While many manufacturers either postponed or put their plans on hold during the coronavirus pandemic, the same can’t be said for BMW.
This ambitious German manufacturer continued to go full speed with a range of refreshed or all-new models introduced throughout the year.
So if you’ve struggled to keep up-to-date with all the new BMWs launched recently, here we help explain what was new in 2020…
Fresh 128ti hot hatch
Until this latest generation of 1 Series, BMW had always used a rear-wheel-drive layout for its hot hatches, and with the new model adopting front- or all-wheel-drive, many thought it might have lost its sparkle behind the wheel.
It most certainly hasn’t, but those that are still skeptical should like the 128ti – the purest of BMW’s hot hatches. Reviving a legendary nameplate of BMWs gone by, this is the sweet spot of the 1 Series range.
New 2 Series Gran Coupe model line
An all-new model for 2020 was the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Based on the same platform as the 1 Series, this uniquely-styled model is an interesting take on the small saloon, and goes head-to-head with the Mercedes CLA.
Available with efficient diesel and petrol engines, you can also choose it in a hot M235i form.
Additional 3 Series derivatives
BMW also expanded its popular 3 Series range in 2020, with the key addition being the introduction of a hot M340d diesel model. Producing 335bhp from its 3.0-litre diesel engine, the M340d can comfortably sprint to 60mph in less than five seconds, while also being able to deliver a claimed 50mpg.
The 3 Series hybrid range was also enhanced, with the 330e PHEV now available with xDrive all-wheel-drive for the first time, as well as a Touring (estate) model – previously it was only sold as a saloon.
Brand-new 4 Series Coupe
Arguably one of the most controversial BMWs introduced in 2020 – namely due to its bold styling – the new 4 Series offers a range of new technology borrowed from its 3 Series sibling.
It’s also sold as a hot M440i model, which proved a brilliant performance car when we got behind the wheel earlier this year, and an ideal interim ahead of the M4 being introduced in 2021.
Refreshed 5 Series
The magic facelift wand was also waved on the 5 Series in 2020, with BMW introducing more handsome styling to this saloon’s line-up, along with enhanced technology and safety features.
Elsewhere, BMW introduced a flagship M550i model to the UK for the first time – packing a 523bhp 4.4-litre V8 (essentially a detuned version of the M5’s engine) – and also a new six-cylinder plug-in hybrid.
New M2 CS
The M2 CS recently scooped performance car publication Evo’s Car of the Year, and that pretty much sums up all you need to know about the hottest version of this sports car yet.
Offering 40bhp more than the standard M2 Competition (producing 444bhp in all), and with a focus on lightness, there are few cars as good to drive as this BMW.
Updated M5 Competition
Hot on the heels of the 5 Series, BMW quickly pulled the wraps off the new M5 Competition – the hottest model in the ‘5’ line-up.
Benefitting from much of the tech fitted to the standard saloon car, the M5 is powered by a 616bhp 4.4-litre V8 packing 616bhp and 750Nm of torque – enabling a 0-60mph time of just 3.1 seconds.
New X1 and X2 plug-in hybrids
BMW has one of the most extensive line-ups of plug-in hybrid models of any manufacturer and that’s grown further in 2020 with new electrified versions of the firm’s more compact X1 and X2 crossovers.
Combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and battery, the two models produce 217bhp, while allowing for an electric range of around 35 miles.
New X3 PHEV
Keen not to lose out on sales to Audi and Mercedes, BMW also introduced a new plug-in hybrid version of the X3.
Offering a 32-mile electric range and strong performance, this SUV is set to prove a big hit with company car drivers thanks to its low benefit-in-kind tax band of 10 per cent. An electric version of the X3 is also on its way in 2021, meaning it will be sold as a petrol, diesel, hybrid and an EV.
New X5 and X6 M Competition models
Sports SUVs continue to be as popular as ever, and while BMW has been producing them for several generations, it’s seriously upped the stakes on its latest X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition models.
That’s because they’re also equipped with the most powerful engine ever to feature in a BMW – the same 616bhp 4.4-litre V8 as the M5 Competition. Allowing for a 0-60mph time of just 3.6 seconds, there are few quicker SUVs on the market today.
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