2020 technical specifications, wheels and tires and pricing. Please note that this information is specific to Canada and all specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

Richmond Hill, ON.  BMW will host the world premiere of the all-new 2018 BMW X2 Sports Activity Coupé, and unveil the 2019 BMW i8 Coupé at the 2017 Detroit autoshow (NAIAS) on Monday, January 15^th at 9:35 am. Experts in the areas of design, product management and BMW’s electric vehicle strategy and portfolio will be on-site for interviews and to answer questions about BMW Group products and services.

WORLD PREMIERE: The all-new 2018 BMW X2 Sports Activity Coup é .

What:             The all-new 2018 BMW X2 Sports Activity Coupé.

When:            Monday, January 15^th at 9:35 am.

Where:           North American International Auto Show, Cobo Centre, BMW stand.

The world debut of the all-new 2018 BMW X2 Sports Activity Coupé in Detroit introduces a new breed of car that takes the stage as the newest addition to the BMW X family. Featuring an unmistakable design combining both sporty and urban genes, the bold, uncompromising nature of the first-ever BMW X2 is evident at first sight. Even next to its bigger brothers, the BMW X4 and BMW X6, the BMW X2 makes a distinctive impression with its unique design language and performance pedigree.

WORLD PREMIERE: The BMW i8 Coup é

What:             The new 2019 BMW i8 Coupé.

When:            Monday, January 15^th at 9:35 am.

Where:           North American International Auto Show, Cobo Centre, BMW stand.

The new 2019 BMW i8 Coupé also makes its world debut at NAIAS. Using optimized BMW eDrive technology with hybrid-specific all-wheel drive, the enhanced hybrid 2+2 seater has increased power and range over its predecessor, which has been the world’s best-selling hybrid sports car since 2014. Showcased alongside the new BMW i8 Coupé will be the all-new BMW i8 Roadster. The BMW i8 Roadster takes the BMWi8’s combination of locally emission-free mobility and high-caliber performance and adds top-down exhilaration.

ADDITIONAL VEHICLES FEATURED AND ON DISPLAY AT NAIAS:

- BMW i3s

- BMW X7 iPerformance Concept

- BMW X3

- BMW M3 CS

- BMW M5.

EXPERTS/EXECUTIVES

Please contact BMW Group Canada Corporate Communications to make interview arrangements with the following BMW spokespeople:

Adrian van Hooydonk                           

Senior Vice President BMW Design

BMW AG

Jozef Kaban                                          

Vice President of BMW Design

BMW AG

Ingo Lasslop                                        

Head of Product Management             .

Compact Class / BMW X2                                   

BMW AG

Julius Schluppkotten                                                              

Head of Project – BMW X2

BMW AG

Dr. Stefan Juraschek                           

Head of Electrified Powertrains,

BMW AG

Dr. Alexander Kotouc                           

Head of BMWi Product                        

Management,

BMW AG

Munich. BMW i will debut as the exclusive transportation partner at the Coachella Valley Music & Art Festival in 2017, providing VIP shuttle service and hospitality during the weekends of April 14-16 and 21-23. BMW’s sustainable, future-oriented brand will provide BMW i3 electric vehicles and BMW X5 40e iPerformance plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for transportation on and around the festival site.

A stand-out feature of the BMW i3 fleet at Coachella is a unique wrap that was created especially for the occasion, its design reflecting the creative and unconventional character of the event. BMW i8 plug-in hybrid electric sports cars with Coachella design will also take to the roads between Los Angeles and Palm Springs with a selected group of festival-bound celebrities and influencers on board.

Coachella is one of the world’s largest music festivals and provides an ideal stage for the BMW i brand: “The wealth of ideas the artists bring and the festival’s focus on sustainability create a unique atmosphere; Coachella is the birthplace for many trends, ideas and movements,” says Hildegard Wortmann, Senior Vice President Brand BMW. “BMW i is likewise a driver of pioneering innovations and the joy of sustainable mobility. We are positioning the sub-brand as open-minded, creative and inspiring – and Coachella provides an exceptional platform for this purpose, uniting creativity, passion and connectedness. We’re looking forward to an inspirational partnership.”

"Road to Coachella".

A social media campaign entitled “Road to Coachella” kicked-off the partnership on March 14. The campaign offers festival goers the chance to be entered into a drawing to win a festival pass by documenting their preparation for the festival and their own journey to Coachella Valley via social media using the hashtag #RoadToCoachella. 

Renowned composer and music producer Hans Zimmer (“Inception”, “Pearl Harbor”, “The Dark Knight” and “The Lion King”) has provided the soundtrack for a video promoting “Road to Coachella.

The three-minute piece, which debuted on April 9 on BMW’s YouTube Channel, is set to a Zimmer’s music and features the BMW i8 hybrid electric sports car, while providing a look at his preparations as he and his orchestra ready for their first-ever Coachella performance. Also featured in the video are fellow Coachella performers including Marshmello, Galantis, Ryan Rabin of Grouplove, Warpaint and Broods.

Furthermore, BMW i will invite visitors during the festival to visit the innovative BMW i Brand Lounge in the VIP Area, where they can experience up close the allure of BMW i and the unique Coachella design, co-developed with Garage Italia Customs.

About BMW i

BMW i is based around a wide-reaching concept designed to bring about sustainable and future-focused mobility. It is fuelled by visionary electric vehicles and mobility services, inspirational design and a new understanding of premium that is defined squarely in terms of sustainability and delights with innovative new vehicles. The design of the all-electric BMW i3 emission-free model for urban use is centred around sustainability, while the BMW i8 introduces us to the sports car of the future.

Munich. BMW i will debut as the exclusive transportation partner at the Coachella Valley Music & Art Festival in 2017, providing VIP shuttle service and hospitality during the weekends of April 14-16 and 21-23. BMW’s sustainable, future-oriented brand will provide BMW i3 electric vehicles and BMW X5 40e iPerformance plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for transportation on and around the festival site.

A stand-out feature of the BMW i3 fleet at Coachella is a unique wrap that was created especially for the occasion, its design reflecting the creative and unconventional character of the event. BMW i8 plug-in hybrid electric sports cars with Coachella design will also take to the roads between Los Angeles and Palm Springs with a selected group of festival-bound celebrities and influencers on board.

Coachella is one of the world’s largest music festivals and provides an ideal stage for the BMW i brand: “The wealth of ideas the artists bring and the festival’s focus on sustainability create a unique atmosphere; Coachella is the birthplace for many trends, ideas and movements,” says Hildegard Wortmann, Senior Vice President Brand BMW. “BMW i is likewise a driver of pioneering innovations and the joy of sustainable mobility. We are positioning the sub-brand as open-minded, creative and inspiring – and Coachella provides an exceptional platform for this purpose, uniting creativity, passion and connectedness. We’re looking forward to an inspirational partnership.”

"Road to Coachella".

A social media campaign entitled “Road to Coachella” kicked-off the partnership on March 14. The campaign offers festival goers the chance to be entered into a drawing to win a festival pass by documenting their preparation for the festival and their own journey to Coachella Valley via social media using the hashtag #RoadToCoachella. 

Renowned composer and music producer Hans Zimmer (“Inception”, “Pearl Harbor”, “The Dark Knight” and “The Lion King”) has provided the soundtrack for a video promoting “Road to Coachella.

The three-minute piece, which debuted on April 9 on BMW’s YouTube Channel, is set to a Zimmer’s music and features the BMW i8 hybrid electric sports car, while providing a look at his preparations as he and his orchestra ready for their first-ever Coachella performance. Also featured in the video are fellow Coachella performers including Marshmello, Galantis, Ryan Rabin of Grouplove, Warpaint and Broods.

Furthermore, BMW i will invite visitors during the festival to visit the innovative BMW i Brand Lounge in the VIP Area, where they can experience up close the allure of BMW i and the unique Coachella design, co-developed with Garage Italia Customs.

About BMW i

BMW i is based around a wide-reaching concept designed to bring about sustainable and future-focused mobility. It is fuelled by visionary electric vehicles and mobility services, inspirational design and a new understanding of premium that is defined squarely in terms of sustainability and delights with innovative new vehicles. The design of the all-electric BMW i3 emission-free model for urban use is centred around sustainability, while the BMW i8 introduces us to the sports car of the future.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World premiere: the BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition.

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

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

Asian premiere: the BMW Concept X2.

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

Asian premiere: the new BMW 4 Series model range.

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

BMW Connected with services developed specially for China.

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

World premiere: the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Richmond Hill, ON. … BMW Canada Inc. is pleased to introduce the 2017 BMW i3 compact electric car, featuring an upgraded battery pack with 50% increased capacity.

The 2017 BMW i3 with the new 94 Ampere-hour (Ah) battery has a capacity of 33 kilowatt hours (kWh) thanks to the higher energy density of the lithium ion cells. The battery dimensions remain unchanged while still offering a significant range increase. In everyday conditions, the new Battery Electric BMW i3, in varying weather conditions and with the air conditioning or heating turned on, can achieve a range of up to 200 kilometres combined (hwy/city)*, as verified by independent BMW testing cycles**.

The 2017 BMW i3 will continue to be available in a Range Extender variant which will also feature the new 94 Ah battery. When equipped with the Range Extender, if the driver requires additional range, the 2-cylinder gasoline engine is switched on once the battery is depleted to 6.5% state of charge and keeps the charge level of the battery constant while driving, providing an additional range of up to 150 km, thanks to a 25% larger fuel tank (9 litres).

The 2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah) arrives at Canadian BMWi Retailers in September with the following MSRPs:

BMW i3 94 Ah BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle  - $46,900

BMW i3 94 Ah REX with Range Extender      - $51,500

The pricing includes standard DC charging, previously a $750 option.

* Preliminary test results for BMW i3 94 Ah BEV. Range achievable according to BMW range testing cycle under everyday conditions in city environment, 20°C, heating/air conditioning,   preheating, COMFORT driving mode. Range dependent on a number of factors.

** Final Environment Canada figures still pending.

The driving performance figures of the 170 hp AC synchronous electric motor remain virtually unchanged. The motor propels the BMW i3 from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds. This makes the 2016 BMW i3 both the sportiest and most efficient electric vehicle in its segment with an expected EPA electricity consumption of 12.6 kWh/100 km (NEDC).

With the introduction of the 2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah), BMW i now also offers a new BMW Home Charger Connect, a residential charging station designed for comfortable and fast home charging featuring additional connected function.

Higher storage density of the lithium ion battery cells.

The BMW i3 (94 Ah) sets a new benchmark in its segment with 94 ampere hours (Ah) cell capacity, 33 kWh total battery energy, and an electric range of up to 200 km combined (hwy/city)1 on one full battery charge.

The high-voltage battery of the BMW i3 consists of eight modules with twelve storage cells each and its capacity has increased by more than 50% without any changes in exterior dimensions. By optimizing the cell-internal packages with more electrolyte and adapting the active material, BMW and Samsung SDI have succeeded in increasing cell capacity to 94 Ah and overall battery energy to 33 kWh of which 27.2 kWh can be effectively used. The previous battery of the BMW i3 (60 Ah) produced 22 kWh (gross)/19 kWh (net).

The lithium ion cells used set themselves apart in the competitive field by achieving a special balance between high energy density, cycle stability and safety in the case of an accident. The high-voltage battery also has an advanced thermal management system that keeps the battery operating in the optimal temperature range, which further enhances performance. For example, the coolant of the air conditioning system is responsible for cooling the high-voltage battery very effectively, while a heating system can also be used to warm the battery to ensure the optimal operating temperature before starting off. The High-voltage battery is covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty

Donington , 25 August 2015. BMW will be lining up for the FIA Formula E Championship once again in 2015/16 . The second season of the race series gets underway in Beijing on 17 October 2015, and BMW will be on hand as the Official Vehicle Partner.

The futuristic BMW i8 sports car (fuel consumption combined: 2.1 l/100 km / 134.5 mpg imp; CO2 emissions combined: 49 g/km) will once again see action as the Safety Car in the trailblazing race series for electrically-powered formula machines. And the all-electric (and therefore emission-free) BMW i3 (energy consumption combined: 12.9 kWh; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km) will perform the role of Medical Car, as it did in the series’ inaugural season. Added to which, a pair of BMW C evolution electric scooters and a BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid (fuel consumption combined: 3.4–3.3 l/100 km / 83.1–85.6 mpg imp; CO2 emissions combined: 78–77 g/km; figures based on the EU test cycle, may vary depending on the tyre format specified) will be making their Formula E debuts, as models from other BMW Group brands join the BMW i cars in the eDrive family .

“BMW i and Formula E make a great match,” said Jörg Reimann, Vice President BMW Brand Experience. “The world governing body of motor sport, the FIA, is branching out in a new and extremely interesting direction with the FIA Formula E Championship – and we have been on board from the outset. The series got off to a highly successful start in its first year on the calendar, with its all-electric formula racing cars, tight street circuits running through the heart of major world cities and innovative ideas engaging fans via social networks. BMW has been involved in Formula E from the word go. It signed up as the Official Vehicle Partner to supply the BMW i8 Safety Car and BMW i3 Medical Car. And this commitment has given the company a platform on which to press its claim as a leader in electric mobility. We’ve succeeded in bringing the driving pleasure for which BMW is renowned to the attention of millions of people in major cities around the world. The ball is very much rolling now; in 2014 and 2015 we laid the foundations for a successful partnership, and it’s one which will continue into the second season of the championship in 2015/2016.”

Formula E will become an “open” championship in its second season. Compared with the inaugural edition of the series, in which all the cars were technically identical, eight of the ten teams will line up for the new season with their own technology. The technical changes will be concentrated on the powertrain – specifically the electric motor, the inverter, the transmission and the cooling system – and see the cars differing in terms of speeds, soundtrack and, above all, efficiency levels over the race distance.

The 2014/15 Formula E calendar featured e leven races in ten countries on three continents. Ten teams took their places on the grid for that opening season, each with two drivers at the wheel of standardised cars . Nelson Piquet Jr. wrapped up the title in the final race in London – and duly took his place in the history books as the first ever champion in this new series.

The new season will begin on 17 October 2015 and again take in eleven races in ten countries.

For further information on FIA Formula E go to: www.fiaformulae.com

Further information on official fuel consumption figures and specific CO2 emission values of new passenger cars is included in the following

guideline: “Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen” (Guideline for fuel

consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained free of charge from all

dealerships, from the Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at

http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html.

The 2015/2016 season: Official FIA Formula E Vehicle Partner extends its line-up of models featuring new BMW eDrive technology.

The eDrive technology introduced through BMW i since 2013 will be carried over gradually into models from the core BMW brand. It will be included in the following vehicles as part of the Formula E race series.

BMW C evolution.

BMW Motorrad is supplying the FIA Formula E organisation with two BMW C evolution electric scooters for use as shuttles. The scooters enable zero-emission riding:

• Range in everyday use on battery-electric power only (EU):
  100 kilometres (62 miles)
• Maximum output: 35 kW (47.5 hp)
• Maximum torque: 72 Nm (53 lb-ft)
• Top speed: 120 km/h / 75 mph (electronically governed)
• 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph): 6.2 seconds; 0 – 50 km/h (31 mph): 2.7 seconds
• Innovations: reverse assist, Torque Control Assist, four riding modes, ABS, hybrid chassis, TFT colour display, LED daytime running light and sidelight, electrical safety to passenger car standard.

BMW X5 xDrive40e.

Available from autumn 2015, the BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid will be deployed as the Official FIA Formula E Rescue Car over the course of the new Formula E season and has been adapted to the technical requirements of the FIA.

• Range on electric power only (EU): up to 31 kilometres (19 miles)
• Overall range: over 800 kilometres (497 miles)
• System output: 313 hp
• Maximum system torque: 450 Nm (332 lb-ft)
• Top speed: 210 km/h / 130 mph (120 km/h / 75 mph on electric power only)
• 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph): 6.8 seconds

Modifications to comply with FIA Formula E requirements:

• Bank of LED lights and stroboscope light
• FIA radio equipment and transponder integrated into the vehicle electronics
  
  

BMW i3.

The battery-electric BMW i3 will continue as the Official FIA Formula E Medical Car. Two BMW i3 cars will be supplied for the electric race series:

• Range on electric power only (EU): up to 160 kilometres (100 miles)
• Maximum output: 170 hp
• Maximum torque: 250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
• Top speed: 150 km/h / 93 mph (governed)
• 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph): 7.2 seconds

Modifications to comply with FIA Formula E requirements:

• Bank of LED lights, fire extinguisher, paintwork and decals
• FIA radio equipment and transponder integrated into the vehicle electronics
• Attachment points for medical equipment
  
  

BMW i8.

The BMW i8 is the most progressive sports car of our times and, by combining the performance and appeal of a sports car with small car fuel economy, created a new segment as the first sustainable sports car. It offers zero-emission driving in town (eDrive) and efficient sports car performance out of town, where a highly turbocharged and efficient 1.5-litre petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology also comes into play.

With its revolutionary vehicle concept – which brings together a carbon-fibre passenger cell, aluminium chassis and benchmark aerodynamics for its segment (Cd: 0.26) – the BMW i8 represents the company’s technological cutting edge.

The BMW i8 will continue as the Official FIA Formula E Qualcomm Safety Car through the second season of Formula E. The modifications to the two new Safety Cars are far more performance-oriented and they have been adapted to meet the FIA’s technical regulations ahead of the new season, which gets underway in Beijing on 17 October.

The new BMW i8 Safety Car is the world’s first vehicle equipped for inductive charging with 7.2 kilowatts of power using Qualcomm Halo™ prototype technology . This allows the high-voltage battery of the BMW i8 to be fully recharged in around one hour only.

• Range on electric power only (EU): up to 37 kilometres (23 miles)
• Overall range: over 600 kilometres (373 miles)
• System output of FIA Formula E Safety Car: approx. 380 hp
• Maximum system torque: > 570 Nm (420 lb-ft)
• Top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph (using electric power only: 120 km/h / 75 mph)
• 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph): < 4.4 seconds; 80 – 120 km/h (50 – 75 mph): 2.6 seconds

Modifications to comply with FIA Formula E requirements:

• Certified safety cell – bolted and bonded to load-bearing elements of the body. Use of patented tube joints.
• New bank of LED lights and stroboscope light
• FIA radio equipment and transponder integrated into the vehicle electronics
• 2 x additional 12V sockets with 25A fuse
• Carbon-fibre racing seats
• Carbon-fibre centre console
• Six-point safety belt
• Removal of interior trim and airbags
• Modified trim elements on safety cell
• Modified position of safety belts
• Official decals

Technical modifications to the new BMW i8 Safety Car over the standard production car:

Chassis

• Modified chassis mount points and upper wishbones
• Custom-made Bilstein springs / dampers
• 15 mm lowered chassis

Wheels / tyres

• 20” ATS racing rims: black, powder-coated
  (front: 245/ 35 R20, rear: 285/ 30 R20)
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport sports tyres

Brakes

• Motorsports brake discs and callipers (six-piston at the front, four-piston at the rear)
• Improved ventilation / cooling for the front discs
  Direct in-flow of air via the front spoiler and deflector plates
• Modification to the rear section of the underbody (additional air intakes, spoiler) and airflow to the brake discs via supply tube and deflector plates

Aerodynamics

• Kidney grille split at half height
  Modified front-end airflow
• 850-watt fan (front)
• Number of dynamic pressure flaps in fan shroud increased
• Modified bonnet outlet cover and airflow
• Modified air deflectors
• New air deflectors and air deflector plate on the underfloor of the car
• Rear window replaced by plastic cover with air outlets
• Sound absorption panelling for the engine removed
• Two additional fans in the engine compartment
• C-pillar ventilation removed
• Lower-mounted engine soundproofing removed
• New anti-roll bar bearings
• Extension of diffuser below the combustion engine (75 mm)
• Heat insulation for the exhaust system
• Additional carbon-fibre spoiler lips at the rear
• Additional diffusers on the underfloor of the car (front and rear)

High-voltage battery

• Battery cell modified for testing purposes, now has higher electric output (+ approx. 10 kW)

Modified roll cage

• Seamlessly drawn precision pipe (25 CrMo4)
• Yield strength: 640 Nm/mm²
• Tensile strength: 695 Nm/mm²
• Bolts quenched and tempered
• Roll cage weight: 48 kilograms
• First FIA-certified BMW i8 roll cage

New inductive prototype charging system (Qualcomm Halo™)

• BMW i8 FIA Formula E Qualcomm Safety Car is the world’s first vehicle to offer 7.2 kW inductive charging based on Qualcomm Halo™ prototype technology
• Tested under all extreme climatic conditions
• EMC-approved

Munich. Please notice: On 25 August 2015, 4 pm, a press release on the continuance of BMW’s partnership with FIA Formula E will be published in BMW Group Press Club. The official announcement will take place in Donington Park/ UK during official FIA Formula E tests.

Picture material will be produced in Donington Park on site to be published
at 04.00 pm CET in BMW Group press club as well.

Munich. The BMW i Remote App for the Samsung Gear S smartwatch has garnered international success: the innovative app by BMW earns a prize in the “Software and Mobile Apps” category at the renowned CES Innovation Awards in New York.

The international Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is held each January in Las Vegas, with the forthcoming event taking place from 6 to 9 January 2015. With 3,500 exhibitors, the CES is among the world’s biggest consumer electronics trade fairs. The lead-up to the show sees the presentation of the coveted CES Innovation Awards in 20 product categories on 11 November 2014.

Selecting the winning submissions are teams of judges made up of independent industrial designers, engineers and media representatives. The “Software and Mobile Apps” category is guided by criteria such as functionality, aesthetic appeal, user-friendliness and innovative edge. It places the BMW i Remote App for the Samsung Gear S among the global front-runners in mobile apps.

Innovative, simple to operate and highly functional.
The BMW i Remote App for the Samsung Gear S smartwatch is an application which seamlessly connects BMW i drivers to their vehicle via their wristwatch. The app was developed to allow direct access to important information in real time. The app displays all key information at a glance on the smartwatch’s home screen: in the case of the BMW i3, for example, it shows not only the time but also the electric range available, the battery charge level and – during the charge process – the estimated charge time remaining. Using the touch display to click on the data sent to the Gear S by the BMW i Remote App opens a submenu with more detailed information presented in the typically classy colours and style of BMW i. A further submenu informs the user of the vehicle’s current status, i.e. whether any of the doors, windows or the boot are open.

Advance regulation of the onboard climate, which can likewise be controlled by the Samsung Gear S, is an important factor in extending the car’s range. In this way, the interior can be conveniently preheated while the vehicle is still connected to the power supply. This does not affect the charging process.

The BMW i Remote App for the Samsung Gear S is further evidence of how rapidly BMW can respond to the fast pace of innovation on the connected car front by drawing on BMW ConnectedDrive services and apps to deliver smart solutions.

Munich. Six wins thanks to Efficient Dynamics: with its current range of models and engines, BMW has achieved outstanding success in the 2014 "Green Mobility Trophy" awards presented by the automobile magazine "Auto Zeitung". Based on a reader survey, the awards were won by the Munich premium automobile manufacturer in six out of a total of seven categories. Three of these class victories were achieved by automobiles of the new BMW i brand, while two others went to the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition and the 4-cylinder petrol engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology. The triumph was rounded off with BMW being voted the "Most environment-friendly brand" of the year. The vote recognises both consistent development work and the courage to pursue innovative concepts aimed at reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels on an ongoing basis by means of Efficient Dynamics.

13 733 "Auto Zeitung" readers took part in this year's vote. The BMW i3 achieved an especially impressive result. The purely electrically powered 5-seater won in two categories and attracted the highest share of the vote in the entire competition. It was named "Best electric car" with a clear 30 per cent share of the vote. And it won the "Best lightweight construction car" with a remarkable 31.1 per cent. These two results show that both BMW eDrive technology and the lightweight construction concept featuring a passenger cell made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and an aluminium chassis are regarded as sound solutions for sustainable mobility.

The plug-in hybrid sports car BMW i8 - developed according to the same engineering principle - likewise finished first. Having achieved third place in its class last year, this time round the BMW i8 was named "Best hybrid car" with 20.9 per cent of the vote - just a few weeks after its market launch.

BMW achieved two more class victories with conventional drive technology. The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition prevailed against 20 competitors to win the title of "Best economical diesel". The mid-range sedan is powered by a 120 kW/163 hp 4-cylinder diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, accelerates in 8.0 seconds from zero to 100 km/h and has an average fuel consumption of 4.1 litres per 100 kilometres and a CO2 figure of 109 grams per kilometre on the EU test cycle. The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition impressed survey participants with this combination of driving pleasure and efficiency to gain 19.3 per cent of the vote, defending its title from last year. The current 4-cylinder petrol engines in the BMW engine portfolio secured an award with similarly unambiguous results. In the vote for the "Best downsizing engines", 18.7 per cent of readers chose the 2.0-litre engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and an output of up to 180 kW/245 hp.

Finally the diverse range of successful concepts and technologies for sustainable mobility is reflected in the result of the vote for the "Most environment-friendly brand". BMW clearly led the way in this category, too, with a share of 22.6 per cent of the vote. The combination of sporty flair and efficiency that is characteristic of the entire model program produced by the Munich-based premium automobile manufacturer thus gained BMW its sixth title of the 2014 "Green Mobility Trophy".

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

Monaco. Under the theme of “Energy efficiency and its contribution to sustainable economic growth”, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Johnson Controls and The Climate Group held the fourth Euro-Mediterranean Energy Efficiency Forum (EEF) on 24 and 25 March 2014. The forum was launched in 2009 by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Johnson Controls, to be joined in 2010 by its third partner, The Climate Group. The Euro-Mediterranean event takes its lead from the well-known Energy Efficiency Forum North America, which has been held annually in the USA since 1990. At this year’s EEF event in Monaco, decision-makers from politics, business and society demonstrated options and opportunities for securing a sustainable future for the environment and the economy. The organisers invited BMW i executives as guest speakers to apprise the forum of forward-looking mobility solutions by the BMW Group. Dr Julian Weber, Head of Innovation Projects E-Mobility for the BMW Group, provided insights into BMW i. The brand BMW i stands for visionary vehicles and mobility services, inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly guided by sustainability.

In parallel with the Energy Efficiency Forum, Olivier Dufieux, BMW i Aftersales Manager & Charging Infrastructure, BMW Group France, presented the first two production vehicles from the BMW i brand at Europe’s largest e-mobility fair, the EVER Monaco, held concurrently at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco conference and congress centre. From 25 to 27 March 2014, experts on eco-friendly vehicles, renewable energy and sustainable developments meet there for an exchange of views.

BMW i supports the 10th anniversary of The Climate Group, a longstanding partner of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

On the evening of 25 March, more than 150 international guests from politics, business, sport and music were invited by The Climate Group and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to attend an exclusive fundraising gala dinner in the celebrated Empire ballroom of the Hôtel de Paris. The evening began with a cocktail reception in the palace, for which a fleet of BMW i3 cars provided the shuttle service for guests. HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco took the opportunity to join Dr Nicolas Peter, Head of Sales Region Europe BMW Group, in driving the sporty BMW i8 plug-in hybrid to the Hôtel de Paris: “I was thrilled about the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the BMW i8. In Monaco we support the driving of low emission vehicles and I hope that we will see more of these cars on our roads,” commented the ruling prince.

BMW i: visionary mobility solutions for a sustainable future.

With its BMW i brand, the BMW Group is rigorously pursuing its corporate strategy and culture. As far back as 1973, the BMW Group was the very first company in the motoring sector to appoint an environmental officer. Ever since then, the Group has reaped numerous accolades in recognition of its commitment to sustainability. The BMW i brand espouses a holistic approach: with its tailor-made vehicle concepts, sustainability throughout the value added chain and complementary mobility services, BMW i redefines the concept of individual mobility.

“BMW i combines in the most concentrated form what the BMW Group stands for: long-term thinking and responsible action,” said Dr Julian Weber. “That is why we are particularly delighted to be taking part in the Energy Efficiency Forum and the supporting events in Monaco from 25 to 27 March. The very enthusiastic feedback we are getting here confirms that with our two premium vehicles – the all-electric BMW i3 and the sporty BMW i8 plug-in hybrid – we have caught the pulse of the times. At the same time, it is an incentive to continue to pioneer sustainable and tailor-made mobility solutions going into the future as well.”

Further information and picture material on the first two production models from the BMW i brand can be found using the following links:
BMW i3
BMW i8