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2017 BMW 3 Series GT update includes two new engines

BMW has treated the hatchback 3 Series Gran Turismo (not to be confused with the hatchback 4 Series Gran Coupe) to some updates for the 2017 model year. The biggest change is the introduction of the company's latest four- and six-cylinder engines, but along with them come some updates to appearance and equipment. Of the 18 powertrains BMW will offer globally in the 2017 3 Series GT, the United States will once again receive only two. Both of the new 3 GT engines come from BMW's latest modular engine architecture, which spits out three-, four-, and six-cylinders. Replacing the previous 328i Gran Turismo is a new 330i, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four good for 252 horsepower (instead of 240) and 258 pound-feet of torque (up modestly from 255). The outgoing 335i is replaced by the new 340i, with a 3.0-liter turbo six rated at 326 hp and 332 lb-ft, up from an even 300 hp and 300 lb-ft for the outgoing 3.0-liter six. Both models come standard with xDrive all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic as before. The 340i and its new engine have already made it to the refreshed 3 sedan launched last year, while the 330i and its four-cylinder are not yet part of the sedan or wagon lineup (or the 4 Series, for that matter). We expect the engine and name change to migrate to them in the next year or so. In addition to the engine updates, the 2017 3 GT also receives visual tweaks like those on the 2016 sedan, including new LED headlights, taillights, daytime running lights, and fog lights. Matte chrome exterior trim now comes standard, and there's a new rear bumper design. The interior gets chrome accents and a few other changes that we found helped make the sedan feel a bit more rich, fixing the downmarket feel of the early 3s of this generation. The latest iDrive infotainment, version 5.0, is also included with the navigation option. Buyers will again be able to select from a variety of option bundles including Luxury, M Sport, Lighting, and Cold Weather packages. The car's structure remains unchanged, which means the same hatchback body and longer wheelbase that bridge the gap between the sedan and wagon. It's a style-practicality compromise that continues to be polarizing, but at least the 3 gives you options. Related Video: The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. BMW is preparing to launch the latest BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo in time for the start of summer.

Daimler, BMW partnering up on wireless charging

Plug-in vehicle advocates can get all warm and fuzzy about two Germany heavyweight automakers getting together for the sake of wireless charging. That's because Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler and BMW will work together to speed up development of a wireless charging system. While not a ton of details were divulged, we can still rejoice. Daimler says the system will consist of an on-board coil and another coil that can be placed within the garage floor or someplace similarly stationary. The system will charge at 3.6 kilowatts and with 90 percent efficiency. No details were released about the system's price or when it would be available, but Daimler shouldn't wait too long, since other OEMs are already talking about their own wireless charging systems. Daimler obviously has some skin in the game here, since Mercedes-Benz will start sales of its S500 plug-in hybrid in September. That model, which was first shown off last August at the Frankfurt Auto Show, can go as far as 20 miles on electric power alone and will get fuel economy of about 84 miles per gallon equivalent. And it's easy to imagine an i3 or i8 driver getting a kick out of never needing to touch a cord. This spring, reports sprung up that fellow German automaker Volkswagen was preparing a wireless charging option for its electric vehicles as soon as 2017. You can check out Daimler's press release below. Wireless charging of electric drive and plug-in hybrid vehicles: PLUG IN HYBRID - unplugged One of the next steps on the way to perfect electric drive and plug-in hybrid vehicles is wireless charging. Daimler and BMW have now agreed on jointly developing and implementing one common technology. Wireless charging of the battery will make the handling of electric drive and plug-in hybrid vehicles even easier. Mercedes-Benz will commence fleet testing of this "unplugged" technology with the S 500 Plug in HYBRID soon, in order to develop a real S-Class solution in recharging the high voltage battery in terms of comfort and ease of operating in the near future. The system consists of two components: a secondary coil integrated into the under tray of the car and a primary coil integrated into a floor plate that can be placed on a garage floor for instance. Electrical energy is transmitted contact-free without the need for a cable, at a power rate of 3.6 kW and with a degree of efficiency of 90%.

BMW planning to stretch i3 into i5 family hauler?

If you're sweet on the new BMW i3 but wish it had more space to carry people and stuff, we've got good news for you. According to Autocar, BMW is planning on stretching the platform that underpins the i3 to create a new model, expected to be called i5.
The stretch job would add an extra four inches of legroom in the back and another six inches of rear overhang to the benefit of cargo space. The result would create a vehicle longer than the current Mini Countryman - although the next Countryman is likely to be even larger. As Autocar points out, the process of extending the i3's composte passenger cell likely wouldn't be as difficult or cost-intensive as lengthening a conventional metal chassis, although the rear doors would need to be re-engineered.
Whether the resulting vehicle would more closely resemble a hatchback, wagon, minivan or something in between remains to be seen, however BMW is said to have already registered the nameplates i1 through i8, signalling that the possibility is at least there to add more members to its new EV family.