WHAT’S NEW

PRICE Unchanged at $112,990 for 30d and up by $5000 to $149,900 for the M50d. BMW says there’s about $10,000 of extra kit in both cars — decide for yourself whether the company has sharpened the pencil or was making a decent margin on the last model

TECHNOLOGY Three windscreen mounted cameras improve the depth of view for traffic signs, pedestrians and cyclists, aided by 12 ultrasonic sensors and five radar sensors.

PERFORMANCE The 30d gains 5kW/60Nm, the M50d 14kW/20Nm, with 0-100km/h times down to 6.5 seconds and 5.2 seconds respectively.

DRIVING On the M50d, standard four-wheel steering endows a sports sedan feel through the wheel. Default steel springs are firm on 30d; appreciably stiffer on the M50d.

DESIGN Massive chrome grille is the most visually imposing element, backed by horizontal fog lamps. A panoramic sunroof is standard and a pair of 12.3-inch digital displays dominates the cabin.