[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW Model Updates for Summer 2023

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Successful i4 lineup expands with the all-wheel drive, 396-horsepower i4 xDrive40.
The 7 Series adds new electrified models: 750e xDrive PHEV and i7 eDrive50.
The 6-cylinder 740i will be available with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.
Initial phase-in of BMW Operating System 8.5 in certain models begins.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 22, 2023…BMW will continue to broaden its electrified product portfolio with the introduction of several new models in the summer of 2023. The successful i4 lineup will expand to include the 396-horsepower, all-wheel drive i4 xDrive40. The groundbreaking seventh generation 7 Series will offer two new electrified variants – the 483-horsepower 750e xDrive plug-in hybrid and the single-motor, rear-wheel drive i7 eDrive50 – while the 6-cylinder 740i can now be ordered with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. And the new BMW Operating System 8.5 will be introduced in certain models starting in July.





The new BMW i4 xDrive40.

The i4 line will build on its success with the addition of a new all-wheel drive variant, the 2024 i4 xDrive40. Positioned below the 536-horsepower i4 M50, the i4 xDrive40’s dual electric motors produce a total of 396 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque – sufficient to propel the fully-electric i4 xDrive40 from 0-60 in just 4.9 seconds. The lithium-ion battery in the i4 xDrive40 has a net usable energy content of 80.7 kWh, and can be recharged at up to 205 kW on a DC fast charger. Range is estimated to be 307 miles when fitted with the standard 18-inch aerodynamically-optimized wheels, or 282 miles with the optional 19-inch wheels (estimated range according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards).

The 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 will start at a base MSRP of $61,600 plus $995 destination and handling, with US deliveries expected to start in the third quarter of 2023.





The 7 Series adds two electrified models, xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive for the 740i.

On the heels of the announcement of the i7 M70 xDrive, the most powerful fully-electric BMW ever, BMW will introduce two new electrified 7 Series models for model year 2024.

The 2024 750e xDrive pairs a 308-hp TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder internal combustion engine with a 194-hp GEN5 electric motor mounted in the transmission. The result is a maximum system output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, enough to give the 750e xDrive energetic performance while providing an estimated purely-electric range of over 35 miles (estimated range according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards).

The 2024 BMW 750e xDrive will carry a base price of $107,000 plus $995 destination and handling when it enters the US market in the fall of 2023.

Also in the third quarter of 2023, the dual-motor, all-wheel drive BMW i7 xDrive60 and i7 M70 xDrive will be joined by the single-motor, rear-wheel drive i7 eDrive50. The single GEN5 motor drives the rear axle with 449 horsepower.

The 2024 BMW i7 eDrive50 will start at $105,700 plus $995 destination and handling when it goes on sale in the fall of 2023. Range and performance figures will be released closer to market launch.

Finally, the 375-hp BMW 740i will be available with xDrive starting with July production. The added traction of intelligent all-wheel drive drops the 0-60 time from 5.1 seconds to 4.9 while providing secure, confidence-inspiring handling in any sort of weather.

The 2024 BMW 740i xDrive will carry a base price of $99,400 plus $995 destination and handling with deliveries expected to commence in the third quarter of 2023.





Initial phase-in of BMW Operating System 8.5.

The summer of 2023 will see the introduction of the next evolution of BMW’s iDrive operating system in certain models.

A new home screen with clearly arranged functions offers greater ease of use on the BMW Curved Display. The new zero-layer principle means that all relevant functions and information are shown on a single level, making it possible to select a desired function without first having to enter a submenu. Instead, live widgets appear in a vertical arrangement on the driver’s side of the user interface, accessible with a touch of a finger.

The QuickSelect functionality makes it possible to directly select entertainment programs, contact lists and vehicle settings, start interaction with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, or activate other menu options, all by touch. And once the relevant settings have been chosen, a quick tap on the home icon at the lower edge of the display is all it takes to return to the home screen. In addition to the Home symbol, there are now also the symbols for direct access to the climate control menu, the All Apps menu, Navigation as well as Media, Communication, and Apple CarPlay ® and Android Auto ™.

Beginning with July production, BMW Operating System 8.5 will be introduced in BMW iX models, BMW i4 models, and BMW 7 Series models. In August, the new system will be fitted to BMW X5 and X6 models (M models will not feature QuickSelect), BMW X7 models, and BMW XM (without QuickSelect).

[M2siast]

Is the iDrive 8.5 an update to existing ID8 or only new models get it (i.e. needs new hardware to function)?

[Brett_C_F30_G42]

Originally Posted by M2siast

Is the iDrive 8.5 an update to existing ID8 or only new models get it (i.e. needs new hardware to function)?

Pretty sure it’s just an update

[claykin]

Originally Posted by M2siast

Is the iDrive 8.5 an update to existing ID8 or only new models get it (i.e. needs new hardware to function)?

BMW previous indicated some ID8 cars will be upgraded to 8.5. I do recall the G20 was excluded from this list but I suppose that doesn't mean it's off the table in the long term. You just never know. For all we know the ID8 system in the G20 may have less RAM or something that may prohibit the 8.5 upgrade. Just a guess, but with BMW nothing is off the table.

[johninaustin]

Originally Posted by M2siast

Is the iDrive 8.5 an update to existing ID8 or only new models get it (i.e. needs new hardware to function)?

If your vehicle has the updated head unit, it can go to 8.5. If it does not, it cannot.

For the iX in particular, it's my understanding vehicles manufactured on or after 3/2023 will have the updated head unit, and are eligible for 8.5 via software update. Those manufactured before this date will not be eligible for 8.5.

I believe the i7 has the updated head unit in all builds, and that should work as well.

For the i4, I have no information...

[M2siast]

Originally Posted by johninaustin

If your vehicle has the updated head unit, it can go to 8.5. If it does not, it cannot.

For the iX in particular, it's my understanding vehicles manufactured on or after 3/2023 will have the updated head unit, and are eligible for 8.5 via software update. Those manufactured before this date will not be eligible for 8.5.

I believe the i7 has the updated head unit in all builds, and that should work as well.

For the i4, I have no information...

What constitutes an updated head unit? How do we tell?

[stein_325i]

The i4 xDrive model was a smart choice. So many people in the North East would refuse to buy a RWD car and don’t need to swing for the M50 model.

[Vnoxdev]

I’m so pissed off by BMW NA right now. Can they just stop giving out these half baked and vague statements regarding iDrive 8.5 upgradability on existing models and show something similar to the German FAQ? This is just so confusing for current owners and prospective buyers. Especially people on this forum that care about this kind of stuff. 🙃

[KevinC]

What a Mongolian clusterfarkle. And just wait till iDrive 9 breaks cover. They can’t manage one platform as it is and will then be trying to support 2. Owners ain’t gonna be happy.

[s0lar1s]

The 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 will have 307 miles of range according to the press release.

Does that mean that there will be a 2024 i4 eDrive40 with additional range over the 2023 model? 2023 i4 edrive40 is rated for 301 epa, right? How did they get an AWD with more range?

[Equilibrandt]

Originally Posted by s0lar1s

The 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 will have 307 miles of range according to the press release.

Does that mean that there will be a 2024 i4 eDrive40 with additional range over the 2023 model? 2023 i4 edrive40 is rated for 301 epa, right? How did they get an AWD with more range?

Sounds like it was a software change (or some sort of cooling upgrade or hidden EV AWD benefit?) Maybe driving all four wheels uses less cumulative power than a single RWD motor (to overcome rolling friction or something?) Those'd be my guesses.

2023 has the same battery with a 'usable' rating of 80.7 kWh.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by s0lar1s

The 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40 will have 307 miles of range according to the press release.

Does that mean that there will be a 2024 i4 eDrive40 with additional range over the 2023 model? 2023 i4 edrive40 is rated for 301 epa, right? How did they get an AWD with more range?

Its based on BMW’s testing, not the EPA.

[emulajavi]

No BMW iDrive 6 cars were ever able to be updated to iDrive 7

No BMW iDrive 7 cars were ever able to be updated to iDrive 8

And no BMW iDrive 8 cars will be ever able to be updated to iDrive 8.5.


This is how (sadly) things work for BMW. You want the new UI? Pay a new car.


Even when they released iDrive 6 which was only an updated skin for iDrive 5, they didn’t officially allow any updates and it had to be done via coding. And then you have Teslas from 2012 than in 2023 they still receive the latest UI via OTA updates.

[Game]

Originally Posted by emulajavi

No BMW iDrive 6 cars were ever able to be updated to iDrive 7

No BMW iDrive 7 cars were ever able to be updated to iDrive 8

And no BMW iDrive 8 cars will be ever able to be updated to iDrive 8.5.


This is how (sadly) things work for BMW. You want the new UI? Pay a new car.


Even when they released iDrive 6 which was only an updated skin for iDrive 5, they didn’t officially allow any updates and it had to be done via coding. And then you have Teslas from 2012 than in 2023 they still receive the latest UI via OTA updates.

BMW has also never had an in between iDrive version (8.5 rather than 9).

[RCtennis3811]

Originally Posted by emulajavi

And no BMW iDrive 8 cars will be ever able to be updated to iDrive 8.5.

That seems false based on what BMW has clarified in their USA press release and what’s been shared with several media outlets.

https://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=4113&mid=

The new BMW Operating System 8.5 will be introduced incrementally – either in production or via a remote software upgrade in certain vehicles already running Operating System 8 – in the following models beginning in the summer of 2023:
BMW 7 Series
BMW iX
BMW i4
BMW X5
BMW X6
BMW X7
BMW XM

[M4_ZMT]

Bless my '22 M4 with iD7 and physical climate controls. I love you.

[matbl]

I'm so tired of this approach by automakers.
Update at least all your current cars dammit! Incl those already delivered. By OTA.
Still only Tesla seem able to get this right after 10 years.

Then not every feature can be available on cars lacking HW but the base OS and UI can be.
If not, they've constructed their SW in the wrong way.
Would significantly reduce SW maintenance cost as well.

[johninaustin]

Originally Posted by RCtennis3811

That seems false based on what BMW has clarified in their USA press release and what’s been shared with several media outlets.

https://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=4113&mid=

The new BMW Operating System 8.5 will be introduced incrementally – either in production or via a remote software upgrade in certain vehicles already running Operating System 8 – in the following models beginning in the summer of 2023:
BMW 7 Series
BMW iX
BMW i4
BMW X5
BMW X6
BMW X7
BMW XM

From the German BMW FAQ site:

https://faq.bmw.de/s/article/BMW-iDr...db?language=de

Here's the translation:
https://faq-bmw-de.translate.goog/s/..._x_tr_pto=wapp

"Can I upgrade my BMW with Operating System 8 to Operating System 8.5?

Depending on the model and production date, vehicles with BMW Operating System 8 can be updated to BMW Operating System 8.5 via a remote software upgrade by equipping them with the latest head unit generation. The update is currently planned for the following BMW models: BMW 7 Series (production from 07/2022), BMW iX (production from 03/2023), BMW X5 and BMW X6 and BMW X7 (production from 04/2023 each), BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M (production from 04/2023 onwards)."

Unless bmw offers a hardware retrofit, iX built before 3/2023 are SOL, it seems. iX produced 3/2023 and newer have highway assist, AR in the center instrument cluster, and according to BMW, the option to update to 8.5.

No word on i4 in that link for upgrades...

Edit:
https://faq-bmw-de.translate.goog/s/..._x_tr_pto=wapp

This link indicates new i4 produced after 7/2023 will have it, but nowhere does it mention i4 updates from 8 -> 8.5.

[RCtennis3811]

Originally Posted by johninaustin

From the German BMW FAQ site:

https://faq.bmw.de/s/article/BMW-iDr...db?language=de

Here's the translation:
https://faq-bmw-de.translate.goog/s/..._x_tr_pto=wapp

"Can I upgrade my BMW with Operating System 8 to Operating System 8.5?

Depending on the model and production date, vehicles with BMW Operating System 8 can be updated to BMW Operating System 8.5 via a remote software upgrade by equipping them with the latest head unit generation. The update is currently planned for the following BMW models: BMW 7 Series (production from 07/2022), BMW iX (production from 03/2023), BMW X5 and BMW X6 and BMW X7 (production from 04/2023 each), BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M (production from 04/2023 onwards)."

Unless bmw offers a hardware retrofit, iX built before 3/2023 are SOL, it seems. iX produced 3/2023 and newer have highway assist, AR in the center instrument cluster, and according to BMW, the option to update to 8.5.

No word on i4 in that link for upgrades...

Edit:
https://faq-bmw-de.translate.goog/s/..._x_tr_pto=wapp

This link indicates new i4 produced after 7/2023 will have it, but nowhere does it mention i4 updates from 8 -> 8.5.

That still reads to me that there will be some models with 8 from the factory will get an OTA RSU. Again, not every vehicle with 8 will, but some based on production date should.

If only it was like when BMW introduced Digital Key 1.5 and said “models as of MM/YY date will have it.” The weird rollout of the latest MGU across models with BMW Curved Display makes it much harder to decipher what will happen.

[awg87]

Originally Posted by johninaustin

From the German BMW FAQ site:

https://faq.bmw.de/s/article/BMW-iDr...db?language=de

Here's the translation:
https://faq-bmw-de.translate.goog/s/..._x_tr_pto=wapp

"Can I upgrade my BMW with Operating System 8 to Operating System 8.5?

Depending on the model and production date, vehicles with BMW Operating System 8 can be updated to BMW Operating System 8.5 via a remote software upgrade by equipping them with the latest head unit generation. The update is currently planned for the following BMW models: BMW 7 Series (production from 07/2022), BMW iX (production from 03/2023), BMW X5 and BMW X6 and BMW X7 (production from 04/2023 each), BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M (production from 04/2023 onwards)."

Unless bmw offers a hardware retrofit, iX built before 3/2023 are SOL, it seems. iX produced 3/2023 and newer have highway assist, AR in the center instrument cluster, and according to BMW, the option to update to 8.5.

No word on i4 in that link for upgrades...

Edit:
https://faq-bmw-de.translate.goog/s/..._x_tr_pto=wapp

This link indicates new i4 produced after 7/2023 will have it, but nowhere does it mention i4 updates from 8 -> 8.5.

does this mean other cars produced 4/23 and beyond will be able to get the OTA update eventually? i hope that's the case...

[alanzyy]

*Ex factory: BMW 7 Series, BMW iX, BMW i4 from production 07/23; BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7. BMW XM, BMW X5 M, BMW X6 M from production 08/23. Further BMW models in the midsize, executive and luxury classes will follow in stages. In BMW M models, BMW Operating System 8.5 will be introduced without the new graphical interface.

Other cars that can be updated to BMW Operating System 8.5 at a later stage via Remote Software Upgrade: BMW 7 Series from production 07/22; BMW iX from production 03/23; BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7. BMW XM, BMW X5 M, BMW X6 M from production 04/23.

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/globa...or-summer-2023

[weingarm]

So what exactly is “Quick Select” and why won’t it be available for the X5M/X6M and XM?

My thoughts are that the M models will have a slightly different skin in IDrive 8.5 and will operate slightly different from the standard version.

Somewhat like the M-version of IDrive 8.0 (which looks different from the non-M version)

Although no one has seen this difference yet (in IDrive 8.5) to confirm.