BMW has announced a host of updates for its engines and technology not only for its regular passenger cars, but also for some serious pieces of M Sport kit. Most importantly, the M135i hot hatch and M235i Coupé and Convertible have been uprated. So much so that they actually needed new names, replacing the 35i with a more potent 40i suggesting a whole bunch more power. In fact, in transition to 40i, these M cars have only gained a measly 14 bhp and 50 Nm. That means a total of 335 bhp and 500 Nm from the 3.0-litre silky smooth straight-six. The M140i can get to 62 mph in as little as 4.6 seconds (with the sports automatic transmission), a whole 0.3 s quicker than the previous generation of M135i. The M240i Coupé shares the sprint time, but the M240i Convertible takes an extra 0.1 of a second. All are available with a 6-speed manual transmission which adds yet another 0.2 s to the sprint time, a factor that’s crucial for earning the owner his or her bragging rights. Although it’s not a figure that’s as important to any potential buyer, these mild performance cars can achieve MPG figures in the late 30s, or so they claim! Pricing for the M140i starts at £31,875. The M240i is available from £35,090 in Coupé form or £38,535 in Convertible form. It’s not just the M135i models that have been uprated, though. Elsewhere in the range, the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine found in the 20i, 25i and 28i has been given a bit of TLC. It’s only another 6-7 bhp in the books, but running costs have been reworked and even the 20i comes as standard with twin exhaust pipes. The 125i, previously available with a manual transmission, will come as standard with an 8-speed sports automatic transmission. The 28i engine that’s found in the 2 Series Coupé and Convertible gains the new title of 30i. Although we car guys are excited by performance models, it’s important that we don’t forget the inevitable future – hybrids. Already available since the beginning of this year from BMW are the 225xe Active Tourer, 330e Saloon and X5 xDrive40e.   The plug-in technology is also offered in BMW’s high networth luxury segment in the forms of the 740e and 740Le xDrive. A system output of 322 bhp isn’t too shabby, and with an electric-only range of 29 miles you could theoretically drive your 2-tonne super saloon in complete silence. CO2 emissions range from 49 to 56 g/km, with MPG figures reaching a claimed 134.5. Pricing will start at £68,330 and £74,880 respectively. On the subject of the 7 Series, BMW used this car to introduce the latest-generation iDrive infotainment system, a class leader by far. Recently it was introduced to the likes of the 6 Series and X5, but now it’s trickling down the line to cars such as the entry-level 1 Series and popular 3 Series among others. It will feature better processing speeds, wireless charging capabilities and an additional USB socket. Finally, onto the smaller details, but that’s not to say they’re less important. Some may argue that the following upgrades are crucial in defining a car, and in making it stand out against rivals. Features such as new leather with contrast stitching, or contrasting carpets, on the 3 Series and 4 Series M Sport. At £34,405, you can even buy your hybrid people carrier, the 225xe, in M Sport trim. Who said you can’t look good and be practical? Furthermore, some premium materials have been used on the higher-spec 3 Series, 4 Series and 7 Series. Sit in the back of an X5 or X6 and, if the owner has been generous, you may be greeted by a 9.2-inch display in the front seat’s headrest. Up until now, that is. The rear seat entertainment system now features a larger 10.2-inch display, improved display quality, BluRay functionality and an HDMI port. These two SUVs can also be had with the M Sport Plus package which features a Harman/Kardon surround sound setup, head-up display, speed limit display and 20-inch M double-spoke alloy wheels. This package can also be specified to the 5 Series Gran Turismo.