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
- 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.
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.
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.
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 X1, 2 Series Active Tourer, 7 Series and XM now get 11kW AC charging compatibility instead of 7.4kW, so a home recharge should be a bit speedier than before.
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