Product refreshes for several BMW models.
Limited-run BMW 3.0 CSL and BMW XM appear.
BMW X2 takes a break.
BMW is moving full speed ahead into the EV space with a bunch of new models across various segment, but still caters to its traditional audience with many performance-oriented cars and crossovers. Each one is focused on speed and handling, but also on luxury and design.
As is the case with other German luxury brands, BMW has big plans for electrification and emissions reductions. The company caresses a lofty ambition to sell more than seven million fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2030. In the meantime, here’s what to expect from the BMW brand in 2023, with models listed in alphabetical order.
First and foremost, BMW rolled out an over-the-air update for its iDrive 7 and iDrive 8 infotainment systems, extending the Digital Key’s functionalities to Apple and Android smartphones. The update also activates the Remote Control Parking feature in select countries and vehicles, allowing owners to perform remote-controlled parking manoeuvres.
BMW 3.0 CSL
The BMW 3.0 CSL celebrates the 50th anniversary of the same nameplate that became an iconic vehicle for the brand in the ‘70s. Only 50 units of this reincarnation will be built for worldwide consumption, and are most likely already all spoken for. The two-door, two-seat BMW 3.0 CSL is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six that belts out 552 horsepower (560 PS) and 406 pound-feet of torque, while weight will be kept as low as possible thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic. No word on price, but rumours have it that it will be in the vicinity of 750,000 euros.
BMW 2 Series
The BMW 2 Series is offered in two body styles in the United States, and only in Canada. The 2 Series coupe has been redesigned last year, keeping its rear-wheel-biased drivetrain and is available in 230i configuration with a 255-hp turbo 2.0L four, or as the M240i xDrive with a 382-hp turbo 3.0L six. The BMW M2 is back, introduced in the fall of 2022 and boasting a twin-turbo 3.0L six with 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It can be chosen with a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the 2 Series Gran Coupe soldiers on in the U.S., but has been dropped in Canada. It’s built on a front-drive platform and is available in 228i and 228i xDrive trims with a 228-hp turbo 2.0L four, as well as the M235i xDrive with a 301-hp turbo 2.0L engine.
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series lineup enters the 2023 model with refreshed styling and a revised interior boasting a curved panel that houses the driver instrument cluster and the infotainment screen for the new iDrive 8 interface. There’s also a new toggle-switch transmission gear selector. As before, the lineup includes 330i/330i xDrive (turbo 2.0L four, 255 hp), the M340i/M340i xDrive (turbo 3.0L six, 382 hp, now with 48V mild hybrid tech) as well as the 330e and 330e xDrive (plug-in hybrid turbo 2.0L four, 288 combined hp). There’s also the BMW M3 and its twin-turbo 3.0L inline-six developing 473 hp—or 503 hp in the M3 Competition, while the racy M3 CS was introduced for the 2023 model year with a 453 horsepower, CFRP components for reduced weight, and eight-speed transmission and xDrive. BMW claims the M3 CS can hit 60 mph from a standstill in 3.2 seconds.
BMW 4 Series
A mid-year change for the BMW 4 Series is the integration of the BMW Curved Display panel that hosts the 12.3-inch digital driving instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch infotainment screen—just like in the 3 Series—in addition to iDrive 8. The model line also gets the toggle-switch transmission gear selector, along with a new trim colour. The 4 Series is available once again in coupe, convertible and four-door Gran Coupe body styles, although the latter is no longer available in the Canadian market. The 4 Series is offered in 430i/430i xDrive (turbo 2.0L four, 255 hp) M440i/M440i xDrive (turbo 3.0L six, 382 hp), BMW M4 (twin-turbo 3.0L six, 473 hp) and M4 Competition (twin-turbo 3.0L six, 503 hp). The new M4 CSL features a 453-hp twin-turbo six, a 240-pound weight reduction, exclusive chassis tweaks, M Carbon bucket front seats, no rear seats, and a 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds. Only 1,000 units will be built. Meanwhile, Canada gets the M440i xDrive Coupe M Performance Edition as an exclusivity, available in just 100 units, which features five unique interior and exterior colour combinations.
BMW 5 Series
After a mid-cycle refresh for 2021, the BMW 5 Series receives only minor changes for 2023. The 530e/530e xDrive plug-in hybrids get a combined output of 288 horsepower and a driving range of up to 21/19 miles (EPA) or 31 km (NRCan). The lineup also consists of the 530i/530i xDrive (turbo 2.0L four, 248 hp), the 540i/540i xDrive (turbo 3.0L six, 335 hp), the M550i xDrive (twin-turbo 4.4L V8, 523 hp) as well as the mighty BMW M5 (twin-turbo 4.4L V8, 600 hp, U.S. only) and M5 Competition (617 hp, Canada only) sedans. The 627-hp M5 CS that was introduced for the 2022 model year is already gone.
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series has been thoroughly redesigned for 2023, available in the United States in 740i trim, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six that develops 375 horsepower and incorporates 48V mild hybrid tech. There’s also the 760i xDrive, offered in both the U.S. and Canada, boasting a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 engine that belts out 536 horsepower. In addition to an all-new exterior design, the 7 Series’ interior is filled to the brim with technology, including an available 31-inch 8K BMW Theater Screen for rear-seat occupants who can watch their favourite shows using built-in Amazon Fire TV. The silky V12 engine and the plug-in hybrid powertrain have been retired, and so has the Alpina B7 variant, while a fully electric 7 Series appears as the i7 which we’ll get to in a moment.
BMW 8 Series
The BMW 8 Series rolled into 2023 bearing a mid-cycle refresh, including revised exterior styling and an illuminated kidney grille, new paint colours, and a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The 840i/840i xDrive (turbo 3.0L six, 335 hp) coupe, convertible and four-door Gran Coupe are available in the U.S., but not in Canada, while the M850i xDrive (twin-turbo 4.4L V8, 523 hp) in all three body styles are offered in both countries. The Alpina B8 xDrive Gran Coupe (twin-turbo 4.4L V8, 612 hp) was recently introduced as well. Meanwhile, the BMW M8 is now only available in Competition trim (617 hp) across all three body styles.
BMW i4
The BMW i4 compact liftback Gran Coupe arrived in 2022, and is now available in three flavours instead of two. New this year is the base eDrive35, with 281 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which provides a driving range of up to 256 miles or 412 km. Meanwhile, the eDrive40 serves up 335 horsepower and a range of up to 301 miles or 484 km, while the i4 M50 xDrive offers 536 horsepower, a 0-to-60 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds and a range of up to 271 miles or 436 km. The i4 eDrive35 and eDrive40 are rear-wheel drive only, while the M50 is AWD.
BMW i7
The BMW i7 has landed as a range-topping EV on the passenger-car side of things. It’s offered in xDrive60 configuration with standard AWD, 536 horsepower, 549 pound-feet of torque, an estimated 0-to-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, and a driving range of up to 318 miles or 512 km. It’s loaded with all the technology and luxury as the regular 7 Series, including the 31-inch theatre screen, the 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system and the Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof.
BMW iX
The BMW iX is the company’s first fully electric crossover to hit the North American market, now available with three different powertrains and standard all-wheel drive. The Canada-only xDrive40 serves up 322 horsepower and an estimated driving range of 200 miles or 322 km, while the xDrive50 gets 516 hp and a driving range estimated at 324 miles in the U.S., up to 521 km in Canada. The iX M60 boasts 610 horses, a 0-to-60 mph dash in 3.6 seconds and an estimated range of 288 miles or 463 km. Thanks to an over-the-air update, iX owners can now remotely stop charging and unlock the charge cable through the My BMW app.
BMW X1
The BMW X1 has been redesigned for the 2023 model year. It boasts fresh new styling, a BMW Curved Display housing the digital driver instrument cluster and infotainment screen, the iDrive 8 operating system and much more. AWD is now standard in the United States, as it has always been in Canada. The X1 xDrive28i is equipped with a turbo 2.0L four developing 241 horsepower.
BMW X2
The sportier BMW X2 coupe-like crossover introduced its 2023 model year with the X2 Edition GoldPlay, whose production started in March 2022. It featured the M Sport package as standard, in addition to exclusive San Remo Green paint with Galvanic Gold accenting as well as interior Galvanic Gold and Giallo Oro trim. However, production of the current-generation X2 has ended. The nameplate should return for the 2024 model year, and that new generation is expected to debut sometime in 2023.
BMW X3
The BMW X3 received a mid-cycle refresh for 2022, including revised exterior styling and interior styling, new seat upholstery and colours, ambient lighting, new alloy wheel designs and paint colours as well as an M Sport package for the sDrive30i and xDrive30i variants. The X3 is still offered in sDrive30i and xDrive30i (turbo 2.0L four, 248 hp), Canada-only xDrive30e (PHEV with turbo 2.0L four, 288 combined hp), M40i (turbo 3.0L six, 382 hp), U.S.-only X3 M (twin-turbo 3.0L six, 473 hp) and X3 M Competition (503 hp) trim levels. Again, Canada skips the base FWD variant. The 2023 model year brings minor changes to the list of driver assistance features, and BMW’s Gesture Control feature is out.
BMW X4
The BMW X4 also received a refresh for 2022, with revised exterior and interior styling, new seat upholstery and colours, ambient lighting, new alloy wheel designs and paint colors, an M Sport package for the xDrive30i and 48V mild hybrid technology for the M40i. The X4 can be chosen in xDrive30i (turbo 2.0L four, 248 hp), M40i (turbo 3.0L six, 382 hp), U.S.-only X4 M (twin-turbo 3.0L six, 473 hp) and X4 M Competition (503 hp) variants. As with the X3, BMW’s Gesture Control feature has been removed for 2023.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 range consists of the sDrive40i/xDrive40i (turbo 3.0L six, 335 hp), the xDrive45e (PHEV with turbo 3.0L six, 389 combined hp), the M50i (twin-turbo 4.4L V8, 523 hp), the X5 M (twin-turbo 4.4L V8, 600 hp) and the X5 M Competition (617 hp). Canada does not get the sDrive40i or the X5 M, though. The 2023 model year didn’t get any changes, while the refreshed 2024 BMW X5 has already been revealed with sDrive40i, xDrive40i, xDrive50e and M60i xDrive variants. The sDrive40i/xDrive40i’s turbo 3.0L inline-six receives a 48V mild hybrid system, producing 375 hp and up to 398 pound-feet of torque, while the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid boasts 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet along with an estimated EV driving range of 40 miles or 64 km, thanks to a new 25.7 kWh battery pack. The M60i also receives mild hybrid tech along with an output of 523 hp and 553 pound-feet. The “regular” X5 M is no longer offered, while the X5 M Competition is equipped with a new twin-turbo, 4.4L V8 (617 hp), but gains 48V mild hybrid tech for sharper response and lower fuel consumption. The 2024 BMW X5 benefits from styling revisions and a thoroughly reworked interior as well, including the new BMW Curved Display panel housing the 12.3-inch driver instrument cluster and the 14.9-inch infotainment system screen.
BMW X6
The BMW X6 coupe crossover received no significant changes for 2023. The lineup includes the sDrive40i/xDrive40i (turbo 3.0L six, 335 hp), the M50i (twin-turbo 4.4L V8, 523 hp), the X6 M (twin-turbo 4.4L V8, 600 hp) and the X6 M Competition (617 hp), although again, Canada snubs the sDrive40i and X6 M trims. The 2024 BMW X6 has already debuted with fresh new styling and a much more modern interior, including the new BMW Curved Display panel. The xDrive40i’s turbo 3.0L inline-six receives a 48V mild hybrid system, which now develops 375 hp and up to 398 pound-feet of torque, while the M60i also receives mild hybrid tech along with an output of 523 hp and 553 pound-feet. The “regular” X6 M is no longer offered, while the X6 M Competition is equipped with a new twin-turbo, 4.4L V8 (617 hp), but gains 48V mild hybrid tech for sharper response and lower fuel consumption. The M Sport package that was previously optional on the X6 is now standard.
BMW X7
The BMW X7 received a mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year. The big crossover gets styling revisions to draw a closer resemblance with the new 7 Series sedan, a revised M Sport package, a slew of new paint colours, new alloy wheel designs in sizes up to 23 inches, the BMW Curved Display, and more. The xDrive40i is equipped with a turbo 3.0L six as before, but gets a 40-hp increase to 375 horsepower and up to 398 pound-feet of torque, along with new 48V mild hybrid technology. Meanwhile, the M50i becomes and M60i, equipped with a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 that also adopts 48V mild hybrid tech. Output remains at 523 hp and 553 pound-feet of torque, while BMW claims a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. The 2023 BMW Alpina XB7 will appear in the spring, boasting a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 with 630 hp and 590 pound-feet, good for 0-60 mph runs of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph or 290 km/h.
BMW XM
Initially unveiled as a concept in late 2021, the roadgoing BMW XM is now in production as the M division’s first standalone vehicle since the BMW M1. Its plug-in hybrid system consists of a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 engine and an electric motor that’s integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. Output is pegged at 644 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, sent to all four wheels via the XM’s xDrive system. EV-only driving range is estimated at 30 miles or 50 km. Pricing starts at $160K in the United States and at $220K in Canada. Later in 2023, the XM Label Red variant should appear with 738 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque.
BMW Z4
The BMW Z4 roadster gets a mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year, with revised exterior styling, new paint colours, new optional equipment and more. It continues to be offered in sDrive30i (turbo 2.0L four, 255 hp) and M40i (turbo 3.0L six, 382 hp) trim levels. The M Sport package is now standard on both trim levels, while a new set of 19-inch wheels have been developed specifically for the Z4.
