BMW set to refresh line-up

Apart from the new 3 Series and updates across the range, the normally stagnant large cars are also in for a radical shake-up.

Christoph Priemel, who is responsible for BMW's product and pricing in the 5, 6 and 7 Series says he is in for a busy year in 2012.

BMW has just announced the new N20 four-cylinder turbo engine for the new entry-level 520i at $77,900, while the 528i also gets the four-cylinder engine instead of the straight six.

Early next year we can look forward to the new M5 with a high-revving 4.4-litre V8 turbo engine.

Priemel says they are also "looking hard" into bringing in the 5 Series ActiveHybrid. He says if it does come it would arrive in the second quarter. Read between the lines ... it is definitely coming.

There will also be a five-door 6 Series that will keep the coupe shape. However, Priemel says it is not comparable to a 5 GT.

"The design is totally different," he says. It will arrive late in the second quarter.

There is also talk of M6 coupe and convertible variant, with no timing yet, but the convertible will arrive first. And the year will close with a substantial facelift for the flagship 7 Series.