumbar support for the front seats and a Harman Kardon sound system.

Are there any other updates for 2025?

Indeed there are. The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe – which has only just landed in UK dealerships – is now available with two new engines. Oh, and all 2 Series Gran Coupe and 1 Series models can now be ordered with an illuminating front grille, just like the new BMW iX.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW 216 Gran Coupe is the new entry point to the range, using a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with 120bhp. It still comes attached to a dual-clutch automatic gearbox as standard, but it’s unsurprisingly the slowest model in the lineup, taking nearly 10 seconds to hit 62mph. Still, BMW claims it can return up to around 44mpg.

At the other end of the spectrum, BMW has added a new 223 xDrive model to the lineup. This gets four-wheel drive and a four-cylinder engine with a punchier 215bhp, helping it launch to 62mph in 6.4 seconds. Thanks to mild-hybrid tech, it’s just as economical as the 216 engine.

The other key change for 2025 is faster charging speeds for some of BMW’s plug-in hybrid models. The BMW X12 Series Active Tourer7 Series and XM now get 11kW AC charging compatibility instead of 7.4kW, so a home recharge should be a bit speedier than before.

Find out about all of the latest BMW reviews and news here…

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW recalled more cars than any other brand in 2024
BMW 5 Series
News
17 Jan 2025

BMW recalled more cars than any other brand in 2024

BMW iDrive explained: what is it and how does it work?
BMW i5 iDrive
Tips and advice
13 Jan 2025

BMW iDrive explained: what is it and how does it work?

All-new BMW Panoramic iDrive: cutting-edge displays coming to all future BMWs
BMW Panoramic iDrive dashboard
News
7 Jan 2025

All-new BMW Panoramic iDrive: cutting-edge displays coming to all future BMWs

BMW xDrive explained: what is it, issues, and is it worth it?
BMW X7 rain
Tips and advice
19 Sep 2024

BMW xDrive explained: what is it, issues, and is it worth it?

Most Popular

New Alpine A290: fast electric hot hatch goes on sale from £33,500
Alpine A290 front quarter
News
21 Jan 2025

New Alpine A290: fast electric hot hatch goes on sale from £33,500

New Fiat Grande Panda: retro EV costs just £21k, hybrid even cheaper
Fiat Grande Panda Red front quarter
News
28 Jan 2025

New Fiat Grande Panda: retro EV costs just £21k, hybrid even cheaper

Best car colours: which one should you choose?
Car paint
Tips and advice
18 Jan 2025

Best car colours: which one should you choose?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2025
Best electric cars
Best cars
11 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025
Best cheap to run cars
Best cars
8 Jan 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars
22 Jan 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025