Since pushing the benchmarks further with the launch of the E90 3 Series back in 2005, BMW had been enjoying the throne on the warm seat for quite sometime, until recently.
With Mercedes' new C-Class showing Mercedes is all back on form, and Audi's recent rather quiet arrival of the B8 A4, which is the largest in class and offers much amenities not available with such pricing; BMW had to do something.
Mere exterior refreshes - often dubbed 'Facelifts' will not be very well received with BMW. They call it LCI, or Life Cycle Impulse where the model will be subtly redesigned, more powertrain options, introduction of new innovative features and so on.
From the front, definitely more sculpted surfaces shown on the grill, the fog lamp's placement housing was shaped upwards in tandem with the front lamp's shape of tapering upwards, the two slabs of chrome on top of the bonnet right above the kidney grills are gone. The most interesting part, is the bonnet, where two lines flow from the wind screens concentrating towards the propeller logo, sleekly pronouncing a slight power bulge - Of which we find that such design would be further integrated into BMW's entire lineup (Except the M divisions)
The side mirrors are now in a more angular, squarish shape offering more width and angle of field compared to the previous tear shape, soft curvy oval shaped mirrors.
From the rear, the highly controversial rear lamp was slightly reworked, omitting the much criticized white covers for the reverse lights that seems to take away BMW's 'L' shape rear lamps. The E90 LCI had a much dynamic, fluid shape of the rear lamp, the exhaust placement calls 'M3 here I come' and with the reworked rear lower fenders, lowerng the profile to a more staut, sports profile.
As seen on the side profile, the reworked rear lamps now wraps around more off the edges, the rear bumper sculpted into a more angular, lower looking sports fender compared to the previous soft curvy edges. The side skirts line now flows nearer to the doors, capturing and reflecting more light off the surface, giving a more striking, assuring stance.
As for the interior, ignore the walnut vs aluminum trim look as it's optional and varies in accordance to fit finish and trim levels.
The steering now gets two thin aluminum trims giving it a definite, refreshing and modern twist, the speedometer's was slightly redesigned, and the most important thing that comes with this LCI, is the inclusion of the new generation of iDRIVE where shortcut buttons such as those on Audi's MMI controls are now present to ease the usage and we strongly believe these whould easily take out 2 to 3 levels of menu hierarchy.
In terms of entertainment, the E90 LCI will now start offering a 40GB Hardisk, allowing the access and storage of all entertainment files, satnavs, phonebooks even the integrated user's manual as seen on the new 7 Series. Another groundbreaking 'offer' from BMW would be the lifetime free, unlimited internet bandwidth usage offered, with the car having continuous connection with BMW's collaborated partners, owners can access the internet from the car, free, unlimited using EDGE connection.
However there's no mention on how such application would suit various markets as operators charge differently, operate independently over the world.
Other than mere aesthetics update, the E90 LCI is full of well paid engineers showing their worth. A 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission will make its way gradually into the range (already available for the E92 335 Coupe), offering enthusiasts BMW's intepretation of lightning quick gearshifts, of course paddles on steerings are a must for any enthusiastic drive.
The rear axle has been widened by 24mm, to give a wider stance and better stability and traction. xDrive and Active Steering will be offered as an option. BMW's environmental "Walk the Talk" system - BMW Efficient Dynamics that sees normal diesel engines trumphing Prius by a mile in terms of emission and economy.
Still considering calling this a facelift? We suggest Life Cycle Impulse to be more precise.
Following are photos of the new BMW E90 Life Cycle Impulse.
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