Additional outdoor studio imagery available for the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse. 

Munich. The BMW M Concept Neue Klasse celebrates its world premiere at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It showcases the new BMW M design language and sets a clear signal for the brand’s all-electric future. The future BMW M product portfolio combines expressive design, high performance and innovative materials.

The vehicle builds a bridge between its history and motorsport.
It is instantly recognisable as a high-performance automobile. BMW M thus remains true to its guiding principle: “Born on the racetrack. Made for the streets.”

“The new BMW M design language forms the expressive spearhead of the Neue Klasse – determined and purposeful,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of Design BMW Compact Class, Neue Klasse and BMW M. “At BMW M, form consistently follows function. Every detail serves performance. This project is truly special to me because it carries the BMW M character into a new era.”

Form, function and motorsport references in the exterior design.
Powerful proportions, precise lines and a muscular shoulder section with wide wheel arches define the unmistakable BMW M character.

Numerous M-specific design measures optimise aerodynamics – including the reinterpreted M aero exterior mirrors in the colours of BMW M.

A distinctive air outlet shapes the V-shaped front bonnet. It supports the cooling of the electric drivetrain.

A forward-facing shark nose and a light signature with depth effect characterise the front end. Headlights and kidney grille form a single unit. The new M Yellow Lights create a focused view of the road. The yellow light icons are set to become a new signature feature of future BMW M automobiles and reference GT racing cars as well as the BMW M Hybrid V8.

The front apron of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse adopts a trimaran-style bumper, inspired by the form of high-speed sailing boats. The three-part design underlines the vehicle’s technical appearance. It also provides structural support for the front splitter – an aerodynamic element at the lower edge of the front end.

Another new lighting accent for future BMW M automobiles are the three-dimensional Track Lights located in the outer sections of the front apron.

Track Lights and trimaran design also shape the rear apron of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse. The Track Lights frame the trimaran element above the floating diffuser. A striking ducktail spoiler improves aerodynamics, increases downforce at the rear axle and at the same time sets a striking accent within the clean surface design of the rear end.

Natural fibre elements are used in both the exterior and interior of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse – for example in the front splitter, the bonnet air outlet and the diffuser. For the first time, natural fibre is not only used in its pure form but also in a refined finish with M branding in the roof graphic.

The newly developed Monza Red metallic paint finish and the red-and-blue coded centre-lock wheels strengthen the visual link to BMW M and motorsport.

Driver-focused cockpit for an intense BMW M experience.
The interior of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse is reduced and consistently geared towards the driving experience in a next-generation all-electric BMW M.

Four newly developed bucket seats provide secure support even in highly dynamic driving situations and integrate structural elements made from natural fibre materials. The seat upholstery in Bathurst Blue and Berry Red picks up the BMW M colours in a two-tone Merino leather finish. Red five-point belts emphasise the sporty character.

For the first time in a BMW M vehicle, high-quality black nubuck leather is used. It can be found on the steering wheel, the door panels and the roll bar.

The floating dashboard is finished in black knit material and features M-specific hexagonal backlighting.

Red accents on the M gear selector, the shift paddles on the M steering wheel and in the digital displays add targeted sporty highlights in the cockpit and put performance centre stage.

High performance and BMW M driving experience in a new dimension.
The BMW M Concept Neue Klasse represents the next chapter in the M-typical blend of dynamics, agility and precision. The innovative BMW M eDrive drive concept with four electric motors and BMW M Dynamic Performance Control elevates driving experience and racetrack capability to a new level.

“Even in the new all-electric era, we continue the M-typical tradition of transferring both technological innovations and defining design features directly from motorsport into series production,” says Franciscus van Meel, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW M GmbH.

BMW M eDrive is based on the Neue Klasse’s Gen6 technology and was developed specifically for all-electric BMW M automobiles. The drivetrain concept combines four electric motors with the central control software BMW M Dynamic Performance Control in the high-performance computer Heart of Joy. Thanks to the integrated, wheel-specific control of the drivetrain and braking systems, BMW M eDrive opens up new potential for driving dynamics and driving safety. It enables high recuperation performance, optimal traction right up to the limit and particularly direct response.

The 800-volt technology and the high-voltage battery with an energy content of more than 100 kWh create the conditions for long-range capability. A BMW M-specific optimised version of sixth-generation cylindrical cells provides particularly high output when delivering energy to the electric motors and during charging. The housing of the high-voltage battery is structurally integrated with both the front and rear axle, thereby additionally contributing to driving dynamics.

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

Richmond Hill, ON. MINI Canada is thrilled to announce its presence at the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, showcasing a bold and sporty lineup highlighted by the North American premiere of the striking MINI JCW x Deus Ex Machina concept. The exhibit will be located on Level 700, with a MINI drive experience returning to Level 500 along with BMW — continuing the popular format from last year.

North American premiere: MINI JCW x Deus Ex Machina Concept
Revealed earlier this year, the MINI JCW x Deus Ex Machina concept fuses the iconic MINI John Cooper Works performance with the spirit of the renowned lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina. This one-of-a-kind design features unique, custom elements such as a sleek, matte paint finish, signature Deus Ex Machina graphics, and exclusive accessories — all paying tribute to a shared passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and thrilling driving experiences. This concept car marks an exciting collaboration and a stunning statement for MINI fans and automotive enthusiasts alike.

"Bringing the MINI JCW x Deus Ex Machina concept to the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow is truly special,” said Patrick Clancy, Director of MINI Canada. “It’s a rare and unique opportunity to showcase the North American debut of such an exciting and extreme vehicle that perfectly embodies MINI’s spirit of individuality.”

Sporty John Cooper Works lineup on display
In addition to the concept, the MINI booth will exclusively feature the dynamic John Cooper Works (JCW) lineup: the agile and iconic MINI JCW 3 Door and the versatile MINI JCW Countryman ALL4. Known for their exhilarating performance and race-inspired engineering, these sporty models boast powerful turbocharged engines, sharp handling, and distinctive JCW styling cues that deliver the ultimate driving excitement.

• MINI JCW 3 Door: Compact, nimble, and packed with 228 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0L engine, this model blends classic MINI design with thrilling sportscar performance.
• MINI JCW Countryman ALL4: The most powerful MINI SUV ever, offering 312 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a perfect balance of performance and practicality for adventurous drivers.

“We’re excited that MINI has chosen the AutoShow for the North American debut of its JCW x Deus Ex Machina Concept, and we know enthusiasts are going to be thrilled to not only see these vehicles but also get to test drive some as well,” said Jason Campbell, General Manager, Canadian International AutoShow.”

Experience MINI at 2026 CIAS
Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the MINI brand with exclusive test drives of MINI models on Level 500, just like last year. The MINI experience promises to be both interactive and exhilarating, inviting attendees to feel the unmistakable go-kart handling and spirited performance that define MINI.

Event Details:

• MINI Exhibit: Level 700, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
• MINI Drive Experience: Level 500
• Dates: February 13 – 22, 2026

The 2026 Canadian International AutoShow is Canada’s premier automotive event, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually and offering the perfect platform for MINI to showcase its unique character, creativity and joie de vivre.

Don’t miss this chance to witness the North American debut of the MINI JCW x Deus Ex Machina concept and explore the thrilling performance of the MINI John Cooper Works lineup at the 2026 CIAS. MINI Canada invites all visitors to come along for the ride and experience the passion and excitement that only MINI can deliver. For more information, visit MINI 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

marc.belcourt@bmwgroup.ca                                   

Barb Pitblado

Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

barb.pitblado@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. With deep respect for craftsmanship, culture, and the communities that shape them, the partnership between MINI John Cooper Works and Deus Ex Machina comes to life through two customised one-off cars - rolling expressions of a lifestyle where a love of speed meets creativity and considered design. Built not just for performance, but for the people who live and breathe it.

“MINI models have always been characterized by a blend of creative design and motorsport dynamics,’ explains Stefan Richmann, Head of MINI. “Thanks to our collaboration with Deus Ex Machina, we are taking this philosophy to a new level and setting exciting new trends for fans and motorsport enthusiasts. The partners are united by their “passion for machines, innovation and creativity” and an authentic relationship with their own community,” says Stefan Richmann.

Purist, functional and graphic design approach.
Both vehicle concepts are based on a MINI John Cooper Works model: the first, a MINI JCW Electric with up to 190 kW/258 hp, the second, a combustion engine-powered MINI JCW with 170 kW/231 hp. Each vehicles roof features a large white ‘X’, a connecting element, which signals a significant design and co-creation: the co-creation process between two iconic brands in their own right: MINI JCW x DEUS.

"In this extraordinary collaboration, we showcase two vehicles that remind us of motorsport history and successes of MINI. Every single detail has been crafted with artisanal precision and expertise. This has resulted in unique characters that are clearly perceived as belonging together through their distinctive design language and use of graphics," says Holger Hampf, Head of MINI Design.

Visible seams, striking switches and traditional levers emphasise the mechanical character of the cockpits. The materials and colours utilised throughout the vehicles create bold contrasts: a deliberate break with high gloss. Instead of perfection, authenticity is at the forefront: designers speak of a ‘raw, handcrafted approach’ that celebrates the ‘beauty of imperfection’. On the exterior, expressive graphics consisting of numbers, geometric elements and bright colours pay homage to MINIs racing history.

The MINI JCW X DEUS one-off cars.
Built as a pair - kindred in spirit, opposite in energy. One born of the coast: shaped by surfboards, sea spray, and the stripped-back rhythm of beach life. The other is forged on the track: lean, fast, and fuelled by a love of speed and precision.

The Skeg – sleek, electric, coast-bound.
The electric powered show car ‘The Skeg’ is a clean, minimal and quiet rebellion, drawing on materials, technologies and philosophies from the world of surfing: Fiberglass, acceleration and minimalism.

The vehicles bodywork lands a bold first impression in a vivid yellow and silver finish - a nod to MINI’s progressive take on electric mobility. Wide fenders, an illuminated front grille, and a roof spoiler sharpen the silhouette, while semi-transparent fiberglass panels strip 15% of the car’s weight and refine its aerodynamic performance.
At the rear, the Flex Tip Surf Spoiler responds to airflow much like a surfboard rides the contours of a wave. Its form draws from the concave underside of a board, redirecting movement, generating lift, and turning design into function.

Tension straps across the roof reference the familiar ritual of tying down a surfboard after a session, while remaining a characteristic design detail of the new MINI family, featured as an accent on the dashboard and in the 6 o'clock spoke of the steering wheel.

Custom-made fiberglass elements on the roof, front, rear, and interior create a shifting play of light: translucent, strong, and responsive to time of day and environment, while the dashboard itself borrows directly from surfboard construction: lightweight, resilient, and visually distinctive.

The Interior.
Inside, the analogue controls are stripped back - simple, tactile, and true to purpose, reflecting a surf culture that prioritises purpose over polish.
The car resembles a mobile surf shop. An example of the thoughtful functionality is the fiberglass trays for wetsuits. The specially shaped shelves provide a practical storage solution and bring the surf culture into the interior. The neoprene upholstery in the lightweight racing bucket seats – flexible, water-repellent, and comfortable – also creates a tactile connection to surfing.
The fiberglass dashboard transfers the technology of surfboard construction into the automotive sector.
The oversized ‘X’ returns as a visual anchor, while Deus Collection badges and 3D-printed details in the console serve as subtle signifiers of a shared culture - one grounded in craft, connection, and the pursuit of the ride.

The Machina - loud, low, combustion-fed.
The Machina, a John Cooper Works that packs a compact punch of raw mechanics and motorsport bloodline. Inspired by the aesthetics of motorsport, it stands for pure racing enthusiasm and authentic functionality.

The exterior: signature elements with links to the racing scene.
The exterior design pays homage to the motorsport heritage of the MINI brand. Every characteristic feature has been carefully selected with a focus on functionality and emotional appeal.

The red, white and black paintwork, complete with bold accents and Deus lettering on the rear, makes an immediate impression. Classic widened fenders nod to racing heritage, blending form and function, while four additional headlights mounted on the bonnet pay tribute to rally sport roots. Each custom-built light pod features subtle Deus branding, offering both performance and a distinctive visual signature.

At the rear, the diffuser draws inspiration from the MINI JCW race car that tore through the legendary Nordschleife. Beyond its aggressive stance, it’s designed to optimise airflow and stability, with the centrally integrated exhaust serving as both a functional and aesthetic focal point, amplifying the engine’s sound and presence.

Up front, a bespoke grille and perforated headlight surrounds enhance cooling performance, while the iconic MINI John Cooper Works light signature, complete with air intakes, anchors the car firmly in MINI’s high-performance lineage. Topping it off is a Can-Am-style rear spoiler: a bold piece of motorsport nostalgia that nods to an era when innovation in racing pushed both design and engineering to the edge.

The Interior.
Inside the JCW show car, the red, white and black palette holds strong - pared-back, purposeful, and unmistakably John Cooper Works. The 5-point racing harnesses secure the driver, and ultimately become part of the driving experience, wrapping the body in precision.

Raw aluminium floor plates offer more than grip, rather they echo the utilitarian aesthetic found in Deus’ custom motorcycle workshops from Sydney to Venice Beach to Canggu, grounding the car in a shared language of performance and craft.

Weight-saving is built into every surface, from the stripped-back door panels marked with bold white ‘X’ motifs, to the waxed fabric dash - lightweight, durable, and finished with a lived-in patina that speaks to hands-on workmanship. Overhead, the exposed roll cage adds structure and statement in equal measure - a safety feature that nods to the car’s unfiltered racing DNA.

The show car's controls speak a clear language of functionality and directness. Every switch and every button is designed to function intuitively and reliably, even under extreme conditions.

Toggle switches are classic elements – no complex menus, just direct, mechanical connections between thought and action. Each button has a clear function. A classic example, the hydraulic handbrake with its large lever, acting as a direct connection between driver and vehicle - a commitment to precision and control. The JCW show car is a driving manifesto and a tribute to the motorsport DNA of the MINI brand.

Concentrated creativity for two extraordinary designer pieces.
In collaboration with the MINI design team, BMW Group subsidiary Designworks provided creative impetus with unconventional ideas for the project. Deus’ Creative Director, Carby Tuckwell and his wider creative cohort oversaw the striking exterior graphics of the unique cars - led by Matt Willey – and complimented the work - an outcome that truly reflects extraordinary design dynamics and remarkable solutions across the two vehicles.

“Deus has had a longstanding creative partnership with Matt - one powered by a true respect for the power of design and art. Having him involved in this project, for us, was a no-brainer - he worked closely with myself and the Deus team on our first creative project that was splashed across a MINI car in 2023.” - Carby Tuckwell, Deus Co-Founder & Creative Director

Deus x Matt Willey: The fascination of historic racing.
Deus’ Carby Tuckwell and Matt Willey have been working together since 2015. United by their fascination with classic motorsport liveries, they created a historic Mini Cooper S racing car in 2023 with a special paint finish designed by Willey. The design references the glorious and victorious history of the classic Mini at the Monte Carlo Rally, including the number 37, with which Paddy Hopkirk started in 1964 and achieved the British small car's first overall victory in the most famous of all rallies.

Matt Willey, a native of England who lives in Brooklyn, became a partner at the renowned design firm Pentagram after five years as art director of the New York Times Magazine.

A Shared Vision Becomes Fabric.
Woven into the partnership is a capsule MINI x Deus Ex Machina apparel collection, set to launch on September 8, 2025, at IAA in Munich, before becoming available globally via Deus Ex Machina’s e-commerce and retail network. Designed exclusively for the collaboration, the range draws on the shared DNA of both brands - precision engineering, timeless styling, and obsessive attention to detail. High-grade materials and thoughtful tailoring provide the benchmark for the range, with every garment reflecting Deus’ commitment to craftsmanship and its reputation for creating apparel that moves between lifestyle and legacy. With a deep understanding of storytelling through design, Deus brings authenticity and cultural relevance to the capsule, bridging the worlds of motorsport and modern apparel in a way that feels both current and enduring.

You can be first after me.
The highlight of the MINI JCW x DEUS project's communication campaign will be the world premiere at IAA Mobility 2025 with the exclusive MINI JCW x DEUS Night on 6 September at the MINI Pavilion. The MINI JCW x DEUS collaboration will be on display at the MINI Pavilion until 14 September.

The exclusive MINI x DEUS lifestyle collection will be on sale in the same premises as well as online on all DEUS channels and in their sales rooms.

‘You can be first after me’ – the motto that unites the worlds of MINI and Deus Ex Machina. Their shared history has begun and promises further exciting chapters in the name of automotive passion.

In case of queries, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Julian Kisch, Press Spokesperson Product Communications MINI
Phone: +49-151-601-38072
E-mail: julian.kisch@mini.com

Michaela Martinus, Press Spokesperson MINI Design
Phone: +49-160 9631 3773
E-mail: michaela.martinus@bmw.de

Micaela Sandstede, Head of Communications MINI
Phone: +49-176-601-61611
E-mail: micaela.sandstede@bmw.de

At the IAA Mobility 2025 motorshow, the BMW Group is showcasing the 
BMW Motorrad Vision CE, presenting a vision of the future of electric, single-track mobility in urban centres and underlining its undisputed leadership in the field of intelligent, connected, electric two-wheel mobility. In addition to its emission-free electric drive, the 
BMW Motorrad Vision CE's standout features include the elimination of the need for a helmet as well as protective clothing, offering riders an increased sense of freedom and a casual, carefree riding experience. Setting new standards, the Vision CE offers an emotional, creative and fresh take on commuting, describing the future of urban two-wheel mobility.

In line with the BMW Group's sustainability strategy, BMW Motorrad is committed to rethinking urban electromobility constantly - making it emission-free, innovative and featuring ground-breaking designs. Back in 2014, BMW Motorrad became the first premium manufacturer to combine outstanding design with an electric drive in the 
BMW C evolution. The BMW CE 04, a design and technology masterpiece of emission-free urban mobility, was finally launched on the market in 2022. To this day, the CE 04 is the global market leader in its segment. Another highlight followed in 2024 with the 
BMW CE 02, which is also electric and symbolises a completely new style of mobility that is unique and extremely casual.

Twenty-five years ago, BMW Motorrad revolutionised urban mobility with the BMW C1, a scooter that, thanks to its sophisticated safety bodywork, made it possible to dispense with helmets and the usual protective clothing. The BMW Motorrad Vision CE builds on this fundamental design philosophy, presenting it in a new interpretation with an emotional design language to create a unique, forward-looking vision vehicle.

The centrepiece of the BMW Motorrad Vision CE is its safety concept: a metal tube composite known as the 'cage'. Together with an appropriate seat construction with seat belt, it ensures a safe and emotional riding experience without the need for a helmet or the usual protective clothing.

The cage's reduced overall height and open, airy design, combined with a long wheelbase, give the Vision CE a stretched, dynamic and visually light appearance. The open use of coated aluminium adds an exclusive technical touch. The combination of the basic colour matt white and the contrasting colour black gives the Vision CE a clear, reduced and sculptural appearance. This innovative design and colour scheme is complemented by an elegant matt seat bench with integrated lettering and neon red accents on the graphics and other highlighted details.

Another highlight of the Vision CE is its balancing function, which allows the vehicle to completely balance itself when stationary. 

The BMW Motorrad Vision CE redefines urban riding fun on two wheels, thanks to its unique cage design that eliminates the need for a helmet or protective clothing. The differently designed derivatives emphasise the versatility of this vision vehicle. 

Munich/Cernobbio. As part of the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este at Lake Como, BMW Motorrad unveils its latest creation for the superbike segment: the BMW Motorrad Concept RR as the ultimate performance statement in terms of technology and design for the future generation of BMW RR models.

Markus Flasch, Head of BMW Motorrad: "Never before has BMW Motorrad provided such an early glimpse into a future generation of the RR models. The BMW Motorrad
Concept RR is a true masterpiece of our development team, both technically and in terms of design language. Guided and inspired by the BMW Motorrad factory superbike
M 1000 RR, with which BMW Motorrad factory rider Toprak Razgatlioğlu was able to dominantly win the FIM World Superbike Championship last year, the Concept RR offers a true firework of superlatives for both street and track use. The transfer from racing to road has never been shown more clearly. It represents BMW Motorrad's leadership claim to offer the highest engineering level and maximum performance in this segment."

Maximum performance, based on the BMW factory superbike.

BMW Motorrad engages in motorsport out of passion and conviction – on the tracks of the FIM Superbike World Championship as well as in numerous national and international championships. Every day, the BMW Motorrad team lives the symbiosis of engineering excellence and an unyielding drive for top performance anew. This dedication is reflected in every detail of our superbikes, and the valuable insights gained from racing are incorporated into our production models.

In terms of propulsion, the BMW Motorrad Concept RR relies on the water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine of the world champion machine from the FIM Superbike World Championship, which already delivers more than 230 hp (169 kW). This promises pure adrenaline in terms of propulsion and reinforces the leadership claim in the superbike segment. Accompanying this are the electronic control and regulation systems that come directly from the WSBK M 1000 RR, such as the engine management, traction control, and engine brake.

New benchmark in terms of lightweight construction and aerodynamics.

By innovative manufacturing techniques and the use of high-tech materials such as carbon and aluminum, the BMW Motorrad Concept RR sets new benchmarks in lightweight construction. From the frame to the smallest component, every detail is consistently optimized for lightweight construction and performance. The design also follows this principle: sharp, purposeful, expressive - with an embossed RR logo on the tail and an illuminated RR symbol on the downside of the delicate aluminum tail.

The BMW Motorrad engineers placed special emphasis on aerodynamics, particularly on the challenging objectives of "riding stability at very high speeds," "maximum cornering speeds," and "minimal air resistance for optimal top speed." These competing goals are realized by the Concept RR through an unprecedentedly compact package, reduced external attachments, and enhanced precision of airflow, even through the motorcycle – from the ventilated front to the monolithic, also ventilated, aerodynamically optimized rear.

In addition, the concept bike is equipped with an aerodynamically optimized fairing with integrated winglets and high-performance brakes – uncompromisingly perfected for ambitious super-sporty use on the road up to professional racing.

The matching outfit – the jacket Concept RR LTD.

BMW Motorrad has been consistently implementing the claim to make motorcycling as safe and comfortable as possible with perfectly designed clothing, while also stylishly shaping the motorcycle lifestyle with attractive fashion, for more then 45 years. Today, it offers a comprehensive program of Riders Gear and Casual Wear. Once again, the maxim for BMW Motorrad is: Make existing things even better and simultaneously develop new innovative solutions. Accordingly, on the occasion of the presentation of the
BMW Motorrad Concept RR, a unique lifestyle jacket was developed:
the Concept RR LTD jacket, limited to 50 units. A masterpiece made of fine calf Nappa leather, crafted in cooperation with the traditional Bavarian company MEINDL, this jacket combines motorsport flair with the highest craftsmanship and exclusivity.

Munich. The BMW Group sees design as a transformative force that contributes to dialogue and enables new forms of cooperation. The motto of this year’s munich creative business week (mcbw) “How to design a vibrant community” reflects this view. In these times of increasing polarisation, design plays a key role in encouraging community and developing innovative solutions. Claudia Fräßdorf, Head of BMW Group Color & Material Design, artist Morag Myerscough, and sociologist Prof. Dr. Armin Nassehi will use the New Modes VI Talk to highlight the role of design in social structures. Since the first mcbw in 2012, the BMW Group has been a dedicated partner of the event, underscoring its ongoing commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future. The 14th edition of mcbw – taking place on 10 – 18 May 2025 – will see creatives, companies and students of design, architecture and business meet up in Munich to share ideas on current issues. “Design brings people together and creates innovative ways for us to interact with one other,” emphasises Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. “It opens up a wide variety of perspectives and crafts sustainable solutions.”

New Modes VI / “Me in a bigger We”

BMW Group Design is teaming up with Die Neue Sammlung – The Design Museum to host the sixth New Modes event, which explores the unifying quality of design. The members of this year’s panel for “Me in a bigger We” – Claudia Fräßdorf, Head of BMW Group Colour & Material Design, artist Morag Myerscough and sociologist Prof. Dr. Armin Nassehi – will examine the role of the individual within the collective and the transformative power of design. The event will take place on 18 May 2025 in the X-D-E-P-O-T space at the Pinakothek der Moderne (a contemporary art, architecture and design venue in Munich) and provide a platform for discussing innovative design approaches. The talk will be chaired by Sonja Pham, freelance journalist and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of creative publication Grafikmagazin.

Panel members:

Prof. Dr. Armin Nassehi: The renowned sociologist is Chairman of the Senate at LMU München and Deputy Chairman of the University Council, and has been a Member of the Bavarian Ethics Council since October 2024. His work focuses on analysis of societal transformation processes and the idea of a “society of the present”.

Morag Myerscough: With her boldly colourful installations, the London-based artist creates places where people can meet and feel a sense of belonging. On 26 June, her project FLUX will open up a “third place” in Munich’s Kunstareal cultural hub. Running for five years, FLUX will offer visitors an interactive public space “where your imagination can run wild, filling your heart with joy” – and provide an inviting location for people to gather together.

Claudia Fräßdorf: As Head of BMW Group Colour & Material Design, Claudia Fräßdorf uses a holistic approach to develop tailored design concepts that bring together innovative materials, pioneering technologies and sustainable values. In this way, she shapes the tactile and aesthetic identity of the brand’s models with a keen sense for our constantly changing world.

BMW Group x munich creative business week

mcbw will be staging a multitude of events focusing on the challenges and possibilities of contemporary design. The BMW Group is using this platform to share its vision of a sustainable and inclusive future and to showcase innovative approaches to design.

You can find further information on the event programme and registration at www.mcbw.de/en/.

In the event of enquiries please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Laura-Marie Kremser, Spokesperson BMW Group Designworks, UI/UX Design

Telephone: +49-89-382-98114

E-mail: laura-marie.kremser@bmwgroup.com

Steven Woerns, Spokesperson BMW Group Design

Telephone: +49 151 601 169 92

E-mail: steven.woerns@bmw.com

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

E-mail: presse@bmw.de

Munich/Shanghai. Driving dynamics at the limits of physics: At the world's largest motor show in Shanghai, BMW presents the ##BMW Vision Driving Experience##, a driving experience of the highest order. Developed on the basis of the ##BMW Vision Neue Klasse##, the high-performance test vehicle will be unveiled to the public for the first time at Auto Shanghai 2025.

Inside, the lightning-fast ##Heart of Joy## control computer, which works in conjunction with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack to centrally calculate all driving dynamics functions, is visible in the centre console of the BMW Vision Driving Experience in Shanghai - unlike later in series production.

The BMW Vision Driving Experience has been specially designed to challenge the Heart of Joy at the limits of driving physics.

Test drivers Jens Klingmann and Elias Houndtonji, the main attraction of the BMW Brand Night, demonstrate the extraordinary potential of the car with spectacular driving manoeuvres. BMW presents the show's vision vehicle in a special luminescent paint.

“This evening in Shanghai, BMW Group presented the most powerful prototype BMW has ever built. With up to 18,000 Nm of torque, the BMW Vision Driving Experience demonstrated Joy of Driving in its ultimate form. Equipped with our new super brain “Heart of Joy”, the VDX is converting the ultimate electric power into controlled driving pleasure - no wonder we’ve experienced overwhelming feedback from the audience”  said Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Customers, Brands and Sales.

The first all-electric Neue Klasse vehicles will roll off the production line at the Debrecen plant in Hungary from the end of the year. The Heart of Joy central computer, which ensures a new level of precision and driving dynamics, will be fitted as standard in every Neue Klasse vehicle.

The ultimate endurance test for the next generation of drive and driving dynamics control.

With the visionary BMW Vision Driving Experience test vehicle, BMW is pushing the boundaries of familiar driving dynamics. With a torque of up to 18,000 Newton metres, the "fastest test rig in the world" is the ultimate endurance test for the Heart of Joy and BMW Dynamic Performance Control developed entirely by BMW. Thanks to active aerodynamics, the "driving machine" develops a downforce up to of 1.2 tonnes and lateral forces of up to 3g - a dimension on a par with Formula 1 and far beyond the requirements of conventional vehicles in road traffic. The logic behind this: If the hardware and software can tame the brute forces of this test rig, they can easily cope with the demands of everyday use.

In the new functional architecture of the Neue Klasse, the Heart of Joy is the central computer responsible for driving, braking, recharging through recuperation and some steering functions. With fast information processing and direct control of the electric motors, the Heart of Joy not only achieves a new level of agility and driving stability with fewer system interventions, but also enables 98 per cent of braking operations to be carried out using brake energy regeneration. This represents a 25% increase in efficiency compared to today's architectures. The vehicle can also be brought to a standstill more smoothly than ever before.

Innovative, fluorescent paint for the show in Shanghai.

Although the BMW Vision Driving Experience was designed for development purposes only and is not intended for series production, its exterior is based on the design language of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse. The monolithic-looking body, powerful wheel arches, recessed greenhouse and "shark nose" front end are all part of the purist aesthetic that will also characterise the Neue Klasse. A new interpretation of the characteristic BMW radiator grille and twin headlights creates a striking, three-dimensional light signature at the front.

For the presentation in Shanghai, the BMW Vision Driving Experience, which had previously been covered in camouflage film and shown at a preview in the USA, was given an innovative, self-illuminating paint finish. The paint's special light-sensitive pigments recharge in daylight, with even the smallest amount of ambient light sufficient. In the dark, the colour varies from a whitish yellow to an expressive neon yellow, depending on the state of charge. In addition, the rear of the car has been fitted with a "magic film" which, when stimulated by UV light, creates an expressive gradient from yellow to orange to pink from the rear to the front of the car. These special looks underline the uniqueness and innovative power of the car.

In case of queries, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Dieter Falkensteiner,
Press Spokesperson Driving Experience
Phone: +49-151-601-51813
E-mail: Dieter.Falkensteiner@bmwgroup.com  

Bernhard Ederer,
Communication Drive Technology, Efficiency, Driving Experience
Phone: +49-176-601-28556
E-mail: Bernhard.Ederer@bmwgroup.com

Almut Stollberg,
Head of Communication Innovation, Design, Technology, Digital Car
Phone: +49-151-601-96543
E-mail: Almut.Stollberg@bmwgroup.com

Munich. MINI John Cooper Works will compete again at this year's 53rd edition of the 24 Hours race at the Nürburgring. Last year, MINI achieved a spectacular triumph in the SP-3T class of the race with the near-production #317 MINI John Cooper Works Pro. The so-called "Green Hell" offers one of the toughest tests in motorsport with fast straights, demanding curves, and significant elevation changes. The successful cooperation with the Bulldog Racing Team will also continue this year.

MINI x DEUS: Spectacular Appearance.
At the starting line of this year's race, the MINI John Cooper Works will attract attention with a specially designed livery, while the Bulldog Racing Team will be exclusively dressed in the brands new season collection. The partnership is a glimpse into something the two brands MINI x DEUS are building toward.

"Our models have always been characterised by the combination of design and dynamics. Our MINI John Cooper Works, which will compete in the 24 Hours race at the Nürburgring, takes this combination to the next level: Thanks to this collaboration with Deus Ex Machina, we are setting new, exciting impulses for MINI fans and motorsport enthusiasts. Both brands are characterised by creativity and attention to detail, which allows the creation of exclusive designs with a distinctly individual style," explains Stefan Richmann, Head of MINI.

Racing DNA meets exclusive design.
For this year's 24 Hours race at the Nürburgring, the high-performance orientation of MINI John Cooper Works is combined with the passion and craftsmanship of Deus Ex Machina. The design team has pursued a consistent black and white approach in the design of the vehicle livery. The enlarged "DEUS" logo dominates the design as a graphic element and becomes more than just a wordmark. The unconventional, playful handling of the brand presence is typical of DEUS and gives the MINI 24 Hours race car its visual identity this year. The reduced black and white color scheme ensures that additional elements such as starting numbers or team logos are harmoniously integrated into the overall image. Hand-drawn logos on windows and other surfaces underline the raw, conceptual character of the race car, making it appear like a "moving sketchbook". This is intended to suggest that the Nürburgring 24 Hours race car is just a foretaste. It is the perfect first milestone in the MINI x DEUS cooperation.

For the design of the race car livery, MINI Design collaborated with Designworks. The BMW Group subsidiary has elaborated the creative idea of DEUS in detail. "Successful brand collaborations arise when partners inspire and drive each other forward. With DEUS, MINI and Designworks, we were able to unleash a remarkable design dynamic. The DEUS livery of the MINI John Cooper Works at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring is just the first proof of this," says Holger Hampf, Head of MINI Design.

MINI Continues Its Racing Heritage.
With its appearance, MINI is continuing its long-standing racing heritage. The brand has been considered an underdog in motorsports from the very beginning - and yet it has written motorsport history. The 1964 Monte Carlo Rally became a shining moment for the British Outsider. With its transversely mounted front engine and front-wheel drive, the classic Mini was the epitome of a practical small car - and proved to be a successful race car thanks to the ingenious racing engineer John Cooper. The victory in the Monte Carlo Rally was not a mere whim of fate, but the result of meticulous work. This was followed by two more victories in the famous rally in 1965 and 1967. The tradition and passion for MINI's racing heritage is still palpable and tangible in the current models. The latest MINI John Cooper Works models are characterised by their aerodynamic precision and performance-oriented four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine.

In case of queries, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Julian Kisch, Spokesperson Product Communications MINI
Phone: +49-151-601-38072
E-Mail: julian.kisch@mini.com

Micaela Sandstede, Head of Communications MINI
Phone: +49-176-601-61611
E-mail: micaela.sandstede@bmw.de

Munich. As it pulls back the curtain on a new era in 2025, fuelled by the all-electric Neue Klasse models, BMW is creating a holistic driving and user experience that breaks genuinely new ground. One of the elements of the far-reaching BMW Panoramic iDrive concept is the new HypersonX soundscape. Developed by the BMW Group Sound Design Studio, it comprises 43 sound signals and special driving sounds for Personal Mode and Sport Mode. The multi-dimensional spectrum adapts the sounds precisely to the driving situation at hand and, in so doing, creates an emotional interaction between the driver and their vehicle.

This new stage in the evolution of the automotive sound experience has been made possible by the technological advances in hardware and software brought by the Neue Klasse. The revolutionary BMW Operating System X and a newly developed control unit pave the way for an innovative audio architecture. This allows the overall experience offered by the Neue Klasse to be perfected at an acoustic level, as well as in terms of vehicle character, driving experience and functional range.

A new dimension in drive sounds: distinctive and precisely honed.

“The unique sound spectrum of HypersonX plays a major role in giving a Neue Klasse model its own, highly distinctive character acoustically. Through our focus on precision, warmth and lightness, we can create a direct emotional connection between the driver and their vehicle,” emphasises Renzo Vitale, Creative Director of Sound Design BMW Group. In both Personal Mode and Sport Mode, the drive sounds focus on the essentials and are inspired by tones from nature and structures from the worlds of art and science. HypersonX has fewer basic notes than the sound experience previously employed. But at the same time, the acoustic spectrum has grown to include a new dimensional level. This gives the sound more “colour”, depth and precision, and it embodies more than ever the pleasure of driving for which BMW is renowned.

One of the main elements underpinning this capability is the audio control unit developed for the Neue Klasse, which enables a significant expansion of the dynamic range.

Added to which, the spatial modulation of the drive sound achievable in the Neue Klasse ensures that the vehicle occupants are thoroughly immersed in the soundscape generated by HypersonX. Under acceleration, for example, the vehicle gives the impression of moving between different three-dimensional layers of sound, thus transporting the feeling of speed and BMW-typical driving dynamics authentically into the cabin.

Humanity is a central design element of the welcome sound.

As well as intelligent reduction to the essential elements, the human aspect played an important role in the development of the soundscape for the Neue Klasse. The middle and lower frequency ranges of the BMW HypersonX sound spectrum have been brought to the fore to create a well-balanced acoustic ambience. In conjunction with intuitive operation, precisely adjusted light effects and homely interior design, this gives those on board a fine sense of wellbeing.

A choir made up of BMW Group Design Studio employees brings voice – in their respective native languages – to moments of driving joy, infusing the welcome sound with a particularly empathetic flavour. Carefully isolated elements of these recordings enhance the overall composition of the welcome sound to excellent effect and treat the driver to moments of joy and human warmth.

BMW HypersonX gives the sounds for the Neue Klasse an expressive and distinctive, but also understated and sensitive feel. To this end, more than nine million sound instances based on BMW’s sound DNA were generated using a new algorithm. At the BMW Group Sound Design Studio, these were then filtered into a brand-typical essence that in turn generates a cohesive and multi-dimensional acoustic experience. The result is a sound that creates an emotional connection between human and vehicle in all driving situations and brings a positive, congenial and inviting aura to the acoustic presence of the Neue Klasse.

Munich/Milan. BMW Group Design will present the installation “Vibrant Transitions” at the Salone del Mobile design fair on 8 – 13 April 2025. Visitors to the event venue in the historic Palazzo Borromeo d'Adda in the heart of Milan will be invited to explore thematic worlds from BMW and MINI illustrating the variety and scope of individual design.

Shaping the future with positivity

Openness and individualisation are the focal points of the BMW Group’s presence at this year’s Salone del Mobile. The designers are looking to the future with an optimistic eye and with an open mind to crossovers between disciplines and brands. For the first time at this prestigious event, the design team is interpreting technology and mobility solutions across different brands. The atmospheric presentation of the installation shines a spotlight on current analogue and digital design aspects of the BMW and MINI brands – first and foremost customisable driving experiences. Material and colour worlds, light and sound experiences have been created to generate the desired effect. “Our mobility design is becoming ever broader in scope,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. “Colours, materials, light, sound, geometry and digital experiences are brought together over the course of each project to create exciting and emotional customer experiences. With this in mind, our ‘Vibrant Transitions’ installation provides visitors to the Salone del Mobile with some inspirational insights.”

Seeing, hearing, feeling: as they enter the Palazzo Borromeo d'Adda, visitors can decide for themselves which route they would like to follow. Colour- accentuated corridors lead to the individual thematic areas and use translucent lamella structures to create distinctive visual perspectives both outwards and inwards. “Vibrant Transitions” explores light, colour, geometry and permeability. The installation shows how the BMW Group is channelling the spirit of openness and the allure of design as it enters a new era. The creative blueprint for the installation was to make transitions something visitors could experience. This is made possible by spatial flows, the interplay of day and night, and the fusion of materiality and digitality. Its execution delves into the intriguing contrasts between the MINI and BMW brands.

Individualisation as an expression of our personalities

Occupying centre stage in the installation’s three design worlds are the all-new BMW Panoramic iDrive (the revolutionary display and operating concept for the Neue Klasse), the BMW X3 “Designer's Choice” curated specially for the Salone del Mobile and the BMW CE 02 by MINI Design – a fresh and stylish, colour-rich version of the fully electric scooter. The perspectives generated through this spatial dialogue emphasise the vibrancy and positivity with which BMW Group Design is approaching the changing demands placed on future-oriented vehicle design. Everything is linked together, things can no longer be viewed separately from one another. It is about the blending of material, colour, form, digitality, sound and light. And behind it all is the newly created, cross-brand design team who have developed the creative concept in collaboration with Designworks, subsidiary of the BMW Group

The all-new BMW Panoramic iDrive represents the ideal symbiosis of technologies at the cutting edge of innovation and intuitive design. It has been designed with pixel precision to provide a holistic experience, customisable yet always with a clear BMW identity. In Milan, it is presented in an arcade created from a variety of materials, textures, light and sound accents which visitors wander through intuitively.

The BMW X3 “Designer's Choice” in the courtyard shows how individualisation through colour and material design can be used to maximise the expression of personality. Top-quality materials and appointments generate a new level of exclusivity in the interior, e.g. through the interplay of hard and soft surfaces. The exterior colour FROZEN TANZANITE BLUE lends the car an incomparable presence and brings sporting dynamism together with timeless elegance. The matte finish underscores the clear lines and contours. The dark blue shade subtly absorbs the light and creates a mysterious, luxurious look.

The MINI Neon Garden City invites visitors to linger for a while in the open air. Here, the BMW Group is showcasing its vision for urban spaces and its commitment to electric mobility – with the MINI Cooper Electric and the fully electric BMW CE 02 by MINI Design, whose colour concept was developed by the MINI Design studio specifically for the event in Milan. MINI stands out with its intelligent integration of characteristic design elements that give its

vehicles their unmistakable appearance. From unique colour accents to meticulously selected textiles – every detail of a MINI is defined by a certain personality. With their well-chosen graphical design elements in green, the two exhibits celebrate city living – appropriately so, given the setting for the Salone del Mobile in Milan. Agile, compact and electric, a healthy dose of driving/riding fun is guaranteed.

_______________________________________________________________________

“Vibrant Transitions” in the new House of BMW will open its doors on 8 – 13 April as part of the Salone del Mobile in Milan. Visiting times in the Palazzo Borromeo d’Adda, Via A. Manzoni 41, are: 

Tuesday, 8 April, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and

Wednesday, 9 April – Sunday, 13 April, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

In the event of enquiries please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Michaela Martinus, Spokesperson BMW Group Design

Telephone: +49-160-963-13773

E-mail: Michaela.Martinus@bmw.de

Steven Wörns, Spokesperson BMW Group Design

Telephone: +49-151-601-16992

E-mail: Steven.Woerns@bmw.de

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

E-mail: presse@bmw.de

Munich. With the near-production-ready BMW Concept F 450 GS, BMW Motorrad is offering a glimpse of a BMW GS for the A2 license class and what a whole new model series between the BMW G 310 and F 800/900 could look like.

"What was particularly important to us in the development of the new
BMW Concept F 450 GS was to achieve the best handling for this segment and combine it with strong performance and optimal accessibility. The riding pleasure on-road and off-road is a top priority for this A2 BMW GS," says Sepp Mächler, Product Manager.

Unmistakable BMW GS Design.
"The BMW Concept F 450 GS carries the characteristic DNA of the GS family," says Alexander Buckan, Head of BMW Motorrad Design. "We have succeeded in designing the Concept with the sporty dynamic appeal of our large off-road icon in a particularly compact form."

As with the Trophy version of the BMW R 1300 GS, the colour scheme of blue, white and red with the base colour of Racing Blue metallic represents not only the highest performance and quality, but also the very dynamic and off-road-focused character.

Newly Developed Twin-Cylinder Engine.
The BMW Concept F 450 GS also delivers on the promise of premium quality in technical terms. The twin-cylinder inline engine has been developed from scratch and, thanks to a special, never-before-used ignition offset, is particularly characterful and eager to rev. Conforming to the A2 class, this engine delivers the full 48 hp and provides superior torque even at low revs.

The extremely compact dimensions of the engine, an excellent displacement-to-power ratio and the low weight are the result of innovative solutions and the use of lightweight materials, such as magnesium.

Performance: A Riding Machine for On- and Off-Road.
On the chassis side too, the BMW Concept F 450 GS sets new standards in this segment with premium technology. "We were able to start the development of this vehicle with a clean slate. The aim was to enable excellent off-road capability and, at the same time, a nimble and precise handling on the road. Accordingly, the BMW Concept F 450 GS is equipped with a fully adjustable upside-down fork and a shock absorber with load-dependent damping, drawing on technology from rally and enduro sport. Through the targeted use of lightweight construction and other state-of-the-art solutions, we can create a sensationally light vehicle close to the minimum weight requirement in the A2 class of 175 kg," says Marc Weber, lead engineer of the BMW Concept F 450 GS.

Diverse Equipment for Safety and Comfort.
Inspired by the larger sibling, the BMW R 1300 GS, the Concept F 450 GS also sets new standards in the areas of safety and functionality in its class. The relevant features range from BMW Motorrad ABS Pro (dependent on lean angle) to a performance brake, to freely configurable riding modes. With BMW Connectivity on board and the 6.5-inch TFT display, the networking of the motorcycle and smartphone as well as other accessories is enabled.

A Glimpse into the Future.
The question that arises when looking at the BMW Concept F 450 GS is: What could we expect in a production version? Johann Simon, vehicle project manager of the Concept F 450 GS, explains: "No compromises for sure. Following the very sporty off-road focus of the Concept F 450 GS, we will implement the bike as close as possible to this concept. We will only adjust the seat height for better accessibility and easier handling. As an alternative to the cross-spoke wheels (19 inches front, 17 inches rear), lightweight but high-strength cast aluminium wheels in the same dimensions are also conceivable."

BMW Motorrad plans to present the corresponding series vehicle in the style of the Concept F 450 GS in 2025.

Munich. Developing colour and material schemes is an independent discipline within the MINI Design Studio. The interplay of newly developed patterns, colours, small design details and the use of innovative materials creates a particularly harmonious, homey ambience in the new MINI model interiors. Drawing inspiration from fashion, art, architecture and modern furniture design, completely new design worlds, still maintaining links to the rich tradition of iconic MINI design, emerge.

A key and consistent feature of the colour and material design for the new MINI model family is their particular attention to detail. It can be seen and sensed in every equipment variant. The colour scheme, choice of materials, visual and tactile elements combine to create an immersive and typical MINI overall experience.

Innovative materials offer new design possibilities.
One particular highlight is the innovative 2D weaving process used in the production of interior surfaces made from recycled polyester. The dashboards and door panels designed in this way create a sense of warmth and cosiness. The weaving process offers new design possibilities in terms of colouring and structure. It enables a dual-colour design with a particularly striking sense of depth. This comes about when the lower textile layer’s colour subtly shines through the upper one. This technique, inspired by sneaker design and meticulously refined, gives the surfaces a visual complexity, bringing a high-quality and unique appearance to the interior.

“The weaving process allows us to create unique dual-colour designs that bring a special aesthetic and atmosphere to the interior,” says Elena Schwörer, designer for materials and weaving. The woven textiles are not only visually appealing, but also offer an attractive tactile experience. The woven structure specially developed for the new MINI model family is a unique selling point, setting it apart from the competition. It also offers extensive customisation potential, as new colours and patterns can be easily introduced.

Colours and materials harmoniously combined.
The headrests of the new sports seats in the John Cooper Works Trim also feature an exclusive 2D woven surface that extends into the shoulder area. The combination of high-quality materials and precisely coordinated colour tones generates a harmonious, modern appearance in the cockpit as well as an exceptionally homey character. The new Vibrant Silver accent colour is a nuanced set-off to the contrasting stitching on the steering wheel.

“We wanted to use colours that respect the heritage of the brand and at the same time create a fresh, contemporary aesthetic,” explains Jeanette Ohlhäuser, colour designer at the MINI Design Studio. For example, British Racing Green, the iconic colour closely associated with the brand’s motorsport tradition, is interpreted as Dark Petrol in the new MINI Aceman interior. Favoured Trim picks up on the elegant colour tone in the woven surfaces of the dashboard and door trim as well as in the seat accents. Dark Petrol also harmonises particularly well with the Rebel Red exterior colour. This alternates between different shades of red and orange depending on how the light falls on it.

Precisely crafted structures for a special tactile experience.
The overall feel plays just as central a role in the interior design of the new MINI model family as the colour scheme and visual appearance of the materials. The surface textures and graining, found on almost every plastic part in the interior, are also developed with the utmost precision. “It is important to us that the texture of the surfaces harmonises perfectly with the other materials, such as the woven fabric in the interior,” says Marlies Michel, designer of MINI graining. The blueprints for the various surface textures used in the new MINI model family are based on influences that the design team draws from nature and science. This could be the grain on wood or rock, for example – but it could just as easily be a satellite photo of the earth, where fields, bodies of water or mountains can be seen as graphics with the appropriate resolution and provide inspiration for new grain patterns and structures. The very subtle MINI grain developed in this way blends perfectly with the visually strong weave and serves as a link between all the materials in the vehicle interior.

Many small individual elements form the parts of the equation that combines to form a harmonious, modern and high-quality overall picture. This extraordinary depth of detail once again emphasises the enormous leap forward in design that MINI has made with the new model generation.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Laura-Marie Kremser, BMW Group Design Press Officer
Phone: +49-89-382-98114
Email: laura-marie.kremser@bmwgroup.com

Almut Stollberg, Head of Communication Innovation, Design, Technology and Digital Car
Phone: +49-89-382-96543
Email: Almut.Stollberg@bmw.de

Munich. The BMW Group is completely reorganising its Design division under the leadership of Adrian van Hooydonk. Like the NEUE KLASSE, which represents the redefinition of the BMW brand with its “electric, digital, circular” philosophy, a new cross-brand design team will be launched on 1 October 2024 to meet changing demands for future-oriented vehicle design.

The new organisation, focused on the transformation of the company, will remain the industry benchmark. For example, Colour and Material Design will be consolidated across all brands, while the BMW brand team will be divided into two studios and the future topic of “Advanced Design” strengthened.

“Technology and customer preferences are currently changing faster than ever,” says van Hooydonk. “Automotive design has become more diverse. Designing digital experiences and sound also plays an increasingly important role, along with sustainable and recycled materials. The design showcases all the innovative potential of our products and brands,” van Hooydonk continues. “That’s why, more than ever, every single detail matters, as well as the holistic and harmonious integration of the various elements.”

Van Hooydonk is bringing Maximilian Missoni into the BMW Group Design team to oversee the design of upper mid-size and luxury class BMW models, as well as BMW Alpina. After holding various managerial positions at Volkswagen and Volvo Cars, Missoni was most recently Head of Design at Polestar.

Oliver Heilmer, previously Head of MINI Design, will be responsible for the design of all compact and mid-size BMW models going forward, as well as BMW M.

Claudia Braun will head the newly created cross-brand department for Colour and Material Design for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. She has already been managing colour and materials for the BMW brand since April 2024, bringing experience from Porsche AG, Daimler AG and Volvo Cars.

Domagoj Dukec, formerly Head of the BMW Design Studio, will now assume responsibility for Rolls-Royce Design, including Bespoke and Coachbuild.

Anders Warming, previously Head of Design Rolls-Royce, will oversee all Advanced Design topics, as well as the BMW Group Designworks subsidiary.

Holger Hampf, Head of BMW Group Designworks, will now be in charge of design for the MINI brand.

Christian Bauer will continue to lead the digital customer experience into a new era across all brands.

Adrian van Hooydonk: “I am delighted to continue driving the design and further development of our vehicles and brands forward, together with a first-class team of highly qualified design professionals.”

Michigan, USA. At an award ceremony at the 2024 Center for Automotive Research Seminar, Altair presented the BMW Group with this year’s prestigious Enlighten Award in the Sustainable Process category, celebrating the premium manufacturer’s progress in innovation. The annual award recognizes innovative lightweight construction and sustainability solutions across the global automotive industry that reduce carbon emissions, minimize water and energy consumption, and promote materials reuse and recycling.

The BMW Group received the award for the BMW M Visionary Materials Seat on the grounds that the research project is a precursor of future product development: Standout achievements were the sustainable seat design and the focus on the entire product lifecycle, making it one of the most innovative and visionary sustainable developments in the global automotive sector.

In addition to BMW M GmbH as the project owner, BMW Group Designworks was responsible for the design, color and material concept of the seat in collaboration with the BMW design team. The project was realized in close cooperation with several partners: Automotive Management Consulting GmbH, Bcomp Ltd, Gradel Lightweight Sàrl and Lasso Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH.

Key themes: design for circularity, lightweight construction and attractive product

As a platform for research on the development of future materials, the award-winning seat focuses on the following key themes: 

First, driving the use of plant-based materials and, as part of design for circularity, raising the share of secondary raw materials and increasing recyclability at the end of the lifecycle.

In addition, the team aimed to develop an attractive product in terms of its appearance, quality, lightweight construction and functionality. The minimalist design leaves the lightweight seat structure visible, highlighting its status as a core component. Intensive lifecycle assessments (LCA) complemented the design at each stage of development.

Falco Hollmann, Innovation Manager Lightweight Design & Sustainability at BMW M GmbH, accepted the award: “We are showing today what will be possible tomorrow with existing technologies and materials in order to take our efforts to reduce emissions and conserve resources to the next level. This is about more than just substituting materials; it is above all about designing for circularity.”

Use of natural materials

The core premise of the project was to make the leap to the future while working within today’s framework. The evaluation of available material classes with a high SQR (secondary raw material quota) showed that natural materials are the ideal complement. For example, the seat features natural fibers, fiber composites, leather alternatives and algae-based polymers.

Carbon footprint reduced by 90 percent

The seat’s CO₂e footprint is 90 percent lower than a BMW M carbon bucket seat made today, thanks to the use of ultra-light, robotically-wound fiber composite seat support structures and materials of natural origin as well as the high recycling rate. In addition, lower module complexity and the use of materials grouped by type make it easier to recycle the seat at the end of its lifecycle. The additive manufacturing processes used are also groundbreaking: A new technology made it possible to completely eliminate support structures, chemical post-treatment and finishing from the M BMW Visionary Materials Seat. Other priorities included a flat value creation chain and a minimum of finishing steps to save energy and conserve resources.

Lessons learned for future processes 

“One of our biggest lessons was the balancing, in other words, how to model our process chain to generate missing primary data,” explains Roberto Rossetti, Head of Development Total Vehicle-Lifecycle at the BMW Group. “The data obtained provides new insights, both in terms of today’s negative contributing factors and the design of tomorrow’s processes. This experience provides a solid foundation for continuously improving sustainability and developing innovative solutions for forward-thinking mobility.”

Munich/Cernobbio. With its ##BMW Concept Skytop## design study, the BMW Group is once again bringing an exceptionally elegant, one-of-a-kind vehicle to this year’s ##Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este##, the annual beauty contest for historic cars and motorcycles held on the shores of Lake Como. The open two-seater resembles a meticulously crafted vehicle sculpture, with a flowing, sporty elegance that complements its athletic, muscular stance.The interior and exterior of the concept car feature warm monochromatic colours, blending exclusive materials with traditional craftsmanship.

“The BMW Concept Skytop is a truly unique and exotic design, in the tradition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “It offers a combination of driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level, comparable to its historic ancestors, like the BMW Z8 or BMW 503.”

Athletic proportions, organic body.

The clean exterior of the BMW Concept Skytop is designed to inspire a desire to travel. Its taut, muscular surfaces are defined by a few precise lines that direct the vehicle's volume towards the rear. Winglets discreetly integrated into the door shoulders replace conventional door handles. Light-alloy wheels with precise lamellas further enhance its unique appearance.

From a bird's eye perspective, the prominent, sweeping bonnet, the iconic BMW shark-nose design with illuminated kidney grille and retracted rear section, all catch the eye. References to the legendary BMW Z8 roadster were carefully chosen. Particularly striking is the pronounced spline that extends from the bonnet, through the interior, to an aluminium trim positioned on the tailgate, emphasising the dynamic flow of the silhouette.

The harmonious design of the headlights blends highly complex details into the overall concept. The LED units, positioned on milled aluminium carriers, were custom developed for the BMW Concept Skytop, utilising the latest technology and design for automotive headlights with the slimmest profile currently available. The clean, purist design allows all lighting functions to be consolidated in a single installation space. The flat and defined shape of the rear lights complements the BMW Concept Skytop’s overall appearance.

The leather-finished roll-over bar behind the BMW Concept Skytop’s two seats is combined with side fins on the B-pillar and a fully retractable rear window. The two removable roof parts, also finished in leather, can be stored in a special compartment in the luggage space.

The colour scheme ensures a smooth transition from interior to exterior, regardless of whether the roof is open or closed. In the rear section, the reddish-brown tone of the roof flows into the muted silver with chrome shadow effect of the exterior paintwork. The technically elaborate colour gradient was crafted by an experienced master painter at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.

Brogue-style leather surfaces characterize the interior.

The leather seats in the interior feature brogue-style accents. The reddish-brown tone of the surfaces creates a consistent colour scheme that gives the whole interior a sense of luxury and spaciousness.Crystal applications are artfully embedded in the cockpit, adding to the overall impression. The interior surfaces of the BMW Concept Skytop were crafted in the traditional saddlery of the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing.

There are also similarities in engine variants with the BMW Z8. Like the legendary roadster, the BMW Concept Skytop also comes with the most powerful V8 engine in the BMW drive train portfolio.

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Laura Kanamüller
Press spokesperson, BMW Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-51110
Email: Laura.Kanamueller@bmw.com

Steven Wörns
Press spokesperson, BMW Group Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-16992
Email: Steven.Woerns@bmw.com

München/Cernobbio. In front of the picturesque background of Villa d'Este at Lake Como, BMW Motorrad unveils its latest design masterpiece: the BMW R20 concept. This motorcycle celebrates the highest craftsmanship and presents itself as the epitome of expressive and cool design, refined down to the last detail.

As part of the renowned Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, famous for its elegance and historical significance for extraordinary vehicles, BMW Motorrad showcases the legendary air-oil cooled Big Boxer engine as a central sculptural element.

Markus Flasch, Head of BMW Motorrad describes the concept as follows: "The BMW R20 concept is a mechanical masterpiece. The Big Boxer is it´s center. Distinctly BMW Motorrad."

Authentic, high class, cool

The BMW R20 concept is a motorcycle that impresses with a powerful appearance in a casual gentleman style, while fulfilling typical attributes of BMW Motorrad: classic design and excellent engineering combined with thrilling mechanics.

Centered around the Big Boxer engine as the epicenter of great riding pleasure, the expressive tank presents itself like a sculpture, the rear is reduced to the essentials to emphasize the clean lines and the power of the motorcycle.

The chassis has been completely redeveloped and, with a black double-loop main frame made of chrome-molybdenum steel tubes, forms the backbone. With the black disc wheel at 17x6.25 inches at the rear, on which a tire of the dimension 200/55 is mounted, and a 17" spoke wheel with black spokes and the tire dimension 120/70 at the front, the BMW R20 concept combines tradition and modernity. The proven BMW Paralever has been executed in a new two-arm variant, in which the swingarm is made of chrome-molybdenum steel and the Paralever strut is made of aluminum.

The kinematics are designed so that the drive torque is completely balanced. The two milled aluminum rear axle carriers are another high-quality detail. The exposed driveshaft, conceptually adopted from the R18 – the visual highlight of the well-known R 18 models - has been shortened for integration into the roadster architecture. As suspension elements, fully adjustable Öhlins Blackline components work at the front and rear. The basic vehicle geometry has a steering head angle of 62.5°, as well as a wheelbase of 1,550 mm. Radially mounted brake calipers from ISR at the front and rear take care of the deceleration – with six pistons at the front and four pistons per brake caliper at the rear. Additionally, the 2-in-2 exhaust system delivers the appropriate sound character and perfectly completes the design.

As a Big Boxer Roadster, the BMW R20 concept sets new standards in the world of motorcycles and confirms BMW Motorrad's commitment to the finest engineering and the pure passion for motorcycling.

Living Big Boxer Culture

The centerpiece of the BMW R20 concept continues to be the air-oil-cooled Big Boxer engine, now with a displacement of 2,000 cc. For the concept bike, new cylinder head covers, a new belt cover and a new oil cooler were developed, in order to be able to mount the oil pipes partially hidden.

A special highlight is the side view: The eye follows the path of the air as it flows through the open intake funnels into the throttle bodies and cylinders, before escaping through the open exhaust system and the tailpipes in megaphone design, creating the typical
Big Boxer sound.

Bold in Style

The aluminum tank got a new design and presents itself in the progressive color
"hotter than pink" from the 1970´s. The BMW R20 concept is color-coordinated with the cylinder head covers, belt cover and air intake funnels made of polished and anodized aluminum, as well as the Paralever strut, footrest system and the ISR brake calipers in gunmetal.

The taillight has been perfectly integrated into the single seat, which is upholstered with quilted black Alcantara and fine-grain leather, and emphasizes the dynamic roadster appearance with its compact rear. The modern LED headlight is presented in form of a 3D-printed aluminum ring with integrated daytime running light. The main headlight appears to float optically in the middle of this daytime running light ring.

Each of these details contributes to the unique character of the concept bike and underscores its overall statement: The BMW R20 concept takes the Big Boxer Culture to a new level.

“The R20 concept is a bold interpretation of the BMW Motorrad DNA,” says Alexander Buckan, Head of Design BMW Motorrad.
“It combines modern technical elements with a classic roadster design. Its oversized proportions and minimalistic aesthetic make it an unmistakable character.”

Disclaimer.

The vehicles shown may be modified and fitted with third-party accessories and/or proprietary parts that are not manufactured, distributed or tested by BMW. BMW accepts no liability for the modifications (including the fitting, characteristics and use of the accessories shown). NOTE: Modification of series production vehicles (including the fitting and use of third-party and self-made parts) can impair riding characteristics! Riding our vehicles in modified condition is at your own risk.

You will find press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en.

In case of queries please contact:

Dominic Thönnes, Spokesperson BMW Motorrad
Telephone: +49-151-601-12378, Dominic.Thoennes@bmwgroup.com

Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communications BMW Motorrad
Telephone: +49-151-601-57505, Tim.Diehl-Thiele@bmw.de

Jens Lemon, Head of Communications MINI and BMW Motorrad
Telephone: +49-151-601-23635, Jens.Lemon@bmw.de

Internet: www.press.bmw.de
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

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Munich. A new BMW Group Vision Vehicle provides a first glimpse of the Neue Klasse as an SAV: The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X brings the aesthetics, technology, sustainability, and philosophy of the Neue Klasse to the Sports Activity Vehicles sector. The first fully-electric raised derivative on the new architecture will go into series production at Plant Debrecen (Hungary) in 2025.

“Together with the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X showcases the breadth of our future BMW model line-up. The Neue Klasse reflects the variety of all the models that customers want today and in the future – from sporty sedan, with all its derivatives, to modern SAV family,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “In this way, we are underlining that the Neue Klasse is much more than just a car or a specific concept; it is redefining the BMW brand – and, at the same time, will be more BMW than ever.”

The company presented a clear picture of the brand's future as a sedan with the BMW Vision Neue Klasse at IAA 2023. The latest Vision Vehicle now illustrates how BMW sees the future of its X models. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X stands for an active lifestyle, efficient dynamics and a confident stance. Its design combines a clear exterior design language with a bright and spacious interior. Special lighting and sound effects enabled by the next generation of BMW iDrive enhance the intuitive digital user experience. The three main characteristics of the Neue Klasse – electric, digital and circular – are expanded here to include a fourth dimension. The driving pleasure that forms the core of the BMW brand is taken to the next level with drive and chassis control developed specially for the Neue Klasse and with the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology. Its sustainability concept also ensures responsible production, operations, disassembly and recycling.

Innovative drive and chassis control: more dynamic performance, more precision, more efficiency.
A new type of drive and chassis control delivers a superior driving experience that is tailored to individual needs. It is based on a new software stack developed in-house by the BMW Group that will help the vehicles of the Neue Klasse guarantee a smooth drive at all times. Two out of four new super-brains will take the driving experience in the Neue Klasse to a new dimension.

“Neue Klasse means BMW driving at an even higher level,” explains Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “The BMW of the future will have four totally new super-brains: high-performance computers working smartly together on what, up until now, was processed separately. We developed the first super-brain completely in-house. It integrates the entire powertrain and driving dynamics with up to ten times more computing power. The second super-brain will enable the next quantum leap in automated driving,” Weber continues. “Going forward, we will combine four key control units in a single high-performance computer. The result will be more dynamic performance, more precision, more efficiency and even more fun to drive.”

Design: BMW X models reimagined with strong characters.
In combination with the two-box design of a BMW X model, the pared-down design language developed for the Neue Klasse also represents a major leap forward in both exterior and interior design. With its increased ground clearance, the fully-electric vehicle architecture offers new possibilities for an even more spacious interior. It allows for a long wheelbase, short overhangs and classic BMW proportions. Large window areas and the panoramic glass roof flood the interior with natural light, creating an airy spaciousness that is complemented by textiles in warm colours.

“The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X provides a look ahead to the X models of the Neue Klasse. The same principles apply to our Sport Activity Vehicles: electric, digital and circular,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.
“The X models will always remain strong in character: monolithic, clean and with a very distinctive vertical interpretation of the BMW light signature.”

The new brand look for the BMW X models also contributes to the Vision Vehicle’s strong presence. Vertically aligned LED units offer a fresh interpretation of BMW’s hallmark light signature. Front and centre is the BMW kidney grille, reimagined as a three-dimensional sculpture with vertically aligned and backlit contours. Together, the headlights and kidney grille create a lighting effect that is activated as the driver approaches the vehicle and continues in the interior.

The rear section is powerful and athletic. Rear lights that reach far into the centre provide a horizontal interpretation of the familiar BMW L shape. Its 3D-printed elements are individually controlled with variable light intensity to convey a particularly expressive depth effect.

Flush glass surfaces and the bright “Coral Silver” exterior paintwork give the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X a certain lightness. In the rear portion of the side windows, the brand’s signature Hofmeister kink is realised not through chrome edging, but with a “reflective print” that forms a transparent or reflective surface, depending on the viewing angle.

Custom user experience with BMW Panoramic Vision and HYPERSONX WHEEL personalised sound experience.
The slightly elevated seating position ensures a confident driving experience. The redesigned steering wheel with multifunction buttons, Central Display with intuitive touch control functionality and BMW Panoramic Vision, together with the advanced voice control of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, serve as the effortless and intuitive interfaces for human-car interaction. BMW Panoramic Vision projects key information across the full width of the windscreen. It will be complemented in production models of the Neue Klasse by the enhanced BMW 3D Head-Up Display.

In the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X, the Central Display is elegantly integrated into the instrument panel, providing both front passengers with optimal access to all infotainment functions. The colours shown are not only transferred to the ambient light, but also to the backlit textile surfaces of the instrument panel.

The Personal Sound Experience, presented for the first time with the new HYPERSONX WHEEL, opens up further possibilities. With this digital function, car occupants can enjoy their favourite sound on any trip. The sound, generated in real time and adjusted with the tap of a finger on the HYPERSONX WHEEL, is an innovative contribution to the immersive and holistic user experience that transforms the interior of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X into a personal experience space.

BMW eDrive technology: Sixth generation more efficient than ever.
In the Neue Klasse, overall vehicle efficiency reaches a new level. The latest, sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology is key to this. In addition to improved e-drive units, it also features new and now round lithium-ion battery cells, with a volumetric energy density more than 20 percent higher than that of the prismatic cells previously used. In combination with the transition to an 800-volt system, this will improve charging speed by up to 30 percent – allowing vehicles to charge enough for a 300-kilometre range in just ten minutes. The sixth generation of BMW eDrive also delivers up to 30 percent more range. When it comes to aerodynamics, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X boasts an impressive new top figure: with drag reduced by 20 percent to a comparable model in the current line-up. New tyre designs and a special brake system for fully-electric vehicles help increase overall vehicle efficiency by up to 25 percent.

Reduced CO₂ footprint through more resource-efficient production and supply chain.
A completely plant-based, mineral-based and petroleum-free surface material “Verdana” was developed for the interior. It will be used in the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X in the lower portion of the door panelling and in the centre console. Maritime plastics are also being utilised for the first time for injection-moulded parts. In selected components, this secondary raw material, which is obtained, for example, from discarded fishing nets, already accounts for 30 percent.

The choice of materials and construction method enable easier disassembly of components and improved recyclability. The side skirts and front and rear apron attachments are also produced from recycled mono-materials. In this, the new design concept follows the principle of the BMW i Vision Circular presented in 2021, which relied extensively on mono-materials to optimise recyclability.

The Neue Klasse also heralds a new chapter in production history. BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary was planned and developed as an iFACTORY.


BMW Group Corporate Communications

Steven Wörns
Press spokesperson, BMW Group Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-16992
Email: Steven.Woerns@bmw.com

Almut Stollberg
Head of Communications Innovation, Design, Technology, Digital Car
Telephone: +49-151-601-96543
Email: Almut.Stollberg@bmw.com

Media website: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en
Email: presse@bmw.de

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

Munich. The world premiere of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse marks a new beginning for the BMW brand, one characterised by a completely fresh way of thinking and approach. THE NEUE NEW is the title of the multi-channel campaign accompanying the Bavarian premium carmaker’s ongoing process of transformation. The campaign’s storytelling captures the central areas of action contained within this transformation and brings an unusual angle to the idea of “the new”.

The campaign THE NEUE NEW – developed and implemented by the agency THE GAME created specially for the BMW Group and the BMW brand – explains in an authentic and accessible way what underpins the “NEU” of the forthcoming NEUE KLASSE. The use of the German word for “new” references the name of this new-generation model series and has an effective and memorable impact in non-German-speaking markets around the world as well as at home. At the same time, the campaign shines the spotlight on the brand promise “Freude forever.” and opens a window to BMW as a future-facing brand focused on meeting peoples’ needs.

“THE NEUE NEW represents our journey into a completely new era of mobility, in which we are putting people front and centre. And its visual implementation is likewise very authentic, accessible and human,” says Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President Customer and BMW Brand. “The campaign provides an initial example of how we are also employing innovative communication approaches to drive forward the transformation process BMW is currently navigating.”

THE NEUE NEW tells the story of the transformation alongside the key future-focused fields the BMW Group has set itself: the ideal of a circular economy as a progressive mindset geared towards preserving resources; digitalisation focused on identifying and meeting peoples’ needs; and a commitment to electrification with the aim of making the driving pleasure for which the brand is renowned something future generations can also experience.

As a central hub in which these three elements converge, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse embodies a fresh departure fuelled by optimism for the future. Recalling the “mk1” Neue Klasse, which revolutionised the brand’s product range in the 1960s, the storytelling approach is deliberately playing on the German “Neue” in non-German-speaking markets as well as at home and, in so doing, redefining the idea of “the new” itself.

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse shows us here and now how Sheer Driving Pleasure will be interpreted in the years ahead. At its heart is the design language of “intelligent reduction to the essentials”. Meanwhile, the latest generation of BMW iDrive delivers a digital, immersive user experience in which the driver takes centre stage. Every aspect of the development process took sustainability and efficiency as the guiding themes.

THE NEUE NEW: 360-degree campaign follows a “social first” approach.

The campaign strategically orchestrated by THE GAME feeds all the main touchpoints of the various target groups. Alongside various influencer collaborations, the campaign focuses primarily on the brand’s social media channels. A filter for Instagram and Snapchat developed specially for the campaign also allows the BMW Vision Neue Klasse to inspire its audience within an augmented reality experience.

The 360-degree approach of THE NEUE NEW allows it to make a mark with out-of-home activities and double-page spreads in print media, too. The campaign is supported by other measures on BMW channels such as the My BMW App, the brand’s homepage and FREUDE.FOREVER magazine. THE MARCOM ENGINE was responsible for the media planning across all channels and touchpoints.

During the IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, the campaign also becomes a physical experience. The concept behind the show stand for the BMW Group’s Open Space at Max-Joseph-Platz was the work of creative consultancy Meiré and Meiré. The installation for the BMW Vision Neue Klasse followed THE NEUE NEW campaign approach and was accompanied by communications input from Cologne-based creative agency Elastique, and the key opinion leader & talent agency Pacific took care of the on-site support programme.

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1LTr6frDS4

Munich. With its latest design concept, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, the BMW Group is showcasing what the next generation of vehicles from its core BMW brand will look like. “The BMW Vision Neue Klasse combines our ability to innovate in the core areas of electrification, digitalisation and circularity,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “In this way, we are always able to stay two steps ahead of the future: The Neue Klasse is already bringing the mobility of the next decade to the roads in 2025 – and leading BMW into a new era.”

The Vision Vehicle, which will be unveiled for the first time in public at the IAA Mobility 2023 International Motor Show in Munich, embodies a clear design language, with expansive surfaces and just a few distinctive lines, that has been pared down to the essentials. This approach accentuates signature features like the BMW kidney grille and the Hofmeister kink of the side window graphic, giving the design even more of a BMW feel. In the interior, the next generation of BMW iDrive guarantees a unique digital user experience that merges real and virtual worlds. Increased use of secondary raw materials, resource-efficient production and a fully-electric drive train with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology reduces the carbon footprint of the Neue Klasse across the vehicle lifecycle.

“30 percent more range, 30 percent faster charging, 25 percent more efficiency – the Neue Klasse represents a major technological leap that will take EfficientDynamics to new heights. The same applies to its design – which could not be any more futuristic,” says Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “With the Neue Klasse, we have embarked on the biggest investment in the company’s history. We are not just writing the next chapter of BMW; we’re writing a whole new book. That’s why the Neue Klasse will certainly impact all model generations.”

New BMW design language: clear, elegant, timeless.
The exterior showcases design elements that will define the different Neue Klasse models. It is clear, elegant, timeless. The new, fully-electric vehicle architecture also opens up new possibilities for the interior design. “The design of the Neue Klasse is typically BMW and so progressive it looks like we skipped a model generation,” explains Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.

Powerful wheel arches, the retracted greenhouse and steeply forward-slanting “shark nose” front-end are all characteristic BMW features. 21-inch aerodynamic wheels pay tribute to the classic cross-spoke design inspired by motorsports. At the same time, the almost monolithic vehicle body, with strong indentations at the front and rear, as well as large window areas, create a new aesthetic.

The luminous exterior paintwork in “Joyous bright”, with its subtle yellow hue, underscores the friendly, future-oriented personality of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse. Contrast is provided by black side skirts and bumpers. With a higher percentage of secondary raw materials and significantly reduced material variety, targeted improvements have been made to enhance circularity. An improved dismantling concept will also help optimise recycling of the vehicles of the Neue Klasse.

A fresh interpretation of the brand's signature design elements, like the BMW kidney grille and double headlights, transform the vehicle’s front-end into a single interaction area. A lighting effect with precise three-dimensional animation initiates intuitive interaction between the human and their vehicle as soon as they approach the car. E Ink elements in the lower portion of the side windows also feature in the exterior welcome scenario, directing attention to the sensor area that activates automatic door opening. Innovative technology similarly defines the design of the rear lights, with 3D-printed light elements that extend over several levels and are controlled in a targeted manner to create a unique impression of depth.

Providing vision: Next generation of BMW iDrive.
Analogue operating controls have been reduced to a minimum in the BMW Vision Neue Klasse. Human-car interaction takes place through the BMW Panoramic Vision, the Central Display and multifunction buttons on the steering wheel. The user experience is rounded out by the tried-and-tested voice control of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. In this way, the next generation of BMW iDrive offers a modern interpretation of the driver orientation typical of the brand.

As it did with the introduction of the BMW iDrive controller in the centre console and the BMW Head-Up Display, the brand is once again leading the world with BMW Panoramic Vision, which will be available for the first time in the Neue Klasse. Information is projected at the ideal height into the driver's line of sight and, for the first time, across the entire width of the windscreen. This innovation will complement the enhanced BMW Head-Up Display in the production models of the Neue Klasse.

In the next generation of BMW iDrive, both the driver and front passenger are able to interact with information displayed on BMW Panoramic Vision, creating a shared user experience. Drivers can move content shown on the Central Display to the BMW Panoramic Vision with a simple gesture.

A coordinated choreography between the ambient lighting and graphic elements of the Central Display and BMW Panoramic Vision enriches the user experience – which can also be customised using My Modes. In My Mode ‘Sport’, specific displays are set against a yellow background to support dynamic driving. The new BMW iDrive is based on a highly integrated software architecture that consolidates data related to the driving experience and infotainment with data from the vehicle's electronics and electrical system and the BMW cloud. Interaction between human and vehicle can thus be tailored even more closely to the driving situation and individual needs, enabling a totally new perception of mobility.

Bright cord fabrics create a comfortable atmosphere inside the BMW Vision Neue Klasse. The light-coloured instrument panel supports the steering wheel, which is flattened at the top and bottom, as well as the Central Display with Matrix-Backlight in the outline of a parallelogram. A smartphone charging cradle and the glassy selector lever space on the centre console. The front seats are attached to the floor by a single bracket, freeing up additional legroom in the rear compartment, where passengers can enjoy the spaciousness created by having two individual seats. The design of the interior, which is completely free of decorative chrome or leather, helps optimise the carbon footprint of the production process.

CO2-reduced production, sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology.
Manufactured at the new plant in Debrecen entirely without fossil fuels and with much wider use of raw and secondary materials produced with reduced CO₂, the Neue Klasse will also provide significant impetus for resource-efficient individual mobility. High energy efficiency during the vehicle use phase will be ensured by optimising weight, air and rolling resistance, as well as through intelligent heat management, especially for the electric drive train, using sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology.

In addition to highly efficient electric motors, major advances in the new BMW eDrive technology include newly-developed round battery cells, with more than 20 percent higher energy density than that of the prismatic cells previously used. The sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology will improve the charging speed for Neue Klasse models by up to 30 percent, in addition to boosting their range by up to 30 percent. As a result of all these measures, overall vehicle efficiency will increase by up to 25 percent.

Innovations guarantee signature BMW driving pleasure for future generations.
Electrification, digitalisation and circularity are the core elements of the transformation that is being actively shaped by the BMW Group and began with the electrified models of the BMW i brand. The BMW i Vision Circular highlights the tremendous potential that can be leveraged by systematic implementing a circular economy that reduces consumption of raw materials and lowers CO₂ emissions. BMW i Vision Dee, on the other hand, shows how digital, human-centric technology can enrich the user experience.

All these topics are now coming together in the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, a vehicle that represents the whole range of technological innovations through which the BMW Group is demonstrating its future sustainability. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse signals the start of a new era of individual mobility that is rich in digital experiences, locally emission-free and circular in the long term – guaranteeing typical BMW driving pleasure for generations to come.

Munich. The MINI design studio has invited up-and-coming collage artist Constantin Prozorov to create a fresh presentation of the new MINI model family by reinterpreting digital image worlds in his unique style. Thanks to the striking image compositions he creates, Prozorov has already made a name for himself in the fashion industry. For MINI design, he generated three mesmerising collages that position the brand’s future models centre-stage amid fantastical illustration and animations.

The MINI design team draws inspiration and creative momentum from the art and fashion scene. While Prozorov has already created digital image worlds for luxury fashion brands, this is the first time he has collaborated with an automotive brand. He is known for the modern, avant-garde aesthetics of his collages; just as in the classical roots of this art form, Constantin Prozorov breathes new life into existing material. For his work in the MINI design studio, he used the background motifs in front of which the brand’s new models are introduced for a range of different presentations. Using digital technology, he composed the artwork provided by the MINI designers in a new way, and then complemented it with the fantastical figures and floral elements which make his work so distinctive.

„Constantin Prozorov’s artistic style offers an inspiring viewpoint on the design of the new MINI family,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design. “It is unique, playful and full of positive energy.” During more than a year of collaboration between the artist and the MINI design studio, three urban dream worlds have been created in which surreal elements are seamlessly merged into the representation of the new MINI models and the surroundings staged for them. Each of these collages is composed of up to 200 levels and can be viewed both as a static image world and in the form of an animated clip.

All collages are interwoven with unifying stylistic elements that unite them into a triptych: from the colourful towering rooftop which makes a stage for the new all-electric MINI Cooper, to a water-rich landscape with picnic area for the new all-electric MINI Countryman, to a bright and lively urban environment showcasing the future all-electric MINI Aceman. There are also charming details that only reveal themselves to the observer on closer inspection: the Spike digital character rendered as an art toy in the collage for the MINI Cooper; a glistening dolphin crossing the path of the MINI Countryman; or a stylised playing card as a placeholder for the MINI Aceman.

This artist has a keen eye for fashion, and from the new MINI models he was particularly taken by the interior surfaces made from recycled knitwear. They appear repeatedly in his collages as an abstracted, oversized element. Prozorov also incorporates design features such as the brand’s characteristic slotted hole as well as familiar motifs from pop culture and contemporary art. The approach encourages the observer to think beyond traditional boundaries and invites them to engage in the wide-ranging opportunities offered by art and design.

The MINI designers found that the exchange with Constantin Prozorov opens fresh perspectives on the MINI models even for them. Conversation with creative minds from different disciplines has always been one of the most important sources of inspiration. The results of the latest collaboration will be presented as part of IAA Mobility 2023. 

Munich. The new MINI family all-electric models get sound worlds distinctive to the brand for an even more immersive driving experience. The repertoire includes completely new driving sounds in the interior, an unmistakable brand sound to distinguish it as a MINI in the exterior, jingles for the new MINI Experience Modes as well as new sound icons for information and warning functions.

„The new sounds are an integral part of the digital experience and individually tailored to the character of each of the new models. They make an emotive appeal to the passengers in the interior while shaping the acoustic perception to the outside world. They also make it sound as well as look as unmistakably a MINI,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design. These can be experienced for the first time in the new MINI Cooper Electric.

The new MINI Sound DNA is based on the essential brand values and exudes a positive, charismatic aura. The MINI Experience Modes become the stage for the completely newly created sound worlds. Analogue instruments, digital technology and artificial intelligence combine to generate sounds that simultaneously define it as MINI, convey information and arouse emotions.

Four driving sounds for an individual user experience.
The MINI “Core”, “Go Kart”, “Timeless” and “Balance” Experience Modes feature individually curated driving sounds that acoustically feed back to the driver during acceleration. These sounds are audible in the interior of the future MINI models, emotionalising the driving experience and also conveying an authentic yet informative impression of the driving situation.

The default sound world for the new MINI model family will be the “Core” driving sound. It is the only sound mode that is not only heard inside the vehicle, but outside it as well, as acoustic pedestrian protection. As a MINI brand sound, it sounds inviting, energetic and inspiring. “The new sound design for MINI is inspired by Nicolaus Copernicus, who depicts the heliocentric view of the world in which the planets revolve around the sun,” says Renzo Vitale, Creative Director Sound at the BMW Group. “We drew inspiration from the round shape of the OLED central display for the ‘Core’ driving sound. It reminds us of the sun radiating warmth. In an analogy to the planets, which each reflect the sunlight in their own way, we designed different sound components that vary depending on the driving situation.”

The MINI “Go Kart” driving sound was created for a particularly sporty driving experience. This features strongly pronounced pitch and load curves, forming a fitting sound backdrop for agile and dynamic driving.

Tradition and progress come together in the MINI “Timeless” driving sound. The engine sounds of conventionally powered models from the classic Mini to the MINI John Cooper Works GP were sampled and combined with a futuristic interpretation of the MINI “Core” driving sound to create an acoustic journey through time. The more intensively the vehicle accelerates, the more the sound morphs from the internal combustion engine past to the purely electric present.

A fourth soundscape opens up with the MINI “Balance” driving sound. It was originally designed for the MINI Vision Urbanaut and is based on the sounds experienced in a forest at different times of the day and night: from the babbling of a stream to the chirping of crickets and the rustling of the wind in the treetops. The resulting worlds of sound give a sense of relaxation and well-being on board the future MINI models.

Characteristic jingles and striking earcons.
The driving sounds for the future MINI family are assigned to the equally new Experience Modes. Their activation is announced with a characteristic jingle. This short sound sequence gets the occupants in the mood for the change to a new vehicle setting.

Another component of the completely new sound worlds for the new MINI family are known as earcons. Similar to optical icons, these serve as distinctive audible symbols to alert to certain events or information. Around 30 of these sound signals have been newly designed: from the acoustic accompaniment of the turn indicator to the seat-belt warning system and the Park Distance Control (PDC) tones. In future, they will fulfil their function as clearly identifiable signals with a distinctive and brand-typical sound, which will catch the attention of the occupants or warn of any dangers with their different sound characteristics and intensities.

Munich/Las Vegas. The BMW Group is sharing its vision of the future digital experience, both inside and outside the vehicle, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023 in Las Vegas. BMW i Vision Dee is the futuristic mid-size sedan with a new and pared-down design language. The name “Dee” stands for Digital Emotional Experience – and that is precisely its aim: to create an even stronger bond between people and their cars going forward. Future digital functions will go far beyond the level of voice control and driver assistance systems we are familiar with today. The BMW Head-Up-Display extends across the full width of the windscreen, providing a glimpse of the next vehicle generation. From 2025 onwards, this innovation will be available in the models of the NEUE KLASSE. The BMW Group has also refined its use of colour-change technology. Having unveiled the BMW iX Flow Featuring E Ink, with the ability to change from black to white, at the last CES, BMW i Vision Dee can now curate its exterior in up to 32 colours. 

“With the BMW i Vision Dee, we are showcasing what is possible when hardware and software merge. In this way, we are able to exploit the full potential of digitalisation to transform the car into an intelligent companion. That is the future for automotive manufacturers – and, also, for BMW: the fusion of the virtual experience with genuine driving pleasure,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “At the same time, BMW i Vision Dee is another step on the road to the NEUE KLASSE. With this vision, we are looking far into the future and underlining the tremendous importance of digitalisation for our upcoming product generations.”

With its intelligent, almost human capabilities, BMW i Vision Dee accompanies drivers not only through real-life situations on the roads, but also in their digital environment.

“A BMW lives by its unparalleled digital performance. BMW i Vision Dee is about perfect integration of virtual and physical experiences,” said Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “Whoever excels at integrating the customer’s everyday digital worlds into the vehicle at all levels will succeed in mastering the future of car-building.”

BMW Mixed Reality Slider: into the virtual world in five steps
The BMW Mixed Reality Slider, in combination with the advanced Head-up Display, is the digital highlight and central operating control of BMW i Vision Dee. Using shy-tech sensors on the instrument panel, drivers can decide for themselves how much digital content they want to see on the advanced Head-Up Display. The five-step selection ranges from analogue, to driving-related information, to the contents of the communications system, to augmented-reality projection, right up to entry into virtual worlds. In parallel, dimmable windows can also be used to gradually fade out reality. Mixed reality can be experienced in BMW i Vision Dee in an immersive way that engages different senses without requiring any additional tools, creating a new dimension of driving pleasure for the user.

Advanced BMW Head-Up-Display: in NEUE KLASSE from 2025
The BMW Group is known in the automotive sector as a trailblazer for the Head-Up-Display and has systematically refined this technology over the past two decades. In BMW i Vision Dee, projection across the entire width of the windscreen allows information to be displayed on the largest possible surface – which only becomes recognisable as a display once it is activated. In this way, the BMW Group demonstrates the huge potential of projection technology and BMW i Vision Dee visualises how a advanced Head-Up-Display could also be utilised in the future for the display and operating concept. The standard-production version of the BMW Head-up-Display extending across the full width of the windscreen will be used in the models of the NEUE KLASSE from 2025 onwards.

Welcome scenario with voice and phygital icons
The digital experience already begins outside the vehicle, with a personalised welcome scenario that combines graphical elements, light and sound effects. Natural language serves as the simplest, most intuitive form of interaction, enabling perfect understanding between humans and their vehicles. The headlights and the closed BMW kidney grille also form a common phygital (fusion of physical and digital) icon on a uniform surface, allowing the vehicle to produce different facial expressions. This means BMW i Vision Dee can talk to people and, at the same time, express moods such as joy, astonishment or approval visually. BMW i Vision Dee can also project an image of the driver’s avatar onto the side window to further personalise the welcome scenario.

World premiere for full-colour E Ink technology
Following the spectacular debut of the BMW iX Flow Featuring E Ink at CES 2022, the BMW Group is now unveiling a full-colour version of the E Ink technology in BMW i Vision Dee that will be used as the outer skin of the vehicle for the first time worldwide.

BMW i Vision Dee, rather than simply alternating between black and white, now showcases a multi-coloured, fully variable and individually configurable exterior. An ePaper film from the BMW Group’s cooperation partner, E Ink, is applied to the body to create this magical display of colour. Up to 32 colours can be displayed.

The body surface of the BMW i Vision Dee is divided into 240 E Ink segments, each of which is controlled individually. This allows an almost infinite variety of patterns to be generated and varied within seconds. The laser cutting process used to trim the films and the electronic control design were developed in partnership with E Ink. The adaptation of this technology for curved surfaces and the programming of the animations, were developed by BMW Group’s in-house engineers – enabling a form enabling a form of customisation that is unique throughout the automotive sector worldwide.

Reductive design – inside and out
The design of BMW i Vision Dee has been deliberately pared down to focus attention on the digital experience and the DNA of the BMW brand. The exterior is defined by the classic three-box sedan design that forms the core of the BMW brand. Traditional design elements, like the BMW kidney grille, twin circular headlights and the Hofmeister kink, are reimagined, with phygital icons replacing analogue elements. This gives BMW i Vision Dee its own digital, but human, character.

Inside, digitalisation goes hand in hand with reductive use of materials, operating controls and displays to ensure nothing distracts from the digital experience and the new feeling of enhanced driving pleasure. The unconventional design of the steering wheel, with its central vertical spoke, creates touchpoints that come to life when approached or touched and can be operated by moving the thumb. These phygital touchpoints control selection of the content projected onto the windscreen and, together with the Head-Up Display, thus support the principle of “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road”.

“With BMW i Vision Dee, we are showing how the car can be seamlessly integrated into your digital life and become a trusty companion. The vehicle itself becomes your portal to the digital world – with the driver always in control,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “Implemented the right way, technology will create worthwhile experiences, make you a better driver and simply bring humans and machines closer together.”

Another milestone on the road to the NEUE KLASSE
The future of the BMW Group is electric, circular and digital. BMW i Vision Dee represents the digital aspect of this trio and will be another milestone on the road to the next vehicle generation, the NEUE KLASSE. The BMW Group will provide further insights and glimpses of the revolutionary vehicle concept of the NEUE KLASSE over the course of 2023.

Premiere of exclusive soundscapes combined with the BMW Theatre Screen. +++ All-electric luxury saloon features a factory-fitted full sound spectrum developed in collaboration between the BMW Group and two-time Academy Award winning composer Hans Zimmer. +++ My Modes Expressive and Relax with distinctive sound worlds enable a particularly intense interaction between driver and vehicle. +++ Exceptional acoustic characteristics provide the basis for an emotionally powerful sound experience.

Munich. The new, all-electric BMW i7 (energy consumption combined according to WLTP: 19.6–18.4 kWh/100 km; energy consumption combined according to NEDC: –; CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km) heralds a new era for the brand’s quintessential driving pleasure and exclusive travel comfort. It embodies the innovative form of individual mobility in the luxury segment and also expresses this through the creation of holistic sound worlds. These range from the welcome scenario to the ready-to-drive signal and the drive sounds for each selected My Mode through to the acoustic soundscapes combined with the BMW Theatre Screen, available here for the first time. With the factory-fitted BMW IconicSounds Electric, the brand’s locally emission-free premium model offers entirely new soundscapes that are generated by the interaction between driver and vehicle and are a core component in the design of a unique driving experience.

Including the exclusive soundscapes for the optional Theatre Mode, the complete sound spectrum of BMW IconicSounds Electric can be experienced for the first time in the new BMW i7. The sounds, which are unique in the automotive sector, have been developed in a collaboration between the BMW Group and two-time Academy Award winning composer Hans Zimmer. They reinforce the authentic agreement of the vehicle’s character with BMW design and the resulting driving experience in the world’s first all-electric luxury saloon.

The sound experience in the BMW i7 can be individually selected via My Modes. In addition to Personal, Sport and Efficient settings, the modes Expressive and Relax are also available as standard. In the BMW i7, each of these modes is also associated with an independent sound world. The intensity and frequency of the drive sound are based on the position of the accelerator and the driving situation, creating an individually customised sound profile for each My Mode. The close interaction between driver and vehicle thus creates a distinctive acoustic backdrop. Selecting either the Expressive or the Relax mode results in a particularly intense interaction. They enable the driver of the BMW i7 to create an individual, holistic user experience of sound, lighting mood and graphics on the BMW Curved Display, shaped by the driver’s mood and driving style.

The new BMW i7 has a model-specific sound application that authentically emphasises the future-oriented character and exclusive driving experience in the all-electric luxury saloon. "We want to offer customers a unique driving and travel experience in the BMW i7. In the area of user experience, we are breaking new ground to achieve this, which also includes the drive sound," explains Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design. "Sound in particular plays a central role in the emotional connection between the driver and his vehicle. Innovations such as BMW IconicSounds Electric make the BMW i7 a pioneer for a new, holistic driving experience."

With My Modes, the driver can create an all-round user experience that includes a wide range of vehicle settings. In the BMW i7, this includes the drive sound. The spherical sounds of the Personal setting emphasise the progressive character of the model, while the soundscape in the Sport setting has a powerful and pronounced acoustic presence. A very lively and dynamic sound characterises the acoustic experience in Expressive mode, while an immensely relaxing sound backdrop is created in Relax mode. The characteristic sound sequences when starting and switching off the drive system are part of BMW IconicSounds Electric, as are the sounds that accompany the activation of the optional Theatre Screen for passengers in the back.

The acoustic feedback from the movements of the accelerator is only completely suppressed in Efficient mode. Due to the outstanding acoustic vehicle characteristics of the new BMW i7, the resulting silence in this mode is as clear and pure as the intensive sound experience in the other modes. The all-electric luxury saloon has optimised soundproofing that effectively insulates the interior from external noises. The excellent acoustic comfort of the new BMW i7 can be attributed to the acoustic optimisation of the electric drive units, a model-specific storage concept and newly developed noise encapsulation for electric motors, as well as the chassis’ increased rigidity at the front and tyres with foam absorbers. In addition, aerodynamic noises are significantly reduced thanks to clearly designed chassis surfaces, flush-mounted door handles and aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors as well as an almost fully sealed underbody. This allows all aspects of the characteristic and emotionally powerful sound worlds of BMW IconicSounds Electric to be fully experienced without any interference.

Munich. Digitisation is delivering an integrated user experience characterised by individuality and emotionalisation in the interior of current BMW models. The My Modes allow the driver to tailor the atmosphere in the interior entirely to their personal mood and the driving experience they want. With the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink being presented on the occasion of CES 2022, the Munich-based premium car manufacturer is offering the prospect of a future technology that uses digitisation to also adapt the exterior of a vehicle to different situations and individual wishes. The surface of the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink can vary its shade at the driver's prompting.

Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development: "Digital experiences won't just be limited to displays in the future. There will be more and more melding of the real and virtual. With the BMW iX Flow, we are bringing the car body to life."

The fluid colour changes are made possible by a specially developed body wrap that is tailored precisely to the contours of the all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle from BMW. When stimulated by electrical signals, the electrophoretic technology brings different colour pigments to the surface, causing the body skin to take on the desired colouration. Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design: "The BMW iX Flow is an advanced research and design project and a great example of the forward thinking that BMW is known for."

The innovative E Ink technology opens completely new ways of changing the vehicle's appearance in line with the driver's aesthetic preferences, the environmental conditions or even functional requirements. The technology thus offers unprecedented potential for personalisation in the area of exterior design. The BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink demonstrates this potential to impressive effect. Against this background, the BMW Group is driving the development of the technology so that a new form of personalisation can be experienced both on the outside and in the inside of future production vehicles.

Already today, the colour chosen for a car is an expression of the driver's personality. The choice of exterior paints available for current BMW models covers a wide colour spectrum. In this way, the longing for a wildly expressive, extravagant, or sporty appearance on the outside can be taken into account as well as the desire for an understated, subtle or elegant appearance. New variants are added each year that reflect the characteristics of the model in question and that allow the brand to keep setting trends in the area of exterior design.

New technologies will provide a whole new level of decision-making freedom in the future. "This gives the driver the freedom to express different facets of their personality or even their enjoyment of change outwardly, and to redefine this each time they sit into their car," says Stella Clarke, Head of Project for the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink. "Similar to fashion or the status ads on social media channels, the vehicle then becomes an expression of different moods and circumstances in daily life."

How a variable exterior colour can increase efficiency.
A variable exterior colour can also contribute to wellness in the interior and to the efficiency of the vehicle. This is done by taking account of the different abilities of light and dark colours when it comes to reflecting sunlight and the associated absorption of thermal energy. A white surface reflects a lot more sunlight than a black one. By implication, heating of the vehicle and passenger compartment as a result of strong sunlight and high outside temperatures can be reduced by changing the exterior to a light colour. In cooler weather, a dark outer skin will help the vehicle to absorb noticeably more warmth from the sun.

In both cases, selective colour changes can help to cut the amount of cooling and heating required from the vehicle's air conditioning. This reduces the amount of energy the vehicle electrical system needs and with it also the vehicle's fuel or electricity consumption. In an all-electric car, changing the colour in line with the weather can therefore also help to increase the range. In the interior, the technology could, for example, prevent the dashboard from heating up too much.

E Ink technology itself is extremely energy efficient. Unlike displays or projectors, the electrophoretic technology needs absolutely no energy to keep the chosen colour state constant. Current only flows during the short colour changing phase.

Millions of paint capsules in a custom wrap.
Electrophoretic colouring is based on a technology developed by E Ink that is most well-known from the displays used in eReaders. The surface coating of the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink contains many millions of microcapsules, with a diameter equivalent to the thickness of a human hair. Each of these microcapsules contains negatively charged white pigments and positively charged black pigments. Depending on the chosen setting, stimulation by means of an electrical field causes either the white or the black pigments to collect at the surface of the microcapsule, giving the car body the desired shade.

Achieving this effect on a vehicle body involves the application of many precisely fitted ePaper segments. Generative design processes are implemented to ensure the segments reflect the characteristic contours of the vehicle and the resulting variations in light and shadow. The generative design algorithms enable the necessary formability and flexibility required to tailor the ePaper exactly to the design lines of the vehicle.

Laser cutting technologies guarantee high precision in generating each segment. After the segments are applied and the power supply for stimulating the electrical field is connected, the entire body is warmed and sealed to guarantee optimum and uniform colour reproduction during every colour change.

Richmond Hill, ON. Today at Art Basel’s 2021 Miami Beach show, BMW M GmbH is presenting a radical new vehicle concept on the global stage for the first time. The BMW Concept XM looks ahead to the most powerful BMW M car ever to go into series production, which is set to begin at the end of 2022. Electrification underpins an extraordinary driving experience which allows the driver to both glide along in near silence and enjoy the engaging pleasure of high performance driving, M-style. The BMW Concept XM provides a preview of the new front-end design for BMW’s forthcoming luxury-class models. It also introduces a highly progressive and distinctive take on BMW X model design, and an all-new form of luxury and sense of space for the interior.

The series-production model – the BMW XM – will begin production at the end of 2022 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina; the US being the most important sales market for the new high-performance vehicle. BMW M will therefore be introducing its first standalone vehicle since the legendary BMW M1 in the year it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The BMW XM will be available only as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and exclusively as an M model.

The bold exterior styling of the BMW Concept XM reflects the vehicle’s exceptional performance attributes: power, agility, and precision, plus the all-electric driving capabilities of a PHEV. The newly developed M Hybrid drive system in the BMW Concept XM brings together a V8 engine and a high-performance electric motor to develop an estimated maximum output of 740 bhp[1] (750 ps[2]) and peak torque of 738 lb-ft[3]. The first electrified vehicle from BMW M GmbH in the high-performance segment is emphatically pointing the way forward for the future of the brand.

BMW M goes its own way in the luxury segment.

The BMW Concept XM sees BMW M GmbH forging a distinctive path in the luxury segment. The car’s exterior emphasizes presence and extroverted appeal. Inside the BMW Concept XM, a distinct presentation of the driver-focused cockpit for which M models are renowned meets an all-new rear compartment design; with its high-comfort seats and illuminated, sculptural headliner, the M Lounge offers passengers a luxurious retreat.

“The design of the BMW Concept XM is an extravagant statement by BMW M in the heart of the luxury segment,” says Domagoj Dukec, Vice President BMW Design. “It has a resolutely standalone identity and embodies an expressive lifestyle like no other model in the BMW line-up.”

The front end: progressive design for maximum presence.

The BMW Concept XM debuts the new, progressive front-end design for BMW’s luxury-class models, a version of which will be seen for the first time in 2022 as part of the BMW model offensive in the luxury segment. The headlights have been split into two separate modules, a new design feature which creates a visually arresting appearance. The daytime driving light signature in the sharply styled, slim upper module is particularly eye-catching. The kidney grille featuring horizontal slats sits boldly between the headlights and tapers towards the outer edges, producing a near-octagonal outline that emphasises the front end’s dynamic character. The black kidney grille elements are enclosed within an intricate surround and appear almost to be floating freely within a high-gloss black surface. M-style double bars within the grille add to the perception of width. Vibrant contour lighting sets off the grille, ensuring the striking composition of the kidneys and the daytime driving lights is immediately recognizable even in the dark. The new XM logo in the kidney grille and the large air intakes allude to the power of the V8 engine, which is teamed with the electric motor to form the M Hybrid system.

M-specific details point to uninhibited performance.

The greenhouse of the BMW Concept XM rises vertically, accentuating the front end’s strong, imposing feel. The color of the roof contrasts with the black finish of the A-pillars. The windscreen appears to have a steeper rake as a result, injecting a modern vitality into the front end. Slim LED lights have been incorporated into the roof above the A-pillars. The boldly sculpted hood extends the contours of the kidney grille back in the form of two power domes. A pair of air intakes in the hood mimic the appearance of the LED lights in the roof and add extra dynamic flair. Framing the statuesque body at its lower edge are the clean-cut black surfaces of the front apron. Triangular body-colored blades at the outer edges accentuate the vertical air intakes while emphasising the sporty and robust stance of the BMW Concept XM.

The side view: an expression of unbridled dynamism.

The powerful and heavily contoured proportions of the BMW Concept XM highlight the vehicle’s confidently unique identity and draw the eye to the coupé-like character of the body. The visually striking front end, long hood and stretched, sloping roofline present a characterful design with a distinctive silhouette. The side glass tapers significantly as it approaches the rear, heightening the athleticism of the side view.

The two-tone paint finish of the BMW Concept XM further accentuates its distinctive lines: the upper section is matte gold-bronze, while the lower section is finished in Space Grey Metallic. Below the side glass, a broad, high-gloss black boundary – the “black belt” – separates the two exterior colors. The signature two-post M exterior mirrors give the car a technical, sporty edge. The charge port door aft of the front-left wheel is a reminder of the M Hybrid drive system within.

Throughout the side view, deliberately short character lines, which start off boldly before fading softly, accentuate the car’s agile, modern feel. The expressive rear lights extend well into the car’s flanks and create a striking transition into the rear. The black cladding above the wheels and on the side skirts – typical of BMW X models – is sharply defined and gives the body an elevated appearance. The elongated body sits on 23-inch light-alloy wheels, which bring extra power and solidity to the side view.

The rear: powerful stature and newly interpreted design.

The design of the rear end likewise accentuates the vehicle’s powerful stature, and the BMW Concept XM cuts a low and sporty figure from this angle. The rear window is mounted almost seamlessly. The fresh interpretation of the design can also be seen in the arrangement of the two BMW roundels, which are laser-etched into the rear window below each of the two cantrails. This is a stylistic reference to the BMW M1; until now, the only example of a standalone model developed exclusively by BMW M GmbH.

Lower down at the rear, prominently flared wheel arches draw attention to the BMW Concept XM’s powerful stance on the road. Extremely slim L-shaped rear lights extending across almost the entire width of the rear add to the effect. The lights themselves are completely black when not active, revealing a precise and uniform beam of red when switched on. Dominating the rear apron are the characteristic twin tailpipes of BMW M models. The dual-branch, twin-tailpipe exhaust system employed here reduces backpressure for the V8 engine while generating the emotionally rich M-typical soundtrack accompanying the engine’s formidable power delivery. The vertical arrangement and hexagonal shape of the tailpipes breathe new life into this classically iconic design element.

The interior design – high performance and extroverted luxury.

Inside the BMW Concept XM, the driver will find a distinctive M interpretation of driver-focused cockpit design. The lines and surface design of the instrument panel, center console, door trim and seats give the ambience in the front compartment a progressive feel with their powerful geometry and high-quality materials. Brown, vintage-look leather, copper and carbon fiber create a bridge between luxury and motorsport. A bold trim element provides clear visual separation between the driver’s area and the other sections of the interior.

Inside the cockpit area, a decorative surface made from carbon fiber with interwoven copper thread creates a sporty and distinctive backdrop for displays, air vents and control/operating elements. The new BMW Curved Display screen positioned above it creates a balance between traditional driver focus and modern digital presentation. Red accents on the steering wheel and center console are M-specific references to the vehicle’s sporting intention. A trio of vertical elements presented in the three colors of the BMW M brand logo form the heart of the center console.

Spacious and luxurious: the M Lounge.

The unwavering driver focus of the front compartment contrasts with the indulgently luxurious, lounge-like ambience in the rear of the BMW Concept XM. Special materials, visually powerful surfaces and expressive details turn the rear seating into the exclusive M Lounge. Black-tinted rear side windows underscore the abiding sense of privacy here. While warm brown leather dominates the front compartment, the rear is presented in the deep aquamarine shade Petrol. The broad rear bench with its deep recesses forms an inviting space to relax. Only the diamond-shaped area of the head restraints – which provides the support familiar from BMW M Sport seats in other models – is finished in leather. The lower sections of the seats offer enveloping comfort and an exclusive salon-like atmosphere with their luxurious velvet upholstery and diamond quilting. Deep pile carpeting in a diamond pattern adds to the sense of exclusivity.

Illuminated and sculptural: the headliner.

The visual highlight of the cabin is the headliner with its three-dimensional prism structure. A combination of indirect and direct lighting produces a relief-like structure which showcases the headliner as a work of art. Together with the ambient lighting, it highlights the BMW Concept XM’s blend of luxury and comfort to extremely striking effect. The ambient lighting can be activated in the three BMW M colors.

BMW Curved Display with M-specific user interface.

Based on the latest generation of BMW iDrive, the M-specific version of the control/operation system renders the high-performance character of the BMW Concept XM within the digital world. Displayed in the familiar three M colors, the user interface lends itself perfectly to a sporty driving experience. It presents the modes of the hybrid drive system as well as the pure-electric driving mode with captivating aesthetic appeal. The BMW Curved Display provides the perfect stage for presenting this tailored design and previews the user interface that will bring extra intensity to the driving experience in all future BMW M models.

Munich. From series production to the race track – and back: In a new video, BMW M GmbH offers insights into the development of the new BMW M4 GT3 racing car and identifies some fascinating similarities between the new flagship model in the BMW M Motorsport line-up and the BMW M4 Competition production model (fuel consumption combined: 10.2 – 9.9 l/100 km [27.7 – 28.5 mpg imp] in the WLTP cycle, 10.2 l/100 km [27.7 mpg imp] in NEDC; CO2 emissions combined: 233 – 227 g/km in WLTP, 234 g/km in NEDC). Designers and engineers from BMW’s production car development programme and BMW M Motorsport present interesting details about the two cars, with the BMW M4 Design Talk featuring Anne Forschner, Exterior Designer BMW M4 Competition, and Michael Scully, BMW Group Designworks Global Automotive Director, getting the ball rolling.

The video starts with Forschner and Scully talking about the most striking design feature of the two cars: the BMW kidney grille. “All BMW M cars have a polarising effect, which means they do not automatically appeal to everyone. Their impact on people is both physical and emotional,” says Forschner. “The kidney grill retains the production car’s perimeter geometry, while their interior surfaces have been opened-up and celebrate the care and feeding of the race engine’s enhanced cooling requirements for the M4 GT3.” explains Scully. The BMW M4 GT3 – which is currently in its final year of development – has been designed to help BMW M Motorsport teams compete for race victories and titles around the world from 2022. Scully continues: ”The M4 GT3’s added front corner lights reference the production car’s air curtain location and give identity and visual structure to an aerodynamically critical portion of the race car. Their boomerang shape mimics the natural shadow of the production car’s front facia surfaces, and supplements high speed night time visibility during endurance races.”

Viewed from the side, it is clear that the racing car implements the same constellation of design elements as the production car to define the bodyside: with one “continuity loop” created from the upper greenhouse/A pillar, front fender detail, and upward-sweeping lower bodyside feature.

The roof, with its two longitudinal fins, and the heavily raked rear window are also identical in form on both the BMW M4 Competition and BMW M4 GT3. These elements enable an ideal flow of air to the racing car’s rear wing.

The greatest differences between the two cars can perhaps be found at the rear. “The tail of the BMW M4 GT3 is familiar in some areas, but in others it looks very different,” says Anne Forschner. “The racing car is 75 millimetres wider on each side, but we have carried over the rear lights from the production car and the rear contour of the boot lid is also the same,” adds Michael Scully.

Forschner points out how the many likenesses between the duo, which already give the standard model a very sporty appearance and provide an excellent basis for the race version, clearly reflect how the two cars were developed: “From the road to the race track and from the race track back to the road.” Meanwhile, Scully is fulsome in his praise of his colleagues from series production. “The BMW M4 Competition production model represents a wonderful basis on which to make a racing car. It has iconic elements and geometry geared to delivering high performance and efficiency.”

A second video in a few weeks’ time will focus on the shared heart of the two cars. In it, Marcus Engelke, Project Manager Drivetrain BMW M4, and Ulrich Schulz, Head of Drivetrain Design at BMW Motorsport, will talk about the six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which was conceived from the outset for both road cars and track machines.

Munich. The BMW Group’s #NEXTGen 2020 streaming event excited fans of the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands around the world, but also impressed experienced design experts. Indeed, a jury assembled by the German Design Council named the innovative presentation format as an iF Design Award 2021 winner in the Communication discipline. The Gold Award – the highest distinction in the competition – was presented to the virtual design world premiere of the BMW iX which, as the highlight of #NEXTGen 2020, attracted particular attention. The jury noted that the reveal for the BMW Group’s new technology flagship had set new standards in communication: “Thanks to BMW, fully digital events have levelled up. Innovative and mysterious, this is high-end, state-of-the-art programming for our times. What a beautiful and inviting way to introduce the new fully electric BMW iX.”

Public curiosity in the BMW iX was stoked ahead of #NEXTGen 2020 by the informative and entertaining “Chasing iNEXT” infotainment series produced in the style of streaming platforms. The innovative unveiling was then staged in a specially created aesthetic using sophisticated studio technology and virtual effects. “The design team of the fully digital streamcast event #NEXTGen 2020 by the BMW Group pushed virtual production to the max by adding augmented reality layers, as well as creating beautiful design-worlds,” continued the statement from the iF Design Award jury.

“We are delighted to receive the Gold Award and would like to express our sincere thanks to the jury,” said Alexander Bilgeri, Head of Corporate Communications Strategy, Messaging, Communication Channels for the BMW Group. “Our infotainment series ‘Chasing iNEXT’ and the presentation of the BMW iX were key elements of #NEXTGen 2020. We opened doors for the film crew to our development departments which otherwise remain closed, and this enabled an unprecedented delve behind the scenes of our Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ). The design presentation of the iX provided the grand finale of ‘Chasing iNEXT’, and the iF Gold Award is a fantastic compliment to all BMW Group employees.”

Stefan Ponikva, Vice President BMW Brand Experience, adds: “A massive thank you to the jury. The development of #NEXTGen in 2019 gave the BMW Group a new and innovative in-house format which could underpin our claim to innovation leadership in the field of communication as well. #NEXTGen offers us a high degree of creative freedom when it comes to communicating our philosophy and our content on the BMW Group channels and those of its brands. We are breaking completely new ground and adapting our communications activities to the landscape of the digital age and our customers’ requirements. This involves setting new trends and we are delighted to have won this important prize.”

With the presentation format chosen for #NEXTGen 2020, the BMW Group factored in both the technological possibilities of the digital era and the requirements of the ongoing pandemic. The content released online to date, which can be accessed at www.bmw.com/nextgen, provides a far-reaching insight into the FIZ. Presented alongside the BMW iX were a series of other trailblazing vehicle concepts, such as the MINI Vision Urbanaut and BMW Motorrad Concept CE 04, as well as fascinating and entertaining video clips focusing on artificial intelligence, the new BMW Driving Simulation Centre, electric drive systems, connectivity and virtual collaboration. Film contributions, interviews and panel discussions provided background information on the latest technologies, collaborations and future trends involved in shaping the face of individual mobility in the future.

The BMW Group also collected six other iF Design Awards this year. “The BMW Individual – Symbols of Suprematism” campaign and the artwork for “THE 8” earned the company two further distinctions in the Communication category. The BMW i Interaction EASE was presented with an iF Design Award in the Professional Concept discipline. And the BMW Concept i4, BMW M4 GT3 and BMW iX all gained recognition for their design excellence in the Product category. 

The iF Design Award is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious seals of quality for outstanding design achievements. The winners are decided by a jury of international design experts in an array of categories such as Product Design, Packaging Design, Architecture, User Experience, Service and Communication Design. Alongside exterior design, the criteria for the renowned award, which has been presented annually since 1953, include the degree of innovativeness, ergonomics, functionality and environmental compatibility on display.

The BMW Group received the following distinctions at the iF Design Award 2021:

iF Gold Award                #NEXTGen 2020                         Discipline: Communication
iF Design Award            BMW iX                                        Discipline: Product
iF Design Award            BMW Concept i4                          Discipline: Product
iF Design Award            BMW M4 GT3                              Discipline: Product
iF Design Award            THE 8 Artwork                              Discipline: Communication
iF Design Award            The BMW Individual –                  Discipline: Communication
                                      Symbols of Suprematism
iF Design Award            BMW i Interaction EASE              Discipline: Professional Concept

Clear exterior design accents give it a purist appearance that emphasises the hallmark design features. In addition, the innovative Multitone Roof creates unique individualisation opportunities. In the interior, the extensively redesigned cockpit underlines the premium character of the MINI-3 door, the MINI-5 door and the MINI Convertible. Attractive additions to the range of standard and optional equipment, new exterior paint finishes, light-alloy wheels, interior and seating surfaces as well as innovative technology in the areas of chassis, driver assistance systems, operation and connectivity round off the latest update for the British brand's small car models.

Munich. The character of the Concept i4 is not only a product of its design, but also of its visionary sound profile. Hans Zimmer composed the sound of the BMW Concept i4 together with BMW sound designer Renzo Vitale under the brand name BMW IconicSounds Electric. BMW IconicSounds Electric will imbue BMW’s electric models with extra emotional depth by connecting the driver with the vehicle’s character on another level through individual tones and sounds.

“Renzo and I were inspired to bring together the past and future of BMW with the sound for the BMW Concept i4,” explains Zimmer. “We hope the sound we created is classic yet surprising and has a feeling of lightness that is fitting for the BMW brand.” The aural repertoire of the BMW Concept i4 stretches from the driving sounds in the Experience Mode “Core” to the more intense tones of “Sport”. Acoustic accompaniments to a door opening and when starting the car are likewise part of its soundscape.

Sound by Hans Zimmer is the starting signal for electric driving pleasure.

Hans Zimmer and Renzo Vitale presented the new start/stop sound in Zimmer’s Santa Monica studio back in November 2019. The ready-to-drive sound for all-electric BMW models and BMW plug-in hybrids will be introduced as a standard feature worldwide from July 2020. “The ability to design the sound in our vehicles makes it possible for us to spark positive emotions,” says Vitale. “The new start/stop sound is intended to instil a sense of excitement at the prospect of electric driving when the customer gets into their vehicle and begins the journey.”

BMW IconicSounds Electric.

The silence of electric drive systems is often cited as a major benefit of electric mobility. As the choice of electrified models increases, however, it also means some drivers are missing out on the emotional appeal of sound. Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President Customer and Brand BMW: “Sound has always played an important role in the emotionalisation of our vehicles. Now we are taking the joy of sheer driving pleasure to a new level and are particularly pleased to be working with Hans Zimmer to create the new sound world of electric mobility at BMW. This collaboration will result in our forward-looking sound offering for electrified vehicles: BMW IconicSounds Electric.”

The BMW Concept i4 drive sound is the second developed for electric BMW vehicles with Hans Zimmer, following the presentation of the electric sound for the BMW Vision M NEXT at the #NEXTGen event in Munich in June 2019. “We have an extraordinary opportunity to turn electric driving in a BMW into a very special experience with the help of great sounds,” Zimmer commented in 2019. “I am relishing the challenge of co-designing the composition for future electric BMWs.”

Munich. The BMW Group is opening a new chapter in its history with the unveiling of a pure-electric Gran Coupe. The BMW Concept i4 takes electric drive to the core of the BMW brand and heralds a new era in Sheer Driving Pleasure. The BMW Concept i4 represents a look ahead to the BMW i4, slated to enter production in 2021. It provides a whole new take on the dynamic excellence for which BMW is renowned and blends a modern, elegantly sporty design with the spaciousness and functionality of a four-door Gran Coupe – all while generating zero local emissions.

“The BMW Concept i4 brings electrification to the core of the BMW brand,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The design is dynamic, clean and elegant. In short: a perfect BMW that happens to be zero emission.” The drivetrain’s standout numbers include a range of up to 600 km (WLTP), output of up to 530 hp, 0 – 100 km/h (0 – 60 mph) acceleration of approximately 4.0 seconds and a top speed in excess of 200 km/h (124 mph). However, the driving qualities of the BMW Concept i4 cannot be expressed in figures alone. The virtually silent delivery of power creates an entirely new sensation of dynamism.

“The design of the BMW Concept i4 shows fantastic proportions, a powerfully expressive character and, of course, a lot of attention to detail,” adds Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design. “With the BMW Curved Display, we have redefined BMW’s signature driver focus in an extremely elegant way. At the same time, the BMW Concept i4 transports a feeling of sustainable driving pleasure.” As part of the package, the Concept i4 includes several exterior and interior design elements which will make an appearance in both the BMW i4 and other electrically-powered production vehicles.

The exterior – electrifying aesthetics.

The modern, elegant exterior represents a deliberate counterpoint to the dynamic flair of the driving experience. The perfectly resolved Gran Coupe proportions create an authentic, modern and confident appearance. The long wheelbase, fastback roofline and short overhangs form a basic profile brimming with elegance and dynamism. With its four doors, the BMW Concept i4 offers not only a high level of everyday usability and practicality, but also a much larger interior than the car’s modern and dynamic proportions would immediately suggest.

Clear surfaces and aerodynamic details.

Crisp, smooth lines and taut volumes merge into a rich, smoothly contoured sculpture and create a clear surfacing language. The modern exterior paint shade Frozen Light Copper reprises a colour nuance displayed by the BMW Vision iNEXT and showcases the interplay of surfaces to visually stunning effect. Blue elements in the front end, flanks and rear end point to the car’s BMW i origins. They shine a spotlight on the signature BMW i icons and bring the technology below the surface to the fore – for example, the kidneys in their role as an intelligence panel, the mouldings in the side skirts concealing the battery technology, and the diffuser elements in the rear end, which fill the design space vacated by exhaust tailpipes and enhance aerodynamic efficiency.

A host of other aerodynamic measures maximise the car’s electric range. The blanked off kidney grille and clear aero lips provide detail examples of sophisticated airflow engineering at work. Another distinctive area of the car are the wheel rims. These have been designed exclusively for the BMW Concept i4 and blend aerodynamic and lightweight design; smooth – and therefore aerodynamically optimised – surfaces contrast with ultra-low-weight, high-strength spokes. The rims extend the car’s palette of colours and materials, emphasising its luxurious overall character.

The front end – the eye-catching face of a new era.

The front-end treatment of the BMW Concept i4 presents the familiar BMW icons in a new look, lending a visually powerful face to the electric age at BMW. The prominent, closed-off kidney grille provides a tangible connection between the past and future of BMW. The BMW icon also gains new functionality: With no combustion engine to require cooling, the grille now serves primarily as an “intelligence panel” housing various sensors. The grille teases the technology behind the scenes with a special design for this model. The headlights likewise provide a bridge between the past and the future; the classical four-eyed front end is reprised here with a very modern and pared-back interpretation. Two intricate, freestanding LED elements on either side integrate all of the requisite light functions. Clean surfaces and a small number of crisp lines around the grille create a contemporary front-end graphic with considerable visual impact. A BMW i-style blue accent in the grille surround sets the seal on the front-end styling.

Taking the first steps with the new BMW brand identity.

In the course of the BMW Concept i4 presentation BMW is unveiling the brand’s new look for the first time. The new logo for communications also provides the basis for the badge on the BMW Concept i4. Its two-dimensional and transparent design ensures seamless integration and brings the special exterior colour shade Frozen Light Copper to even greater prominence. The concept car not only has the task of looking ahead to the future in terms of aesthetics, technology and innovation, it also explores the design potential within our BMW trademark.

Striking rear end with aerodynamic features.

The rear of the BMW Concept i4 sits low over the road and cuts a broad, horizontally emphasised figure. The surfaces progress across the rear in a smooth and luxuriant movement, and give it a very modern and calm appearance. The long, slim L-shaped rear lights continue the theme. Below the rear lights, the inward-angled surfaces form aerodynamics-enhancing lips and incorporate vertical air outlets. The verticality of the design here emphasises the car’s sporting stance. Further down, the rear apron has a forceful presence and enhances aerodynamic efficiency. Where exhaust tailpipes would once have been found, diffuser elements in BMW i Blue indicate the presence of a pure-electric drive system and reference the design of the BMW i Vision Dynamics.

The interior – innovation meets minimalism.

The interior of the BMW Concept i4 focuses on those times when the driver chooses to pilot the car themselves. To this end, every element in the front of the cabin is trained on the driver. The new BMW Curved Display teams up with the steering wheel to reveal a new take on driver orientation and offers a look ahead to the display in the production versions of the BMW iNEXT and BMW i4. Here, the presentation surfaces of the information display and Control Display merge into a single unit inclined towards the driver. This screen grouping optimises presentation of information and makes the display’s touch operation more intuitive. Advanced display tech with non-reflective glass also removes the need for a shroud to shade the displays and therefore contributes to an extremely uncluttered and airy cockpit.

The BMW Curved Display encompasses a large proportion of the section in front of the driver and above the centre stack, and gives the front area a very modern appearance. Its slim, borderless form exudes quality and sophistication. Almost all operating functions are integrated into the display as part of an overall approach centred on reducing the number of haptic controls to the minimum. Even the climate control system now works by touch control.

Focus on the essential.

The front section of the interior around the BMW Curved Display also majors on pared-back design. The understated use of different materials and the fundamental arrangement of controls creates a modern yet also luxurious ambience. With this in mind, elements such as air outlets are integrated almost invisibly into the overall geometry and concealed behind strong patterns.

Accent strips in warm Gold Bronze blending to chrome lend the interior a high-class touch. The central control panel replaces a traditional gear lever with a toggle-type shifter. Elements such as the iDrive Controller and seat memory buttons in the doors are finished in a classy crystal glass. The cloth/leather combination for the seats – composed of microfibre with line graphics and natural leather tanned using olive leaf – sets a high-quality and sustainable seal on the interior. The overall result is a clearly structured, bright and airy cabin which brings across the tranquillity and authority of electric drive systems.

Spacious rear compartment.

Rear-seat passengers are greeted by a generously-sized compartment offering levels of headroom and legroom that exceed expectations of a coupe. Integral head restraints for the front and rear seats add further to the sporting feel. The cut-out in the head restraints is a classy detail that references sporty BMW models from the current line-up.

The rear seats extend the horizontal graphic emerging from the doors to create a lounge feel in the rear. Meanwhile, the outer seats reprise the dynamic form of the front seats, heightening the sporting flavour. They also use very little stitching, which further emphasises the clean and modern feel.

Further developed user interface design with Experience Modes.

The screen grouping with new BMW Curved Display provides a digital gateway into the electric age at BMW. Look and feel are clearly influenced by the latest electronic devices and have been made deliberately less “automotive” in nature. In the display itself, flat layers provide considerable visual depth. Overall, the BMW Curved Display and new presentation approach combine to provide a first-class content-viewing experience.

Three different Experience Modes enable users to explore the various facets of the electric drive system and provide a look ahead – in terms of visuals at least – to the next-generation operating system from 2021. The sometimes emphasised visual differentiation between the three Experience Modes (“Core”, “Sport” and “Efficient”) spans everything from how the user experiences the display and graphics to how the interior is presented. Ambient lighting in the dashboard, doors and (indirectly) below the display indicate the technical adjustments taking place.

“Core” mode introduces the driver’s area to an updated interpretation of the four “widgets” familiar from the display concept of existing models. Here, the graphics reprise the pattern above the air vents and the Gold Bronze accent colour, consciously referencing the car’s interior design. In the area where the central display used to be positioned, a map and widgets now line up alongside one another. The user can navigate around the diagonal widgets using a swipe movement and arrange them intuitively by drag-and-drop. This allows them to adapt the display to their personal preferences.

In “Sport” mode, the “widgets” come closer together and create a focussed view. Sideways movements behind the zones are used to show how tight the next corner is, facilitating anticipatory driving. This form of content presentation also allows effective peripheral viewing. The right-hand area of the display shows specific functions in a similar way to BMW M’s lap timer app.

“Efficient” mode debuts an “Assisted Driving View”, which shows the driver what the car’s sensors are detecting. This Experience Mode opens up deeper insights into the car’s technology, such as how it communicates with its surroundings. In the BMW Concept i4, the focus here is on anticipatory and efficient driving, and key information for efficient driving is incorporated. The right-hand area of the display shows additional vehicle information, such as the charge level and range.

The sound of the BMW Concept i4.

The BMW Concept i4 is not only characterised by its individual design, but also by its own visionary and unique sound. It was developed under the brand name of BMW IconicSounds Electric by world renowned composer Hans Zimmer together with BMW Sound Designer Renzo Vitale. BMW IconicSounds Electric aims to emotionalise BMW's electric vehicles and make them audible using individual sound worlds. The sound of the BMW Concept i4 achieves this to perfection – it combines BMW’s past and future. It gives the driver the feeling that there are no limits of expression. The sound is manifold, surprising and it provides a sense of lightness and transparency. The sound worlds of the BMW Concept i4 range from the driving sounds in "Core" mode to the more intense and pronounced sounds of "Sport" mode. Also included are the sounds of the door opening and the starting scenario.

The technology as earmarked for the upcoming BMW i4.

Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology is a defining feature of the BMW i4 and therefore also of future electric mobility. The BMW iX3 due to go into production in 2020 will lead the way in the application of the new tech, which will be introduced in a number of electrically powered BMW vehicles – such as the BMW iNEXT and BMW i4. The electric motor, power electronics, charging unit and high-voltage battery using fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology are all-new developments enabling the BMW Group to take another significant step forward in the field of electrified drive systems. The electric motor developed for the BMW i4 generates maximum output of up to 390 kW/530 hp, which ranks it alongside a current BMW V8 combustion engine. Its instantaneous power delivery gives the BMW i4 standout performance attributes and exceptional efficiency.

The fifth generation of BMW eDrive also brings a newly designed high-voltage battery with the very latest battery cell technology. The version of the battery developed for the BMW i4 impresses with its extremely slim construction and optimised energy density. It weighs roughly 550 kilograms, has an energy content of around 80 kWh and achieves an operating range of up to 600 km in the WLTP cycle.

All in all, fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology sets new standards in terms of power density, efficiency and range in locally emission-free driving.

Series production of the new BMW i4.

Series production of the new BMW i4 will begin in 2021 at the BMW Group’s main plant in Munich. This means that, in the future, combustion-engined vehicles, plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles will be manufactured on the same assembly line in Munich.

Integrating the BMW i4 into the existing production system represents a challenging task for Plant Munich. The body concept of the BMW i4 differs from the architectures of the vehicle models produced at the plant to date due to the need to accommodate its high-voltage battery. Approximately 90 per cent of the existing production equipment in the body shop can be incorporated into the process, i.e. adapted to manufacture of the i4. However, the remaining ten per cent – especially the machinery involved in building the rear structure – will need to be newly built.

A separate new piece of equipment will be fitted in the assembly halls for installation of the high-voltage battery, as the battery needs to be fitted in the car from below. A particular challenge in the conversion/installation process are the crowded structures of the assembly halls. Working within these tight confines, old machinery will have to be removed and new equipment installed and brought on stream within a six-week period. This requires long-term planning and precise implementation.

The company is investing a total of around 200 million euros in Plant Munich to bring series production of the BMW i4 to fruition.

Good morning, and welcome to the BMW Group!

This is the time of year we usually meet in Geneva and it is unfortunate that this year, we are unable to do so. However, safety is always our highest priority and we fully understand and respect the decision taken by the Federal Council of Switzerland. We would like to express our utmost empathy to all those directly affected across the world. And in these truly challenging times, we all hope that the virus will soon be contained, and we can all return to everyday life.

Even though we couldn’t meet in Geneva, we felt that it was important to give everyone an update on “what’s new” at the BMW Group. And also, to pay tribute to the many people who have worked tirelessly on our new products and their presentation. And that’s why we are here, at the very heart of BMW Group Design, for the world premiere of a very special concept car.

At the BMW Group, we believe in the power of choice and electro-mobility is an important part of that. That’s why we are launching many new electrified vehicles over the next few years.

The brand-new MINI Electric is already in high demand, with more than 120,000 registered interests and close to 7,000 order intakes. This proves it is the perfect car for urban areas! This year we will be launching the all-electric BMW iX3 - our first pure electric Sports Activity vehicle - and the trailblazer for our all-new fifth generation BMW eDrive technology. We will also be launching further plug-in hybrids in 2020: For example, the new BMW X1 plug-in hybrid, the BMW X2 and the electrified BMW 3 Series Touring will be attractive additions to our wide range. Already, we have over half a million BMW Group electrified vehicles on the road. And we intend to double this number by the end of next year.

More fully-electric vehicles will be coming next year, including the BMW iNEXT and the BMW i4. Today, we want to give you a glimpse of the BMW i4. Let’s take a look! (Unveiling of the BMW Concept i4)

Ladies and Gentlemen: The Concept i4!

This four-door BMW Gran Coupé is fully electric and just as fascinating and fast as it looks. It is also suited to long distances, with an electric range of up to 600 kilometres, based on the new WLTP test cycle. Powered by our fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, it has a very slim battery with optimum energy density.

Moreover, the development and production of the e-drive is done in-house, as well as the battery cell research. The e-drive offers a thrilling peak performance of up to 530 horsepower. And, we will not use any rare earths in the electric motor.

All of this shows that we are fully committed to climate protection.

I can assure you and our customers: We will fulfil the tough European CO2 regulations for 2020 and 2021. This year alone, we will reduce our European fleet target by around 20 percent.

I promise you: Our customers will never have to compromise between driving pleasure and sustainable mobility. Every BMW will drive like a true BMW. The BMW i4 will definitely be proof of that! We will build this great car right here in Munich, and I can tell you this: The design you see here is quite close to the actual series car.

Thank you!

Munich. The BMW Group will unveil its first pure-electric Gran Coupe on 3 March 2020 at the Geneva Motor Show. The BMW Concept i4 heralds a new era in Sheer Driving Pleasure; it provides a whole new take on the dynamic excellence for which BMW is renowned and blends a modern, elegantly sporty design with the spaciousness and practicality of a four-door Gran Coupe – all while generating zero local emissions.

“The BMW Concept i4 brings electrification to the core of the BMW brand,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The design is dynamic, clean and elegant. In short: a perfect BMW that happens to be zero emission.”

Munich. The heart of the BMW brand beats in the premium segment of the mid-range category. Along with the BMW 4 Series Coupé, BMW 4 Series Convertible and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé models, it is the BMW 3 Series that brings out the qualities that are key to hallmark brand driving pleasure in a particularly concentrated form. Now BMW is transferring the brand's characteristic core features to the age of electric mobility – the central purpose in developing the BMW i4. The BMW Group's first purely electrically powered model for the premium mid-range combines driving dynamics, sporty and elegant design, premium quality and the spacious comfort and functionality of a four-door Gran Coupé with locally emissions-free mobility. This heralds a new era of driving pleasure.

The future of electric mobility will be shaped by fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, for which the BMW iX3 – to be produced from 2020 onwards – will act as a pioneer, followed by the BMW iNEXT and the BMW i4. With fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, which also includes the latest innovations in the field of battery cells, the BMW i4 sets new standards in sporty performance, achieving a range of some 600 kilometres.

The development of the BMW i4 is part of a comprehensive product offensive by the BMW Group in the field of models with electrified drive. The company currently has the biggest range of all-electric and plug-in hybrid models within the competitive field. By 2023, the BMW Group will have 25 models with electrified drive in its program. With a model portfolio that includes efficient combustion engines as well as modern plug-in hybrid and purely electric drive, the BMW Group as a globally operating company is taking into account the varying requirements and preferences of its customers in different regions of the world. Irrespective of the type of drive selected, all current and future models feature hallmark brand driving pleasure as part of their specific characteristics.

Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology for optimised dynamics, efficiency and range.

The drive technology of the BMW i4 sets new standards in terms of power density, efficiency and range in locally emissions-free driving. The electric motor, power electronics, charging unit and high-voltage battery have been entirely newly developed. Together they form the BMW eDrive technology of the fifth generation, with which the BMW Group has made further significant advancements in the field of electrified drive. From 2020 onwards, fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology will be introduced first in the BMW iX3 and then in the BMW iNEXT and BMW i4. The electric motor developed for the BMW i4 delivers a maximum output of around 390 kW/530 hp, reaching the level of a V8 engine in current BMW models fitted with a combustion engine. Its spontaneous power delivery gives the BMW i4 outstanding performance characteristics and exceptionally high efficiency.

The fifth generation of BMW eDrive also includes a newly designed high-voltage battery featuring the latest battery cell technology. The design of the high-voltage battery developed for the BMW i4 is characterised by its extremely flat design and optimised energy density. With a weight of some 550 kilograms, it has an energy content of around 80 kWh. This gives the BMW i4 a range of approximately 600 kilometres.

Gran Coupé with characteristic design and performance features.

The all-electric BMW i4 will be produced from 2021 onwards and subsequently launched on the global automotive markets. The new model will be manufactured at the company's main plant in Munich, where other vehicles produced include the BMW 3 Series Sedan with conventional combustion engine and plug-in hybrid drive, the BMW 3 Series Touring with conventional drive and from summer 2020 also with plug-in hybrid drive, the BMW 4 Series Coupé and the BMW M4 Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 10.0 – 9.3 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 227 – 213 g/km). In addition to the sporty, elegant design that is typical of a 4-door coupé of the brand, the BMW i4 is characterised by impressive performance features. The BMW i brand's first Gran Coupé accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in around 4.0 seconds, achieving a top speed of more than 200 km/h.

A flexible vehicle architecture, the flat, low-positioned high-voltage battery and the compact drive technology create a high degree of freedom in realising a model-specific design. The BMW i4 combines the characteristic proportions of a 4-door coupé with the typical design features of a BMW i model. Dynamically stretched lines and a precise surface design go hand in hand with aerodynamically optimised exterior features as well as sustainability accentuations that are specific to BMW i. High entry and exit comfort for the rear passengers and a spacious, variable interior ensure high suitability for both day-to-day trips and long-distance travel. As such, the BMW i4 can be clearly identified as a BMW Gran Coupé – and equally clearly as an electrically powered vehicle.

Modular, flexible drive and battery storage technology.

The electric drive component of the BMW i4, its charging unit and high-voltage battery are all developed in-house by the BMW Group. Production is carried out in-house or according to BMW Group specifications. Here, the experience gained from development of the previous generations of BMW eDrive technology is consistently tapped into with the aim of optimising all components on an ongoing basis.

The BMW Group's comprehensive expertise in the field of electrified drive systems forms the basis for a scalable modular system whose components can be integrated into different vehicle concepts with great flexibility. Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology comprises a highly integrated drive system in which the electric motor, transmission and power electronics are accommodated in a single housing. This drive system is compatible with all vehicle concepts and will be available for different models in a range of output levels. The highly integrated design of the system allows a significant increase in power density as well as a reduction in weight and manufacturing effort. Production of future-generation electric motors will no longer require materials categorised as rare earths.

The next generation charging unit is characterised by a uniform package suitable for all future vehicle architectures. It can be used in plug-in hybrid models as well as in purely electrically powered vehicles and is designed for a charging capacity of up to 150 kW. This allows the high-voltage battery of the BMW i4 to be charged to around 80 per cent of its full energy content in around 35 minutes. This results in a charging time of around six minutes for a range of 100 kilometres.

In the field of high-voltage batteries, too, the advancements introduced with the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology are based on the BMW Group's in-depth expertise and years of experience. The company has an exceptionally high level of know-how both in the field of battery cell technology and in the manufacture of model-specific high-voltage batteries. This lays the foundation for continuous optimisation of the batteries – both in future plug-in hybrid models and in purely electrically powered vehicles. The BMW Group has been manufacturing modules and model-specific high-voltage batteries for vehicles with electrified drive systems since 2013. An independently developed modular system with a flexible arrangement of the modules enables integration of batteries developed in-house into various vehicle concepts. Consistent ongoing development work is dedicated to optimising the basic characteristics of the battery cells as well as the structure of the modules and their arrangement in the respective model-specific storage unit. For example, the batteries used in the BMW i4 and other future electric vehicles have a higher number of cells per module, a reduced number of components, a more compact design and increased flexibility with regard to their geometry.

With the establishment of the Battery Cell Competence Centre in Munich, the BMW Group has further expanded its research and development expertise in this area, which is crucial to the future of electromobility. The focus is on fundamental research in areas where there is an impact on customer-related factors such as energy density, accessible peak output, service life, safety, charging characteristics, response at different temperatures and manufacturing costs. At the new Battery Cell Competence Centre, research is being conducted in particular into the potential for further optimisation of cell chemistry and cell design. The selection and composition of materials for the anode, cathode, electrolyte and separator as well as the format of the battery cells made of these materials will have a key impact on the quality of high-voltage batteries used in future models with electrified propulsion.

Please note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW Group headquarters in Germany. No adaptations have been made for the Canadian market.

Munich/Milan. The BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 – a purist, historically inspired version of the big boxer – was presented by the BMW Group at the Concorso d'Eleganza in the Villa d'Este at Lake Como in the early summer. Six months later, at the world’s biggest motorcycle show – the EICMA in Milan – BMW Motorrad now presents its second sensational concept bike based on a big boxer engine: the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 (pronounced: “Slash Two”). It is the stylistic opposite of the Concept R 18: a modern, dynamic custom cruiser with a performance appeal that is somewhat rougher round the edges. As such, the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 demonstrates yet another potential expression of the Heritage concept, providing an impressive example of the flexibility and wide-ranging customisation options offered by this basic architecture.
The presentation at the EICMA will take place exclusively by means of films and photographs.

“In contrast to the classic, elegant BMW Motorrad Concept R 18, the Concept R 18 /2 draws on its large boxer engine and frame to create a modern custom concept. The Concept R 18 /2 is uniquely extrovert. Elements from the past and future of BMW Motorrad merge here to create a captivating cruiser, making a powerful statement: “It's a highly emotional bike designed for active riding. At the same time, the Concept R 18 /2 reflects the range of characterisations and customer dreams that we are able to realise using the same backbone,” explains Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad.

A performance cruiser à la BMW.
The BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 celebrates the fascination of cruisers in an interpretation that is both sporty and modern. Minimalist handlebar trim together with the deep, elongated proportions promises a dynamic driving experience. The fairing, tear-drop fuel tank and seat form a flowing line that finds its perfect conclusion in the shortened rear wheel cover. All body parts are finished in Candy Apple Red metallic, an expressive red tone that highlights the flowing movement on the side. This luminous custom red with lots of depth is a real eye-catcher, changing from bright red to almost black depending on the incidence of light. Another striking feature is created by the graphic lines on the painted body parts, which extend from the side and top view of the fuel tank to the wheel cover and are visually prolonged across the seat. These give the Concept Bike a distinctive appeal.

The large boxer at the centre.
As in the Concept R 18, the centrepiece of the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 is a large 2-cylinder boxer engine with 1800 cc, including modern air/oil cooling and designed in a 1960s aesthetic. The engine is finished in a warm grey tone and has a sporty look, with an integrated breast cover, valve covers in a high-gloss black finish and a black frame. The engine badge bears the name of the Concept Bike, adding a high-quality accentuation.
After “Departed” by the Japanese customizer CUSTOM WORKS ZON, “The Revival Birdcage” by Revival Cycles in Austin, Texas and the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18, the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 is now the fourth interpretation of the large-volume BMW Motorrad boxer engine.

Attention to detail.
As a genuine BMW, the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 not only features a boxer engine, loop frame and tear-drop fuel tank, it also has a classic and elegantly showcased universal shaft. The striking cast iron wheels with 19” at the front and 16” at the rear create an equally discreet and dynamic dragster look, authentically rounding off the bike's overall appearance. Meanwhile features such as high-performance Brembo brake calipers and Hattech stainless steel tailpipe system reflect the close attention to detail with which the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 was designed.

Multitude of possibilities.
The BMW Motorrad Concept R 18 /2 puts forward a new interpretation of a dynamic performance cruiser that not only taps into an area previously unexplored by BMW Motorrad but also demonstrates the true versatility of the “big boxer” platform. “After the BMW Motorrad Concept R 18, our aim with the Concept R 18 /2 is to demonstrate how flexible the basic engine and suspension are as a starting point for customisation, and how easy it is to authentically realise different styles. And I have to admit: we were very impressed at how it was possible to bring this boxer concept forward from the 30s via the 80s into the 2020s,” says Bart Janssen Groesbeek, BMW Motorrad Vehicle Designer for the Big Boxer Concepts.

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 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2018, the BMW Group sold over 2,490,000 passenger vehicles and more than 165,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2018 was € 9.815 billion on revenues amounting to € 97.480 billion. As of 31 December 2018, the BMW Group had a workforce of 134,682 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

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Munich. The BMW Group is pushing ahead with its electrification strategy by extending the reach of its all-electric mobility offering to the company’s core brands. The BMW Concept iX3 – presented for the first time at the Auto China 2018 show in Beijing – offers a look ahead to the expansion of the model line-up in this area. The first model from the BMW brand to be driven purely by electric power will be a fully-fledged Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) – and without compromises when it comes to functionality and comfort.

The BMW Concept iX3 underscores the BMW Group’s resolve to further strengthen its leading position in the field of electric mobility. The expansion of the company’s range of vehicles offering locally emission-free mobility is one of the central spheres of activity defined by the Automated, Connected, Electrified and Services (ACES) technological fields, on which the company is driving forward the transformation of the mobility sector as part of its NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy.

The expansion of locally emission-free mobility vehicles is one of the key areas of centralized action, alongside with automated driving, high-end connectivity and new digital services, which are driving the company’s transformation of the mobility industry as part of the NUMBER ONE> NEXT strategy. Under the generic term "iNext", and as an enabler for the entire BMW Group, the future-model-kit is now being developed, in which the BMW Concept iX3 is playing a key role

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Among the innovations showcased in the BMW Concept iX3 is the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology. A key benefit of this electric drive technology of the future is the grouping together of the electric motor, transmission and power electronics within a new, separate electric drive component. Plus, the fifth-generation electric drive system also includes new and more powerful batteries. This fresh package of technology brings considerable advances in terms of performance characteristics, operating range, weight, packaging space and flexibility – and will be making its debut in the purely electrically-driven SAV.

The unparalleled technological expertise of BMW i has also played a prominent role in the development of the fifth-generation electric drive system, providing further evidence of BMW i as a nerve centre for sustainable mobility. The transfer of the drive system technology originally developed for BMW i cars into vehicles from the BMW Group’s core brands is entering a new dimension here.
Fully electrified vehicles of the core brand will in future bear a BMW i brand logo. This is visible in the concept vehicle both in the side and in the rear. BMW eDrive technology today already is part of the plug-in hybrid drive system employed by the BMW iPerformance models and MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4. In the BMW Concept iX3, the next, highly integrated development stage of this technology delivers all-electric mobility. The future series-production version of the electrically powered SAV will therefore also benefit from the technological basis underpinning the powertrain of the BMW iNext, due to be presented in 2021.

Flexible architecture enables sustainable mobility.

With the world premiere of the BMW Concept iX3, the BMW Group is opening a new chapter in its electrification strategy. The future will see the company’s flexible, further developed vehicle architectures accommodating all types of front-wheel, rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. This will pave the way for models from all the company’s brands to be equipped with different drive system variants. And that means a pure combustion engine, plug-in hybrid drive system or battery-electric solution can be integrated into any model, as desired.

The launch of the fifth-generation electric drive system technology once again makes integration into different vehicle architectures significantly easier. The individual components of this new BMW eDrive technology stand out with their lower weight, scalability and extremely compact construction. Added to which, they fit into a flexible modular design structure and can therefore be utilised in a variety of different ways. BMW’s approach to highly integrated electric drive system technology can in future be applied to a large number of different models.

In order to exploit this potential, the vehicle architectures of current and future models from all the company’s brands will allow for the integration of different drive system variants. In this way, the BMW Group will be able to meet the ever increasing need for electrified vehicles with a wealth of different variants tailored to meet specific demand. The BMW X3, on which the concept vehicle is based, is one of the first models whose architecture demonstrates this flexibility. In addition, the BMW Concept iX3 features a specially developed rear axle subframe and specific chassis integration.

Scalable components, flexible production.
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology is distinguished by its extremely compact design. The electric motor, transmission and power electronics are now grouped into a single component, making it much easier to integrate them into different vehicle architectures. Plus, their modular construction enables them to be adapted to the performance levels required and the available space. Another notable element is that the electric motor does not need any rare earths, which means the BMW Group is not dependent on their availability.

The modular design approach has also been further optimised in the development of the next-generation high-voltage battery. The experience amassed by BMW i and the company’s established expertise in the areas of cell technology and cell design have been rigorously applied to further enhance the performance, energy content, charging capability and durability of the battery. Moreover, production of battery cell prototypes enables full analysis and understanding of the value creation processes for the cells and prepares potential suppliers for cell production according to specific requirements.

Like the vehicle architectures and eDrive technology of the future, the BMW Group’s international production network is also set up to provide a high level of flexibility – in this case for the production of models with electric drive systems. Indeed, electrified vehicles are already rolling off assembly lines at ten BMW Group locations around the world. The eDrive components for these vehicles are supplied by production facilities in Dingolfing (Germany), Shenyang (China) and Spartanburg in the US. BMW Group Plant Dingolfing plays a leading role here as the network’s centre of expertise for electric drive systems.

The BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture will produce the future series-production version of the BMW Concept iX3 in Shenyang, China.

BMW Concept iX3 with more than 200 kW/270 hp electric motor and a WLTP range of more than 400 kilometres (249 miles).

The BMW Concept iX3 represents another milestone on the road to locally emission-free driving under the BMW Group’s electrification strategy. And so a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) once again blazes a trail for a new and groudbreaking form of BMW’s fabled driving pleasure. The current BMW X5 xDrive40e iPerformance (petrol consumption combined: 3.4 – 3.3 l/100 km [83.1 – 85.6 mpg imp]; electric power consumption combined: 15.4 – 15.3 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 78 – 77 g/km) made its debut in 2015 as the BMW core brand’s first plug-in hybrid model. And the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 presented in 2009 was the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe with a full-hybrid drive system.

The BMW Concept iX3 previews the fusion of the multi-faceted driving pleasure for which BMW X models are renowned and a locally emission-free drive system. The version of the fifth-generation electric motor developed for the SAV generates maximum output of over 200 kW/270 hp.  The likewise model-specific high-voltage battery has a net capacity of over 70 kWh, which is enough to give the electric SAV a range of more than 400 kilometres (249 miles) in the WLTP cycle.

Another feature of the high-voltage battery developed for the fifth generation of eDrive technology is its optimised charging capability. The energy storage system has a newly developed Charging Control Unit and is designed to be hooked up to fast-charging stations generating up to 150 kW. The high-voltage battery can be charged in just 30 minutes from one of these stations.

Electric mobility also means a differentiation in design.
In the front, the kidney and the brand emblem show the affiliation with the BMW i brand. The closed double kidney with the blue accentuation continues the BMW i Vision Dynamics brand already featured in the BMW i Vision Dynamics. The closed area within the kidney reduces air resistance, providing aerodynamic benefits.

Identifying features of the BMW Concept iX3 include a closed-off BMW kidney grille with familiar BMW i car graphic, BMW i Blue accents around the kidney, around the brand logo at the front and along the side skirts, and a diffuser element in the same colour integrated in the rear apron. These styling cues provide a striking contrast against the Moonstone Silver matt exterior paint finish. The concept study is also fitted with light-alloy wheels in an aerodynamically optimised design.

Alongside the world premiere of the BMW Concept iX3 and the BMW i Vision Dynamics study also on display in Beijing, the BMW Group is also highlighting the spectrum of design differentiation between the BMW and BMW i brands. The styling of the BMW i Vision Dynamics is characterised by the pioneering design language developed exclusively for BMW i models. The signature looks of BMW i cars will also mark out future models from the brand. This study of a first all-electric model from BMW is clearly defined by the robust and sophisticated all-round character of an SAV, which remains unaffected by the presence of a locally emission-free drive system under the skin.
The electric drive will be visible through the design elements from the BMW i design language in the exterior design mentioned above.

About BMW i.

BMW i is a BMW Group brand focusing on connected mobility services, visionary vehicle concepts and a new understanding of premium strongly defined by sustainability. BMW i is represented in 54 countries with the BMW i3 electric car for urban areas, BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car and plug-in hybrid BMW iPerformance Automobiles.  

BMW i opens up new target groups for the company and serves as an incubator for innovations. Technologies which have debuted successfully in BMW i cars are carried over to parent brand BMW’s other models.

BMW i is also associated with enterprises including DriveNow (car sharing), ReachNow (car sharing 2.0), ChargeNow (easy access to the world’s largest network of charging points), ParkNow (straightforward location, reservation and payment of parking spaces), venture capital company BMW i Ventures (investment in start-up companies with a focus on urban mobility), BMW Energy (energy optimisation services) and the Centre of Competence for Urban Mobility (consultancy for cities).

Munich. The BMW M5 (combined fuel consumption: 10.5 l/100km*; combined CO₂ emissions: 241 g/100km*) has been voted "World Performance Car 2018", making this the seventh time BMW has received a World Car Award from the organisation "World Car of the Year". The award ceremony was held on 28 March 2018 at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.

There were a total of eleven vehicles in this category – performance-oriented cars of which at least 2,000 units are produced per year and which are available for purchase on at least two continents from 1 January 2017 until 31 May 2018. Selection and voting in all categories was carried out by an international jury made up of 82 leading automobile journalists from 24 countries.

The BMW M5 is fitted with the latest version of the 4.4-litre V8 engine with M Twin Power Turbo Technology. An output of 600 hp and a maximum torque of 750 Nm guarantee supreme propulsion and phenomenal driving performance: the V8 biturbo engine accelerates the M5 from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. The new M5 features the M specific all-wheel drive system M xDrive. Power transmission is taken care of by the new 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic: in conjunction with M xDrive, this ensures the power of the high-revving turbocharged engine is transferred to the road in perfect fashion.

* The fuel consumption and CO₂ figures are provisional and were calculated based on the EU test cycle, dependent on tyre format.

Munich. The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe illustrates the meaning behind the letter “M” at BMW in impressive style: it stands for “more”, more of everything. As well as dynamic excellence, the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe embodies a new facet of luxury for the BMW brand – ultra-sporty, extrovert and polarising.

“The BMW 8 Series will take over as the new flagship model of the BMW line-up and, as such, combines unsurpassed sportiness and elegance,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe offers a look ahead to the most exotic and alluring variant of the new BMW 8 Series.”

Symbol of a unique understanding of luxury.
The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe is more than simply a luxury sports car with four doors. It symbolises a new and unique understanding of luxury. “The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe is designed to stir things up, to polarise – it should move you emotionally,” explains Domagoj Dukec, Vice President Design BMW M and BMW i. “With this car we want to reach people who are looking for something special and who want to stand out from the crowd. Here, BMW M is unmistakably taking luxury out of its comfort zone.” Like the BMW Concept 8 Series before it, the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe shows off BMW’s new design language, headlined by expressive surfacing that accentuates the car’s dynamism more vividly than before through its bodywork. A small number of precise character lines underline the graphic arrangement of the surfaces.

The front end: a promise of dynamic talent to quicken the pulse.
Low to the road and broad in stance, the eye-catching front end of the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe delivers an immediate promise of an exceptional performance experience. The muscular surfaces and precise contours of the bonnet hint at the driving capability bubbling intently under the skin.

The face of the new BMW 8 Series is evident in the new Concept’s front-end graphic. The contours of the radiator grille kidneys broaden as they descend towards the road, emphasising the car’s low centre of gravity. As on early BMW coupes, the kidney elements are linked by an unbroken grille surround, creating a large single element. The headlights are positioned slightly higher than the kidneys and give them the impression of sitting lower, which further emphasizes the car’s closeness to the asphalt. In contrast, the gold-coloured kidney surround brings an added air of exclusivity to the front end. Within the headlights, the lighting technology familiar from the M8 GTE endurance racer provides a dynamic, hexagonal interpretation of BMW’s signature four-eyed front end, distilling elements of modern-day motor sport and luxurious quality into its inner details. Meanwhile, brawny air intakes in carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) guide the air to where it is required.

The side – elegance meets powerful precision.
Even when viewed from a distance, the proportions of the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe radiate the car’s dynamic character. A long wheelbase, long bonnet, flowing roofline and short tail create an elegantly sporty coupe silhouette. The emotionally rich surfacing reaches a climax in the car’s shoulders around the C-pillars, north of the rear wheels. Here, the roof flows into the rear by means of elegantly sculpted fins. Lower down, the muscular flared wheel arches offer a visual expression of the power working through the rear axle. The smooth transitions between surfaces exude a certain sensuousness, while the heavy tapering of the car’s shoulders combines with a wide track to bring extra definition and athleticism. Being every inch the BMW M car, the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe has a roof made from CFRP – which lowers the car’s centre of gravity both visually and physically – and aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors.

The Salève Vert paint finish, whose colour appears to change from green to greyish blue in different lights, creates a hugely effective surface composition and teams up with the gold-coloured window graphic, hallmark M gills, gold-coloured brakes, wheel rims and M twin exhaust tailpipes to give the car a head-turning, all-new look.

The rear packs an imposing presence.
The rear of the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe oozes the dynamic élan and visual impact for which M is renowned, and the wide track and flared wheel arches hint at the car’s performance capability. Horizontal lines break up the rear end stylistically, allowing the area below the rear spoiler to catch more light and adding extra visual agility. At the outer edges, the slim, sculpted rear lights with black glass covers underscore the car’s wide stance on the road. Below them, the bumper picks up the front apron’s dynamic theme. The prominent diffuser and two sets of familiar M twin exhaust tailpipes together send out a clear message of absolute performance.

Looking ahead.
The striking exterior of the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe combines the core values of BMW M with elegance and luxury to create a new and captivating form, and reveals a new and exciting facet of BMW M. The new model sees the BMW Group looking ahead to the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and BMW M8 Gran Coupe, which will be presented during the course of 2019 and round off the BMW 8 Series family.

Richmond Hill, ON.  Reinforcing its commitment to offer 25 electrified models –12 of which will be purely electric – by 2025, BMW Group will showcase five electric vehicles at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show including the North American premieres of the BMW i Vision Dynamics, MINI Electric Concept, BMW i3s, and a World Premiere vehicle that will be shown during the BMW Group press conference on Wednesday, November 29 at 8:50 a.m. PST at the BMW Stand in the Los Angeles Convention Center. The press conference will be livestreamed on www.BMWUSANews.com.

In addition, the BMW M3 CS will make its world premiere, and the BMW 8 Series Concept and the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo will make their North American premieres. The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance and the all-new BMW M5 will also be featured.

The BMW i Vision Dynamics is an all-electric, emission-free four-door Gran Coupe that accelerates from 0-100km/h in four seconds, has a top speed of over 200km/h with a range of 600 kilometres. The BMW i Vision Dynamics combines electric mobility with the core values of BMW – dynamism and elegance – and demonstrates how the product range and design language of BMW i can be further incorporated into other models. The new characterization of BMW i’s iconic window profile is a standout feature of the BMW i Vision Dynamics, offering all passengers equally striking views out of the vehicle to lend a shared driving experience – a factor that will become increasingly relevant as semi- and fully autonomous driving become closer to commonplace.

Fully electric vehicles will run across the BMW Group portfolio and MINI will showcase its take on future personal mobility in the city with the North American premiere of the MINI Electric Concept. Designed for use in urban areas, this MINI Electric Concept vehicle offers a window into how pure-electric day-to-day mobility might look in the years ahead. The concept vehicle brings the iconic design, city-dwelling heritage and customary go-kart feeling of the MINI brand into the electric mobility age. MINI will then present an all-electric series-production model in 2019.      

The new BMW i3s is a sportier and more powerful variant of the BMW i3, the best-selling compact battery-electric vehicle in the premium compact segment worldwide since it launched in 2014. The first ever BMW i3s provides an even sportier interpretation of silent mobility with zero emissions and features a high output 184 hp electric motor that generates peak torque of 199 lb-ft. The BMW i3s accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 160 km/h.The BMW i3s uses a lithium-ion high-voltage battery developed by the BMW Group with a cell capacity of 94-ampere hours (Ah). Like the BMW i3, the BMW i3s applies the concept of sustainability throughout the interior and exterior of the vehicle, incorporating recycled plastics, renewable raw materials, natural fibres, and open-pored, unbleached eucalyptus wood in the design. The new BMW i3s will be available in Canadian showrooms in early 2018. MSRP has been announced at starting from $52,350.

The first-ever BMW M3 CS will make its world debut in Los Angeles. The special-edition model delivers a fine blend of high performance and complete everyday practicality. The extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic has kept the BMW M3 CS extremely light, around 25 per cent lighter than a standard M3. The M TwinPower Turbo technology six-cylinder inline engine yields 453 hp generating a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. The BMW M3 CS accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 280 km/h. The BMW M3 CS will be available to order starting in second quarter 2018. Pricing will be announced closer to market launch.  

The BMW 8 Series Concept marks the long-awaited return of the BMW 8 Series. The pinnacle of luxury for BMW, the BMW 8 Series Concept combines razor-sharp dynamics and modern luxury, and is a precursor to the BMW 8 Series Coupe that’s scheduled for launch in 2018. Its exterior brings together the past and the future: the body is unmistakably a BMW, but it also displays new design ideas and form-building techniques, offering a fresh interpretation of BMW styling cues.

The BMW X7 iPerformance Concept introduces a new model concept for the premium segment that utilizes BMW eDrive technology with a BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine creating an exceptionally efficient and dynamic plug-in hybrid powertrain that excels in all driving situations, including running with zero local emissions. With a generously-sized, six-person interior, the BMW X7 iPerformance Concept offers an interior with a state-of-the-art infotainment system brimming with connectivity that provides an unmatched experience by any BMW past or present. As a result of the interplay between precise, pared-down forms and an open sense of space, the driver and passengers are immersed in a unique, modern setting.

The all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo is offered exclusively in the BMW 640i xDrive variant and has a distinct coupe-inspired aerodynamic design. Featuring the award-winning BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the six-cylinder inline gasoline engine generates maximum output of 335 hp and peak torque of 332 lb-ft, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. The intelligent lightweight chassis construction paired to the standard eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters, improved aerodynamics featuring BMW Active Kidney Grille, Air Curtains, Air Breathers and active rear spoiler, a double wishbone front suspension, and standard rear air suspension create a sporty and dynamic experience. The all-new 2018 BMW 640i xDrive Gran Turismo is available in showrooms now, with an MSRP of $76,700.

The BMW M5 has been regarded as the quintessential high performance sports sedan since its initial iteration launched in 1984. The 2018 BMW M5 marks the debut of the first ever M-specific all-wheel drive system, M xDrive, which allows the BMW M5 to reach new heights of dynamic performance and deliver poise in all driving situations. Thanks to a 4.4-litre V8 engine featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology, the BMW M5 produces 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of peak torque, skyrocketing from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, making it the quickest and most agile to date. The 2018 BMW M5 will be available in showrooms during first quarter 2018, with an MSRP of $113,300.

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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 48 BMW automobile retail centres, 20 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 30 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                                 

Rob Dexter, Product and Technology Specialist

BMW Group Canada

905-428-5447 / robert.dexter@bmwgroup.ca

Barb Pitblado, Manager, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada  

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

Munich. With the unveiling of the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance at the IAA Cars 2017 show in Frankfurt, the BMW Group is not only pulling back the covers on a new model concept for the luxury segment, it is also introducing a whole new take on luxury for the BMW brand. The Concept X7 iPerformance embodies this understanding of luxury in the form of a striking exterior composed of intently focused lines, and combines it with a generously-sized, six-person interior pared down to the essentials: elementary forms, high-class materials and a state-of-the-art infotainment system brimming with connectivity. The Concept’s iPerformance badge denotes the presence of groundbreaking BMW eDrive technology allied with a BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine to create an exceptionally efficient and dynamic plug-in hybrid powertrain that excels in all driving situations – including running with zero local emissions.

A taster of the production version.

This study car offers a look ahead to the future production model set to make its debut in 2018. The forthcoming BMW X7 forms part of the largest model offensive in the company’s history. As part of its NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy, the BMW Group is seeking to substantially increase its sales and revenues in the luxury class. The BMW X7 has a key role to play here, as Ian Robertson, Member of the BMW AG Management Board responsible for Sales and Brand BMW explains: “Since BMW founded the Sports Activity Vehicle segment with the first X5 back in 1999, every subsequent X vehicle has broken new ground. The BMW X7 continues this tradition: the X family’s new top model extends BMW’s offering in the luxury class and redefines the concept of luxury for the BMW brand and beyond. It also embodies one of the most important elements of our corporate strategy NUMBER ONE > NEXT, to grow our presence in the luxury class. Furthermore, the BMW Concept X7 demonstrates it’s perfectly possible to combine a large sports activity vehicle with an electrified drivetrain.”

A case study in modernity, luxury and presence.

The status of the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance as a luxury-class BMW SAV is instantly apparent. The spectacular exterior, imposing dimensions and skilfully judged proportions endow it with an extraordinary sense of presence and an ultra-modern aesthetic fused with innate dynamism. “The Concept introduces the BMW Sports Activity Vehicle DNA into the luxury segment. The new BMW design language employs just a few, extremely precise lines and subtle surface-work to raise the bar in terms of presence and prestige,” explains Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance has a luxurious and sophisticated feel to it, thanks to its understated use of forms and incredibly precise details.”

The luxurious character of the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance is brought alive by its cabin, in particular. The vehicle’s sheer size forms the basis for an interior experience unmatched by any BMW past or present. As a result of the interplay between precise, pared-down forms and an open sense of space, the driver and passengers find themselves immersed in a very modern setting with an equally exclusive feel. The wealth of possibilities offered by personalised, digital connectivity allows the vehicle’s interior to be turned, as desired, into a personalised place of either retreat or productivity.

A contemporary feeling of lightness in the interior.

Inside the roomy cabin of the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance, clear forms, warm colours and select materials combine to create a highly exclusive, sophisticated ambience. In addition, the large panoramic roof provides a remarkable amount of room above the occupants’ heads while also giving the interior a light and airy, open-to-the-sky feel. The six amply proportioned seats are arranged in three rows, and four of them have an exclusive individual design. Secured to the vehicle floor by nothing more than a slender seat base, the individual seats allow those sitting directly behind to enjoy generous legroom. The dark, olive-bronze leather – with discreet gold pigmentation – covering the seat bolsters carries the air of exclusivity through to the finer details and the Smoke White leather adorning the remainder of the seats provides an intriguing contrast. The shell-like backs of the individual seats are likewise trimmed in leather and serve to enhance the high-class, contemporary ambience.

A perfect ensemble of materials and colour.

The dark shoulder line running underneath the windows traces a continuous horizon throughout the cabin that brings fresh calmness to the bright interior. Decorative materials are deployed sparingly. Having said that, the selective use of open-pore ash in a dark-stained, matt finish sets the seal on the natural material experience. Matt and polished aluminium elements have likewise been carefully incorporated to add further classy touches. And the luxurious sense of spaciousness enjoyed from all seats is reinforced to subtle effect by strands of laser light in the roof and the dynamic ambient and contour lighting.

Minimalist forms in the driver’s cabin.

Amid the modern and pared-back design of the interior is the driver focus familiar to BMW customers. The forms and surfacing of the instrument panel, centre console and doors allow them to “wrap around” the driver. And the raised seating position provides unbeatable all-round visibility and an exceptional view over the road. The new BMW design language, featuring amply-sized surfaces and clear edges, gives the instrument panel a “reduced to the essentials”, modern aesthetic. The 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen and central touchscreen information display are sited at close quarters to one another. The effect is of one unbroken – and smartly sophisticated – display. A new operating concept allows interactive use of the two displays. Below them, in the centre stack and centre console, the grouping of functions within the clean and tautly chiselled surfaces underscores the minimalist approach. Partially backlit crystal glass in the dark Silver Night shade lends sophisticated flourishes to control elements like the selector lever, iDrive Controller and multifunction buttons on the steering wheel.

Personalised infotainment through the seamless integration of the owner’s digital world into the car.

The two individual seats in the second row offer all the benefits of the front pair. The first sign of an attachment between the panoramic roof and body comes comfortably to the rear of the second row of seats in the form of a Y structure, which means the passengers in the centre row experience the same sensation of freedom and lightness as those in the front. Second-row passengers also enjoy personalised infotainment comfort courtesy of the rear-seat entertainment system’s touchscreen monitors. Here, the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance showcases the BMW Group’s vision of seamless integrating the customer’s digital world into the car via BMW Connected. For example, passengers here have access to highly personalised, digital services such as their choice of infotainment / office content, with which they can make their journey more comfortable, more entertaining or more productive. And content can even be shared with others on board. For instance, they can send a track to the car’s music system by touch gesture, forward an interesting article to the next-door display for the person sitting alongside them to read or transfer an address from their email directly to the car’s navigation system. Interactive LED choreography via the doors and instrument panel traces the communication flow between the rear screens and the display at the front of the cabin.

Impressive size and presence – the exterior.

The expansive exterior of the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance projects the exclusive experience available inside the car confidently to the outside world. Clear, vertical proportions with significant ground clearance identify the Concept as an X model without the need to look twice. At the same time, the Concept speaks its own, unmistakeable design language – a new one for BMW – through an array of details and design features which set it apart clearly from previous models. Viewed from any angle, the interplay between a small number of precise lines and artfully sculpted surfaces sends out a charismatic statement of modernity, presence and exclusivity.

A new face in the BMW X family.

The front end of the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance is one of its most eye-catching angles, the vehicle’s height alone ensuring it rises prominently over the road. In an all-new interpretation of classical BMW elements, the front-end design groups together the various facets of the vehicle into a powerful visual statement. The large, vertical kidney grille at the heart of the upright front-end silhouette hogs the attention. The grille frame and bars are single-piece and solid in design, as if hewn from a single piece. Look at it again, though, and fascinating contrasts emerge between gleaming edges and matt surfaces, all of which breathes extra vibrancy and class into the frontal impression.

The upper sections of the slim, elongated twin headlights with BMW laser light link to the large kidney grille. A blue X signature in BMW laser light provides a confident pointer to the Concept’s membership of the SAV family from BMW. The headlights and kidney grille combine to create an exciting contrast of horizontal dynamism and vertical solidity, bringing traditional BMW front-end design cues into the future. Large, tautly sculpted surfaces surround the familiar BMW design icons, underlining the car’s cohesive and muscular front-end aesthetic.

A prominent bar extends across the full width of the front apron in its lower section, before rising vertically to frame the outer air intakes at their upper edge. This lends the front end additional stature. Quasi-vertical aero lips further accentuate the car’s powerfully assured stance on the road. Customary X features like the trapezoidal bumpers and underguard, meanwhile, are merely hinted at, their understated design serving the cause of clear and exclusive surfacing.

Impressive proportions.

From the side, the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance cuts a sumptuous figure, complete with the characteristic ground clearance of X vehicles. The nigh-on vertical front end, striking and almost vertical rear and steeply rising angle from the rear wheels to the tailgate give the muscular proportions a modern flourish. The high-set lines of the flanks bring an expressive confidence to the car’s silhouette. And the long shoulderline stretches the car and injects an athletic tension to the flanks. It also separates the car’s body into the light and airy glasshouse (which offers a preview of the large interior) and the muscular metal forms.

For the first time in an X vehicle, the wheel arches feature a circular cut and emphasize the exclusivity and elegance of the flanks. Smart and precise surfacing absorbs the powerful wheel arches in an aesthetic movement. The surfaces gain in volume and strength as they head towards the rear end, further underscoring the subtle dynamism of the car when viewed from the side.

Bold accents in the flanks

A conspicuous chrome strip in the door sills provides an exclusive counterpoint to the car’s long, stretched shoulderline and sophisticated surfaces below. As with the trim element at the front end, the chrome strip in the car’s flanks frames the Air Breathers in a vertical accent, before continuing in a straight line to the rear end. These surrounds for the front, side and rear air apertures create a geometrically precise impression and lend the car a sense of robust solidity.

The exclusive exterior colour shade Manhattan metallic immerses the car’s surfaces and forms in a dark olive-bronze that highlights the confident styling of the flanks with sophisticated flair. With their bold multi-spoke design, the 23-inch light-alloy wheels combine the muscularity for which BMW’s X models are renowned with the exclusivity of a luxury BMW sedan, while aerodynamically optimised inlays between the spokes reduce drag. Added to which, conspicuous aero lips at the front and rear also ensure improved airflow around those areas of the car and send out a powerful visual message of the plug-in hybrid drive concept’s efficiency. A bird’s-eye view of the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance reveals a particular highlight. Like the side window surrounds, the panoramic roof is framed by an eye-catching chrome strip, which extends from one A-pillar to the rear end – and back around the other side. In between, the roof’s transparent, Y-shaped supporting structure adds a modern flourish.

Power, presence and exclusivity at the rear.

The rear of the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance sends out an impressive statement of powerful authority and exclusive elegance. The imposing size of the vehicle’s body – the key to its huge swathes of interior space – is particularly clear when viewed from the rear. Vertical aero lips mark out the rear of the car clearly from the flanks. Within the upright rear silhouette, the slim rear lights break up the body volumes and a classy chrome bar connects the two lighting elements. The boldly designed lights create a three-dimensional L shape and bring a technical, high-quality flavour to the rear. As at the front of the car, the surfaces frame the lights like jewels. Between the wheel arches, the rear apron with practical tailgate opening provides a strong platform for the rear structure. The absence of tailpipe embellishers in the rear apron is an indicator of the vehicle’s plug-in hybrid drive concept. And the subtle, body-coloured underguard ensures the rear concludes its progress towards the road in stylish fashion.

Distinctive brand presence for BMW’s luxury-segment cars.

As part of its forthcoming model offensive, BMW has developed a new presence for its luxury cars that sees the profile and positioning of the most exclusive members of its range refined into a distinct product category.

The new BMW 8 Series, new BMW X7, BMW i8 and new BMW i8 Roadster will join the BMW 7 Series in the brand’s significantly expanded luxury segment line-up. The identity and attitude shared by BMW’s elite models are echoed in a newly designed logo which combines a black-and-white version of the manufacturer’s roundel first used 100 years ago with the company name “Bayerische Motoren Werke” written out in full. 

With its classical, understated aesthetic and the company’s original name spelt out, the logo highlights BMW’s inimitable history. The boldness to explore standalone solutions and concepts, and the ability to take on challenges and emerge from them stronger, are deeply-rooted elements of BMW heritage. This approach – encompassing everything from the first altitude-world-record-breaking aero engine to the launch of the BMW i brand – has proven to be a recipe for success, as well as showcasing the company’s passion, confidence and gift for bringing the future into the present day. The new presence for the brand’s luxury-segment models will be unveiled for the first time at the IAA Cars 2017 show in Frankfurt on 14 – 24 September 2017.

Munich . The BMW Group is using the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach to present its exciting new take on a BMW roadster. Dynamic, progressive and an irresistible purveyor of thrills, the BMW Concept Z4 boasts lithe and compact proportions, a dynamic silhouette and an emotionally appealing use of forms. The attention-grabbing design study offers a look ahead to the series-production version of the car set to be unveiled over the course of next year.

“The BMW Concept Z4 in an all-out driving machine,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “Stripping the car back to the bare essentials allows the driver to experience all the ingredients of motoring pleasure with supreme directness. This is total freedom on four wheels.”

A statement of unbridled driving pleasure.

The sporty and progressive BMW Concept Z4 encapsulates the BMW Group’s vision of a modern roadster. “The BMW Concept Z4 expresses the new BMW design language from all perspectives and in all details. From the dynamic-looking front to the striking flanks to the clean-cut tail end: a few lines and the subtle interplay between surfaces are enough to generate a sense of power and emotion,” adds van Hooydonk.

BMW’s roadster tradition, reloaded.

The BMW Concept Z4 adopts classical roadster design cues, such as a long wheelbase, a low-slung, stretched silhouette and a compact rear end, wraps them in a fresh, confident package and enriches them with the contemporary BMW design language. A shorter bonnet and crisp overhangs ensure the driver sits closer to the centre of the car than in previous BMW roadsters. This gives the new proportions a focused, sporty and agile feel. The outline of the car follows a distinct wedge shape, which fills the BMW Concept Z4 with dynamism before it even pulls away. The large domes stretching out rearwards from the cabin elegantly integrate the function of rollover bars and provide a sporting conclusion to the low-to-the-road silhouette at the rear.

Reimagining the design language and surfaces.

The clearly sculpted shark nose at the front end spawns dramatic surface contouring that extends the full length of the flanks. The new direction taken by BMW’s design language can be seen here in just a few precise lines that form clear surfaces, while the body’s volumes are powerfully sculpted. The surfaces and forms therefore create an extremely modern and emotionally engaging impression. The large Air Breathers rearwards of the front wheels act as the source of the flanks’ elaborately modelled surfaces (they appear to be shaped by the flow of air as it exits the Air Breathers). Light and shaded surfaces develop in a rising movement towards the rear, then twist to form muscular wheel arches and athletic volumes. All of which shines a bright stylistic spotlight on the car’s rear-wheel drive. The dramatic interplay of lines and surfaces underscores the wedge shape of the flanks and infuses them with even greater dynamism. And the low door sills, with their distinctive crease, makes the body appear closer to the road, emphasising the low-slung sensation when viewing the car from the side.

The expressive Energetic Orange frozen exterior paint finish showcases the contrasts of light and shade in the surfacing, accentuating the three-dimensionality of the exterior. And the 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a sporty bi-colour double-spoke design provide harmonious finishing touches to the styling of the flanks.

Low and progressive – the front end.

The design of the BMW Concept Z4’s front end is undeniably sporty in nature. The relationship between the low-set, broad kidney grille and the positioning of the headlights higher up sparks deliberate associations with the BMW Z8 and lends the BMW Concept Z4 a certain flamboyance. In place of the customary bars, the inside of the kidney grille features elaborately designed mesh, whose vertical orientation recalls the sporty, functional kidney design of early BMW roadsters such as the BMW 328 Mille Miglia. In a departure from the BMW norm, the Concept Z4 provides a vertical interpretation of the classical four-eyed headlight look, with two overlapping tubes on each side. The turn signal indicators point diagonally towards the kidneys from above and underline the dynamic flair of the front end. And the clamshell bonnet with stylised gill vents curves over the wheels, creating an intriguing and virtually seamless sweep over the front end as a whole.

The front apron cuts a genuinely athletic figure with its sculptural design language. Its trio of large air intakes are a nod to the powerful engine further back and so carry the promise of a dynamic driving experience. The large carbon-fibre insert in the central air intake is straight out of the motor sport playbook and champions the use of detail to emphasise the front end’s dynamic presence. Together, these design elements compose a fresh and memorable face for the Concept Z4 – one which pays a very modern and sporting tribute to the celebrated roadsters of BMW’s past.

Athletic and eye-catching – the rear end.

The design of the BMW Concept Z4 likewise references details and qualities from BMW’s rich roadster tradition and updates them for the years ahead. The wide and low design of the rear picks up the lines of the car’s flanks and massages them into a modern rear of beguiling clarity in terms of surfaces and styling elements. The powerfully flared wheel arches give the car broad haunches, which are emphasised by the slim, L-shaped rear lights and therefore further enhance the car’s sporting stance. Above the rear lights, the boot lid – complete with prominent spoiler – stretches across to the burly wheel arch extensions, sending out a message of power-infused agility. Below, large air outlets in the rear apron create their own dynamic impression. The carbon-fibre diffuser adds a sporty and exclusive flourish and signs off the rear end at its lowest point to the road.

Exterior and interior in unison.

The kinship between the interior and exterior of the BMW Concept Z4 is evident in both forms and colour scheme. The design language of the interior takes the powerful, three-dimensional character of the exterior and adds another voice to the dynamic chorus. Much of the interior adopts the colour of the car body, creating a clear visual link between the interior and exterior. Only a classy chrome trim strip provides separation.

Maximum focus on the driving experience.

At the same time, the interior serves to reinforce the total focus on the driving experience too. The driver’s seat as well as the door trim panels, instrument panel and centre stack that encircle the driver are finished entirely in black, meaning that they stand out prominently from the coordinated orange shades of the exterior and the rest of the interior. Together they form a clearly defined area that wraps around the driver like a capsule, producing a very sporty sensation. This creates a pure-of-purpose driving environment with a pronounced “cone of vision”, where the steering wheel as well as the surrounding black surfaces appear to be surging forward and, in so doing, accentuate the cabin’s powerful driver focus.

The instrument cluster and central information display form a high-quality cluster of screens that are integrated into the driver’s cockpit to flawless ergonomic effect. The two displays are now positioned at almost the same height and in close proximity to one another, which gives the impression of a single, cohesive unit. They work together to deliver the right information at the right time. The driver can choose which elements they wish to call up (via touch command) from the content available in the information display – route guidance, playlists or other infotainment features. Above the instrument cluster, the Head-Up Display presents the key driving information within the driver’s direct field of view.

Prominent surfacing.

Emerging from the driver’s side of the cabin is a sporty instrument panel of inherent lightness. The clever arrangement of surfaces and edging breaks up the considerable volumes and engenders the impression of a powerfully chiselled muscle. The clear wraparound design from the doors to the instrument panel enhances the sporty, cocooned feeling in both seats.

Pared back to the essentials.

In keeping with the focus on the essentials, all the controls are grouped into “function islands”. Nothing distracts from the driving experience. Trim elements inside the cabin are likewise minimalist in nature. Indeed, it is instead the classy materials, carefully applied polished chrome accents and swish, hexagonal laser-cut motifs in the seats that do most to create the interior’s exclusive ambience. Carbon-fibre door sill finishers and embossed asymmetrical logos in the seats and instrument panel set the seal on the interior’s sporting profile.

The world premiere of the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase is one of the main highlights of the Auto Shanghai 2017 show. The new business sedan is the successor to the current front-runner in the Chinese car market’s premium segment and comes with all the right credentials for cementing this leading status. Likewise making its debut public appearance is the latest special-edition version of the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car. And Auto Shanghai 2017 also hosts the Asian premieres of the BMW Concept X2, revised BMW 4 Series models and new services from BMW Connected created specifically for the Chinese market.

The time-honoured MINI brand is also represented at Auto Shanghai 2017 with a world premiere. The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, a talented all-rounder with stand-out performance attributes, is making its first public appearance. And BMW Motorrad is kicking off its 2017 product offensive with the presentation of the revised BMW S 1000 RR and BMW S 1000 XR, plus an ultra-exclusive new model.

Auto Shanghai is one of the most important motor shows of the year for the global automotive industry. It has taken place every other year since 1985, alternating with the Auto China show in Beijing on the motoring calendar. The National Exhibition and Convention Center in the west of Shanghai opened its doors in 2015 and invites vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and service providers from around the world to display their products across an area measuring some 400,000 square metres. The 17th edition of the Auto Shanghai show will see more than 1,100 exhibitors present their new models, technological innovations and service offerings to the public from 21 – 28 April 2017.

World premiere: the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase.

Taking centre stage at the BMW brand’s stand at Auto Shanghai 2017 is the world premiere of the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase. The new model is being built by BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. exclusively for the Chinese market at the Shenyang facility.

Its 133-millimetre-longer wheelbase imbues the business sedan’s exterior with elegantly stretched proportions which blend harmoniously into its contemporary looks. State-of-the-art powertrain and chassis technology underpin an exceptional balance between BMW’s hallmark dynamic driving ability and supreme ride comfort. The all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase is up to 130 kilograms lighter than its predecessor and boasts enhanced aerodynamics.

Generous kneeroom, optimised soundproofing and a host of innovative equipment features – such as the electrically adjustable comfort seats, Ambient Air package and Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof – elevate on-board comfort in the rear to an even higher level. As well as the iDrive system and a further improved voice control system, the display and control concept also encompasses a touchscreen monitor and BMW gesture control.

World premiere: the BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition.

The BMW Group is also building on its successful track record in sustainable mobility, where BMW i has played a significant role. The BMW eDrive drive system technology originally developed for the all-electric BMW i3 and BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car can now be experienced in six BMW model ranges and one MINI. Indeed, fuelled by the popularity of the BMW i and BMW iPerformance models, the BMW Group is now the most successful manufacturer of plug-in hybrid models for the premium segment globally.

The BMW i8, for example, has developed into the world’s highest-selling plug-in hybrid sports car. And its appeal is given fresh lustre at Auto Shanghai 2017 with the presentation for the first time of the BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition. This latest special edition stands out with its exclusive Protonic Frozen Yellow paint finish, newly designed 20-inch light-alloy wheels and distinctive interior design cues.

Asian premiere: the BMW Concept X2.

The BMW Concept X2 is celebrating its Asian premiere in Shanghai. The new vehicle concept for the premium compact segment combines the robust and functionally accomplished character of a BMW X model with the low-slung proportions of a coupe. Among the signature X elements are muscular surfaces, large, almost squared-off wheel arches and stylistic underfloor protection. The long wheelbase, short overhangs, flowing roofline and slim side window graphic lend the silhouette of the BMW Concept X2 a svelte and dynamic appearance.

Asian premiere: the new BMW 4 Series model range.

The new BMW 4 Series models will be introduced to the public in Asia for the first time with detailed revisions to their design and optimised chassis technology. LED headlights and LED rear lights now come as standard for the BMW 4 Series Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, as does a refined premium ambience in the interior. If the optional Navigation system Professional is specified, the iDrive operating system also features a new tile-style menu layout with constantly updated content. And the Multifunctional Instrument Display can now also be ordered as an option.

BMW Connected with services developed specially for China.

With mobility, communication and infotainment services tailored specially to BMW’s Chinese target group, BMW Connected presents a premium digital offering unmatched in the country. The BMW Connected personalised mobility assistant’s China-specific functionality includes customer support among its suite of services. BMW Connected allows smartphone users to coordinate communications with a selected BMW dealer and arrange service appointments. BMW Connected also supplies users in China with information on traffic offences. And customers can make use of online-based lifestyle, social media and entertainment services selected specially for the Chinese market and with bespoke functionality.

World premiere: the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

The MINI brand is showing off its sporty side at Auto Shanghai 2017, with the world premiere of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman commanding the limelight. The latest John Cooper Works machine is the largest and most versatile elite performance model in the British car maker’s portfolio. The brand’s most powerful engine, eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission (fitted as standard in cars for the Chinese market), ALL4 all-wheel drive and sports suspension, plus the aerodynamically optimised body and sports-car cockpit aura come together into a sublime overall package to deliver standout performance and a race feeling that will capture the imagination.

The new-generation MINI sees the British manufacturer also strengthening its position as the leading maker of premium vehicles in the small car and compact segments in China. The MINI 3-door and MINI 5-door are each available with a selection of three engines in the country, and MINI Convertible customers there can choose from two variants. In the premium compact segment, the MINI Clubman can be ordered with one of three engines and the MINI Countryman with a choice of two, plus ALL4 all-wheel drive as an option. The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman joins the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman in the ranks of top-level MINI performance models in China.

BMW Motorrad: fresh success, a model offensive and a world premiere for a suitably exclusive newcomer.

BMW Motorrad recorded extremely dynamic growth in China in 2016, with sales up 52.7 per cent compared with the previous year. And the brand is continuing along its upward curve in 2017, fuelled by its ongoing model offensive in the premium motorcycle and maxi scooter markets. 14 new and redesigned models are set to be introduced up to the end of 2017. And the brand is showing various models at Auto Shanghai 2017, including the latest versions of the ultra-sporty BMW S 1000 RR and BMW S 1000 XR. But the highlight of the BMW Motorrad stand is the world premiere of one of the most exclusive models ever offered by BMW Motorrad.

^{Further information on official fuel consumption figures, specific CO2 emission values and the electric power consumption of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: “Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen” (Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html. LeitfadenCO2 (GuidelineCO2) (PDF ‒ 1.9 MB)}

Munich. This is what sustainable success looks like. The BMW i3 has won the 2016 “Golden Steering Wheel”, making it the first model taking part in the competition organised jointly by “Auto Bild” and “Bild am Sonntag” to have received the award for the second time in recognition of its groundbreaking lifecycle assessment. The world’s first ever premium automobile to be conceived from scratch for purely electrically powered mobility, the BMW i3 first received the “Green Steering Wheel” for being the “best new environment-friendly car” in 2013, even before its market launch. In the meantime, the BMW i3 (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) has taken to the road to demonstrate its qualities. With locally emissions-free driving pleasure and highly efficient power consumption, a pioneering design and intelligent connectivity, it impressed the jury of experts in a series of intensive practical tests. They selected the BMW i3 as the winner of the 2016 “Golden Steering Wheel” in the “Alternative Drives” category, with the award presented yesterday at a festive gala held at the Axel Springer publishing house in Berlin.

First awarded in 1976, the “Golden Steering Wheel” is one of the most prestigious awards in the European automotive sector. Now in its 41st year, the competition initially involved 36 current models being voted on by magazine readers in Germany and 20 other European countries. The BMW i3 finished first in its category in all 21 countries. The 21 reader favourites were then put to the acid test by a jury of specialists that included racing drivers, designers, technicians, digital experts, editors-in-chief and readers. Based on extensive test drives and detailed comparisons, the 57-strong international panel then went on to select award winners in each of the six categories, with “Alternative Drives” being introduced as a category for the first time this year. Here again, the BMW i3 was the clear winner, receiving the highest score from five out of the seven groups of experts.

Having now been on public roads all over the world for three years, the BMW i3 demonstrates how purely electrically powered and therefore locally emissions-free mobility can be combined with hallmark brand driving pleasure. Ever since its market launch, the BMW i3 has been the world’s most successful electric vehicle in the premium compact segment. In Norway, for example, the BMW i3 has been the top-selling vehicle of the entire BMW model range since 2015. In Germany its market share for this year to date is 20.2 per cent. Globally, almost 85% of BMW i3 customers are new to BMW.

In combination with resource-friendly materials and production techniques, the car’s model-specific features make for a holistic sustainability concept that won the “Green Steering Wheel” early on, along with numerous other awards, and the model still remains unique in the automotive sector to this day. At its market launch, the BMW i3 was the first vehicle with a TÜV-certified lifecycle assessment that is at least one third better than that of automobiles powered and produced in the conventional manner.

The expertise gained in the development of BMW i automobiles is now used for technology transfer to the core BMW Group brands. In addition to the use of CFRP in the body structure of the new BMW 7 Series, this is particularly reflected in the integration of eDrive technology in the BMW iPerformance models with plug-in hybrid drive. After the BMW iPerformance models of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the BMW 3 Series Sedan, the BMW X5, the BMW 7 Series and the BMW X1 xDrive25Le iPerformance developed exclusively for the Chinese automotive market, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan with plug-in hybrid drive will also be launched in the spring of 2017. The first plug-in hybrid model of the MINI brand is due to follow in 2017.

Consistent progress in the area of eDrive technology further increases the appeal of the BMW i3. The BMW i3 (94 Ah) with extended battery capacity (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 12.6 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) achieves a range of up to 200 kilometres in everyday conditions and a range of up to 300 kilometres in the standard cycle. This surpasses the BMW i3 (60 Ah) – which is still available - by more than 50 per cent.

For further details on official fuel consumption figures, official specific CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars, please refer to the "Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars", available at all sales outlets, from Deutschen Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/angebote/verlagsprodukte/leitfaden-kraftstoffverbrauch.html. ManualCO2 (PDF ‒ 2.7 MB)

Munich. A collaboration between BMW Group Design and Garage Italia Customs has produced an innovative colour and material concept of two concept cars based on current BMW i models. The BMW i3 Garage Italia CrossFade and the BMW i8 Garage Italia CrossFade will be presented on 30 September 2016 at the start of the Mondial de l’Automobile 2016 in Paris. The premiere in the French capital will also serve as an outlook on edition models of the BMW i3 and the BMW i8. These models, which both feature an exterior design derived from the concept cars, will become available at the beginning of 2017.

The common feature of the two concept cars is a surface structure that emphasises the groundbreaking design and the innovative character of the models BMW i3 and BMW i8 in a fascinating way. The focus here is on a specific colour design that was developed on the basis of a common painting genre during the late 19th and early 20th century and which provides for a particularly expressive appearance. “Lapo Elkann is a pioneer in linking the disciplines of fashion, automobile and design. As a designer, I find this comprehensive approach particularly exciting,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “With BMW i, we have been successful in overcoming previous restrictions in automotive design through the use of entirely new materials. So the progressive expressiveness of the Garage Italia CrossFade Edition is perfectly in keeping with the BMW i3 and the BMW i8.”

In June 2016, Garage Italia Customs had already presented the BMW i8 Futurism Edition. This vehicle also featured a body surface concept that was inspired by the art of painting. The design of the BMW i8 Futurism Edition, which was created on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of BMW Italia, is based on the painting “Lampada ad Arco” by the futuristic artist Giacomo Balla. “Technological development and constant search for innovation are common key values to both Garage Italia Customs and BMW,” adds Lapo Elkann, Chairman and Founder of Garage Italia Customs. “BMW i automobiles provide our designers with ideal opportunities for an artistic exploration of the future of mobility. The CrossFade project was a great opportunity to create something beyond the traditional idea of car painting, generating amazing effects with a unique geometrical pattern.”

The design of the concept cars now being shown in Paris was inspired by optical colour mixing, a technique already used in Pointillism of the late 19th century. This painting technique involves the creation of motifs using small and evenly distributed dashes of colour. Because the neighbouring colours are not intermixed, but only blend together in the perception of the viewer, a particularly intensive radiance is created. The selective variation of size and spacing of the individual dashes permits the creation of both precise and harmonious colour gradients.

On the body surface of the BMW i8 Garage Italia CrossFade, the accurately defined colour changes between Protonic Blue metallic and Protonic Dark Silver metallic are used to intensively underscore the lines and surface contours. Moreover, the applied dashes of paint are triangular. Resulting from this geometrical shape, both the overall impression as well as the plug-in hybrid sports car’s dynamics already symbolised in the design are accentuated even further. The colour design was realised using a complex painting process in which the car finished in Protonic Blue metallic was initially covered with a stencil film. In this way, it was possible to create the desired geometrical pattern with exceptionally high precision when the second layer of paint in Protonic Dark Silver metallic was finally applied. Moreover, the interior follows the BMW i8 Garage Italia CrossFade’s exterior design with the smooth transition from the dark silver of the front end of the car to the pure blue of the rear end printed on Alcantara textile that now covers the central tunnel, the side panels and the headliner. The surface structure of the interior and the seats in Foglizzo leather, and Protonic Blue and perforated Alcantara is effectively accentuated by the contrasting colours.

In the case of the BMW i3 Garage Italia CrossFade, the colour transition on the front end and the side panels flows in a vertical direction. The amount of blue decreases as it rises upwards to merge with the black roof and bonnet. The smooth transition is created by a transparent foiling with imprinted circular dashes of colour that symbolise the driving pleasure offered by the electrically powered five door car and become larger with increasing height. The distinctive colour design is also to be found in the interior, where high-quality textile and Alcantara surfaces additionally emphasise the premium character of the car. Base colour in each case is Protonic Blue, which is now also optionally available for the BMW i3 and exclusively in conjunction with the 94 Ah high-voltage battery.

2015 was a highly successful year for the BMW Group and this is confirmed by overwhelming worldwide acknowledgement. This year BMW vehicles won numerous national and international distinctions in categories as varied as innovation, design, sporty flair, quality, sustainability and intelligent vehicle connectivity. The prize-winners in the various categories were chosen by juries made up of automobile journalists, readers of car magazines, international automobile experts and market researchers.

Outstanding international recognition.
Four top ratings in the renowned "International Engine of the Year Award" underscore the BMW Group's engine expertise. A specialist jury of 65 automobile journalists from 31 countries voted the BMW TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder in the BMW i8 as the class winner. A second class victory went to the integrated drive system of the BMW i8, and this hybrid drive also won the overall prize. The M TwinPower Turbo in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine in the BMW M3 Sedan and the BMW M4 Coupé also received the award in the 2.5 to 3.0-litre category for the fifth time.

What is more, the BMW i8 was voted "World Green Car of the Year" as well as receiving the "Paul Pietsch Prize" awarded by the automobile magazine "auto, motor und sport" for the most innovative technology concept. The BMW i8 was also named "UK Car of the Year" and was voted "most environment-friendly luxury car" by "The Washington Auto Show". 

The BMW i3 likewise gained international recognition. In China, the successful electric car was pronounced best compact car as part of the "Best Cars 2015" awards, as well as being voted "Car of the Year" in Australia. In addition, the BMW i3 won the "Company Car of the Year" award presented jointly by the magazine "Firmenauto" and DEKRA.

The new BMW 7 Series - more than 20 awards in China alone.
The new BMW 7 Series attracted the most positive response worldwide. In China alone the new BMW 7 Series won more than twenty prizes. These include the "Technology Innovation Award" presented by the renowned "China Business Journal" and "Luxury Car of the Year" awarded by the influential daily newspaper "The Beijing News". In the USA the new BMW 7 Series received the 2015 "Best of What's New" award in the automobile category from the magazine "Popular Science" And in Germany the new BMW 7 Series also won the 2015 "Golden Steering Wheel" award presented by "Auto Bild" and "Bild am Sonntag" in the luxury performance category – just as the BMW X1 and the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer did in their respective categories.

The BMW Group's innovation leadership was also confirmed by 550 body construction experts from 24 countries, who gave the BMW 7 Series the "EuroCarBody Award 2015" for its pioneering body structure with Carbon Core.

Outstanding honours for BMW design.
The International Forum Design "iF design awards" are among the very highest distinctions for achievements in design. This year the BMW Group won a total of 13 of the highly coveted "iF design awards 2015".The unique character of BMW design also impressed readers of the car magazine "Auto Zeitung": here the elegant and sporty BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé won the "Design Trophy" in the categories "Sedans/Coupés/Vans". In the compact class, it was the styling of the BMW 2 Series Convertible that received the highest distinction. And as the most outstanding design innovation of 2015, the new BMW 1 Series won the "autonis 2015" award as part of the readers' vote held by the car magazine "auto motor und sport". Meanwhile in the "Concept Cars" category of the "Auto Bild Sportscars" readers' vote, a clear majority went to the BMW 3.0 CSL Homage, which was created by the BMW Design Team in recognition of the classic BMW coupé icons of the 1970s.

Driving fun with the power to thrill.
Sheer driving pleasure is the top priority for readers of sports car magazines - and it is the sporty BMW models that best embody this. This was certainly the opinion expressed by readers of "Auto Bild Sportscars". In the "Serial Production Coupés" category, the BMW M4 GTS was voted "Sports Car of the Year 2015". Its 500 hp 3-litre 6-cylinder petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology is the first serial-production car to be fitted with innovative water injection (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 199 g/km)*.

The result of the readers' vote held by the magazine "sport auto" likewise confirms the sporty aspirations of BMW: in as many as four categories BMW models were placed at the top of the rostrum. For the third time in succession, the BMW 335i received the "Sport Auto Award" in the class of sedans up to EUR 50,000. And for the second time in a row the BMW M3 finished first in the category of sedans/estate cars up to EUR 100,000. The same was true of the BMW M135i in the compact class and the BMW M235i in the ranking for coupés up to EUR 50,000.

Recognition of pioneering role in the area of car connectivity.
42,520 readers of the automobile magazine "auto motor und sport" and the computer magazine "CHIP" cast their votes for the "Car Connectivity Award 2015": in doing so they confirmed the BMW Group's pioneering role in the networking of driver, vehicle and environment. The BMW i8 was the outright winner of the "Connected Car 2025" award, attracting 30.3 per cent of the votes. The magazine's knowledgeable readers were impressed with the car's extensive range of driver assistance systems, services and apps. What is more, 56, per cent of participants regard BMW as the brand with the best car connectivity.

Readers of the automobile magazines "Auto Bild" and "Computer Bild" voted on which manufactures offer the best innovations relating to automobile connectivity, for which the winners receive the "Connected Car Awards". The new BMW 7 Series was voted "Connected Car of the Year". In addition to its optimum connectivity, the gesture control function and "remote-control parking" were two particularly impressive features which the new BMW 7 Series is the only car in the world to offer. For the "remote-control parking" function, BMW also received the "Connected Car Award" in the category "Assistance Systems - Comfort". BMW also impressed readers most in the category "Assistance Systems - Safety", being honoured with the "Connected Car Award" for the "Driving Assistant Plus" system available in the BMW 7 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW i3.

The "GreenTec Award" - one of the biggest and most important European distinctions for environment-friendly technology - went to the intermodal route planner developed for the BMW i models. The system incorporates other means of transport in navigation guidance where this means that the destination can be reached more quickly and efficiently.

The BMW Group also received the United Nations "Momentum for Change Award" for its innovative fast-charging network to cater for electrically powered vehicles.

Confirmation of sustainability and quality.
The car magazine "Auto Bild" determines the "Value Master" based on forecasts made by the German market analysis institute Schwacke relating to the resale value of vehicles. In the category of electric cars, the BMW i3 received the "Value Master 2015" award due to having the highest resale value. For the third time in succession, a BMW 3 Series model clinched this title in the hotly competed category of mid-range cars - this year it was the BMW 325d Touring. There was even a double victory in the compact SUV category: the BMW X3 xDrive35d was the winner, very slightly ahead of the BMW X4 xDrive30d.

With its premium quality, reliability and top-class ergonomics, BMW also did well in the "Initial Quality Study 2015", a survey of 84,000 North American new car buyers conducted by J. D. Power and Associates. The winner in the segment of small premium cars this year was the BMW 2 Series. The BMW 4 Series won in the class of compact premium cars, and first in the category of mid-size premium cars was the BMW 5 Series. J.D. Power and Associates also assess the production quality of automobile plants. The "Platinum Plant Quality Award 2015" for the best plant in the world went to BMW Plant Rosslyn in South Africa. BMW Plant Dingolfing came second in the Europe/Africa region, making it the best automobile plant in Europe.

Here is a summary of the main awards won by BMW in 2015:

Distinction conferred by the United Nations:

"Momentum Change Award" for establishing the world's largest fast-charging network for electric cars.

Distinctions conferred by World Car Awards:

        World Green Car for the BMW i8

        Engine of the Year for the Turbo 3-cylinder petrol engine in the BMW i8

        Engine of the Year for the drivetrain of the BMW i8

        Engine of the Year overall award for the BMW i8

        Engine of the Year for the BMW 3-litre in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine

Distinction conferred by GreenTec Awards:

"GreenTec Award 2015":

        BMW i for multimodal route planner in the Automobility category

Distinction conferred by "EuroCarBody":

"EuroCarBodyAward 2015":

        BMW 7 Series for innovative body construction

Distinctions conferred by "auto motor und sport":

"Best Cars":

        BMW 5 Series in the Upper Mid-Range category

"Paul Pietsch Prize":

        BMW i8 as the most innovative technology concept

"autonis":

        BMW 1 Series as the best design innovation in the compact class

Distinction conferred by "auto motor und sport" and "CHIP":

"Connected Car 2015":

        BMW i8 for the best vehicle connectivity

Distinctions conferred by "Auto Zeitung":

"Auto Trophy":

        BMW 5 Series in the Upper Mid-Range category

"Design Trophy":

        BMW 2 Series Convertible in the Compact Class category

        BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé in the Sedans/Coupés/Vans category

Distinctions conferred by "Bild am Sonntag" / "Auto Bild":

"Golden Steering Wheel":

        BMW X1 in the Mid-Range SUV category

        BMW 7 Series in the Luxury Performance category

        BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer in the Vans category

Distinctions conferred by "Auto Bild" / "Computer Bild":

"Connected Car Award":

        BMW 7 Series as the "Connected Car of the Year"

        BMW in the "Assistance Systems - Safety" category

        BMW in the "Assistance Systems - Comfort" category

Distinction conferred by "Auto Bild Allrad":

"All-Wheel Car of the Year":

        BMW i8 in the All-Wheel Hybrid category

Distinctions conferred by "Auto Bild Sportscars":

"Sports Cars of the Year":

        BMW M4 GTS in the Serial Production Coupés category

        BMW 3.0 CSL Homage in the Concept Cars category

Distinctions conferred by "Auto Bild" /Schwacke:

"Value Master 2015":

        BMW i3 in the Electric Vehicles category

        BMW 325d Touring in the Mid-Range category

        BMW X3 xDrive35d in the Compact SUVs category

Distinctions conferred by "sport auto":

"sport auto Award 2015":

        BMW M135i in the Compact Cars category

        BMW M235i in the category Coupés up to EUR 50,000

        BMW 335i in the category Sedans/Estate Cars up to EUR 50,000

        BMW M3 in the category Sedans/Estate Cars up to EUR 100,000

Distinction conferred by "Motor Klassik":

"Motor Klassik Awards 2015":  

        BMW 4 Series Coupé in the Classic of the Future (Mid-Range) category

Distinctions conferred by International Forum Design:

"iF Design Awards" 2015:

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, BMW M4 Coupé, BMW X6 and BMW i8 – all in the category "Product – Automobiles, Vehicles, Bikes"

Distinctions conferred by "Firmenauto" / DEKRA:

"Company Car of the Year":

        BMW i3 REX in the Small Cars category

        BMW 118d in the Compact Class category

Distinction conferred by DEKRA:

"Used Car Report 2015":

        BMW Z4 in the category Convertibles/Sports Cars (Reliability)

Distinctions conferred by J.D. Power and Associates:

"Initial Quality Award 2015":

BMW 2 Series in the Small Premium Cars category

BMW 4 Series in the Compact Premium Cars category

BMW 5 Series in the Premium Cars category

"APEAL Study 2015":

        BMW 4 Series in the Compact Premium Cars category

        BMW 6 Series in the Mid-Size Premium Cars category

        BMW 2 Series in the Small Premium Cars category

"Platinum Plant Quality Award 2015":

        BMW Plant Rosslyn, South Africa

"Silver Plant Quality Award 2015":

        BMW Plant Dingolfing

Distinctions conferred by "UK Car of the Year":

"UK Car of the Year":

        BMW i8 as the best car of the year

"Best Performance Car of the Year":

        BMW i8 in the category of best sports cars of the year

Distinction conferred by "Popular Science":

"Best of What's New" 2015:

        BMW 7 Series in the automobile category

Distinctions conferred by "Blogger Auto Awards":

"Blogger Auto Awards 2015":

        BMW i3 in the Small Cars category

        BMW i8 in the Sports Cars category

Distinction conferred by "Schweizer Illustrierte":

"Swiss Car of the Year":

        BMW 7 Series in the "The most stylish car in Switzerland" category

Distinction conferred by "Freie Fahrt":

"Big Austrian Automobile Prize" 2015:

        BMW 7 Series in the "Premium" category

Distinction conferred by "Car Styling Magazine":

"the golden marker trophy":

        BMW i3 for best automobile design

Distinction conferred by "The Washington Auto Show":

"Luxury Green Car of the Year":

        BMW i8 in the category Most Environment-Friendly Luxury Car

Distinction conferred by "Coty Australia":

"Car of the Year 2015":

        BMW i3 as the best car of the year

Distinction conferred by "L ʼ árgus":

"Trophée Argus":

        BMW 218d Active Tourer in the Compact/Family Car category

Distinction conferred by „J-COTY“:

„Car of the Year Japan”:

        BMW 2er Active / Gran Tourer als Import Car of the Year

 D istinction conferred by "China Business Journal":

"Technology Innovation Award":

        BMW 7 Series in the Innovative Technology category

Distinction conferred by "The Beijing News":

"Luxury Car of the Year":

        BMW 7 Series in the Luxury Performance category

Distinction conferred by "auto, motor und sport China":

"BEST CARS 2015":

        BMW i3 in the category Best Compact Car

Distinction conferred by "West China City Daily":

"The Most Anticipated":

        BMW 7 Series in the D Class category

Distinction conferred by "163.com":

"Luxury Car of the Year":

        BMW 7 Series in the Luxury Performance category

Distinction conferred by "yiche.com":

"5 Best Imported Cars of the Year":

        BMW 7 Series in the Import Vehicles category

Distinction conferred by "National Business Daily":

"2015 Luxury Car":

        BMW 7 Series in the Luxury Car of the Year category

Distinction conferred by "emao.com":

"2016 Large Luxury Car Recommendation":

        BMW 7 Series in the Luxury Performance category

Distinction conferred by "youcheyihou":

"China Mobile Internet Annual Model Series Award":

        BMW 7 Series in the Mobile Internet category

Distinction conferred by "Auto Headline":

"Annual Top New Media Communications Case":

        BMW 7 Series

Distinction conferred by "Auto World":

"Car of the Year":

        BMW 7 Series

Distinction conferred by "Tencent":

"Imported Car of the Year":

        BMW 7 Series in the Import Cars category

Distinction conferred by "ifeng.com":

"Global Luxury Car of the Year":

        BMW 7 Series in the Luxury Performance category

Distinction conferred by "Nanfang Metropolis Daily":

"Imported Luxury Car of the Year":

        BMW 7 Series in the Luxury Performance category

Distinction conferred by "China Business News":

"Elite Car of the Year":

        BMW 7 Series

Distinction conferred by "12gang.com":

"Luxury Car of the Year":

        BMW 7 Series in the Luxury Performance category

Distinction conferred by "Zaker":

"New Car Appreciation":

        BMW 7 Series

Distinction conferred by "21th Century Media":

"Car of the Year":

        BMW 7 Series

Distinction conferred by "Motor Trend":

"Imported Car of the Year":

        BMW 7 Series in the Import Cars category

Distinction conferred by "chexun.com":

"The Most Popular Luxury Car":

        BMW 7 Series in the Luxury Performance category

For further details on official fuel consumption figures, official specific CO2emissions and power consumption of new cars, please refer to the "Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars", available at sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/angebote/verlagsprodukte/leitfaden-kraftstoffverbrauch.html. Manual CO2 (PDF - 2.7 MB)

For any queries, please contact:

Kai Lichte, Product Communications BMW 3 Series and BMW 4 Series, Awards

Tel.: +49-89-382-51240

E-Mail: kai.lichte@bmwgroup.com

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

E-Mail: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2014, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.118 million cars and 123,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2014 was approximately € 8.71 billion on revenues amounting to € 80.40 billion. As of 31 December 2014, the BMW Group had a workforce of 116,324 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

www.bmwgroup.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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BMW regularly presents limited special series of particularly dynamic vehicles so as to sharpen the brand core: Sheer Driving Pleasure. Meanwhile a look ahead to future developments is provided by eye-catching concept cars that reflect the essence of the brand's pure DNA. The public response to both is reflected in the result of this year's readers' vote organised by the magazine "Auto Bild Sportscars". In two rating categories, readers voted BMW Group models "2015 Sports Car of the Year": the "Serial Production Coupés" class was won by new BMW M4 GTS, while in the "Concept Cars" category, the BMW 3.0 CSL Homage was able to attract the majority of votes.

BMW M4 GTS continues its winning streak.
By winning the "Serial Production Coupés" category, the BMW M4 GTS has built on the success of the BMW M4 Coupé and the BMW 435i Coupé, which were voted Sports Car of the Year in 2014 and 2013 respectively. The BMW M4 GTS underpins its sports car status with a lap time of 7:28 minutes on the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife. This performance is enabled by a three-way coilover suspension specially harmonised for the BMW M4 GTS, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres in the sizes 265/35 R19 at front and 285/30 R20 at rear, intelligent lightweight construction with the use of aluminium, carbon fibre, composite materials and high-strength steels and a high-performance in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology. Due to the innovative water injection - used for the first time in a serial production vehicle - the engine delivers an output of 368 kW/500 hp and a torque of 600 Nm from a capacity of 3.0 litres (combined fuel consumption: 8.5 l/100 km; CO2‑emissions combined: 199 g/km)*. This enables the BMW M4 GTS to accelerate in 3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, reaching a top speed of 305 km/h (cut off).

BMW 3.0 CSL Homage wins the "Concept Cars" category.
The victory of the BMW 3.0 CSL Homage was a premiere: it attracted the most votes in the "Concept Cars" category which was offered for the first time - and it won by a very clear margin. This concept study was presented at this year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este as the BMW design team's tribute to the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL - the timeless, classic BMW coupé icon of the 1970s.

The BMW 3.0 CSL Homage translates the character of the original into the contemporary age, reinterpreting it in a new and exciting way. Cutting-edge materials were used to build this concept car, including carbon fibre (CFRP). The high-tech material is used extensively in the BMW 3.0 CSL Homage, moving the philosophy of lightweight construction forward to the current state of the art. As in the 1970s original, the lines of the BMW 3.0 CSL Homage express pure dynamic performance: striking air deflectors, powerful wheel arches and a prominent roof and rear spoiler frame an elongated body. The front air deflector serves to ventilate the engine compartment while the wings above the rear wheels ensure optimum air flow around the vehicle. Small camera rear mirrors further reduce aerodynamic drag. The large rear spoiler increases surface pressure on the powered rear axle, thereby improving power transmission. An Air Curtain and Air Breather guarantee optimum wheel arch ventilation and air extraction. The 21-inch light alloy wheels in matt and high-gloss Bi-Color finish add a particularly striking touch. Air deflection blades in the wheel rim gaps additionally optimise aerodynamics.

Further top placements for BMW models.
In addition to the category winners, there were other BMW models that gained podium positions. In the category "Serial Production Sedans", the BMW M5 "30 Years of the M5" finished second, as did the BMW X6 M in the category "Serial Production SUVs". The BMW M135i came third in the category "Serial Production Compact Cars".

The "Auto Bild Sports Cars of the Year" readers' vote was held this year for the 14th time. The title "Sports Car of the Year" is among the most important awards for sports-style vehicles in the automobile sector in Germany, and it is highly coveted among all vehicle manufacturers. There were 142 models to choose from for the readers' vote in 2015. Drawn from test and road reports of the last 12 months, the vehicles were classified in 18 categories – eight for serial production vehicles, eight for tuning vehicles and one category each for small-series vehicles and concept cars respectively. The awards were presented today at the Essen Motor Show Race Night.

The BMW placements at glance:

Serial Production Coupés, winner: BMW M4 GTS.

Concept Cars, winner: BMW 3.0 CSL Homage.

Serial Production Sedans, 2nd place: BMW M5 "30 Years of the M5".

Serial Production SUVs, 2nd place: BMW X6 M.

Serial Production Compact Cars, 3rd place: BMW M135i.

For further details on official fuel consumption figures, official specific CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars, please refer to the "Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions
and power consumption of new cars", available at all sales outlets, from
Deutschen Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/angebote/verlagsprodukte/leitfaden-kraftstoffverbrauch.html. Manual CO2 (PDF ‒ 2.7 MB)

This year’s winner’s car is a high-performance car typical of BMW M. The BMW M6 Convertible is powered by a 560-hp M TwinPower Turbo V8 petrol engine (combined fuel consumption: 10.3 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 239 g/km). The BMW M6 Convertible accelerates from 0 to 100 in an impressive 4.3 seconds and boasts a top speed of (regulated) 250 km/h. Technology characteristics of BMW M, such as the double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic, the M Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Dynamic Damper Control, and Active M Differential, guarantee sporty and perfect handling in any situation. The new BMW M6 Convertible for this year’s BMW M Award winner is also visually stunning. Highlights include the exclusive BMW Individual paint finish “Frozen Blue Metallic”, 20’’ M light alloy wheels double-spoke 343 M with mixed tyres, BMW Individual full fine-grain Merino leather in “Opal White”, as well as BMW Individual Piano finish Black interior trims. In addition, this year’s winner’s car features numerous BMW M Performance Parts.

Winning the BMW M Award for the third time, Marquez drew level with record holders Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner. The Spaniard is also the first rider to receive the BMW M Award three times in a row. In 2013, Marquez was the first rookie to win this special classification. He was crowned fastest qualifier in his debut season in the elite class. He repeated this success in 2014, and 2015 saw him pick up the most BMW M Award points in the qualifying sessions once again. Marquez started from pole position a total of eight times this season, and with 365 points he claimed the BMW M Award with a clear lead once again. The official presentation ceremony took place on Saturday at the final round of the MotoGP in Valencia, Spain. The BMW M6 Convertible was handed over to Marquez by Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, and Frank van Meel, President BMW M Division.

“I am really happy to have won the BMW M Award for third time in a row,” said Marquez at the prize-giving ceremony in Valencia. “For us riders, this award is always something special. The BMW M6 is a great car and I like the acceleration and the handling. The fact that it is the BMW M6 Convertible makes this prize even more special. It is the first time that I won a convertible car and for me living in Spain, this is just perfect. I can’t wait to get in the car and drive it!”

“The BMW M Award is an important part of our long-standing and successful partnership with BMW M Division,” explained Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports. “It is fantastic that BMW M Division honours the achievements of our MotoGP riders in the qualifying sessions in this special way. The BMW M Award has been one of the highlights of every MotoGP season for 13 years now, and yet BMW M Division still manages to surpass itself every year. With the BMW M6 Convertible, we have yet another absolutely fascinating high-performance automobile to present to Marc Marquez. Congratulations to Marc - I have no doubt that he will also enjoy his award this year.”

“Marc Marquez already wrote history two years ago when he became the first rookie to win the BMW M Award. Now he is the first rider to be entered in the list of winners three times in a row. Many congratulations on this impressive achievement,” said Frank van Meel, President BMW M Division. “The BMW M Award is an important pillar of our comprehensive involvement in MotoGP and when selecting the prize it is important to us to pick a real highlight each season. I feel that we have managed this once again with the BMW M6 Convertible. The fact that the BMW M Award is so coveted by the MotoGP riders, whose lives are characterised by technological innovation, high performance and continuously driving at the limit makes us proud. It proves that our products have exactly these attributes, which is what makes them so popular with the fastest motorcycle racers in the world. We hope Marc Marquez enjoys his BMW M6 Convertible and look forward to next season and the 2016 BMW M Award.”

The BMW M Award was presented for the 13th time in 2015. Just like the points system for the races, riders at each Grand Prix weekend are awarded points relative to their positions in qualifying. Pole position is rewarded with 25 points, second place on the grid earns 20 points and third place scores 16 points – right down to one point for 15th. The rider with the most points at the end of the season wins the BMW M Award. Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner are the current record holders, each with three BMW M Awards to their name – with Marquez being the only rider who has won three times in a row. His Spanish compatriot Jorge Lorenzo has earned the coveted title of top qualifier twice so far. Sete Gibernau and Nicky Hayden have both won the BMW M Award once.

BMW has always been synonymous with driving pleasure in all vehicle classes. The fact that customers and fans also agree with this summation is once again confirmed by the readers’ poll conducted by German motoring magazine “sport auto”. Cars from the BMW Group received the top scores in four classes. The BMW 335i was voted the best sedan car up to € 50,000 for the third time in three years. The BMW M3 Sedan was the favorite among readers for the second year in a row in the sedans/estates up to € 100,000 class.

Also for the second time in a row, the BMW M235i took pole position in the category for coupés up to € 50,000. In the compact cars class, the BMW M135i easily succeeded in fighting off the competition. As in the previous year, the BMW M550d xDrive took second place in the diesel class, once again underlining the leading role of the BMW Group as a supplier of vehicles that combine sporty performance with maximum efficiency.

Double victory for M Performance automobiles.
In the compact class and in the coupés up to € 50,000, the BMW M135i (26.7 percent of the votes cast) and the BMW M235i Coupé (38.3 percent of the votes cast) once again beat off the competition. Both vehicles have a six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower turbo technology, ensuring spontaneous responsiveness, an exceptional thirst for revs and outstanding refinement (fuel consumption combined BMW M235i: 8.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 189 g/km; BMW M135i: 8.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 188 g/km*).

Triple win for the BMW 335i Sedan.
For the third time in a row, the readers of “sport auto” put the BMW 335i in top place in the sedans up to € 50,000 category. The key factor for the continuing success of the sports sedan is its in-line six-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower turbo technology. The 225 kW/306 hp in-line six-cylinder engine makes particularly impressive play with the typical BMW virtues of instantaneous responses, an exceptional thirst for revs and outstanding refinement. The combination of a turbocharger that operates according to the twin scroll principle with direct high precision injection and VALVETRONIC guarantees an unbeatably efficient balance between driving pleasure and fuel consumption (fuel consumption combined BMW 335i: 7.9 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 186 g/km*).

The defending title-holder BMW M3.

Garnering 39.4% of reader votes, the BMW M3 had no difficulty defending its title as best sedan up to € 100,000, actually managing to increase its share of the vote in its second year on the market. The fifth generation of the BMW M3 (fuel consumption combined: 8.8 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 204 g/km*) is powered by a newly developed six-cylinder in-line engine. The high-revving unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology offers maximum output of 317 kW/431 hp. Peak torque of 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) is available across a broad rev band and exceeds the maximum offered by the previous BMW M3 by almost 40 percent. A rigorously applied lightweight design concept has brought about a weight reduction of around 80 kilograms. Fuel consumption and emissions are down by 25 percent. The BMW M3 Sedan takes just 4.1 seconds to sprint from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) – when fitted with the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission – and also catches the eye as a strong performer out on the track as well as in everyday use.

The “sport auto Award” has been presented by German motoring magazine “sport auto” since 1980. It is one of the leading German awards for sporting cars and is highly coveted by manufacturers. In 2015 a total of 230 models were nominated in 30 series-production categories and a further 10 tuning classes. In this, the 23rd year of the awards, 13,601 readers took part in the poll via survey postcard, online survey or one of the “sport auto” digital channels.

Placings at a glance:

Winner – Compact Cars: BMW M135i.

Winner – Coupés up to € 50,000: BMW M235i Coupé.

Winner – Sedans/Estates up to € 50,000: BMW 335i.

Winner – Sedans/Estates up to € 100,000: BMW M3.

Second place – Diesel Cars: BMW M550d xDrive.

Second place – Convertibles up to € 50,000: BMW M235i Convertible

Second place – Convertibles up to € 100,000: BMW M4 Convertible

Second place – Coupés up to € 100,000: BMW M3 Coupé

Third place – Sedans up to € 100,000: BMW M5 30 Years

Further information on official fuel consumption figures, specific CO2 emission values and the electric power consumption of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: “Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2 emissions und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen” (Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html. LeitfadenCO2 (GuidelineCO2) (PDF ‒ 2.7 MB).

* Fuel consumption figures were calculated based on the ECE test cycle, dependent on tire format.