The 2023 XM SUV is this week’s big BMW story, but the Munich team has also been busy improving its more attainable cars for 2022, adding new powertrain options and convenience features.
The freshest of those is an entry-level 216i version of the 2-Series Active Tourer. Powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine developing just 120 hp (122 PS) and 170 lb-ft (230 Nm), it needs 10.3 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) so it’s probably just as well that you can’t buy it in North America.
Unfortunately, the 216i isn’t the only new BMW not making the trip across the Atlantic. The new iX1, an electric version of the new X1 SUV, is also off-limits to U.S. buyers, although ICE-powered X1s are available. What are we missing? Badged xDrive30 in its launch configuration, the iX1 features an electric motor on each axle for a combined output of 309 hp (313 PS) and 364 lb-ft (494 Nm) that drag it to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds, while a WLTP driving range of up to 273 miles (440 km) suggests it should be useful for more than simply urban driving.
Related: The Fate Of BMW’s Compact Models In The Electric Era Is Still Undecided
BMW North America’s decision to only offer the xDrive28i (until the hot 35i arrives) means the new X1 xDrive25e and xDrive30e hybrids will also be missing from the U.S. X1 lineup. The little guy’s combined 242 hp (245 PS) results in a 6.8-second zero to 62 mph time and up to 57 miles (92 km) of electric driving, while the more muscular 30e (322 hp / 326 PS) sprints to the yardstick in 5.6 seconds but sacrifices 2 miles (1.2 km) of EV range, according to the WLTP standard.
Further down the X1 range (and again, not coming to the U.S.) are two new mild hybrids. For gas lovers, there’s the two-wheel drive X1 sDrive20i, whose 168 hp (170 PS) gives it a 0-62 mph time of 8.3 seconds, while Europe’s remaining diesel fans can pick the all-wheel drive xDrive20d, which generates 161 hp (163 PS) and takes three tenths longer to hit 62 mph, but then promises 20 percent better fuel economy.
One electrified BMW that is making its way to U.S. dealers is the new entry-level i4 eDrive35. We already covered details of this car when it was announced, but it’s worth mentioning again because European sales are about to start in the next few weeks and it will be available in the U.S in early 2023.
The new base version of the i4 features a single electric motor that sends 281 hp (286 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) to the rear axle only, resulting in a 0-60 mph sprint time of 5.8 seconds (6.0 to 62 mph), and a WLTP driving range of 300 miles (483 km), or 260 miles (418 km) on the EPA cycle. The new base car costs $52,395, making it $4,500 cheaper than the more powerful eDrive40.
Other more subtle changes to BMW’s 2022 lineup include an Innovation Package for the 1-Series and 2-Series Gran Coupe comprising of a digital key, two-zone climate, electric seats, head-up display, wireless phone charging, and adaptive LED headlights.
BMW’s digital keys can also now be shared between iOS and Android phones, and sporty drivers will be pleased to hear that BMW has created a BMW M laptimer app that can record track length, the number of laps, your fastest lap, and your peak speed. You don’t even need to own an M model to get the app, but you do need BMW with Operating System 7 and the Connected Package Professional option.
