Here is a preview of the upcoming 5 Series F10 LCI update and facelift. BMW insider Scott26 confirms the upcoming changes we have reported previously - restyled bumpers with front air curtains, optional LED adaptive headlights, reworked steering, 550i with new N63Tu engine.

Production for the F10 LCI as beginning in July 2013, with deliveries starting in August/September of 2013.

Look for its possible public reveal at next week’s 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

We bring you the first live look and listen at the BMW 2 Series Coupe (F22) and Convertible (F23), from cold climate testing in Sweden. Seen and heard in our video are various models, including not limited, to the M235i and 228i models. It’s likely that at least some of the cars here are AWD xDrive models testing performance in the snow.

The M235i coupe (315 HP) is already confirmed for the US (see VIN details and spy photos). Production will begin in November 2013, for an 8 month first-model-year production run (until June 2014). There will be no 235i model in the US or elsewhere, as the M235i will take its place in the lineup.

The M235i will be joined by the 228i coupe in … CONTINUED

The BMW i8 hybrid sports car prototype continues testing throughout the winter, this time spotted in northern Sweden.

The latest prototypes show:

The BMW i8 hybrid sports car prototype continues testing throughout the winter, this time spotted in northern Sweden.

The latest prototypes show:

Classic Hoffmeister kink has now been revealed.
• Kidney grilles now more visible than ever.
• Sideskirts now match the concept i8.
• Side view mirrors are sportier and extend out further, for a more exotic look.
• Door handles have been deleted from the doors and moved to the newly created gap between the rear edge of the door and the rear quarter panel, just like on the i8 Spyder Concept.
• Rear fenders/shoulders and tail lights have been raised for a more aggressive look, to match the look … CONTINUED

It’s no secret that the upcoming BMW 4 Series Coupe (F32) has its sights set squarely on competing with the Audi A5 coupe, and we’ve now spotted the F32 being tested directly against the A5.

Seen here is a F32 435i prototype (powered by N55, at least initially upon the model’s introduction) parked next to the Audi A5, following some direct testing and during a lunch break for BMW engineers.

The photos give us a first look at how the 4 Series Coupe looks compared the A5, as well as a glimpse of it next to the F30 3 Series sedan. It’s difficult to judge exact dimensional differences from the photos, but it’s interesting to see the similarities and differences between the two directly competing models - … CONTINUED

We’ve previously posted photos of the 2 Series coupe (F22) and convertible (F23) testing, but we’ve not spotted them testing together, giving us a great look at how the two models compare visually.

The F22 coupe seen here is a M235i model judging by the blue M Sport brakes and split dual black exhaust tips (also seen on the M135i upon which the M235i is based).

The M235i coupe (315 HP) is already confirmed for the US (see VIN details). Production will begin in November 2013 in the Leipzig plant, for an 8 month first-model-year production run (until June 2014). There will be no 235i model in the US or elsewhere, as the M235i will take its place in the lineup.

The M235i will be joined by the … CONTINUED

Besides our earlier spy photos, here is the first factual confirmation (via VIN search) of the US bound M235i F22 coupe, together with a preview of some (perhaps not all) of the upcoming 2 Series Coupe and Convertible model lineup.

VIN long WBA1J7C52EVX33501
Type code 1J7C
Type M235I (USA)
Dev. series F22 ()
Line 2
Body type COUPE
Steering LL
Door count 2
Engine N55
Cubical capacity 3.00
Power 235
Transmision HECK
Gearbox MECH
Colour VALENCIA ORANGE METALLIC (B44)
Upholstery LEDER DAKOTA/SCHWARZ (LCSW)
Prod. date 2012-11-20

Order options
No. Description
1CA SELECTION COP RELEVANT VEHICLES … CONTINUED

Here are some details for the F10 5 Series LCI facelift update, via VIN information found by a BIMMERPOST member. This list is by no means exhaustive, and there may be details and models not listed here, or the information may be outdated.

The first VIN below shows the LCI 550i touring with uprated N63Tu 445-bhp/480-lb.-ft engine (just as the 650i Gran Coupe and 5GT already received last year), good for +45hp / +30 lb-ft torque over the N63 engine.

The second VIN shows the 535d coming to US.

VIN long WBAHR92090D000000
Type code HR92
Type 550I (EUR)
Dev. series F11 (MUE)
Line 5
Body type TOUR
Steering RL
Door count 5
Engine N63T
Cubical capacity 4.40 … CONTINUED

We’ve spied the upcoming LCI facelift updated 5 Series again, and the sighting comes on the first Plug-in Hybrid 5 Series we’ve spotted. The LCI update will facelift the entire 5 Series lineup, including the F10 sedan, F11 touring, F07 GT, and the F10 M5, although the styling updates do not look to be too drastic.

EXTERIOR

The F10 LCI prototypes spotted thus far have shown slightly sportier side mirrors, with integrated turn signals (still camouflaged on previous prototypes seen). Some LCI prototypes have been spotted with a new optional LED headlights option with squared off angel eyes/corona rings. The standard xenon lights (as spotted on this prototype) will retain circular angel eyes. The tail light graphics will receive a new look.

The front and rear bumpers will … CONTINUED

Thus far, the spied camouflaged 2 Series Coupe and Convertible prototypes remain under heavy front camouflage, obscuring the front fascia design.

But BMW insider Scott26 has shared with us this sketch of what to roughly expect from the 2 Series. As one can see, the smaller (compared to F20) headlights will join the kidney grilles as we’ve expected. The front end’s general look is certainly sportier and more angular based on this sketch.