BMW Unveils New Upgrades

BMW’s Latest Updates: A Sneak Peek

There’s something exciting brewing over at BMW, and for those who love the feeling of German engineering on the open road, it’s worth paying attention to. The iconic brand is rolling out updates to some of its beloved models this spring which include longer ranges for their electric vehicles (EVs), speedier charging on plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and more personal touches through paint and interior options. And here’s the kicker: these upgrades are coming with no added cost to the base prices of these vehicles.

EV Range Boosts

BMW has been busy fine-tuning the range of its EVs, particularly the i5 series. For starters, the i5 eDrive40 with 19-inch wheels now boasts a range of 310 miles, which is a modest 5% improvement. Opt for the 20-inch wheels, and it’s 300 miles, up by 8%, while the 21-inch wheel variant clocks in at 278 miles, a 3% boost. The all-wheel-drive i5 xDrive40 follows a similar pattern with 278 miles on 19-inch wheels (up 5%), 272 miles on 20-inch wheels (up 4%), and 259 miles on 21-inch ones (up 4%). These gains primarily stem from better power electronics using silicon carbide components and smarter wheel bearings that cut down resistance. The 2026 BMW iX xDrive60 also benefits, with the addition of Aero wheels helping it stretch to 364 miles—a 7% improvement.

The New 228 Gran Coupe

For those who lean toward the thrill of smaller coupes, BMW is introducing the 228 Gran Coupe, powered by a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine delivering 241 horsepower. This two-wheel-drive gem can dash from zero to 60 mph in just about 6.1 seconds, making it a spirited ride that’s expected to start at $39,600 when it hits the roads in mid-2025.

PHEV Charging Enhancements

On the hybrid front, BMW’s updating its plug-in models like the 550e xDrive, X5 xDrive50e, and M5 PHEVs with an increased charging rate of 11kW, up from 7.4kW, thus reducing time tethered to a charging station. This tweak won’t have the immediacy of a DC fast-charge station, but it still signifies a meaningful leap toward quicker energy refills.

Extra Features and Final Thoughts

Aside from the mechanical and range enhancements, BMW’s offering a few more bells and whistles. A Seal & Drive Tire Kit for roadside peace of mind, new paint choices like Tanzanite Blue for the X6 xDrive40i, and the luxury touch of leather interior options in subtle hues are just some. The tech-savvy drivers aren’t left out either, with YouTube streaming on offer for those equipped with BMW’s Digital Premium service.

The magic behind these updates lies in BMW’s ability to deliver enhanced performance without adding the bulk of extra battery weight—often a bugbear in EV design. While the range increases might seem small numerically, they are significant technical strides that help solidify BMW’s position in the EV landscape. It’s like upgrading a favorite dish without adding any new calories—folks who like their rides with a dash of cutting-edge, you’ll want to keep an eye on what’s coming from this Bavarian powerhouse.