BMW goes for 3-series TwinPower

There's a profusion of new engines for the latest versions of BMW's 3-series coupe and cabriolet models and its revamped X5, explains DAVE MOORE.

Actually that should read "a confusion of new engines", because there are some with twin turbos, others with twin vanes but a single turbo, and a breed with a turbo for each of its V8's cylinder banks.

Unlike many German car makers, BMW has decided to simplify the terminology for the new units, by figuratively collecting them under the term "TwinPower".

Thank heaven for that. One competitor brand recently labelled its new gearbox with a word that was 29 letters long.

As well as new engines, the 3-series coupe along with its wind- in-the hair folding hardtop cabriolet variant and the X5 sports activity vehicle (SAV) have each had a styling going over.

Under the bonnet, the 3-series coupe and cabriolet now offer a choice of two power units each, but only one is common to both models. That's the 335i M variant, specified with motorsport trim for both roof styles and featuring a 22kW/400Nm 2979cc six-cylinder TwinPower petrol unit. The 3-series coupe's other choice is the 330d SE a 180kW/ 520Nm 2993cc six-cylinder TwinPower diesel, while the cabriolet offers a 160kW/250Nm 325i SE six- cylinder engine alternative.

The 335i M is available with a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed double clutch two-pedal transmissions.

The 330d coupe only offers a six- speed Steptronic automatic, while the 325i cabriolet gives you a choice of six-speed manual or Steptronic automatic.

The 335i M sport coupe asks $125,900, with another $4000 required for the double-clutch transmission, while the cabriolet adds another $11,000 in each case.

The automatic Steptronic-only 330d SE coupe is stickered at $115,900 with the 325i SE manual cabriolet costing $111,900, adding another $4000 for Steptronic.

Noticing a drop-off in six- cylinder petrol X-5 sales, BMW New Zealand has taken that version off the model's manifest.

It now offers a single V8 petrol TwinPower unit in the form of the 300kW/500Nm 4395cc xDrive50iSport and three versions using its 2993cc six-cylinder diesel TwinPower engine: the 180kW/ 540Nm xDrive30d SE and ES and the 220kW/600Nm xDrive40d Sport. The choice of transmission for the X5 is a little more cut and dried, with eight-speed Steptronic automatic being standard across the board.

The X5 xDrive30d ES - complicated badge, eh? - is the effective entry-point model, at $112,000 which is less than the previous version's non-TwinPower six-cylinder diesel.

It doesn't have quite the level of specification of the other models, but does have front and rear parking distance control and power front seats, though the lack of cruise control - a $3850 option - could be a turn off.

The other models offer it as standard, as well as leather trim throughout, plus options like heads- up display, an uncanny top-view reversing camera display and front side cameras which could be a boon at tight intersections.

The 30d SE model is priced at $125,000, the 40d Sport at $142,000 and the 50d Sport $164,000.

There isn't a bad-driving version of any of BMW's new X5 and 3-series coupe and cabriolet models. However, I have to say that so flexible and refined are the cheaper diesel X5s, that apart from its distinctive gurgle and neck-snapping acceleration, there's little I'd miss about the V8 TwinPower, even if it is a hotrod.

The diesels can punt to 100km/h in 6.6 to 7.6 seconds, which is sufficient for me while fuel economy ratings of 7.5L/100km and sub 200g/km emissions levels are compelling stuff too.

As far as the coupe and cabriolet line-up is concerned, BMW doesn't supply my option, which would be a 330d SE cabriolet.

They only do petrol cars with the folding stuff, but I'm such a fan of the 3.0-litre diesels in all three of the new BMW upgrades, I'd probably try and indent one specially, the engines are that good.

- © Fairfax NZ News