New BMW M140i, M240i and plug-in 7 Series range revealed

Additionally, BMW has equipped both the M140i and M240i with rev-linked damper systems to reduce vibrations, while an acoustic shield has been added to tune out unwanted noises, giving the engine a clearer note.

Both new models undercut the starting prices of the cars they replace by about £200, with the M140i on sale from £31,875 and the M240i from £35,090. The M240i convertible will cost from £38,535.

New 2.0-litre four-cylinder

A new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine also joins both the 1 Series and 2 Series model ranges. The engine is available in 20i, 25i and 30i forms, and has an extra 7bhp over the previous engine. The 20i, 25i and 30i versions of this engine deliver 181bhp, 221bhp and 249bhp respectively.

BMW says straight-line performance and fuel economy have been improved, although it hasn’t quoted any figures as of yet.

BMW’s eight-speed automatic gearbox is now standard fitment on the 125i.

The 228i is replaced by the 230i for the 2 Series coupé and convertible models.

Prices slightly increase on the outgoing models, with the 1 Series now starting from £23,980 and the 2 Series £26,830. The 2 Series convertible starts at £29,830.

New iPerformance range launched

Following its announcement at the Geneva motor show, BMW has now added plug-in hybrid versions of the 7 Series to its new iPerformance range.

The range incorporates electric technology developed by BMW's i Division into more mainstream models. Three new plug-in hybrid models will be produced – the 225xe Active Tourer, the 330e saloon and the X5 xDrive40e; conventional versions of which are already on sale.

They’re now joined by the new 740e and 740Le xDrive, and will all be sold under the recently launched iPerformance banner.

These two new 7 Series models use a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor to produce a combined power output of 322bhp. Both are able to cover 30 miles on electric power alone. CO2 emissions are claimed to be 45g/km and 51g/km, while fuel economy is claimed to be 141.2mpg and 128.4mpg respectively.

Electric energy is provided by high-performance lithium ion batteries, which were developed from the batteries used in the i8 and BMW i3 models.

Externally, the only things that identify iPerformance models are eDrive badges on the C-pillars, charging point flaps and i badging on the front wings of certain cars. Buyers can also specify iPerformance exterior styling at no extra cost, which adds blue slats on the kidney grilles and blue alloy wheel hubs.