Richmond Hill, ON. The fully electric BMW iX3, the first Neue Klasse model, marked the beginning of a new era of driving pleasure. Now, the new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive raises the stakes as the line-up’s most performance-focused variant.

As an M Performance model, the fully electric SUV pairs a powerful drive system with athletic performance and the agile handling expected of a BMW. Its unmistakably extroverted design underscores the technological leap of the Neue Klasse and gives the most powerful BMW iX3 a bold, unmistakably sporting character.

The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive channels the power of its all-electric BMW M eDrive system into immediate, precisely controlled performance. The Heart of Joy and BMW M Dynamic Performance Control coordinate driving-related functions in milliseconds, delivering direct responses and exceptional precision. Steering-wheel shift paddles allow the driver to adjust M eDrive responses and tailor the vehicle’s performance to the driving situation. Speed-sensitive sound design and dynamic feedback further intensify the engaging driving experience associated with BMW M models.

Production of the new 2027 BMW iX3 M60 xDrive will begin at BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary in spring 2027.

M-specific lighting elements distinguish the new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive and reinforce its bold, sporting exterior design.

The new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive signals its performance-oriented character at first glance. Elements of the new BMW M design language give the front end a strong visual presence.

Progressive light elements positioned on either side of the BMW kidney grille further distinguish the BMW iX3 M60 xDrive. Each unit features three elements inspired by the familiar BMW M stripes, visually connecting the components of the light signature and emphasizing the front end’s distinctive character. The M logo is also integrated into the light signature.

The new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive comes standard with the M Sport package and BMW Iconic Exterior Illumination. Precise contour lighting adds visual depth to the BMW kidney grille, while unique illuminations in the rear lights and Welcome & Goodbye Animations extend the lighting experience. Drivers can choose from Relaxed, Balanced, and Excited animation styles.

In profile, the new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive expresses the clean, reduced-to-the-essential design of the Neue Klasse through precise lines and clearly sculpted surfaces. A long wheelbase, short overhangs, and pronounced wheel arches emphasize its muscular stance. Gloss Black roof rails reinforce its Sports Utility Vehicle character, while standard aerodynamically optimized M mirror caps add a sporting accent with M-colour stripes on a black background.

While the range-topping BMW iX3 variant is fitted as standard with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels, rims up to 22 inches in size can be found on the options list. Specially-developed 21-inch wheels with high-performance tires can be specified as an option and 22-inch M aerodynamic wheels are available exclusively for the new M Performance model.

Athletic shoulders and a deeply inset greenhouse define the rear of the new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive. Pronounced wheel arches emphasize the vehicle’s width and dynamic character, even at a standstill. A black diffuser and distinctive rear-light signature reinforce the extroverted appearance, while a new-design “M60” badge with black lettering and a silver surround identifies the model. An M-specific roof-edge spoiler with two aeroblades increases downforce at the rear axle.

Extensive standard equipment brings the M Performance character into the cabin.

The Neue Klasse design extends into the interior of the new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive. The cabin offers a whole new experience of driver orientation and a fresh approach to user interaction.

BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X integrates the standard BMW Panoramic Vision, the free-cut Central Display, and the M Sport steering wheel, along with the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display. The system is designed to present relevant information in the right place and at the right time.

BMW Panoramic Vision, like the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, places driving-related information within the driver’s line of sight. The M Sport steering wheel features shy-tech controls and a distinctive red marker at the 12 o’clock position. Its multifunction buttons provide intuitive operation, including dedicated controls for Boost Mode and M Mode. The M-specific My Modes, “M Sport” and “M Sport Plus,” can also be activated at the touch of a button. Reinforcing the driver focus of the interior, the 17.9-inch free-cut Central Display is angled toward the driver.

Available M Sport seats combine an expressive design with pronounced side bolsters for secure lateral support during sporty driving. They offer ten-way power adjustment, including lumbar support, backrest-width adjustment, and an adjustable thigh support, as well as a massage function. Integrated head restraints feature an illuminated M logo.

The likewise illuminated controls for the seat adjustment are located in the respective door panels.

The M-specific display uses unique colours, graphics, and typography to distinguish it from other BMW iX3 models. It also includes a power meter showing current output, available reserves, and the current energy recuperation rate.

Customization with My Modes and M-specific in-car apps.

The optional BMW Digital Premium enables use of M-specific in-car apps for those on board the BMW iX3 M60 xDrive. These apps provide access to technical vehicle signals and driving dynamics data. For example, the M Cockpit app allows customers to create individually configured dashboards with real-time data, while the M Drag Meter displays data on the vehicle’s acceleration.

Meanwhile, My Modes offer customers extensive scope for adapting the light, sound, displays, chassis and drive system responses of their BMW iX3 M60 xDrive to their personal desires. For example, customers can use the My BMW App to set their own pictures as wallpaper for the Central Display.

A standard Harman/Kardon Sound System with 13 speakers and 430 watts delivers high-quality sound for the driver and passengers. The system supports Dolby Atmos, creating a three-dimensional soundscape for compatible audio formats. By precisely positioning or moving sound objects within the cabin, Dolby Atmos adds clarity, depth, and immersion to music, video, and games.

Customers can choose from a total of seven upholstery variants. Depending on the upholstery, these can be combined with M Sport seats or multifunction seats. The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive is specified with Perforated Veganza as standard, available in Black, Castanea, Digital White or Agave Green. Black Perforated Veganza with M PerformTex and Blue Contrast Stitching can also be equipped, adding sporting flare. Additionally available, Black Perforated BMW Individual Leather provides an even more luxurious experience. Optional BMW M Sport seats can be finished in either the aforementioned Black Veganza/M PerformTex or Adelaide Grey/Black Perforated Merino Leather/M PerformTex.

Extremely dynamic and highly efficient electric drive system.

The fully electric BMW iX3 M60 xDrive combines strong performance with high efficiency. Its Gen6 M eDrive system uses two electric motors to deliver power and precision while keeping energy consumption low, balancing sporting capability with everyday usability.

The sixth-generation electric drive system represents a major technological advance, with longer range than the previous generation, faster charging, 800-volt technology, and bidirectional charging capability. The system combines further-developed, highly efficient electric motors with all-new high-voltage batteries using cylindrical cells.

The new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive has one electric motor at the front axle and one at the rear. Together, they generate maximum output of 603 hp and peak torque of 645 lb-ft. The SUV sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.

A new Gen6 EESM (electrically excited synchronous motor) at the rear axle contributes to the higher output of the range-topping BMW iX3 M60 xDrive. A newly developed stator and a more powerful inverter—rated at 420 A instead of 300 A—raise peak and continuous output and torque. A longer gear ratio and higher maximum usable rotor speed help increase the vehicle’s top speed to 240 km/h.

The high-voltage battery in the new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive has a usable energy content of 112.2 kWh. The maximum charging rate is 400 kW. Standard specification includes AC Charging Professional with a maximum AC charging rate of 15.4 kW.

Heart of Joy processes driving inputs up to ten times faster than previous systems.

The Heart of Joy high-performance computer helps define the driving character of the new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive. One of four “superbrains,” it works with the BMW M Dynamic Performance Control Driving Stack to manage the M Performance model’s powertrain and driving dynamics. It coordinates the drive system, braking and steering subfunctions, charging, and recuperation up to ten times faster than previous systems.

The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive instantly translates the power generated by the fully electric BMW M eDrive system into dynamic performance. The Heart of Joy and BMW M Dynamic Performance Control coordinate driving-related processes in milliseconds, ensuring a very direct and precise driving experience.

The Heart of Joy also reduces the number of control inputs required, supporting consistent, repeatable cornering behavior and reinforcing a sense of control. As a result, the BMW iX3 M60 xDrive can be guided through corners intuitively and with high precision.

The Soft Stop function uses energy recuperation to bring the new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive to a smooth stop without jerking or braking noise—the smoothest stopping action in BMW history. In everyday driving, the vehicle decelerates almost entirely through recuperative braking; the conventional brakes are used only during emergency braking or sporty driving. M Sport brakes with blue calipers are standard, while red calipers are optional.

Hallmark M driving characteristics: Adaptive M Suspension, variable sport steering, an M Sport differential, and model-specific chassis tuning.

As the most performance-focused model in the BMW iX3 line-up, the new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive comes standard with Adaptive M Suspension and electronically controlled dampers. The system enhances both dynamic performance and ride comfort, and the driver can select its basic setting through My Modes.

The new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive has two additional My Modes – M Sport and M Sport Plus – that open the door to an even more customized, emotionally engaging and sporty driving experience. The settings for the drive system, chassis, and steering are adapted to match the My Mode selected.

Adaptive M Suspension continuously calculates the optimum damping force for each driving situation and adjusts the individual dampers within milliseconds. The result is agile, direct, and precise handling with improved steering feel. At the same time, supple damper responses support ride comfort and lower noise levels.

Adaptive M suspension also includes sport steering with a variable rack ratio, which produces the signature steering feel of a BMW model while reducing steering effort. This increases comfort when making turns in urban areas or carrying out parking manoeuvres, for example. Sport steering also brings improvements to the car’s driving dynamics.

The new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive is equipped as standard with an electronically controlled M Sport differential at the rear axle. This improves traction when cornering or driving on roads with slippery surfaces, further increasing the car’s lateral acceleration and dynamic handling capabilities.

The development team extensively revised the chassis of the BMW iX3 M60 xDrive to deliver the dynamic handling associated with BMW M models. In addition to model-specific spring and damper tuning, front-axle anti-roll bar links improve steering precision, increase the effectiveness of the anti-roll bar, and reduce body roll. Additional front-end bracing increases transverse and torsional stiffness.

SAE Level 2 driver assistance and active safety systems help reduce driver workload and support road safety.
The new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive features SAE Level 2 driver assistance and active safety functions with BMW Symbiotic Drive. The technology is designed to support fluid, intuitive interaction between driver input and automated assistance across highways, country roads, and city streets. The optional Highway Assistant enables attentive, hands-free driving on highways at speeds up to 130 km/h.

At a glance: Q&A on the new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive.

What motor configuration does the new BMW iX3 M60 xDrive use?
The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive uses one electric motor at the front axle and one at the rear. Together, they produce 603 hp.

How quickly does the BMW iX3 M60 xDrive accelerate?
The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 240 km/h.

What are the dimensions of the BMW iX3 M60 xDrive?
The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive measures 4,782 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,635 mm tall, with a 2,897 mm wheelbase.

How fast can the BMW iX3 M60 xDrive charge?
The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive supports DC charging at up to 400 kW.

What driver assistance systems does the BMW iX3 M60 xDrive offer?
The BMW iX3 M60 xDrive offers SAE Level 2 driver assistance and active safety functions with BMW Symbiotic Drive. Highway Assistant enables attentive, hands-free driving on highways at speeds up to 130 km/h.

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI. BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 26 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt
Director, Corporate Communications
BMW Group Canada
marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca

Jean-Francois Taylor
Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications
BMW Group Canada
jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

Richmond Hill, ON.  The eighth-generation BMW 3 Series brings the model into the Neue Klasse era with an all-new design, advanced digital technology, and a choice of fully electric or gasoline powertrains. Building on more than five decades of BMW 3 Series success, the new generation delivers a major technological step forward while preserving the model’s signature sporting character.

The new BMW i3 debuts as the first fully electric BMW 3 Series built on the Neue Klasse architecture. It is joined by new BMW 3 Series gasoline models featuring efficient internal combustion engines with 48V mild-hybrid technology. At the top of the gasoline range, the BMW M350 xDrive combines M Performance capability with a BMW inline six-cylinder engine.

Together, the fully electric BMW i3 and gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series models demonstrate BMW’s technology-open approach, offering customers distinct powertrain choices within one model family.

Base MSRPs:

• 2027 BMW 330 xDrive        $61,500
• 2027 BMW M350 xDrive     $78,500
• 2027 BMW i3 50 xDrive      $74,900

BMW 3 Series exterior design: modern, dynamic and consistent across electric and gasoline models.

The new BMW 3 Series brings the clear, expressive Neue Klasse design language to every powertrain variant. Crisp lines, sculpted surfaces, and reduced detailing create a modern exterior, while classic BMW sports-sedan proportions preserve the model’s unmistakable identity and dynamic character.

Slightly larger than its predecessor, the new BMW 3 Series retains the agile proportions of a compact BMW sports sedan across all powertrain variants. Wider front and rear tracks further emphasize its broad, planted stance.

Differences in vehicle architecture require slight variations in exterior dimensions, wheelbases, overhangs and track widths between the fully electric BMW i3 and gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series models.

BMW 3 Series exterior profile: 2.5-box design, long wheelbase and short overhangs.

The new BMW 3 Series expresses the model’s familiar sports-sedan character through a modern 2.5-box design. A long wheelbase, short overhangs, and precisely sculpted surfaces create athletic proportions, while the aerodynamically optimized body combines elegance with a dynamic stance.

Muscular wheel arches, a set-back greenhouse, and short overhangs reinforce the sporting profile of the new BMW 3 Series. A low character line visually lowers the car’s centre of gravity, while the flared rear wheel arches emphasize its broad shoulders and planted stance.

Concealed window seals create clean transitions between the glass and body surfaces. On the fully electric BMW i3, hidden seals give the side view a precise, modern appearance; on gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series models, the vertical seals are integrated behind the window recess finisher strip.

Flush-fitting door handles extend automatically when approaching the new BMW 3 Series, preserving the smooth body surfaces while providing convenient access.

BMW 3 Series front-end design: Neue Klasse geometry and horizontal lighting.

All new BMW 3 Series models feature a distinctive, modern interpretation of the Neue Klasse face. The BMW kidneys, twin headlights and front-mounted sensors form a single visual unit, combining geometry and light with precise detailing that emphasizes the car’s width.

The horizontal light signature extends almost across the full width of the front end. On each side, pairs of vertically arranged daytime driving lights with an integral turn-signal repeater function give the familiar BMW four-eyed face a modern appearance.

The BMW-typical “sharknose” design gives the front end of every BMW 3 Series model a forward-leaning profile, emphasizing its sporty, agile character. The BMW badge is positioned in the “valley” above the BMW kidneys.

With the BMW Iconic Exterior Illumination option, precise contour lighting adds visual depth to the BMW kidneys and provides three dynamic light animations. The BMW 3 Series M Performance models include BMW Iconic Exterior Illumination as standard.

BMW Iconic Exterior Illumination: customizable Welcome Light Animation effects.

As the driver approaches, the new BMW 3 Series comes to life with a coordinated lighting sequence. The Welcome Light Animation begins outside the vehicle and continues into the interior, with welcome and goodbye animations that vary according to the car’s specification.

BMW Iconic Exterior Illumination offers three light effects—Balanced, Relaxed, and Excited—allowing BMW 3 Series owners to select the Welcome Light Animation to their personal tastes.

BMW 3 Series rear-end design: sculpted shoulders and a horizontal light signature.

The modern, dynamic design language of the new BMW 3 Series continues at the rear. Athletically sculpted shoulders frame a deeply inset greenhouse, while prominent wheel arches emphasize the sedan’s width and planted stance across all drivetrain variants.

The markedly horizontal rear lights extend deep into the pronounced shoulders and feature a new three-dimensional light signature. Two light elements on each side reinterpret the familiar BMW L-shape, reinforcing the distinctive character of the BMW 3 Series. Mirroring the approach at the front, the BMW badge is positioned in the “valley” between the rear lights.

The BMW M350 xDrive M Performance model includes a rear spoiler as standard. Together with the characteristic quartet of exhaust tailpipes, it creates a clear visual link to racing-car design.

BMW 3 Series wheel options: alloy and aerodynamic wheels for electric and gasoline models.

The fully electric BMW i3 comes standard with 19-inch aerodynamic wheels. Customers can choose from eight alloy or aerodynamic wheel designs in sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches.

Gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series models offer light-alloy wheels in sizes 19 and 20 inches. All come with 19-inch wheels including the BMW M350 xDrive, which is fitted as standard with Style 1140 M light-alloy wheels in a Jet Black, Burnished finish.

BMW 3 Series exterior colours: exclusive Le Castellet Blue metallic and up to eleven launch finishes.

The new BMW 3 Series will offer eleven exterior colours at launch. The new Le Castellet Blue metallic is an exclusive finish available across all BMW 3 Series variants, alongside a range of solid, Frozen and metallic options. The palette will expand during 2027 with a broad selection of BMW Individual paint finishes.

BMW 3 Series M Sport package: M-specific exterior design and braking components.

The M Sport package is available as an option for the new BMW 3 Series and comes standard on BMW M Performance models. Its M-specific design features include body-colour side skirts on gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series models.

The package also includes the M Aerodynamics package with model-specific bumpers, side skirts and an M-specific diffuser. M Sport brakes with blue calipers are also included within the M Sport package.

BMW 3 Series M Sport Pro package: exclusive exterior details and M Sport brakes in red.

The M Sport Pro package enhances the sporting character of every new BMW 3 Series powertrain variant. Exclusive equipment includes black exterior mirror caps, a black rear spoiler and M Sport brakes with red calipers.

BMW i3 M60 xDrive: M-specific lighting and available 21-inch aerodynamic wheels arriving in 2027.

Scheduled to premiere in 2027, the BMW i3 M60 xDrive features an M-specific front-end area light graphic, consistent with other BMW 3 Series M Performance variants. A slightly slimmer, linear rear-light graphic further distinguishes the model. Exclusive 21-inch Style 1067M aerodynamic wheels in Jet Black will also be available.

BMW 3 Series interior: modern, inviting and focused on the driver.

The Neue Klasse design language defines the high-quality interior of the new BMW 3 Series. A modern, sporty and inviting cabin uses simplified design to focus attention on essential elements. BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X reimagines BMW’s established driver orientation and digital user experience. Differences in vehicle architecture result in minor interior variations among the BMW 3 Series powertrain variants.

BMW 3 Series cabin: wraparound design, driver orientation, and digital personalization.

The interior of the new BMW 3 Series presents a vivid expression of the Neue Klasse design language. Its future-focused, dynamic and airy design introduces a new approach to driver orientation and user interaction, while geometry, light and sound work together throughout the cabin. Coordinated ambient lighting and graphics on the Central Display and BMW Panoramic Vision integrate digital and real-world content.

The free-cut Central Display is angled slightly toward the driver, reinforcing the BMW-typical driver orientation. Forward-slanting lines flow from the doors into the instrument panel, creating a sporty wraparound effect for the driver and passengers.

BMW My Modes allow customers to personalize the vehicle’s lighting, sound, displays, and drive system according to their preferences.

A large Panoramic Roof with Climate Glass is fitted as standard and creates a light-filled sense of space in the new BMW 3 Series.

BMW Panoramic iDrive: four display and control elements advance BMW driver orientation.

BMW Panoramic iDrive in the new BMW 3 Series combines four component elements in a unified display and operating system: BMW Panoramic Vision, the available BMW 3D Head-Up Display, the newly designed multifunction steering wheel, and the Central Display.

BMW Panoramic Vision projects driving-related information into the driver’s line of sight, while the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display presents additional content directly in view. This layout eliminates the need for separate cockpit displays behind the redesigned steering wheel.

For the first time in a BMW 3 Series, the steering wheel features a central spoke in its upper section and pronounced thumb rests. Its multifunction buttons support intuitive operation in keeping with the established BMW principle of “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.”

Positioned immediately beside the steering wheel, the 17.9-inch Central Display features a free-cut design and is angled toward the driver to reinforce BMW’s traditional driver focus.

BMW 3 Series steering wheel options: M, sport and BMW Individual designs.

The BMW M350 xDrive and all BMW 3 Series M Performance models come standard with the M steering wheel. Its distinctive design features a flattened rim and spokes positioned at four and eight o’clock. The M steering wheel is also available for other BMW 3 Series models as part of the M Sport Pro package.

A white BMW Individual steering wheel with a central upper spoke is available exclusively with Digital White Veganza upholstery. All steering wheels offered on gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series models include shift paddles as standard.

BMW 3 Series seats: standard comfort and optional multifunction features.

The standard seats in all new BMW 3 Series models combine a high level of comfort with secure lateral support. Electric adjustment with memory function is standard, as is the backrest-mounted Travel & Comfort System for rear-seat passengers. Seat-adjustment controls are integrated into the respective door panels.

Optional multifunction seats are available for all new BMW 3 Series models and add lumbar support and backrest-width adjustment. In the fully electric BMW i3, the multifunction seats also include a massage function; in the internal-combustion-engine variants, they include seat ventilation.

BMW M Sport seats: optional on the BMW M350 xDrive with illuminated M logos.

M Sport seats are optionally available on the high-performance BMW M350 xDrive. Pronounced side bolsters provide secure lateral support, while an illuminated M logo in the upper section of each seat backrest is visible from outside the vehicle through the windshield and side windows.

BMW 3 Series controls and climate comfort: intuitive physical controls and available three-zone automatic climate control.

The new BMW 3 Series features electrically operated door openers for the front and rear seats. The centre console includes a storage tray with inductive smartphone charging with a magnetic holder and physical controls for the parking brake, rear-window defroster, hazard warning lights and audio volume, along with the transmission selector.

All new BMW 3 Series models come standard with two-zone automatic climate control and electrically adjustable air vents with a QuickSelect shortcut access to ‘direct’ or ‘indirect’ airflow. Three-zone automatic climate control and heated rear seats are available optionally.

BMW 3 Series audio systems: standard seven-speaker hi-fi and available Harman Kardon sound with Dolby Atmos.

All new BMW 3 Series models come standard with a seven-speaker, 205-watt hi-fi system, except the M Performance models, which include a Harman Kardon system as standard.

The available Harman Kardon sound systems add more speakers and greater output, along with Dolby Atmos support for compatible audio. Dolby Atmos creates an immersive three-dimensional soundstage, positioning individual sounds throughout the cabin with greater clarity, depth and detail.

BMW 3 Series interior designs: three coordinated material and colour themes.

As standard the new BMW 3 Series is equipped with Veganza upholstery and available in Digital White, Castanea, Agave Green, or Black. On the M350 xDrive and i3 M60 xDrive, Black Veganza with M PerformTex can also be equipped; BMW M Sport seats can additionally be specified on M Performance models.

BMW Individual Merino leather in Black is also available for all new BMW 3 Series models. Optional BMW M Sport seats are available in Black for the BMW M350 xDrive or Adelaide Grey for the fully electric BMW i3 M60 xDrive at launch.

BMW 3 Series display and operating system: BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X.

The new BMW 3 Series advances BMW’s established focus on intuitive operation and ergonomics with BMW Panoramic iDrive and BMW Operating System X. The integrated display and operating system present relevant information in the appropriate place and at the appropriate time, using ergonomically optimized physical and digital controls. BMW has filed patent applications for many of the display and operating-system innovations in the BMW 3 Series.

BMW Panoramic Vision projects relevant content across the full width of the lower windshield area. It is complemented by the touch-controlled 17.9-inch Central Display in free-cut design, the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display and the multifunction steering wheel with shy-tech controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto^TM integration is standard.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant enhances convenience, personalization and voice control in the new BMW 3 Series and can provide proactive suggestions. Large language model technology (LLM, Alexa+), a form of generative AI, enables more natural spoken dialogue, intuitive exchanges and access to external knowledge bases will be available in the future via Software Updates

BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X: integrated displays and intuitive driver-focused controls.

BMW Panoramic iDrive is designed around the interaction between the driver and the vehicle. By integrating displays, controls and software, it creates an intuitive, convenient and ergonomic operating system that presents relevant information at the appropriate time.

BMW Panoramic Vision: full-width windshield display keeps key information in the driver’s line of sight.

BMW Panoramic Vision projects information across the full width of the lower windshield and remains visible when the driver wears polarized sunglasses. Driving information appears clearly within the driver’s field of view without obstructing the road ahead. Content in the centre and front-passenger areas can be personalized and viewed by all occupants.

Optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display: spatial navigation and driver-assistance information projected into the driver’s line of sight.

Positioned above BMW Panoramic Vision, the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display projects selected content directly into the driver’s line of sight. Its spatial presentation can show navigation guidance and information from driver-assistance systems with greater precision. Content is coordinated with BMW Panoramic Vision to create a consistent, clearly structured display experience.

BMW 17.9-inch Central Display: free-cut design, matrix backlighting and QuickSelect touch control.

The 17.9-inch Central Display is an essential control element of BMW Panoramic iDrive. Matrix backlight technology delivers sharp graphics and excellent readability in all lighting conditions. Its free-cut design enables ergonomic positioning, with the display angled toward the driver in traditional BMW style. An improved menu structure with QuickSelect supports simple, intuitive touch control.

Widgets in the Central Display menu can be transferred to BMW Panoramic Vision by drag and drop, with up to six arranged freely. In addition to familiar formats, larger widgets are available for the first time and can be placed in the central area or elsewhere in BMW Panoramic Vision to display selected content more prominently. Views can be selected through the Central Display or the multifunction steering wheel.

Intuitive operation with new multifunction steering wheel featuring shy-tech controls. 

The multifunction steering wheel employs the shy-tech principle, meaning the controls on the left side for driving assistance and parking functions are only illuminated when available. The infotainment controls, meanwhile, provide haptic feedback. The clear partitioning into assistance, parking and infotainment functions lends itself to safe, intuitive operation, with no need for drivers to take their eyes off the road.

BMW Operating System X: Android-based architecture, continuous updates and extensive personalization.

BMW Operating System X is the intelligent platform behind the display and operating system and supports the software-defined vehicle (SDV) approach. Based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), its architecture enables extensive updates and upgrades, helping the system remain current over time while supporting the continuous addition of functions and digital services. BMW Operating System X manages all interaction elements and presents information consistently and contextually for the situation at hand.

BMW Operating System X offers extensive customization of content, widgets, and displays. Users can select colours, display schemes and background images, including personal pictures uploaded to the Central Display through the My BMW App. If desired, interface colours across all displays can automatically adapt to the selected image. Personal mode provides additional options for customizing displays, interactions and vehicle settings, while My Modes including Sport, Efficient, and Silent offer further personalization.

BMW ID enables a personalized experience with BMW Operating System X. Up to seven users can sign in with individual settings. Before departure, the Central Display automatically greets the driver by name and can also show a personal profile picture.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant: natural voice control enhanced by Amazon Alexa+ AI technology.

BMW Panoramic iDrive combines touch, haptic and voice interaction. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant allows drivers to control numerous vehicle functions, enter navigation destinations and select media content using natural language, without defined voice commands.

The self-learning BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is a core element of BMW Operating System X in the new BMW 3 Series. Drivers can activate it by saying “BMW” or pressing a button on the steering wheel’s right-hand control panel. The assistant can control the windows, climate system, seating-comfort functions, phone calls, and in-car entertainment as well as open function menus and operate certain apps.

Amazon Alexa+ expands these capabilities through large language model technology (LLM), a form of generative AI that supports more natural dialogue and can formulate responses. The integration provides access to external knowledge bases, cloud-based services and media content while retaining control of vehicle functions. Linking an Amazon account enables music search and streaming, news updates and access to additional content. This is to become available in Canada at a later date.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can also provide proactive suggestions based on usage patterns and other factors. BMW Operating System X expands this capability by considering additional context, including the driving situation, environmental analysis and interior sensing.

The Routines function allows drivers to teach the assistant preferred combinations of actions for particular conditions. For example, steering-wheel heating, seat heating and the defrost function can be grouped into a routine and activated automatically or semiautomatically at the start of a winter journey. Drivers can also create personalized routines based on factors such as the current situation, seat occupancy, time and temperature.

BMW 3 Series in-car entertainment: apps, video and gaming with Amazon Prime Video.

BMW Operating System X offers an expanded portfolio of apps, video and gaming for in-car entertainment. Unlimited data for this content is included with the BMW Digital Premium package. Alternatively, customers can connect through a smartphone mobile hotspot or Wi-Fi network.

The BMW 3 Series provides access to the Video app, powered by TiVo™, with a growing range of news and live and on-demand streaming services. Video can be viewed on the Central Display when the vehicle is parked. Customers can sign in with existing accounts and resume movies or series from where they stopped at home. The Video app will become available across all BMW ConnectedDrive markets during 2026, and Amazon Prime Video will join the digital entertainment offering by the first half of 2027.

The AirConsole app included with BMW Operating System X offers in-car games adapted for passengers, including UNO^® Car Party! and Mattel’s Hot Wheels: Xtreme Overdrive^TM. Smartphones serve as controllers, allowing passengers to play together or compete against one another.

Additional in-car entertainment games and apps are available through the BMW ConnectedDrive Store. Selected games support Bluetooth controllers for standard game consoles. The store already offers more than 60 apps worldwide in categories including music and audio, entertainment, gaming, news, and travel, with further additions planned.

BMW Digital Premium: entertainment, security, navigation and connected upgrades.

The optional BMW Digital Premium package includes Security Assistant functions designed to provide greater peace of mind. Attempted thefts and parking collisions trigger push notifications in the My BMW App. Following an accident, BMW Drive Recorder makes exterior footage available in the vehicle for export to a mobile phone, while the anti-theft and parking-collision recorder can create automatic video recordings. Optional Remote Inside View and Remote 3D View functions allow customers to check the cabin and the vehicle’s immediate surroundings through the My BMW App.

BMW Digital Premium also offers M-specific in-car apps with access to technical vehicle signals, driving-dynamics data and additional media content. The M Cockpit app allows customers to create individually configured dashboards with real-time data, the M Drag Meter displays acceleration data, and the M Channel provides motor-racing videos and exclusive insights into BMW M.

BMW Digital Premium includes the data required for entertainment functions, eliminating the need to connect through a smartphone hotspot or Wi-Fi network. The vehicle’s 5G-ready telematics system supports optimal streaming speeds.

The package can be activated as desired and is designed for ongoing upgrades. New features and services can be added over time to keep the digital user experience current and connected.

BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades allow additional digital products and services to be added after purchase. Most upgrades offer a free trial period and, depending on the product, can be activated for the vehicle’s lifetime, one year or one month. They are available through the BMW ConnectedDrive Store online, in the My BMW App or directly from the vehicle.

The BMW ConnectedDrive Store is the central destination for obtaining third-party apps, activating BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades and managing existing activations.

Software Updates help keep the BMW 3 Series current. BMW Operating System X introduces enhanced update capabilities and processes, with automatic installation available if desired.

BMW Maps navigation: real-time traffic, Google Places, charging-optimized routes and driver-assistance visualization.

BMW Digital Premium expands BMW Maps with real-time traffic information, satellite views, 3D building models and proactive tips for accurate, anticipatory route planning. More detailed parking information is also available. For the first time, Google Places supplements BMW Maps search results and points of interest, improving their quality, completeness and currency while adding information such as reviews and images. If an entered destination exceeds the vehicle’s current range, the cloud-based navigation system calculates a charging-optimized route (see chapter on Charging).

BMW Maps with driver assistance^[1] : integrated 3D navigation and SAE Level 2 system visualization.

On models equipped with the optional Highway Assist, the full-screen BMW Maps view on the Central Display shows the driver’s vehicle and surrounding objects detected by the sensor system directly on the 3D navigation map. High-precision mapping positions the vehicle accurately within the available lanes. For the first time, relevant navigation and driver-assistance graphics are combined on one screen, allowing drivers to compare the actual driving situation with the vehicle’s interpretation at a glance. The integrated view shows how navigation guidance and driver assistance work together, increasing confidence in the advanced Level 2 functions and making the display easier to follow.

Developed in-house by BMW, BMW Maps with driver assistance uses navigation data and mapping technology from Mapbox. Its integration of navigation, 3D map display and driver assistance differentiates BMW Maps in international markets for intelligent vehicle guidance.

BMW 3 Series drive systems and battery: electric and gasoline powertrains combine efficiency with dynamic performance.

The new BMW 3 Series offers a choice of fully electric power or highly efficient internal combustion engines, demonstrating BMW’s technology-open strategy and addressing the varied needs of customers worldwide.

The new BMW i3 is the first fully electric BMW 3 Series based on the Neue Klasse architecture. Its sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology combines a newly developed drive system with a fundamentally new high-voltage battery concept, underscoring BMW’s expertise in electric mobility.

Highly efficient internal combustion engines also form part of the new-generation BMW 3 Series lineup. These state-of-the-art units belong to the latest BMW EfficientDynamics engine family and combine multiple technologies to meet customer expectations for dynamic performance and efficiency.

The four- and six-cylinder engines offered in the new BMW 3 Series feature the latest version of 48V mild-hybrid technology.

BMW M350 xDrive: six-cylinder performance at the top of the gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series range.

The new BMW M350 xDrive leads the gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series lineup and serves as the model range’s entry point to BMW M. Its inline-six engine delivers a notable increase in output compared with the model it replaces.

The drive system combines a 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology to produce 437 hp and 428 lb-ft of maximum torque. The electric motor is integrated into the transmission housing as a crankshaft-mounted starter generator and contributes up to 17 hp, enhancing response under acceleration.

Standard xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive and an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission help the BMW M350 xDrive accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. When equipped with performance or high-performance tires, its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. A distinctive exhaust system with four tailpipes provides a sporty acoustic character.

BMW 330 xDrive: four-cylinder gasoline model available at launch.

The BMW 330 xDrive joins the BMW M350 xDrive to complete the launch lineup of gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series models. It is powered by an efficient 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology.

The 48V mild-hybrid system uses a belt-driven starter generator. The engine produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h when equipped with performance or high-performance tires.

BMW 3 Series gasoline engines: TwinPower Turbo, Valvetronic, and Miller-cycle technology.

Every internal combustion engine in the new BMW 3 Series features the latest generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and the newest Valvetronic fully variable valve-control system. In addition to fully variable intake-valve lift, the engines use switchable exhaust valves. The resulting reduction in engine drag torque of approximately 66% allows substantially more energy to be claimed during recuperation and reused efficiently from the mild-hybrid system’s 48V battery.

All internal combustion engines in the new BMW 3 Series use the Miller combustion cycle to optimize the air-fuel ratio across the operating range. By shortening intake-valve opening time, the Miller cycle improves engine efficiency and significantly reduces fuel consumption.

Additional enhancements include redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, along with revisions to camshaft timing, fuel injection, ignition and exhaust-gas routing. New turbochargers also help increase output in the BMW M350 xDrive from 386 hp in its predecessor to 437 hp.

All-electric BMW i3: sixth-generation BMW eDrive advances range, charging and battery technology.

The sixth-generation BMW eDrive system delivers substantially greater range than the previous generation, along with faster charging, 800V technology and bidirectional charging capability.

Gen6 combines more advanced, highly efficient electric motors with newly developed high-voltage batteries using cylindrical cells. Compared with Gen5 technology in other BMW model series, range increases by 30%—and by significantly more in some BMW models—while charging speed is 30% faster.

BMW i3 50 xDrive: 463 hp, dual-motor all-wheel drive and up to 750 kilometres of estimated range.

The BMW i3 50 xDrive will be the launch model for the first fully electric BMW 3 Series in the Neue Klasse era.

An electric motor at each axle provides a combined output of 463 hp and peak torque of 476 lb-ft. The BMW i3 50 xDrive accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and delivers an estimated maximum range of up to 750 kilometres^[2] (estimate based on preliminary BMW AG testing using EPA test procedures).

The BMW i3 M60 xDrive will join the model range in 2027. Its Gen6 M eDrive technology combines two electric motors to deliver strong performance and precise response, while high efficiency supports low energy consumption and everyday usability.

BMW i3 high-voltage battery: cylindrical lithium-ion cells increase volumetric energy density by 20 percent.

The new-generation high-voltage battery is a key contributor to the technological advances of the BMW i3. Its newly developed cylindrical cells measure 46 millimeters in diameter and 95 millimeters in height, providing 20% greater volumetric energy density than the prismatic cells used in Gen5 batteries.

BMW cell-to-pack battery design: higher pack-level energy density with less weight and cost.

In the fully electric BMW 3 Series, the cylindrical cells are integrated directly into the high-voltage battery without modules or additional structural elements. This cell-to-pack design increases energy density at the pack level while reducing weight and cost.

The cylindrical-cell format and cell-to-pack construction also enable the flat design of the Gen6 high-voltage battery. Developed in-house, the battery reflects BMW expertise spanning cell technology through vehicle integration, built since 2008.

BMW pack-to-open-body construction: structural battery housing reduces weight and increases rigidity.

With pack-to-open-body construction, the battery housing in the new BMW i3 also serves as a structural component. The chassis uses an open floor that is closed when the high-voltage battery is installed, allowing the battery-housing cover to perform the function of the vehicle underbody.

 Eliminating the conventional underbody reduces weight and, together with the battery’s non-modular design, supports the BMW i3’s low-slung, aerodynamically efficient form. The pack-to-open-body concept also increases body torsional rigidity, benefiting the driving dynamics of the all-electric BMW i3.

BMW Energy Master: integrated power and data control for the Gen6 electric drivetrain.

The Energy Master is the power-supply control centre for the Gen6 electric drivetrain. Positioned on top of the high-voltage battery beneath the rear seat bench, it supplies power to the electric motors and the vehicle electrical system. Its hardware and software were developed in-house by BMW. The Energy Master also serves as the interface for all high-voltage-battery data and supports intelligent, efficient and safe battery operation.

BMW i3 electric motors: EESM and ASM technology improve efficiency, weight and cost.

The BMW i3 50 xDrive uses an electric motor at each axle. The rear axle, which serves as the primary drive axle, is powered by an electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) designed for the 800V architecture and produces 322 hp and 321 lb-ft of torque.

The EESM uses a stator supplied with three-phase AC to create a rotating magnetic field and a rotor with electrically excited electromagnets. Unlike a permanent-magnet motor, its rotor magnetic field can be adjusted as operating conditions change. Reducing the field at low loads helps avoid losses, while increasing it at high loads provides high torque and constant power delivery up to the motor’s maximum speed.

An inverter controls the system by converting DC power from the battery into the required AC power while managing rotor excitation and all control and monitoring processes. This enables the EESM to operate at optimal efficiency and supports its power delivery.

At the front axle, the BMW i3 50 xDrive pairs the EESM with an asynchronous motor (ASM) rated at 165 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque.

The compact, lightweight ASM operates through induction and uses a different rotor design from the EESM. Instead of magnets or electrical excitation, its rotor consists of aluminum rods connected by short-circuit rings. Torque is produced by induced currents created by the difference in rotational speed—known as slip—between the stator field and rotor. The ASM is robust and heat-resistant, and its use of only iron and aluminum supports a compact, sustainable design.

Combining EESM and ASM technology delivers substantial improvements over Gen5: energy losses are reduced by 40%, costs by 20%, and weight by 10%. The use of two motor types also reflects BMW’s technology-open approach to electric mobility.

The EESM for the all-electric BMW 3 Series is manufactured at BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria. The high-voltage battery is currently supplied by BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary and will soon be sourced from BMW Group Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Bavaria. BMW Group Plant Landshut supplies the Energy Master.

BMW i3 charging: up to 400-kW DC fast charging, bidirectional capability and intelligent route planning.

The BMW i3 builds on the charging advances introduced with the BMW iX3, the first Neue Klasse model. The BMW i3 50 xDrive combines faster charging, increased range and simplified charging functions. In 10 minutes, it can add up to 335 kilometres of range^[3] .

Sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology and an 800V architecture enable the BMW i3 to DC fast charge at up to 400 kW. The technology also supports bidirectional charging, allowing the vehicle to serve as an energy-storage device at home or as a mobile power bank. Using the Multifunction Charger and Vehicle-to-Load discharge adapter, multiple external electrical devices can operate simultaneously with a combined output of up to 3.7 kW.

Charging-optimized route planning, available in all electric BMW models, further simplifies charging in the BMW i3. Routes with charging stops can be planned in the vehicle through BMW Maps or in the My BMW App. Neue Klasse models also include an electrically operated intelligent charging flap that opens and closes automatically.

BMW i3 fast charging: Gen6 eDrive supports up to 400 kW and adds up to 335 kilometres in 10 minutes.

The hardware and software for the sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology in the BMW i3 were newly developed for the Neue Klasse. Gen6 advances energy density, charging power and range, significantly reducing charging times compared with BMW electric vehicles using previous-generation high-voltage systems.

At an 800V DC fast-charging station, the BMW i3 50 xDrive can charge at up to 400 kW and add up to 335 kilometres of range in 10 minutes^[4] . The Energy Master’s integrated switching matrix also enables charging at 400V DC stations. AC charging is supported at up to 15.4 kW.

Bidirectional charging: an innovation that turns the BMW i3 into a mobile powerbank during a journey and a flexible energy storage device at home.  

The new BMW i3 – like all future Gen6 electric vehicles – will come with the added innovation of bidirectional charging functions, allowing it to serve as an energy source. Vehicle-to-Load turns the BMW i3 into a mobile power bank for electrical devices, Vehicle-to-Home allows it to provide power during an outage.

Innovative charging products – for at home or on the go. 

Innovative equipment optimizes the charging experience, both at home and during a journey. The products from BMW make charging flexible, while new products for bidirectional charging further enhance the vehicle’s range. The charging cable or Multifunction Charger fits into the storage compartment under the hood.

BMW Multifunction Charger (MFC): The compact, versatile BMW Multifunction Charger provides convenient home charging from standard 120V and 240V outlets. It includes a NEMA 5-15 plug for 120V outlets and a NEMA 14-50 adapter for 240V outlets. Additional lower-power adapters are available separately, providing flexibility across charging locations.

The MFC also supports bidirectional charging through optional Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Home adapters.

BMW Wallbox Plus (optional): The BMW Wallbox Plus provides fast, convenient home charging. Its adjustable output of up to 64 amps (15.4 kW) delivers high-performance Level 2 charging tailored to the customer’s electrical setup. It supports the NACS connector and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID and vehicle MAC-address connectivity for streamlined setup, monitoring and secure access control.

BMW i3 digital charging: optimized routes, battery preparation, intelligent charging flap, and Plug & Charge.

The BMW i3 introduces several functions designed to make charging faster and more convenient during a journey. Charging-optimized route planning can reflect individual preferences and automatically prepare the battery for faster DC charging. The intelligent charging flap opens and closes automatically, while Plug & Charge enables automatic authentication at compatible charging stations.

BMW charging-optimized route planning: When a destination exceeds the vehicle’s current range, BMW Maps automatically plans a route with charging stops. Drivers can set minimum charge levels for arrival at charging stations and the final destination, and prioritize operators. Using AI and data from previous charging sessions, BMW Maps evaluates expected charging power, reliability, and exact station location to identify the optimal stop. It also displays real-time availability, the number of charging points, connector types, estimated charging time and projected costs based on the driver’s stored tariffs. During the journey, the vehicle and My BMW App synchronize route information so passengers can review and adjust the plan. Nearby amenities, including food and beverage options, play areas, restrooms and shops, are also shown.

BMW battery preparation for faster DC charging: Before arrival at a DC fast-charging station, battery preparation brings the high-voltage battery to its ideal temperature, increasing the initial charging rate and reducing charging time. When a DC charging station is selected in BMW Maps, the BMW i3 automatically heats or cools the battery as required. Customers can also activate the function manually through the Central Display or My BMW App. The Vehicle Status screen in the BMW i3 and the My BMW App display the battery’s current temperature status and the remaining preparation time.

BMW i3 intelligent charging flap: The charging port is located at the right rear of the BMW i3. The flap can be opened manually with a push or can open automatically when the vehicle detects an intention to charge. One AI-assisted trigger recognizes the customer’s path toward a known or learned charging point. If no charging cable is connected, the flap closes automatically; it also closes when charging ends or the vehicle enters drive-ready mode.

Plug & Charge Multi Contract: The new BMW i3 is compatible with the Plug & Charge Multi Contract feature, making charging on the go remarkably easy. With this service, digital authentication via app or charging card is no longer required to access compatible public charging stations. Instead, the vehicle authenticates itself through a technical interface (ISO 15118-2). What makes it unique is that up to ten individual Plug & Charge-enabled charging contracts from different providers can be displayed digitally in the vehicle. When the vehicle is connected to the charging point, it is not just electricity that passes through the charging cable: the necessary contract data is also transmitted via the communication interface. 

BMW battery preparation for a journey: Available for the new BMW i3—and for all other Gen6 fully electric BMW models since July 2026—this function adjusts the high-voltage battery to the appropriate temperature before departure. Preparing the battery in advance supports optimal energy consumption and maximum performance, particularly in low outside temperatures. The function can be activated through the Central Display. Because battery preparation uses energy, BMW recommends using it while the vehicle is plugged in.

BMW 3 Series driving dynamics: model-specific technology for electric and gasoline powertrains.

For decades, the BMW 3 Series has defined The Ultimate Driving Machine through its combination of sportiness, precise handling and long-distance comfort. The new generation carries these qualities across every powertrain variant.

The all-electric BMW i3 brings the BMW 3 Series driving character into the Neue Klasse era. Its Heart of Joy high-performance computer works with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control Driving Stack to harness the potential of electric mobility and deliver agile, composed handling.

Gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series models retain the model’s established balance of driving dynamics and ride comfort. A thoroughly upgraded body structure and chassis combine composure with agility.

Each new BMW 3 Series uses model-specific chassis components and control technology tuned to its powertrain. All variants share a newly developed electronics and software architecture centred on the BMW Driving Stack, an integrated hardware-and-software system that coordinates driving-related functions.

The BMW i3 uses the Heart of Joy high-performance computer and BMW Dynamic Performance Control Driving Stack, developed specifically for the sixth-generation fully electric drive architecture. Gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series models use an optimized BMW Driving Stack tailored to their powertrain. Its transverse-dynamics management coordinates agility-related functions, including the dynamic all-wheel-drive system, while stabilization and engine-management functions remain distributed among specialized control units refined over decades. Both solutions deliver BMW driving dynamics through high-performance management optimized for the specified powertrain, and future BMW 3 Series variants will benefit from this tailored approach.

BMW 3 Series gasoline models: revised chassis, steering and brakes improve handling and ride comfort.

Gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series models feature extensively revised chassis technology and body structures. The updates sharpen handling and steering response while improving ride quality and long-distance comfort.

Compared with the previous generation, the new BMW 3 Series has wider front and rear tracks and a longer wheelbase. Near-perfect weight distribution and closely integrated digital driving-dynamics systems contribute to agile, balanced and composed handling across a wide range of driving conditions.

Revised steering further enhances precision and agility. A new steering ratio gives the driver finer control, while the selected driving mode can provide either greater comfort or increased feedback from the road.

An upgraded integrated braking system provides consistent pedal feel, precise modulation and refined acoustic performance.

BMW 3 Series axles, dampers and wheels: revised geometry improves precision, stability and comfort.

The double-joint spring-strut front axle in the new BMW 3 Series features increased positive caster trail and revised elastokinematics, improving handling precision and steering feel. Front-wheel camber has also been reduced compared with the outgoing model.

The five-link rear axle receives a new setup with modified negative caster trail and increased wheel camber. High-preload anti-roll-bar mounts at the front and rear smooth body roll and improve stability, while stiffer chassis mounts add precision. The standard chassis uses newly developed lift-related dampers. Wheel diameter increases from 654 millimeters on the previous model to 680 millimeters on the new BMW 3 Series, further improving comfort and traction.

The available wheel-and-tire combinations also contribute to sharper driving dynamics. Increased inner rim width creates a larger contact patch between the tire and road, improving stability and composure during high-speed cornering. Wheel and tire packages include 19- and 20-inch mixed-size setups with 245-millimeter-wide front tires and 255-millimeter-wide rear tires. These combinations increase performance without compromising everyday usability or comfort.

BMW 3 Series adaptive suspension: electronically controlled dampers balance handling and comfort.

Gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series models are available with optional Adaptive M Suspension. Electronically controlled damper valves adjust each wheel continuously and independently, adapting damping force to current driving conditions. Optional 20-inch high-performance tires with dedicated rims further increase dynamic performance. At the rear, increased inner rim width combined with 275-millimeter-wide tires improves traction and stability while sharpening the car’s sporting character.

Adaptive M Suspension is available only with sport steering. More direct than the standard steering system, sport steering uses a variable ratio and delivers characteristic BMW steering feel. In vehicles with Adaptive M Suspension, drivers can select the Personal or Sport setting through My Modes.

Adaptive M Suspension improves dynamic steering response and shortens stopping distances during ABS braking.

BMW M350 xDrive chassis: Adaptive M Suspension, variable sport steering and M Sport differential.

The range-topping BMW M350 xDrive delivers the most dynamic handling in the gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series lineup while maintaining everyday usability and long-distance comfort. As an M Performance model, it combines precise steering, agile responses and composed ride quality.

Standard chassis equipment includes Adaptive M Suspension, variable sport steering, the M Sport differential, BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive and M Sport brakes.

Adaptive M Suspension is also available for other gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series models with the M Sport package or M Sport Pro package. Drivers can select Personal, M Sport or M Sport Plus settings through BMW My Modes. Personal prioritizes everyday comfort, M Sport sharpens agility, and M Sport Plus delivers the most direct handling for performance driving. M Sport and M Sport Plus are exclusive to the BMW M350 xDrive.

BMW M350 xDrive body rigidity and wheels: additional front struts, reduced lift and available 20-inch wheels.

The chassis of the new BMW M350 xDrive introduces several features not offered on its predecessor. In addition to model-specific spring and damper tuning, new front-end reinforcements include a tower-to-front-end strut and improved anti-roll-bar mounting. Together, these measures significantly increase torsional and vertical rigidity.

A standard rear spoiler helps reduce lift, improving handling precision at higher speeds. The BMW M350 xDrive comes standard with 19-inch light-alloy wheels; 20-inch light-alloy wheels are optional and can be specified with high-performance tires.

BMW M350 xDrive Drift Moment: rear-wheel-drive mode for controlled cornering slides.

The new Drift Moment feature gives the BMW M350 xDrive a rear-wheel-drive setting designed for controlled cornering slides.

Activated through the Central Display, Drift Moment directs all drive power to the rear wheels. M-specific control of the multi-plate clutch works with DSC Off mode to deliver a driving experience previously reserved for high-performance BMW M models.

Drift Moment will become available during 2027 and will be distributed by Software Update in BMW M350 xDrive models already delivered.

BMW i3 Heart of Joy: centralized control advances electric driving dynamics, precision and agility.

The Heart of Joy high-performance computer defines the driving experience in the all-electric BMW i3, working with its advanced chassis technology to deliver greater precision, composure and agility.

One of the vehicle’s four superbrain high-performance computers, the Heart of Joy combines with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control Driving Stack to form the high-performance control unit of the BMW i3. Previously distributed control functions are consolidated in a centralized architecture and implemented through a unified driving-dynamics control concept. BMW’s history with control systems dates to 1979, when the BMW 7 Series introduced the brand’s first anti-lock braking system (ABS).

The Heart of Joy controls the drive system, brakes and steering subfunctions, as well as charging and energy recuperation. Operating ten times faster than previous systems, it contributes to the precise, composed handling of the first fully electric BMW 3 Series.

The BMW i3 responds immediately to steering inputs and combines agile cornering with precise, effortless control. By reducing the number of required control inputs, the Heart of Joy produces consistent, repeatable cornering behavior that reinforces confidence. Even at the limit, the BMW i3 remains easy to control and makes optimal use of available traction, advancing the driving-dynamics standard of the BMW 3 Series.

In the BMW i3 M60 xDrive, the Heart of Joy and BMW M Dynamic Performance Control coordinate driving-related information in milliseconds to translate the output of the all-electric BMW M eDrive powertrain into direct, precise responses. Shift paddles on the steering wheel allow the driver to influence M eDrive response and adapt performance to the driving situation. Speed-dependent sound design and dynamic driving feedback provide the emotional character expected of a BMW M model.

Soft Stop for the smoothest stopping action in the history of BMW.

The Soft Stop feature allows the new BMW i3 to draw to a perfectly smooth stop – without any jerking or braking noise – thanks to energy recuperation. In everyday driving, the BMW i3 decelerates virtually entirely by means of recuperative braking. The conventional brakes are only used for sporty driving or in the event of emergency braking.

BMW i3 chassis: standard lift-related dampers and optional Adaptive M Suspension.

The new BMW i3 combines agile driving dynamics with long-distance comfort through an architecture developed specifically for electric mobility. Its flat high-voltage battery creates a low centre of gravity.

The BMW i3 comes standard with lift-related dampers, a double-joint spring-strut front axle and a new five-link rear axle. Anti-roll bars with high-preload mounts are fitted at the front and rear to enhance dynamic handling. Available light-alloy and aerodynamic wheels range from 19 to 21 inches.

For the BMW i3 50 xDrive, optional Adaptive M Suspension with sport steering is available through the M Sport package and M Sport Pro package. The setup enhances dynamic handling without compromising ride comfort, while variable sport steering improves steering comfort and agility.

BMW Neue Klasse electronics architecture: four superbrain computers, zonal wiring and flexible Software Updates.

The Neue Klasse introduces a fundamentally new software and electronics architecture for the software-defined vehicle. Software increasingly shapes the vehicle’s character and its interaction with the driver.

Four BMW superbrain computers provide approximately 20 times more processing power.

Four superbrain high-performance computers form the core of the new architecture in the BMW i3. The Heart of Joy manages driving dynamics, while separate computers handle automated driving and parking, infotainment, and basic and comfort functions such as vehicle access and climate control. Together, they deliver approximately 20 times more processing power than the previous generation.

BMW four-zone electronics architecture: simpler wiring, lower weight and greater efficiency.

A four-zone cabling system reduces wiring-harness complexity in the new BMW i3. Smart eFuses replace conventional fuses, providing intelligent, flexible power protection. Together with the zonal architecture, they enable shorter, thinner wiring, reduce weight and energy consumption through intelligent power distribution, and improve overall vehicle efficiency.

BMW Software Updates: ongoing functions, performance enhancements and AI-based features.

The new BMW i3, like all new BMW 3 Series models, can receive new functions, performance enhancements and AI-based features through Software Updates after purchase. Its superbrain computers, zonal electronics architecture and software combine traditional BMW driving pleasure with digital intelligence. All future BMW models will use the electronics and software architecture developed for the Neue Klasse.

BMW 3 Series driver assistance: BMW Symbiotic Drive expands partially automated driving and parking.

Next-generation technology and the expanding use of artificial intelligence support a broad range of partially automated driving and parking functions in the new BMW 3 Series. Many comfort and safety features are included as standard and are designed to reduce driver workload.

BMW 3 Series SAE Level 2 driver assistance: expanded active safety from highways to urban roads.

The new BMW 3 Series offers SAE Level 2 driver-assistance systems and active-safety functions with BMW Symbiotic Drive. Major improvements and functional enhancements over the previous generation create a consistent assistance experience in any situation.

BMW Symbiotic Drive: cooperative assistance works with the driver’s steering, braking and acceleration inputs.

BMW Symbiotic Drive is designed for seamless interaction between SAE Level 2 assistance and the driver’s normal behavior. When assistance is active, the driver can accelerate, steer or brake as needed without immediately deactivating the system. This cooperative approach keeps the vehicle controllable at all times while allowing the driver and assistance technology to work together in any driving situation. Clear controls and displays in BMW Panoramic iDrive support intuitive operation and the safe use of partially automated driving functions.

BMW Symbiotic Drive also shapes active-safety functions such as Lane Keeping Assistant. The vehicle interprets driver intent through steering behavior and gaze direction, providing warnings or steering inputs only when it detects unintentional lane departure or an impending collision.

BMW 3 Series active safety: expanded standard assistance functions with BMW Symbiotic Drive.

BMW Symbiotic Drive enables the standard active-safety functions in the new BMW 3 Series to operate intelligently and unobtrusively. The vehicle interprets driver intent through steering behavior and gaze direction. Lane Keeping Assistant provides warnings or steering inputs only when it detects unintentional lane departure or an impending collision. It does not intervene during deliberate maneuvers if there is no foreseeable risk of collision or of the vehicle leaving the road. Turn-signal use, active steering inputs and a glance over the shoulder can indicate driver intent.

Driving Assistant Plus with BMW Symbiotic Drive.

Available Driving Assistant Plus—which bundles Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Speed Limit Assistant, Lane Keep Assistant, and Steering Assistant—can control the speed of the BMW 3 Series and its distance from the vehicle in front at the driver’s request and help them to easily keep the car in its lane. BMW Symbiotic Drive enables Driving Assistant Plus to also work smoothly and intuitively in tandem with the driver’s inputs, if desired.

New functions include enhanced emergency steering intervention, which can automatically steer around objects detected in the vehicle’s lane. Other standard features include Lane Change Warning, Side Collision Warning with steering intervention, and Crossing Traffic Warning with emergency braking when turning into a road or exiting a parking space. Emergency Brake Assistant with Evasion Assistant can help avoid frontal collisions and apply maximum braking force if necessary. New sensor technology improves the system’s response to wildlife crossing the road. The standard exit-warning function can actively delay a door from opening when a cyclist is approaching, helping prevent “dooring” collisions.

BMW 3 Series Park Assist: steering-wheel activation, AI-supported space detection and remote parking.

The new Park Assist provides semi-automated parking and can be activated directly from the steering wheel. A new visualization of the area around the vehicle makes detected parking spaces easier to select, while AI-supported space detection and maneuver planning enable faster, smoother automated parking. Optional Parking Assistant Plus adds a 360-degree view with curb, 3D and car-wash views. Manoeuvre Assistant can record and repeat recurring maneuvers over distances of up to 200metres. Parking Assistant Professional adds remote control of parking and stored manoeuvres using the My BMW App. All driving and parking assistance functions can also be activated later through the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.

BMW i3 assisted braking: Heart of Joy and Superbrain of Automated Driving enable smooth recuperative stops.

In the new BMW i3, close coordination between the Heart of Joy and the Superbrain of Automated Driving enables smooth assisted braking through jerk-free, quiet energy recuperation all the way to a standstill. Except during emergency braking, assisted braking manoeuvres are completed entirely through electric-motor recuperation until the vehicle stops.

BMW 3 Series production: highly efficient, flexible and digital plants for electric and gasoline models.

The first BMW 3 Series rolled off the production line at BMW Group Plant Munich in 1975, beginning the story of BMW’s most successful model, with more than 18 million vehicles sold worldwide to date. In 2026, the BMW 3 Series enters a new era at the same historic site, where BMW has built vehicles since 1923. Following extensive modernization, BMW Group Plant Munich now produces the first fully electric BMW 3 Series, the new BMW i3. From 2027, the plant will manufacture only fully electric vehicles.

New BMW 3 Series models with highly efficient internal combustion engines will be produced at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, where BMW has manufactured vehicles since 1973. Dingolfing is the BMW Group’s largest production site in Europe. Approximately 280,000 BMW vehicles were produced there in 2025, and the plant has manufactured around 13 million vehicles in total.

BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria produces key components for the all-electric BMW 3 Series drive system and the internal combustion engines for other BMW 3 Series models. High-voltage batteries for the BMW i3 are supplied by the new BMW Group Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Lower Bavaria, approximately one-and-a-half hours from Munich.

BMW i3 series production begins at BMW Group Plant Munich.

BMW Group Plant Munich has continually reinvented itself since its founding more than a century ago. The BMW Group completely remodeled the site for the Neue Klasse while continuing to produce up to 1,000 vehicles per day. A new body shop, state-of-the-art vehicle-assembly facilities and additional logistics areas were built across approximately one-third of the plant, while existing production areas and technologies were extensively updated. Series production of the new BMW i3, the second Neue Klasse model, began in Munich in August 2026.

Peter Weber, Head of BMW Group Plant Munich: “BMW Group Plant Munich is the home of the BMW 3 Series. Indeed, the new BMW i3 marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our home plant. The BMW i3 heralds the start of Neue Klasse production in Munich and paves the way for further models here. Making our plant fit for the future is above all an achievement of the people here who drive change and innovation with great enthusiasm. Together we set ourselves fresh challenges each day, make astute use of digitalization and automation, and work step by step to make Plant Munich even more efficient – without compromising on our high quality standards.”

BMW iFACTORY at Plant Munich: efficient, sustainable and digital production.

BMW iFACTORY is the BMW Group’s vision for production, centred on efficiency, sustainability and digitalization. Plants worldwide implement site-specific solutions that strengthen resilience and support reliable deliveries. BMW Group Plant Munich has applied this approach consistently across all powertrain technologies.

BMW is investing approximately €650 million in modern, digital production structures to increase efficiency at the Munich plant. Measures include automation, standardization, artificial intelligence and a simplified product architecture. Digital technologies—from virtual twins to real-time data analysis—are used systematically in planning, production, quality assurance and logistics.

BMW i3 production reduces manufacturing costs at Plant Munich by 10 percent.

BMW has reduced production costs at its Munich site in recent years through forward planning, close collaboration with development teams and suppliers, and advanced manufacturing methods. Further process optimization, targeted automation, digitalization and the Neue Klasse vehicle architecture deliver additional efficiency gains. With the launch of the new BMW i3, production costs have fallen by a further 10%, making BMW Group Plant Munich more efficient, flexible and digital.

Production at Dingolfing: the new combustion-engined BMW 3 Series.

BMW Group Plant Dingolfing is the BMW Group’s largest manufacturing site in Europe – and the workplace of around 18,000 people. In addition to the BMW 4 Series (including M variants), BMW 5 Series (including M variants), and BMW 7 Series, the employees here will also be manufacturing the new combustion-engined BMW 3 Series from November 2026. 

The Dingolfing site is considered one of the most flexible automotive plants in the world. A mixture of different model series can be built here in all drive variants on a single production line. As Head of Plant Dingolfing Christoph Schröder says: “This enables us to always keep production in step with actual customer demand and to respond quickly to market changes.”

Long tradition: car manufacture in Lower Bavaria.

Dingolfing has a long history of car manufacture that first started with Hans Glas GmbH. In the 1950s and 1960s, this medium-sized firm made the ‘Goggomobil’ microcar that became a familiar sight in Germany, along with other models including the Glas 2600 V8 luxury coupé. In 1967, the Lower Bavarian manufacturer was acquired by BMW AG. 

After initially manufacturing vehicle components at the new Dingolfing site, in the early 1970s BMW made the decision to build a completely new car plant there. The first car rolled off the production line of the new BMW plant in Dingolfing in September 1973. The BMW 3 Series and BMW Group Plant Dingolfing also have a shared history that stretches back a long way, with production of the first BMW 3 Series cars starting here as long ago as 1980. Following a hiatus, the model series is now returning to Dingolfing in the shape of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. 

The BMW Group invests several hundred million euros annually in future model generations and new technologies at Dingolfing, driving the plant’s transformation into a BMW iFACTORY in the process. In addition to cars, Dingolfing also manufactures vehicle components, such as pressed parts and chassis and (electric) drive systems, as well as bodyshells for Rolls-Royce. 

Made in Steyr: the electric motor for the new BMW i3.  

The Gen6 electric motor for the new BMW i3 is being built at BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria, along with the internal combustion engines for the other BMW 3 Series variants. The BMW Group’s largest motor/engine plant has been developing and producing drive systems for over 40 years. More than 1.2 million units left the production halls here in 2025 alone. With the addition of the first electric motor to the portfolio, the plant is reinforcing its status as a standard-bearer for the technology open approach. 

All key components of the highly integrated electric drive unit – the rotor, stator, transmission and inverter – are manufactured on site. A state-of-the-art clean room environment was created for the production of the inverter. The electric drive components are assembled on two newly built production lines. The motor/engine plant in Steyr is supplied with the housing for the electric motor by the aluminium foundry at BMW Group Plant Landshut.

By 2030, the BMW Group will have invested over one billion euros at the Steyr site – since the project’s launch in 2022 – to expand its development and production expertise for electric drives. 

New Irlbach-Straßkirchen plant supplies high-voltage batteries.

The new BMW Group Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen will be responsible for producing the high-voltage batteries for the new BMW i3 in future. The assembly plant in Lower Bavaria is only about 19 miles from Dingolfing. 

The BMW Group has applied the “local for local” principle by locating its various new assembly plants for high-voltage batteries in close proximity to local vehicle production. The new Irlbach-Straßkirchen plant will supply Gen6 high-voltage batteries to the parent plant in Munich as well as to further vehicle plants in Germany. It is one of five new BMW Group assembly plants for sixth-generation high-voltage batteries worldwide and will come on stream in October 2026. There will be two assembly lines at the site. 

The BMW Group will create up to 1,600 jobs at the new plant, thereby giving a major boost to value creation in Bavaria.

Manufacturing of the Gen6 high-voltage batteries at the new BMW Group Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen combines a rigorous zero-defect approach with cutting-edge production technologies. By using digital twins for planning and optimising production processes, carrying out complete in-line quality checks and making targeted use of artificial intelligence, the BMW Group is setting new standards for battery production.

The new BMW 3 Series. Statements.

Dr Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development: “Whether it’s the fully electric Neue Klasse variant with up to [between 446-468 miles^[5] ] of electric range or highly efficient combustion-engined variants with cutting-edge 48V mild hybrid and plug-in-hybrid drive systems – all the BMW 3 Series models benefit from Neue Klasse innovations in the areas of digitalization, driver assistance, design and BMW-typical driving pleasure. The result is the best BMW 3 Series of all time.” 

Jochen Goller, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Customer, Brands, Sales: “Each generation of the BMW 3 Series has been the definitive car of its time. The new BMW 3 Series continues this tradition with a technological leap forward into a new era, a single design spanning all drive system variants. The first fully electric BMW 3 Series based on the Neue Klasse celebrates its premiere in the form of the BMW i3. It enhances the character of the BMW 3 Series with new, standout attributes. As a fully electric model in a high-volume segment, the BMW i3 is a hugely significant car for the BMW Group. Feedback from our customers has already confirmed the car’s enormous potential.” 

Dr Mike Reichelt, Head of Neue Klasse, BMW Compact and Midsize Class: “The Neue Klasse is about far more than a single car. With the BMW iX3 we demonstrated for the first time how our new design language could blend the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, BMW Panoramic iDrive, and the Heart of Joy into a unique overall experience. Scalable and global, the Neue Klasse innovations are now being rolled out across our entire model range. And with the new BMW 3 Series, we are bringing them to the core of the brand for the first time. The eighth generation of our icon reaps the benefits of this technological leap forward, regardless of the drive system type providing the power. The result is Sheer Driving Pleasure, redefined.” 

Dr Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior Vice President Driving Experience Development: “The BMW 3 Series has encapsulated Sheer Driving Pleasure for many decades. The new generation of the car sees us building consistently on this strength and elevating the interaction of the driver, car and intelligent dynamic control systems to a new level. Both the new fully electric BMW i3 and the new BMW 3 Series models with combustion engines and plug-in hybrid drive feature their own specific BMW Driving Stacks. They combine state-of-the-art control technology with our dynamic DNA. This enables us to infuse all of the BMW 3 Series drive variants with our brand’s signature driving experience – headlined by exceptional precision, intoxicating agility and the poise and assurance for which BMW is renowned. Unmistakably BMW, in other words.” 

Peter Weber, Head of BMW Group Plant Munich: “BMW Group Plant Munich is the home of the BMW 3 Series. Indeed, the new BMW i3 marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our home plant. The BMW i3 heralds the start of Neue Klasse production in Munich and paves the way for further models here.”

As Peter Weber points out, this has been a journey shaped by more than new machinery and technology alone: “Making our plant fit for the future is above all an achievement of the people here who drive change and innovation with great enthusiasm. Together we set ourselves fresh challenges each day, make astute use of digitalization and automation, and work step by step to make Plant Munich even more efficient – without compromising on our high quality standards.” 

Christoph Schröder, Head of BMW Group Plant Dingolfing: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the BMW 3 Series Sedan back to our plant. We have been able to integrate the ICE variant into our existing structures quickly and efficiently and will build the car on the same assembly line as the BMW 4 Series and BMW 5 Series models as part of a flexible approach.” 

Oliver Heilmer, Head of Design Neue Klasse, BMW Compact Class and BMW M: “The new BMW 3 Series embodies the essence of our brand. Its design blends sporting dynamism and timeless elegance in the clear, reduced design language of the Neue Klasse.”

The new BMW 3 Series. FAQ.

When will the new BMW 3 Series go on sale?

The Canadian launch of the new BMW i3 50 xDrive, 330 xDrive, and M350 xDrive will commence in the first quarter of 2027.  

Do all BMW i3 models have an 800V vehicle electrical system? The BMW i3 is a Neue Klasse model. All Neue Klasse models have sixth-generation BMW eDrive, 800V technology, and high-voltage batteries with new cylindrical cells.

What does the BMW 3 Series offer for automated driving?  All BMW 3 Series models, regardless of the drive system type, offer innovative SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems and active safety functions with significant improvements, functional enhancements and BMW Symbiotic Drive.   

Will there also be a BMW 3 Series with a six-cylinder engine?  Yes, the BMW M350 xDrive will be powered by a six-cylinder in-line engine. It has 48V mild hybrid technology and develops 437 hp.

Does the combustion-engined BMW 3 Series also come with a Heart of Joy?  

Yes, but it is optimized for cars with a combustion engine. In short, “Heart of Joy” represents the core of BMW driving dynamics expertise in the age of the software-defined vehicle / intelligent connected vehicle.

We view “Heart of Joy” as our guiding principle for BMW driving dynamics across the various drive system types. The best way of implementing “Heart of Joy” technologically in each different model is via the BMW Driving Stack. This integrated hardware/software system allows the driving-relevant functions to work together cohesively and is designed to deliver Sheer Driving Pleasure.

The combustion-engined BMW 3 Series employs an intelligent BMW Driving Stack optimized over several decades and honed precisely for the drive system at hand. Working closely with the braking, stability and drive control systems, it utilizes the full dynamic potential of the drive system. The transverse dynamics management bundles together all the agility-related driving functions, including the dynamic all-wheel-drive system.

The Heart of Joy in the BMW i3 was created specifically for the sixth-generation fully electric drive system architecture in the Neue Klasse. Developed fully in-house, the Driving Stack with BMW Dynamic Performance Control brings together all the drive system and driving dynamics functions in a central control unit for the first time. The electric drive system plays an active role in shaping the car’s driving dynamics, and it does so with exceptional efficiency and an unprecedented control rate – ten times faster than previous systems. This opens up fresh dynamic possibilities, delivering a driving experience of the highest level.

Both Driving Stacks are high-end solutions that are tailored to the car’s particular drive system and shape the hallmark BMW driving experience. All future models are therefore set to benefit from an intelligent, high-performance driving dynamics management system tuned to optimum effect to the drive system specified.

Can a BMW M350 xDrive that has already been delivered be retrofitted with the Drift Moment?  

The Drift Moment will be available over the course of 2027 and will then also be activated via Software Update in vehicles that have already been delivered.

Is the new Drift Moment also available for models other than the BMW M350 xDrive? 

This function is reserved exclusively for M Performance models such as the BMW M350 xDrive. This underscores the BMW M350 xDrive’s status as the entry point into the world of BMW M.  

Do the exterior dimensions of the BMW 3 Series differ depending on the type of drive system fitted? 

The exterior dimensions of the BMW i3 differ slightly from those of the other BMW 3 Series models, as dictated by the concepts underpinning them. The BMW i3 is 4,760 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,480 mm tall. Its wheelbase measures 2,897 mm. The combustion-engined models are 4,755 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,455 mm tall. The combustion vehicles’ wheelbases measure 2,860 mm. 

How quickly does the BMW M350 xDrive accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?

The new BMW M350 xDrive sprints from rest to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, or 3.8 seconds with a 1-foot rollout.

Which wheel options are available for the new BMW i3?  

The fully electric BMW i3 can be ordered with a choice of eight different light-alloy and aerodynamic wheels in sizes from 19 to 21 inches.

Is the interior of all new BMW 3 Series models identical regardless of the drive system type? 

Yes. Only concept-related necessities result in minimal differences.    

Do all steering wheels for the new BMW 3 Series have a central spoke in their upper section as standard? 

No. The BMW M350 xDrive is fitted with an M steering wheel with spokes in the four and eight o’clock positions. The M steering wheel can be specified as an option for all BMW 3 Series models as part of the M Sport Pro package. 

Are seats with a massage function available for the BMW i3?  Yes, the optional multifunction seats come with this feature. 

Can I also listen to music in the Dolby Atmos format in the new BMW 3 Series? 

Yes. the Dolby Atmos format is part of the optional and specifically tailored Harman Kardon sound systems. All these systems provide a premium audio experience.

How many miles’ worth of energy can the new BMW i3 add in ten minutes of charging at a maximum DC rate of 400 kW?  

The new BMW i3 50 xDrive can add up to 335 kilometres^[6] of range in ten minutes of charging at 400 kW.

Does the Highway Assist in the new BMW 3 Series enable hands-free driving? 

Yes, it enables attentive hands-free driving on suitable limited-access highways at up to 130 km/h.

Where will the new BMW 3 Series be produced?

The fully electric BMW i3 is built at the BMW Group’s home plant in Munich. The BMW 3 Series with combustion engine will roll off the assembly line at Dingolfing, the BMW Group’s largest plant in Europe.

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 26 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                            

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

Debrecen, Hungary. BMW Group Plant Debrecen has produced the 50,000th BMW iX3. Just a few months after the start of series production, the plant has thus reached an important milestone in the ramp-up of the first series-production model of the Neue Klasse.

“The 50,000th BMW iX3 underscores the capabilities of our plant in Debrecen: Never before have we built so many vehicles so quickly at a new plant. This milestone is the result of an outstanding team effort,” said Raymond Wittmann, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Production.

The rapid ramp-up was significantly accelerated by the introduction of the second shift, which started in February 2026 – well ahead of schedule. This was the BMW Group’s response to the high demand the BMW iX3 has been experiencing since its market launch. Supported by strong customer orders, the company is on track to soon reach the next important milestone of 100,000 incoming orders.

New model, new architecture, new plant

As the first series-production vehicle of the Neue Klasse, the BMW iX3 also marks the start of a new vehicle architecture – in a completely newly built plant. The plant thus plays a key role in the further scaling of the Neue Klasse across the BMW Group’s production network.

“The production of the 50,000th BMW iX3 reflects the dedication and expertise of our team. As the home of the first series-produced Neue Klasse model, Plant Debrecen is helping shape the future of the BMW Group’s global production network,” highlighted Hans-Peter Kemser, President and CEO of BMW Group Plant Debrecen.

Plant Debrecen’s pioneering role – other plants benefit from its experience

The pioneering experiences from the launch of the first Neue Klasse model provide Plant Debrecen and the other BMW Group plants worldwide with valuable insights for the upcoming launches.

“Each of our plants benefits from launch experiences we have made at Plant Debrecen. By the end of 2027, we will launch 40 new or updated models. Efficiency, speed, and quality are crucial for the successful launch of all vehicles. Knowledge transfer between our production sites worldwide is a key lever,” said Wittmann.

To achieve this, the BMW Group relies on close collaboration among its production sites. Insights from one plant flow directly into the global network and support the ramp-up of further models. This enables potential quality deviations, for example, to be identified and avoided at an early stage – before they recur at another location. Digital tools and a shared database provide the foundation for this.

At a glance: Questions and answers regarding the production of the BMW iX3 at BMW Group Plant Debrecen

What is special about the 50,000th BMW iX3 produced in Debrecen?
The 50,000th BMW iX3 marks the fastest ramp-up of a new BMW Group plant and an important milestone for BMW Group Plant Debrecen. Reached just a few months after the start of series production, the milestone shows that the new plant can build the first series-production model of the Neue Klasse reliably, quickly and at high volumes.

Is the production ramp-up at BMW Group Plant Debrecen the fastest ramp-up of a new BMW Group plant?
Yes. With 50,000 BMW iX3 vehicles produced just a few months after the start of series production, BMW Group Plant Debrecen achieved the fastest ramp-up of a new BMW Group plant to date. The milestone underlines the plant’s performance, the strength of the Debrecen team and the effectiveness of collaboration across the BMW Group production network.

Why is BMW Group Plant Debrecen important for the Neue Klasse?
BMW Group Plant Debrecen is the first BMW Group plant to produce a series-production model of the Neue Klasse. As the launch plant for the BMW iX3, Debrecen plays a pioneering role in industrializing and scaling the Neue Klasse across the BMW Group’s global production network.

Why is the BMW iX3 important for the BMW Group?
The BMW iX3 is the first series-production vehicle of the Neue Klasse and a key starting point for the BMW Group’s next generation of models. By the end of 2027, the BMW Group plans to launch 40 new or updated models that will incorporate technologies and the design language of the Neue Klasse.

How fast did BMW Group Plant Debrecen ramp up BMW iX3 production?
BMW Group Plant Debrecen produced 50,000 BMW iX3 vehicles within just a few months of the start of series production. The rapid production ramp-up was accelerated by the early introduction of a second shift in February 2026, well ahead of schedule.

How strong is demand for the BMW iX3?
Demand for the BMW iX3 has been strong since its market launch. Supported by high customer orders, the BMW Group is on track to soon reach the next major milestone of 100,000 incoming orders for the first series-production model of the Neue Klasse.

How do other BMW Group plants benefit from Plant Debrecen?
Other BMW Group plants benefit from the launch experience gained at Plant Debrecen through direct knowledge transfer across the global production network. Insights from the BMW iX3 ramp-up, digital data, quality analyses and process improvements support future vehicle launches at other BMW Group locations.

Richmond Hill, ON.  BMW Group Canada today announced Canadian pricing and confirmed the NRCan‑certified driving range for the all‑new, next‑generation 2027 BMW iX3, setting a new benchmark for everyday electric mobility. When sales begin in Canada, the 2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive will carry a highly competitive starting price of $75,900 CAD and deliver driving range that underscores the vehicle’s efficiency leadership. The model’s EPA‑cycle range is confirmed at up to 698 km, significantly exceeding preliminary estimates of 650 km and positioning the iX3 as the most capable long‑range electric vehicle in its class.

The big story is the range - now confirmed well above early projections. This increase reflects BMW’s continued advances in electric powertrain efficiency, aerodynamics, and intelligent energy management. For Canadian drivers, the result is more real‑world flexibility: longer weekend getaways without intermediate charging, greater peace of mind during winter months, and fewer stops on intercity routes.

Key points:

• Canadian starting price: $75,900 CAD.
• Confirmed range: NRCan‑certified (EPA‑cycle) up to 698 km.
• Substantial improvement over preliminary 650 km estimate.
• Advanced sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology for high efficiency and performance.
• DC fast‑charging capability up to 400 kW designed for rapid top‑ups on the go.
• First vehicle to feature BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive, a pillar-to-pillar driver information screen at the base of the windshield.
• Spacious, premium interior with the latest BMW Operating System X and ConnectedDrive Services.
• Refined chassis tuning for hallmark BMW driving dynamics.

With its combination of long‑distance capability, cutting‑edge technology, and a compelling entry price, the 2027 BMW iX3 is poised to redefine expectations in the midsize electric SAV segment. The model’s range stands at the forefront of its competitive set and is only surpassed by vehicles in larger classes carrying substantially higher price tags - an achievement that underlines BMW’s commitment to accessible innovation.

“We are thrilled to offer Canadian customers more range, next-generation battery and electric motors and uncompromising BMW driving dynamics,” said Andrew Scott, President and CEO of BMW Group Canada. “Exceeding our preliminary range target while introducing advanced technologies at this price point is a testament to the progress of our electrification strategy.”

Product highlights
The new BMW iX3 showcases BMW’s latest EV innovations, combining performance and efficiency with hallmark driving dynamics. Highlights include powerful next‑generation electric motors that deliver instant torque and confident acceleration; a high‑capacity battery featuring sixth‑generation BMW battery cell technology designed for improved energy density, charging capability, and durability; and the latest “Heart of Joy” driving dynamics control unit that orchestrates powertrain, chassis, and traction control functions for a seamless, engaging drive. Together with a low‑drag silhouette, optimized thermal management, and advanced regenerative braking, these technologies enable its outstanding range while preserving the precise, connected feel that defines every BMW. Inside, BMW Panoramic iDrive introduces a new, pillar-to-pillar display concept that presents key driving information at a glance and helps keep the driver focused on the road.

Availability
Canadian market launch will take place in Fall 2026. Customers can reserve their BMW iX3 at www.bmw.ca or with their local BMW Retailer.

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BMW Group in Canada
BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 26 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact: 

Marc Belcourt
Director, Corporate Communications
BMW Group Canada
marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                            

Jean-Francois Taylor
Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications
BMW Group Canada
jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

Richmond Hill, ON.  Developed with passion and designed to perfection, the BMW 7 Series has established itself as an innovation leader and technological pioneer around the world since it first launched in 1977. Each generation has brought fresh momentum to its era – from groundbreaking safety functions and revolutionary operating concepts to digital worlds that set new standards. This forward-looking approach has been a hallmark characteristic of the BMW 7 Series for nearly 50 years.

The 2027 BMW 7 Series represents the most extensive model update ever undertaken by BMW. The new BMW 7 Series – now in its seventh generation – marks a tremendous leap forwards once again. As the flagship series of the BMW range and a brand figurehead, the new BMW 7 Series spearheads the introduction of technologies from the Neue Klasse into existing models. This step also marks the beginning of a technology rollout spanning generations and drivetrain variants from which all future BMW cars will benefit.

The 2027 BMW 7 Series debuts with a fully electric model - the i7 60 xDrive. It will be joined by the plug-in hybrid 750e xDrive in the first quarter of 2027 and, later, a V8-powered M Performance model.

Production at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.

All models and drivetrain variants of the new BMW 7 Series will be built on a single production line at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. The tradition-rich location in Lower Bavaria combines the customary BMW passion for flawless engineering with skilled craftsmanship like no other.

The new 2027 BMW 7 Series celebrates its world premiere on April 22, 2026, with concurrent unveilings in Beijing at Auto China 2026 and at a special event at Grand Central Terminal in the heart of New York City. The start of production and worldwide market launch will follow just a few months later, from July 2026.

The new face of BMW luxury-class models. Specific interpretation of the new BMW design language for the luxury segment. Monolithic appearance makes the new BMW 7 Series visually distinctive and easy to differentiate, as do the new BMW Iconic Exterior Illumination and minimalist crystal headlights.

With the Neue Klasse, BMW has adopted a new and distinctive approach to front-end design that will provide a clear identity and high recognition factor across all the brand’s models. The new BMW 7 Series embodies the specific interpretation of this new design language for the luxury segment. By combining its established qualities – sportiness and dynamism, luxury and comfort – with Neue Klasse design principles, it fits seamlessly into its lineage and, at the same time, provides a clear look ahead to the appearance of upcoming BMW models. Its distinct front-end design is reserved exclusively for the BMW luxury-class.

The front-end centres around the updated illuminated BMW kidney grille, the new two-section headlights and the newly designed BMW badge. The horizontal, minimalist light signature of the daytime driving light icons – crystal headlights can be specified as an option – and the eye-catching kidney grille treatment do most to etch the car’s appearance into the memory. Generously sized surfaces in body colour surround all the design elements of the front end and showcase them to maximum effect. In this way, the monolithic design lends every new BMW 7 Series model even greater visual impact.

The BMW Iconic Exterior Illumination kidney grille with new, horizontal graphic is also the defining element of the front-end design in its updated form. It is slimmer and more vertical in proportion than on the previous model, brings a typical BMW luxury-class flavor to the Neue Klasse design language and gives the kidney grille an even more majestic aura. Technical functions like the radar, camera, sensors, and washer nozzles are integrated into the kidney grille essentially out of sight, enabling an uncluttered and expansive design.

Where the BMW kidney grille and hood meet, we find the newly designed BMW badge, which is now larger and has a matte finish. It is set like a jewel into a valley between two new character lines, which stretch powerfully over the hood. The headlights have a new design and lend the front end a sophisticated, technical aura. The light functions are divided into two separate sections, as before.

The visual focus is on the extremely slim and precisely designed upper light elements, which comprise the daytime driving lights, side marker lights, and turn indicators. The optional BMW Crystal Headlights contain 12 crystal glass elements per light, their diamond cut reflecting the light in a multitude of facets to generate a unique, exclusive look. Indeed, the evolved crystal structure creates a unique aesthetic and brings the front end of the car to life with its elegant sparkling when sunshine hits. During the start-up animation, when the daytime driving lights are switched on and after dark, LED units backlight the crystals and combine with the kidney grille’s contour lighting to create an unmistakable light signature.

The low-beam and high-beam headlights are positioned in the lower section of the headlight units. This section is significantly smaller than on the predecessor car, now only uses one light source, and is arranged vertically and almost invisibly near the air curtains at the outer edges of the body. These lights only become visible when switched on, and the design helps to create a neat and serene, monolithic front-end impression. The Adaptive LED Headlights including cornering light come as standard in the new BMW 7 Series.

Special welcome and goodbye animations and dynamic light carpet. The new welcome and goodbye animations bring a seamless, personalized experience to vehicle access and accompany the passengers from when they approach the car before a journey to when they walk away.

The new BMW 7 Series provides a “welcome” as standard, with a choreographed combination of light effects and projections. Customers can choose an animation from the RELAXED, BALANCED, and EXCITED modes. At the end of a journey, the car produces a similarly well-orchestrated goodbye animation.

A new element of the animation is the optional Ceremonial Light Carpet. Here, LED lights with more than 194,000 pixels – embedded in the door sills – project a dynamic graphic light pattern onto the ground near the door that varies in nature according to the animation mode selected.

Making a statement: side view with clear, reduced surfaces, character line and high-quality details.

The monolithic design of the new BMW 7 Series continues in the car’s flanks. Here, the new design language is revealed in features including a character line extending from the front apron over the door sills and into the rear. This fine detail, precise and sophisticated in its execution, gives the sedan even greater stylistic appeal. The new line lends the BMW 7 Series an almost boat-tail-like character from a rear three-quarter view and imbues it with extra visual length and elegance.

The newly designed door handles on the BMW 7 Series are integrated flush to the doors in classical handle recesses, enhancing the clean and reduced exterior look. The door handle trim is finished in either Satin Aluminum or, if the M Sport package is chosen, high-gloss black. Opening both side doors on one side reveals a prominent “7” embossed into the B-pillar.

Rear end with newly designed lights and reduced surfaces.

The rear of the new BMW 7 Series replicates the clear and reduced design applied elsewhere. The completely newly designed rear lights are a key element here. They extend far into the rear end, their slim, elongated form underscoring the broad, sporting stance of the new BMW 7 Series. Inside the rear light units, chrome strips help create a high-quality visual effect and a precise light pattern. Their smoked glass look brings cutting-edge elegance to the lights, even when they are off.

All technological components, such as the unlocking function for the trunk lid, the rear-view camera, and the camera washer nozzle, are integrated almost out of sight into the black area of the lights. This allows the surfaces and lights of the rear end to be presented to optimum effect. As at the front, the new BMW badge at the rear end is integrated into a slight recess and framed like a jewel by the surfaces between the rear lights.

Reduced forms and clean surfaces mark the design of the rear apron, which appears as if cut from a single mould. A diffuser-like form creates a modern, technical impression.

Optional M Sport Package and M Sport Pro Package further set the 7 Series apart.

The optional M Sport Package and M Sport Package Pro allow customers to add further sporting accents to any variant of the new BMW 7 Series. Both options include the M Aerodynamics Package, which in turn brings model-specific M Sport exterior design. The M-specific geometry of the front and rear bumpers – a large proportion of which are finished in black – plus prominent air intakes, large air curtains and the rear diffuser are all also included, as are M-specific side skirts, window surrounds, mirror bases, and door handle trim finished in high-gloss black (satin aluminum may also be specified). Other features include 21-inch M aerodynamic wheels, M Sport brakes with callipers in Dark Blue Metallic, door sill strips bearing the BMW M badge, and a special welcome and goodbye animations complete with an M-specific dynamic light carpet.

Offering even greater dynamism and exclusivity is the M Sport Pro Package, which adds further sporting details and equipment to the M Sport Package. It includes a dark BMW M kidney grille, 21-inch M aerodynamic wheels and Black Exterior Contents, which include BMW kidney grille surround and darkened rear lights. With BMW Crystal Headlights specified, M Sport Pro Package adds Shadowline Lights and special darkened crystals.. The M Sport Package Professional also includes a black M rear spoiler, M steering wheel, and an M Sport braking system with black-painted calipers.

Cutting-edge technology meets skilled craftsmanship: BMW Individual Dual-Finish is a world first.

The new BMW Individual Dual-Finish paint concept is genuinely unique. In this complex process, a matte paint finish in the lower area of the vehicle is paired with a manually applied metallic finish in the upper section of the body. Together with the Coach Line – likewise drawn by hand – this creates a discreet but supremely elegant look.

More than any other aspect, the transition between the two paint finishes reveals the striking quality of this BMW innovation and the skilled craftsmanship of the employees who apply it. Metallic and matte paint differ significantly in their composition, but with BMW Individual Dual-Finish there is no noticeable transition point where the two finishes meet.

BMW Individual Dual-Finish paintwork represents the pinnacle of what is currently possible in painting techniques. Experts have spent two-and-a-half years developing this innovative technology, which can only be used at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing and is only available for the BMW 7 Series. More than 20 specially trained employees are involved in a complex process in which the car is prepared manually for each of the 12 steps in the painting process. Among the tasks they carry out are taping the car by hand and sanding down the body to prepare it for the manual painting process. These jobs alone account for nearly half of the work time. Each car ordered with a BMW Individual Dual-Finish will spend more than 75 hours – i.e. over three full days – in the paint shop. This is almost six times longer than for a conventional paint finish.

The reimagined interior features BMW Panoramic iDrive and the debut of a front passenger display – the BMW Passenger Display.

The integration of Neue Klasse technologies – in the form of the display and operating system BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X – opens up a new dimension in BMW-typical driver orientation and new possibilities when it comes to tailoring the design of the BMW 7 Series interior to personal preferences.

The new instrument panel provides the stage for the “floating” Central Display in free-cut design, which is fitted in an ideal ergonomic position next to the steering wheel.

Next to it is the new front-passenger display, another important and design-defining element. The BMW Passenger Display makes its debut in the new BMW 7 Series and is fitted as standard in every 7 Series model.

The BMW Panoramic Vision – with a projection surface extending across the full width of the windscreen, from A-pillar to A-pillar – and the new multifunction steering wheel also make a significant contribution to the cutting-edge interior of the new BMW 7 Series.

From private cinema lounge to mobile workstation, the upgraded BMW Theatre Screen sets new standards all over again.

One of the highlights of the options list for the new BMW 7 Series is the BMW Theatre Screen. Its 31.3-inch touchscreen with 8K resolution and optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos support transforms the rear compartment of the new BMW 7 Series into an exclusive cinema lounge. The new integrated camera allows passengers to make Zoom video calls easily, as if in a mobile office. And an HDMI connection turns the BMW Theatre Screen into an expanded computer display.

Just deploying the BMW Theatre Screen is an experience. The process is accompanied by a sound animation – and the sunshades for the side windows, rear window, and the Panoramic Glass Sunroof are closed and the ambient lighting in the rear compartment is dimmed at the same time. Passengers can effortlessly adapt the positioning of the BMW Theatre Screen to their requirements. The updated BMW Touch Command digital control screens in the rear doors are used not only to move the screen forward and back with ease, but also to adjust the viewing angle. Adding the finishing touches to the BMW Theatre Screen experience is the immersive sound of the Bowers & Wilkins speakers and Dolby Atmos support.

Immersive light experience with new ambient light strip and new light elements.

The new lighting concept inside the BMW 7 Series greets the driver with a harmonious, immersive experience adapted to personal preferences. The welcome animation that unfolds outside the car continues seamlessly to the interior in a neatly composed overall choreography of illumination, sound elements and personalized settings.

An array of light elements generates soft, evenly spread, and diffuse illumination with a wrap-around effect; the sophisticated, modern design creating a pleasant and exclusive ambience inside the car.

An important part of the animation and a central element of the interior design is the new ambient light strip, which reaches across the full width of the cockpit. In daylight it illuminates with a delicate alabaster structure, whereas in darkness it produces a moderately dynamic light effect. The colour and brightness of the light respond to the time of day and – like all the light elements – can be adjusted to personal preferences via the My Modes Personal.

The second style-defining design feature in the new BMW 7 Series are the new light elements integrated seamlessly into the backs of the front seats at head-restraint height. These vertically arranged lights extend the immersive light mood elegantly into the rear compartment.

Finally, there is the optional Sky Lounge Panoramic Glass Sunroof. More than 40 LED lights illuminate a graphic structure extending throughout the interior. The pattern replicates elements of the quilting on the seat surfaces. The colour world of the light effects takes its cues from the activated My Modes, and can also be selected independently.

Speaker covers in the rear doors that are illuminated from the inside, new additional reading lights in the rear compartment and other illumination elements round off the lighting concept.

Bowers & Wilkins sound systems and Dolby Atmos support deliver a high level of listening pleasure. Acoustics have been enhanced.

The new BMW 7 Series is fitted with the Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System as standard. It features a seven-band equalizer and up to 18 speakers with attractive metal covers. Its amplifier output is up to 575 watts.

The optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System delivers genuinely high-end audio. Up to 36 speakers and an amplifier output of up to 1,925 watts perfectly showcase every sound and set the standard in the 7 Series’ segment. The fully active audio system brings a seven-band equalizer and seven carefully crafted sound profiles. Additional surround speakers are integrated into the head restraints of both the front seats and the two outer rear seats. And the sound system also has a 4D audio function, which uses exciters in the front and rear seat backrests to improve perception of bass frequencies, even at low volumes.

Audiophile drivers and passengers in vehicles specified with the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System will be pleased to find their 7 Series now also offer a rich and varied audio experience in Dolby Atmos quality. Dolby Atmos creates a three-dimensional soundscape for compatible audio formats and allows sound objects to be moved around freely within the cabin. The new BMW 7 Series therefore provides a new and immersive audio experience when streaming films or music.

The further improved interior acoustics of the BMW 7 Series create the ideal environment in which to enjoy the ultimate in audio pleasure. As well as side windows with flush-fitting seals, standard-fit acoustic glazing, an elastic steering gear mounting fitted on the front axle subframe, an additional model-specific motor mount in the BMW i7 and tires containing internal foam absorbers that provide integrated soundproofing (depending on option or package chosen), the 7 Series also features exterior mirror caps that benefit from additional aeroacoustic optimization and improved door insulation.

High-quality materials, classic appointments, and innovative details maximize comfort. Owners can adapt the interior design to their own personal tastes.

The meticulous selection, crafting, and presentation of surfaces, textures and details are key to creating an interior that exudes quality and exclusivity. This devotion to detail can be seen in many different aspects of the new BMW 7 Series interior.

The instrument panel and centre console come as standard with Oak Mirror Finish Fine-Wood Trim with Grey Metallic Highlights. Optional alternatives include Limewood Open-Pored Wood Trim, BMW Individual Ash Flowing Grey Open-Pored Trim and, for the first time, Alcantara interior trim in coordinating interior colours. With this option, the trim strips for the centre console come in Piano Black. The optional M Carbon Trim brings a particularly sporting ambience to vehicles specified with the M Sport or M Sport Pro Packages.

The uncluttered design of the instrument panel continues into the door panel trim. Catching the eye here is the new control panel that groups together frequently used functions elegantly and practically. The controls for the seat backrest, forward/back position, and seat height adjustment are made from crystal glass, providing not only exceptional quality of workmanship for customers to enjoy but also superb look and feel.

BMW Glass controls can also be found in the newly designed centre console – for the start/stop button, gear selector lever, and volume control button. The integrated cup holder is illuminated, while the integrated smartphone tray offering inductive charging with up to 15 watts of power is trimmed in soft Alcantara and has a magnetic holder that keeps mobile phones securely in place. If the driver leaves their mobile phone behind in the smartphone tray, an alert in the goodbye screen reminds them.

New, fully electric slot-type air vents are integrated almost invisibly into the instrument panel – a design solution that feeds into the clean and uncluttered interior look overall. The airflow can be controlled intuitively and precisely via the Central Display.

Customers can choose from a host of appointments and colour combinations to bring a personal touch to the design of their car’s interior. All the elements of the interior are stylishly coordinated.

The new BMW 7 Series is equipped as standard with Merino Leather – available in Black, Mocha, Smoke White, or Tartufo with elaborate quilting. An Alcantara roofliner is also optionally available.

 The optional Merino Leather with Exclusive Contents, available in Black, Mocha, Smoke White, Tartufo, two-tone Caramel/Atlas Grey and new Adelaide Grey, takes the feeling of wellbeing on board the BMW 7 Series to another level. The Alcantara roofliner comes in Black when the leather shades Black, Mocha or Adelaide Grey are specified, while Smoke White,Tartufo and Caramel/Atlas Grey combine with a roofliner in Atlas Grey.

Exceptional quality and an extremely cozy atmosphere are promised by the Merino Leather/Cashmere Wool in the colour combinations Smoke White/Atlas Grey or Black/Dark Grey. The neatly coordinated colours contrast between the leather in the upper section of the seats and the cashmere-rich cloth in the lower section, plus elaborate quilting and fine perforation create a unique impression – both visually and tactily. Their intricate, symmetrically embroidered pattern makes these seats a beautifully eye-catching feature of the interior. The exclusive cashmere wool material combination is also available for the centre armrest and neck cushions. Smoke White/Atlas Grey equips an Alcantara roofliner in Atlas Grey, while Black/Dark Grey can be combined with an Alcantara roofliner in either Black or Ivory White.

First-class seating comfort: standard comfort seats and optional Executive Lounge for the rear compartment.

Standard specification for the BMW 7 Series includes multifunction seats with extensive electric adjustment, as well as seat heating, armrest heating and lumbar support for the driver and front passenger. The seat position can be adjusted easily using the newly designed control panels in the door trim and via the Central Display. The standard multifunction seats also come with active seat ventilation, while a massage function with nine programs and three levels of intensity can be optioned. The rear seats are adjusted using the BMW Touch Command digital control panels in the door trim.

Offering exceptional seating comfort, the Executive Lounge Seating comprises an integrated leg rest for the area behind the front-passenger seat and a quilted and heated centre armrest with high-quality glass insert and integrated, Alcantara-trimmed smartphone tray for wireless device charging. Coordinated adjustment of the angle of the backrest and backrest’s upper section, the forward/backward position of the seat, and the seat angle allows an extraordinarily comfortable reclining position with a torso angle of up to 43°.

The design principle for the leg rest is unique, with its calf support fixed directly to the seat surface without a gap. The front-passenger seat can be moved fully forward and its backrest tilted forward as far as it will go to enable the ideal seating position and legroom for the rear passenger behind it. The adjusting mechanism has been optimized to allow the driver to see in the passenger-side exterior mirror.

Ergonomic and intuitive steering wheels with a new design and new operating philosophy.

Three new steering wheel designs in up to three colours combine eye-catching design with excellent ergonomics and high-quality materials. The new steering wheel with slightly flattened design and vertical spoke is an integral element of the BMW Panoramic iDrive display and operating concept. The multifunction steering wheel with haptic feedback follows the shy-tech principle whereby the controls for the driver assistance functions – if fitted – are illuminated.

Updated automatic doors with Soft Close mechanism offer outstanding ease of use.

The optional automatic doors have been optimized for the updated BMW 7 Series. A button for opening and closing the doors is located in a new, more ergonomically optimal position on the inside of each door handle. A single touch of the newly designed handles set flush into the body is all that is required; the doors will open and close reliably even if the user is wearing gloves or the door handles are iced over. There is also a corresponding button on the inside of each door. A host of other options for using the doors are also available, e.g. the My BMW App, voice commands or the simplified menu structure of BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X.

The new Soft Close mechanism is particularly user friendly, closing the doors smoothly and underscoring the luxurious ambience of the new BMW 7 Series each time the customer gets in and out. An integral servo mode allows the doors to be opened and closed manually with little effort. Plus, the automatic doors now work using radar sensors. These are integrated almost out of sight in the side skirts, front end and rear of the car, and allow the doors to be opened and closed more quickly than was previously possible. The sensors also identify possible obstacles with a high level of precision, which makes the integral collision protection even more effective. The radar sensors detect not only obstacles near the doors but also road users approaching the car, which significantly lowers the risk of collision.

New digital interior mirror.

Another new feature available for the BMW 7 Series is the optional digital interior mirror, which enables the driver to use the conventional visual mirror or a digital mirror function, as they prefer or the situation demands. The digital variant uses a camera – integrated elegantly into the parcel shelf – that shows the view behind the car in the mirror. This technology is especially helpful when using the BMW Theatre Screen, for example. The digital interior mirror will be offered from November 2026.

BMW Panoramic iDrive featuring BMW Operating System X – complete driver orientation, BMW-style.

The visionary BMW Panoramic iDrive system represents the latest generation of the BMW display and operating concept. Centred on the interaction between user and car, it redefines vehicle operation, the display of information and driver orientation. By intelligently linking displays, controls, and software, it creates a fully integrated system that is intuitive, convenient and ergonomic to use and provides the driver with the relevant information at all times.

At the system’s heart is the BMW Panoramic Vision, which employs newly developed technology to project content across the entire width of the lower area of the windscreen. The content shown here is always visible and forms the visual basis of the entire display and operating concept. Driving-related information is displayed in a clearly structured form on the left-hand side in the driver’s field of vision, without restricting their view of the road ahead. The content in the central and right-hand areas of the display can be personalized and is visible to all passengers.

The BMW 3D Head Up Display integrated above the BMW Panoramic Vision projects selected content directly into the driver’s line of sight and purely for their benefit. This display enables highly precise spatial perception – with navigation instructions, for example, or information from the driver assistance systems. The content shown in the BMW 3D Head-Up Display and the BMW Panoramic Vision is perfectly coordinated, with the two complementing each other to create a consistent, clearly structured display experience.

The 17.9-inch Central Display in free-cut design is integrated into BMW Panoramic iDrive as another essential control element. It features sophisticated matrix backlight technology for brilliant graphics and excellent readability in all light conditions. The special free-cut design allows for optimal ergonomic positioning and combines with the improved menu structure featuring QuickSelect to ensure convenient, simple and intuitive touch control.

There is a menu on the Central Display containing widgets that can be moved to the BMW Panoramic Vision by drag and drop. Up to six widgets can be freely arranged in this way to enable quick access to frequently used functions. Further widget content and submenus can be displayed in the BMW Panoramic Vision using the newly developed multifunction steering wheel.

The multifunction steering wheel employs the shy-tech philosophy, meaning its controls are only illuminated when required. The controls for driving assistance and parking functions are located on the left side, while those for infotainment functions, such as phone calls or the media player, can be found on the right. These functions can be operated via a specially designed control panel that provides haptic feedback, allowing the driver to control key functions safely and accurately without taking their eyes off the road.

BMW Panoramic iDrive is underpinned by the BMW Operating System X software. This serves as an intelligent platform for the display and operating system and is designed explicitly for a software-defined vehicle (SDV) approach. The architecture is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and offers excellent update and upgrade capabilities. This means that the system stays up to date for a long time and allows the continuous addition of new functions and digital services. BMW Operating System X meticulously manages all interaction elements and ensures information is consistently presented in a context-sensitive manner that suits the situation at hand.

One of the system’s key features is its wide-ranging customizability. Content, widgets and displays are individually configurable, allowing them to be adapted to personal preferences. Users can select colours, display schemes and background images to create a personalized digital experience. They will also be able to set their own pictures as the background image for the Central Display using the My BMW App. The appearance of the user interface design colours across all displays automatically adjusts to the selected image. Drivers have a wealth of options for tailoring the user interface design as they wish in Personal mode, enabling even greater customization of displays, interactions, and vehicle-related settings. Further My Modes, such as SPORT, EFFICIENT and SILENT, add to the range of personal setups available to customers.

The BMW ID opens the door to the customizable driving experience with BMW Operating System X. Up to seven different users can sign in with their BMW ID, allowing them to enjoy every drive to the fullest with their individual settings. Before setting off, a message greeting the driver by name – together with their personal profile picture if desired – will automatically appear in the Central Display.

The interplay between the BMW Panoramic Vision, BMW 3D Head-Up Display, Central Display, and multifunction steering wheel – all controlled by BMW Operating System X – creates a consistent, clearly structured display and operating concept. Physical and digital controls combine to deliver a seamless user experience that is designed specifically for driver orientation and ergonomics. In the process, the “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road” principle is reinterpreted and elevated to a more advanced technological level.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, enhanced by Amazon’s Alexa+ AI technology.

The multimodal operating logic of BMW Panoramic iDrive combines touch, haptic and voice-based interactions. The enhanced BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant plays a key role here, enabling numerous vehicle functions, navigation destination entry and media content to be controlled using natural language, without the need for defined voice commands.

The self-learning assistant turns the vehicle into an intelligent digital companion. The voice assistant can be summoned in the usual way with the prompt “Hey BMW” or the push of a button on the steering wheel’s right-hand control panel. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can help to control the windows, air conditioning, seating comfort, phone calls, in-car entertainment and far more besides. It can also be used to call up a large number of function menus or operate certain apps.

The addition of Amazon’s Alexa+ AI technology to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant increases the range of functions even further. The integration of Amazon Alexa+ into the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant marks a technological leap forward focused on adding value for the customer. The AI technology used is a large language model (LLM), a type of generative AI that “understands” language and is capable of formulating its own responses. This results in more dialogue-based verbal interaction, enabling intuitive and intelligent exchanges, access to external knowledge bases, cloud-based services and media content, as well as control of vehicle functions. Linking the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant to an Amazon account allows the user to search for and stream music, listen to the latest news and access a wide range of other content effortlessly. Availability will be gradually expanded, starting with the German and US markets.

At the driver’s request, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is also able to offer proactive suggestions based on usage patterns and other factors. BMW Operating System X further expands this intelligent capability by taking far more contexts into account, e.g. based on the driving situation, environmental analysis or interior sensing.

A highlight of the new BMW 7 Series interior: standard-fitted BMW Passenger Display takes entertainment for the front passenger to the next level.

The BMW Passenger Display, which is making its debut in the new BMW 7 Series and will be fitted as standard, is a first for the BMW brand. Together with the Central Display, it forms a defining element of the display and operating philosophy in the new BMW 7 Series. Measuring 14.6 inches, it offers the same sophisticated technology as the Central Display.

The BMW Passenger Display has been specifically designed to provide entertainment for the front passenger during the journey. The full HD display allows easy and intuitive multi-touch operation. The screen seems to merge seamlessly into the Central Display with free-cut design. It gives the front passenger full access to the wide range of BMW Entertainment options, including video streaming and TV programs, gaming, music and much more besides. Log-in with a BMW ID is not required. BMW Digital Premium includes the necessary data allowance and is available on all the car’s displays. An integrated shield function ensures the driver can stay focused on the task of driving at all times. The interior camera detects any driver distraction while on the move and automatically dims the display.

If there is no front passenger in the car, the BMW Passenger Display will automatically switch to a reduced mode and blend harmoniously into the other displays inside the BMW. Here, the display background is adjusted to suit the active My Mode and the ambient lighting.

Extensive upgrade for the unrivalled BMW Theatre Screen – 8K streaming, gaming, Zoom video calls.

The BMW 7 Series update also includes a far-reaching upgrade for the BMW Theatre Screen. The entire surface of the 31.3-inch 8K touchscreen, together with all its functions, can now be operated by touch. And the occupants in the rear can now also access the BMW video streaming platform and use numerous additional popular entertainment and information apps. The apps are easily downloaded via the BMW ConnectedDrive Store. A wide range of video games is also available via AirConsole.

The connectivity provided by BMW Digital Premium – 4 years of service are included as standard – is all that is required to download and use the apps. Devices such as headphones and game controllers can be paired via Bluetooth. There is also an HDMI port in the centre console e.g. for plugging in a TV streaming stick or laptop.

The BMW Theatre Screen additionally comes with a new built-in camera, making it simple to make video calls via Zoom from the rear seats.

Modern, powerful software and electronics architecture for future-proof vehicle functions.

The new BMW 7 Series benefits from the completely new E/E architecture developed for the Neue Klasse as the basis for a “software-defined vehicle” (SDV). This makes the vehicle more intelligent and efficient overall, with greater capabilities. The centralized high-performance computers together boast 20 times more processing power than the current generation of models. This means the vehicle is prepared for upcoming software and function updates, including interactive AI features. The zonal wiring harness architecture reduces harness weight by around 30 percent while saving around 2,000 feet of wiring. As well as enabling shorter, thinner wiring, it uses digital smart eFuses for intelligent power distribution and makes a significant contribution to improving the vehicle’s overall energy efficiency.

The new electronics architecture underpins a more advanced software architecture that will keep all future BMW models fully up to date via software updates. In view of the wealth of digital functions in a software-defined vehicle, it is crucial that functions can be continuously refined on stable software platforms instead of always having to be newly developed. That is what we have achieved with the new BMW model generation, starting with the Neue Klasse.

Top-class in-car entertainment – greatly enhanced entertainment offering, including apps from popular third-party providers.

BMW Operating System X offers customers more in-car entertainment options than ever before. The convenience of using the extensive app, video, and gaming portfolio – with unlimited data – provided with the BMW Digital Premium package is included for four years as standard. A single connection per car is all that’s required, and this is then available to enjoy entertainment offerings on the Central Display, BMW Passenger Display and BMW Theatre Screen.

Customers are also able to access the Video app (powered by TiVo™), which provides an ever-expanding range of content, such as news and live/on demand streaming platforms. Videos can be streamed on the Central Display, BMW Passenger Display and BMW Theatre Screen when the vehicle is stationary. This functionality remains available to use on the BMW Passenger Display and BMW Theatre Screen while on the move. By signing in with existing accounts, customers can resume movies or series from the exact point they left off at home.

The AirConsole app provided by BMW Operating System X offers great entertainment for all passengers – with world-famous classics that have been specially adapted for the in-car gaming experience, such as UNO® Car Party!. Hot Wheels: Xtreme Overdrive™ from Mattel is a new highlight in the extensive AirConsole gaming library. With AirConsole, players can use their smartphones as controllers, allowing all passengers to play with or against each other.

Customers can obtain further games and apps for in-car entertainment from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store. Selected games can now also be controlled with the Bluetooth controllers for standard games consoles. The BMW ConnectedDrive Store already features a total of over 60 apps worldwide. Categories include music & audio, entertainment, gaming, news, and travel & local – and the choice will continue to grow.

BMW Digital Premium: the flexible, complete package for entertainment, security functions and extended navigation features.

The BMW Digital Premium package includes the Security Assistant, which comprises a host of useful functions to give the customer greater peace of mind. Attempted thefts and parking bumps will trigger push notifications in the My BMW App, for instance. And in the event of an accident, the BMW Drive Recorder instantly makes exterior footage of what happened available in the car, and this footage can then be exported to a mobile phone. The anti-theft and parking collision recorder also makes automatic video recordings. The optional Remote Inside and Remote 3D View functions additionally allow customers to take a glance inside their car and check its immediate vicinity using the My BMW App.

In addition, BMW Digital Premium expands the range of navigation functions within BMW Maps. Additional real-time traffic information, satellite views, 3D building models and proactive tips assist with accurate and anticipatory route planning. Information on parking facilities and points of interest is also presented in greater detail. Precise and realistic visualisation of traffic lanes facilitates navigation guidance when dealing with complex road layouts in cities.

The data required for entertainment functions is included with BMW Digital Premium, meaning there is no need for customers to provide a data connection by using a smartphone as a hotspot or signing in to a Wi-Fi network. This connection can be used with the Central Display, BMW Passenger Display and BMW Theatre Screen. What’s more, the 5G-ready vehicle telematics system ensures the best possible streaming speed at all times. In the new BMW 7 Series, the features of BMW Digital Premium are included free of charge for four years. Once this period has expired, the package can be extended on a monthly or annual basis via the BMW ConnectedDrive Store. New features and services can be added over time to provide an always up-to-date, connected and future-ready digital user experience.

Effortless smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Wireless use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also included as standard. Any available metadata for media titles or route guidance instructions that are active in the current mode is shown to the driver in the BMW Panoramic Vision and BMW 3D Head-Up Display in an intelligently presented form. The QuickSelect widgets continue to be available in the Central Display’s home screen, while the content projected from the smartphone is embedded alongside them so that it fits into the display’s shape. Once linked, the Apple CarPlay / Android Auto icon will be added to the menu bar, allowing the projected content to be displayed in full-screen mode.

The new BMW i7 60 xDrive.

The BMW i7 captures the range’s forward-looking premium character with particular flair and now offers an even more effortless drive. More comfortable throttle response, for example, allows even more sensitive control over this luxury sedan, which offers driving pleasure, passenger comfort and a luxurious ambience without compromise – and with zero local emissions. The BMW i7 comes with two sound-isolated electric motors. These provide compellingly instantaneous and virtually silent power delivery along with supreme traction and directional stability thanks to the standard all-wheel drive. The new driving sounds, sound effects and acoustic signals of BMW HypersonX add another layer to the all-encompassing experience in the BMW i7 60 xDrive.

The BMW i7 60 xDrive produces a combined maximum output of 536 hp and maximum system torque of 549 lb-ft. This allows the BMW i7 60 xDrive to accelerate to 100 km/h from standstill in about 4.8 seconds onto an electronically limited top speed of 240 km/h.

New high-voltage battery: improved range – partly thanks to the increase in usable energy content to as much as 115.5 kWh enabled by sixth-generation BMW eDrive cylindrical cells.

The high-voltage battery in the new all-electric BMW i7 now features the new cylindrical cell from the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, which made its debut in the BMW iX3 – the first representative of the Neue Klasse. Compared to the previous Gen5 prismatic cells, the volumetric energy density of the cylindrical cells is 20 percent higher. Combined with increased drive system efficiency, they are a key enabler of longer ranges and faster charging. As a result, the new BMW i7 60 xDrive is now able to offer customers an estimated range up to 560 km.

The updated i7 is fitted with a new high-voltage battery housing with the same external dimensions as before and with the Gen6 cylindrical cells integrated in a modular arrangement. This solution is unique within the BMW Group’s all-electric portfolio. The high voltage battery’s usable energy content has increased by more than ten percent to a maximum of 115.5 kWh (net).

Thanks to a variety of BMW EfficientDynamics measures, such as the use of silicon carbide semiconductor components for the power electronics (SiC inverters) and friction optimized wheel bearings, overall vehicle efficiency has also been increased by up to seven percent.

Electric motors based on the principle of an electrically excited synchronous motor.

Along with the new high-voltage battery with the latest Gen6 cylindrical cells and the overhauled charging technology, the updated BMW eDrive technology aboard the BMW i7 also comprises the highly integrated drive units at the front and rear axles, These have been optimized through the integration of an SiC inverter and bring together the electric motor, power electronics and transmission within a single, compact housing.

The electric motors in the BMW i7 work according to the principle of an electrically excited synchronous motor, where it is a precisely controllable electrical feed that sets the rotor in motion rather than fixed permanent magnets. This allows the use of critical rare earth metals (required for magnetic components) to be avoided altogether in the manufacture of the rotor.

Adaptive recuperation takes traffic lights into account and can automatically brake the car to a stop.

The BMW i7 boasts a sophisticated system of adaptive recuperation control with the ability to automatically decelerate to a standstill in response to vehicles in front or at traffic lights. This significantly improves driving comfort at near-stationary speeds. Adaptive recuperation generally allows the intensity of brake energy regeneration during overrun and braking to be automatically optimized for the traffic situation, as detected using data from the navigation system and the driver assistance systems’ sensors. When approaching a junction, for example, the level of recuperation can be increased (also possible if route guidance isn’t activated), thereby feeding energy back into the high-voltage battery while harnessing the deceleration effect.

On the open road, on the other hand, the coasting function can take over, allowing the car to “freewheel” with no drive power whenever the driver eases off the accelerator.

In addition to adaptive recuperation, the driver can also choose a high, medium or low brake energy regeneration setting for all driving situations. Driving position B automatically activates the highest recuperation setting, which also produces the distinctive one-pedal feeling. The range horizon clearly illustrates the impact of driving style on the high-voltage battery’s charge level.

The charging experience in the new BMW i7: user friendly, intelligent and efficient with a significantly increased charging rate and standard NACS charge port.

With its electric current strength of up to 630 amps and a significant increase in the maximum charging rate from 195 to 240 kW, the new BMW i7 can now be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 29 minutes at certain fast charging stations.

Every electrified BMW i7 will be fitted as standard with an NACS charge port, enabling access to the nationwide Supercharger network, as well as adapters for charging at stations with other types of connectors.

Charging-optimized route planning and predictive thermal management for faster DC charging.

The BMW i7 features many innovations for convenient, fast charging on the go, such as charging-optimized routes planned according to individual criteria with automatic battery preparation for faster DC charging, or user-friendly charging stops with Shell Recharge and Plug & Charge integrated within the My BMW App for automatic authentication at charging stations.

The BMW i7 is able to store customised charging settings for multiple individual charging points. If the vehicle returns to a charging point, it will automatically apply the previous settings.

The BMW Maps navigation system calculates a charging-optimized route complete with charging stops if the entered destination is beyond the current range. The driver sets a preferred minimum charge level for when the vehicle reaches both charging points and the final destination, and determines which charging station operators to give preference to. With the help of AI, the system uses past charging cycles to, for example, ascertain the charging power that can realistically be expected, susceptibility to faults and the exact location data of individual charging stations – and then incorporates the optimal charging station into the route planning. To offer customers complete transparency, they are also given information on current occupancy, the number of charging points and connector types. The vehicle and My BMW App synchronize up-to-date information during the journey, allowing passengers to check the route and adapt it if necessary. The availability of places to eat and drink, play areas, restrooms, and shopping facilities near the charging station is also indicated.

Battery preparation preconditions the high-voltage battery to the ideal temperature prior to charging at a DC charging station, thereby increasing the charging rate as soon as the car is plugged in and shortening charging time. When navigating to a DC charging station using BMW Maps, the BMW i7 automatically adjusts the battery to the temperature required. Alternatively, customers are able to activate this function manually via the Central Display or My BMW App. The battery’s current temperature status and the time remaining for battery preparation can be checked at any time by going to Vehicle Status in the BMW i7 or via the My BMW App.

The new BMW 750e xDrive PHEV: coming in 2027.

The plug-in hybrid model, the BMW 750e xDrive, also offers a dynamic driving experience. In this model, the six cylinder in-line engine provides 308 hp and is paired with a 194-hp electric motor integrated into the transmission. This enables the hybrid system to achieve a combined output of 483 hp. Peak torque is 516 lb-ft. The new BMW 750e xDrive requires only about 4.8 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h from rest. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, or 140 km/h when driving on all-electric power.

Production of the BMW 750e xDrive is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

BMW Symbiotic Drive keeps the driver involved at all times in the interplay of human and artificial intelligence.

The advanced Level 2 driver assistance systems from BMW are designed down to the smallest detail for seamless interaction between assistance and human driving habits. The aim here is not the highest possible level of automation in every situation, but a safe driver assistance experience that offers maximum benefit and remains controllable at all times. As a result, the driver always stays involved in the interplay between human and artificial intelligence. When driver assistance is active, for instance, the driver can accelerate, steer and brake as required, without instantly deactivating the assistance system in the process. The clear operating logic and displays in BMW Panoramic iDrive ensure assisted driving is intuitive and controllable at all times, enabling the safe use of the highest SAE Level 2 automation. The symbiotic interaction between driver and vehicle can also be experienced with active safety functions that work unobtrusively in the background as silent companions, such as the Lane Keeping Assistant. The driver’s intention is determined based on steering behavior and eye tracking, meaning that the system only assists with warnings and steering inputs when the driver is unintentionally drifting out of their lane or an impending collision is detected.

Thanks to BMW Symbiotic Drive, active safety functions will only intervene when danger is detected if the driver is distracted or does not have the situation under control. Safety features include the Lane Keeping Assistant with active lane return, automatic evasion maneuvers within the car’s own lane, Active Blind Spot Detection and Side Collision Protection when there is a risk of a lateral collision, plus Frontal Cross-Traffic Alert with Brake Intervention when turning into a road or exiting a parking space. The Forward Collision Mitigation with Evasion Assistant is also effective in helping prevent frontal collisions using maximum braking power if necessary, and also now does so in response to wildlife crossing the road. Added to which, the exit warning function delays doors being opened, e.g. when there is a cyclist approaching.

Parking has never been so easy – with activation of the new standard Automatic Park Assistant directly from the steering wheel, AI-supported parking space detection and manoeuvre planning.

The standard Parking Assistant Professional package is capable of semi-automated parking, while the redesigned visualization of the surrounding area makes the selection of detected parking spaces even more intuitive. Automated parking maneuvers are carried out more swiftly and smoothly. Parking Assistant Professional provides a 360° all-round view with the option of switching between curb, 3D and car wash views. The Manoeuvre Assistant is able to record and then perform recurring maneuvers (covering a distance of up to 200 metres). Parking Assistant Professional also provides extensive options for carrying out parking and stored manoeuvres remotely from up to six metres away using the My BMW smartphone app. All driver and parking assistance functions can also be activated digitally from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store at a later stage.

Adaptive Chassis Control Professional with Integral Active Steering and active roll stabilisation for maximum ride comfort and handling precision.

The Adaptive Chassis Control Professional available as an option for selected models offers customers another way of maximising not just the ride comfort of the BMW 7 Series but also its agility and steering precision. This adds an active roll stabilization feature that uses a 48V electric motor positioned in the centre of the vehicle and active anti-roll bars to smooth out – exceptionally quickly and precisely – the lateral forces inducing body roll through dynamically taken corners. Adaptive Chassis Control Professional improves agility, directional accuracy and handling precision, and also enables highly dynamic steering response thanks to its ability to stabilise body roll more effectively. As a result, the driver enjoys extremely precise reactions from the steering and particularly fleet-footed performance. The potential for lateral acceleration and dynamic handling is also increased with Adaptive Chassis Control Professional, due to the optimum distribution of roll moment as a function of the driving state and the resulting balance between the contact forces at the front and rear wheels.

Active roll stabilization also increases comfort when driving in a straight line by decoupling the fixed connection between each axle’s wheels provided by a conventional anti-roll bar. As a result, suppression of body vibrations is also improved when driving straight ahead or at low levels of lateral acceleration: since the adaptive two-axle air suspension with self-levelling function maintains the full range of spring travel even when the vehicle is heavily laden, the addition of active roll stabilization makes it possible to activate a softer air spring setting and increase ride comfort. The amount of body roll caused by surface imperfections on one side of the vehicle is reduced thanks to the decoupled anti-roll bars. This has the effect of decreasing the lateral acceleration forces and the obtrusive side-to-side head movements they can cause.

As well as reducing rolling movements caused by bumps in the road on one side of the car, the Active Roll Comfort function fitted in the latest BMW 7 Series goes further still by actively adjusting the body height on the corresponding side of the vehicle at the same time.

The BMW Digital Key Plus: far more than just a key.

The BMW Digital Key Plus is becoming the preferred form of vehicle access. Here, smartphones and smartwatches from all leading manufacturers can be easily set up to work as a vehicle key. Ultra-wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth technology are used to enable the smartphone and vehicle to communicate with one another at close range. The UWB technology allows the user’s location to be pinpointed extremely precisely while also ensuring the highest possible level of vehicle access security (certified according to the Car Connectivity Consortium standard). Customers are able to share the digital key with others easily and securely using a messaging app, while setting individual roles and rights at the same time. It also enables the use of additional functions via the customer’s smartphone wallet, such as remote operation of the trunk lid.

A welcome sequence – featuring visual effects to accompany the customer as they move from the outside of the vehicle into its interior – begins when the customer approaches their car with the BMW Digital Key Plus. The welcome varies depending on the car’s specification. From approaching the car to pulling away in it, the driver can simply leave their smartphone in their pocket the entire time.

In addition to the BMW Digital Key Plus, the driver is also able to use the high-quality physical key to open and lock the vehicle at any time.

-30-

BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 26 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                               

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

New York/Munich. An international jury of 98 motoring journalists has awarded the BMW iX3 not one but two titles. The first Neue Klasse model was named the 2026 “World Car of the Year”, beating out competitors across all powertrain categories. In addition, the BMW iX3 won the 2026 “World Electric Vehicle” accolade. During extensive test drives, the model impressed the jury with its outstanding performance and driving dynamics, as well as its standout technology features. For the BMW Group, this marks the tenth and eleventh title wins at the prestigious World Car Awards. Earlier, on 26 February, Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, was named “World Car Person of the Year” for 2026.   

The BMW iX3 is the first Neue Klasse model. It was presented at the IAA Mobility 2025. An instant success, it has established a new design language and set standards for driving dynamics and performance. An estimated range of up to 650 kilometres (EPA), battery charging at up to 400 kW and an energy consumption of just 17.9–15.1 kWh/100 km (WLTP) demonstrate the outstanding abilities of the new BMW iX3. The new BMW Panoramic iDrive brings innovation to the interior. The high-performance control unit Heart of Joy and BMW Dynamic Performance Control take driving pleasure to an entirely new level. Plenty of compelling reasons for the expert jury at the World Car Awards to declare the BMW iX3 the 2026 “World Car of the Year” – and thus the standout new vehicle on the international automotive markets – following extensive test drives. On top of that, the model won the 2026 “World Electric Vehicle” title. The awards were announced at the 2026 New York International Auto Show (1–12 April 2026).

The success of the BMW iX3 is based on the independent assessment of 98 journalists from 33 countries. They gave their detailed evaluations after test driving the various vehicles involved in the competition. The organisers of the World Car Awards collected and documented this data, which formed the basis for the final verdict. The BMW iX3 beat out 57 high-class contenders to take the “World Car of the Year” title. A total of 43 vehicles were in the running for the title of “World Electric Vehicle”.

Mike Reichelt, Head of Neue Klasse BMW, says: “We are happy with this fantastic accolade for the BMW iX3, the first representative of our Neue Klasse. The BMW iX3 marks the beginning of a new era at BMW – in terms of design language, range, charging capacity as well as driver assistance – and BMW Panoramic iDrive. Above all, the BMW iX3 represents the next generation of Sheer Driving Pleasure powered by the Heart of Joy. The innovations from the Neue Klasse will benefit our entire product portfolio.”

The BMW iX3 represents the technological quantum leap of the Neue Klasse.
As the first Neue Klasse model, the BMW iX3 brings a new era of driving pleasure to the road. The completely new design language of the fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) makes for a distinctive appearance. The interior is defined by the new BMW Panoramic iDrive infotainment system. It is based on BMW Operating System X, which ensures excellent update and upgrade capability as well as context-sensitive, situationally aware control of all display and operating elements. The BMW Panoramic iDrive combines four key elements to form a unique display and operating system. The BMW Panoramic Vision is a newly developed information projection from A-pillar to A-pillar in the lower part of the windscreen with permanently visible, clearly structured information displays. It is complemented by the 17.9-inch, Free-Cut Design Central Display with high-resolution matrix backlight technology for intuitive touch control. The other two elements are the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display and the multifunction steering wheel with Shy Tech controls.

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is powered by two electric motors that together deliver 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 210 km/h. At the heart of the new electronics and software architecture are four superbrain high-performance computers. Each is assigned a core function in the BMW iX3. The Heart of Joy manages driving dynamics, with additional computers controlling automated driving and parking, infotainment and essential and comfort functions. These superbrains offer up to 20 times higher computing power compared to previous BMW models. The Heart of Joy and the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software developed in-house deliver a confident and precise driving experience, perfect traction, efficient recuperation and – thanks to precise control of the electric motors – the smoothest stopping process in BMW history.

The sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology comprises a new drive with a fundamentally new high-voltage battery concept and 800-volt technology. It enables significantly longer ranges, faster charging at up to 400 kW and support for bidirectional charging functions. The high-voltage battery in the BMW iX3 50 xDrive now provides 108.7 kWh of usable energy, enabling a range of up to 650 kilometres on the EPA cycle. At a DC fast charger, energy for up to 372 kilometres of range¹ can be added to the battery in 10 minutes.

Oliver Zipse named “World Car Person of the Year”.

The development of the Neue Klasse is inextricably linked to Oliver Zipse. As Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG from 2019, he guided the company through a period of profound changes and strategic transformation. This is when the groundwork was laid for the Neue Klasse models, marking the extraordinary transformation of the BMW brand. The jury explained: “Under his leadership, BMW has pursued a technology-open approach to electrification, digitalisation and sustainability, while maintaining a strong focus on brand identity and profitability. Zipse’s steady, engineering-led leadership has helped shape BMW’s direction in a rapidly evolving global automotive landscape.”

The jury members provide more than 413 million readers with information about automobiles.
The World Car Awards are presented annually, based on the verdicts of an international jury. The awards were created in 2003 to recognise outstanding innovations and new products from around the world. Over more than 20 years, they have firmly established themselves as a complement to national and regional awards. The jury members’ test results help more than 413 million readers worldwide with their purchasing decisions, making the award one of the most coveted accolades in the international automotive industry.

Vehicles eligible for “World Car of the Year” must be produced in volumes of at least 10,000 units/year. They must also be priced below the luxury-car level in their primary markets. Models eligible for “World Electric Vehicle” must be produced in volumes of at least 5,000 units/year. Another requirement is that a vehicle must have been on sale in at least two major markets – China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, USA – on at least two separate continents within the period 1 January 2025 to 30 March 2026. In addition to the “World Car of the Year” and “World Electric Vehicle” titles, this year’s event features awards in a further four categories.

Tenth and eleventh World Car Award wins for the BMW Group.
Prior to this year, the BMW Group had already won nine titles at the World Car Awards since the event was launched. The BMW 3 Series win of the “World Car of the Year” award in 2006 was a particular highlight. The two titles won by the Bavarian premium carmaker in 2026 see the new BMW iX3 add to the latest string of awards won by BMW models. Other recent events where the first Neue Klasse model scored successes were the “Best Cars” awards of German “auto motor und sport” magazine and the “Car of the Year Awards 2026” of British “What Car?” magazine. In addition, the BMW iX3 was named “Car of the Year” in several other countries and received the “Golden Steering Wheel” award for “Best Innovation” from “Auto Bild” and “Bild am Sonntag,” both published by Axel Springer Verlag (Germany).

Richmond Hill, ON.  The BMW 3 Series is the essence of the BMW brand. For five decades, this icon has stood for sporty driving pleasure, unmistakably attractive design and consistent progress. A legacy to which every generation of the BMW 3 Series is committed. The new, fully electric BMW i3 enhances the familiar character of the BMW 3 Series with additional, unique features. 

As the next model in the Neue Klasse, it represents a technological quantum leap into a new era. The first battery-electric BMW 3 Series launches as the BMW i3 50 xDrive, which has an electric motor on both the front and rear axles. The combined system power output is 463 hp[1] while maximum torque is 476 ft-lb. The highly efficient sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, together with the new BMW Panoramic iDrive and Heart of Joy, delivers driving pleasure on a level never experienced before. With BMW Symbiotic Drive, the assisted driving experience is also entering a new era. The BMW i3 also stands for a modern interpretation of the hallmark design features of a BMW Sedan.

As a representative of the new design language, the new BMW i3 is immediately recognizable as a BMW 3 Series – assured, dynamic, and intelligent. The hallmark BMW sporty silhouette proportions are reflected in the new 2.5-box design. Notable features are the long wheelbase, the greenhouse that slopes towards the rear and the short overhangs. The four-eyed face is familiar, yet still new. The BMW grille and twin headlights merge into an innovative light signature, creating a powerful and expressive unit. The rear end, featuring horizontal rear lights, further highlights precision and technological progress. The boldly flared wheel arches emphasise the sporty, wide stance of the new BMW i3.

Sportiness and driving pleasure are invariably embedded in the DNA of the BMW 3 Series. The new BMW i3 maximizes the capabilities of the all-new EV architecture, offering impressively precise, effortless, and assured handling. The Heart of Joy high-performance computer shapes the BMW i3 driving experience, with responses that are ten times faster than in previous systems. Together with three other high-performance supercomputers, the Heart of Joy forms the centrepiece of the new software and electronics architecture.

The new BMW i3 stands out for its excellent suitability for long journeys. Its estimated range is up to 700 kilometres (according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards). DC charging capacities of up to 400 kW also drastically reduce charging times. Sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology provides the prerequisites for this rapid progress. It comprises highly efficient electric motors, 800-volt technology, and new high-voltage batteries with new cylindrical cells. The cell-to-pack design enables high energy densities at pack level and a flatter high-voltage battery. The BMW i3 also features the bidirectional charging functions Vehicle-to-Load, Vehicle-to-Home and, at a later stage in Canada, Vehicle-to-Grid charging functions.

The BMW i3 will be manufactured at the BMW Group plant in Munich, which is the home plant of BMW. The plant in Milbertshofen, in the north of Munich, has been producing premium vehicles for more than a hundred years. Over the last four years, the plant has seen significant modernization: Alongside a new body shop, a cutting-edge vehicle assembly area and logistics space has been constructed. The new buildings are in their final stages of expansion. Production of the new BMW i3 for the Canadian market will start at the end of 2026 and deliveries are expected in the first half of 2027.

Design. The core of the brand reinterpreted: modern, timeless, and unmistakeable.

In line with BMW's new design language that debuted with the iX3, the i3 embodies a contemporary take on the distinctive design elements synonymous with the BMW brand. At the same time, the BMW i3 combines future-oriented dynamics with the hallmark proportions of a sporty BMW sedan. The DNA of the BMW 3 Series, which has been successful for decades, is immediately apparent in its modern 2.5-box design.

Precise lines and striking surfaces characterize the clear, reduced external appearance of the BMW i3. The modern interior has a sporty and inviting design. Advanced digitalization shapes the user experience just as fundamentally as the hallmark BMW driver orientation.

2.5-box design with distinctive surfaces, long wheelbase and short overhangs.

The outline of the new BMW i3 maintains the classic, sporty proportions typical of BMW. With a modern 2.5-box design, the i3 is unmistakably identifiable as a BMW. 

The appearance is defined by the long wheelbase, the striking surfaces, and the short overhangs. The look of the design is both modern and dynamic. Short overhangs and powerfully shaped wheel arches emphasize the sporty stance. A distinctive design feature is the greenhouse, set back from the main structure. In combination with the flared wheel arches, this creates a powerfully athletic shoulder surface. The precise character line, positioned low on the body surface, brings the BMW i3's visual centre of gravity closer to the road. 

Concealed window seals ensure a direct, harmonious transition between the glass surfaces and the bodywork. When the BMW Digital Key Plus or physical key fob are near, the flush-mounted door handles automatically extend. 

Familiar, yet new: The front of the BMW 3 Series – a symbiosis of geometry and light.

The front end of the new BMW i3 presents the face of the Neue Klasse in a distinctive, modern form. The iconic BMW grille and twin headlights seamlessly integrate with the front sensors, creating a unified visual element that exemplifies the harmony of geometry and light. With meticulous precision, they effectively highlight the broad design of the vehicle. 

The light signature, arranged horizontally, spans nearly the whole front. Two daytime driving lights on the left and right with integrated turn indicator function create a new, modern look for the hallmark BMW four-eye face. The optional BMW Iconic Exterior Illumination further enhances the visual depth effect of the BMW grille. Precise contour lighting emphasizes the attractive look.

Occupying its spot in the "valley" of the sculptured hood, the redesigned BMW roundel sits above the grille. The front is dynamically inclined towards the road in a shark-nose design, thus emphasizing the overall sporty character.

BMW Iconic Exterior Illumination for customizable lighting effects.

The new BMW i3 comes to life with its light animation as soon as the driver approaches the vehicle. The Welcome Light Animation begins on the exterior of the vehicle and continues in the interior. The Welcome and Goodbye Animations vary depending on the equipment level. The optional BMW Iconic Exterior Illumination offers three impressive lighting animations. Balanced, Relaxed and Excited are available. Customers can individualise the Welcome Light Animation of their BMW i3 to their personal taste.

Powerful rear, horizontal light signature.

Similar to the front of the vehicle, the rear of the new BMW i3 features a contemporary and dynamic design language. The athletic shoulders with strongly inset greenhouse are a characteristic feature of the rear end. The prominently flared wheel arches emphasize the width of the sedan and its broad stance on the road. Located at the lower rear, a diffuser element emphasises the dynamic qualities of the BMW i3.

Strongly horizontally aligned rear lights feature a new three-dimensional light signature and extend far into the prominent shoulders. Two light elements per side reinterpret the familiar L-shaped BMW rear lights in a new, abstract form. At the same time, they underscore the width and the distinctive character of the BMW i3. The BMW roundel is again located in the "valley" between the rear lights. 

Expressive: New Le Castellet Blue metallic paint finish. 

A total of eleven different exterior colours will be available at the market launch of the new BMW i3. The new metallic colour Le Castellet Blue is exclusive to the range. Solid, frozen, and metallic finishes are also available. 

Interior: An inviting experience space – driver-oriented, digital, and modern. 

The interior of the BMW i3 brings the design language of the Neue Klasse to life with clear intensity. The interior design is dynamic, airy, and modern and stands for optimal driver orientation, redesigned user interaction, and a harmonious interplay of geometry, light, and sound. Digital and real content merge through the coordinated design of the ambient light and the graphics on the central display and the BMW Panoramic Vision.

The Free-Cut Design Central Display is angled slightly towards the driver. The lines of the instrument panel flow horizontally on both sides into the dynamically designed door panels. This creates an enveloping wrap-around effect for the passengers, which continues throughout the interior. The standard Panoramic Roof with Climate Glass, in combination with the large window areas, creates a feeling of space flooded with light.

Driver orientation: Precise and intuitive.

The BMW Panoramic Vision and the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display project driving-relevant information directly into the driver's line of sight. This eliminates the need for cockpit displays behind the steering wheel, which is now completely redesigned. For the first time in a BMW 3 Series, it has a centre spoke in the upper section. In addition to distinctive thumb rests for improved ergonomics, it has multifunction buttons for intuitive operation. This follows the hallmark BMW principle of "Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Road". An M Steering Wheel with a flattened, dynamic design and spokes at the four and eight o'clock positions will also be available.

The Free-Cut Design Central Display equipped with matrix backlight technology is also positioned right next to the steering wheel, angled towards the driver for even more direct driver orientation.

The BMW i3 offers customers comprehensive options for personalization in the areas of lighting, sound, displays and drives via My Modes. 

Multifunction Seats. 

The new BMW i3 comes with sporty and elegant seats that provide a high level of comfort and secure lateral support. Multifunction Seats are available as an option.

The BMW i3 features electrically operated door latches front and rear. The centre console between the driver and passenger seats includes a storage area with inductive charging function, the gear selector, and physical buttons for parking brake and hazard warning lights. 

Choice of numerous interior designs. 

The BMW i3 features precisely coordinated interior designs with its selection of materials and hues. The standard Veganza upholstery is available in Agave Green, Digital White, Castanea, and Black. Black Merino Leather from BMW Individual can also be optioned.

Sporty style with the M Sport Package. 

The M Sport Package is available as an option for the new BMW i3. Among other things, it includes the M Aerodynamics Package, Dark Blue M Sport Brakes, a Sport Steering Wheel, and exterior mirror projection with M logo.

Display and operating system, digital user experience. Modern digital technology meets hallmark BMW driver orientation.

For decades, BMW vehicles have been regarded as leaders in intuitive operation and exceptional ergonomics. This also applies to the latest BMW Panoramic iDrive display and operating system with BMW Operating System X in the new BMW i3. The entire system adheres to one principle: the right information, in the right place, at the right time. It is controlled by ergonomically optimized analog and digital control elements. Many of the BMW i3's innovations in the area of display and control technology are protected by patent applications.

BMW Panoramic Vision: Focus on driver orientation.

At the heart of the display and operating system is the BMW Panoramic Vision. This is a newly developed type of display in which information is projected onto a specially coated area in the lower part of the windscreen that stretches from A-pillar to A-pillar. The content shown in this area is always visible and forms the visual basis of the entire display and operating concept. Key driving information is displayed on the left-hand side, clearly structured and in the driver’s line of sight, without restricting their view of the road ahead. The contents shown in the central and right-hand areas of the display can be personalized and are visible to all occupants.

BMW 3D Head-Up Display: Animations enable spatial perception.

The optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display integrated above the BMW Panoramic Vision projects selected content directly into the driver’s line of sight for their exclusive benefit. This display enables particularly precise spatial perception – for example in the case of navigation instructions, or information from the driver assistance system. The contents of the BMW 3D Head-Up Display and the BMW Panoramic Vision are perfectly coordinated and complement each other, for a consistent, clearly structured display experience.

Free-Cut Design Central Display. 

The 17.9-inch Central Display in Free-Cut Design is integrated into the BMW Panoramic iDrive as a further essential control element. It features advanced matrix backlight technology with a resolution of 3,340 x 1,440 pixels, for a brilliant display that is easy to read in all lighting conditions. The specific shape in the Free-Cut Design allows for ergonomically optimal positioning, and thanks to advanced menu structure with QuickSelect, it offers comfortable, simple and intuitive operation via touch. There is a menu on the Central Display containing widgets that can be moved to the BMW Panoramic Vision by drag and drop. Up to six widgets can be freely arranged in this way to enable quick access to frequently used functions. Using the multifunction steering wheel, further contents and submenus of the widgets can be displayed in the BMW Panoramic Vision.

New multifunction steering wheel with Shy Tech operating elements. 

The multifunction steering wheel employs the Shy Tech philosophy, meaning buttons are only illuminated when the corresponding functions are available. The controls for driving assistance and parking functions are located on the left side, while controls for infotainment functions such as telephone or media player are on the right. These functions can be operated via a special control panel that provides haptic feedback. This enables drivers to control key functions safely and accurately without needing to take their eyes off the road. The keys’ logical arrangement supports intuitive use and contributes significantly to the overall ergonomic design of the system.

Customizability as a key feature of the system. 

Contents, widgets and displays are individually configurable, allowing them to be adapted to personal preferences. Users can select colours, display schemes, and background images to create a personalized digital experience. There is a wealth of options enabling users to customise the user interface design in Personal Mode in line with their own preferences, enabling advanced individualization of displays, interactions and vehicle-related settings. Further My Modes such as Sport, Efficient and Silent add to the range of personal setups available to customers. 

The BMW ID opens the door to the customizable driving experience with BMW Panoramic iDrive. Up to seven different individuals can sign in to the vehicle with their BMW ID, allowing them to enjoy every drive to the fullest with their individual settings. The personalization process begins with initial registration in the vehicle, which is done by scanning a QR code in the Central Display using a smartphone. The personal BMW ID is then added to the car and the user is guided through the main steps of initial setup, which can also be started prior to vehicle handover via the My BMW App if desired. At the same time, the vehicle is automatically stored in the My BMW App along with the corresponding profile. All personal vehicle settings, such as the configuration of the BMW Panoramic Vision, media favorites, recent destinations, seat settings with entry and exit configuration, and much more, are now automatically available for every journey provided the profile has been linked to a BMW Digital Key Plus or physical key. Before setting off, a message greeting the customer by name will automatically appear in the Central Display – along with their personal profile picture, if desired.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The multimodal operating logic of BMW Panoramic iDrive combines touch, haptic and voice-based interactions. A key role is played by the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the operating concept in the new BMW i3. It enables the control of numerous vehicle functions, navigation destinations and media contents using natural language, without the need for defined voice commands. The self-learning voice assistant can be activated in the usual way with the prompt “Hey BMW” or by pressing a button on the steering wheel’s right-hand control panel. Following initial setup, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is positioned in the centre of the BMW Panoramic Vision by default and is always able to react appropriately to the specific context. If desired, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can make proactive suggestions based on usage behavior and more. This intelligence is further enhanced by the BMW Operating System X, which considers significantly more contexts, such as driving situations, environmental analysis, and interior recognition.

The AI technology used is a Large Language Model (LLM), a generative AI that understands language and is capable of formulating its own responses. This makes for more dialogue-oriented voice interactions; it enables intuitive and intelligent exchanges and supports access to external knowledge bases, cloud-based services and media contents as well as the control of vehicle functions. Linking the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant to an Amazon account allows the user to search for and stream music, access the latest news, and use a wide range of other content with ease.

The interplay between BMW Panoramic Vision, optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, Central Display, and multifunction steering wheel – controlled by BMW Operating System X – creates a consistent, clearly structured display and operating concept. Physical and digital operating elements combine to create a unified user experience that is consistently designed with driver orientation and ergonomics in mind.

The BMW Digital Key Plus becomes the preferred vehicle key. 

This means that smartphones and smartwatches from all leading manufacturers (incl. Apple, Samsung, Google) can be easily set up to work as a vehicle key. Ultra-wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth technology are used to enable smartphone and vehicle to communicate with one another at close range. The UWB technology allows the user’s location to be pinpointed extremely precisely while also ensuring the highest possible vehicle access security (certified according to the Car Connectivity Consortium’s standard).

The BMW Digital Key Plus has further benefits to offer in addition to highly convenient vehicle access. Customers can share the digital key with others easily and securely using a messaging app, while defining individual roles and rights at the same time. It also enables the use of additional functions via the smartphone wallet, such as remote operation of the trunk lid.

BMW Operating System X with high update and upgrade capability.

The BMW Panoramic iDrive software is based on BMW Operating System X. It serves as an intelligent platform for the display and operating system and is consistently designed for a software-defined vehicle approach. The architecture is based on the Android Open-Source Project (AOSP) and offers a high level of update and upgrade capability. As a result, the system remains up-to-date in the long term and can be continuously expanded with new functions and digital services. The BMW Operating System X meticulously manages all aspects of interaction and guarantees that information is consistently presented in a context-sensitive manner aligned with the situation.

Superbrain high-performance computers and new architecture. Compute faster and update more flexibly.

At the heart of the new architecture are four superbrain high-performance computers. Each is assigned a core function in the new BMW i3: The Heart of Joy primarily manages driving dynamics, while separate computers are dedicated to automated driving and parking, infotainment, and essential and comfort functions like vehicle access and climate control. They offer up to 20 times higher computing power compared to previous BMW models.

Electronics in four zones: More efficiency, less weight. 

The four-zone electrical architecture reduces the complexity of the cable harnesses. In addition, the new BMW i3 uses Smart eFuses instead of classic fuses. This intelligent and flexible power protection combined with the zonal architecture enables shorter and thinner cables, saves weight, reduces energy consumption thanks to intelligent power distribution and increases overall vehicle efficiency. 

Over-the-air updates allow for continuous improvements. 

The new BMW i3 will continue to receive new functions, optimized performance, or AI-supported features via software updates long after purchase. With its superbrains, zonal electronics architecture and smart software, the new BMW i3 combines classic driving pleasure with digital intelligence, creating a unique symbiosis between human and machine. Future BMW models will feature an increasing number of electronics and software architecture developed for the Neue Klasse.

Driving experience.  Heart of Joy and BMW Symbiotic Drive for a new dimension of driving pleasure and the joy of assisted driving.

The new BMW i3 brings sportiness, precise handling, and long-distance comfort into the age of the Neue Klasse and make full use of previously unattainable potentials of electromobility. The Heart of Joy defines the brand-new driving experience – delivering greater accuracy, improved assurance, and heightened agility. In combination with the advanced suspension technology of the BMW i3, this creates a completely new dimension of driving pleasure. Multiple driving and parking assistance systems, which operate in synergy and securely with the driver while maintaining the unique BMW character, provide increased safety and convenience for everyday driving.

Heart of Joy: Ten times faster than previous systems. 

As one of four superbrains, the Heart of Joy, together with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control driving stack, forms the high-performance control unit of the BMW i3. Control systems in vehicles have a long tradition at BMW. It began back in 1979 with the first use of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in the BMW 7 Series. 

The Heart of Joy controls drive, brakes, some steering functions, and recuperation. It works at a new level and responds ten times faster than previous systems. The result is exceptionally effortless and assured handling. This allows the BMW i3 to navigate corners precisely and with a light touch for maximum accuracy. The Heart of Joy reduces the number of necessary control interventions. The resulting cornering behavior is more consistent and predictable, which contributes to an even greater feeling of safety.

Soft-Stop: The smoothest stopping process in BMW history.

The electric motors' precise control ensures the new BMW i3 decelerates smoothly without any jerks or braking noise. Soft-Stop ensures an unparalleled stopping process. 

In everyday driving, the recuperation brake takes over almost all braking operations in the BMW i3. The conventional brakes are only used during very sporty driving or emergency braking.

Suspension: Sporty and comfortable. Optional Adaptive M Suspension.

The new BMW i3 is distinguished by its hallmark high driving dynamics paired with long-distance comfort. It takes advantage of the architecture, which is uniformly designed for electric mobility. The new, flat high-voltage battery enables a low centre of gravity. As standard, the BMW i3 has a suspension with stroke-dependent shock absorbers. In addition to the two-joint spring strut front axle, it features a new five-link rear axle. Front and rear anti-roll bars with highly preloaded bearings are used for even more dynamic handling. Adaptive M Suspension will also be available on the i3.

BMW Symbiotic Drive ensures seamless interaction between the driver and the driver assistance systems. 

The optional Level 2+ driver assistance systems in the BMW i3 are designed for seamless interaction between assistance and driver inputs. The aim is not attaining the highest possible level of automation in every situation, but a safe driver assistance experience that offers maximum benefit and is always controllable. As a result, the driver always remains involved in an interplay of human and artificial intelligence. This allows acceleration, steering, or braking even when driver assistance is engaged, without instantly causing a deactivation of the assistance system. The clear operating logic and displays in the BMW Panoramic iDrive ensure that assisted driving behavior is intuitive and can be influenced at any time. The symbiotic interplay of driver and vehicle can also be experienced with active safety functions such as Lane Departure Warning. The driver's intent is inferred from steering inputs and the direction of vision, so that the system assists with warning and steering intervention only when the driver unintentionally drifts off his own lane or an impending collision is detected.

Drive and battery. Technological quantum leap: Sixth-generation electric drive with round cell high-voltage battery.

The sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology comprises a new drive with a fundamentally new high-voltage battery concept and 800-volt technology. The new development called Gen6 offers significantly longer ranges, even faster charging, up to 400 kW DC charging capacity and bidirectional charging functionality.

In addition to advanced, highly efficient electric motors, it includes fundamentally new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells. Compared to Gen5, the range is increased by 30 percent. The new BMW i3 has a projected range of up to 700 kilometres (estimated range according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards) while charging speeds are 30 percent faster. 

The new cylindrical cells used in the high-voltage battery have a diameter of 46 millimetres and a height of 95 millimetres. They have a 20 percent increase in volumetric energy density compared to the prismatic cells used in Gen5. 

Cell-to-pack design enables high energy density at pack level. 

The cells are integrated directly into the high-voltage battery without modular construction or structural elements. This cell-to-pack design enables high energy densities at pack level and saves weight and costs. 

In addition, the combination of cell design and cell-to-pack construction paves the way for the flat design of the Gen6 high-voltage battery. This is an in-house development and – starting with the cell and ending with integration into the vehicle – the result of BMW’s expertise in battery technology built up since 2008.

Pack-to-open-body construction allows for flat design. 

Thanks to the pack-to-open body concept, the battery housing in the new BMW i3 also functions as a structural component. The chassis has an open floor, which is closed by installing the high-voltage battery. The housing cover thus assumes the function of the vehicle underbody. 

The omission of this usual underbody saves weight and, combined with the high-voltage battery design, paves the way for the flat and aerodynamically efficient design of the BMW i3. Another advantage: The torsional rigidity of the body also benefits from the pack-to-open-body construction, which has a positive effect on driving dynamics. 

Energy Master: The highly intelligent control centre. 

The electrical and electronic components for the high-voltage battery can be found in the Energy Master positioned on top of the high-voltage battery. The Energy Master, developed in-house by BMW, provides electricity to the electric motors and the vehicle electrical system. It is also the interface for all data from the high-voltage battery. It ensures intelligent, efficient, and safe battery operation.

Two highly efficient electric motors with EESM and ASM technology.

The BMW i3 50 xDrive has an electric motor on the front and rear axles. Together, they provide a system output of 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque.

An electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) designed for the 800-volt architecture is integrated into the rear axle, the primary drive axle. This EESM forms the centrepiece of the Gen6 drive technology of the Neue Klasse. It is based on a stator, which generates a rotating magnetic field by means of three-phase alternating current, and a rotor, which has electrically excited electromagnets. This design makes the EESM fundamentally different from motors with permanent magnets, as the magnetic field in the rotor can be flexibly regulated. This ability makes it possible to reduce the magnetic field at low load and thus avoid losses. On the other hand, particularly strong magnetic fields can be generated under high load. This results in high torque and constant power output up to maximum motor speed.

The entire system is controlled by an inverter, which converts the direct current of the battery into the required alternating current and at the same time ensures that the rotor is excited as well as all control and monitoring processes. As a result, EESM is always operated at optimum efficiency. Its technology distinctly sets it apart as a unique selling point in the competitive landscape. Its efficiency and performance development are among its most important advantages.

The EESM in the BMW i3 50 xDrive is supplemented by an asynchronous motor (ASM) on the front axle. The ASM works on the induction principle and is a compact and lightweight addition to the EESM. The ASM differs fundamentally in its rotor design: Instead of magnets or electrical excitation, the rotor consists of aluminium rods that are connected via short-circuit rings. The necessary torque is generated by induced currents that occur when there is a difference in speed – known as slip – between the stator field and the rotor. The ASM is particularly robust and resistant to heat and its compact, sustainable construction uses only iron and aluminium. The combination of both types of motors enables a technological quantum leap: Together, they reduce energy losses by 40 percent, reduce the weight of the drive system by 10 percent, and reduce manufacturing costs by 20 percent compared to the already powerful previous generation.

The EESM of the new BMW i3 is manufactured at the BMW Group plant in Steyr in Upper Austria, and the high-voltage battery at the BMW Group plant in Debrecen in Hungary. The BMW Group's Landshut plant is contributing the Energy Master. 

BMW Charging. Revolutionary advances in range and charging speed combined with innovative charging solutions.

As a further innovation, the new BMW i3 will have bidirectional charging functions. The energy stored in the battery can thus be used not only for the drive and the electrical consumers in the vehicle, but also for the following applications:

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): This turns the new BMW i3 into a mobile power bank that provides electricity directly from the high-voltage battery. For example, to operate an electric barbecue on a weekend trip or to charge the battery of an e-bike with up to 3.7 kW. 

Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): Bidirectional charging turns the BMW i3 into a home energy storage system: In conjunction with the BMW Wallbox Professional, V2H allows the vehicle to function as a back up emergency power supply in the event of an outage. The ability to use the i3 as a storage unit for solar energy generated by home-fitted photovoltaic systems will become available in the future.

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): Available at a later stage in Canada, V2G will allow the BMW i3 to be integrated into the public power grid and feed energy from the vehicle's high-voltage battery back into the system.

Simple, convenient, digital: Charging becomes an experience.

The BMW i3 features many innovations for convenient and fast charging on the go. This includes, for example, the route optimized for charging planned according to individual criteria with automatic battery preparation for faster DC charging. Or the convenient charging stop with an intelligent charging flap that opens automatically and Plug & Charge for automatic payment authentication at select charging stations.

Route planning optimized for charging: The BMW Maps navigation system calculates a route optimized for charging, including charging stops, if the destination is outside the current range.

The driver determines the charging status at which charging stations and the destination should preferably be reached and which charging station providers should be preferred. By using AI, the system learns from past charging processes, for example, the realistically expected charging power, the susceptibility to faults or the exact location data of individual charging stations and includes the optimal charging station in the planning of the route. Customers receive dynamic charging information including the number of charging stations, charging availability and plug types. The expected duration and costs of charging stops are shown in advance.  Charging station reviews and nearby amenities such as  restaurants, playgrounds, restrooms, or shopping facilities  are also shown.

Battery preparation for faster DC charging: The battery preparation ensures that the high-voltage battery is brought to the optimal temperature before a charging process at a DC charging station. This increases charging capacity immediately after plugging in and shortens the charging time. When the driver actively routes to a DC charging station with BMW Maps, the BMW i3 automatically conditions (heats or cools) its battery. Alternatively, the function can be activated manually via the Central Display or the My BMW App. The current status of the battery temperature and the time remaining for battery preparation can be viewed at any time in the BMW i3 vehicle status and in the My BMW App.

Intelligent charging flap: The charging port is located on the rear right side of the new BMW i3While it’s possible to open the charging flap manually, it is no longer necessary as it will open automatically when the customer’s charging request is detected.. One of the triggers for opening is AI-supported: If the customer walks towards a known or learned charging point, the movement path reveals the charging intention, whereupon the flap opens. If no charging cable is connected, the charging flap closes automatically – as it does after the charging process is complete or when the vehicle is ready to drive.

NACS charge port standard: The new BMW i3 will be fitted as standard with a NACS (North American Charging Standard) charging port. This will provide i3 owners access to the vast Supercharger network, while a CCS (Combined Charging System) adapter allows access to other providers from coast to coast, thus ensuring that i3 owners are never far from a provider no matter where their journey takes them.

Sustainability in the product.  Holistic concept for conserving resources and reducing CO ₂ e emissions.

As with the BMW iX3, BMW is also taking a holistic approach to sustainability with the new BMW i3. The focus is on decarbonization along the entire life cycle – from product development, supply chain to production and use phase. 

The BMW i3 is thus making a contribution to achieving the CO₂e goals that the company has set for 2030, 2035 and 2050.

The CO₂e advantage is already apparent after 1–2 years of use. Depending on the drive variant, annual mileage, and source of the electricity used for charging, the new BMW i3 50 xDrive achieves a CO₂e benefit over a comparable model with an internal combustion engine1 after just 1–2 years of use.

Decarbonization in the supply chain.

A key starting point for reducing CO₂e emissions is targeted decarbonization along the supply chain. Renewable energy, increased use of secondary materials, and product and process innovations contribute to a significant reduction in emissions in the supply chain of all drive variants.

The result of this consistent approach can be proven by the emissions reductions achieved: CO₂e emissions in the supply chain were reduced by around 33 percent even during the product development of the BMW i3.

Innovative materials and technologies in construction.

The "Design for Circularity" principle is also systematically applied in the new BMW i3. This approach entails an enhanced utilization of secondary materials, strategic selection of materials, and the optimization of dismantling capabilities. 

In the front bumper of the BMW i3, 30 percent recycled plastic is used in the trim. In addition, the variety of materials in the entire bumper without attachments has been reduced from 15 to 7 materials compared to its predecessor (BMW 3 Series). Thanks to the extensive use of a plastic especially suitable for recycling, the proportion of recyclable plastics was increased from approximately 46 percent in the predecessor model to approximately 85 percent. This creates the basis for the recovery of high-quality recycled plastics from the vehicle.

Use of secondary materials in the new BMW i3.

The new BMW i3 consists of a total of around 30 percent of secondary materials: The proportion of secondary materials in the aluminium cast components of the new BMW i3 swivel bearings and hub carriers is 80 percent; the cast aluminium rims consist of 70 percent secondary aluminium. The housing of the Gen6 motor also consists of approximately two-thirds recycled aluminium.

The Gen6 battery cells of the BMW i3 high-voltage battery pack use a proportion of secondary materials for cobalt, lithium and nickel. Energy from renewable sources is also used in the production of anode and cathode material as well as in cell production. Compared to a previous Gen5 cell in the BMW i4, the CO₂e footprint in the cell supply chain was reduced by around 33 percent per Wh. Another example of the innovative use of materials and secondary materials is the engine compartment cover and the storage compartment under the hood of the BMW i3. The base material consists of 30 percent recycled marine plastic. This is post-consumer material made from used fishing nets and ropes. The starting material of the yarn for the textile of the headliner and the A-pillar in the BMW i3 consists of 100 percent recycled material.

In line with the sustainability goals of the BMW Group.

BMW’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and to Net Zero by 2050 at the latest is an integral part of the holistic 360° sustainability approach, which is anchored in the corporate strategy. The company has set itself ambitious, scientifically derived CO₂e targets for the coming years. For example, BMW intends to reduce its CO₂e emissions by a total of at least 40 million tons of CO₂e in 2030 and by around 60 million tons of CO₂e by 2035. This means an additional reduction of around 20 million tons of CO₂e in addition to the existing 2030 target.

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 26 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                               

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

Munich. Please find the satellite and streaming details of the BMW Group Keynote as follows:

18 March 2026.

11:00 - 11:40 A.M. CET – Design Premiere of the new BMW i3. LIVE

Technical data TV satellite transmission:

Contact SNG: +49 (0) 179-5079009 (Torsten Jobmann)
Contact on site : +49 151 23456 889 (Tom Forster)

Live Stream available at:

https://www.live.bmwgroup.com/en/live-streaming/ and

on BMW Group YouTube: https://b.mw/IuTd3

Munich. In the BMW i3, as with the BMW iX3, the BMW Group applies a 360° approach to sustainability. At its core is decarbonisation throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle – from product development through the supply chain and production to the end of the use phase. In this way, the second Neue Klasse model also contributes to achieving the ambitious, overarching CO₂e targets the company has set itself.

CO₂e benefits already after 1-2 years of use.
Depending on the drive train variant, annual mileage and source of the electricity used for charging, the new BMW i3 50xDrive already achieves a CO₂e advantage over a comparable model with an internal combustion engine after one to two years of use[1].

Decarbonisation in the supply chain.
Targeted decarbonisation is a key starting point for reducing CO₂e emissions throughout the supply chain. The use of renewable energies, the increasing share of secondary material, and product and process innovations – for example, in the Gen6 cell and high-voltage battery – contribute to a significant emissions reduction across the entire supply chain.
The results of this systematic approach are demonstrated by the emission reductions achieved: Specific measures during product development of the BMW i3 lowered supply chain CO₂e emissions by about a third.[2]

Innovative materials and technologies for interior and exterior.
The “Design for Circularity” principle is also systematically applied in the new BMW i3. The concept incorporates gradually increased use of secondary materials, targeted reduction of material selection and optimised dismantling capability.
For example, the BMW i3 uses 30 percent recycled plastic in its front bumper trim. At the same time, the number of different materials used for the entire bumper, excluding mounted parts, was reduced from 15 to 7, compared to the predecessor model (seventh-generation BMW 3 Series). Due to the high use of a plastic particularly suitable for recycling, the proportion of recyclable plastic was increased from approximately 46 percent in the predecessor to about 85 percent[3]. This enables the recovery of high-quality plastic recyclates from the vehicle.
Another example of how the “Design for Circularity” principle is implemented in the new BMW i3 is the Econeer seat covers offered as part of the “Essential” equipment line, which are made from a recyclable textile composite. The basic material for the upper fabric is 100-percent recycled PET. The use of recycled PET granulate – as the base material for the polyester yarn required – significantly reduces CO₂e emissions and water consumption during manufacturing compared to primary material. The dismantling capability of the seat cover has also been improved to facilitate a material-specific separation at the end of the lifecycle.

Use of secondary materials in the new BMW i3.
The new BMW i3 consists of approx. 30 percent secondary materials in total[4]^: These include cast aluminium components, such front and rear knuckle, with 80 percent secondary material content, and cast aluminium wheel rims with 70 percent secondary aluminium.The housing for the rear electric motor, produced at BMW Plant Landshut, comprises up to two-thirds secondary aluminium. A portion of the energy used in production comes from renewable sources.
In the Gen6 battery cells of the BMW i3 high‑voltage battery, secondary materials are partially used for cobalt, lithium and nickel. Energy from renewable sources is used in manufacturing the anode and cathode materials, as well as for cell production. In comparison to the previous model’s Gen5 cell, CO₂e emissions were reduced by approx. 33 percent per watt hour.
Further examples of the innovative use of engineering and secondary materials include the engine compartment cover and the storage compartment under the BMW i3's bonnet. The starting material for these consists of 30 percent recycled maritime plastic – post-consumer material from used fishing nets and ropes – while the base material for the yarn used in the textiles for the headliner, A-pillar and parcel shelf consists entirely of recycled material.

Enhanced efficiency during use phase.
With the EfficientDynamics technology package, vehicle efficiency is optimised across all subsystems during the use phase.
This encompasses aerodynamics, lightweight construction, rolling resistance and overall energy management, for example. Efficientynamics has been employed by the BMW Group since 2007, across all drive technologies.

BMW Group Plant Munich undergoes extensive modernisation.
BMW Group Plant Munich is the BMW Group’s main plant.For more than a century, the plant has been producing premium mobility in Munich’s Milbertshofen district. Over the past four years, the site has been completely modernised: In addition to a new body shop, a state-of-the-art vehicle assembly was also built, including logistics areas. The new facilities are now in the final stages of construction. Production of the new BMW i3 will get underway here in 2026. Just one year later, the Munich location will transition its production portfolio to exclusively fully-electric vehicles for the Neue Klasse. As the BMW Group’s oldest automobile production site, the plant sources 100 percent of its external electricity requirements from renewable energy.

In line with BMW Group’s sustainable development goals.
The BMW Group’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and to reaching “net zero” no later than 2050 is an integral part of its holistic 360° approach to sustainability, which is anchored in its corporate strategy. The company has set itself ambitious science-based CO₂e targets for the coming years. The BMW Group intends to reduce its CO₂e emissions by a total of at least 40 million tonnes from 2019 levels by 2030.

Transparency through Product Carbon Footprint .
The BMW Group has published its vehicles’ Product Carbon Footprint, as validated by the German Technical Inspection Association (TÜV), for many years in the so-called Vehicle Footprint. This report is publicly available here for all drive trains of the new BMW 3 Series from the Start of Production and can also be accessed in the My BMW app. In this way, the BMW Group creates transparency around the percentage of secondary materials and CO₂e emissions across the vehicles’ entire lifecycle.

Munich. With the new BMW i3, the BMW Group is reaffirming its holistic approach to product sustainability – shining a light on a relevant dimension of product development that has been less visible up until now: health and well-being in the passenger compartment. To address this aspect of vehicle development, interior air quality, material selection and olfactory perception are systematically studied and evaluated at the company’s own odour laboratory.

Holistic product sustainability as a guiding principle.
The BMW Group considers sustainability throughout a vehicle's entire lifecycle – from raw material extraction through the supply chain and production all the way to the use phase and recycling. This 360° approach combines product sustainability, technological innovation and long-term company success. Health and well-being are embedded into product development and systematically integrated into processes and standards.

Interior air quality and its impact on health.
Vehicle interior air quality is an important factor for health and well-being inside the vehicle. Emissions from materials, as well as influences such as temperature and humidity directly impact vehicle occupants. When selecting materials for the vehicle interior, the BMW Group therefore pays close attention to avoiding emissions that could be detrimental to health. For more than 25 years, the company has relied on its own testing methods to measure and evaluate emissions and scent profiles in the vehicle interior. The latest findings from toxicology, health and sensory research are continuously applied to in-house standards that the BMW Group also actively shares in international standardisation and specialised bodies.
The aim is to ensure the interior has a scent that is authentic, discreet and high-end, reinforcing the brand's premium promise. The use of artificial fragrances is deliberately avoided.

Scent as a subconscious dimension.
The BMW Group deliberately addresses on scent in the vehicle interior, as this has a significant influence on the occupants’ health and well-being.
Scents act directly on the limbic system, evoking emotions and memories, and contributing to the subjective feeling of safety. A pleasant and subtle scent is therefore part of the premium experience and an expression of the brand's aspirations.
By minimising harmful emissions and selecting high-quality materials, the BMW Group acknowledges its responsibility for the health of its customers. Managing scent is therefore part of a holistic approach to sustainability across the entire lifecycle.

Inside the BMW Group scent laboratory.
At the BMW Group scent laboratory, materials, components and complete vehicle interiors are tested under realistic conditions. The analysis relies on the integration of modern measurement technologies and the trained sensory evaluation of BMW Group experts. Humans remain central to this process. This approach ensures compliance with legal requirements and adherence to internal quality standards. Scent is viewed as part of a multi-sensory, holistic experience. What matters most is not the individual component, but the interaction of all materials in the vehicle interior, which determines the overall olfactory experience.

Health and well-being as elements of product sustainability.
The new BMW i3 embodies an aspiration that applies to the entire BMW Group brand portfolio: In addition to a consistent decarbonisation strategy throughout the vehicle lifecycle, the model relies on a high percentage of secondary materials and innovative material concepts for the interior.
“Health and well-being are an integral part of product sustainability for us. Environmental factors and a growing health awareness are changing how we perceive our living spaces – including our cars. Our customers expect products that are designed to take their health and well-being into account. That is why interior air quality is a key product feature in our holistic approach to sustainability,” according to Nils Hesse, Vice President Product Sustainability at the BMW Group.

Munich/Arjeplog. The BMW 3 Series has been the embodiment of driving pleasure in the premium midsize class for five decades. All over the world, this icon of the BMW brand is renowned for its superior sportiness, precise handling and effortless agility, combined with long-distance driving comfort. As the latest generation BMW 3 Series is getting ready for launch, so is the first sedan model of the Neue Klasse: the fully electric BMW i3. Prototypes are currently undergoing a comprehensive test programme at the BMW Group winter test centre in Arjeplog, Sweden.

The BMW i3 will have its design premiere on 18 March 2026. The new fully electric model generation features a sixth-generation eDrive (Gen6). “The BMW i3 applies the sporty sedan’s typical characteristics to a completely new vehicle concept defined by the BMW 3 Series DNA. At the same time, pushing the conventional boundaries of electric mobility into new territory, thanks to the potential of our Neue Klasse,” says Mike Reichelt, Head of Neue Klasse BMW. The control unit consisting of the “superbrain” Heart of Joy and the BMW Dynamic Performance Control driving stack takes driving dynamics to an entirely new level. As the BMW i3 approaches series-production readiness, the test and development team is performing the final fine-tuning of driving dynamics components on the snow-covered roads and frozen lakes of Sweden.

Test drives for fine-tuning in extremely cold weather are a key part of vehicle testing. 
Endurance tests in freezing temperatures and wintry road conditions in Sweden’s extreme north are a long-standing BMW tradition. The snow-covered roads around Arjeplog and the specially prepared surfaces of frozen lakes provide the ideal environment for evaluating and fine-tuning drive and suspension systems Electronic control systems are a good example – the low friction coefficients of surfaces covered by snow and ice enable engineers to test, analyse and optimise the interactions of these systems under precisely reproducible conditions. This provides the foundation of the hallmark BMW driving pleasure. 

Highly innovative overall concept is key to an outstanding driving experience.
The Heart of Joy is one of four “superbrains” in the Neue Klasse. Complemented by the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software developed in-house, it forms the powerful new driving and dynamics control unit in the BMW i3, controlling the powertrain, brakes and some steering functions along with recuperation. Its responses are ten times faster than with previous systems. The result of this technological quantum leap is evident in the particularly effortless and exceptionally precise handling of the new BMW i3.

Even on slippery surfaces like those in Arjeplog, the Heart of Joy ensures agile propulsion. In addition, the extremely fast control of the two electric motors ensures superior driving stability. Only electric motors are capable of processing and executing the lightning-fast commands. This enables the BMW i3 to deliver a light-footed and comfortable drive in every situation. And with typical BMW 3 Series characteristics, it sets new standards in driving dynamics.

Even at the limits, the BMW i3 offers an extremely safe driving experience.
The new BMW i3 can be controlled with maximum precision. It responds instantly to steering inputs and creates a feeling of effortlessness. The Heart of Joy reduces the number of control interventions required – for example by the DSC system. The resulting cornering behaviour is more consistent and reproducible, giving the driver an even greater sense of assurance. In addition, the BMW i3 remains easy to control even when approaching the limits. The Soft-Stop function of the new BMW i3 is exceptional: precise control of the electric motors enables the smoothest stopping process in the history of the BMW 3 Series, without jerks and brake noise. The exceptional stability that the Heart of Joy provides, even on slippery surfaces like those found in Arjeplog, also improves efficiency. The precise control processes of the Heart of Joy allow the BMW i3 to recuperate energy as often and as intensely as possible, even when cornering, without compromising driving stability. “Sheer driving pleasure” redefined. 

Second model of the Neue Klasse: BMW i3 50 xDrive 
• Start of production: Second half of 2026
• Sixth-generation BMW eDrive (Gen6) with 800-volt technology
• Charging capacity: peak charging capacity up to 400 kW
• Electric drive unit with EESM technology on the rear axle and ASM technology on the front axle
• Max. system output: 345 kW/469 hp*
• 645 Nm torque*

* As this is a development-phase prototype, the figures given are provisional. Energy consumption information as per WLTP is not yet available. 

Richmond Hill, ON.  BMW Group Canada is excited to announce the official launch of the reservation tool and vehicle configurator for the much-anticipated, all-new BMW iX3, now live on BMW.ca. These tools enable Canadian customers to reserve and begin personalizing BMW’s pioneering electric SUV, marking a significant step toward experiencing the future of electric driving.

The announcement takes place on the morning of Media Day at the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS), where BMW is showcasing the iX3 in a spectacular takeover display at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Adding to the excitement, Hussein Al Attar, Director of Automotive Design at BMW Designworks LA, is joining Media Day to share insights into the design philosophy behind Neue Klasse and the iX3. With a distinguished career in automotive and industrial design, Al Attar is known for his innovative approach that combines aesthetics with advanced functionality, helping shape BMW’s electrified future.

“The launch of the iX3 reservation tool and configurator brings us closer to delivering an exceptional electric driving experience tailored for Canadian drivers,” said Andrew Scott, President and CEO of BMW Group Canada. “Coupled with Hussein’s presence at CIAS, this announcement celebrates BMW’s bold vision for sustainable luxury and cutting-edge design.”

The all-new BMW iX3, built on BMW’s revolutionary Neue Klasse architecture, offers a compelling blend of efficiency, performance, and intelligent connectivity. The vehicle’s sleek design, premium materials, and advanced technology set a new benchmark in the electric SUV segment. Canadian pricing details will be announced soon.

Visitors to the Canadian International AutoShow from February 13-22 are invited to explore the iX3 alongside BMW’s electrified and performance lineup, including the iconic M2 CS and award-winning i4 models. Exclusive test drives and immersive brand experiences will be available, reinforcing BMW’s leadership in innovation and driving pleasure.

For full details and to start building your BMW iX3, please visit BMW.ca.

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 26 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact: 

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                               

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

Munich. BMW Group Plant Munich is entering the next phase, as the plant launches production of the first near-series test vehicles for the new BMW i3*. This marks the beginning of the final preparation phase for the start of series production in the second half of 2026.

“Production of pre-series vehicles is an important milestone for our plant,” says Peter Weber, Head of BMW Group Plant Munich. “For the first time, we have built a BMW i3 entirely at our plant – using state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and digitally connected processes. With production now close to series maturity, our logistics and production processes are performing under real-world conditions across all technologies: in our modernised press shop, the new body shop, the state-of-the-art paint shop and the new assembly area, as well as the innovative logistics structures. Over the coming months, we will apply the lessons learned from the ramp-up to further refine the processes for series production and ensure a smooth series launch.”

On the road to series production

Integration of new models begins with pre-series vehicles – a crucial step in gearing up for future series production.

What makes Plant Munich unique is that a team from the facility has so far worked alongside a team from the nearby pilot plant to assemble the first vehicles at the Research and Innovation Centre. With the completion of Plant Munich’s new manufacturing and logistics areas, vehicles now pass through all production steps on site. This means that all logistics processes, manufacturing equipment and operations must already run smoothly. Although quantities are still small, all parts are supplied via the designated material flows and processed on the production line. Every part and every production step is closely scrutinised. A particular focus is on the approval inspection for cutting-edge production equipment and tools, and on how these are digitally integrated with existing systems.

Running system tests for the future vehicle model helps identify further potential for optimisation. In the coming months, efforts will be directed towards refining processes, based on the insights gained.

Employee training – first virtually, then in the real world

During this phase, employees will also undergo intensive training: until recently, using augmented reality and now, on the new installations and machinery. Close cooperation across all areas of production will ensure operations are seamlessly integrated for a smooth and successful series launch.

Richmond Hill, ON. BMW Group Canada is proud to announce its presence at the Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) from February 13-22, 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This year, the spotlight shines on the all-new BMW iX3 — a trailblazer of BMW’s revolutionary Neue Klasse platform, representing the future of sustainable and dynamic electric driving.

BMW’s presence will again dominate the coveted Level 600 space, marking a unique and exclusive takeover that positions BMW as a standout attraction amid the show’s busiest foot traffic areas. This immersive experience will not only showcase BMW’s commitment to electrification but also celebrate the brand’s legendary performance heritage.

“The all-new iX3 embodies BMW’s bold vision for the future, combining cutting-edge technology, sustainable design, and exhilarating driving dynamics,” said Andrew Scott, President and CEO of BMW Group Canada. “Our display at CIAS is designed to engage and inspire everyone—from electric vehicle enthusiasts to performance purists—highlighting the seamless integration of BMW’s past, present, and future.”

The all-new BMW iX3 — The Neue Klasse electric pioneer

Built on BMW’s revolutionary Neue Klasse platform, the new iX3 epitomizes the next generation of vehicles with enhanced efficiency, range, and intelligent connectivity. Featuring a highly efficient electric drivetrain, advanced battery technology, and a lightweight design, the iX3 offers an estimated range exceeding 650 kilometres, rapid charging capabilities, and BMW’s hallmark driving precision.

The iX3’s sleek, aerodynamic silhouette and premium interior showcase BMW’s dedication to sustainable luxury, incorporating recycled and eco-friendly materials without compromising on comfort or technology. Its innovative driver assistance systems and intuitive digital cockpit further elevate the driving experience, making the iX3 a benchmark for electric SUVs.

An unmatched BMW experience

Alongside the iX3, attendees will experience BMW’s latest electrified and performance models, including the exhilarating M2 CS, the award-winning i4 M60, the powerful i5 M60, and the luxurious iX M70. Level ///M will feature dynamic displays emphasizing BMW’s storied legacy and the brand’s push towards electrification.

“Like their vehicles, the BMW display at the show is unique, impressive and worth a visit,” said Jason Campbell, General Manager, Canadian International AutoShow.

On Level 500, visitors can participate in exclusive test drives of BMW and MINI vehicles, including the ever-popular i4 and a selection of SUVs, giving guests a hands-on opportunity to experience BMW’s cutting-edge technology and driving excitement. Level 500 will once again feature a lounge where guests can wait for their drive experience in comfort.

BMW Canada will also provide exclusive pre-access to Level M for select VIP guests, as selected by local BMW retailers. This will allow guests to enter the show before the doors open to the public.

Experience and Engagement

In addition to vehicle displays and test drives, BMW Canada will present engaging, on-site activations, including a café, lifestyle store, photo opportunities, and a chance to win an exclusive travel experience or a secondary prize. On both event weekends, a surprise automotive artist will be on-site painting live in front of show attendees. These initiatives aim to create memorable moments that deepen the connection between visitors and the BMW brand. The 2026 Canadian International AutoShow remains Canada’s premier automotive event, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually and offering an unmatched platform for BMW to showcase its innovation, design, and commitment to a sustainable future.

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 26 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                              

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

About the Canadian International AutoShow, presented by The Toronto Star

Celebrating the automobile since 1974, the Canadian International AutoShow features more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions spanning the North and South Buildings of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. With average annual attendance in excess of 350,000, the Canadian International AutoShow is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it is also the country’s largest consumer show. A leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive, it is a showcase for the latest cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, electric vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles and autonomous vehicles.  The show also offers a variety of indoor and outdoor ride and drive experiences with over 45,000 guests taking part in 2025. For more information, please visit autoshow.ca. For news and updates, check in regularly at autoshow.ca. Stay connected with the Canadian International AutoShow on LinkedIn, Instagram @autoshowca, X @autoshowcanada, and Facebook /autoshowcanada.

Media Day takes place Thursday, February 12th, highlighted by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s (AJAC) presentation of the Canadian Car of the Year Awards. Many participating brands are expected to unveil new products for the first time in Canada. The interactive hands-on Media Day 2.0 is scheduled for the morning of Wednesday February 18th.

Media registration, media information, and visual assets to support your coverage are now available at www.autoshow.ca/media.

Media Contacts for the Canadian International AutoShow

Munich. The new BMW iX3 is in the spotlight at CES 2026. For the first time, the enhanced, AI-powered BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with Alexa+ technology will be presented to the public. As the debut model for the Neue Klasse, the BMW iX3 showcases groundbreaking innovations that will shape the entire model range of the brand in the future. By 2027, the technologies of the Neue Klasse will be integrated into a total of 40 new models and model updates from BMW.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant expanded with Amazon Alexa+.
One year after the world premiere of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X at CES 2025, visitors to this year’s CES can experience the revolutionary user-interaction concept firsthand in the BMW iX3. With a balanced combination of digital functions and physical elements, it elevates intuitive operation according to BMW’s guiding principle ‘Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Road’ to a new level of driver orientation. Built on the technological foundation of a software-defined vehicle, the customer experience in the BMW iX3 continues to evolve. For the first time, BMW presents the next generation AI-powered BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. BMW is the first manufacturer to expand its voice assistant with the AI assistant Amazon Alexa+. This enables intuitive and intelligent interaction between passengers and the vehicle in a natural dialogue. The interaction includes the operation of vehicle functions as well as access to information and knowledge beyond the vehicle. For the first time, passengers can ask multiple questions in a single sentence—covering both your vehicle’s features and e.g. general knowledge topics.

The integration of Amazon Alexa+ into the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant represents a technological leap forward that focuses on added value for the customer. The AI technology used in the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is a Large Language Model (LLM), a generative AI that understands language and is capable of formulating its own responses. Starting in the second half of 2026 at the latest, this further development will be gradually rolled out in Germany and the USA across all BMW models equipped with BMW Operating System 9 and X.

BMW iX3 transforms waiting time into entertainment: stream a movie, play a video game or make a video call.^[1]
The BMW booth at CES also focuses on the wide range of entertainment options in BMW Operating System X. It offers an extensive selection of apps, videos, and games. In addition to the popular streaming service Disney+, customers in the BMW iX3 have access to the Video App (powered by TiVo™). This app enables video streaming on the central display when the vehicle is stationary, with a continuously growing selection of content such as news, live, and on-demand streaming. The portfolio of the video streaming platform will continue to evolve.

The BMW ConnectedDrive Store will also soon include the YouTube Music app for the first time, joining the more than 85 apps worldwide in categories such as Music & Audio, Entertainment, Gaming, News, Travel & Local. YouTube Music gives customers access to an extensive catalog with over 300 million tracks, including the official studio recordings, remixes, live performances, and hard-to-find covers. Zoom now allows video calls on the iX3’s central display for the first time when the vehicle is stationary. As soon as the vehicle starts moving, the video transmission stops, and the conversation seamlessly continues via audio.

In-car gaming via AirConsole, as introduced for the first time with the BMW Operating System 8.5, is also available in the new BMW iX3, featuring world-renowned titles like UNO^®️ Car Party!
A new highlight in AirConsole’s extensive game library is Hot Wheels: Xtreme Overdrive™️ from Mattel, available exclusively to BMW customers. AirConsole allows users to use their own smartphones as controllers, so all passengers can play together or compete against each other. Additional games and apps for in-car entertainment can be accessed through the BMW ConnectedDrive Store. Selected games in the BMW iX3 can also be controlled using Bluetooth controllers from conventional gaming consoles.

Sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology: higher efficiency, more range, faster charging.
The sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology developed for the Neue Klasse comprises highly efficient electric motors, fundamentally new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, and 800V technology. The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is powered by two electric motors, which together generate output of 345 kW/469 hp and 645 Nm (475 lb-ft) of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph). Its electric all-wheel-drive configuration consists of an extensively upgraded electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) with particularly high levels of efficiency at the rear axle and, at the front axle, a new asynchronous motor (ASM) distinguished by its compact design and high cost efficiency. The combination of EESM and ASM is evidence of the BMW Group’s commitment to technological neutrality within electric mobility as well. The drive technology developed for the Neue Klasse reduces energy losses by 40 per cent compared to fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, weight by 10 per cent and manufacturing costs by 20 per cent.

The new high-voltage battery concept with cylindrical cells for the Neue Klasse also achieves significant advances. The energy density on a cell level is 20 per cent higher than with fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, and the new concept also paves the way for a 30 per cent increase in charging speed. The cylindrical cells are integrated directly into the high-voltage battery (“cell to pack”), which benefits energy density and cost efficiency. Added to which, the high-voltage battery is integrated into the vehicle architecture as a structural component to minimise weight (“pack to open body”). The high-voltage battery in the BMW iX3 50 xDrive has a usable energy content of 108.7 kWh, enabling a range of up to 805 kilometres (500 miles) in the WLTP cycle.

BMW Charging: short charging times, premiere for bidirectional charging.
The advances brought by sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology have a significant influence on the charging experience, too. A maximum charging rate of 400 kW enables users to fill their new BMW iX3 with enough energy at an 800V direct current (DC) rapid charging station to add up to 372 kilometres (231 miles) ^[2] of range in just ten minutes. The high-voltage battery can charge from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in 21 minutes. Thanks to the battery management tech with integrated switching matrix developed completely in-house by the BMW Group, the new BMW iX3 can also be charged from 400V DC stations. Upgrades to the battery preparation also help to shorten charging times. The new BMW iX3 50 xDrive can top up on alternating current (AC) at 11 kW as standard or 22 kW ^[3] as an option.

Extensive bidirectional charging functions ^[3] are also available for the new BMW iX3, meaning that it can be used as an energy supply source for a variety of applications. The Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function turns the new BMW iX3 into a mobile powerbank, which can supply electric devices with power while on the move. Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) hands it the role of storage unit for solar energy generated by home-fitted photovoltaic systems. And customers can also hook their car up to the energy market via the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) application and earn some money in the process.

The selection of standard-fitted and optional charging accessories has been significantly expanded. For flexible charging during a journey, customers can make use of the new Multifunction Charger, which comes with several adapters for charging and discharging the high-voltage battery. The new BMW Wallbox Professional (DC) enables bidirectional charging at home or work. And BMW Charging offers the option of cost-optimised /solar-power-optimised home charging.

In order to give owners the best possible charging experience, the new BMW iX3 will be fitted as standard with an NACS (North American Charging Standard) compatible charging port. This will provide iX3 owners access to the vast Supercharger network, while a standard CCS (Combined Charging System) adapter will preserve access to other providers from coast to coast, thus ensuring that iX3 owners are never far from a provider no matter where the journey is taking them.

Heart of Joy: The Ultimate Driving Machine reaches a new level.
One of four superbrains in the electronics architecture of the Neue Klasse, the Heart of Joy looks after drivetrain and driving dynamics management. This high-performance control unit is responsible for the drivetrain, brakes, energy recuperation, and steering functions, and processes information up to ten times faster than conventional control units. In this way, the potential of electric mobility in terms of instantaneous power delivery, smooth power transfer, agility, stability, and efficiency is fully realized.

Together with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack developed fully in-house, the Heart of Joy calculates all the driving dynamics parameters with a new level of speed and precision. The driver and passengers in the new BMW iX3 experience a uniquely harmonious and BMW-typical driving sensation whatever the situation. Every movement of the accelerator, brake pedal, and steering is executed directly and with assurance and precision. Supreme traction and – thanks to the unique Soft Stop function – the smoothest stopping process ever achieved by a BMW are among its other attributes. In addition, the efficiency of the new BMW iX3 is optimized by the integrated management of drivetrain, braking system, and energy recuperation. In everyday driving, 98% of braking maneuvers are carried out using recuperation only, without application of the friction brakes. The only occasions these are called upon are under emergency braking and during extremely sporty driving.

“Superbrain of automated driving” for the driver assistance systems with of the next technology generation.
Another high-performance computer brings together all the automated driving and parking functions in the BMW iX3. With 20 times greater processing power than in the previous vehicle generation, the watercooled “superbrain of automated driving” enables a significant technological advance with the Neue Klasse in this area as well.

BMW Symbiotic Drive provides seamless support.
The BMW iX3 uses its Symbiotic Drive capability combined with driver assistance to create a completely new driving experience. Whenever the driver wants to accelerate, brake or steer, their inputs merge seamlessly and intuitively with AI-enabled software.The result is a whole new form of Sheer Driving Pleasure. For example, the automatic cruise control system is not deactivated with only a light press of the brake pedal; instead, it is only switched off when the driver brakes harder. In the same way, the lane control assistance remains active even after light steering inputs by the driver.

With the optional BMW Highway / Motorway Assistant ^[4], drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel permanently at speeds of up to 85 mph / 130 km/h, while remaining attentive and ready to intervene. The system assists with vehicle guidance within the lane and can also perform automated lane changes when needed – a simple glance confirmation by the driver is sufficient. With active BMW Maps route guidance, the system proactively suggests lane changes at highway interchanges and exits, which can be confirmed with a quick glance in the wing mirror. The Highway Assistant remains active while passing through interchanges and until the end of highway exits. This allows BMW iX3 drivers to enjoy Level 2 driver assistance without touching the steering wheel in even more situations.

The new Highway and City Assistant ^[4] also offers innovative functions for urban environments, such as stopping and automatically restarting at traffic lights. Additional driver assistance features for complex urban driving situations will be rolled out later via over-the-air software updates.

[1] Availability of individual apps and content depends on the country. Download and use of the apps require connectivity via BMW Digital Premium or a connection to a WiFi network or mobile smartphone hotspot. App-specific subscriptions are not included in BMW Digital Premium.
[2] The range added after 10 minutes of high-power charging was determined according to ISO12906 in the WLTP cycle. This figure, as well as charging performance, depends on vehicle equipment, charging and battery aging condition, battery temperature, individual driving profile, use of auxiliary consumers, ambient temperature, and the charging power provided at the charging station.
[3] Available from production period 3/2026.
[4] Availability depends on the country.

Munich. The new BMW iX3 and its trailblazing innovations will be shown at the CES 2026. Having won multiple innovation- and car-of-the-year awards* even before hitting the streets, the first vehicle of BMW’s Neue Klasse is set to impress the visitors of the most influential technology trade show.

At the BMW booth in the Silver Lot in front of the South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, visitors can experience the BMW Panoramic iDrive with the new AI-powered BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant in the BMW iX3. Through its collaboration with Amazon, BMW becomes the first automaker to integrate Alexa+ technology into its vehicles—a major step forward for in-vehicle conversational AI. With natural dialogue and intelligent capabilities, the system moves beyond simple voice commands to deliver a context-aware, personalized experience that helps drivers stay focused on the road. This new level of voice interaction can also be experienced at Amazon’s Devices & Services Exhibit in the Venetian Hotel, Ballrooms G-J.

The new BMW iX3 represents a leap forward in development that extends well beyond the reaches of a conventional model renewal. The advances made in terms of design and technology create the impression that a complete vehicle generation has been skipped. For the BMW Group, the launch of the new BMW iX3 also represents a milestone in the transformation process when it comes to electrification, digitalization and circularity. Spearheading the arrival of the Neue Klasse, it offers customers the latest design and technological innovations, which will shape the brand’s entire model range moving forwards. The technologies of the Neue Klasse will be incorporated into a total of 40 new models and model updates between now and 2027.

In 2023, the BMW i Vision Dee showed a vision of the Neue Klasse becoming a true companion with conversational AI capabilities. With a gigantic dashboard, the new display and operating concept BMW Panoramic iDrive was revealed in a spectacular way at CES 2025. With the new BMW iX3 coming to CES 2026, which embodies these key innovations, the BMW Group delivers on the promises made at previous CES appearances.

* References:
Car of the Year from Electrifying.com
Time Magazine Best Inventions 2025 
Top Gear’s Car of the Year
Beste Innovation 2025 Autobild Goldenes Lenkrad
Carwow Auto Innovation Award
CAR Magazine: BMW iX3 (2025) review: Neue Klasse, new benchmark 
Auto Express: The New BMW iX3 Is So Good, it Might Just Be The Best Car On Sale 
The Sun: BMW’s new iX3 is a tech-packed electric SUV that rewrites the rulebook — it’s cheaper, faster and goes way further 

On-location photos and b-roll material from the International Media Launch Sotogrande, Spain.

Richmond Hill, ON.  Following its World Premiere at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich earlier this month, the all-new BMW iX3 – the first of BMW’s Neue Klasse, or “New Class” of vehicles – will make its North American Premiere at a special event at Bathhouse Studios in New York City on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Presented by BMW Group Member of the Board of Management, Development, Dr. Joachim Post, the BMW iX3 Sports Utility Vehicle is not just the first series-production Neue Klasse model, but a preview into an entirely new era of The Ultimate Driving Experience.

“The BMW iX3 is much more than one vehicle,” said Dr. Joachim Post, BMW Group Member of the Board of Management, Development. “As the first of our Neue Klasse, the BMW iX3 set new industry standards for user experience, digitalization, driving dynamics, and circularity. These characteristics will be incorporated throughout our entire vehicle lineup and usher in a whole new era for BMW.”

Over the next two years, BMW will launch nearly 40 new and refreshed models featuring Neue Klasse design language, technology, and driving dynamics.

BMW Panoramic iDrive: First-of-its-Kind User Interface.

The BMW iX3 features a completely new user interface, which will inform all future BMW models. The new user interface, dubbed BMW Panoramic iDrive, redefines the user experience by balancing digital functions and physical elements and elevating intuitive operation to a new level of driver focus. The system is highlighted by a first-of-its-kind BMW Panoramic Vision display which projects relevant information across the entire base of the windscreen from one side to the other. The most important driving information is projected directly into the driver’s line of sight while the driver is able to personalize content in the central and right-hand areas of the BMW Panoramic Vision via the 17.9- inch Central Display. BMW has filed several patent applications resulting from the development of the projection technologies used in the two displays, underlining just how much innovation has gone into them.

New Standards for Efficiency, Range, and Charging Speed.

With sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, an estimated range of up to 650 kilometres (according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards) and a peak charging rate of 400 kW, the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive also sets new standards for efficiency, range, and charging speed.

The new high-voltage battery concept with lithium-ion cylindrical cells for the Neue Klasse also achieves significant advances. The energy density on a cell level is 20% higher than with fifth generation BMW eDrive technology and also enables a 30% increase in charging speed. The advances brought by sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology also have a significant influence on the charging experience. A maximum charging rate of 400 kW enables users to charge from 10 to 80% capacity in just 21 minutes at an 800V DC charging station.

In order to give owners the best possible charging experience, the new BMW iX3 will be fitted as standard with an NACS (North American Charging Standard) compatible charging port. This will provide iX3 owners access to the vast Supercharger network, while a standard CCS (Combined Charging System) adapter will preserve access to other providers from coast to coast.

Unmatched Driving Dynamics.

A new electronics and software architecture including four “superbrain” high-performance computers makes the first Neue Klasse model more intelligent and better equipped for the future than ever. The “Heart of Joy” drivetrain and driving dynamics management technology brings the hallmark characteristics of the “Ultimate Driving Experience” to the Neue Klasse by enabling unmatched poise, assurance, and precision, while the latest systems for automated driving optimize symbiotic human-vehicle interaction.

New Design Language: Reduced, Characterful, and Timeless.

The new BMW iX3 will launch the new BMW design language, which will expand across the whole of BMW’s range as new models and variants are introduced. This new use of forms provides a very modern interpretation of BMW’s original and enduring blueprint. For this reason, comprehensive design protection has been registered for the new BMW design language used in the new BMW iX3.

The new BMW iX3 has the hallmark proportions of a BMW SUV infused with the authoritative presence of a BMW X model and has a reduced surface treatment that emphasizes all four wheels. Created squarely and exclusively for electric vehicles, the vehicle architecture enables an extremely favorable ratio of exterior size to interior space.

Sustainability Showcase.

BMW will present a series of discussions and displays at Bathhouse Studios focused on the key principles of the Neue Klasse, with an emphasis on design, technology, and BMW’s approach to reducing emissions across the entire value chain.

The new BMW iX3 demonstrates the BMW Group's holistic approach to product sustainability across the entire vehicle life cycle. During product development, extensive measures were implemented throughout the supply chain, production and use phases, explicitly focused on conserving resources and reducing the model’s environmental footprint. A central focus of this approach lies in the increased use of innovative and secondary materials. For example, 30% of the secondary raw material used for the engine compartment cover and the storage compartment under the front hatch is recycled maritime plastic. This post-consumer material consists of old fishing nets and ropes, preventing these materials from potentially being dumped in the ocean.

For the first time, the BMW Group will also show the Natural Fiber Roof, a vehicle roof developed in collaboration with Swiss clean tech company Bcomp. Bcomp uses natural flax fiber composites to create more sustainable and lightweight vehicle parts which can replace conventional carbon fiber components. The CO2e footprint from production is reduced by about 40 percent, including end-of-life considerations. Following their successful use in certain BMW race models, these innovative natural fiber composites are now ready for BMW M production models.

In addition, the BMW Group will provide an outlook on future sustainable materials through two research projects: the M Visionary Materials Seat Evo and the Bumper. The M Visionary Materials Seat Evo is an evolution of a concept first presented last year and demonstrates how circular design principles with recyclable mono-materials and secondary raw materials can be applied to interior components. Developed with partners FSCM, the Bumper is an example of Future Sustainable Car Materials, and explores how used car bumpers can be collected, processed, and partly reshaped into new components, enhancing material circularity in the automotive industry.

“Technology Openness” as a Strategic Success Factor and the Benefits of Hydrogen.

By offering a broad range of drivetrain options – including highly efficient internal combustion, plug-in hybrid electric, battery-electric, and, starting in 2028, fuel cell electric vehicles powered by hydrogen – BMW Group offers customers the ability to choose the vehicle and drivetrain that best suits their needs. This “technology openness” strategy has proved to be a key success factor for the BMW Group globally.

Following the successful testing of its pilot fleet of BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicles, BMW will launch its first series-production hydrogen-powered model in 2028. This drivetrain technology is based on a third-generation fuel cell system developed in collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation which enables a more compact design, while delivering a more powerful and efficient system that increases range and performance while simultaneously reducing energy consumption.

Hydrogen is also recognized as a promising future energy carrier for global decarbonization. It acts as an effective storage medium for renewable energy sources, helping to balance supply and demand and enabling a more stable and reliable integration of renewables into the energy grid. BMW Group sees hydrogen as the missing piece for completing the electric mobility puzzle in locations where battery electric vehicles are not an optimal solution.

Live Podcast Recordings.

A series of three live podcast recordings will also be hosted throughout the day on September 22 during which BMW experts will discuss the engineering and design behind the BMW iX3, how BMW is putting decarbonization goals into practice, and the future of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) powered by Hydrogen.

• From Vision to Reality: Setting Impulses for the Circular Economy: BMW’s Neue Klasse is built on the three guiding principles of electric, digital, and circular. Nils Hesse, BMW Group Vice President of Product Sustainability and & Glenn Schmidt, Vice President of Sustainability Communications will discuss how the Neue Klasse is simultaneously setting the stage for the future success of the company and setting a new standard for the automotive industry.
• Powering Progress: What’s Next in Hydrogen Innovation: Dr. Michael Rath, BMW Group Vice President of Hydrogen Powered Vehicles will discuss Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) as a viable drivetrain alternative, including the advantages of FCEV technology, the challenges of fostering widespread adoption, and what it will take to make it happen.
• Successful Together: Resilient, Innovative and Future-Proof Supply Chains: Hendrik Lang, BMW Group Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Strategy and Sustainability, and Inga Grieger, BMW i Ventures Business Development Manager and Managing Director, will discuss the complexity and need of emission reduction in automotive supply chains and how innovative start-up solutions can contribute to making the BMW Group’s supply chain future-proof.

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BMW Group in Canada.

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 26 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact: 

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca

Barb Pitblado

Manager, Corpoate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5005 / barb.pitblado@bmwgroup.ca 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Here it is. The first of a new era. The future of the car.

I’ve been with the BMW Group for more than 34 years now. During this time, I’ve witnessed many world premieres, exciting new concepts and bold technological innovations. But, for me – and for all of us at the BMW Group – today’s premiere is truly a “once-in-a-lifetime moment”. When else do you get to re-imagine a brand like BMW from the ground up? The chance to create an entirely new generation of vehicles? The chance to break completely new ground?

This year’s ##IAA MOBILITY## brings us full circle. You’ll remember that,

right here in Munich, back in 2021, I promised we would lead BMW into a new era. With the NEUE KLASSE.

Today, just four years later, we deliver on that promise. Here's the proof. The NEUE KLASSE is much more than just one new car. It represents a completely new model generation. A massive leap that will shape the entire brand for years to come.

Why now? Why such a bold step? Because we know the time is right.

Ground-breaking innovations don’t come out of nowhere.
They start with individual technological advances.

With people who recognize the untapped potential. With a visionary team that transforms those individual parts into something totally new – something far greater than the sum of its parts.

That’s where we were at the start of the decade. We saw the chance

for a massive leap in development across all relevant technologies –

from battery technology to digital user experience to computing power. A unique opportunity to completely rethink the car. It was a time for pioneers. In other words: the perfect BMW moment.

We have poured our vast experience, our wealth of technical know-how and – above all – our heart and soul into developing the
NEUE KLASSE. It wasn’t easy. But, together, we made it happen.

This is what the ##BMW iX3## represents.

We have taken the world with us on our “road to NEUE KLASSE”. Five vision vehicles. Highlighting five key aspects of the
NEUE KLASSE.

At the beginning, we demonstrated how sustainability and circular economy could be realized in a premium product. BMW i Vision Dee blurred the lines between reality and the virtual world – and offered a first glimpse of our new BMW Panoramic iDrive. At the IAA Mobility in 2023, things got much more concrete. A typically sporty BMW sedan with the new design language of the NEUE KLASSE. This was soon followed by a look at the future of the Sports Activity Vehicles. As you can see: We were already close to the real thing at that point. Sheer Driving Pleasure – taken to a whole new level. The VDX demonstrated this. An impressive proof of the potential unlocked by integrating different technologies in the NEUE KLASSE. BMW driving dynamics at its finest.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our goal with the NEUE KLASSE was to create the best overall system for our customers. That’s why the iX3 and the upcoming vehicles of the NEUE KLASSE integrate everything we’ve showcased in recent years. When it comes to design, we have even skipped an entire generation. And there's no one better to explain how our customers will experience this with all their senses than Adrian van Hooydonk.

Speech Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design

Thank you, Oliver. Welcome ladies and gentlemen!

Yes, the big moment has finally come. We are launching the
BMW iX3, the very first car of the NEUE KLASSE. As Oliver mentioned, we have been working on this for the past 4 years and with the NEUE KLASSE we are taking very big steps in technology. These bigger steps in technology can only become meaningful hand in hand with big steps in design.

The BMW iX3 has a much bigger range helped by a very clean shape with excellent aerodynamics. In the interior you will find a new display concept that allowed us to clean-up the dashboards and completely redefine the driving experience.

But let‘s look at the exterior design first:

We have typical solid BMW SAV proportions with a lot of presence and emphasis on all four wheels. The surfaces are very clean with only a few precise lines. The front-end shows a new interpretation of the BMW typical face in which we replace chrome with light. Vertically oriented kidneys match the more upright overall appearance of our SAV.

This new light signature is part of the daytime running light and it will make the new iX3 very recognizable by day and by night. Overall, the car has a very solid stance and strong shoulders and, in the rear, again a new light signature that emphasizes the width of the car.

In the interior you will find that the driving experience is and will remain our focus, putting the driver at ease and in control! The key element to this is our all-new BMW Panoramic Vision which projects in the bottom of the windscreen and builds upon our years of experience with head up displays. This new display is visible for all passengers on board and will allow you to quickly check the information you want and need while keeping your hands on the wheel and your focus on the road ahead. Together with our new free cut central display and iconic steering wheel these elements are the corner stones of our new Panoramic iDrive system, a whole new driving experience that you will find in all our future BMW models from now on!

This new user experience already starts when you approach the car and continues as you get in and set the car up to your personal preferences. With My Modes you can do that very easily and select a perfectly curated driving experience – from screen content or colors to light and sound and even driving characteristics.

So, our new Operating System X focuses on the best driving experience but will also allow you a much higher level of personalization making your new BMW truly yours. Overall, the new digital aspects of our cars will make them more intelligent and easier to use. At the same time, this has allowed us to design much cleaner and warmer interiors, creating very personal living environments

on four wheels. The interior trim “Digital White” is spacious and modern.

But what about other options?

We curated various interior trims with a lot of attention to detail,

giving each trim a unique & distinctive character. These trims can be combined with a wide variety of exterior colors giving our customers plenty of choice in a few easy steps.

So, starting with the BMW iX3 we are introducing a new form language that will lead to a new look and feel for the entire
BMW brand. Our designs will be very clean and at the same time
very strong in character, but above all: more BMW then ever!

Thank you very much!

Speech Oliver Zipse,
Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG

Thank you, Adrian. From driving dynamics to drivetrain, from battery technology to the operating concept and digital user experience: Every one of these elements has been significantly enhanced for the NEUE KLASSE.

Looking at the performance data for the BMW iX3 gives you an idea

of what our customers can look forward to. The iX3 is all-electric. With more range and faster charging: that was our promise – and we have delivered. The iX3 offers a range of more than 800 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. Range anxiety? We’re making sure it’s a thing of the past. Also thanks to its ultra-fast charging capability: The peak charging power is up to 400 kilowatts. In other words: In just 10 minutes, the iX3 charges enough to drive more than 370 kilometers.

At BMW, we are known for our driver orientation. Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, with the right data just where you need it.

With BMW Panoramic iDrive, the windscreen itself even becomes

a projection surface – merging reality and the virtual world in perfect interplay. Here, we're once again setting a new standard – and not just in the iX3. We’re rolling out BMW Panoramic iDrive across our entire product range.

The iX3 also strikes perfect harmony between hardware and software. Four central computers deliver the necessary computing power, processing data up to 20 times faster than conventional systems: genuine super-brains. BMW drivers will appreciate one of these systems in particular – the Heart of Joy, which combines all functionalities for the drivetrain and driving dynamics: Over 100 years of expertise in driving dynamics, now enhanced by digital capabilities. You’ll feel the difference right away. Whether you’re pushing the limits or driving in everyday situations. This is
Sheer Driving Pleasure taken to a whole new level.

The experience also includes state-of-the-art automated assistance systems, tailored to our customers’ needs: dependable at all times, without compromising safety. Driver and vehicle become one.

We call this BMW Symbiotic Drive.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We know that without responsibility, there can be no real progress. That is why decarbonization and resource conservation are key 

in the development of the iX3 and the NEUE KLASSE. Throughout the entire life cycle. We also apply principles of design for circularity.

The vehicle standing here next to me is made up of one third secondary raw materials. We are focusing on becoming more efficient and consuming less energy and resources. Whether in the

supply chain, in production or on the road.

The iX3 is a perfect example of our strategy of reducing CO₂ wherever we have leverage. We are on a transparent and reliable path towards climate neutrality, in line with the Paris agreement - using all drivetrain technologies.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Greater electric range. Faster charging. A more immersive digital experience. The next level of Sheer Driving Pleasure. A greater focus

on sustainability. And all of this in an incredibly attractive package. The BMW iX3 is truly more BMW than ever. And this is just the beginning!

We are rolling out the design, innovation and the latest technologies across all our vehicles. All our models will benefit from the advances made in the NEUE KLASSE – regardless of the drivetrain.

We have made a conscious decision to start out in the high-volume segments – because the NEUE KLASSE was never designed

for a niche. We want all our customers to benefit from the innovations as quickly as possible.

The next vehicle is already waiting in the wings. The details are still hidden beneath the camouflage, but I’m sure you’ll recognize the classic proportions of a sporty sedan.

The new BMW i3. 

It will be released next year as the Series’ first all-electric version. And it will be the first model variant of the new 3 Series generation.

For the past 50 years and over seven model generations, no other vehicle has been as closely tied to the success of the BMW brand. The 3 Series embodies everything at the very core of BMW. Innovation. Digital user experience. Comfort. Sportiness. Together, these characteristics create an incomparable driving experience. Sheer driving pleasure at its finest.

After the launch of the i3, more variants will follow.

The iX3 and the i3 – a powerful symbol of the broad spectrum the NEUE KLASSE will cover. Production of the BMW iX3 will begin later this year at our new plant in Debrecen.

From 2026, every new BMW will be all-new. We will launch

40 different new and updated models. By 2027.That is the future.
A new era. That is BMW.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It takes an exceptional team to bring projects like the NEUE KLASSE and vehicles like this one to life. A team with the unconditional desire, willpower and ability to shape the future. We, the Board of Management, stand before you today representing our nearly 160,000 BMW Group employees worldwide.

On behalf of us all, I want to thank our incredible team for their dedication and commitment over the last few years to reach this milestone moment.

Together, we are leading BMW into a new era.

Thank you very much.

In the event of enquiries, please contact:

BMW Group Unternehmenskommunikation

Matthias Bode
Spokesperson BMW iX3
Telephone: +49-151-601-61742
E-Mail: Matthias.Bode@bmwgroup.com

Steven Wörns
Spokesperson BMW Group Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-16992
E-Mail: Steven.Woerns@bmw.com

Max-Morten Borgmann
Head of Communications BMW Group, Finance, Sales
Telephone: +49 151-601-24118
E-Mail: Max-Morten.Borgmann@bmwgroup.com

Munich. The BMW Group is now offering customers even broader scope for personalising analysis of their driving stats in the My BMW App and MINI App. The latest update allows drivers to view their personal carbon footprint for the first time.

“Our usage research shows: The information in My Trips is one of the most popular features in the app,” says Dirk Wiedmann, Senior Vice President Sales Steering and Strategy, Digitalization. “We are now expanding this successful function with carbon footprint calculation, giving our customers simple and straightforward access to sustainability-related information via a popular and widely used channel.”

Emissions from vehicle production and use: two sets of figures make up the driver’s personal footprint. 
The personal carbon footprint function has been designed with a technology-open approach and is available for vehicles with combustion engines, as well as plug-in hybrid and fully electric models. At launch, this feature will be rolled out across selected models in various European countries*. Calculation of the personal footprint is based on two central sets of figures.

• Emissions from vehicle use: My Trips analyses the routes the driver has completed and uses the energy consumed in the process to work out the CO₂ emitted. To this end, CO₂ equivalents are calculated using data from the International Energy Agency (IEA). For vehicles with combustion engines, the app calculates the amount of CO₂ emitted based on the fuel consumed. For battery-electric vehicles, it shows the emissions generated when using the average national energy mix – and also tells the driver how high emissions would be by comparison if green energy was used.
• Emissions from vehicle production: These are emissions generated during the manufacturing process. Emissions are recorded from the processing of raw materials, procurement of materials, transport logistics and the production of the model at hand. The BMW Group already sets out the emissions figures for numerous models in the form of Vehicle Footprint Reports. These are calculated according to recognised standards for life cycle assessments and certified by the TÜV Rheinland agency. They can also be downloaded from the BMW Group website.

Ready for electric mobility: My BMW App helps with the transition.

The My BMW App also includes the Electric Vehicle Analysis introduced last summer. This function allows customers whose BMW is powered by a combustion engine to simulate how well a fully electric BMW fits their personal driving profile. Here, the customer selects an electric BMW model as an alternative vehicle in the app. Once the combustion-engined model has made at least 200 journeys and covered a distance of 2,000 kilometres (over 1,240 miles), the analysis shows the journeys the user could have completed on a single charge with the electric vehicle selected, and also flags up charging stations close to frequently visited destinations. More than 100,000 customers had used this analysis by May 2025.

Over 14 million customers around the world use the My BMW App and MINI App. The My Trips function is available in more than 90 countries and is actively used by 1.9 million users.

* The new function is available to users of vehicles for which a TÜV-certified carbon footprint has been calculated. The feature will launch in Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Luxemburg and Switzerland, and be available in the BMW 1 Series (code 81GE), BMW 2 Series (31GH), BMW X2 (71GM, 21GM), BMW X3 (11GR, 31GP, 65GP), BMW 5 Series (31FK, 11JF, 71FJ), BMW 5 Series Touring (11HH, 11GW, 21GV), BMW M5 (81FK) and BMW iX (41CF) and MINI Cooper (11GC), MINI Cooper C (11GD), MINI Aceman (31GC) and MINI Countryman (41GA, 11GA).

In the event of enquiries please contact:                                                                   

Corporate Communications

Wieland Brúch
BMW Product Communications
Electromobility and Sustainability
Phone: +49-176-601-72652
E-mail: Wieland.Bruch@bmw.de  

Martin Tholund
Spokesperson BMW Digital Car, Electronics and Software, Technology Partnerships, Digital Products and Services
Phone: +49-151-601-77126
E-Mail: Martin.Tholund@bmwgroup.com  

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

E-mail: presse@bmw.de



The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2024, the BMW Group sold 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2024 was € 11.0 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.4 billion. As of 31 December 2024, the BMW Group had a workforce of 159,104 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products from the supply chain and production to the end of their useful life. 

www.bmwgroup.com

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Munich/Miramas. The development of the first Neue Klasse series production model is on the finishing straight: prototypes of the next-generation BMW iX3 are currently undergoing extensive testing in Miramas, southern France. The Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) will celebrate its world premiere at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich in September and roll off the production line at the new BMW Group plant in Debrecen (Hungary) starting at the end of the year. “Longer range, faster charging, an all-new display and operating concept, and the intelligence of four superbrains are the distinguishing features of the Neue Klasse. With the upcoming BMW iX3 – the first model of the new car generation – we are introducing fundamental technology upgrades with the clear aim of raising the typical BMW driving pleasure to a whole new level,” says Mike Reichelt, Head of Neue Klasse BMW. “With the all-new BMW iX3, we bring our revolutionary technologies into series production for the first time, and we can hardly wait to see it in action on the road. All future BMW models, regardless of powertrain type, will benefit from the innovations and technology clusters of the Neue Klasse."

The new technologies at a glance:

• The revolutionary display and operating concept BMW Panoramic iDrive provides perfect driver orientation and sets yet another new benchmark.
• Charge faster, drive further: the all-electric 6th generation powertrain (Gen6) sets standards in performance and efficiency. The new BMW iX3 50 xDrive has an estimated electric range of up to 643 km / 400 miles (EPA) and can be charged to provide a range of more than 350 km maximum (WLTP) in just 10 minutes*.
• The Heart of Joy control computer and the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack raise the dynamic potential of electric powertrains to a new level.

BMW Panoramic iDrive: “Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Road”.

The BMW Panoramic iDrive shows all relevant driving information in the driver’s ideal line of sight and maximizes ergonomic efficiency and safety. Four elements come together to make a unique user experience:

• BMW Panoramic Vision: information is projected onto a black printed surface in the windscreen from A-pillar to A-pillar.
• 3D Head-Up Display: the optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display projects information for navigation and automated driving into the driver’s direct field of vision above the BMW Panoramic Vision Display.
• Central Display with matrix backlight technology: the free-cut-design display is in an ergonomically ideal position near the steering wheel.
• Shy-tech multifunction steering wheel: buttons are illuminated when functions are available; relief-like structure and active haptic feedback enable intuitive operation without the driver having to take his or her eyes off the road.

The BMW Panoramic iDrive runs under the BMW Operating System X, also a new development. It offers extensive customizability, intelligent support for the driver and extensive software updates. BMW’s motto “Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Road” is redefined with a well-balanced mix of physical controls and digital functions. BMW Panoramic iDrive will ensure user-friendly and intuitive operation in every vehicle segment and with every powertrain concept.

Next generation of electric powertrains. The high-voltage battery concept for the 6th generation of BMW eDrive technology (Gen6) is fundamentally new, and together with the revised electric drive system portfolio, offers an optimum solution for all vehicle segments. The Gen6 system will be making its debut in the BMW iX3 and will then be rolled out across all vehicle segments.
The centerpiece of the high-voltage battery – the BMW cylindrical battery cell – has an energy density of 20 per cent greater that the prismatic cells previously used. The cells are integrated directly into the high-voltage battery, which plays an important role in the body structure of Neue Klasse models.

Charge faster, drive further.
The Gen6 introduces a major leap forward for our customers and the BMW iX3 is the first to benefit. With 400kW maximum charging, our customers can add over 350 km* maximum (WLTP) to their vehicle’s range in just 10 minutes. Gen6 technology allows users to monitor the charging performance and curve live via the My BMW App. 800V technology is paving the way for rapid charging. Charging at 400V DC charging stations will, of course, still be possible.
The high energy content of the high-voltage battery, together with the efficient design of the powertrain and the overall vehicle, enables an estimated range of up to 643 km (EPA). 

Further charging-related innovations.
Making the charging process even more user friendly is the intelligent charging flap, which detects when the driver is intending to stop to charge the car and opens (and then closes) automatically. One of the triggers for opening the flap is AI-assisted: if the customer approaches a familiar or learned charging point, the progress towards it reveals an intention to charge and the flap opens.

The SoP of the new BMW iX3 will also introduce extensive bidirectional charging functions – to-Load, to-Home and to-Grid:
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) turns the vehicle into a powerful mobile powerbank (up to 3.7 kW in Europe) and supplies energy for one or several consumers, wherever customers need it. Bidirectional charging capability turns the BMW iX3 into an at-home energy storage unit. Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) helps customers to reduce costs. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) sets new standards for the integration of the vehicle into the energy market. Both functions contribute to lowering emissions and increasing the use of regenerative energy sources. In this way, the BMW Group demonstrates that it is part of the solution as we work towards energy transformation.

Providing the key to bidirectional charging alongside the technology involved, the new BMW Wallbox (DC) offers 19.2kW charging and discharging depending on the market. The BMW charging equipment has been redesigned and is now easier to use, and now also includes selected adapters e.g. for vehicle-to-load (V2L) use cases.

The BMW driving experience with the Heart of Joy. The level in sheer driving pleasure.
The "superbrain" Heart of Joy in the Neue Klasse raises driving dynamics to a new level. Together with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack, the Heart of Joy is pivotal to powertrain, brakes, recuperation and sub-functions of the steering system. It processes information ten times faster* than previous systems and therefore responds more directly than ever to the driver’s command.

Fewer control inputs are required, directional stability is more precise and stable. As a result, the vehicle develops consistent and reproducible cornering characteristics and can be steered intuitively.

Powertrain and braking functions also work together harmoniously to decelerate the vehicle. Recuperation can be used across the whole speed range down to a standstill. Indeed, in 98 percent of cases, the vehicle can be brought to a standstill without applying the friction brakes – without noise or jolts.

The Heart of Joy and BMW Dynamic Performance Control raise the BMW driving experience to a new level – from standstill to dynamic limits.

Further development of driver assistance systems using the intelligent high-performance computer “Superbrain of Automated Driving”
BMW Group’s latest driver assistance systems are among the world’s best. The new BMW iX3 ushers in the rollout of the next technology generation. This is in keeping with BMW’s ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) philosophy: “Always smart, symbiotic, and safe”.

The BMW Group merges the proven, rule-based assistance system with a new system based on AI. In an optimum symbiosis, this combination supports the driver even more precisely and reliably in challenging situations on the road. The Superbrain of Automated Driving pools all customer functions for automated driving and has a 20 times faster processing speed than the previous system. The new automated driving and parking functions are based on cutting-edge sensor, software, processor, and mobile communications technology.

The basic model of the BMW iX3 offers functions like lane change warning, road priority warning, safe exit, and assisted view. Safe exit uses side-mounted radars to monitor traffic next to the car while stopping and warns the driver of approaching objects. The new Assisted View shows the latest driving situation precisely and in detail alternatively in the Central Display, the Panoramic Vision, or 3D Head-Up Display. The motorway assistant with automatic lane change will be available with extended features in the BMW iX3. Upon request, it can assist drivers from when they join a motorway to when they leave it and allow drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel for long periods. This assistant remains active even during automated motorway changes along an active navigation route. The new Motorway & City Assistant helps the driver in complex driving situations in urban areas, e.g. through tight corners or roundabouts. It brakes automatically at red traffic lights and moves off again or sounds an audible signal when lights turn green.

Symbiotic driver assistance, as it is known, enables perfect interaction between tech and driver regarding both comfort and safety functions, and creates a seamless transition between cooperative steering and – a world first – cooperative braking.

When the function is active, the driver can influence the system at any time without causing the assistant to be switched off by turning the steering wheel or applying brakes just a little in order to adjust the responses of the system.

The parking functions can be activated intuitively and offer an AI-based selection of parking assistance services, parking space recognition, maneuver planning, and an improved parking experience. Extended monitoring functions help the driver to avoid damage to the vehicle while parking the car.

Neue Klasse innovations are AI-based, smart and update-compatible. Thanks to the all-new electronics and software architecture with four superbrains (high-performance computers), the new BMW iX3 is now noticeably more intelligent in everyday situations – e.g. with the advanced driver assistance systems and improved voice assistant BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Due to the powerful BMW Cloud, the new electronics and software architecture of the new vehicle generation is ready for numerous smart features, which customers can benefit from via over-the-air updates after the market launch.

A large number of the patent applications filed by BMW in recent years have come about as part of the development of technologies for the Neue Klasse – e.g. in the projection technology for the BMW Panoramic Vision, in the innovative control functions of the Heart of Joy, in the battery management and cell contacting system of the high-voltage battery, in the new electric motor, and in the new, zonal vehicle electrical system. 

* As this is a development-phase prototype, the figures given are provisional. Energy consumption information according to WLTP is not yet available.
If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Matthias Schepke,
Corporate Communications and Governmental Affairs
Press Spokesperson Neue Klasse
Mobile: +49-151-601-90450
Email: matthias.schepke@bmw.de


Matthias Bode,
Press Spokesperson BMW Compact Class and BMW iX3
Mobile: +49-151-601-61742
Email: matthias.bode@bmwgroup.com


Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en
Email: presse@bmw.de


The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2024, the BMW Group sold 2.45 million passenger cars and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. Profit before tax in the financial year 2024 was €11.0 billion, and revenue €142.4 billion. As at 31 December 2024, the BMW Group had a workforce of 159,104 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of BMW Group’s corporate strategy covering supply chains and production of all products until they reach the end of their use phases. 


www.bmwgroup.com
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Munich. Summer 2025 is set to bring innovations in electric drive technology and digitalisation as well as new standard and optional equipment features that will make the current BMW model range even more attractive. New power electronics in the all-electric BMW i4 result in even greater efficiency and increased range. The most powerful BMW i4 will also debut at the same time. Numerous BMW models will come as standard with Comfort Access and the BMW Digital Key, which has now become even easier to set up.

From summer 2025, the BMW X1 and BMW X2 will be available with new exterior and interior options. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant now offers an alternative voice.

BMW i4: reduced consumption, new range-topper with extra power.

From July 2025, the BMW i4 eDrive35 as well as the BMW i4 eDrive40 will come with silicon carbide semiconductor components in the power electronics (SiC inverter), which reduce consumption by around 4.5 per cent while adding up to 22 kilometres of range (depending on the model and equipment installed as part of an individual vehicle configuration).

From July 2025, the new range topper for the all-electric BMW i4 comes in the shape of the BMW i4 M60 xDrive. Compared to the predecessor, it provides an additional 42 kW/57 hp of power, for a system output of 442 kW/601 hp. The new BMW i4 M60 xDrive takes 3.7 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. 

BMW Digital Key: smartphone used as key enables many additional functions.

The BMW Digital Key will soon become the tool of choice to unlock and lock many BMW models, courtesy of a simplified set-up process. The BMW iX was the first to be updated in March 2025, and many model series will follow from July 2025: the BMW X1, BMW X2, BMW 5 Series Sedan, BMW M5, BMW M5 Touring and BMW 7 Series. The BMW X5, BMW X5 M, BMW X6, BMW X6 M, BMW X7 and BMW XM models will follow from August 2025. The BMW X3 will come with the new set-up process in the US from August 2025 and in South Africa from September 2025.

The feature will then include a physical key, a Setup Card and a Service Card. The new Setup Card makes it easier than ever to set up the BMW Digital Key on smartphones from all major manufacturers by simply holding the card to the mobile phone or scanning the QR code on the back. The next step takes the user straight into the My BMW app. After authorisation via the Setup Card, the BMW ID is linked to the vehicle and the BMW Digital Key is then activated. After activation, the customer can easily share the Digital Key with other people by sending them a text message. Activation is possible on up to 18 devices. Owners can define various roles and permissions for each vehicle user. A particularly useful function ideal for novice drivers is limiting acceleration and top speed, for example. If a physical key does need to be handed over, for example in the workshop or in the event of a breakdown, the new Service Card can be used. This should always be carried deactivated so it can be activated as a fully-fledged key when needed, via a click on the central display.

For all eventualities: tyre repair kit and tyre repair kit Plus.

From summer 2025, the tyre repair kit will come as standard for various BMW models. These include the BMW 2 Series Coupé, BMW 3 Series Sedan, BMW 3 Series Touring, BMW 4 Series Coupé and the BMW 4 Series Convertible. The optional tyre repair kit Plus is available for the BMW X3.

Individual paintwork finishes at a glance, in the BMW Configurator.

Customers appreciate the BMW Individual paintwork colours as a way to add a personal touch to their new BMW. Special paintwork finishes which previously required looking up in the BMW Individual Visualiser can be selected within the BMW Configurator. With just a few exceptions, this applies to all BMW models.

BMW BEV models: free extended warranty for high-voltage batteries.

Since 1 April 2025, BMW has offered a global complimentary extended warranty for the high-voltage batteries in all-electric BMW models. The new warranty applies up to a vehicle age of eight years or a maximum mileage of 160,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Should a high-voltage battery’s capacity drop below 70 per cent during the warranty period, BMW will remedy this loss of capacity at no extra cost to the customer. This applies to all new and used all-electric BMW models from 1 April 2025.

New colours for BMW X1 and BMW X2.

Summer 2025 will bring new exterior and interior options for the BMW X1 and BMW X2. New paintwork colours include Vegas Red metallic, Night Dusk Blue and Dune Grey metallic for the BMW X2. All three colours are also available for the BMW X1, along with BMW Individual Frozen Portimao Blue metallic. Veganza perforated upholstery in the colours Castanea, Smoke White and Atlas Grey/Smoke White is newly available for customising the interior of the BMW X2. The Castanea and Smoke White colourways are available for the BMW X1. The Econeer Bicolour Blue upholstery can be ordered from summer 2025 in combination with front sport seats only. Another new option is the Brushed Aluminium Shadow interior trim.

More comprehensive equipment for BMW 7 Series, BMW X3 and BMW iX.

The BMW 7 Series and BMW i7 now feature laminated safety glass with contrast print as standard. From summer 2025, comfort glazing, sun protection glazing and the Heat Comfort package will also be available as individual options for the first time, enabling even more specific customisation.

A new equipment option for the BMW X3 is the attractive M door sill trim. It can be ordered for the M Sport package, M Sport package Pro and the BMW X3 M50 xDrive.

BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic is a new paintwork finish with a particularly distinctive character, available as an option for the BMW iX from summer 2025.

Ultimate Package for BMW X5 M Competition and BMW X6 M Competition.

The BMW X5 M Competition and the BMW X6 M Competition now benefit from the optional Ultimate Package. In addition to the M Carbon engine cover, this also includes M Carbon mirror caps, the Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof, active seat ventilation as well as the massage function at the front and the Comfort Package. The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System ensures exceptional sound quality. The M Driver’s Package included as part of the package increases top speed to 290 km/h. In the BMW X6 M Competition, this is complemented by an exclusive M Carbon rear spoiler.

Comprehensively upgraded BMW iDrive.

Among the numerous innovations in the area of digital services is the upgraded BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant in BMW Operating System 9.  

In the BMW X3, customers in many countries* can now link their own Amazon Alexa account to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. This enables them to use intuitive voice control to enjoy music via the “Hey BMW” command – courtesy of Alexa running in the background, just like at home. In addition, a second voice is now available for the assistant.** Further improvements in language understanding and faster processing speeds contribute to a more harmonious overall experience.

From summer 2025, BMW Digital Premium with BMW Operating System 9 will, subject to country-specific availability, enable customers to use the Zoom app on their Curved Display for videoconferencing when the vehicle is stationary. To avoid distractions, the app automatically deactivates the video while driving.

* US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy.

** In the US, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, Iceland, Malta, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein.

Parking Assistant Plus upgrade.

From July 2025, the functions of the Parking Assistant Plus will be enhanced for many BMW models. It will now also use marker lines around parking spots to help identify available spaces and ensure parking precision. Previously, this feature was only available as part of the Parking Assistant Professional.

BMW Maps user interface upgrades in BMW Operating System 8.5.

BMW Maps offers intuitive destination entry and intelligent route guidance and will come with further user interface improvements from summer 2025. For faster access to frequently used functions, the home screen of the control display will feature direct touch buttons for “Home” and “Work” in the BMW Maps QuickSelect Widget, for example.

* Consumption and emissions data:
The figures for fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, energy consumption and range are for vehicles as offered on the German market. All data are based on the new WLTP test cycle. Energy consumption and emissions data refer to the German Passenger Car Energy Labelling Regulation (EnVKV).

** All new models due to enter production in July 2025.

In case of queries, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Cypselus von Frankenberg, Product Communication BMW Automobiles

Telephone: +49-89-382-30641

E-mail: Cypselus.von-Frankenberg@bmw.de

Alexandra Landers, Head of Product and Brand Communication BMW

Telephone: +49-89-382-30871

E-mail: Alexandra.Landers@bmw.de

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

E-mail: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries. 

In 2024, the BMW Group sold over 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2024 was € 11.0 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.4 billion. As of 31 December 2024, the BMW Group had a workforce of 159,104 employees. 

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products from the supply chain and production to the end of their useful life.  

www.bmwgroup.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

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Debrecen. The future BMW Group plant in the Hungarian city of Debrecen is on the finish straight as the ramp-up of the assembly line sees the heart of the plant come to life. This is the beating heart of all the technologies in the plant, and also where the most employees work. The assembly launch thus marks the reaching of another milestone.

“Our highly efficient and ergonomic assembly line immediately started running without any issues,” said Hans-Peter Kemser, Managing Director BMW Group Plant Debrecen. “We achieved this thanks to virtual planning and tests, as well as the outstanding collaboration between our new, highly motivated employees in Debrecen and our experts within the BMW Group’s global production network.”

In assembly, the individual components and systems are installed in the painted body – at the end of the process, a car ready to drive rolls off the production line. The innovative vehicle architecture of the Neue Klasse opens totally new possibilities with regard to assembly: greater efficiency thanks to modularisation, fewer different connecting elements, and a simplified installation of the wiring harness. An innovative cockpit assembly also accelerates the process.

The BMW Group Plant Debrecen is already producing test vehicles for the first model of the Neue Klasse: the new BMW iX3.* Thus, the new plant is gradually ramping up for series production.

Neue Klasse allows simple, fast assembly process

A number of features of the Neue Klasse are new territory for everyone. Unlike in previous models, the cable harness is divided into multiple parts, making it easier and more ergonomic to install. The zonal wiring harness architecture requires 600 fewer metres of wiring and weighs 30 percent less than the previous generation.

On the other hand, some components are modularised when one module is formed from many small individual parts. The variation of connecting elements has also been radically reduced for the Neue Klasse. This in turn reduces the number of different plugs, screws and clips. All of this makes assembly significantly more simple. 

Furthermore, with the Neue Klasse, a wide range of quality checks can be performed digitally whilst still on the production line. This procedure will also be implemented at other sites after its initial use in Debrecen. The next point of use will be the home plant in Munich, which will produce the sedan model of the Neue Klasse as of 2026.

The innovative cockpit assembly accelerates processes at Plant Debrecen. It is one of the most compact in the BMW Group’s production network, yet still allows full flexibility and variety. As at Plant Lydia in China, cockpit pre-assembly is located right next to the main line. Once the cockpit has been pre-assembled, it is then installed directly in the vehicle just a few metres ahead.

Assembly in Debrecen adopts innovations from existing plants

When planning the new production site in Hungary, the BMW Group used a completely virtual design process. In line with the principles of the BMW iFACTORY, the tried-and-tested standards and high-tech solutions from existing plants were referred to many times. For example, many ideas and proven structures from Plant Lydia in China and Plant Leipzig can be found in the assembly in Debrecen.

Further development of the finger structure from Leipzig

These structures include the so-called finger structure, or comb structure, which the BMW Group developed specifically for Plant Leipzig, which opened in 2005. This structure allows supply parts and preassembled modules to be transported directly to the assembly lines. A record proportion of parts, up to 80%, can be delivered directly in Debrecen, as the fingers will enjoy logistics supply from both sides for the first time. This is the highest ratio in the BMW Group’s production network. The finger structure allows subsequent extension and the integration of further assembly steps – flexibility is a characteristic of production at the BMW Group.

Production processes, as at Plant Lydia in China

Plant Lydia in China was also an inspiration for many structures and processes in the assembly. The plant opened in 2022 and was the first BMW Group site to be completely planned and simulated in the virtual world from the outset. The shop floor for the assembly line and complete conveyor system in Debrecen are set up identically. Therefore, the technology was available quickly and had already been tried and tested, simplifying the commissioning of a completely new production line.

Series production of the new BMW iX3 set to start at the BMW Group Plant Debrecen in late 2025. The Hungarian plant has been designed specifically for the production of all-electric vehicles. As with the start of any new model or new plant, production capacities are increased gradually after start of production. The plant in Debrecen will be the first automobile plant in the BMW Group to operate entirely without the use of fossil fuels during normal operation.

*Since this is a pre-production model, consumption data for the new BMW iX3 is not available at this time.

On location photos and footage International Media Launch in Barcelona.

Richmond Hill, ON.  The BMW i4 has once again proven its excellence in the electric vehicle market by being awarded the prestigious title of 2025 Canadian Electric Car of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). This achievement marks the second time the BMW i4 has received this esteemed accolade, having previously won the Canadian Car of the Year award in 2023.

The win was announced on February 13 at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto, Canada’s largest automotive event showcasing the latest innovations and products in the automotive industry. This recognition underscores BMW’s commitment to innovation, performance, and sustainability, solidifying its position as a leader in the electric vehicle segment.

As the top automotive prize in Canada, this recognition highlights the i4's impressive range, superior dynamic driving experience and cutting-edge technology, making it a standout choice for Canadian drivers.

"We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the automobile journalists in Canada for consistently recognizing the merits of the BMW i4,” said Andrew Scott, President and CEO of BMW Group Canada. “We would also like to thank our staff, retailer network and partners for their unwavering commitment in effectively communicating the exceptional qualities of the BMW i4 to automotive journalists, our customers and the wider Canadian public alike. Their efforts have been instrumental in showcasing the i4 as the premier choice on the electric vehicle market."

The BMW i4 combines the thrill of driving with eco-friendly performance, featuring a powerful electric drivetrain that delivers exhilarating acceleration and a smooth, responsive ride. Its sleek design, luxurious interior and advanced connectivity options further enhance the driving experience, making it one of the most well-respected and awarded electric vehicles.

“The BMW i4’s 2025 Canadian Electric Car of the Year win shows that EVs can be as fun to drive as gas models,” said Evan Williams, President of AJAC. “AJAC's expert jury ranked this high-performance EV the highest for its electric powertrain which delivers both power and range, its impressive regenerative braking system, and its interior quality. Congratulations to the BMW i4, a multi-time winner of AJAC’s top awards.”

The BMW i4, newly revised for the 2025 model-year, offers four distinct variants in Canada in both rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive formats, with up to 512 km of range and up to 536 horsepower.

BMW is proud to continue leading the charge in electric mobility and are honoured to receive this recognition from AJAC. The i4 exemplifies BMW’s commitment to delivering premium electric vehicles that meet the evolving needs of Canadians while contributing to a sustainable future.

For more information about the BMW i4 and our electric vehicle lineup, please visit BMW Canada.

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 26 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

Richmond Hill, ON.  Already innovators in the premium midsize class in terms of aesthetic appeal, driving pleasure, electrification, and digitalization, the new BMW i4 is building further on its unique status in the marketplace with updates in all these areas.

New exterior paint finishes and light-alloy wheels, new designs for the headlights, and rear lights available with laser-lit accents accentuate the bold visual impact of both models.

Inside, the BMW Curved Display provides the stage for the latest evolution of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, based on BMW Operating System 8.5. The display and control/operation system can be specified with an Augmented View display for the BMW Maps navigation system. And new steering wheel designs, interior trim elements, and upholsteries bring modern touches to the premium ambience of the interior.

The new BMW i4 will be built at BMW’s home plant in Munich, whose transformation into a production facility geared exclusively to all-electric models is being fueled by substantial investment. In Canada, the Gran Coupe bodystyle for the 4 Series continues to be exclusive to the i4. The worldwide market launch of the new BMW i4 will get underway in July 2024.

New design for the BMW kidney grille, headlights, and rear lights.

Slim headlights and a vertically arranged BMW kidney grille dropping deeply towards the road define the front-end styling of the BMW i4. A refreshed design brings additional visual impact to these signature brand features. The surround of the BMW kidney grille is now finished in matte chrome, both as standard and in conjunction with the optional M Sport package. Due to the lower cooling requirement of the electric drive system, the BMW kidney grille of the new BMW i4 has a fully enclosed upper section, below which is a high-gloss black surface topped by a matte-silver honeycomb pattern.

As well as a front apron with large side air intakes, the M Sport package for the BMW i4 includes a diffuser element in the lower section of the rear bumper, now finished in high-gloss black. If the optional Black Exterior Contents is specified, the BMW kidney grille surround also comes in high-gloss black.

The slim headlights have been visually and functionally upgraded. Low and high beam are generated from a single LED module, and pair of vertical and subtly arrow-shaped LED units house the side marker lights, daytime running lights, and turn signal functions. The new headlights generate a Welcome Light animation once the driver approaches the vehicle.

Adaptive LED Headlights are optional on all other variants as part of the M Sport Pro Package. Vehicles equipped as such are also fitted with new LED Taillights with Laser Technology. This innovative lighting effect employs a technology first seen on the BMW M4 CSL, a high-performance special edition model. Here, laser diodes illuminate a fibre optic bundle, giving the rear units an intricate light graphic.

New exterior paint finishes and aerodynamic wheels.

The selection of exterior paint finishes for the BMW i4 now includes Cape York Green Metallic and Vegas Red Metallic. A wide variety of BMW Individual paint finishes are also available.

The range of optional alloy wheel designs also features an attractive new addition. A new 19-inch Aero Wheel, style 996M, in Jet Black with a burnished finish can be ordered on cars specified with the optional M Sport Package.

New interior accents enhance a progressive sporting appeal.

The changes to the interior of the new BMW i4 are focused on digitalization and achieving a sharper sporting profile. The upgraded BMW iDrive with QuickSelect further reduces in the number of buttons and controls in the cockpit. The functions of the automatic climate control system, seat ventilation, and seat and steering wheel heating, where equipped, can now be operated by touch via the BMW Curved Display or by voice command through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. New adjustment controls for the air vents allow the airflow direction to be adjusted using rotating and tilting movements.

The new BMW i4 is fitted as standard with sport seats in Perforated Sensatec. Vernasca Leather with Contrast Stitching is available in five colours including the new bi-colour Black with Coral Red Highlight. Also new to the i4 are optional Merino and Full Merino interiors in Black, Tartufo Brown and Ivory White.

2025 BMW i4 comes standard with a two-spoke steering wheel with polygonal rim and illuminated multifunction buttons. Adding the M Sport Package now brings an M Leather Steering Wheel in a three-spoke design with a flat-bottomed rim and a black centre stripe marking the 12 o’clock position. The three-spoke M Leather Steering Wheel standard on the i4 M50 xDrive additionally features M tricolour stitching and a red, 12 o’clock marker.

High-quality materials and new interior trim.

New interior trims include Brushed Aluminum, Fineline Light Open-Pored Wood Trim and Ash Grey Blue Open-Pored Wood Trim.

The optional Sensatec upholstery covering the dashboard now has a smoother, more refined surface that extends to the upper portion of all four door panels. And customers can now specfiy the gear selector, BMW iDrive Controller, and Start/Stop button on the centre console in glass.

Unique design elements for the M Performance model.

The BMW i4 M50 xDrive underlines its sporty character with M-specific design features. It now features a BMW kidney grille with a high-gloss black surround and horizontally arranged bars adorned by a BMW M logo. And the front apron elements previously finished in Cerium Grey now come in high-gloss black.

The M Carbon Exterior Package available as an option includes side air intake trim at the front end, M specific exterior mirror caps, finishers on the sides of the rear diffuser, and a subtle rear spoiler all made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

Display and control/operation system, connectivity.

The latest generation of the BMW iDrive display and control/operation system with QuickSelect based on BMW Operating System 8.5 opens up a new way of intuitively controlling vehicle functions and accessing digital services in the BMW i4. With the digital BMW Curved Display screen grouping and the expanded capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the driver-centric cockpit has been optimized for touch control and natural language.

The climate control functions are also operated digitally in the new BMW i4, enabling a further reduction in the number of physical buttons and controls. The control/operation system additionally comprises multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, the BMW iDrive Controller and, as an option, the BMW Head-Up Display.

BMW iDrive with QuickSelect: simplified and even more intuitive.

The system’s QuickSelect feature paves the way for an improved menu structure that takes cues from consumer electronics devices. It allows the driver to navigate to functions directly from the newly arranged home screen without having to enter submenus. The new, flat menu structure makes it much easier to switch between different functions and helps the driver to focus their attention on what’s happening on the road.

The new home screen continuously displays the navigation system’s map view. On the same level, there is a vertical bar on the driver’s side of the display containing widgets that can be individually selected and arranged. The BMW i4 also includes a widget for the charging functions. Some of the widgets can also be swiped horizontally to show additional content. The related functions can then be called up directly with QuickSelect. And once the relevant settings have been chosen, a quick tap on the home icon at the lower edge of the control display is all it takes to return to the home screen. Icons for direct access to the climate control menu, Apps menu, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ can also now be found next to the home icon.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with additional languages and new graphics.

Voice control using the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is set to become even more interactive and intuitive in the new BMW i4. There is now a choice of two different looks for the graphics visualising the digital companion on the control display, with additional graphics also appearing here in response to selected voice commands. For instance, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant acknowledges the request to look for a filling station nearby by showing the image of a fuel pump, enriching the dialogue between driver and vehicle.

BMW Maps navigation system with new charging-optimised route guidance and Augmented View.

The cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system forms part of the standard BMW Connected Package Professional. Underpinned by BMW Operating System 8.5, the system now makes it even easier to input destinations and can offer additional information while driving. Further enhancements include better usability of filters, a flatter menu structure with touch buttons shown directly on the map view and proactive route recommendations.

The latest version of BMW Maps also gives BMW i4 drivers access – both from the vehicle and via the My BMW App – to improved functions that enable charging-optimized route planning over long journeys. The charging stops are planned so that the selected destination is reached as quickly as possible. The driver’s preferred minimum charge level when arriving at mid-journey stops and the final destination can be adjusted in increments of five percent and incorporated into the route planning. The system can also give preference to charging stations operated by selected providers and exclude others from the route planning at the driver’s request. The system will then propose the latter only if there seems to be no alternative for an efficient route without any large detours.

Additional information is provided for the selected charging stations, such as supported connector types and payment options, as well as the availability of sanitary, catering or shopping facilities in the vicinity. The expected duration of the planned charging stop and the resulting electricity costs can also be shown in advance. The closer the vehicle gets to a scheduled mid-journey stop, the more frequently the availability of the charging point is checked so that an alternative route can be recommended in good time if necessary. Regardless of the charging-optimized route given, a constant stream of alternative charging options are also displayed, e.g. for spontaneous mid-journey breaks.

Specifying the optional BMW Digital Cockpit Professional adds not only the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display, but also the Augmented View function. This offers contextual, real-time information to complement the navigation system’s map display by showing a live video stream of the driver’s view on the control display or instrument cluster and augmenting it with information that is currently relevant. At confusing junctions, for instance, an animated directional arrow is integrated into the video image to help the driver take the best turn-off for the planned route.

Personalization and remote access with BMW ID and My BMW App.

BMW Operating System 8.5 also makes it even easier to personalise the user experience in the BMW i4. Signing in to the vehicle by scanning a QR code with a smartphone is all it takes to import the customer’s personal profile, load synchronizable settings and automatically link the key detected in the vehicle with the BMW ID.

The vehicle is also automatically added to the My BMW App. Available free of charge from the app stores for both iOS and Android, the My BMW App acts as a universal digital interface that provides information on the vehicle’s condition, charging status or remaining range at any time. Depending on the car’s specification, it also gives the user access to various remote functions. For example, the vehicle can be located remotely via the My BMW App and the doors locked and unlocked. The Remote 3D View functions included with the optional Parking Assistant Plus give drivers the ability to call up a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle’s immediate vicinity on their smartphone.

Besides this, the My BMW App can also be used to send destination addresses from the user’s smartphone to the vehicle’s navigation system for route planning and to initiate, purchase or extend ConnectedDrive Upgrades. It is also possible to control the charging process and pre-conditioning for the BMW i4 from the My BMW App. The My Trips feature including Efficiency Coach provides a monthly review to the user with data and evaluations for distances travelled, consumption and average speed, as well as offering helpful tips for driving more efficiently.

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 24 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

Munich. More dynamic than ever, brimming with digital innovations, with a spacious interior exuding a premium feel and – in the shape of the BMW i5, with a fully electric drivetrain for the first time, the new BMW 5 Series reinforces its claim to leadership in the premium executive class. For the members of the World Car Awards expert jury, it was the standout new arrival among the field of luxury vehicles which celebrated their debuts in the world’s car markets over the past 12 months. The international panel of experts therefore handed the BMW 5 Series the crown of World Luxury Car 2024. The results were announced today at the start of the New York International Auto Show 2024 as part of a ceremony broadcast worldwide via streaming services.

The success of the BMW 5 Series was underpinned by assessments carried out during extensive test drives by the around 100 car journalists from 30 countries that made up the jury. These ratings were then recorded in detail by the World Car Awards organisers. The BMW 5 Series fended off competition from a field of 13 new luxury vehicles, winning over the jury not only with the majestic power delivery from its portfolio of electrified combustion engines as well as the electric drive system, but also with its high comfort levels over long-distance journeys and numerous digital innovations. “We are very pleased to receive this prestigious award. The verdict of the international jury shows that our strong-character products with their typical BMW qualities convince and inspire demanding target groups all over the world,” said Bernd Körber, Senior Vice President BMW Brand and Product Management, Connected Company.

BMW 5 Series: Consistent electrification and digital innovations.

The BMW 5 Series displays its progressive character with its powertrain technology, its innovative digital services as well as an elegantly sporty design, generous levels of cabin space, optimised acoustic comfort and a progressive premium ambience for the interior. Advanced assistance systems like the motorway assistant and active Lane Change Assistant with eye confirmation emphasise the long-distance qualities of the BMW 5 Series. With the display and control/operation system BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, the BMW Curved Display and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with extended functionality all on board, the i5 is comprehensively set up for user-vehicle interaction via touch control and natural speech. When the car is stationary, BMW 5 Series occupants can explore the extensive video streaming offering on the control display and enjoy a new form of in-car gaming – e.g. to make use of the time when the high-voltage battery is charging.

As a fully integrated member of the new BMW 5 Series model range, the BMW i5 offers locally emission-free driving pleasure. The driving dynamics and efficiency of the BMW i5 have their roots in fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. This comprises highly integrated drive units and high-voltage batteries with extremely high energy density. In addition, the latest evolution of adaptive recuperation and an intelligent combination of heat pump technology for heating and cooling the interior, drive system and high-voltage battery help the car to achieve a range of up to 582 kilometres (362 miles) in the WLTP cycle, depending on the model and specification. The Combined Charging Unit of the BMW i5 enables AC charging at a rate of up to 22 kW and DC charging at up to 205 kW. This means the car’s range can be boosted by up to 156 kilometres (97 miles) within just 10 minutes when plugged into a fast-charging station.

The entire combustion engine portfolio has also been electrified. A flexibly designed drive architecture that was open to different technologies from the outset enables the new BMW 5 Series Sedan to be offered for the first time as an all-electric model, with plug-in hybrid systems and with highly efficient petrol and diesel engines. The combustion engines from the new modular generation of BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engines all feature the latest version of 48-volt mild hybrid technology.

BMW wins title number nine in the World Car Awards.

The World Car Awards were created 20 years ago to stand alongside national and regional distinctions as an acknowledgement of outstanding innovations and new products in car markets worldwide. This year, the awards were presented in a total of five categories in addition to the overall prize.

Over the years, BMW has collected eight wins in the World Car Awards. One of the victors was the BMW 7 Series, which was crowned World Luxury Car in 2016 already. In 2018, the title of World Performance Car was presented to the BMW M5. This ninth title win for the Bavarian premium carmaker is the latest in a long line of distinctions amassed by the new BMW 5 Series over the past few months. For instance, the all-electric version alone adds to the trophy collection with a total of three „Car of the Year“ awards from Norway, Denmark and Italy.

In the event of enquiries please contact:

Corporate Communications

Cypselus von Frankenberg, Product Communication BMW Automobiles

Telephone: +49-89-382-30641

E-mail: Cypselus.von-Frankenberg@bmw.de

Alexandra Landers, Head of Product and Brand Communication BMW

Telephone: +49-89-382-30871

E-mail: Alexandra.Landers@bmw.de

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

E-mail: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

X: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Richmond Hill, ON.  The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced BMW’s 5th-Generation Electric Drive System as the winner of their 2024 AJAC Best Green Innovation Award. The AJAC Innovation Awards are awarded annually to the best automotive innovations in three categories: Best Green Innovation, Best Safety Innovation and Best Technical Innovation. This win comes on the heels of the BMW i4 winning AJAC’s 2023 Car of the Year – the first fully electric model to earn the title.

BMW’s 5th-Generation Electric Drive System uses current-excited synchronous motors, which are noted for their absence of rare earth metals. A current-excited synchronous motor comprises a rotating rotor and a fixed stator. As the magnetic field of the rotor is generated by means of electrical current that flows through several coils, the use of rare earths, such as those needed for permanent magnets, can be omitted altogether with this operating principle.

The system’s eDrive unit was also designed to be vastly more serviceable than previous iterations, which reduces servicing costs and waste parts. The majority of the components of the eDrive unit can now be repaired or replaced independently. The eDrive unit is also smaller and lighter than previous generations, improving its power-to-weight ratio by 30%.

The 5th-Generation Electric Drive System can be found in BMW’s award-winning battery-electric vehicles such as the i4, iX, i7 and new i5, as well as BMW’s plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Sustainability was an integral part of the development of the new generation of BMW vehicles. From the sourcing of materials to the vehicles’ production and the recycling of its components in the future. Every step of the value chain was carefully studied to reduce the carbon footprint of new electrified models to the absolute lowest level possible.

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 51 BMW automobile retail centres, 24 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

Munich/Los Angeles. The BMW Group presents a fusion of art and innovation at the Frieze Los Angeles art fair in the form of the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA. The one-of-a-kind vehicle combines colour-change technology developed by BMW with the artistic language of South African artist Esther Mahlangu. The designer piece, with sections of attached film that can be electronically animated, embodies the latest development in colour-change technology for vehicle surfaces in cooperation with E Ink. The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA celebrates its world premiere at the fair opening on 29 February. The contemporary tribute recalls the BMW Art Car designed by Mahlangu in 1991. “The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA honours the history of the BMW brand and continues the story of our global cultural engagement in a unique way. It combines art and design through progressive technology. Here, technology itself becomes art,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.

In 1991, Mahlangu designed the 12th BMW Art Car, based on a BMW 525i – becoming the first woman and first African artist to do so. “Her art inspired me years ago, back when the concept of colour change on a car was just an idea in my head,” says Stella Clarke, Research Engineer Open Innovations at the BMW Group. „Now, being able to realise this idea, and work with Esther Mahlangu, is absolutely surreal.” The 88-year-old artist’s signature colours and geometric patterns are perfect for bringing the innovative Flow technology to life in the BMW i5. The versatility of the electrophoretic colour changes makes the fully-electric sedan a dynamic work of art. “It is fascinating to me to see how modern technology can expand my art and make it accessible to a completely new audience,” says Mahlangu.

Mahlangu’s art meets cutting-edge technology.
In the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, which is named after Mahlangu’s first son, sections of film that can be electronically animated are applied, with two strips each across the roof, bonnet and rear section, as well as the vehicle’s sides. Like an e-book reader, there are several million microcapsules in each E Ink film. The structure and arrangement of the colour particles they contain can be changed by applying an electric voltage. This allows the typical colours and patterns of Mahlangu’s art to be generated in constantly changing compositions.

The animations are also accompanied by an equally extraordinary sound, specially composed by Renzo Vitale, the BMW Group's Creative Director, Sound, for the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA. To combine the soundscape of the BMW brand with that of the South African Ndebele culture, Vitale used sequences from Mahlangu’s voice, as well as the sound of the feather brushes she used for painting. These were combined with sounds produced by the colour pencils employed in the BMW design studio and the acoustic signal heard as feedback when operating the BMW i5’s touch display. This created a sound mix that starts off softly at the beginning of each colour change and increases in intensity as the animation progresses.

To accurately recreate every detail of the complex ornamentation, the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA has been fitted with 1,349 sections of film, each of which can be individually controlled. The laser cutting process used to trim the film and the electronic control design were developed in partnership with E Ink. The adaptation of the technology for curved surfaces, as well as the programmed animations, are all BMW Group in-house developments.

Overall, colour-change technology is developing rapidly. The BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink presented in 2022 had the ability to switch from white to black at the push of a button. This was followed just one year later by the first multi-coloured implementation. The 240 sections of film applied to BMW i Vision Dee were able to display up to 32 colours. This latest phase of development now enables even more colours and patterns. At the same time, the sections of the film are more robust – which could make potential future series production easier. However, for the time being, the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA will remain one of a kind.

Tribute to a pioneering artist and her work.
As a globally respected artist, Esther Mahlangu is known for her Ndebele paintings, whose ornamentation originally symbolised major events or festive occasions. Mahlangu separated the designs from their original meaning and transferred them for the first time to canvas, carpets and everyday objects, thus preserving them for the future. The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA is now reinterpreting this artistic language.

In presenting this designer car at Frieze Los Angeles, BMW continues its long-standing cooperation with the renowned art fair. At the same time, the BMW Art Car that formed the basis for this tribute will also be on display in South Africa for the first time in over 30 years as part of the exhibition hosted by the Iziko Museums of South Africa and the BMW Group in Cape Town “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective. The exhibition, which runs until 11 August 2024, honours the life’s work of one of South Africa’s most influential artists and cultural ambassadors.

In Los Angeles, BMW will once again be presenting Frieze Music in collaboration with Frieze. Since 2019, the joint initiative between the two partners has brought together a large group of musicians at the intersection of music and art. The event’s return to Los Angeles will be celebrated on 29 February with a live performance by Sudan Archives at the Hammer Museum.


If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group South Africa Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

On-location photos and footage - International Media Launch Lisbon, Portugal.

Munich. With a brace of victories in the “Best Cars” competition, BMW has backed up its successful end to 2023 with a similarly fruitful beginning to 2024. The BMW 2 Series Coupé wrapped up class victory in the compact segment for the third time in succession, while the BMW X1 led the way in the “compact SUV” category. The “Best Cars” award – voted on by readers of German motoring magazine “auto, motor und sport” and in its 48th edition this year – is one of the most prestigious in the European automotive industry. Almost 100,000 respondents took part in the survey, selecting one overall winner and one “imported car” champion from a field of 455 models across 13 vehicle categories.

The start of 2024 was also marked by class victory for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan in the “Large Car” category of the “Women's Worldwide Car of the Year” award. 75 female automotive journalists from 52 countries picked out their favourites from a total of 62 vehicles in five categories. Intended to showcase the influence of women in the automotive industry and presented for the 14th time this year, this prize takes into account factors such as safety, quality, price, design, ride comfort, everyday usability and environmental impact. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan won over the jury members with its electrified drive system line-up (including the fully electric BMW i5), as well as its spaciousness, advanced technology and now fully vegan interior.

This successful beginning to the year saw BMW building on its run of success in a large number of awards in 2023. Models from the premium brand’s current range claimed numerous prizes in both its home market of Germany and its most important sales regions internationally. The winners stretched across all the relevant categories, with compact models, luxury vehicles and high-performance sports cars from BMW M GmbH all making waves. As well as vehicles powered by combustion engines, the readers and juries also recognised a strikingly high number of representatives from BMW’s constantly expanding electric mobility range.

“We’re very proud that our various BMW vehicles have won awards in so many national and international competitions. This also shows that we have attractive models in all segments that excite people,” says Jochen Goller, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Customer, Brands, Sales. “The response to our models with all-electric drive systems is particularly pleasing. This ties in with the strong demand from customers and supports the BMW Group’s commitment to ramping up electric mobility in all areas.”

Newcomer to the ranks of high-performance models and a fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle both win a “Golden Steering Wheel”.

The “Golden Steering Wheel” presented by German publications “Auto Bild” and “Bild am Sonntag” is one of the most prestigious distinctions in the European car industry. BMW took two of these coveted trophies back to Munich in 2023. The BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive (fuel consumption, combined: 10.4 – 10.1 l/100 km [27.2 – 28.0 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions, combined: 235 – 229 g/km in the WLTP cycle) ranked first in the “sports cars” category and the fully electric BMW iX1 topped the “compact class”.

Both models added a string of other international awards to their collections over the course of 2023. For example, the first ever BMW M3 Touring – which combines the dynamic prowess of a high-performance car with impressive levels of practicality – was elected sports car of the year in the category for vehicles costing up to 120,000 euros by readers of “Auto Bild Sportscars” magazine. And acclaimed British TV programme “Top Gear” honoured the BMW M GmbH newcomer with the title “All The Car You'll Ever Need” in its “Car of the Year” awards.

The BMW iX1 collected a trio of awards in China, including “All-Electric Premium SUV of the Year”. It also won the French “Automobile Award 2023” in the “Green Tech” category and the “autonis Award” bestowed by readers of “auto, motor und sport” to the year’s most attractive new design.

Fully electric BMW i5 enjoys immediate success around the world.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW i5 also claimed an “autonis” prize. Now also available with a fully electric drive system for the first time, the new edition of the world’s most successful business sedan was also named “Car of the Year” by Portuguese magazine “Frontline”. The BMW i5 was also presented with equivalent awards in Norway and Denmark, both particularly important markets for electric vehicles. Norwegian daily “Dagbladet” teamed up with online portals “DinSide” and “Elbi24” to celebrate the BMW i5. While in Denmark, the i5 fought off competition from six other models to gain the most votes for “Car of the Year” in a final round made up exclusively of fully electric models. The jury of 20 Danish motoring journalists chose the BMW i5 as their winner by a large margin.

Chinese publication “Auto World” crowned the BMW i5 as “Most Anticipated Premium Executive Sedan of the Year”, and the fully electric business sedan also collected three awards in Great Britain: “The Car Expert” put the BMW i5 in top spot in its “Best Large Car Award”, it was named “Premium Car of the Year” in the “2024 Electrifying.com Awards” and the “Comfortable Cruiser” topped its class in Carwow’s “Car of the Year Awards 2024”.

The awards underscore the ability of the new BMW i5 Sedan to win people over with numerous different qualities: from character-rich design, a unique balance between sportiness and comfort, innovative equipment features and progressive digital services to a drive system whose power is matched by its capability over long distances. And it also uses latest-generation BMW eDrive technology to transfer the brand’s signature dynamic ability to the road with zero local emissions. In addition, adaptive recuperation and an intelligent combination of heat pump technology for heating and cooling the interior, drive system and high-voltage battery help to give the BMW i5 eDrive40 Sedan (electric power consumption, combined: 18.9 – 15.9 kWh/ 100 km in the WLTP cycle) a range of 498 – 582 kilometres (309 – 362 miles) in the WLTP cycle.

BMW’s electric mobility offensive is recognised with awards.

The BMW brand’s fully electric model line-up as a whole enjoyed a successful year worldwide in 2023. As well as the BMW iX1 and BMW i5, this was particularly true of the BMW i7 and BMW i4. In Great Britain alone, these two models were both among the winners in seven awards. Both won the “Auto Express New Car Award” in their respective vehicle classes. The BMW i4 also claimed the “Pocket-lint Award” and “Business Car Award”, and the BMW i7 celebrated success in both the “What Car? Electric Car Awards” and the “What Car? Car of the Year Awards”. The fully electric luxury sedan racked up five prizes in China, too, including the “Car of the Year” distinction from leading online magazine “sohu.com”.

There was also much to celebrate in France and the USA, where the BMW i7 was given the “Best Overall and Best Value” rating from “Money” magazine and praised by “wards auto” magazine for its standout luxury ambience and digital user experience with BMW Theatre Screen in the rear compartment. Renowned US magazine “car and driver” named both the BMW i4 M50 (electric power consumption, combined: 22.5 – 18.0 kWh/ 100 km in the WLTP cycle) and BMW i4 eDrive40 M50 (electric power consumption, combined: 19.1 – 16.1 kWh/ 100 km in the WLTP cycle) among the “Best 10” of 2023.

Top marks and distinctions for the BMW 3 Series and BMW 4 Series ranges, the BMW M2 and the BMW X3.

BMW set the seal on a successful year in Germany with a two-pronged triumph. The BMW 3 Series and BMW X3 closed out 2023 with class victory in the coveted “Auto Trophy”. The BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Touring, for example, took clear victories in the hotly contested midsize segment of the readers’ survey conducted by German title “Auto Zeitung”, racking up 19.0 per cent of the vote. This was the seventh class win in a row for the 3 Series. Meanwhile, the rugged aura, interior spaciousness and commitment to electrification of the BMW X3 helped it account for 15.3 per cent of the votes cast and therefore the highest points total in the high-volume vehicle segment of “SUVs costing 30,000 – 60,000 euros”.

The BMW 3 Series was a particularly prolific award-winner in Great Britain. In the “Business Car Awards”, the 3 Series won the “Best Premium Car” prize, and it also gained entry to the “Hall of Fame” of “Fleet News” magazine as the “Most Reliable Company Car”. The BMW 3 Series won twice in the “What Car? Used Car Awards”, topping both the “Used Executive Car” category and overall “Used Car of the Year”. And then there was the “Best Used Hybrid Executive Car” distinction for the BMW 330e Sedan (fuel consumption, combined: 1.9 – 1.4 l/100 km [148.7 – 201.8 mpg imp]; electric power consumption, combined 20.1 – 18.1 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions, combined: 43 – 32 g/km in the WLTP cycle). The plug-in hybrid model also tasted success in the USA, where “Money” magazine described it as “Best for Handling”.

Adding to the wave of success enjoyed by the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 4 Series – with its standout sporting appeal – also enriched the brand’s glittering international reputation in the premium midsize segment. The best example of this came in the BMW 4 Series Coupé and BMW 4 Series Convertible’s showing in the “What Car? Car of the Year Awards” in Great Britain. The closed-roof two-door won the “Coupe of the Year” for the third year in succession in 2023. And this year its open-top sister model also won the “Convertible of the Year” award.

Two other British awards were claimed by the BMW M2. It was voted “Best Performance Car” in “The Car Expert Awards”, and the compact high-performance sports car also took the title of “Performance Car of the Year” in the “Auto Express New Car Awards”.

_{Official fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, electric power consumption and electric range figures were determined based on the prescribed measurement procedure in accordance with European Regulation (EC) 2007/715 in the version applicable. Where a range is shown, the WLTP figures take into account the impact of any optional extras.}

_{Only official figures based on the WLTP procedure are available for new models that have been type tested since 01.01.2021. In addition, according to EU Regulation 2022/195, the NEDC values will no longer be included in the EC certificates of conformity as of 01.01.2023. Further information on the WLTP and NEDC measurement procedures can also be found at www.bmw.de/wltp.}

_{Further information on official fuel consumption figures and specific CO2 emission values of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: 'Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen ' (Guide to the fuel economy, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained free of charge from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2.}

In the event of enquiries please contact:

Corporate Communications

Cypselus von Frankenberg, Product Communication BMW Automobiles

Telephone: +49-89-382-30641

E-mail: Cypselus.von-Frankenberg@bmw.de

Alexandra Landers, Head of Product and Brand Communication BMW

Telephone: +49-89-382-30871

E-mail: Alexandra.Landers@bmw.de

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

E-mail: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

_{With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.}

_{In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group had a workforce of 149,475 employees.}

_{The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.}

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• Two additional variants of the new 5 Series for the Canadian market.
• In Canada, the electric 5 Series was previously only available in the high-performance M60 xDrive variant.
• MSRP: i5 xDrive40 from $83,700 CAD, 550e xDrive from $84,200 CAD.
• Production of the i5 xDrive40 to begin in March 2024.
• Production of the 550e xDrive to begin in July 2024.

Richmond Hill, ON.  In the eighth generation of the world's most successful business sedan, BMW Group Canada has announced the introduction of two new electrified vehicles, the 2025 BMW i5 xDrive40 and the 2025 BMW 550e xDrive. These new models represent BMW's continued commitment to electric mobility and sustainability, pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology while delivering the ultimate driving experience.

The BMW i5 xDrive40 adds a second and more accessible version of the electric 5 Series to the Canadian product portfolio. An 84.3 kWh (net) high-voltage battery produces an estimated range of up to 428 kilometres. The i5 xDrive40 is equipped with BMW's latest eDrive technology, with two electric motors that produce a combined 389 horsepower and 435 lb-ft of torque. The i5 xDrive40 also features BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which provides exceptional handling and traction in all weather conditions. The i5 xDrive40 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds and has a top speed of 210 km/h. When connected to a DC fast charger, the charging rate of up to 205 kW means the battery can be topped up from 10% to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.

Production of the BMW i5 xDrive40 will begin at BMW Group’s Plant Dingolfing in March 2024.

The plug-in hybrid BMW 550e xDrive is characterized by direct power delivery, improved efficiency and a significantly increased electric range thanks to a 19 kWh (net) high-voltage battery. It features the latest BMW eDrive technology for plug-in hybrid systems, which is combined with an in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine from the BMW Group's latest Efficient Dynamics modular generation.

The electric motor, specially developed for the hybrid drive, is also integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission together with its power electronics. The highly integrated drive unit is particularly efficient and contributes up to an estimated 194 hp to the maximum system output of the sedan.

In combination with the latest generation of BMW eDrive technology for plug-in hybrid models, the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine in the new BMW 550e xDrive generates an estimated system output of 483 hp and maximum system torque of 516 lb-ft. The plug-in hybrid system puts its power to the road by means of BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. It sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, with a maximum speed limited to 250 km/h, while a maximum speed of 140 km/h is possible in purely electric operating mode.

Production of the BMW 550e xDrive is set to begin at BMW Group’s Plant Dingolfing in July 2024.

**Photography contained within this article is of the i5 eDrive40 and is for reference purposes only. Photography of the i5 xDrive40 was not available at time of publishing.**

-30-

BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 50 BMW automobile retail centres, 24 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

Munich. Following the initial sales launch in South Korea, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan and the first BMW i5 Sedan are now coming to dealers in numerous other markets. In Germany, the first vehicles will be delivered to customers from 21 October 2023. The market launch also begins in the other European countries on the same day. One week later, on 28 October 2023, the new edition of the BMW 5 Series will make its road debut in Canada and the USA. The other global markets will follow on 25 November 2023.

The eighth generation of the world's most successful business sedan will also be offered for the first time as an all-electric BMW i5. Even before sales have begun, incoming orders show that this model variant in particular is meeting with high customer demand and will thus further accelerate the ramp-up of electric mobility pushed by BMW. 

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan emphasises its progressive character not only with the two all-electric model variants, but also with innovative digital services for in-car gaming, audio and video streaming, among other things, as well as with particularly high-grade driver assistance systems. The highlight in the field of systems for automated driving and parking is the Highway Assistant, which now also enables drivers in Germany to take their hands off the steering wheel for a longer period of time at speeds of up to 130 km/h and place them in a comfortable position, provided they continue to keep a close eye on the traffic situation and are able to take over from the system again at any time if necessary.

The intensive experience of semi-automated driving is complemented by the Automatic Lane Change. With this globally unique function, a glance in the exterior mirror is enough to trigger a lane change, which is then carried out automatically by the system.

On location photos and footage International Media Launch

Lisbon, Portugal.

Munich. At the IAA Mobility 2023 international motor show in Munich, the BMW Group will be presenting the most recent highlights of its ongoing transformation in the key action areas of electrification, digitalisation and circularity. The latest new models with electrified powertrains from the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands, plus Vision Vehicles and concepts for individual mobility in tomorrow’s world all serve to underline the company’s innovative strength in these fields. As the dawn of a new era in personal mobility approaches, the BMW Group is set to unveil its latest highlight, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, which brings together the Group’s development expertise in the three crucial disciplines for the future of mobility.

The IAA Mobility show is being staged in Munich for the second time. For the BMW Group and its brands, this provides an excellent opportunity to enter into constructive dialogue on the future of individual mobility with local people, as well as with visitors to the show from outside Munich and other stakeholders. The IAA Mobility Summit at the exhibition centre and the BMW Group’s Open Space at Max-Joseph-Platz in the heart of Munich will be the main arenas where BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad present their new products on 5 – 10 September 2023. Among the models visitors can acquaint themselves with here alongside the BMW Vision Neue Klasse is the fully electric BMW i5. And they can also experience the world premieres of the new fully electric MINI Cooper, new fully electric MINI Countryman and BMW CE 02 eParkourer.

Electric, digital, circular – the focus areas of the BMW Group.

The BMW Group’s presence at IAA Mobility 2023 revolves around the company’s rigorous focus on electric, digital and circular mobility for the future and the latest progress it has made in these areas. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse is joined by a selection of new models from across the Group’s brands whose electrified powertrains, digital innovations and resource-efficient manufacturing illustrate the ongoing process of change in a variety of ways.

The new products poised for launch by the BMW brand include the plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 5 Series. The new BMW i7 Protection – the first ever all-electric protection vehicle in the luxury sedan segment – is also making its debut at IAA Mobility 2023.

MINI is unveiling the members of the brand’s new model family for the first time with the help of two world premieres: the new fully electric MINI Cooper and new fully electric MINI Countryman will both be on show at the Open Space site. A new model with all-electric drive also forms the centrepiece of BMW Motorrad’s line-up at Max-Joseph-Platz. Conceived as a compact eParkourer with a trailblazing design, the new BMW CE 02 injects fresh impetus into the urban mobility scene.

Locally emission-free mobility sets the theme for the models on show.

The IAA Mobility show will be officially opened on 5 September at Munich’s exhibition centre. The BMW Group will be represented at its stand in Hall A2, where the BMW Vision Neue Klasse will be unveiled to kick off the event. The BMW i7 Protection all-electric protection vehicle will also be presented for the first time at the IAA Mobility Summit.

The IAA Mobility Summit is taking place under the banner “Experience Connected Mobility” and is aimed primarily at trade visitors. It will showcase trends and technological innovations for future mobility over the course of numerous talks, presentations and panel discussions. One of the central topics is the use of hydrogen as an energy source for current and future vehicles. BMW is carrying out pioneering work in this field with its development and practical testing of a Sports Activity Vehicle with a hydrogen-powered fuel-cell drive system. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is also being exhibited at the Summit.

Locally emission-free mobility is also the dominant theme for the models awaiting visitors to the Open Space site. BMW has at least one purely electrically powered representative in all relevant model segments. The brand is presenting its entire line-up to the public, ranging from the BMW iX1 compact Sports Activity Vehicle via the BMW i4 and BMW i5 to the BMW iX and the BMW i7 luxury sedan.

The Open Space at Max-Joseph-Platz can be visited free of charge on 5 – 9 September from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday 10 September from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, BMW Welt will continue to provide an attractive destination for all automotive enthusiasts during IAA Mobility 2023. The current model portfolios of the BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad brands are presented here, along with the latest BMW and MINI Lifestyle collections. Plus, starting on 2 September 2023, BMW Lifestyle together with BMW M GmbH will be running a GOODS WITH FREUDE pop-up store in the Hofstatt shopping centre at No. 10 Sendlinger Straße. Located just a few minutes’ walk away from the Open Space, the store will feature both familiar lifestyle articles and the new BMW Lifestyle collection.

World premiere: the BMW Vision Neue Klasse.

At IAA Mobility 2023, the BMW Group is offering visitors a preview of the Neue Klasse – the forthcoming generation of models from BMW. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse brings together innovations from the areas of electrification, digitalisation and circularity in signature BMW style. The Vision Vehicle takes design, control/operation, efficiency and sustainability into a whole new dimension – one that it will be possible to experience on the road before long.

During IAA Mobility 2023, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse will be on show at both the Summit and the Open Space. The new Vision Vehicle incorporates the latest innovations in the BMW Group’s key future-focused fields. It therefore builds on the BMW i Vision Circular and the BMW i Vision Dee – which have already demonstrated the BMW Group’s development expertise in the areas of circular economy and digitalisation – and combines their qualities with further new developments in exterior and interior design, user experience and powertrain and battery technology.

World premiere: the plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan.

As well as the all-electric BMW i5, the brand is exhibiting two other model variants with electrified powertrains at IAA Mobility 2023. As early as spring 2024, two models featuring state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid technology will be added to the new BMW 5 Series Sedan range. Their six-cylinder and four-cylinder in-line petrol engines from the new modular generation of Efficient Dynamics units will each be combined with the latest BMW eDrive technology for plug-in hybrid systems. This will result in a notable increase in output and much sharper power delivery, while also significantly improving efficiency and electric range compared to the outgoing model generation.

The electric motor purpose-developed for the new plug-in hybrid system is integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission together with its power electronics. The highly integrated drive unit contributes up to 145 kW/197 hp to the maximum combined output of 360 kW/489 hp in the case of the new BMW 550e xDrive Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 1.1 – 0.8 l/100 km [256.8 – 353.1 mpg imp]; electric power consumption combined: 22.5 – 20.1 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 24 – 19 g/km in WLTP cycle, provisional figures) and 220 kW/299 hp for the new BMW 530e Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 0.8 – 0.6 l/100 km [353.1 – 470.8 mpg imp]; electric power consumption combined: 21.4 – 18.9 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 19 – 14 g/km in WLTP cycle, provisional figures).

A BMW-patented innovation has been used to enhance the electric motor’s power delivery in the new plug-in hybrid models: a pre-gearing stage enables the nominal torque of 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) to be increased to effective torque of up to 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) at the transmission input for the motor. The compact electric motor is therefore able to boost torque by an amount that would normally only be possible using a larger unit and makes a clear difference both when accelerating off the line and putting in a rapid burst of speed. Electric range is now up to 79 – 90 kilometres (49 – 56 miles) in the WLTP cycle for the new BMW 550e xDrive Sedan and 87 – 101 kilometres (54 – 63 miles) in the WLTP cycle for the new BMW 530e Sedan.

The lithium-ion high-voltage battery’s space-saving positioning within the vehicle’s underbody has a beneficial effect on both the car’s centre of gravity and the capacity of its luggage compartment, which holds a total of 520 litres in the plug-in hybrid models – meaning it is just as large as that offered by their purely combustion-engined siblings. The usable energy provided by the high-voltage battery has climbed to 19.4 kWh. At the same time, maximum charging capacity has doubled compared to the outdoing models and now stands at 7.4 kW, enabling the high-voltage battery to be fully recharged from empty in 3.0 hours. When hooked up to a conventional domestic power socket, a full vehicle charge is completed in 9.8 hours.

World premiere: the BMW i7 Protection.

BMW is presenting a new generation of protection vehicles in the luxury sedan segment at the IAA Mobility 2023 show. The new BMW i7 Protection (electric power consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 30.0 kWh/100 km, provisional figure) is absolutely unique in this segment, as it is the world’s first ever certified protection sedan with an all-electric drive system. Driven by two powerful electric motors, it meets all the requirements of class VR9 protection without any limitations, as does the new V8-engined BMW 7 Series Protection (fuel consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 14.6 l/100 km [19.3 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions: 328 g/km, provisional figures).

Both models blend the integrated protection concept channelled into the development of the new BMW 7 Series range with outstanding levels of ride comfort and spaciousness, advanced equipment features and the unbeatable dynamic prowess for which BMW is renowned. The concept centres around the new and unique BMW Protection Core, which forms a self-supporting body structure made from armour steel. This is then combined with features such as additional armouring for the underbody and roof, plus armoured glass. The result is customised protection from attacks with firearms or explosives for at-risk individuals. The glass in the new protection vehicles even meets the requirements for the highest class of civilian protection, VPAM 10.

The all-electric BMW i7 Protection is equipped with one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear. Together they generate a combined output of 400 kW/544 hp and maximum combined torque of 745 Nm (549 lb-ft), and create an electric all-wheel-drive system. The new BMW i7 Protection sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest in 9.0 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 160 km/h (99 mph). The instantaneous, precisely orchestrated power delivery from the two motors guarantees exceptional traction and directional stability even when the car is being driven hard and performing challenging manoeuvres, such as when escaping from an attack.

Tuned and optimised specifically for this model, the chassis technology also makes allowance for the additional weight of its armouring, resulting in superbly assured performance in any situation. Another unique offering for this segment is the inclusion of Integral Active Steering as standard. This reduces the car’s turning circle, increases agility when cornering at speed and improves driving comfort for rear-seat passengers. The 20-inch light-alloy wheels are a further standout feature. The PAX tyres that also come as standard allow the car to continue its journey at up to 80 km/h (50 mph) even in the event of a total loss of pressure.

The latest generation of BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8.5 is fitted, complete with the BMW Curved Display. The system is intuitive to use and operates in a way familiar to BMW drivers. The special functions relevant to occupant protection are also operated via BMW iDrive. The new protection vehicles can also be tailored precisely to any purpose, with items including a fresh-air supply system, a fire extinguishing system, flashing lights, radio transceivers and flag poles for when the car is on official duty, plus other special customer-specific options.

Trailblazing: the BMW iX5 Hydrogen.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen presented at IAA Mobility 2023 provides further evidence of the company’s superlative innovative strength in the field of drive technology. A pilot series of the Sports Activity Vehicle with hydrogen fuel-cell drive, developed on the basis of the current BMW X5, has entered service for demonstration and test purposes with various target groups around the world. This allows selected test groups who haven’t been involved in the development process to get behind the wheel of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen and gain a direct impression of its attributes for the first time.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is equipped with the latest, fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology. The highly integrated drive unit at the rear axle draws its energy from a high-performance battery with li-ion technology that was specially developed for the hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle and generates maximum output of 295 kW/401 hp. The electric motor also doubles as a generator that feeds energy back into the high-performance battery on the overrun or under braking.

The model’s two 700-bar tanks made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) together hold six kilograms of gaseous hydrogen and can be refilled in three to four minutes. A chemical reaction takes place in the fuel cell system between the hydrogen and oxygen from the air, through which the electric power for the electric motor is generated. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen achieves a range of 504 kilometres (313 miles) in the WLTP cycle without having to refill the tanks. The hydrogen-powered SAV completes the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in under six seconds and goes on to reach a top speed in excess of 180 km/h (112 mph).

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen combines long-distance capabilities and short refuelling stops with zero tailpipe emissions and hallmark BMW driving dynamics. Its hydrogen fuel-cell technology has the potential – provided the necessary basic conditions are in place – to serve as an additional pillar in the BMW Group’s future powertrain portfolio. As part of its ongoing transformation, the BMW Group is following an approach that embraces all technologies when it comes to drive systems. The company is therefore readying itself for differing customer requirements, infrastructure standards and political and regulatory frameworks in the various regions of the world. This degree of flexibility puts the BMW Group in a position to react quickly to changing requirements in the markets in any situation and to present as many customers as possible with an appropriate model offering at all times.

BMW unveils a new generation of protection vehicles in the luxury sedan segment.
The two models developed on the basis of the new BMW 7 Series succeed in blending an unrivalled protection concept with outstanding levels of ride comfort and spaciousness, exceptionally advanced equipment features and the class-beating dynamic prowess for which the brand is renowned. As the world’s first ever protection sedan with an all-electric drive system, the BMW i7 Protection (electric power consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 30.0 kWh/100 km, provisional figure) is a genuine trailblazer. Driven by two powerful electric motors, it meets all the requirements of class VR9 protection without any limitations, as does the new combustion-engine BMW 7 Series Protection (fuel consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 15.6 l/100 km [18.1 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions: 355 g/km, provisional figures).

The integrated security concept of the new BMW i7 Protection and BMW 7 Series Protection was factored into the development of the new BMW 7 Series range. It centres around the new BMW Protection Core, which is unique worldwide and comprises the model-specific self-supporting body structure made from armour steel. This is then combined with features such as additional armouring for the underbody and roof and armoured glass. Both models will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in an elaborate “craft manufacturing” process. The two protection vehicles are set to make their public debut at the IAA Mobility 2023 international motor show in Munich, with deliveries to customers requiring special protection commencing in December 2023.

The new protection models offer customised protection from attacks with firearms or explosives for at-risk individuals. They have been classified as offering class VR9 protection based on the internationally recognised official test criteria of Germany’s Vereinigung der Prüfstellen für Angriffshemmende Materialien und Konstruktionen (Association of Test Laboratories for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions – VPAM, for short). The certification is based, among other things, on the third edition of the guidelines for Bullet Resistant Vehicles (VPAM BRV) with regard to ballistic resistance and the guidelines for Explosive Resistant Vehicles (VPAM ERV, third edition) and PAS 300 with regard to blast resistance. The glass for the two models even protects against fire from calibre 7.62x54 R ammunition — a threat from the highest civilian resistance class VPAM 10. A partial protection extension is also available as an option for the new BMW 7 Series Protection in defined bodywork areas against fire from VPAM 10 ammunition.

The first all-electric model in its protection category and offered exclusively in Europe, the BMW i7 Protection demonstrates how outstanding qualities in terms of security level, driving dynamics, ride comfort and interior comfort are perfectly compatible with a rigorous focus on sustainability. Its arrival sees the BMW Group once again acting as a pioneer in the field of locally emission-free mobility for individuals requiring special protection. At the IAA Mobility 2021 show, the company presented the BMW Concept iX5 Hydrogen Protection VR6, the first protection vehicle with a hydrogen-powered fuel-cell drive system to be certified anywhere in the world. It showcased the BMW Group’s ability to come up with sustainable solutions even in this specialised vehicle segment by applying its standout development expertise.

Innovative protection concept featuring unique BMW Protection Core.

The innovative protection concept for BMW’s new protection sedans is a product of traditional know-how combined with cutting-edge technology. BMW has now amassed 45 years of experience in the development and production of protection vehicles. The protection concept currently applied was devised as part of the series production development process for the new BMW 7 Series and, more than ever, offers major advantages over armouring a finished vehicle at a later date.

This is largely thanks to the unique BMW Protection Core, which sees the entire supporting structure for a protection sedan’s body constructed from armour steel for the first time. Its three-dimensionally engineered elements are all made of exceptionally resistant, hot-formed steel alloys. The BMW Protection Core forms a self-supporting protective cell, which is then combined with protection-spec doors, armouring for the underbody and safety glass.

Special armouring designed to offer maximum protection against explosives in particular has been used for both the roof and underbody of the two protection sedans. This means the occupants are also protected from drone attacks with explosive charges, for example, and from fragments dispersed by hand grenades on detonation.

Also to be found on the list of standard security features for the BMW 7 Series Protection is a self-sealing fuel tank, with special casing that enables it to seal itself after being hit by a bullet to prevent any loss of fuel.

As part of the certification process, the special protection elements must demonstrate their ability to resist attack by undergoing a demanding procedure. In addition to this, experts from an independent state testing institute conduct firearms and explosive tests on the vehicle. The official inspection and certification of the complete vehicle finally provides confirmation of the all-round protection offered by the holistic concept for the new protection vehicles from BMW.

Greater spaciousness, lower weight and sharper agility combined with uncompromising occupant protection.

The structural protection concept achieved with the pioneering BMW Protection Core endows the new BMW i7 Protection and BMW 7 Series Protection with an unrivalled set of characteristics. When seen from the outside, just a few details distinguish the two protection sedans from a regular 7 Series Sedan with the M Sport package. Their discreet and largely inconspicuous appearance on public roads represents an additional safety factor for people requiring protection.

The BMW Protection Core design principle has the added effect of increasing the cabin’s spaciousness. Thanks to the fully integrated protection concept, the levels of room and seating comfort in the front and rear hardly differ from those to be found inside a conventional BMW 7 Series Sedan in all key criteria.

The innovative protection concept used for the new BMW i7 Protection and BMW 7 Series Protection has additionally allowed their weight to be optimised compared with predecessor models. Not only does the weight saving result in a considerably higher load-carrying capacity, it also has a particularly positive effect on the protection sedans’ handling abilities. The optimised weight combines with the increase in body rigidity (another benefit of the BMW Protection Core) to deliver unrivalled levels of agility. This all translates into extremely precise handling control, excellent cornering dynamics and outstanding figures for acceleration and top speed.

BMW i7 Protection: outstanding security, zero tailpipe emissions and no compromises.

The BMW i7 Protection brings the all-electric mobility experience to the protection vehicle segment for the first time. Individuals requiring special protection are therefore able to choose a vehicle that requires no compromises to be made in terms of either security or sustainable drive technology.

The locally emission-free powertrain on board the BMW i7 Protection comprises one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear. It uses numerous components taken from the drive system in the brand’s most powerful all-electric production model, the BMW i7 M70 xDrive (electric power consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 23.7 – 20.8 kWh/ 100 km), allowing it to deliver supreme performance. The two electric motors together create an electric all-wheel-drive system with a combined output of up to 400 kW/544 hp and maximum combined torque of 745 Newton metres (549 lb-ft).

The instantaneous power delivery, distribution of power to all four wheels and intelligent networking of all the powertrain and chassis systems guarantee exceptional traction, directional stability and dynamic prowess. The new BMW i7 Protection sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest in 9.0 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 160 km/h (99 mph).

BMW 7 Series Protection: unwavering protection, superior dynamics.

The petrol-engined version of the new protection sedan has a latest-generation V8 unit under the bonnet. Its BMW TwinPower Turbo technology includes an upgraded turbocharging system with electrically operated blow-off valve and indirect charge air cooling, along with a cross-bank exhaust manifold. The new 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine uses 48V mild hybrid technology to optimise power delivery and efficiency.

The new drive system generates maximum output of 390 kW/530 hp and peak torque of 750 Nm (553 lb-ft). The BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system directs drive power to all four wheels as required. The new BMW 7 Series Protection combines superior driving dynamics with levels of efficiency that are also unrivalled. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.6 seconds and goes on to reach a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph).

Model-specific chassis technology for assured performance.

The new BMW i7 Protection and BMW 7 Series Protection come with chassis technology that has been modified and tuned specifically for these models and makes allowance for the additional weight resulting from their special protection features. This produces superbly assured performance in any situation. Thanks to a robust basic construction and the presence of sophisticated chassis systems, passengers in the rear compartment are also able to enjoy exceptional levels of ride comfort. The protection sedans also make their mark with precisely controllable handling, even when they are being driven hard, such as when escaping from an attack.

Unique in the segment: Integral Active Steering.

The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection are the first and only protection vehicles in their segments to be fitted with Integral Active Steering. This rear-wheel steering functionality not only reduces the car’s turning circle when manoeuvring, it also increases precision and the dynamic response through quickly taken corners. Another key attribute of Integral Active Steering – which is specified as standard – is how it enhances driving comfort for rear-seat passengers.

20-inch light-alloy wheels with exclusive PAX tyres.

The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection are fitted with 20-inch light-alloy wheels, which represents a standout offering in their segments and enables the use of a particularly powerful braking system.

The model-specific light-alloy wheels in star-spoke design are fitted with tyres – supplied by Michelin in the dimensions 255-740 R510 – that have been specifically developed for the protection sedans. The large diameter of these tyres and the extremely high volume of air they hold compared with rivals enhance ride comfort, while the larger contact area benefits traction and driving stability. The PAX tyres have a runflat ring positioned on the wheel rim which allows the car to continue its journey at up to 80 km/h (50 mph) even in the event of a total loss of pressure.

Driver assistance systems with information and warning function.

In keeping with their status as protection vehicles, the new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection are equipped with an extensive selection of driver assistance systems. The functionality of this tech is focused on supporting professional chauffeurs with information and warnings, but without actively intervening to control the vehicle.

The highly advanced sensors developed for the new BMW 7 Series range and all of the cameras available for the luxury sedan are also fitted on the protection vehicles. These provide precise and detailed information on the area around the vehicle in all situations. The requisite data and images are supplied by e.g. the parking view, Panorama View, Remote 3D View and BMW Drive Recorder functions included in the Parking Assistant Plus package. Also on hand are the alert functions of the front-collision warning, Crossroads Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Info systems.

Extensive comfort-enhancing features with exclusive details.

In order to optimise visibility out of the new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection in low ambient temperatures, an electric heating function for both the windscreen and the front sections of the side windows comes as standard. Model-specific pre-heating is available as an option.

Another item on the options list is a cool box integrated between the rear seats to ensure the on-board drinks supplies are kept cold. Its net capacity of eight litres offers sufficient space for two water bottles and two glasses, which can be cooled to 4 or 10 degrees Celsius as desired.

The standard-fitted Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, meanwhile, lays on a high-end audio experience. The 1,265-watt digital amplifier, individually adjustable equalizers and 28 speakers combine to deliver a full, even sound for all those on board. The system also includes a pair of exciters integrated into each of the seats, which convert low bass frequencies into noticeable vibrations.

An exclusive convenience feature offered for the first time on a BMW model is motorised assistance for opening and closing the doors, which comes as standard. It is available immediately after unlocking the car and reduces the force required to open or close the armoured doors. Also unique in this segment is a function that enables occupants to close the doors automatically at the touch of a button after climbing in.

Passengers in the second row of seats in the new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection benefit from electrically operated roller sunblinds for the windows on both sides. The blinds extend horizontally from the B-pillar towards the C-pillar and offer what is known as a spy position. Here, the sunblind opens by around ten centimetres at the touch of a button to allow a view outside. From this position, passengers have the option of opening or closing the sunblind fully. A model-specific roller sunblind for the rear window is also included as standard.

Broad range of options for individualising the exterior and interior.

The integrated protection concept of the protection sedans and production at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing maximise the scope for customers to put their personal touch on the exterior and interior. Offered as an option alongside the standard illuminated BMW kidney Iconic Glow are the BMW crystal headlights Iconic Glow. The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection can be specified in almost all of the body colours available for the new BMW 7 Series range. These include the BMW Individual paint finishes and BMW Individual special paint finishes. The exterior design options are closely aligned with those available for the standard versions of the cars and allow the new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection to maintain a low-profile presence in public areas.

The appointments and design of the interior can likewise be adapted to personal needs and desires at a detail level. Multifunction seats, BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery, and heated and ventilated seats for the front and rear occupants are all part of standard specification. A massage function can be specified for all seats as an option. The optional Executive Lounge includes comfort seats with a reclining function for the rear seat behind the front passenger. The range of optional seat and interior surfaces is also carried over from the richly varied options list for the new BMW 7 Series.

BMW iDrive with BMW Curved Display and integrated operation of model-specific security functions.

The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection are equipped with the latest generation of BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8.5. The system is intuitive to use and operates in a way that will be familiar to BMW drivers. The driver can therefore view all the important information on the BMW Curved Display at the right time and in the right place within their direct line of sight. The special functions relevant to occupant protection are also operated via BMW iDrive. They can be activated and controlled in full using the touchscreen capability of the control display.

A camera-based additional interior mirror can be specified as an option. This shows the image feed from the Reversing Assist Camera in the control display’s panorama view at all driving speeds and on any kind of route. The electronic additional interior mirror is unique in the protection vehicles segment in this form.

The standard-fitted intercom system allows the car’s occupants to communicate with people on the outside without having to open doors or windows. Key features here are microphones integrated into the exterior mirrors, an outside speaker, the hands-free microphone embedded in the headliner and supplementary speakers in the interior. Added to which, a rod microphone can be fitted as an option in the centre console storage tray to enable effective communication with people outside the car even when the windows are closed.

Effective protection measures for a variety of attack scenarios.

With their wide-ranging standard and optional equipment features, the new protection sedans from BMW offer custom-spec protection in attack scenarios of various types. The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection can be tailored precisely to any purpose, with items including a fresh-air supply system, a fire extinguisher with automatic and manual discharge, flashing lights, radio transceivers and flag poles for when the car is on official duty, plus other special customer-specific options.

Security built in from the start: integrated protection concept, service provided worldwide by trained experts, special driver training.

The many years of experience amassed by BMW in the manufacture of protection vehicles has enabled the company to achieve outstanding levels of protection with the new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection – as, most notably, has the decision to develop these vehicles alongside the standard variants of the new BMW 7 Series. The new BMW i7 Protection and new BMW 7 Series Protection offer built-in security from the factory. Unlike retrofit solutions carried out by an external provider, the integral protection concept of these vehicles ensures not only maximum security under armed attack, but also well-resolved handling and the dynamic responses expected of a BMW in dangerous situations. The development expertise of the world’s most successful premium carmaker has produced a wealth of innovative functions that allow people requiring special protection to enjoy an even safer and more secure mobility experience. The smooth integration of the model-specific protection features within the BMW iDrive system helps ensure these features are intuitive, safe and comfortable for the driver to use in any situation.

Customers around the world can take advantage of individual and discreet consultancy arrangements and an array of other services. For example, specific customer requests can be accommodated when it comes to equipping their vehicle with additional protection and/or convenience features. Service and maintenance for the protection sedans are provided by an international network of BMW service outlets, with the work carried out exclusively by trained experts in certified specialist workshops.

BMW also offers special Protection driver training courses. These programmes, which BMW has been hosting for more than 35 years, are offered at various intensity levels depending on the prior knowledge of the participants involved and take place at several locations around the world. The training courses are led by highly qualified experts and their content ranges from comprehensive theory sessions to practical vehicle control exercises and tactical response training.

Richmond Hill, ON.  More dynamic than ever, featuring a wealth of digital innovations and, for the first time ever, available fully electric - this is the new BMW 5 Series. In the form of the all-electric BMW i5, the latest edition of the celebrated BMW 5 Series takes the lead on the road to sustainable premium mobility. The eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series continues to stand for advanced technology combined with sporty, elegant design, and the performance and comfort only a BMW can deliver.

The global market launch of the new BMW 5 Series will begin in October 2023. The new generation will be offered worldwide with an all-­electric drivetrain, while the flexible architecture also accommodates highly efficient internal combustion engines with 48-volt mild hybrid technology and, coming to the Canada in 2024, plug-in hybrid system.

The segment benchmark continues a long success story.

The success story of the BMW 5 Series dates back to 1972, when the first generation of the sporty and elegant four-door sedan was presented. Since then, the worldwide popularity of the BMW 5 Series has steadily increased. With its unmistakable combination of dynamic performance and high level of long-distance comfort, it became the epitome of the business sedan. By the spring of 2023, more than ten million BMW 5 Series had been produced.

Base MSRPs of models available at launch are as follows:

•           530i xDrive                  $70,500

•           i5 M60 xDrive              $95,000

Traditional production site celebrates anniversary.

Like all previous generations, the new BMW 5 Series is manufactured at Plant Dingolfing, BMW’s largest European plant, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. In 1973, the first vehicle manufactured at this location was a first-generation E12 5 Series. Today, the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing is not only the lead plant for BMW’s luxury class vehicles, but also the location of the company's e-drive production competence centre, which produces both the electric motors and the high­voltage batteries for the BMW i5 on site.

Sporty, elegant sedan at the heart of the brand portfolio.

The exterior design of the new generation reinterprets the sporty elegance of a BMW 5 Series in the brand's current design language. With its distinctive appearance, the new BMW 5 Series is right at the centre of the brand's portfolio of four-door models - more present and elegant than the 3 Series, more dynamic and sporty than the 7 Series.

The heightened presence of the new BMW 5 Series is underscored by the athletic proportions and the larger exterior dimensions compared to the previous generation. The new model has grown in length by 86 mm to 5060, in width by 33 mm to 1900 and in height by 35 mm to 1515. The wheelbase has been increased by 20 mm to 2995 and improves seating comfort, especially in the rear.

Modern front design with nearly vertical daytime driving light icons and optional Illuminated Kidney Grille.

The front view of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is characterized by a modern interpretation of the brand's signature twin headlights and BMW kidney grille. The LED headlights show the traditional four-lamp face in a modern, minimalist form. Two nearly vertical LED elements positioned towards the outside function as daytime running lights and turn signals.

The BMW kidney grille, stylistically inspired by the so-called "Sharknose" of early 5 Series generations and projecting far forward, functions as the visual centre at the front. All the lines of the front apron and the long hood, which connects directly to the kidney grille frame, run towards the front fascia. With its wide surround and optional illuminated contour line, the BMW kidney grille gives the front view a distinctively sporty appeal.

Sporty silhouette and dynamically stretched proportions.

The clear and simplified design language is also expressed in the side view of the new BMW 5 Series. Its dynamically elongated proportions, long hood, and almost upright BMW kidney grille are clearly visible from this perspective. The sporty character of the three-box design is also expressed in the steeply sloping A-pillar, the gently flowing roof line towards the rear, and the gradually sloping trunk line.

The side section has a pronounced athletic look thanks to a high shoulder line, powerfully modelled surfaces, and two distinct character lines. Black side skirts provide a graphic contrast to the rest of the bodywork, visually slimming the vehicle in profile. The door handles are flush with the surrounding surfaces. The Hofmeister kink is elegantly highlighted by a graphic element with the number ‘5’ embossed on the side window surround.

Powerful rear end with expressively designed lighting.

At the transition to the rear, the shoulder and roof lines flow harmoniously into the contours of the lights. where horizontal lines emphasize the width and solid stature of the rear view.

The flat rear lights interpret the brand’s hallmark L-shaped lights with modern appeal. Inside, four narrow LED strips aligned horizontally handle lighting functions. They are divided by an L­shaped chrome strip.

Wide range of paintwork, BMW i5 M60 xDrive and M Sport Package with specific design features.

The range of exterior paint colours includes one solid finish, nine metallic finishes, and three BMW Individual paint finishes including Tanzanite Blue and two expressive Frozen paint finishes.

Individual design features give the BMW i5 M60 xDrive a striking look, which emphasize its dynamic performance. A front apron with black surfaces at its centre and large air intakes, a grille featuring horizontal slats and M logo, side skirts and exterior mirror caps finished in high-gloss black, 19-inch M light alloy wheels and a rear apron with a pronounced diffuser insert signal the M Performance model's sporty character.

The M Sport Package is standard on the 530i xDrive, and highlights 5 Series’ athleticism. It also includes M specific design features, most notably the large air intakes at the front, flared side skirts and window surrounds in high-gloss black and a rear apron with diffuser insert, as well as 19-inch M light alloy wheels.

The available M Sport Pro Package, optional on all 5 Series models, adds the Illuminated Kidney Grille framed in high-gloss black, Shadowline Headlghts, and a Black Sapphire Metallic finish on the rear spoiler. Specifying the M Sport Pro Package also allows the option of red calipers for the as standard M Sport Brakes.

Interior and Equipment. Driving pleasure and travel comfort combined with innovative flair.

The new BMW 5 Series offers ideal conditions for enjoying BMW driving pleasure in everyday traffic and a high level of comfort on long-distance journeys. Generous space, modern functionality, a high level of acoustic comfort as well as high-quality materials, fine workmanship, and advanced digital services characterize the ambience in the interior. The clear and modern design of the interior, sporty flair and innovative equipment features, designed to optimize travelling comfort, underline the vehicle's character as a dynamic business sedan for the digital age.

The fully digital BMW Curved Display, which reinterprets the brand's typical orientation towards the driver, represents the heart of the interior redesign. Other innovations include the BMW Interaction Bar with ambient lighting in the instrument panel and door area (standard on the i5 M60 xDrive, optional on the 530i xDrive), My Modes for a customizable driving and interior experience, and the new gear selector switch on the centre console control panel. With the significantly expanded level of standard equipment compared to the predecessor model and a new structure in the range of options, comfort and individuality are raised to a higher level.

Fully digital BMW Curved Display with new graphic display and optimized touch operation thanks to BMW Operating System 8.5 with QuickSelect.

With its frameless glass surface slightly inclined towards the driver, the BMW Curved Display consists of a 12.3-inch Information Display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch Control Display, which merge into a single fully digital and high­resolution unit. The BMW Curved Display is the central component of the multi-sensory BMW iDrive experience, which in its latest generation based on BMW Operating System 8.5 also offers a new graphic display with a clear start screen and QuickSelect access for simple and intuitive touch operation.

 The control system is designed to be operated primarily by means of the touch screen and natural language, but also includes steering wheel buttons and the BMW iDrive Controller on the centre console. The BMW Head-Up Display and BMW Gesture Control for controlling functions using gestures are available as optional equipment. The advances in digitalization that accompany the development of the BMW iDrive make it possible to significantly reduce the number of buttons, knobs and controls used in the cockpit. They continue to be used where they are the ideal solution for fast and intuitive operation.

The new BMW Operating System 8.5 start screen permanently shows the map view of the navigation system or other individually configurable displays. On the same level, vertically arranged widgets are available on the driver's side of the BMW Control Display. Users can switch between the widgets by swiping vertically. To display different content, horizontal swiping is also possible within some widgets, for example in the "My Vehicle" area.

The corresponding functions can be called up directly with QuickSelect without switching to a submenu. Once the settings have been made, it is sufficient to tap the Home symbol at the bottom of the display to return to the start screen. In addition to the Home symbol, there are now also the symbols for direct access to the climate control menu, the All Apps menu, Navigation as well as Media, Communication, and Apple CarPlay ® and Android Auto ™.

In addition, BMW Operating System 8.5 in the new BMW 5 Series offers a wider range of digital content for information and entertainment, faster update cycles for functions, improved information on charging points for electric vehicles and optimized access to many specific online services. A broad range of video streaming is possible on the Control Display, as is an innovative form of in-car gaming presented for the first time in the new BMW 5 Series with the AirConsole platform.

In-car gaming with AirConsole premieres in the new BMW 5 Series.

In a cooperation with the gaming platform AirConsole, BMW presents a new and unique form of in-car gaming in the new BMW 5 Series. Driver and passengers can play casual games while the vehicle is stationary, for example to occupy waiting times while charging the high-voltage battery of the BMW i5.

Setting up the gaming experience with AirConsole is seamless. Players only need their smartphone, which acts as a controller, and the BMW Curved Display. After launching the AirConsole app in the vehicle, the connection between the smartphone and the vehicle can be established by scanning a QR code on the Curved Display. The players can then start playing right away.

AirConsole technology enables instant delivery of games over-the-air and players can control them via their smartphones. Thanks to this unique configuration, several players can take part in the in-car gaming fun at the same time, even passengers in the rear. It is possible to play solo or with all passengers in the vehicle, either together or in competition mode.

So-called casual games are offered, which are characterized by being easily accessible and providing intuitive gameplay control. The portfolio of available games is being continuously expanded.

BMW Interaction Bar with touch function and lighting effects.

The BMW Interaction Bar combines modern functionality and fascinating design. It was first presented in the new BMW 7 Series and is now standard in the BMW i5 M60 xDrive and available as an option in the new BMW 530i xDrive. The striking backlit functional unit with crystalline surface structure extends below the trim strip across the entire width of the instrument panel for into the door panels and includes touch-sensitive control panels for controlling ventilation and air conditioning and for activating the hazard warning lights. The BMW Interaction Bar’s lighting design follows the colours of the selected My Modes, or can be customized.

Available fully leather-free interior.

The seats in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan have been redesigned for a noticeable increase in comfort and optimal adjustment. Sport seats are standard equipment. Multi-contour Comfort Seats are available on both the 530i xDrive and i5 M60 xDrive.

The backrests of the outer rear seats extend far into the door areas, especially in the shoulder area, increasing seating comfort in back. The flowing transition between the instrument panel at the front and the backrests in the rear to the door panels harmoniously encloses the entire passenger compartment. The folding rear seat backrest is split 40:20:40. The three elements can be folded down individually or together to create additional space for long pieces of cargo. The luggage compartment of the new BMW i5 offers 490 litres of storage, while the 530i xDrive each provide 520 litres.

The new BMW 5 Series may be fitted with a fully leather-free interior. Leather-like, perforated Veganza is used on the seats as well as the dashboard and door panels and, for the first time, the steering wheel. Merino leather upholstery in several bicolour variants remains an option.

The M Sport Package for the new BMW 5 Series includes exclusive seat surfaces in Veganza/Alcantara finish with unique perforation in the shoulder area and translucent accents in red and blue. M pedals, an M driver's footrest, and M-specific displays on the Information Display add to the sporty environment.

Climate control with almost invisible vents, heat pump technology in the BMW i5.

The standard equipment of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan includes automatic air conditioning with an extended range of features and advanced control logic. In the instrument panel area, seam vents are used instead of conventional air vents and are positioned at the height of the BMW Interaction Bar. The direction of the air coming out of the vents can be varied by means of adjusting control levers. In addition, air conditioning and ventilation are controlled via the touch function on the control display.

Fixed panoramic glass roof with significantly enlarged viewing area.

A Panoramic Glass Sunroof can be ordered in place of the standard slid-and-tilt glass sunroof for the first time in any BMW 5 Series sedan. It is designed as a fixed structural module, and connects almost the entire roof surface; extending uninterrupted from just behind the windscreen to almost the rear window. With a length of 841 mm and a width of 818 mm, the viewing area is almost 90 percent larger than that of the standard tilt-and-slide moonroof. This creates a generously light-flooded atmosphere in the interior. If required, an interior sunblind can provide shading of the interior.

Drive and charging technology. Dazzling performance and outstanding efficiency.

A flexibly designed drive architecture that was open to different technologies from the outset enables the new BMW 5 Series Sedan to be offered for the first time both as an all-electric model and with highly efficient internal combustion engines. This global strategy ensures that customers around the world are offered a choice of models tailored to their individual needs, as well as to the infrastructure conditions and legal framework of their region.

The electric motors developed by BMW are characterized by impressively high power density and efficiency. They work according to the principle of a current-excited synchronous machine. This makes it possible to completely dispense with the critical raw materials from the rare earth metal sector required for magnetic components when manufacturing the rotor. At Canadian market launch, the all-electric BMW i5 will be available in a single model variant, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive. This performance model is positioned at the top of the 5 Series range globally and is equipped with extensively enhanced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology.

BMW i5 M60 xDrive: All-electric driving pleasure at the top of the model range.

The BMW i5 M60 xDrive sits at the top of the 5 Series range and combines a 593 hp electric drivetrain with hallmark M peformance characteristics and specific design features.

Two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles, in which the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission are compactly combined in a common housing, form an electric all-wheel drive system that enables the BMW i5 M60 xDrive to deliver captivating dynamic performance. The electric motor acting on the rear wheels generates a maximum power output of 335 hp, while the motor at the front axle produces 257 hp. The total system torque generated by both motors is up to 605 lb-ft when M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function is activated.

This power enables the new BMW i5 M60 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in an explosive 3.8 seconds, and the power is delivered continuously as speeds increase. The maximum speed of the BMW i5 M60 xDrive is electronically limited 230 km/h when equipped with performance tires (210 km/h with all-season tires).

In order to activate full drive power on demand, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive features a shift paddle marked "Boost" near the left steering wheel spoke. If the paddle is pulled for more than 0.8 seconds, a Sport Boost indicator appears on the Information Display. It indicates that a high level of power is being requested by the accelerator pedal which then triggers maximum acceleration. At the same time, the IconicSounds Electric sound changes to SPORT.

In conjunction with the M Sport Pro Package, the Launch Control function standard on the i5 M60 xDrive is also available for the 530i xDrive. Extremely dynamic acceleration from standstill is enabled via precise coordination of the drive and traction control systems.

High-voltage battery with compact design and high energy content.

Like the drive units, the high-voltage battery used in each BMW i5 model is also derived from the latest fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. It is composed of four modules with 72 battery cells each and three modules with twelve cells each. The high-voltage battery has a low profile thanks to the modules being cleverly and model-specifically designed. This means it can be fitted in the underbody of the BMW i5 to save space. In fact, the amount of space available for the passengers in the electric 5 Series is identical to that available in the internal combustion variants.

The high-voltage battery in the BMW i5 combines compact dimensions with high energy density. It provides a usable energy content of 81.2 kWh. Combined with the high efficiency of their electric motors, this provides ranges suitable for long journeys for the BMW i5.

The Combined Charging Unit in the BMW i5 enables Level 2 AC charging up to 9.6 kW. When connected to a DC fast charger, the charging rate of 205 kW means the battery can be topped up from 10% to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.

When driving, the latest version of adaptive recuperation helps to conserve the power reserves and recover electrical energy during throttle lift-off and braking phases. Thanks to intelligent networking, the drive control system can use navigation data and information from sensors of the driver assistance systems to adjust how much power is recuperated according to the respective traffic situation. As an alternative to this adaptive recuperation, the driver can select high, medium, or low braking energy recovery for all traffic situations in the BMW iDrive menu. Low recuperation enables a “coast” function. The BMW i5 simply rolls along without drive torque as soon as the accelerator pedal is released.

Efficiency is further enhanced by a novel intelligent combination of heat pump technology for the integrated heating and cooling circuit of the interior as well as for the heating and cooling system of the drive and the high-voltage battery of the BMW i5. This allows both the interior and the high-voltage battery to be heated simultaneously with the heat pump function and, if required, with a central electric auxiliary heater.

My Mode EFFICIENT with new MAX RANGE function.

The i5’s range can be moderated by activating a new drive system function; MAX RANGE. In this mode, drive power and top speed are carefully restricted and comfort functions scaled back, conserving battery power.

The MAX RANGE mode is primarily for critical situations where drivers are unable to recharge mid-journey where they had originally planned and must continue to an alternative charging point. To make the most of the available energy, the vehicle’s top speed is limited to 90 km/h, the climate control system is deactivated as are seat heating, seat ventilation, and steering wheel heating. A popup window appears in the control display indicating the recalculated range. The speed and power output gauges in the information display are also modified accordingly and the new energy conservation profile is taken into account in the range forecast.

The MAX RANGE mode can be selected using the control display’s touchscreen functionality, the iDrive Controller, or voice commands to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. It can also be deactivated by full-throttle acceleration (kickdown), engaging the M Sport Boost function, or switching the window defrost to maximum.

Charging efficiency is optimized using the latest charging software.

As the battery charge level increases, the charging procedure continuously reduces the charging power instead of delivering the so-call "staircase curve". This makes the charging curve smoother, shortening the charging time. Furthermore, the waste heat generated by the electric motors is used for controlling the temperature of the high-voltage battery in the BMW i5. This can significantly reduce the energy required for preheating the battery on the way to a fast charging station.

Battery thermal management for optimized DC fast charging.

Anticipatory thermal management ensures that the temperature of the high-voltage battery is optimally controlled in advance of a stop at a fast-charging station. When the navigation system is active, the battery is automatically pre-conditioned before a planned charging stop. Pre-conditioning the battery can also be manually activated and deactivated by the customer at any time.

"Overcooling" of the high-voltage storage unit during fast charging is prevented by implementing full and partial cooling power phases in the charging process. This prevents excessively low temperatures from occurring during fast charging, especially at high states of charge. This offers increased potential for short charging times and reduced ageing of the battery cells. In addition it is possible to save individual charging settings for several individual charging points. They are then automatically restored the next time the driver approaches the respective charging point.

BMW 530i xDrive: New generation four-cylinder engine.

The new generation of the 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder engine features the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head. The engine produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, increases of 7 hp and 38 lb-ft. This allows the 530i xDrive to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in only 6.1 seconds.

The internal combustion engines offered in the new BMW 5 Series all stem from a common modular design. The associated innovations include the Miller combustion process, which shortens the opening times of the intake valves, a redesign of the intake ducts and combustion chambers, as well as innovations in the areas of camshaft control, injection, ignition system and exhaust gas routing.

In addition, the engines feature the latest version of the fully variable valve control VALVETRONIC. Their switchable rocker arms on the exhaust side make it possible to stop the gas exchange when required, thus reducing the engine's frictional torque in overrun phases by about two thirds. This allows braking energy to be recuperated more effectively.

Driving experience: chassis technology. Refined sportiness in hallmark BMW fashion.

The vehicle concept of the new BMW 5 Series is characterized by the longest wheelbase in its segment, increased track widths at the front and rear axles compared to the previous generation, near perfect 50:50 weight distribution, intelligent lightweight construction, and body and chassis connection rigidity optimized with specific struts.

The flexible drive architecture of the new BMW 5 Series results in a wider range of vehicle weights. This is accounted for by specifically modifying and individually tuning chassis components and adapting all control systems accordingly in each powertrain configuration. Regardless of the drive concept, every model variant offers an excellent driving experience by combining the refined sportiness and superior driving comfort typical of the BMW 5 Series.

Both the double-wishbone front axle and the five-link rear axle of the new BMW 5 Series have undergone extensive development. To optimize the acoustic properties, the front axle support received an elastic steering gear mount. In the BMW i5 M60 xDrive, noise from the electric drivetrain is insulated by large powertrain mounts. The all-wheel drive variants of the new BMW 5 Series each feature a model-specific aluminum stiffening plate under the front axle support. Like the housing of the high-voltage battery in the underbody of the BMW i5, it contributes to optimizing the rigidity of the front end. The rear axle support, manufactured using aluminum integral casting, combines low weight with high rigidity. The vibration damping and acoustic insulation of the BMW i5’s electric drive unit at the rear wheels are optimized by a large bearing and specific rubber mounts for the rear axle support.

Sport steering with variable ratio now standard.

All BMW 5 Series are equipped with the latest version of electromechanical power steering (EPS) as standard. The standard sport steering includes a new, more direct, steering angle-dependent steering ratio. Its range of functions also includes Servotronic speed-related power assistance as well as comfort or sport-oriented settings available in My Modes.

BMW i5 M60 xDrive features model-specific chassis technology for superior performance.

As the top model in the range, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive not only has the most powerful drivetrain, but also comes with standard suspension equipment that ensures the power of its two electric motors can be harnessed to deliver a superior performance experience. Its standard Adaptive M Suspension Professional includes electronically controlled dampers, Integral Active Steering (which allows the rear wheels to turn in or out of phase with the front wheels up to 2.5 degrees) and lowers the ride height. The dynamic performance, agility, and handling precision of the high-performance model are enhanced by standard 20-inch M light alloy wheels with mixed performance tires and a powerful M sport braking system.

Stroke-dependent dampers for the BMW i5.

The BMW i5 features new stroke­ dependent control of the dampers on both axles, both as standard and with the M Sport Suspension. The additional hydraulic damping, which acts in the direction of pull, noticeably calms the body when compensating for the vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces and dynamic cornering, thus enhancing the sporty and confident handling of the vehicle. The additional damping is spring-travel ­dependent, so that vibrations building up are initially damped linearly and then additionally absorbed by a second piston in the event of greater deflection. This prevents excessive bouncing or rocking of the body when driving over large bumps and thus prevents unpleasant vibration behavior.

The stroke-dependent damping serves as an active tuning element, which optimizes the balance between sportiness and comfort specifically for each model. The positive influence of the additional damping on the i5’s driving behavior is not only noticeable under heavy load, but in situations where a wheel lifts slightly after being triggered by a small bump.

The BMW i5 is also equipped with rear-axle air suspension as standard. The self-levelling suspension ensures optimum vehicle height for comfortable and safe driving, even when heavily loaded. The air supply to the suspension is regulated individually for each wheel and can thus also compensate for uneven loading.

Adaptive M Suspension Professional with optional Active Roll Stabilization.

 The Adaptive M Suspension Professional on the BMW i5 M60 xDrive can be enhanced with optional Active Roll Stabilization (delayed introduction) including Active Roll Comfort. Electric swivel motors ensure fast and precise compensation of lateral roll forces. In its latest version, the system utilizes a 48-volt electric motor for this purpose.

Active Roll Stabilization benefits agility and driving precision, while at the same time enabling a dynamic steering response by providing better roll support. It also increases comfort when driving straight ahead by decoupling the fixed connection of a conventional anti-roll bar. This reduces body roll caused by one-sided road unevenness. The Active Roll Comfort function ensures that the system not only reduces body roll, but also builds up a counter-torque to keep the body horizontal, especially when the road surface is uneven on one side.

Near-actuator wheel slip limitation for fast and precisely optimized traction.

The new BMW 5 Series now features near-actuator wheel slip limitation to deliver maximum agility and control in demanding driving situations. With this system, the traction control is integrated into the engine control unit. This eliminates the long signal paths to the control unit of the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). so that the control interventions take place at up to 10 times the speed of conventional systems.

The near-actuator wheel slip limitation ensures optimized traction and superior directional stability even on slippery roads. Since it prevents loss of traction from the outset, especially when accelerating fast, but also during high-speed cornering, the Dynamic Stability Control DSC has to intervene much less frequently by selectively braking individual wheels to ensure confident and safe handling.

Light alloy wheels up to 21 inches.

The standard equipment of the new BMW 530i xDrive includes 19-inch light alloy wheels, and 20” for the i5 M60 xDrive. Optional 20-inch and 21-inch light alloy wheels are available with either mixed performance or all-season non-runflat tires. The range also includes aerodynamic wheels, whose design and construction methods reduce both weight and air resistance.

New Highway Assistant including Active Lane Change with eye activation.

The optional Driving Assistance Professional now includes the Highway Assistant, which enables attentive hands-free driving at speeds up to 130 km/h where conditions and speed limits allow. Driver attention is continuously monitored by the system via an interior camera. The driver is fully responsible for the task of driving even when the Highway Assistant is activated and must always be able to take over should it become necessary.

The automated driving functions of the Driving Assistance Professional Package also include the new version of the Active Lane Change. In a world first, the Active Lane Change in the new BMW 5 Series can be controlled by eye activation.

The vehicle suggests a lane change, and the driver can confirm the lane change simply by looking in the corresponding outside rearview mirror. The Active Lane Change performs the necessary steering movements automatically up to a speed of 130 km/h, traffic conditions and speed limits permitting. It is no longer necessary to confirm the lane change with the turn signal. This seamless interaction between the driver and the Automatic Lane Change provides a level of comfort and safety unique in the automotive sector.

An overview of the activated systems and their functionality is available to the driver via Assisted View in the instrument cluster. The central area of the cockpit display is reserved for an augmented reality representation of the vehicle and its surroundings. For this purpose, camera images are combined with additional graphics and information. The images from the vehicle environment processed in this way provide the driver with a precise overview of the vehicle surrounding captured by cameras and sensors.

Parking Assistant including Reversing Assistant as standard.

The new BMW 5 Series also provides support when parking and maneuvering. The standard Parking Assistant helps the driver in selecting and using parking spaces that are either parallel or perpendicular to the driving lane. In addition to the steering, it also takes over accelerating and braking as well as the gear shifts necessary when maneuvering, both when parking and when backing out.

The Reversing Assistant, which is also standard, enables automated reversing in narrow and complex environments such as multi-story parking structures or driveways. To do this, it stores the steering movements on the route last driven forwards and at a maximum speed of approximately 36 km/h. The system can then travel the stored journey in reverse for a distance of up to 50 meters.

The optional Parking Assistant Professional adds the Parking View, Panorama View front and 3D View functions. This shows a 360-degree image of the vehicle and its surroundings from different perspectives on the Control Display. In addition, the Remote 360 View function allows the driver to view a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle and its surroundings transmitted to their compatible smartphone. The BMW Drive Recorder, Anti-Theft Recorder and Maneuver Assistant are also included in the range of functions of Parking Assistant Professional.

Specifications.

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 50 BMW automobile retail centres, 21 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

Munich. On May 24, 14:00 CEST, the BMW Group will present the new BMW 5 Series, including the new BMW i5. The digital world premiere will take place live on BMW Press Streaming on bmwgroup.com and can be streamed here:

https://www.live.bmwgroup.com/en/live-streaming/

After the broadcast the video will remain available on demand.

The BMW Group will also simultaneously be broadcasting the global premiere of the BMW i5 on the social media channels of the BMW Group and the BMW brand. On Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook, anyone interested can follow how Pieter Nota and Frank Weber, among others, present details about the new all-electric business sedan.

Richmond Hill, ON.  Today the BMW Group continues to broaden its offering of battery electric vehicles with a fourth addition to the i4 portfolio, the new 2024 BMW i4 xDrive40. With an additional electric motor powering the front wheels, the BMW i4 xDrive40 now joins the highly successful and award-winning BMW i4 M50, i4 eDrive40 and i4 eDrive35. The i4 xDrive40 will begin production in July 2023 at BMW Group Plant Munich. First units are expected to arrive in Canada in the final quarter of 2023 with an MSRP of $69,900 CAD.

The new and highly dynamic i4 xDrive40 is equipped with dual, electrically-excited synchronous motors producing a combined 396 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. These motors propel the i4 xDrive40 from 0 to 100 km/h in an estimated 5.1 seconds and to a top speed of 200 km/h.

The battery in the i4 xDrive40 is the same as the eDrive40 and M50 variants, with a net capacity of 81.1 kWh. This produces an impressive, estimated EPA range of up to 494 km. The i4 xDrive40 can charge at a maximum of 205 kW on DC current.

Cementing its popularity and leadership, the M50 variant of the i4 became BMW M GmbH’s best-selling model worldwide in 2022, an impressive feat in its first year of production. The BMW Group is aiming for fully electric vehicles to account for 50% of its global sales by 2030.

The BMW i4 xDrive40 comes with all the latest BMW Gen5 eDrive powertrain technology already found in its BMW i4 siblings and BMW iX. It also features the same BMW Curved Display found in these models, as well as an updated Operating System 8.5 with QuickSelect, applicable for all 2024 i4 models.

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 50 BMW automobile retail centres, 21 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

Richmond Hill, ON.  Today BMW Group Canada and Electrify Canada announced an agreement to provide customers of the all-electric BMW i7 luxury sedan three years of complimentary charging across the Electrify Canada network for first owners, beginning from the date of vehicle purchase. Drivers will access charging, charging history, locate stations, or check the status of chargers through the Electrify Canada mobile app.

“As leaders in the luxury segment, we want to provide our flagship i7 customers with a premium charging experience,” said David George, President and CEO of BMW Group Canada. “This charging agreement with Electrify Canada gives i7 owners a fast and convenient way to charge their vehicles when out-of-home and helps make a further case to go electric.”

BMW’s flagship 7 Series has received an all-electric powertrain for the very first time in the i7 and has a range of up to 512 km, according to Natural Resources Canada. Customers who already took delivery of their i7 before program launch will receive three years of free charging from the start date of the program.

“We’re excited to continue our work with BMW and extend it to Canada to help even more of their customers feel confident taking their EVs wherever they need to go,” said Rob Barrosa, Vice President of Technology at Electrify Canada and Electrify America. “As more EVs like the BMW i7 come to market, fast-charging solutions from Electrify Canada and our ongoing work to expand charging access for customers, will be critical to increasing EV adoption.”

To learn more about the charging process, owners can visit the “What to expect when charging an electric vehicle” page on Electrify Canada’s website. In addition,customers can direct any questions or request guidance from Electrify Canada’s 24-hour Customer Contact Centre at 1-833-231-3226.

To learn more about the BMW i7, please visit: BMW Canada - The New i7.

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 50 BMW automobile retail centres, 21 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

About Electrify Canada

Electrify Canada was established in July 2018.  Electrify Canada’s goal is to promote greater Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) adoption by building a transformative, open DC fast charging network that gives Canadians the speed and reliability to confidently make the switch to electric. Electrify Canada’s Electrify Home® offers home charging solutions for consumers with flexible installation options. Electrify Commercial® provides expert solutions for businesses looking to develop electric vehicle charging programs. For more information, visit: electrify-canada.ca. 

For Electrify Canada inquiries, contact:

Agathe Maillard, Zeno Group Canada

Phone: 647-898-7488

Email: agathe.maillard@zenogroup.com

Octavio Navarro, Technology & Product Communications

Phone: 571-325-7273

Email: Octavio.navarro@electrifyAmerica.com

Munich. The first-ever BMW 5 Series with a fully electric drive system has yet to make its global debut, but it has already come through the ultimate endurance test. The new BMW i5 repeatedly demonstrated both the stability of its electric powertrain and its dynamic performance qualities over the course of arduous test drives in wintry conditions. The programme of testing on ice and snow lasted about a year in all, from the initial test runs to the final stages of fine-tuning. During the extensive testing on country roads, motorways and specially prepared test tracks, the development engineers mainly focused their attention on the car’s ability to drive at low temperatures and on surfaces offering little grip.

The innovative powertrain and chassis control systems on board the new BMW i5 do a great deal to optimise its traction, dynamism and driving stability, and nowhere is this more apparent than on a solid blanket of snow, icy mountain roads or frozen lakes. It was only right that the dynamic winter testing of the purely electrically powered sedan recently finished exactly where it began: in the biting cold of the BMW Group’s winter test centre at Arjeplog, northern Sweden.

Endurance test for BMW eDrive technology, operating continuously at extreme sub-zero temperatures.

As part of the production development process, the new BMW i5 first had to prove its mettle back in February 2022, when it completed a road trip from Munich to the BMW test centre at Arjeplog. A prototype model of the all-electric BMW 5 Series fully camouflaged with a special wrap, plastic attachments, grilles and provisional headlights and rear lights set off on a five-day test drive from the foothills of the Bavarian Alps up to Denmark, then on to the edge of the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland.

The journey of around 3,000 kilometres (1,850 miles) provided an early opportunity for the motors, power electronics, high-voltage battery and integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin and battery pack to demonstrate their advanced level of readiness on a long-distance journey. Featuring cutting-edge battery cell technology and intelligently controlled thermal management, the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology – further upgraded for the new BMW i5 – forms the basis for long ranges and short charging times during breaks in the journey, even in extreme sub-zero ambient temperatures.

• See photo set 1

The final destination of Arjeplog provided the team of development and test engineers with the ideal venue for their test programme. The snow-covered roads and frozen lakes of northern Sweden, with their vast expanses of ice, create the perfect setting for exploring how the chassis components, steering and braking systems, and driving dynamic and driving stability systems all interact with one another in extreme outdoor conditions. As a result, the groundwork for the authoritative, assured and characteristically sporty handling of the new BMW i5 were already laid in the first test drives in Arjeplog.

• See photo set 2

Testing in everyday driving and on wintry roads in the foothills of the Alps.

This was followed by more testing over the course of 2022, both at other
BMW Group test facilities and in everyday driving in and around Munich as well as in the vicinity of BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. The task here was to continue refining the car’s chassis technology and acoustic properties under a wide variety of conditions, as well as honing the drive unit’s power delivery, in order to produce a well-resolved driving experience at all times.

Here again, part of the development work was deliberately carried out during the colder months on icy and snowy roads in the Alpine foothills. This last winter, BMW i5 prototypes – now sporting less camouflage and near-production headlights – were regularly sent out for testing to verify the functionality and reliability of their powertrain and chassis control systems in extremely demanding road and weather conditions. The BMW engineers involved in the vehicle project were able to directly inspect the current state of development through testing in the BMW brand’s native Bavaria before it was time to return to endurance testing near the Arctic Circle in February 2023.

• See photo set 3

BMW i5 thrills with its unrivalled handling on ice and snow.

The purpose of this second round of testing in Sweden was to fine-tune all powertrain and chassis control systems. Thanks to their low-grip surfaces, the test areas sited on frozen lakes around Arjeplog were particularly well suited for delicately adjusting the drive torque control system in the BMW i5 under precisely reproducible conditions. In the new BMW i5, the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system, the near-actuator wheel slip limitation function and the drive torque control system are interlinked so that they can interact and complement each other flexibly in any driving situation. As a result, the all-electric sedan performs at least as proficiently as any conventionally powered model on ice and snow.

The integrated application of all powertrain and chassis systems underpins the outstanding handling abilities displayed by the BMW i5 in winter testing. The more challenging the conditions, the more impressive were the speed and precision of the control systems in the fully electric version of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. The BMW i5 serves up a harmonious blend of optimum traction when pulling away and supreme driving stability when cornering or braking, which is unique in the competitive environment.

• See photo set 4

• Awarded by automotive publication AutoTrader.
• First time an EV has won this category.
• All-electric driving range up to 484 km.
• Third Canadian award for the BMW i4.

Richmond Hill, ON.  Today the Canadian-based automotive publication AutoTrader announced the BMW i4 as the winner of their award for Best Compact Luxury Car for 2023. While the Compact Luxury Car category is open to cars with all powertrain types, this is the first time an EV has won the category. A win in this category for the BMW i4 demonstrates not only the growing acceptance of electric vehicles, but also the quality of the BMW i4’s product offering.

More than 20 automotive journalists from across Canada vote for the best vehicles in over 30 categories. When voting, the AutoTrader jury considers over a dozen criteria including engineering excellence, driver satisfaction, innovation, performance, value, safety, and more.  The AutoTrader Awards launched in this format in 2019.

The BMW i4 is available in three variants; the eDrive35, eDrive40 and the M50 xDrive and has a base MSRP of $54,990 CAD. Depending on the variant and equipment selected, the i4 offers an all-electric driving range between 365 and 484 km.

The i4 blends the functionality and space of the gran coupé design with the instantaneous power delivery of BMW’s latest 5th generation eDrive, which is also found in the BMW iX Sport Activity Vehicle. Class-leading driving dynamics and long-distance comfort, elegant design, uncompromising workmanship, cutting-edge user-vehicle interface and advanced infotainment and driving assistance technologies all combine to deliver a zero-emissions BMW worthy of the Ultimate Driving Machine moniker.

Sustainability was an integral part of the development of the new BMW i4, from the sourcing of materials to the production of the i4 itself and to the recycling of its components in the future. Every step of the value chain was carefully looked at to reduce the carbon footprint of the i4 to the absolute lowest level possible.

The BMW i4 has been available at Canadian BMW retailers since March of 2022.

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 50 BMW automobile retail centres, 21 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

Richmond Hill, ON.  Today, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) named the BMW i4 as the 2023 Canadian Car of the Year.  After automotive journalists from across Canada named the all-electric sedan the Best Premium EV in Canada for 2023, it became a finalist for the coveted position, today becoming the first electric vehicle to ever win AJAC’s top award.

The BMW i4 blends the functionality and space of the gran coupé design with the instantaneous power delivery of BMW’s latest fifth generation eDrive. Class-leading driving dynamics and long-distance comfort, elegant design, uncompromising workmanship, cutting-edge user-vehicle interface and advanced infotainment and driving assistance technologies all combine to deliver a zero-emissions BMW worthy of the Ultimate Driving Experience moniker.

“Over the course of 2022, one in every six BMW vehicles purchased was electrified,” stated David George, President and CEO, BMW Group Canada. “The BMW i4 has been particularly well-received.  Its combination of driving performance, modern aesthetics, and refined luxury are exactly what consumers interested in electrified vehicles have been waiting for.  We are honoured that Canada’s automotive journalists feel as strongly about this exceptional vehicle as we do.”

In Canada, the BMW i4 is available in three variants – the BMW i4 eDrive35, i4 eDrive40 and the i4 M50 xDrive – and has a base MSRP of $54,990 CAD. Both the i4 eDrive35 and i4 eDrive40 are also eligible for Canadian federal incentives of up to $5,000. Depending on the variant and types of equipment selected, the i4 offers an all-electric driving range of up to 484 km.

Sustainability was an integral part of the development of the new BMW i4, from the sourcing of materials to the production of the i4 itself and to the recycling of its components in the future. Every step of the value chain was carefully looked at to reduce the carbon footprint of the i4 to the absolute lowest level possible.

Innovation is the history of our future. And BMW is not planning for a finish line. Because when innovation is about more than just the car, there's always something new to discover.

                                                                     -30-

BMW Group Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 50 BMW automobile retail centres, 21 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

• Awarded by automotive publication AutoGuide.
• The i4 is available in three variants: eDrive35, eDrive40 and M50 xDrive.
• All-electric driving range up to 484 km.
• Base MSRP of $54,990 CAD.

Richmond Hill, ON.  Today the automotive publication AutoGuide announced the BMW i4 as the winner of their 2023 Car of the Year Award. AutoGuide’s Car of the Year category is open to cars with all powertrain types. A win in this category for the all-electric BMW i4 signifies not only a growing shift towards electric mobility, but also illustrates the quality and breadth of the i4’s product offering. The BMW i4 is available in three variants; the eDrive35, eDrive40 and the M50 xDrive and has a base MSRP of $54,990 CAD. Depending on the variant and equipment selected, the i4 offers an all-electric driving range between 365 and 484 km.

The team of journalists at AutoGuide scored their 20 finalist vehicles on numerous attributes, including value, ease of use, space, safety, and curb appeal. “The i4 represents the perfect gateway for an enthusiast reticent about electric car ownership,” said contributing writer Jeff Wilson. “Whether the single motor eDrive40 or the sizzling-quick M50, the i4 is a genuinely fun car to drive, and exactly what enthusiasts hope for from BMW in this segment.”

The i4 blends the functionality and space of the gran coupé design with the instantaneous power delivery of BMW’s latest 5th generation eDrive, which is also found in the BMW iX Sport Activity Vehicle. Class-leading driving dynamics and long-distance comfort, elegant design, uncompromising workmanship, cutting-edge user-vehicle interface and advanced infotainment and driving assistance technologies all combine to deliver a zero-emissions BMW worthy of the Ultimate Driving Machine moniker.

Sustainability was an integral part of the development of the new BMW i4, from the sourcing of materials to the production of the i4 itself and to the recycling of its components in the future. Every step of the value chain was carefully looked at to reduce the carbon footprint of the i4 to the absolute lowest level possible.

The BMW i4 has been available at Canadian BMW retailers since March of 2022.

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 50 BMW automobile retail centres, 21 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

• Awarded by Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).
• Available in three variants: eDrive35, eDrive40 and M50 xDrive.
• All-electric driving range up to 484 km.
• Base MSRP of $54,990 CAD.

Richmond Hill, ON.  Today the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced the BMW i4 as winner of the Best Premium EV in Canada for 2023. The BMW i4 is available in three variants; the eDrive35, eDrive40 and the M50 xDrive and has a base MSRP of $54,990 CAD. Depending on the variant and types of equipment selected, the i4 offers an all-electric driving range between 365 and 484 km.

Voting data for the award was collected from AJAC journalists across Canada, who tested eligible vehicles on the same roads and in the same conditions faced by Canadian drivers. With this category win, the i4 now qualifies to be named 2023 Canadian Car of the Year, to be announced in February 2023.

The i4 blends the functionality and space of the gran coupé design with the instantaneous power delivery of BMW’s latest 5th generation eDrive, which is also found in the BMW iX Sport Activity Vehicle. Class-leading driving dynamics and long-distance comfort, elegant design, uncompromising workmanship, cutting-edge user-vehicle interface and advanced infotainment and driving assistance technologies all combine to deliver a zero-emissions BMW worthy of the Ultimate Driving Machine moniker.

Sustainability was an integral part of the development of the new BMW i4, from the sourcing of materials to the production of the i4 itself and to the recycling of its components in the future. Every step of the value chain was carefully looked at to reduce the carbon footprint of the i4 to the absolute lowest level possible.

The BMW i4 has been available at Canadian BMW retailers since March of 2022.

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 50 BMW automobile retail centres, 21 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

On location photos and footage International Media Launch Palm Springs, USA.

Photos et images sur place International Media Launch Palm Springs, États-Unis.

Munich. On 31 August, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG Oliver Zipse and Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development, will come together to inaugurate fuel cell system production at the company’s competence centre for hydrogen in Munich. The reason for this occasion is the small series of BMW iX5 Hydrogen cars that will be entering service around the world from the end of this year for test and demonstration purposes. The combination of fuel cell and high-performance battery is set to enrich the company’s portfolio by adding a unique form of drive system for the premium segment. The BMW Group is playing a visionary and pioneering role in this technology with the aim of achieving a more diversified transition to zero-emission mobility.

“As a versatile energy source, hydrogen has a key role to play on the road to climate neutrality. And it will also gain substantially in importance as far as personal mobility is concerned. We think hydrogen-powered vehicles are ideally placed technologically to fit alongside battery-electric vehicles and complete the electric mobility picture,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Wednesday. “By commencing small-scale production of fuel cells today, we are demonstrating the technical maturity of this type of drive system and underscoring its potential for the future.”

“Our many years of research and development work have enabled us to get the very most out of hydrogen technology,” added Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development. “We have managed to more than double the fuel cell’s continuous output in the second-generation fuel cell in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, while weight and size have both decreased drastically.”

Thanks to these advances, the BMW Group leads the way in the development of hydrogen technology and considers it to hold great promise for its next generation of vehicles.

Technological expertise and high standards of efficiency in the drive system
The BMW Group will now be manufacturing highly efficient fuel cell systems at its in-house competence centre for hydrogen. This technology is one of the core elements in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen and generates a high continuous output of 125 kW/170 hp. It teams up with an electric motor featuring fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and a high-performance battery purpose developed for this vehicle to enable its powertrain to deliver 275 kW/374 hp. The development team incorporated the powerful drive system – comprising two hydrogen tanks, the fuel cell and the electric motor – into the existing BMW X5 platform for the small production run. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen already successfully demonstrated its excellent everyday usability, even at very low temperatures, during the final round of winter testing in Sweden at the start of this year.

The impressive testing results of this new small-scale series of cars are rooted in the BMW Group’s extensive experience with the use of hydrogen as a drive technology. Hydrogen-powered combustion engines had already been in use prior to the arrival of the fuel cell system. Efficiency considerations prompted the BMW Group to continue development work in this area from 2015 with the BMW 5 Series GT Hydrogen Cell based on fuel cell technology. Fuel cell technology has since been steadily refined by harnessing the company’s vast know-how in the field of conventional drive technologies and applying the exacting standards of all-round efficiency it expects of all its vehicles.

Production of fuel cell systems in Munich
A chemical reaction takes place in the fuel cell between hydrogen from the tanks and oxygen from the air. Maintaining a steady supply of both elements to the fuel cell’s membrane is of crucial importance for the drive system’s efficiency. In addition to the technological equivalents of features found on combustion engines, such as charge air coolers, air filters, control units and sensors, the BMW Group also developed special hydrogen components for its new fuel cell system. These include the high-speed compressor with turbine and high-voltage coolant pump, for instance.

The BMW Group sources the individual fuel cells required for manufacturing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen from the Toyota Motor Corporation. The two companies have enjoyed a partnership characterised by trust for many years and have been collaborating on fuel cell drive systems since 2013. Fuel cell systems are manufactured in two main steps. The individual fuel cells are first assembled into a fuel cell stack. The next step involves fitting all the other components to produce a complete fuel cell system.

Stacking of the fuel cells is a fully automated process. Once the individual components have been inspected for any damage, the stack is compressed by machine with a force of five tonnes and placed in a housing. The stack housing is manufactured in the light metal foundry at BMW Group Plant Landshut using a sand casting technique. For this, molten aluminium is poured into a mould made from compacted sand mixed with resin in a process specially designed for this small-series vehicle. The pressure plate, which delivers hydrogen and oxygen to the fuel cell stack, is made from cast plastic parts and light-alloy castings, also from the Landshut plant. The pressure plate forms a gas-tight and water-tight seal around the stack housing.

Final assembly of the fuel cell stacks includes a voltage test along with extensive testing of the chemical reaction within the cells. Finally, all the different components are fitted together in the assembly area to produce the complete system. During this system assembly stage, further components are fitted, such as the compressor, the anode and cathode, the high-voltage coolant pump and the wiring harness.

Richmond Hill, ON. The BMW Group continues to broaden its portfolio of electrically powered vehicles with its latest addition: the new BMW i4 eDrive35. The BMW i4 eDrive 35 further expands the BMW i4 family, joining the highly successful BMW i4 M50 xDrive and BMW i4 eDrive40. The i4 eDrive35 is available for order in Canada as of today, starting at $54,990 CAD.

The BMW i4 eDrive35 comes with all the latest BMW Gen5 eDrive powertrain technology already found in its BMW i4 siblings and BMW iX. It also features the same BMW Curved Display with BMW iDrive8 operating system found in these models.

The BMW i4 eDrive35 will begin production in November at the BMW Group Munich plant. First units are expected to arrive in Canada in the first quarter of 2023.

The i4 eDrive35 is equipped with a single, electrically excited synchronous motor, in a rear-drive configuration, producing an estimated 281 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This motor propels the i4 eDrive35 from 0 to 100 km/h in an estimated 6 seconds and to a top speed of 190 km/h.

The new battery in the i4 eDrive35 has a net capacity of 66 kWh, with a total gross capacity of 70.2 kWh. The i4 eDrive35 can charge at a maximum of 180 kW on DC current and 11 kW on AC current. Based on early testing on DC current, owners can expect to charge the HV battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 32 minutes. All versions of the i4 operate on the same 400V architecture.

The i4 eDrive35 will launch in Canada with a starting price of $54,990 CAD. Consequently, it is anticipated the vehicle will qualify for the $5,000 purchase incentive as part of the Federal iZEV Program, as well as all current provincial government incentives, namely in British Columbia and Quebec. These incentives range from $3,000 in BC to $7,000 in Quebec.

“We are happy to be so quickly expanding the offering for one of our most important products of the year, the i4,” said Andrew Scott, Director of Brand Management with BMW Group Canada. “We strive to offer Canadians more choice and doing so in one of the fastest-growing areas of the business is crucial.”

With the BMW i4 eDrive35, the BMW Group’s global portfolio of fully electric cars covers six model lines with 10 powertrain derivatives in total. The BMW Group is aiming for fully electric vehicles to account for 50% of its global sales by 2030.

BMW i4 eDrive35 key data:

BMW i4 Range Evaluations:

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BMW Group in Canada

BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 50 BMW automobile retail centres, 21 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 31 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

For more information, please contact:

Marc Belcourt

Director, Corporate Communications, BMW Group Canada

905-428-5078 / marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                             

Jean-Francois Taylor

Product and Technology Manager, Corporate Communications, BMW Group Canada

905-428-5366 / jean-francois.taylor@bmwgroup.ca

Munich . The heads of state and government from the world’s most important industrialised nations convened at Schloss Elmau in Upper Bavaria on 26 – 28 June 2022 for the latest G7 summit. The BMW Group provided a shuttle service for the event, which was initiated by the German government. As well as the latest series-production models, the fleet of shuttles also featured three examples of the brand new BMW i7 xDrive60 (electric power consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 19.6 – 18.4 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km; figures in NEDC cycle: – ), which was unveiled just a few weeks ago. The presence of the BMW i7 in the fleet gave the assembled dignitaries the opportunity to experience the immense driving comfort and futuristic ambience of the electrically powered sedan a full five months before its global launch gets underway. A high-security vehicle based on the new BMW 7 Series will be added to the line-up during the course of 2023. The BMW Group’s Protection Vehicles are tailored to individuals requiring special protection, and examples with an all-electric drive system will now be available for the first time.

Over more than 40 years, the BMW Group has amassed exceptional expertise and experience in the development and manufacture of vehicles designed specially for the specific requirements of authorities and public representatives. “We will continue this tradition in 2023 with a high-security vehicle combining the dynamic prowess, ride comfort and interior comfort of the new BMW 7 Series with an integrated protection concept that is unique in this segment,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “And we will also introduce an all-electric high-security vehicle for the first time – with no comprises when it comes to the standard of protection for our customers. It will be based on the BMW i7, demonstrating how sustainability and security can go hand in hand.”

The vehicle architecture of the new 7 Series range was devised from the outset for both internal combustion engines and electrified drive systems. The production development process for the luxury sedan already made allowance for the next-generation high-security vehicle’s new and innovative protection concept.

This integrated security concept, together with the “craft manufacturing” process at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, ensures that the electric variant of the new high-security vehicle also boasts an unrivalled combination of protection, poise & assurance, spaciousness and sustainability. “The new BMW i7 brings together a unique, all-electric driving experience with the most advanced package of technologies anywhere in the industry,” says Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Development. “So using this high-tech product as a platform for a top-class high-security vehicle seemed to us like the obvious thing to do.”

The BMW Group presented a concept vehicle demonstrating the compatibility of increased protection levels and sustainable mobility back at the IAA Mobility 2021 event. The BMW Concept iX5 Hydrogen Protection VR6 was equipped with a hydrogen-powered fuel-cell drive system, making it the first ever concept for a high-security vehicle from a large-scale carmaker worldwide to offer zero tailpipe emissions and certified class VR6 protection.

The fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, electric power consumption and operating range figures are determined according to the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable. They refer to vehicles in the German market. Where a range is shown, the figures take into account the impact of any optional extras.

All values were calculated based on the new WLTP test cycle. WLTP values are taken as the basis for determining vehicle-related taxes or other duties based (at least inter alia) on CO₂ emissions as well as eligibility for any applicable vehicle-specific subsidies. Further information on the WLTP and NEDC measurement procedures can also be found at www.bmw.de/wltp.

Further information on official fuel consumption figures and specific CO₂ emission values of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: 'Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO₂-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen' (Guide to the fuel economy, CO₂ emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained free of charge from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2.

In the event of enquiries please contact:

Corporate Communications

Sarah Berghammer, Product Communication BMW Automobiles

Telephone: +49-89-382-28120

E-mail: Sarah.Berghammer@bmw.de

Dr. Maik Boeres, Government and External Affairs, Head of Mobility and Digital Car

Telephone: +49-89-382-30469

E-mail: Maik.Boeres@bmwgroup.com

Ingo Wirth, Head of Product and Brand Communication BMW

Telephone: +49-89-382-25814

E-mail: Ingo.Wirth@bmw.de

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

E-mail: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2021, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 194,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2021 was € 16.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 111.2 billion. As of 31 December 2021, the BMW Group had a workforce of 118,909 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Goodwood. All eyes will be on BMW M GmbH at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed, as BMW’s legendary Motorsport division celebrates five decades of success. Festivalgoers will witness the world premiere of the first-ever BMW M3 Touring and the UK premiere of the new BMW M4 CSL, as both take to the hill throughout the world-famous four-day event. All this against the backdrop of a striking central feature sculpture on the lawn of Goodwood House, designed as a homage to 50 years of motorsport excellence as it showcases some of the most iconic models from BMW M. Elsewhere, visitors will be able to see – and in some cases, drive – the latest models from BMW’s exciting range, including the new BMW iX1, i7, i4 and iX M60.

For the first time in its history, the BMW M range will be complemented by a BMW M3 Touring which is a distillation of the technological prowess and know-how from the BMW M3 and M4 family, combined with the practicality of a five-door touring model. This latest BMW M model will be unveiled at BMW M at Trackside at 10:00 am (BST) on Thursday 23 June, alongside a high-performance M3 Touring with Performance Parts, and can then be seen on the Hillclimb in the ‘First Glance’ category every day of the Festival.

Alongside the M3 Touring and BMW M3 Touring MotoGP Safety Car on the hill will be the new BMW M4 CSL, celebrating its UK premiere. This ultimate, track-honed, two-seater coupe is defined by a 40hp power hike over the current BMW M4 Competition Coupé to 550hp, while meticulous weight-saving measures – including the use of carbon-fibre for the roof, bonnet and boot lid – achieve a 100kg reduction in overall weight (in standard specification in the German market). As a result, the new BMW M4 CSL has recorded the best-ever lap-time for a BMW road car at the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit.

With BMW M GmbH as the honoured marque, the Central Feature in front of Goodwood House will present an eye-catching display of BMW M cars past, present and future. BMW UK will add its legendary BMW 3.0 CSL to the Central Feature, while BMW Group Classic is providing three further examples: the BMW M1 Procar from the late 1970s; a WTCC BMW 3 Series E90; the Le Mans winning 1999 BMW V12 LMR. The display is completed by the BMW M LMDh racecar, that will debut next year.

Besides providing historic BMW M cars for the Central Feature, BMW Group Classic will bring four additional famous race cars to Goodwood’s Hillclimb. Pedro Piquet (BRA), son of three-time F1 World Champion Nelson Piquet, will drive the world’s first turbo-charged F1 World Champion car, the 1983 Brabham BMW BT52.

Steve Soper (UK) will climb the hill in the BMW V12 LMR on Thursday. He is followed by Markus Flasch (CEO of BMW M GmbH, 2018-2021), who will be in the driver’s seat on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

HRH Leopold Prince of Bavaria (GER) will drive the sharknose BMW 635CSi and Bruno Spengler (CAN) will drive his famous BMW Z4 GTR which features the Michel Vaillant Design from the 2015 Spa-Francorchamps 24h race.

For many, BMW M at Trackside will form the focal point for the long weekend’s celebrations. Crowned by an original BMW M1, the stand will host iconic models from BMW M’s illustrious past, from the legendary BMW M3 E30 to the revered BMW M3 CSL E46. They will take their place alongside a thrilling line-up of modern-day BMW M greats, from the ultimate 635hp BMW M5 CS and track-honed BMW M4 GT3 to the exclusive new BMW M850i Convertible and innovative electric BMW i4 M50. Visitors will be able to catch a glimpse of the future for BMW M, with the innovative BMW Concept XM, a vision of uncompromising high performance and extravagant luxury.

The Stable Yard – once again dedicated to BMW’s latest range of all-electric and electrified models – will offer the chance to see the stunning BMW i Vision Circular, a concept which illustrates the company’s determination to become the most sustainable manufacturer. Optimised for the circular economy and with the goal of achieving 100% recycled and recyclable material use, the BMW i Vision Circular offers a view of a compact yet luxurious fully-electric vehicle with a focus on sustainability for the year 2040.

BMW’s sustainability focus is equally apparent in the new BMW i7, on display in The Stable Yard following its recent unveiling. The latest version of the brand’s flagship saloon is set to redefine the luxury segment with new levels of electrification and digitalisation. Its state-of-the-art all-electric drivetrain is complemented by a blend of luxurious interior design and an astonishing entertainment experience, with the multi-sensory BMW iDrive and unique 31.3-inch 8K BMW Theatre Screen. These attributes are further displayed in the powerful new BMW M760e, a plug-in hybrid with 571hp that delivers scintillating performance yet achieves remarkable efficiency.

The recently revealed BMW iX1 will make its UK debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed, representing another first at the Stable Yard. The third-generation BMW X1 features a sharper design, across-the-board sustainability and cutting-edge digital innovations. Available for the first time with an all-electric drive system, the BMW iX1 xDrive30 is set to offer an electric driving range between 257 – 272 miles (WLTP, provisional figures).

These models will also be joined by the company’s technology flagship, the new BMW iX M60, a fully-electric Sports Activity Vehicle that combines emissions-free driving pleasure and sporting agility with lounge-style luxury and comfort. Powered by two BMW M eDrive electric motors to provide intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive capability, the BMW iX M60 can accelerate from 0-62 mph in a seamless 3.8 seconds, yet still achieve up to 348 miles (WLTP) of driving range on a single charge.

Members of the public will be able to experience the BMW iX M60’s searing performance for themselves during Friday’s ‘Electric Only’ Motor Circuit Test Drives, where they’ll also be able to take to the circuit behind the wheel of the new BMW i4, the brand’s first-ever fully-electric Gran Coupé, and the practical BMW iX3.

Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M, said: “There can be no better place to celebrate our 50th anniversary than among our fans at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, surrounded by the iconic cars that have cemented our position in motorsport history. But we’ll also spend our time at the world-famous event looking to the future, with a selection of exciting new models from our innovative electrified line-up, and the global premiere of the eagerly-anticipated first-ever BMW M3 Touring.”

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is being held over four days from 23-26 June 2022.