Munich. Only weeks after its market launch it has already been hailed “Off-Roader of the Year”. The new BMW X3 has made an instant and lasting impression on fans of all-wheel-drive vehicles: readers of Germany’s Off Road magazine voted it their favourite in the “SUV” category. This accolade sees the new BMW X3 following in the tyre tracks of its predecessor model, which was voted “Off-Roader of the Year” twice in succession – in 2006 and 2007. The latest Off Road reader poll also conferred outstanding rankings on two other BMW X models: the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé was runner-up in the “Crossover” category while the new BMW X5 came third among the “Luxury Off-Roaders”.

This triple success for the family of BMW X models is further proof of just how attractive and popular a vehicle concept it is. Its triumphal career began in 1999 with the unveiling of the first-generation BMW X5, with which BMW called into being the Sports Activity Vehicle segment. This was soon followed by both the first BMW X3 and the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Its electronically controlled drive distribution not only made for surefooted traction and maximum stability on slippery surfaces, but superior dynamics on the road as well, creating a unique rendition of hallmark BMW driving pleasure. With the BMW X6 and the BMW X1, this concept found its way into further vehicle segments. Both models remain unrivalled in the competitive field of premium automobiles.

By contrast, the new BMW X3 joins a segment that is already inhabited by other premium carmakers as well. Thanks to its systematically honed qualities, however, the BMW X3 once again sets benchmarks within that category – a fact reflected in its being voted “Off-Roader of the Year”. The engines available for this Sports Activity Vehicle deliver superior performance and, thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, exemplarily low fuel consumption and emission figures as well. In spring 2011 the engine portfolio comprises two petrol and two diesel engines with output ranging from 135 kW/184 hp to 225 kW/306 hp. Depending on the choice of engine, the new BMW X3 features an eight-speed automatic transmission either as standard or as an option. All-new suspension technology brings with it a palpable improvement in agility and ride comfort compared with the predecessor model.

With luggage capacity that can be extended from 550 to 1, 600 litres and a folding, 40 : 20 : 40-split rear seat backrest the new BMW X3 boasts the greatest available space and flexibility in its segment. It also comes with a choice of innovative equipment features, driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive that is unique among the competition. As an example, the new BMW X3 is the only model in its class that has the option of a Head-Up Display and allows for in-car internet use.

The vote for “Off-Roader of the Year” ranks among the most important and traditional reader polls in Germany. Going back as far as 1982, readers of Off Road magazine have been invited annually to choose their favourite all-wheel-drive vehicles on the German car market. This year the selection was made from a line-up of 101 models in eight categories.

Munich/Frankfurt am Main. The BMW Group received one gold and five silver
awards at the 7th AutoVision International Automobile Film and Multimedia
Festival. Filmservice International from Munich and Vienna presented the
coveted "OttoCar" awards on 15 September 2005, the opening day of the IAA
International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main. From 260 projects submitted, the
international jury selected 52 entries, and awarded prizes in the five main
groups of advertising spots (TV and cinema), TV programmes,
websites/multimedia, information films and product presentation films.

The world's largest automobile film and multimedia festival is a showcase for
the best international films and interactive applications. "Every silver and
gold award winner can be certain that he has achieved something extraordinary",
said jury member Andreas Wegler, Client Service Director of the Publicis
Communications Agency in Munich. The following BMW Group projects convinced the
jury:

OttoCar Gold in the category Product Presentation Films/ Motorcycles: BMW
Motorrad "BMW R 1200 RT"
Experience shows - and so the loving couple in the best years of their lives
drive a BMW R 1200 RT for touring. On their trip through Norway, they drive
through a breath-taking landscape full of natural theatrical effects. In the
midst of craggy fjords, wide vistas and winding roads across mountain passes,
the harmonious pair enjoy one thing above all: the ultimate driving experience.
Agency: lucie_p GmbH Munich for BMW AG, BMW Motorrad

OttoCar Silver in the category Websites/ Multimedia/ Corporate Websites:
"Relaunch of the international BMW Website"
www.bmw.com
The ultimate driving machine - the relaunch of the international BMW website
offers visitors an adventure centre online. With a Corporate Identity that has
been revised down to the last detail, high-quality 3D animations combined with
films, sound, interactive interfaces and opportunities for downloading, the
range of facilities online provides an exciting backdrop for the BMW brand
products and services. Facts and information are presented in the highest
quality and in a fascinating way. The BMW brand home page has established
itself as a benchmark in the area of automobile websites.
Agency: Interone Worldwide Hamburg for BMW AG

OttoCar Silver in the category Websites/Multimedia/Brand Websites: "BMW
WilliamsF1 Team Website"
www.bmw.williamsf1.com
On this BMW web site, fans and specialist visitors can navigate at close
quarters through the 2005 Formula 1 season: Reliable information about racing
engineering and the events of the season is presented using high-end multimedia
content and interactive interfaces, and the site is continuously updated
throughout the year. Separate sections describe every Grand Prix separately, so
that fans can closely experience the work of the BMW WilliamsF1 Team. There are
more interactive events in the "pitstop", where users can navigate via
hotspots.
Agency: Phase 4 Communications GmbH Munich for BMW AG

OttoCar Silver in the category Websites/Multimedia/Brand Websites: "MINI
Relaunch /Showroom"
www.mini.com/showroom
At the international web site which has been designed according to the strict
requirements of the brand Corporate Identity, the latest techniques for online
communication encourage visitors to find out about the MINI product in an
entertaining way. With high-quality photos, films and flash animations, 3D
simulations, dynamic sound and expanded interactivity, the user-friendly
navigation guides visitors through the complete presentation of all the MINI
models. An extensive model comparison makes a difficult choice easier. Fans can
put together their ideal model using the configurator.
Agency: Interone Worldwide Hamburg for the BMW AG

OttoCar Silver in the category Streaming/ Web Only Films:
"The new BMW 3 Series - the sports saloon experience "
www.bmw.com/3erlimousine
The internet special developed for the new BMW 3 Series sports saloon invites
visitors to take a very unusual test drive. Film sequences with seamlessly
integrated 3D animations, sequences using intensely detailed bullet-time
technology, all accompanied by energetic sound, turn the dynamism and agility,
superb format and convincing safety features of the new BMW 3 Series into a
real experience. In addition to providing clear information about the unique
features of the product, the motto is, above all: "Feel the drive".
Agency: Interone Worldwide Hamburg for BMW AG

OttoCar Silver in the category Special Internet Advertising:
The internet game "Cool Flame - The Game"
www.be-the-first-one.com
In the online ad game for the launch of the BMW 1 Series in 2004, star reporter
Harley Flame searches for film producer Seymour Deville, who has suddenly
disappeared, through the virtual Montano Beach. The five episodes are
accompanied musically by singer Gina Lopez. The game integrates voiceover
dialogues, adventure passages, jump and run sequences and racing elements.
Downloads of useful gadgets and graphics as backgrounds or screensavers round
off the contents available.
Agency: Interone Worldwide Hamburg for BMW AG

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Jörg Schweizer, Public Relations, Film. Placement. Entertainment.
Telephone: +49 89 382 23250, fax: +49 89 382 20697

Michael Kirsch, General Manager Public Relations
Telephone: +49 89 382 25111, fax: +49 89 382 26972

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en
e-mail: presse@bmw.de