Newtechfresh | Consumer Electronics Guide: BMW M

BMW has released the first photos of the M Performance retrofit accessories for the 4-Series Coupe, which will be available from early 2014. The range includes a more aggressive aerodynamic package as well as interior trim upgrades, suspension and power tweaks. As before, customers can choose the complete package or individual elements – all available through official BMW dealers as retrofit accessories.

The highlight of the M-Performance package for the 4 Series is obviously the body kit, which hints at the appearance of the upcoming M4 high-performance coupe. Styled and developed by BMW’s M division, the aero kit includes a lower front bumper with integrated carbon fiber splitter and larger air intakes, darkened chrome trims throughout the exterior, carbon fiber exterior mirror caps, wider sills, carbon fiber decklid spoiler and a new rear bumper with diffuser and air extraction ducts.

Interior accessories include a new three-spoke steering wheel, seats with a more pronounced contour and other individual upgrades that will be revealed at the Frankfurt motor show this autumn.

Aesthetic upgrades aside, the BMW M Performance package also includes power and torque increases for three of the four engines of the 4-Series coupe. The 420d gains 16 hp and 29 lb-ft raising output to 195 hp and 309 lb-ft (418 Nm), the 428i gains 27 hp and 29 lb-ft for a total of 269 hp and 287 lb-ft (389 Nm), while the range-topping 435i gets an extra 34 hp and 37 lb-ft for a total output of 336 hp and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm).

BMW says the power and torque increases are achieved through software modifications and the addition of new exhaust systems, with fuel consumption and CO2 emissions remaining unchanged.

PHOTO GALLERY

BMW released photos and preliminary details on its new generation X5 Series. Among other bits of information, BMW told us about the availability of the optional M Sport package and the M50d performance diesel variant, but it did not share any pictures of these particular X5s.

If you're curious to see what the X5 M Sport and the X5 M50d look like, here's your chance as we got our hands on the first photos of these two models or rather the trim line and the diesel sports version, as well as on a fresh set of images of the regular X5s and the official brochure.

The M Sport trim line gives the X5 a sportier look and feel via an aerodynamic M kit with bespoke bumpers and side skirts, Shadowline trim, high-gloss roof rails and 19-inch M-Double Spoke light alloy wheels (or optionally 20-inch).

Similarly, the interior is upgraded with numerous M parts such as the sports steering, body hugging front sport seats with unique upholstery, and M footrest and doorsills. Prospective buyers will also be able to opt for the Adaptive M suspension with Dynamic Damper Control and sportier tuned rear air suspension.

The same sports suspension comes as standard on the X5 M50d (not offered in North America) that is fitted with a tri-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six diesel delivering 376hp (381PS / 280kW) between 4,000 and 4,400rpm and 740Nm (546 lb-ft) of peak torque from 2,000 to 3,000rpm.

An 8-speed automatic handles the transfer of power to all four wheels. BMW quotes a zero to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 5.3 seconds and a maximum top speed of 250km/h (155mph). The X5 M50d is said to return a combined fuel consumption of 6.7lt/100km (35.1mpg US or 42.2 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 177g/km.

2014 BMW X5 M SPORT & X5 M50D