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.

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/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. 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

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 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.

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/ Paris . The BMW Group has chosen the Paris Motor Show 2016 to present the BMW Concept X2. This new addition to the compact segment has a distinctive design that stands apart from that of the other X models and also draws on the BMW Group’s history of coupe-making. The result is a compact concept exuding urban sporting appeal.

“The BMW Concept X2 is a vehicle for active people looking for a combination of enjoyment and practicality,” explains Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The concept displays a new and exciting facet of the BMW brand within the compact segment.”

The design – a successful blend of dynamic appeal and solidity.
The design of the BMW Concept X2 fuses apparent contradictions into a single coherent statement. “The BMW Concept X2 combines the fast-moving body language and low-slung proportions of a coupe with the robust construction of an X model. This is a sporty vehicle with a bold character, and it allows us to open up some fascinating new design possibilities for the BMW brand,” says Karim Habib, Head of BMW Design.

The distinctive character of the BMW Concept X2 already shines through in the car’s proportions. While its large wheels and familiar two-box design underline its functional X model character, a long wheelbase, stretched roofline, short overhangs and heavily forward-slanting C-pillar give the body a sporty, low-to-the-road feel. The interplay of the darker cladding surfaces and striking Luminous Red body colour make the Concept X2 look even slimmer from the side.

Two facets to a singular character – the side view.
The upper section of the car’s flanks is dominated by sporty design elements. The elongated roofline and slim window graphic create a stretched feel. The glasshouse tapers towards the rear, forming an athletic shoulder section. The window graphic surrounds and integrated two-piece mirror bases (both made from brushed aluminium) add an extra touch of class. The thickness of the aluminium profile plays a contrasting role here. The window graphic is rounded off by a dynamic interpretation of the hallmark BMW Hofmeister kink. Like the logo on the C-pillar – a classically sporty coupe design cue straight out of the BMW history books – this represents a singularly unmistakeable detail. The large, air-channelling roof spoiler in body colour lies flat over the blackened rear window. Extending from the C-pillars, it gives the rear of the BMW Concept X2 its sporty contours.

Lower down the sides of the car, customary X-model features hog the limelight. Muscular surfaces, large wheel arches and stylistic underfloor protection around the door sills form an intriguing contrast with the dynamic elements further up. Focusing for a moment on more detailed features, the surfaces of the car’s flanks bring together large, smoothly modelled sections with precise edges, showcasing the car’s athletic presence. The dramatic surfacing also emphasises the almost squared-off wheel arches familiar from the car’s BMW X stablemates. In them sit large, 21-inch light-alloy wheels, whose striking, double-spoke, bi-colour design with a strong sense of three-dimensionality continues the contrast between dynamic appeal and solidity into the car’s details. Tyres with chunky treads point to the potential for fun off the beaten track, while door sills in body colour with integral hexagonal elements set the seal on the robust appearance of the car’s sides at their lowest point.

Dynamism and presence – the front end.
The front-end design of the BMW Concept X2 likewise fuses dynamic elements with a robust use of forms. Clearly contoured volumes and subtle edges create a front-end impression with presence and sporting appeal in abundance. The heavily raked windscreen appears to extend seamlessly into the dark panoramic roof and teams up with the newly interpreted double kidney grille and large air intakes to give the front end a slow-slung look. The kidneys are sited a little lower than the headlights, and the central air intake is closer to the road than the two outer intakes. This makes the centre of the car appear lower, underlining the dynamic verve of the front-end design.

The kidneys turn the familiar trapezoidal shape of BMW grilles on its head and instead widen from top to bottom. This clear statement therefore accentuates the standalone nature of the BMW Concept X2, as well as the width of the front and the car’s solid stance. Graphically modelled and heavily angled bars within the kidney grille create an undeniable “shark nose” effect, bringing additional depth and sculptural richness to this area of the car.

The flat contours of the headlight tubes help to give the classical BMW twin circular look a more hexagonal form. The laser light technology used by the headlights enables very slim light graphics, while the blue X in the centre of the hexagonal tubes adds a further technical accent.

The front apron is dominated by the large central air intake below the kidney grille, which helps to quench the Concept X2’s thirst for cooling air. The smaller, triangular air intakes on either side highlight the car’s broad stance. The robust, horizontal slats of the air intakes provide a solid counterpoint to the dynamic design of the front apron and add further detailed emphasis of the front-end’s traditional X-model character.

A powerful statement – the rear end.
The rear of the BMW Concept X2 rounds off the exterior design in distinctive style. Width-accentuating elements such as the slim rear window and horizontal lines reduce the perceived height of the BMW Concept X2 and underscore its sporting pretentions. From this angle you can also see how the rear window emerges elegantly from below the air-channelling spoiler and underlines the car’s sporting character. The prominent tapering of the glasshouse along the sides of the Concept X2 also catches the eye. It forms a powerful shoulder area, allowing it to highlight the car’s broad, muscular stance. Below the glasshouse, the sharply drawn rear lights radiate dynamic intent. The fresh interpretation of the lights’ familiar “L” shape frames the LED element as an illuminating three-dimensional sculpture that projects from the rear to eye-catching effect.

Located between the rear lights is the BMW logo. Below, the almost uninterrupted transition from tailgate to rear apron creates a cohesive overall picture which spotlights the car’s crisp surface language with particular clarity. The dark cladding below the rear apron lifts the whole rear end visually, while at the same time giving its upper section a slimmer look. The body-colour rear apron provides a dynamic flourish to round off the lower reaches of the rear. A large tailpipe at either outer extreme emphasises the car’s broad stance, while the surrounding surfaces reference the three-way split and overall form of the front air intakes.

Los Angeles/ Munich/ Shanghai. BMW Group DesignworksUSA, a creative consultancy and subsidiary of BMW Group, is the recipient of eight GOOD DESIGN™ Awards for design excellence. The Award program is organized by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design in cooperation with the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies. In 2013 thousands of entries from over 38 countries around the world were submitted. DesignworksUSA was honoured with the Good Design Award for diverse design programs mirrowing the studio`s broad client portfolio. Each one of the winning designs pulled from the company´s core design principles such as cross-fertilization, future thinking, global context, and brand acumen. “It is a great reassurement for our team to see our core principle of cross-fertilization and the power of innovation that it produces reflected in the list of winning entries,” said Laurenz Schaffer, President, BMW Group DesignworksUSA.

Awarded design programs by DesignworksUSA:

ASRock M8 mini gaming PC: The ultra compact gaming PC speaks the language of strength and ultimate performance demonstrating extreme efficiency and big emotion. With magnetic side panels and an array of innovative features the PC is designed for maximum customization.

BMW i Wallbox: The premium charging device for residential use is part of a comprehensive  BMW E-mobility experience.  Its holistic, innovative charging concept provides for a new dimension of electric mobility.

Dacor Discovery 30” Wall Oven user interface:  Thegraphic user interface (GUI) is extremely easy to use and functionally intelligent.  With the Discovery IQ Controller, home chefs can expect the latest technological advances for the kitchen.

Hello ® oral care line:  It is theworld's first line of seriously friendly™ oral care products with a distinctive product design, developed to elevate the everyday.

Mercury Marine Electronic Remote Control:  A cable-less variant of a shift and throttle control for the Mercury engines, provides precise shift, throttle and trim response. Designed based on an ergonomic approach to surfacing, allowing for the creation of fluid and comfortable touch points.  

Premec Chalk Pen:  The promotional pen with its innovative design defines the horizon of possibilities within the cornerstones of simplicity and quality and translates these into a sustainable product. The chalk pen will be one of the lightest pens on the market.

PRIMA Cinema player:  The Prima Cinema player is a brand-centric and luxury offering that provides an engaging and fulfilling high-end home theatre experience.

Varian Edge™ Radiosurgery System:  The comprehensive radiosurgery system, designed for radiosurgical ablation, is a dedicated, end-to-end system for performing non-invasive cancer procedures anywhere in the body - wherever radiation is indicated.

A complete list of this year’s winners can be found on the following website: www.chi-athenaeum.org

In the event of inquiries please contact:

BMW Group DesignworksUSA

Jackie Jones, Manager, Marketing & Communications

BMW Group DesignworksUSA

Tel.: (805) 376-6253, Fax: (805) 499-9650

E-Mail: jackie.jones@designworksusa.com

Sophie Seidenath, BMW Group Design and Lifestyle Communication

Tel.: +49-89-382-24743, Fax: +49-89-382-20626

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

E-Mail: presse@bmw.de

BMW Group DesignworksUSA

BMW Group DesignworksUSA is a creative consultancy that’s been driving innovation for forty years. Acquired by BMW Group in 1995, DesignworksUSA enables its parent company as well as internationally-renowned clients outside the automotive industry to grow their businesses through design and a portfolio of creative consulting services. With clients including Coca Cola, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, HEAD, HP, Intermarine, John Deere, Microsoft, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Siemens and Varian Medical Systems, DesignworksUSA is deeply immersed in a broad cross-section of industries. Combining cross-fertilized knowledge with strategic long-term perspectives and global context provided by studios in Los Angeles, Munich, and Shanghai, DesignworksUSA draws upon its unique and vibrant resources to create the future. 

Website:  www.designworksusa.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BMWDesignworksUSA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BMWDesignworks

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/BMW-Group-DesignworksUSA

Vimeo:  http://vimeo.com/BMWGroupDesignworksUSA

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.  

In 2012, the BMW Group sold about 1.85 million cars and more than 117,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was euro 7.82 billion on revenues amounting to euro 76.85 billion. At 31 December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built 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. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last eight years.

www.bmwgroup.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview

Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

Munich .BMW is “rocking” the slopes this winter with an exceptional ski design. Agility, manoeuvrability and smartness – these are the qualities of the red fox that elegantly extends as a central motif over the entire length of the rocker ski. The sporty sliders were designed by DesignworksUSA, a BMW Group subsidiary, in collaboration with the ski and sports equipment supplier K2. “The design combines the characteristics of the automobile and the world of winter sports,” says Laurenz Schaffer, President of BMW Group DesignworksUSA. “Dynamics and emotion have been newly interpreted in the design.”

Ski design that tells a story.

The spectacular colours, material, shapes and graphics featured on the ski surface all tell their own stories. The central theme deals with the parallels between the world of the BMW X1 and that of K2. As a design icon, the fox represents the metaphor of the compact Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and, combined with distinctive x-shaped lines and the two brand logos, underscores the commonalities of the two companies. As a deliberate contrast to the discreet basic colour, the colour red is reminiscent of the BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride show car, which celebrated its world premiere at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. A further element was taken from the automotive world: The running surface of the ski bears an illustration of a tyre track. 

Power and precision.

Just like the BMW X1, the K2 ski is at home on varied terrain. Thanks to the new baseline technology, a 90-mm waistline and a metal laminate Hybritech construction, it guarantees the highest possible degree of control and an exceptional experience in all snow and slope conditions. The ski, which was developed by K2 Sports, combines the advantages of traditional camber with the versatility and dynamics of a “rocker” ski. The construction has a slightly raised shovel for optimum performance in varying snow conditions and offers a high level of precision, edge grip and control on hard and icy slopes. Thanks to its construction and the progressive sidecut, the K2 ski is ideally suited to all levels of skiing ability and permits the highest degree of perfection and power both on the slopes and on off-slope terrain.

The creative exchange between the BMW and K2 brands also influenced, in addition to the concept study shown in Los Angeles, a limited special edition of the new BMW X1. It boasts exclusive design and equipment features as well as the intelligent four-wheel drive system xDrive and is only available this winter.

The BMW X1 Edition Powder Ride is out and about as an ambassador for the cooperation with the ski manufacturer K2 and is accompanying winter sports activities at 24 renowned ski and snowboard locations. The edition model’s equipment comprises the xLine features, aluminium, satin finished roof rails as well as a storage space package, including an armrest at the front. For the first time, optimum winter accessories are available as standard: The roof box 460 (incl. BMW base support) as well as the ski and snowboard bag sporting a design conceived exclusively for the special edition, all-weather foot mats and the luggage compartment mat complete this edition model. A particular highlight is the fact that anyone who buys the edition model receives a pair of K2 LTD BMW Powder Ride limited edition skis – available only in conjunction with the BMW X1 Edition Powder Ride.

The compact Sports Activity Vehicle has all BMW xLine design and equipment features. The edition model is available in the versions BMW X1 xDrive20i, BMW X1 xDrive28i, BMW X1 xDrive18d, BMW X1 xDrive20d and BMW X1 xDrive25d. The additional price for the Edition Powder Ride is Euros 3,450 Euros (in Germany).

K2 Ski: K2 LTD BMW Powder Ride

Length: 167cm, 174cm, 181cm

Dimensions: 132/90/115 (tip/middle/tail)

Radius: 20m@181cm

Baseline®: All Terrain Rocker TM

Construction: Metal laminate / Hybritech sidewalls

Details: Progressive sidecut • All-Terrain Rocker • Espe / Paulownia core • Boreholes in shovel and tail for skin attachment

Munich. BMW makes its debut as the exclusive partner of the annual awards presented by the renowned Art Directors Guild (ADG) in the USA. These awards recognise outstanding figures in production and set design from the international television and film industry. The prize presentation will take place on 2 February 2013 as part of a festive occasion at the venerable Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. The leading designer Herman F. Zimmerman will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in the shape of a trophy created by DesignworksUSA, a 100-percent subsidiary of the BMW Group. As part of this extensive collaboration, BMW will also provide the VIP shuttle service and present two of its latest models – the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and the BMW i8 Concept Spyder.

Stylishly showcased in front of the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is unmatched by any other BMW in uniting extraordinary dynamics and the aesthetics of a classical BMW Coupe with luxurious appeal. With its low height and flat roofline that sweeps into the rear, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe sets a new benchmark for automotive aesthetics. A further highlight is the BMW i8 Concept Spyder, representing the BMW i sub-brand. Its combination of intelligent lightweight construction and state-of-the-art hybrid technology helps the BMW i8 Concept Spyder achieve genuine sports car performance. Its sporty, emotional design lends it lightness, dynamics and efficiency coupled with unusual looks.

The BMW Group and the ADG Awards share a common passion for inspiring design. This is also reflected in the Lifetime Achievement Award trophy created by DesignworksUSA and to be presented to the renowned art director and production designer Herman F. Zimmerman. He made his mark, among other things, as the production designer for the cult sci-fi series Star Trek, and also put his futuristic design stamp firmly on The Next Generation series. The award will be presented by Alec Bernstein, Global Director, Creative Consulting & Strategic Partnering, BMW Group DesignworksUSA. The design of the “Electrified” trophy pays tribute to the achievements of Herman F. Zimmerman: “Our designers were inspired by the metaphor of a flying spark that ignites creative vision. This energy is, metaphorically speaking, electrifying. It prompted our designers to recreate this fusion of technology and art in the form of the trophy,” explains Bernstein.

The award ceremony will be hosted in the ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel –also familiar from the Golden Globes – by stand-up comedian Paula Poundstone. The Art Directors Guild Awards on 2 February 2013 will recognize outstanding designers from the TV and film industry.

For more than five decades now, the BMW Group has been supporting film and television as part of its commitment to the creative and cultural scene. Its involvement on this front embraces product placement, promoting film academies and sponsoring numerous events within the sector, ranging from high-calibre film festivals to small-scale, aspiring “film days”. Since 2010, for example, BMW has been a main partner of the Berlinale, the International Film Festival in Berlin. BMW also supports the Bayerischer Filmpreis, the renowned Landshut Short Film Festival and the Regensburg Short Film Week, among other events. It also promotes short films at international level, such as the “BMW Shorties” film project in Malaysia.

The interior design of a BMW vehicle is a continuation of what the exterior promises: Sheer Driving Pleasure. Beyond the familiar focus on the driver, BMW places key emphasis on an emotional surface language that resonates between the two poles of a lively yet calm design. Dynamic, fluid forms lend expression to the character of the vehicles, creating an organic surface design distinguished by smooth, harmonious transitions.

Clear focus: driver-centric design.

A hallmark of BMW interior design is the systematic driver-centric layout in which the cabin is ergonomically configured with the driver firmly in mind. Important operating and control elements in the instrument panel and the asymmetrically designed centre console are visibly angled towards the driving seat and are thus within the driver’s direct reach. The precise configuration varies according to the model, allowing each car to develop its own individual character in this regard as well. The optimal integration of the control elements and their carefully coordinated positioning reflect the perfection of the interior design and stand for the premium quality and exclusivity associated with BMW.

Emotional flow of lines: horizontality.

Stretched, horizontal lines accentuate the airiness and size of the interior, creating a generous sense of space that has a restful effect on the eye. The horizontal layout of the instrument panel counterpoints the vertically configured centre console with its technical features. The front aspect of the interior appears large and airy; this spaciousness perceived by the driver and passengers combines with the maximum possible range of technical features to form a perfect composition. The horizontal alignment of the interior design not only creates breadth but, thanks to the airy ambience, evokes a sense of agility as well. A deliberately suggested, subtle flow of lines is open to interpretation by the observer.

Play with light and shade: surface design.

The sensitive design of the interior surfaces likewise subtly addresses the subliminal level of perception among the car’s occupants, while a delicate play of light and shade engenders a lively formal language. By analogy with the human anatomy, a BMW interior is virtually devoid of flat surfaces.

Instead, individual surfaces come together in a flowing, organic motion before breaking free from each other again. Clear lines define the individual surfaces and demarcate them from one another. This emotional surface language – a hallmark BMW feature – demonstrates a consummate sense of form and perfect design.

Airiness at every level: layering.

The individual character of a BMW is expressed in the interior through a special interplay of surfaces and lines that follows the layering principle. This refers to levels made up of different materials which are visually “stacked” on top of one another and assigned various functions, in this way bringing the surfaces and dynamics alive. For the interior design of BMW automobiles, this layering concept marks the inception of a new, modern interior aesthetic while simultaneously creating a visual buoyancy.

Love of detail: perfectionism.

BMW devotes meticulous attention to the design of interior details. Indeed, they play a crucial part in ensuring that a BMW continues to spark pleasure and passion in customers years down the line.

Every detail, such as the control buttons, is specifically designed for each individual model. Keys and buttons are seamlessly integrated into the design of the interior and take up the surrounding flow of lines. In colour and intensity, their illumination adheres to a uniform BMW colour code that spans the entire model family. The gearshift lever boasts a sporty-dynamic style as the embodiment of the core of BMW interior design. A central operating element is the iDrive Controller, which gives the driver sensory feedback for much more relaxed and therefore safer control of functions such as the navigation system or automatic climate control.

“When designing the interior of a BMW, the overall impression is crucial. We always pay attention to the impact of the interplay of features, but also to the potential contribution of each individual detail. Size, movement and dynamics are very palpable in the design, but aspects such as safety and functionality naturally also play a key role when it comes to designing the interior. Above everything, though, stands form and aesthetics. That’s the benchmark we all follow.” Marc Girard, Head of BMW Interior Design.