BMW is injecting a serious dose of visual attitude into its midsize performance lineup this summer with the introduction of the optional Black Package. Designed specifically for the M Performance variants of the 3 Series, 4 Series Gran Coupé, and the fully electric i4 Gran Coupé, this aesthetic upgrade requires the selection of the M Sport package Pro, which already adds striking red M Sport brakes. On the outside, the package delivers a stealthy, aggressive look featuring high-gloss black 19 inch M light alloy wheels, exclusive blacked out model badging on the sides and rear, and an additional black emblem nestled into the kidney grille for the 4 Series and i4 variants. Step inside, and the motorsport inspiration becomes even more obvious. The Black Package transforms the cabin with extensive carbon fiber elements, swapping out standard trim for the premium Carbon Fiber M interior package. The theme carries directly onto the driver controls, where the M leather steering wheel receive...
For decades, the driving soul of a BMW was defined by power going straight to the rear wheels. That classic formula saw a major shift in the 2010s when Munich introduced front-wheel-drive architectures for its compact lineup, a move that left brand purists longing for the old days. Aside from the enthusiast-favorite 2 Series Coupe, BMW's smallest models transitioned to a more conventional layout. However, a major shake-up is brewing at the bottom of the lineup, and it is bringing the celebrated rear-wheel-drive dynamics back to the brand's entry-level car, with a modern, fully electric twist. BMW is currently developing a next-generation 1 Series that will send its power exclusively to the rear axle. The catch is that this new driving dynamic will not be powered by petrol. Instead, the fifth iteration of BMW's smallest hatchback is going completely electric, riding on a bespoke EV platform. Expected to arrive before the end of the decade, this premium compact hatchback will...