BMW has announced a raft of updates for some of its most popular models, adding new paint colors and finishes, fancy headlights, more convenience, and better efficiency to selected vehicles.

We start with upgrades arriving from March 2023. All versions of the 7 Series will be available with BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic. For those who want something more distinctive, BMW Individual two-tone paintwork can now be paired with BMW Individual special colors.

Inside, M Merino leather with Taupe Grey/Night Blue and Caramel/Atlas Grey elements is now available, as is BMW Individual Merino leather/cashmere wool with elements in Black/Grey. More on the 7 Series later.

Also available from March is a new feature for the BMW iX electric SUV. As in the BMW i7, the iX will be able to initiate pre-warming of the battery manually when the navigation system is not in use. By warming the battery ahead of a charging stop, the cells can absorb energy more easily, saving you time when replenishing charge.

In addition, the standard Driving Assistant in the iX will add the Trailer Assistant feature, making reversing with a trailer child's play. This update was among a number of over-the-air enhancements that BMW recently rolled out to some 30 models.

BMW M4 models will gain access to the option of an instrument panel trimmed in Sensatec faux leather, while an M design graphic will be available for the hood and trunk lid of coupe models. This will be offered in both high-gloss black or red.

From April 2023, the BMW X7 SUV will get access to the optional BMW crystal headlights with Iconic Glow that were first introduced on the latest 7 Series. The upper DRL/indicator sections of these headlights boast Swarovski crystals with LED backlighting, but BMW is also making subtle changes to the rear of the X7. The optional M high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim will now include a rear trim strip in matching high-gloss Black.

Sticking with the X7, spring will bring more convenience to the extended Parking Assistant Professional feature. Automatic parking can be controlled from outside the car (at a distance of up to 20 feet) via an Apple iPhone using My BMW App version 2.12.x, and the Maneuver Assistant can record and store up to 10 maneuvers at different locations over a maximum distance of 656 feet and up to a combined total of 1,968 feet.

The 7 Series and iX also benefit from these parking enhancements.

Also arriving in the spring, BMW 4 Series and BMW M4 models will gain BMW Operating System 8 with its curved infotainment screen that merges a 12.3-inch digital cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment display. This screen and system have been available in the 3 Series and the M3 since the middle of last year. The i4 gains "an expressive welcome sound" when one of the front doors is opened, while regular 4 Series models of all sorts will get M high-gloss Shadowline detailing around the windows as standard.

BMW has also revealed updates to all versions of the iX, as well as the i7 xDrive60, with these to be delivered with a Mode 3 charging cable Professional, which allows a charging capacity of up to 22 kW. This means the maximum usable charging capacity will be double what the previous Mode 3 charging cable could handle.

Finally, BMW has confirmed that Operating System 9 will launch abroad in an initial pilot phase in the X1 but will gradually be rolled out to other models and markets.