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2015 BMW 1 Series facelift revealed [w/video]

While we don't get the BMW 1 Series at all in the US anymore, European buyers are getting a refresh of the luxury compact hatchback for the new year. Unlike the German brand's recent work on the 6 Series, the work is actually noticeable and improves things nicely. Up front, BMW keeps the changes subtle. The lower airdam is tweaked with larger air intakes and less chrome than before. The redesign and better sealing around the reshaped, narrower headlights also help optimize airflow and – in our eyes – improve aesthetics. LED running lights are standard now, and full LED units are optional. The more striking changes come at the back, where the 1 Series now wears the Bavarian brand's latest L-shaped taillights. The lights wrap around the sides and cut into the hatch to create a much more visually interesting look. The lower apron gets some small changes as well, and it all works together to create a more cohesive look. The BMW hatchback also gets some engine tweaks to go with its updated style. A new 2.0-liter four-cylinder is offered in 150-, 190- and 224-horsepower tunes. For those who want the best fuel economy, the 116d EfficientDynamics Plus makes 116 hp from a 1.5-liter turbo diesel and features active air flaps and redesigned kidney grille bars for better aero. The top-spec M135i with its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six gets a six-hp boost to 326 hp, too. Updates to the eight-speed automatic give it longer gearing and predictive shifting based on the vehicle's navigation system data. All of the new models hit the market in Europe later this year, specifically in late March for the UK. Read below for BMW's full list of tweaks and changes and to see it in motion on video. The BMW 1 Series for 2015 16.01.2015 Nearly two million 1 Series models have been sold since the introduction of the first 1 Series generation ten years ago. This latest incarnation builds on the winning formula of these three- and five-door predecessors with new power units from the latest BMW engine family, additional EfficientDynamics technologies fitted as standard, and careful enhancements to the exterior and interior design. The level of standard equipment is now even higher, new options have been added and with new mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive, there are even more ways to increase the functionality and personalisation of the new 1 Series.

BMW 3 Series eDrive plug-in hybrid spotted in development

BMW has shown its commitment to the development of hybrid and electric powertrains in recent years, with vehicles in its ActiveHybrid range, electrics like its BMW ActiveE and range-extended EVs like the i3 and i8. Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles are clearly top-of-mind for the German automaker. We saw spy shots of the PHEV BMW X5 eDrive prototypes about a year ago, and now our shooters have come through with a 3 Series-bodied version of the technology, as well.
In addition to the obvious "Hybrid Test Vehicle" designation you see on the bodysides of this 3er, we also note that a second 'fuel cap' - presumably hiding the electric charge point - is in evidence. It's a fairly safe assumption that this 3 Series is making use of the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor configuration that the X5 eDrive used. In the case of the X5, that meant a top electric-only speed of 75 miles per hour, with a range of just under 20 miles, and 0-62 mph in under 7 seconds. With considerably lighter, compact sedan bodywork clothing the PHEV drivetrain, we'd guess that the 3 Series eDrive could improve on each of those numbers.

BMW M5 Pure Metal Silver Limited Edition is a US special

America usually misses out on limited-edition models, but BMW has just made an ultra-exclusive version of its M5. Only 50 units of the Pure Metal Silver Limited Edition will be made, and the high-performance sedan is a US-only affair. Built upon a M5 with the Competition Package, the special edition boasts more power and a unique paint job to make it stand out from the regular M5. The Pure Metal Silver Limited Edition is up to 600 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, which is 25 hp and 16 lb.-ft. of torque more than a M5 fitted with the Competition Package. The added power is from an increase in boost pressure and "targeted modifications." Thanks to the M dual-clutch transmission with Drivelogic, zero to 60 mph is dealt with in 3.9 seconds. The special edition is only marginally quicker than a base M5, so the power increase is more useful in bar trivia than in the real world. On the outside, the Pure Metal Silver paint job is one of the special edition's defining features. The color is BMW's most expensive paint option – it costs $10,000 in BMW Individual's Catalog. While being insanely expensive, the paint job is stunning and gives the M5 a chrome-like look. Besides the paint, the special edition retains the 20-inch M alloy wheels, black M Performance kidney grill, and M Performance Exhaust with carbon bezel as the M5 with the Competition Package. The interior features Merino (gray) leather with contrast stitching and aluminum trim to match the sedan's unique paint job. Each vehicle will have a badge (ranging from one to 50) highlighting the vehicle's limited quantity on the trim. Pricing for the Pure Metal Silver Limited Edition starts at $130,900 plus a $995 destination and handling fee. That represents a $30,000 price hike over the M5 with the Competition Package. That's a whole lot of silver for a gray car. But the special edition does come with the M Driver's Package as standard, which raises the top speed to 190 mph and includes an entire day of high-performance driving at BMW's Performance Center in California or South Carolina. The ultra-exclusive M5 will be available in August. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2016 BMW M5 Pure Metal Silver Limited Edition News Source: BMWImage Credit: BMW BMW Luxury Special and Limited Editions Performance Sedan limited edition