• All-new fifth generation of the the original Sports Activity Vehicle from BMW and the model that established the BMW X family.
• Power of choice: combustion, plug-in hybrid, and, for the first time, the battery-electric iX5 60 xDrive with an estimated 435 miles of range.
• Spacious, natural, and innovative interior with a relaxing atmosphere and groundbreaking Neue Klasse digital user experience.
• High comfort, BMW signature dynamics, and intelligent driver assistance in one confident package.
• World premiere at the Home of X: BMW Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – June 30, 2026…The new BMW X5 opens the next chapter for the Sports Activity Vehicle that created the segment. Now in its fifth generation, the X5 brings together a powerful new design, innovations from the Neue Klasse, and the broadest range of drive systems ever offered in a BMW model.

Since its debut in 1999, the BMW X5 has defined the BMW X family and helped shape the future of premium SAVs. The new generation carries that leadership forward as the first BMW to launch with five drive system types (depending on market), giving customers an unprecedented level of choice.

The 2027 BMW X5 lineup will include internal combustion engines with 48V mild hybrid technology, a plug-in hybrid, the first all-electric BMW iX5, and, at a later stage, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen — BMW’s first hydrogen-powered production vehicle.

The new BMW iX5, the first battery-electric BMW X5, debuts with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology. In the BMW iX5 60 xDrive, that means an estimated 435 miles of range (preliminary estimate based on BMW AG testing following EPA testing procedures), fast charging, 800V technology, and practical bidirectional charging, enabled by new 120-millimeter cylindrical cells used in the high-voltage battery.

“With its imposing presence and flawless symbiosis of comfort and driving pleasure, the BMW X5 became a global bestseller,” says Dr. Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “And now the latest generation also benefits from the technologies in the Neue Klasse and the widest possible range of drive systems. As a result, I’m sure the new BMW X5 will set the benchmark in its class once again and write the next chapter in its success story.”

World Premiere at BMW Plant Spartanburg.

The 2027 BMW X5 rollout begins in October with the market launch of the X5 40 xDrive. The rear-wheel-drive X5 40, plug-in hybrid X5 50e xDrive, and first battery-electric variant, the iX5 60 xDrive, will follow in the first quarter of 2027. Additional models, including a V8-powered M Performance variant, are scheduled to arrive later in 2027. Further ahead, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen will bring hydrogen fuel-cell technology to series production, pairing all-electric driving with quick refueling stops.

The 2027 BMW X5 40 will carry a base MSRP of $69,800, while the 40 xDrive will start at $72,100. The all-wheel drive X5 50e xDrive PHEV opens at $77,500, and the fully electric iX5 60 xDrive at $79,800. Each requires a destination and handling charge of $1,450.

Plant Spartanburg has assembled the BMW X5 since its 1999 debut, when the model founded a new market segment. Now, the Home of X reaches another milestone as the new BMW iX5 becomes the first all-electric vehicle to come from the US facility. Just down the road from the plant in Woodruff, the new sixth-generation high-voltage battery facility for the iX5 requires no fossil fuels for normal operations, underscoring BMW’s rigorous approach to reducing emissions in production.

Familiar X proportions meet a striking new front end, with vertically aligned BMW kidney Iconic Glow and a dynamic light signature.

The new BMW X5 blends the unmistakable proportions of an X model with the pioneering design language of the Neue Klasse. Across all drivetrains, it retains the commanding presence and classic SUV stance that have defined the BMW X5 for generations.

The upright front end is significantly taller than before, giving the new BMW X5 an imposing yet precisely proportioned appearance. Crisp surfaces, a larger matte-finish BMW badge, and precisely modeled hood lines create a clean, modern look. Front-apron design varies by powertrain: horizontal air intakes emphasize the sportiness and stability of combustion-engine models, while the BMW iX5 uses a continuous apron design for a more elegant, fully electric expression.

The reduced, vertically aligned BMW kidney Iconic Glow is one of the defining elements of the new design. Integrated into the daytime driving lights with the new double-X light icons, it remains illuminated day and night and forms part of the Welcome Light animation, giving the new BMW X5 an unmistakable signature.

Making their BMW debut, the double-X light icons combine low-beam headlights, daytime driving lights, side lights, and turn signal indicators in a single element, eliminating the need for an additional lens module. LED Headlights with cornering lights are standard, and the double-X icons can be switched off to reveal simpler diagonal icons.

Personalized welcome and goodbye animations, including the optional Ceremonial Light Carpet.

New welcome and goodbye animations create a seamless, personalized experience from approach to departure. The sequence incorporates the front and rear lights, optional Ceremonial Light Carpet projectors (part of the optional Tech Package), interior lighting, BMW Winglet door handle illumination, and exterior mirrors. Inside, the driver’s seat and steering column move to ease entry, while BMW Panoramic Vision and the Central Display deliver a personalized greeting. Customers can choose animations in RELAXED, BALANCED, or EXCITED modes.

The optional Ceremonial Light Carpet replaces the standard static light carpet with fully dynamic greeting and goodbye animations that vary by selected mode.

Monolithic design, new BMW Winglet door handles, an elegant silhouette, and muscular wheel arches.

From the side, the BMW X5 appears carved from a single piece. Clean, reduced surfaces form a fluid silhouette, while the gently sloping roofline adds agility and elegance. Hidden window seals create flush transitions between painted and glass surfaces.

The new BMW Winglet door handles, integrated into the B- and C-pillars in Black high-gloss, help create uninterrupted door surfaces and a cleaner side profile. The handles open the optional electrically powered doors with a light touch, close them with a press, and lock them by holding the front locking surface for just under a second. Soft Close is standard for smooth, refined door operation.

Sharp, angular wheel arches frame the large wheels and reinforce the powerful X stance, while their close-cut design supports aerodynamic efficiency. Standard matte Black side skirts add familiar SAV robustness and visually lift the body.

Powerful rear design with intricate rear lights.

At the rear, the new BMW X5 shows wide shoulders and a muscular body shaped by the deeply recessed greenhouse. The design improves aerodynamics and efficiency while emphasizing the vehicle’s strong on-road stance and flared wheel arches.

A body-color rear bumper contrasts with matte Black trim and a darker lower section, adding a precise sporting accent.

Slim, intricately designed rear lights echo the double-X theme at the front, emphasizing the X5’s width and premium character. Extending across nearly the full rear, they enhance visibility and give the new BMW X5 an unmistakable light signature.

M Sport Package and M Sport Package Professional sharpen the athletic character of the new BMW X5.

The optional M Sport Package adds a more dynamic look and feel to the new BMW X5. It includes M roof rails in high-gloss Shadowline and M Sport exterior elements such as the M Aerodynamics Package, M-specific door sill plates, and M light carpet. Two horizontal lines of contour lighting give the front end a clean, sporty appearance and make the X5 look wider and more planted. Sculpted front-bumper surfaces, expressive air intakes, and body-color side skirts bring the vehicle visually closer to the road, while Adaptive M Suspension, 21-inch wheels, and M Sport brakes with Dark Blue metallic calipers support a more engaging drive. Inside, Black/Atlas Grey sports seats in Veganza/Alcantara are added to the list of available interior designs.

The optional M Sport Package Professional takes the athletic theme further. Building on the M Sport Package, it adds 22-inch Trigon alloy wheels in Jet Black, M Sport brakes in Red metallic with a monochrome M logo, darker BMW kidney Iconic Glow M Shadowline, exterior mirrors in Black high-gloss, an M-specific bumper with additional Black trim in the lower front apron, M-specific door sill trim, an M leather steering wheel, and M seat belts.

Broad personalization: eleven exterior colors and wheels up to 23 inches.

The new BMW X5 offers extensive exterior personalization opportunities, with eleven paint colors including five shades new to the X5: Space Silver metallic, Grey Pine metallic, Vancouver Green metallic, and, from late 2026, BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic and BMW Individual Frozen Space Silver metallic. A broad range of special-order BMW Individual paint finishes will be available to order from April 2027.

Customers can also choose from ten wheel designs. 21-inch light-alloy wheels are standard, with 22-inch and, for the first time on the BMW X5, 23-inch wheels are available to further emphasize its powerful road presence.

Neue Klasse technologies shape a clean, sophisticated interior.

The monolithic exterior design flows into the cabin, creating a calm, sophisticated sense of space. The elevated seating position, large door trim surfaces, and redesigned instrument panel give the driver a clear, uncluttered view, while minimalist interior surfaces help keep attention focused on the road.

BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X brings Neue Klasse technology into the new BMW X5, expanding driver orientation and interior personalization. The redesigned instrument panel showcases the free-cut Central Display in an ideal ergonomic position near the steering wheel, while BMW Panoramic Vision spans the base of the windshield and works with the new multifunction steering wheel to create a modern, driver-focused cockpit.

Redesigned cockpit with a three-dimensional backlit accent strip and integrated ambient lighting.

Light animations play a central role in the atmosphere of the new BMW X5. Positioned directly beneath the instrument panel, the backlit accent strip with integrated ambient lighting wraps from door to door, surrounding driver and passengers with a warm, welcoming effect.

When inactive, the strip presents in the selected interior accent color: Dark Silver as standard or optional Silver Bronze. When active, dynamic animations turn the cabin into a personalized, multisensory space. Color and brightness adjust to the time of day and can be customized through My Modes or directly by the driver.

The light strip continues into the doors, visually expanding the cabin and enhancing the X5’s already generous sense of space.

Innovative natural materials, including slate and glass, elevate the interior atmosphere.

The interior of the new BMW X5 combines craftsmanship, innovation, and everyday usability. BMW introduces slate as a decorative surface for the first time in the X5 through the optional BMW Individual Clear & Bold interior application. An innovative process applies a thin layer of genuine slate to the base material, allowing it to be shaped precisely to the cabin’s contours.

Slate is used on the center console control panel, where it adds a distinctive tactile quality. Integrated touch controls operate key functions such as the parking brake, rear-window defrost, and hazard warning lights.

The optional BMW Individual Clear & Bold interior application pairs slate with crystal glass elements to emphasize both robustness and elegance. The gear selector, volume controls, and seat-adjustment controls are crafted from genuine glass, adding a refined look and premium feel.

The center console also includes two cup holders, two USB-C ports, and an Alcantara Anthracite smartphone tray with inductive charging and a magnetic holder. Black high-gloss decorative surfaces are standard.

Depending on the interior design, X quilting on the door panels and instrument-panel facing adds a modern, three-dimensional seam pattern. Together with reduced seat quilting, these details create a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

New optional BMW Passenger Screen brings front-seat entertainment to the journey.

Available for the first time in a BMW X5, the optional BMW Passenger Screen sits next to the free-cut Central Display and gives the front passenger access to entertainment from popular third-party apps. Passengers can stream films or join video conferences while the vehicle is moving, while the interior camera monitors for driver distraction and automatically darkens the screen distraction is detected. When parked, entertainment content is also available on the Central Display.

Premium comfort features include a panoramic glass sunroof, four-zone climate control, and Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos.

Standard equipment includes a large panoramic glass sunroof with an opening front section, bringing a bright, airy feel to the cabin. Its two glass elements cover about 28 square feet, combining an expansive interior sensation with an elegant exterior look when open.

The new BMW X5 also includes 2.5-zone climate control as standard, with slim front vents integrated almost invisibly into the instrument panel. The Central Display enables precise airflow control. The optional Climate Package adds four-zone climate control with a rear touchscreen, additional vents, ventilated multifunction front seats, and heating for the rear seats, steering wheel, and armrests. Battery-electric BMW iX5 variants feature a model-specific climate system with highly efficient heat pump technology.

The standard 280-watt HiFi System Professional uses 12 speakers to deliver clear surround sound throughout the cabin. The optional Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System raises output to as much as 775 watts, with a seven-band equalizer and up to 18 speakers with metal covers.

With Dolby Atmos support, the Bowers & Wilkins system creates a three-dimensional soundscape for compatible audio formats, delivering an immersive experience for music and video streaming.

Standard sports seats and available multifunction seats deliver elevated comfort, ventilation, and massage.

The new BMW X5 comes standard with heated sports seats, now with added cushioning in the seat and backrest areas for greater long-distance comfort. They provide strong lateral support, wide adjustment ranges, manual seat-depth and head-restraint adjustment, and lumbar support for the driver. High-quality Veganza upholstery, standard in either Black or Copper Brown, delivers a leather-like feel and refined comfort. The BMW M interior design in Black/Atlas Grey Veganza/Alcantara is available with the M Sport Package and adds M logos to the backrests. With sports seats, the instrument panel and door trims are always finished in Black Veganza.

Multifunction seats with ventilation and massage are available through the optional Luxury Seating Package or Climate Package. They add electric adjustment for seat depth and head-restraint height, plus dedicated ventilation in the seat cushion and backrest, and four-way lumbar support. Multifunction seats upholstered in Veganza are available in Black, Copper Brown, or Silverstone. If the M Sport Package or M Sport Package Professional package is chosen, the BMW M interior design in Black/Atlas Grey becomes available.

BMW Individual Merino Leather is offered exclusively with multifunction seats and is available in Black, Adelaide Grey, Smoke White, Tartufo, and Vintage Coffee, a finish with a rich, sophisticated patina. Matching Alcantara covers the instrument panel, front door trims, and Anthracite headliner. Merino Leather seat surfaces combine with Alcantara side inserts to create a refined matte-gloss contrast.

Rear-seat comfort also improves, with a two-degree flatter torso angle and increased knee room made possible in part by the 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. Even the Isofix mounts are finished to match the selected Veganza or BMW Individual Merino Leather upholstery.

The 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats include a through-loading system, while the center armrest integrates two cup holders that can also serve as a smartphone tray. With BMW Individual Merino Leather, the rear seats add matching neck cushions and an Alcantara center-armrest cushion.

Available automatic doors with standard Soft Close make entry and exit effortless.

Automatic doors are available on the BMW X5 as part of the optional Luxury Package. A touch of the BMW Winglet door handle opens or closes each door, with additional control available from interior door buttons, the My BMW App, voice commands, or BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X. Once seated, the driver can close the door by pressing the brake pedal.

Standard Soft Close pulls the doors shut smoothly, reinforcing the X5’s premium feel every time occupants enter or exit. An integrated servo motor allows the doors to be opened and closed manually with minimal effort. Radar sensors in the side skirts, front end, and rear enable quick operation and precise obstacle detection, helping protect against nearby objects and approaching road users.

BMW Digital Key Plus turns compatible devices into secure, shareable vehicle keys.

BMW Digital Key Plus enables compatible smartphones and smartwatches from leading manufacturers to function as the vehicle key. Ultra-wideband and Bluetooth technology allow close-range communication between device and vehicle, precisely locating the user while supporting a high level of access security certified by the Car Connectivity Consortium.

Customers can also share BMW Digital Key Plus easily and securely through a messaging app, assigning individual roles and permissions. Additional wallet-based functions include remote operation of the tailgate.

With BMW Digital Key Plus, the welcome experience begins as the driver approaches. Standard BMW Iconic Glow exterior lighting offers RELAXED, BALANCED, and EXCITED animations, while a touch of a BMW Winglet unlocks the vehicle. Inside, BMW Panoramic Vision and the Central Display continue the greeting as the driver settles in. The phone can stay in a pocket from approach to drive-off, and a goodbye light animation confirms locking when the driver walks away.

New steering wheels make shy-tech operation more intuitive.

The new BMW X5 steering wheels combine striking design, refined materials, and improved ergonomics. The standard multifunction steering wheel uses a self-supporting structure with a slightly flattened shape and vertical spoke, eliminating horizontal spokes to create a more natural grip. Integrated into BMW Panoramic iDrive, it provides haptic feedback and follows the shy-tech principle by illuminating driver-assistance controls only when they are available.

The sports steering wheel is available with the BMW M Sport Package and can also be paired with the Silver Bronze interior accent. Its vertical spoke carries a BMW M badge and is finished in black Veganza with Dark Silver or Silver Bronze accents, depending on specification.

The BMW Individual steering wheel is finished in Smoke White with a Dark Silver accent bar and is available with the BMW Individual Smoke White Merino Leather interior.

Included with the M Sport Package Professional, the BMW M leather steering wheel has a sportier geometry, no vertical spoke, and a black 12-o’clock marker to support confident control during dynamic cornering.

BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X delivers driver orientation, BMW-style.

BMW Panoramic iDrive represents the latest generation of BMW’s display and operating concept. Centered on the interaction between driver and vehicle, it links displays, controls, and software into an intuitive, ergonomic system that presents relevant information clearly and at the right time.

At its heart is BMW Panoramic Vision, which projects content across the full width of the lower windshield. Driving information appears on the left in the driver’s field of vision without obstructing the road ahead, while the center and right areas can be personalized and viewed by all passengers.

The standard BMW 3D Head-Up Display, positioned above BMW Panoramic Vision, projects selected information directly into the driver’s line of sight, including navigation guidance and driver assistance content. The two displays are precisely coordinated to create one consistent, clearly structured visual experience.

The 17.9-inch free-cut Central Display is the primary touch interface within BMW Panoramic iDrive. Matrix backlight technology provides crisp graphics and strong readability in varied lighting, while the free-cut shape supports ideal ergonomic placement. QuickSelect simplifies menu navigation for fast, intuitive control.

Widgets can be moved from the Central Display to BMW Panoramic Vision by drag and drop, with up to six arranged for quick access to frequently used functions. Additional widget content and submenus can be controlled through the new multifunction steering wheel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional capabilities for driver support have been added to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with the “Routines” function. It is now easy for the driver to teach a routine to the assistant, thereby maximizing individual driving pleasure. For example, if the driver sets the automatic climate control to maximum cooling and switches on seat ventilation whenever the temperature exceeds 80 degrees in summer, these actions can easily be combined into a routine that is carried out automatically. This works equally well in winter with the heated steering wheel, heated seats, and defrost function. The driver can also create personalized routines based on defined personal conditions, such as situation, seat occupancy, time, and temperature.

BMW Passenger Screen takes entertainment for the front passenger to the next level.

The optional BMW Passenger Screen has been specifically designed to provide entertainment for the front passenger during a journey. The 14.6-inch full-HD display allows easy and intuitive multi-touch operation. The screen seems to merge seamlessly with the Central Display with free-cut design, giving the front passenger full access to the wide-ranging BMW Entertainment offering. The package includes video streaming and TV programs, gaming, music, and much more. The interior camera can be used for video conferencing on the go. Log-in with a BMW ID is not required. BMW Digital Premium – included for four years at no charge when the optional passenger Screen is selected – includes the necessary data allowance and is available on all the car’s displays.

An integrated shield function ensures the driver can stay focused on the task of driving at all times. The interior camera detects any driver distraction while on the move and automatically darkens the display.

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

First-class in-car entertainment – greatly enhanced entertainment offering, including apps from popular third-party providers.
BMW Operating System X offers customers a broader range of in‑car entertainment than ever before. They can opt for the convenience of using the extensive app, video and gaming portfolio with the data included with the BMW Digital Premium package. Or they can provide their own connectivity by using their smartphone as a mobile hotspot or logging in to a Wi-Fi network. A single connection per car is all that is required, and this is then available to enjoy entertainment offerings on the optional BMW Passenger Screen.

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

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

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

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

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

The data required for entertainment functions is included with BMW Digital Premium, meaning there is no need for customers to provide a data connection by using a smartphone as a hotspot or signing in to a Wi-Fi network. This connection can be used with the Central Display and the optional BMW Passenger Screen. What’s more, the 5G-ready vehicle telematics system ensures the best possible streaming speed at all times. And with BMW Digital Premium, new functions and services can be added at any time – ensuring that the digital user experience will always remain up-to-date and connected.

An even smarter ride with extended functions in the My BMW App.
Since launching in 2020, the My BMW App has become a key component of the BMW experience, with more than 16 million active users worldwide. Designed for genuine software-defined vehicles (SDV) with completely new electronic and software architecture, the Neue Klasse technology forms the basis for mobile services: real-time interaction, more in-depth access to functions for a wider range of remote services and personalization, as well as new connection options for passengers in the vehicle itself. This new quality of integration delivers new experiences in the BMW X5 and contains a high level of potential for future innovation. Highlights include:

• Extended remote functions in real time: for operating vehicle functions remotely in real-time – including raising/lowering the windows, preconditioning the cabin with temperature adjustments and activation of seat heating, and setting charging windows for the BMW iX5 and plug-in hybrid models.
• Passenger remote control: passengers are now able to connect their My BMW App with the car quickly and simply by scanning a QR code. This allows them to easily control vehicle functions, such as music playback, temperature settings, lighting, and navigation control.
• Updates to Digital Key Remote Controls: initial functions in iOS can be operated with Siri; shortcuts with an iPhone or Apple Watch.

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

Flexibility even after buying the vehicle: software updates and extended choice of BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades
BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades allow customers to add further digital products and services to their vehicle after they have bought it. All BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades give customers the option of activating a free trial period. Depending on the product at hand, these functions can be booked for the vehicle’s lifetime, one year or one month. They can be obtained from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store either via an internet browser, in the My BMW App or directly from the car.

The BMW ConnectedDrive Store serves as the main gateway for customers wishing to obtain third-party apps, download BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades or manage existing downloads.

Over-the-air software updates will also ensure the new BMW X5 is always kept up to date. The update capability and updating process have been carefully refined and simplified for BMW Operating System X. Updates can even be carried out automatically, if desired.

The first battery-electric BMW iX5.
The new BMW iX5 60 xDrive launches with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, combining a new electric powertrain with a completely redesigned high-voltage battery concept first introduced in the BMW iX3. Known as Gen6, the 800V system delivers significantly increased range, faster charging, and bidirectional charging capability, and a standard NACS charging port.

Gen6 also introduces newly developed electric motors and high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, delivering 20 percent greater energy density than the previous Gen5 prismatic battery cells.

New lithium-ion cylindrical cells increase energy density.
The BMW iX5 is the first model to use new 120-millimeter-high cylindrical cells in the high-voltage battery. Measuring 46 millimeters in diameter, they use the same cell chemistry as the 95-millimeter-high cells in the BMW iX3, with the increased height raising usable cell energy by almost 30 percent.

Cell-to-pack design supports 144 kWh of net usable energy.

The cylindrical cells are integrated directly into the BMW iX5 high-voltage battery without modules or additional structural elements. This cell-to-pack design increases pack-level energy density while helping reduce weight and cost.

Energy Master: intelligent central control for all-electric models.

The Energy Master houses the high-voltage battery electronics and is positioned directly on the battery. New to Gen6 and developed in-house by BMW, it supplies power to the electric motors and onboard electrical systems while managing battery data for intelligent, efficient, and safe operation.

Two highly efficient electric motors with EESM and ASM technology.
The BMW iX5 60 xDrive uses one electric motor at each axle, producing a combined 570 hp and 593 lb-ft of torque. The rear axle, the primary drive axle, features an electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) developed for the 800V architecture. As the core of Gen6 drive technology, it produces 325 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Unlike motors with permanent magnets, the EESM is based on a stator that induces a rotating magnetic field with three-phase alternating current and a rotor with electrically excited electromagnets. The design of the EESM is therefore fundamentally different from that of motors with permanent magnets, allowing the magnetic field to be adjusted to the driving situation. This reduces losses at low loads and enables strong magnetic fields under high load for high torque and consistent power delivery. An inverter manages current conversion, rotor excitation, and control functions to keep the EESM operating at high efficiency.

An asynchronous motor (ASM) at the front axle adds 245 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. Compact, robust, and heat-resistant, the ASM uses induction rather than magnets or electrical excitation. Because it creates no drag loss when de-energized, it can switch off at reduced loads, allowing the BMW iX5 to drive on the rear axle alone for greater efficiency.

The BMW iX5 60 xDrive accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 4.4 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The first-ever BMW iX5 has an estimated electric range of up to 435 miles (preliminary estimate based on BMW AG testing using EPA procedures).

Gen6 supports charging up to 460 kW DC and enables bidirectional charging capability.
The BMW iX5 enters a new era of charging speed, range, and convenience. Its Gen6 high-voltage battery supports higher charging capacity through 800V technology, while a control unit with integrated switching matrix enables charging at 400V DC stations. With charging rates of up to 460 kW, charging from 10 to 80 percent takes just 22 minutes, and customers can add an estimated 170 miles of range in just 10 minutes (preliminary estimate based on BMW AG testing using EPA test procedures). On AC power, the BMW iX5 charges at up to 15.4 kW as standard.

Battery preparation brings the high-voltage battery to the ideal temperature before DC charging, increasing charging capacity immediately after connection and reducing charging time. When BMW Maps is actively navigating to a DC charging station, the BMW iX5 automatically warms or cools the battery. Drivers can also activate preparation manually through the Central Display or My BMW App, where battery temperature status and remaining preparation time are always visible.

Charging-optimized route planning in BMW Maps makes long-distance electric driving easier. If the destination cannot be reached with the available range, the system calculates an efficient route with charging stops, based on the driver’s preferred arrival charge levels and charging station operators. Using AI from previous charging cycles, it can consider expected charging capacity, reliability, and precise station location data when selecting stops. The intelligent charging flap also recognizes when the customer intends to charge and opens or closes automatically.

Every new BMW iX5 also includes extensive bidirectional charging capability, allowing it to serve as an energy source in multiple ways. Vehicle-to-Load turns the BMW iX5 into a mobile power bank for electrical devices, Vehicle-to-Home allows it to provide power during an outage, and Vehicle-to-Vehicle enables connection to vehicles in need of electrical power.

High-efficiency internal combustion engine with 48V mild hybrid technology.
The BMW X5 40 and 40 xDrive are powered by the latest BMW 3.0-liter inline-six, part of the current BMW EfficientDynamics engine family. A new turbocharger raises output by 19 hp to 394 hp, while maximum torque increases from 383 to 428 lb-ft. The BMW X5 40 models accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, or 4.8 seconds with a 1-foot rollout, and reach an electronically limited top speed of up to 155 mph when properly equipped.

The extensively updated B58 engine uses the Miller combustion cycle to improve efficiency by shortening intake-valve opening times. Optimized intake ports and combustion chambers, an ignition system with active coils and integrated electronics, electric VANOS variable camshaft timing, and an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head further enhance performance and efficiency. Switchable exhaust-side rocker arms can interrupt gas exchange, reducing drag torque on overrun by around two thirds and allowing more braking energy to be recovered by the 48V mild hybrid system.

A dual injection system combines high-pressure injection with a low-pressure supply to the combustion chambers. This improves flow characteristics in the intake ports and cylinders, helping reduce particle buildup and CO2 emissions.

48V mild hybrid system with crankshaft-mounted starter generator in the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
At the heart of the 48V mild hybrid system is an electric motor integrated with the power electronics in the compact housing of the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. Acting as a crankshaft-mounted starter generator, it helps the combustion engine deliver smooth, dynamic, and efficient performance.

Depending on the driving situation, the mild hybrid system provides up to 148 lb-ft of torque and up to 17 hp of electric boost for sharper response when pulling away or accelerating. The starter generator also makes Automatic Start/Stop operation smoother. Energy for the boost function is stored in a 48V battery beneath the luggage compartment, charged mainly through recuperation during overrun and braking. The same battery also supplies the vehicle’s 12V electrical system through a voltage transformer.

The BMW X5 50e xDrive.

The BMW X5 50e xDrive pairs the updated six-cylinder inline engine with a synchronous electric motor rated at 194 hp. Integrated with the power electronics inside the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, the motor requires no additional installation space. It draws energy from a fifth-generation high-voltage lithium-ion battery in the underbody, with 26.5 kWh of usable energy.

Together, the combustion engine and electric drive produce 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of system torque, with the straight-six contributing 308 hp. The BMW X5 50e xDrive accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, can reach an electronically limited 155 mph, and can travel up to 87 mph in pure electric mode. The estimated all-electric range is up to a very practical 44 miles (preliminary estimate based on BMW AG testing using EPA test procedures), an improvement of about 15 percent from the previous generation.

Refined chassis technology delivers signature BMW dynamics with elevated comfort.
For the fifth-generation BMW X5, BMW has further refined the balance of dynamic capability and long-distance comfort. The double-wishbone front axle, five-link rear axle, and chassis systems are adapted to each model and drivetrain, while increased track width, standard mixed-size tires, and additional body stiffness enhance precision. New acoustically decoupled steering and a new steering gear further improve comfort and control.

The Heart of Joy with BMW Dynamic Performance Control opens a new dimension in the all-electric BMW iX5.
Advanced, highly connected driving dynamics systems help the new BMW X5 use available grip to full effect. Combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid models use tenth-generation Lateral Dynamics Management and near-actuator wheel slip limitation for fast, precise control. Lateral Dynamics Management coordinates agility-related functions, including intelligent all-wheel drive, while stabilization and engine management remain part of BMW’s proven network of specialized control units.

The all-electric BMW iX5 models and future BMW iX5 Hydrogen go further with Neue Klasse technology. Their additional “Superbrain,” the Heart of Joy with BMW Dynamic Performance Control, was developed fully in-house and acts up to ten times faster than previous systems. It adjusts the drive system, brakes, steering functions, charging, and recuperation in milliseconds, using the electric drive system to support performance and efficiency with unprecedented precision.

The result is composed, precise handling that reinterprets The Ultimate Driving Machine for the BMW iX5. The Heart of Joy reduces corrective inputs, supports consistent cornering behavior, and increases driver confidence. It also enables exceptionally smooth stopping and improves efficiency by expanding recuperation to more driving situations, including deceleration to a standstill.

Both driving stacks are tailored to their respective powertrains, helping deliver the precise, confidence-inspiring driving experience expected of a BMW. Future models will also benefit from high-performance driving dynamics management optimized for each powertrain variant.

Enhanced Trailer Stability Control supports confident towing.
Optimized trailer sway logic helps the new BMW X5 recognize trailer movement early and counteract it quickly. Depending on equipment, the system can intervene in several ways. For the first time, the all-electric BMW iX5 can use the optional rear-wheel steering to help stabilize a trailer, adding comfort and confidence while towing. If sway becomes more pronounced, all models can use braking intervention to stabilize the vehicle and trailer.

Standard 21-inch wheels, with 22-inch and 23-inch options available.
Larger wheels and tires further support the new BMW X5’s improved driving characteristics. Standard 21-inch wheels are paired with mixed-size tires measuring 255 millimeters at the front and 285 millimeters at the rear. Optional 22-inch (with either all-season or summer tires) and 23-inch wheels are also available.

Near 50:50 weight distribution and adaptive suspension as standard.
The new BMW X5 boasts adaptive suspension as standard, with dampers controlled electronically at each individual wheel, and weight distribution close to 50:50. Continuous adjustment of the damping can fine-tune the suspension across a wide range extending from high ride comfort to sporty, dynamic driving. Alternatively, the driver can also use the My Modes to select a basic setting for the adaptive suspension, ranging from comfort to dynamic.

Adjustable vehicle height can be used to improve ride comfort or increase efficiency.
One component of the optional adaptive two-axle air suspension is the automatic self-levelling function, which keeps the vehicle at the desired height regardless of the load. This means that the suspension’s full range of spring travel is always available to absorb any uneven surfaces and it will provide optimal ride characteristics, no matter how heavily laden the vehicle is. The adaptive two‑axle air suspension also provides the option of adjusting the vehicle’s ride height automatically or manually. The driver can choose from three settings in the Air Suspension menu. With the Auto setting, the vehicle automatically adjusts to the current driving speed and the selected My Mode. The starting level is maintained up to a speed of approximately 87 mph, at which point vehicle ride height lowers by 10 millimeters. Ride height lowers a further 10 millimeters above 124 mph or automatically if Sport or Sport + chassis settings are selected in My Modes. This lowers the center of gravity and reduces the vehicle’s air resistance. For the High setting, the vehicle is raised by 20 millimeters, increasing the ground clearance when not on paved roads, or when driving over obstacles or using garage exit ramps, for example. The Low setting lowers the BMW X5 by 40 millimeters when parked, making loading more comfortable and ensuring that it is easier to get in and out of the vehicle. The lowering option can now be selected while the vehicle is moving, which was not possible before. The vehicle is then lowered automatically when it comes to a stop. When restarted, the BMW X5 automatically returns to the Auto setting.

Adaptive Chassis Control Professional with roll stabilization for BEV and PHEV for the ultimate in signature BMW driving dynamics combined with maximum ride comfort.
Adaptive Chassis Control Professional is available as an optional extra to maximize the dynamic prowess of the all-electric BMW iX5 and the X5 50e xDrive. It features active roll stabilization that uses a 48V electric motor positioned in the center of each axle and active anti-roll bars to ensure fast and precise compensation of the lateral forces inducing body roll when driving through corners. Adaptive Chassis Control Professional improves agility, directional accuracy, and driving precision, while also enabling highly dynamic steering response thanks to its ability to stabilize body roll more effectively. As a result, the driver enjoys extremely precise reactions from the steering and impressive agility.

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

Integral Active Steering makes even lighter work of maneuvering with an improved turning circle, increases agility at low and moderate speeds, and optimizes poise and assurance when changing lanes at high speed. To this end, the rear wheels are turned in either the same or the opposite direction to the front wheels – depending on road speed – by up to 3.2 degrees. Steering the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels at low speeds reduces the turning circle of the BMW X5 by around 2.5 feet.

BMW Symbiotic Drive keeps the driver engaged in the interaction between human and artificial intelligence.
BMW’s advanced Level 2 driver assistance systems are designed for seamless cooperation between driver and vehicle. Rather than pursuing the highest possible automation in every situation, BMW focuses on assistance that is useful, controllable, and confidence inspiring. Even when assistance is active, the driver can accelerate, steer, or brake without deactivating the system. Clear displays and operating logic in BMW Panoramic iDrive help make assisted driving intuitive while supporting safe use of the highest SAE Level 2 automation.

BMW Symbiotic Drive also shapes the behavior of active safety systems such as Lane Keeping Assistant. Operating unobtrusively in the background, these systems interpret steering behavior and driver gaze to help determine intent, intervening with warnings or steering support only when unintentional lane departure or a potential collision is detected.

Optional Highway Assistant enables hands-free driving on suitable highways at speeds up to 85 mph.
Highway Assistant allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel for extended periods on suitable limited-access highways at speeds up to 85 mph, when weather and traffic conditions permit. The driver must remain attentive and ready to intervene. Enhanced with Active Lane Change with Eye Activation, the system can recommend a lane change when the X5 approaches slower traffic. A glance toward the appropriate exterior mirror confirms the maneuver, and the vehicle signals and changes lanes when it is safe to do so.

Standard Driving Assistant Plus supports steering, braking, and speed control.
Driving Assistant Plus comes standard on the BMW X5 and can help control speed, maintain distance from the vehicle ahead, and keep the X5 centered in its lane at the driver’s request. The system can also adjust speed to detected limits and for upcoming corners, roundabouts, and turns. As with all driver assistance systems, the driver must remain alert and ready to take over at any time.

BMW Symbiotic Drive with BMW Soft Stop supports smooth recuperative braking to a standstill.
In the BMW iX5 and upcoming BMW iX5 Hydrogen, the Heart of Joy works with BMW Dynamic Performance Control to manage drive, braking, steering subfunctions, charging, and recuperation. In all-electric BMW iX5 variants with driver assistance activated, the Superbrain of Automated Driving enables BMW Soft Stop, using precise electric-motor control to bring the vehicle to an exceptionally smooth stop without jerking or brake noise. In everyday driving, recuperation handles nearly all braking; conventional brakes are reserved for enthusiastic driving or emergency braking.

An expanded suite of standard active safety functions builds on the outgoing model.
BMW Symbiotic Drive helps active safety functions intervene only when a risk is detected, and the driver is distracted or not fully in control. Standard features include Lane Keeping Assistant, Active Blind Spot Detection, Side Collision Protection, and Crossing Traffic Warning with Brake Intervention when turning into a road or leaving a parking space. Emergency Brake Assistant with Evasion Assistant helps prevent frontal collisions with maximum braking when needed and can now respond to wildlife crossing the road. Exit warning can also delay door opening when, for example, a cyclist is approaching.

Parking Assistant Plus adds AI-supported parking space detection and maneuver planning.
Optional Parking Assistant Plus on the new BMW X5 supports swift, smooth semi-automated parking. A redesigned surround visualization makes detected spaces easier to select, while the system provides 360-degree views with curb, 3D, and car wash perspectives. Maneuver Assistant can record and repeat recurring maneuvers up to 600 feet. The optional Parking Assistant Professional adds Remote Control Parking and stored-maneuver control from up to 15 feet away using the My BMW App. Driving and parking assistance functions can also be activated later through the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.

BMW Group in the U.S.

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 359 BMW retailers, 139 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

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• Base MSRP $61,500 plus $1,350 destination and handling.
• Official EPA estimated range of up to 434 miles.
• Configurator and reservation live now on bmwusa.com.
• US market launch set for September 25.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 7, 2026… Today, BMW is proud to announce the base price of the 2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive – the first series-production Neue Klasse model – will be $61,500 plus $1,350 destination and handling when it enters the US market in September of this year. For that price, customers can acquire a very well equipped, fully electric BMW SAV capable of up to 434 miles of range on a full charge. Even at the starting price, the iX3 brings the pioneering Panoramic iDrive user experience powered by BMW Operating System X, class-leading driving dynamics enabled by the Heart of Joy superbrain, and an 800V architecture that allows up to 400 kW charging at DC fast charging stations.

The Build Your Own configurator is now live on bmwusa.com. Customers can design their ideal 2027 iX3 50 xDrive and then reserve their vehicle through their preferred retail center with a $1,000 deposit via the portal on the website. Deliveries are set to commence in late September.

Exceptional electric range and super-fast charging. 

The iX3 utilizes sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology comprised of highly efficient electric motors, fundamentally new high-voltage batteries with more energy-dense cylindrical cells, and an 800V architecture. This drive technology reduces energy losses by 40% compared to fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, weight by 10%, and manufacturing costs by 20%.

These advancements result in outstanding electric range, illustrated below:

A maximum charging rate of 400 kW enables customers to add an estimated 185 miles of range in just 10 minutes or charge from 10 to 80% capacity in just 21 minutes at an 800V DC charging station via the standard NACS port. 

Major standard equipment.

BMW Panoramic Vision

Free-cut Central Display

Multifunction Steering Wheel

Perforated Veganza Upholstery

• Black Contemporary Interior Design
• Digital White Contemporary Interior Design
• Castanea Contemporary Interior Design
• Agave Green Contemporary Interior Design

Fast Charging AC

15.4 kW AC charging or 19.2 kW DC via BMW Wallbox Professional

Bi-directional Charging

Multifunction Charger

20” Aero Bicolor 1046 Wheels with All Season Tires

Seal & Drive Tire Kit

Ambient Lighting

Digital Key Plus

Wireless Device Charging

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Capability

Driving Assistant Plus

Active Blind Spot Detection

Lane Keeping Assistant

Forward Collision Mitigation

Active Cruise Control with Steering Assistant

Active Park Distance Control with Side Protection

Option Packages.

Comfort Package - $1,500

• Heated Steering Wheel
• Panoramic Glass Sunroof with Climate Comfort Glazing
  • May be deleted for $750 credit
• Multifunction Seats

Driving Assistance Professional Package - $2,500

• Highway & Commuitng Assistant
• Traffic Jam Assistant
• Active Lane Change with Eye Activation

M Sport Package - $2,500

• Sport Steering Wheel
  • M Steering Wheel - $150
• 20” M Aero V-Spoke Bicolor 1047M Wheels with Summer Tires
  • 20” M Aero V-Spoke Bicolor1047M Wheels with All-Season Tires - N/C
  • 21” M Star-Spoke Bicolor 1050M Wheels with All-Season Tires - $600
  • 21” M Star-Spoke Bicolor 1050M Wheels with Staggered Summer Tires - $600
  • 21” M Aero Bicolor 1051M Wheels with All-Season Tires - $600
  • 21” M Aero Bicolor 1051M Wheels with Staggered Summer Tires - $600
  • 21” M Aero Bicolor 1051M Wheels with Staggered HP Tires - $1,200
  • 22” Aero Multi-Spoke 1053i Wheels w/ Staggered Summer Tires - $1,350
  • 22” M MultiAxis Y-Spoke Bicolor 1054M Wheels with Staggered Summer Tires - $3,500
• M Sport Exterior Elements
• M Sport Interior Elements

M Sport Professional Package - $4,000

• M Sport Package Content
• BMW Iconic Glow Exterior Lighting
• M Sport Brakes with Red or Blue Calipers
• M Steering Wheel

Parking Assistant Package - $750

• Parking Assistant Plus
• Parking View with 3D Surround View

Technology Package - $1,900 ($1,200 if ordered with M Sport Professional)

• BMW Iconic Glow Exterior Lighting
• BMW 3D Head-up Display
• Harman/Kardon Premium Sound System

Major standalone options.

Perforated Merino Leather - $1,500

• Black BMW Individual Interior Design

Heated Steering Wheel - $200

Rear Heated Seats - $500

• Requires 3-Zone Automatic Climate Control - $200

Digital White BMW Individual Steering Wheel - $250

Metallic Paint - $650

• Black Sapphire metallic
• Brooklyn Grey metallic
• Space Silver metallic
• Vegas Red metallic
• Polarized Grey metallic
• Ocean Wave Blue metallic
• Eucalyptus Green metallic

Frozen Space Silver Metallic Paint - $3,600

Trailer Hitch - $750

BMW Iconic Glow Exterior Lighting - $850

Panoramic Glass Sunroof with Climate Comfort Glazing - $1,000

Harman/Kardon Premium Sound System - $650

BMW Group in the United States

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 355 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually. For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

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• Fund III will invest in physical AI, agentic AI, and software automating complex workflows across manufacturing, supply chains, and the broader automotive ecosystem
• It will also invest in circularity and advanced materials to drive industrial resilience and economic independence from raw materials
• BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse reaffirms the German automaker’s long-term commitment to corporate venture capital, as BMW i Ventures’ total capital under management is now $1.1 billion

Munich / San Francisco, April 29, 2026 - BMW i Ventures today launched its third fund, putting $300 million behind a clear premise: that AI will fundamentally reshape how the automotive industry operates and creates value across its entire ecosystem. Fully backed by the BMW Group, Fund III will focus on physical AI, agentic AI, industrial software, manufacturing technologies, supply chain technologies and advanced materials. The fund will invest across North America and Europe, from Seed through Series B. The launch brings BMW i Ventures’ total capital under management to $1.1 billion.
“With BMW i Ventures, we are investing in technologies that will shape the future of our industry. Our corporate venture capital activities play a key role in our innovation strategy, complementing our internal R&D and building strategic partnerships across the entire automotive value chain”, said Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW Group. “BMW i Ventures is launching the third fund at the perfect time: AI has shown its tremendous potential to transform products, operations, and entire value chains. Through BMW i Ventures and Fund III, we are best prepared to leverage these opportunities: We can anticipate shifts early, act quickly and efficiently on innovations, and remain at the forefront of our industry.”

AI as Operating Layer of the Automotive World

BMW i Ventures will focus on agentic AI, AI-native enterprise applications that automate complex workflows in industrial environments, and physical AI that enables robots and autonomous machines to perceive, plan and

act safely in the real world. As AI unlocks step-function improvements in productivity, decision-making and speed of execution, the fund will back innovations across the automotive value chain in automation, engineering, and manufacturing, from highly specific production optimization to platforms that enable connected and intelligent operations across industrial networks.

“With Fund III, we’re backing the founders who are turning AI into an industrial advantage, on the factory floor, in logistics networks and across global supply chains,” said Marcus Behrendt, Managing Partner at BMW i Ventures. “The new fund sharpens our focus for a world where AI-native software, robotics, and materials innovation will define the next generation of suppliers.”

“AI is quickly becoming part of the operating system of the modern enterprise,” added Kasper Sage, Managing Partner at BMW i Ventures. “We’re particularly interested in AI that can execute workflows end-to-end, driving real ROI through autonomous systems.  That’s where productivity gains have real business impact.”

Advanced Materials and Circular Supply Chains

For BMW i Ventures, circularity remains a core investment pillar that supports industrial resilience and helps reduce exposure to constrained or geopolitically sensitive supply chains for critical materials. Fund III will continue to back next-generation materials innovations and technologies designed to advance circular industrial systems across product design, manufacturing processes, and supply chains. This includes technologies that support recycling and recovery of critical materials, circular manufacturing processes, and new materials that combine performance improvements with more efficient resource use.

“Circularity is not only about reducing emissions, it’s about securing access to raw materials and reducing exposure to constrained supply chains,” said Behrendt. “The new fund’s focus on AI expands the toolkit for sustainability rather than replacing it.”

Building on More Than a Decade of Experience

Since 2011, BMW i Ventures has invested in more than 90 companies and realized more than 30 exits. This track record includes successes like GaN Systems (acquired by Infineon for $830 million) and 11 portfolio companies that have gone public, such as Kodiak, Chargepoint, and Xometry. Active portfolio highlights

include Skylo, a specialist in satellite connectivity; Embotech, a provider of autonomous driving solutions for industrial logistics; Tekion, an AI-native automotive retail platform; Rive, an interactive UI design and animation engine; and Synera, an AI agent platform for engineering.

Long-Term Commitment to Venture Investing

Through BMW i Ventures, the BMW Group gains early access to strategically relevant innovations while building insight into emerging trends and disruptions across global technology ecosystems. This helps strengthen BMW’s long-term competitiveness and supports the integration of new technologies into future vehicles, production systems, and digital services.
BMW i Ventures’ first fund has already returned significant capital, with positive DPI (Distributed to Paid-In capital), and Fund II is nearing the end of its initial investment period with over 30 portfolio companies. Fund III builds on the first two funds and is structured to lead investment rounds while maintaining its footprint in the United States and Europe. The new fund has the capacity to back AI-native companies as early as the seed stage, reflecting how quickly AI-first companies can now be built and scaled. Operating with the independence and speed of a traditional venture firm, BMW i Ventures is structured to identify and back emerging technologies well before they reach the mainstream.

                                            # # #

About BMW i Ventures
BMW i Ventures is the independent venture capital fund of the BMW Group, based in Silicon Valley and Munich. BMW i Ventures invests in companies that are shaping the future of the automotive industry, manufacturing, and the supply chain, focusing on physical AI, agentic AI, AI-native enterprise and industrial software. BMW i Ventures invests in startups in all phases across North America and Europe, from seed to growth stage, with an emphasis on Series A and B. Since 2011, BMW i Ventures has invested in more than 90 companies, including GaN Systems, Kodiak, Chargepoint, Xometry, Skylo, Embotech, Tekion, Rive and Synera. The firm's total capital under management is $1.1 billion. For more information, visit www.bmwiventures.com

BMW Group in the United States

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 355 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 37 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

                                            # # #

• The core of the brand reinterpreted: modern, timeless, and unmistakable.
• Modern BMW 2.5-box silhouette with long wheelbase, short overhangs, and flared wheel arches.
• New front-end design: kidney grille and four-eye light signature form a unified geometry-and-light element.
• Driver-focused interior anchored by the BMW Panoramic iDrive and the free-cut central display.
• Gen6 BMW eDrive technology with 800-volt architecture enabling 400kW DC charging and a projected 440 miles of range.
• BMW Symbiotic Drive and available Level 2+ automated driving with intuitive human-vehicle assistance.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 18, 2026… The BMW 3 Series is the essence of the BMW brand. For five decades, this icon has stood for sporty driving pleasure, unmistakably attractive design and consistent progress. A legacy to which every generation of the BMW 3 Series is committed. The new, fully electric BMW i3 enhances the familiar character of the BMW 3 Series with additional, unique features. 

As the next model in the Neue Klasse, it represents a technological quantum leap into a new era. The first all-electric BMW 3 Series launches as the BMW i3 50 xDrive, which has an electric motor on both the front and rear axles. The combined system power output is

463 hp[1] while maximum torque is 476 ft-llb. The highly efficient sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, together with the new BMW Panoramic iDrive and Heart of Joy, delivers driving pleasure on a level never experienced before. With BMW Symbiotic Drive, the assisted driving experience is also entering a new era. The BMW i3 also stands for a modern interpretation of the hallmark design features of a BMW Sedan.

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

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

The new BMW i3 stands out for its excellent suitability for long journeys. Its estimated range is up to 440 miles (estimated range of up to 440 miles according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards). DC charging capacities of up to 400 kW also drastically reduce charging times. Sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology provides the prerequisites for this rapid progress. It comprises highly efficient electric motors, 800-volt technology, and new high-voltage batteries with new cylindrical cells. The cell-to-pack design used enables high energy densities at pack level and a flatter high-voltage battery. The BMW i3 also features the bidirectional charging functions Vehicle-to-Load, Vehicle-to-Home and Vehicle-to-Grid charging functions.

The BMW i3 will be manufactured at the BMW Group plant in Munich, which is the home plant of BMW. For more than a hundred years, the plant in Milbertshofen, in the north of Munich, has been producing premium vehicles. Over the last four years, the plant has seen significant modernization: Alongside a new body shop, a cutting-edge vehicle assembly area incorporating logistics space has been constructed. The new buildings are in their final stages of expansion. Production of the new BMW i3 will start in these halls from August 2026. The first vehicles will be delivered from autumn this year. One year later, the production portfolio will be switched to exclusively fully electric vehicles of the Neue Klasse. The plant conversion includes a large number of modernization measures.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BMW Iconic Glow exterior package for customizable lighting effects. 

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

Powerful rear, horizontal light signature.

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

Strongly horizontally aligned rear lights feature a new three-dimensional light signature and extend far into the prominent shoulders. Two light elements per side reinterpret the familiar L-shaped BMW rear lights in a new, abstract form. At the same time, they underlscore the width and the distinctive character of the BMW 3 Series. The BMW roundel is again located in the "valley" between the rear lights. 

Expressive: New M Le Castellet Blue metallic paint finish. 

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

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

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

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

Driver orientation: Precise and intuitive. 

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

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

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

Multifunction seat and BMW M Sport seat optional. 

The new BMW i3 comes with sporty and elegant seats that provide a high level of comfort and secure lateral support. Multifunction seats are available as an option. BMW M Sport seats are also available, which feature a sporty, expressive design and distinctive side bolsters for more secure lateral support.

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

Choice of numerous interior designs. 

The BMW i3 features precisely coordinated interior designs with its selection of materials and hues. The Contemporary version is available with Veganza upholstery in Agave Green, Digital White, Castanea, and Black. The leather-like, high-quality material is also used in the BMW M Design World, here in Black combined with M Performtex. In the BMW Individual version, exclusive black Merino leather provides luxurious seating comfort.

Sporty style with the M Sport package. 

The M Sport package is available as an option for the new BMW i3. Among other things, it includes the M Aerodynamic package, a sports steering wheel, exterior mirror projection with M logo, and unlocks the choice of blue calipers for the M Sport brakes.

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

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

BMW Panoramic Vision: Focus on driver orientation. 

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

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

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

Free-Cut Design Central Display. 

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

New multifunction steering wheel with Shy Tech operating elements. 

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

Customizability as a key feature of the system. 

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

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

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. 

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

The addition of Amazon’s Alexa+ AI technology¹ to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant increases the range of functions even further. The integration of Amazon Alexa+ into the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant marks a technological quantum leap focused on added customer value. 

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

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

The BMW Digital Key Plus becomes the preferred vehicle key. 

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

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

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

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

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

Electronics in four zones: More efficiency, less weight. 

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

Over-the-air updates allow for continuous improvements. 

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

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

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

Heart of Joy: Ten times faster than previous systems. 

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

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

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

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

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

Suspension: Sporty and comfortable. Optional Adaptive M suspension. 

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

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

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

Standard Driving Assistant Plus takes the strain out of steering and braking. If desired, it controls the speed and distance from the vehicle in front and helps the driver to keep the vehicle comfortably in the lane. The system can recognize posted speed limits and adjust the speed before curves, roundabouts, and turns. All driver and parking assistance functions can also be activated digitally in the BMW ConnectedDrive Store at a later stage.

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

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

In addition to advanced, highly efficient electric motors, it includes fundamentally new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells. Compared to Gen5, the range is increased by 30 percent. The new BMW i3 has a projected range of up to 440 miles (estimated range of up to 440 miles according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards) while charging speeds are 30 percent faster. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Energy Master: The highly intelligent control center. 

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

Two highly efficient electric motors with EESM and ASM technology. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): Bidirectional charging turns the BMW i3 into a home energy storage system: With Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) in conjunction with the BMW Wallbox Professional and a photovoltaic system, vehicle charging costs and electricity costs throughout the household are reduced. For this purpose, excess energy from the photovoltaic system is temporarily stored in the vehicle battery and is later fed back into the house when there is no solar power.

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): V2G allows the BMW i3 to be integrated into the public power grid and feed energy from the vehicle's high-voltage battery back into the system. Individual control using the My BMW App is simple and transparent. Customers always have full control over their current and desired charge levels. Battery life is safeguarded by intelligent protection mechanisms.

Simple, convenient, digital: Charging becomes an experience.

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

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

The driver determines the charging status at which charging stations and the destination should preferably be reached and which charging station providers should be preferred. By using AI, the system learns from past charging processes, for example, the realistically expected charging power, the susceptibility to faults or the exact location data of individual charging stations and includes the optimal charging station in the planning of the route. For full transparency, the customer receives information about the current occupancy status, the number of charging stations and plug types. The expected duration and costs of charging stops are shown in advance based on the individually stored charging rates. The vehicle and the My BMW App synchronize current information while driving; this allows the passenger to check the route on the go and adjust it if necessary. The availability of restaurants, playgrounds, restrooms, or shopping facilities near the charging stop is also shown. 

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

Intelligent charging flap: The charging port is located on the rear right side of the new BMW i3. It is possible to open the charging flap manually by simply pressing, but this is no longer necessary. Because the intelligent charging flap of the new BMW i3 opens automatically as soon as the customer's charging request is detected. One of the triggers for opening is AI-supported: If the customer walks towards a known or learned charging point, the movement path reveals the charging intention, whereupon the flap opens. If no charging cable is connected, the charging flap closes automatically – as it does after the charging process is complete or when the vehicle is ready to drive.

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

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

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

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

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

Decarbonization in the supply chain. 

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

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

Innovative materials and technologies in construction. 

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

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

Use of secondary materials in the new BMW i3.

The new BMW i3 consists of a total of around 30 percent of secondary materials1: The proportion of secondary materials in the aluminium cast components of the new BMW i3 swivel bearings and hub carriers is 80 percent; the cast aluminium rims consist of 70 percent secondary aluminium. The housing of the Gen6 motor also consists of approximately two-thirds recycled aluminium.

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

In line with the sustainability goals of the BMW Group. 

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

BMW Group in the United States

BMW Group began operations in the U.S. over 50 years ago. In addition to the sales, marketing, and distribution of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad vehicles, BMW Group’s business in the U.S. spans 30 locations in 12 states including BMW Group Financial Services, BMW Manufacturing, Designworks, BMW Technology Office USA, and BMW i Ventures. The company’s U.S. plant in South Carolina is the largest single BMW production facility in the world and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented by a nationwide network of 355 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 37 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. Taken together, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. provide and support over 120,000 jobs and contribute more than $43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

For more information about BMW Group’s business and products in the U.S., please visit: PressClub USA.

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• First-time demo of AI-powered BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with Alexa+ technology.
• Revolutionary user-interaction with BMW Panoramic iDrive.
• Sixth generation BMW eDrive Technology.
• Next level driving dynamics with the Heart of Joy.
• Seamless driver assistance with BMW Symbiotic Drive.
• Ever-evolving Entertainment and App ecosystem in BMW Operating System X.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 5, 2026… The new BMW iX3 is in the spotlight at CES 2026. For the first time, the enhanced, AI-powered BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with Alexa+ technology will be presented to the public. As the debut model for the Neue Klasse, the BMW iX3 showcases groundbreaking innovations that will shape the entire model range of the brand in the future. By 2027, the technologies of the Neue Klasse will be integrated into a total of 40 new models and model updates from BMW.

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

the vehicle. For the first time, passengers can ask multiple questions in a single sentence—covering both your vehicle’s features and e.g. general knowledge topics.

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

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

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

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

ConnectedDrive Store. Selected games in the BMW iX3 can also be controlled using Bluetooth controllers from conventional gaming consoles.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles in the U.S. BMW Motorrad was brought into the fold in 1980. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.

Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled more than 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.

The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 351 BMW retailers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at  www.press.bmwna.com

• New level of natural dialogue enabled with integrated AI assistant, debuting in the new BMW iX3.
• Available in Germany and the US at market launch 2026.
• Presentation at CES 2026.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 5, 2026… In 2026, BMW will expand its BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, built on Amazon’s AI Alexa+ architecture, taking voice interaction between humans and vehicles to a new level.

BMW will become the first car manufacturer to integrate the AI assistant technology into its vehicles, starting with the BMW iX3. This new functionality enables intuitive and intelligent interaction between passengers and the vehicle in a natural dialogue including both the operation of vehicle functions as well as access to information and knowledge beyond the vehicle. For the first time, users will also be able to ask multiple questions in a single sentence covering both your vehicle’s features and general knowledge topics. The ability to link the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with Amazon accounts will also make it easier to search for and stream music, retrieve public news, and access a wide range of other content.

"Our partnership with Amazon is based on a shared vision of technological excellence," says Stephan Durach, BMW Group – Senior Vice President Development, Digital Services, Infotainment, Connected Company. "This has resulted in a product that sets new standards in the naturalness of human-vehicle interaction through the use of artificial intelligence. With the addition of Amazon's

Alexa+ technology to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the vehicle becomes an intelligent companion for its users."

“BMW Group has been fantastic to work with as we introduce the first implementation of the new Alexa Custom Assistant. BMW’s advanced technology, combined with the intelligence and conversational capabilities of Alexa+, creates a truly sophisticated in-vehicle experience." says Daniel Rausch, Vice President of Alexa and Echo.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant powered by Amazon Alexa+

Natural language and free choice of words represent the latest development of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The use of predefined voice commands (intents) is no longer necessary. This means that with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, various requests and queries can be linked together as in a normal human conversation, and follow-up questions can be asked. BMW customers can trust that their vehicle understands them in context and provides the appropriate answers. For example¹⁾, when asked, “Hey BMW what’s the most famous painting there is in the world and where can I find it?” the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will provide the corresponding answer (e.g., Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci, Louvre) and can link this answer directly to other vehicle functions such as navigation. The follow-up request "Take me there!" will then enable direct guidance to the exhibition location of the artwork. The intelligent voice assistant also uses such interactive dialogues to respond even more precisely to future voice commands and anticipate the intent of the question.

The integration of Amazon Alexa+ architecture into the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant represents a technological leap forward that focuses on added value for the customer.

The AI technology used in the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is a Large Language Model (LLM), a generative AI that understands language and is capable of formulating its own responses. 

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with AI technology initially available in Germany and the US. 

The enhanced AI-supported BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will be presented to the public for the first time at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Starting in the second half of 2026, BMW iX3 customers in Germany and the US will be the first to benefit from the advantages of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant powered by Amazon Alexa+. Other markets and model series will follow gradually. The UI/UX of the BMW iX3 is based on the new BMW Panoramic iDrive control concept with BMW Operating System X. 

This integration is an important step on the BMW Group's path to offering this AI technology across the entire BMW model range²⁾. It exemplifies the seamless integration of the "software-defined vehicle" (SDV) into the customer's digital ecosystem.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has played a central role in the BMW iDrive operating concept since 2018. In 2022, the addition of Amazon Alexa Custom Assistant to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant led to even more information diversity, faster response times, and better understanding of user requests. Most recently, in 2025, the intelligent voice assistant was expanded for all BMW vehicles with Operating System 9 to include new functions such as music search, news, sports, and general knowledge. The integration of Amazon Alexa+ technology into the next-generation BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant demonstrates the innovative power of the cooperation between the BMW Group and Amazon. 

¹⁾ The video in the press release shows a question in English. For the market launch, the corresponding languages, German and English, will be offered for Germany and the US respectively.

²⁾ Latest in the 2^nd half of 2026, gradually for all BMW models with BMW Operating System 9 and X.

# # #

BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles in the U.S. BMW Motorrad was brought into the fold in 1980. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.

Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled more than 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.

The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 351 BMW retailers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.press.bmwna.com

# # #

Since January, each installment of this series has looked at pivotal moments in BMW’s past. With this final chapter, we look toward BMW’s future.

When BMW board chairman Oliver Zipse unveiled the all-new iX3 on September 5, 2025, his words carried the significance of the moment. “When else do you get to re-imagine a brand like BMW from the ground up? The chance to create an entirely new generation of vehicles? The chance to break completely new ground?”

Speaking at the Munich auto show, Zipse was positioning the iX3 as BMW’s most important vehicle of the last half-century, and indeed it is. The iX3 is the first series-production automobile of what Zipse identified in 2021 as the Neue Klasse—a series of vehicles that would lead BMW into the next decade and beyond. The Neue Klasse (“New Class”) is at once the essence of what BMW has always represented as well as a quantum leap forward where technology, design, and driving dynamics are concerned.

Zipse’s decision to use that term carried historical resonance. In the 1960s, the term Neue Klasse was used to signify another quantum leap for BMW, one that signaled the company’s rebirth after its existential crisis of the postwar era.

Throughout the 1950s, BMW had offered automobiles at two extremes: expensive, small-volume luxury vehicles and motorcycle-engine powered microcars. Its automobiles were massively outdated, not to mention so unprofitable that the company was facing bankruptcy by the end of 1959. In 1960, after a significant investment from Herbert Quandt saved BMW from absorption into Daimler-Benz, the company embarked in earnest on the development of what would become the first Neue Klasse automobiles.

In September 1961, BMW premiered its new 1500 sedan at the Frankfurt auto show. This midsize BMW drew huge crowds eager to examine the modern four-door styling by Giovanni Michelotti, which featured double-kidney grille, round headlights, and an interesting angle in the rear window: the so-called “Hofmeister kink,” named for BMW’s then-head of engineering, Wilhelm Hofmeister. Consumers were further impressed by an all-new four-cylinder engine, state-of-the-art suspension, and unit-body construction.

The 1500 was an immediate success, and in 1963 it was joined by the more powerful 1800. That prompted BMW Board Member for Sales Paul Hahnemann to identify these sedans as part of an entirely “new class” of BMW. With agile handling and inspiring performance, the Neue Klasse would define BMW going forward. So would a new ad slogan, “Aus Freude am Fahren” or “For the pleasure of driving,” that underscored the promise of superb dynamics.

The Neue Klasse created a template that brought BMW to profitability, and which would serve the company for more than half a century. Today, BMW is stronger than ever, which prompts the questions of whether it really needs another reinvention. And if it does, why now?

Those who’ve been following BMW in the 21st century will note that the company attempted a similar reinvention more than a decade ago, when it launched Project i. That initiative became public in 2009, when it premiered the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept at the Frankfurt auto show, followed by the “Born Electric” i3 and i8 that went into production in 2013 and 2014, respectively. These carbon-chassis cars were ahead of their time, not to mention prohibitively expensive to build and short on the battery-electric range that customers demanded.

Since those cars launched, however, battery-electric mobility improved dramatically in nearly every respect. BMW began offering hybrid and battery-electric powertrains in its standard models, and it also experimented with new vehicle concepts for its 2016 centennial.

When business slowed in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, they were able to take advantage of what Zipse called “a unique opportunity to completely rethink the car. We saw the chance for a massive leap in development across all relevant technologies—from battery technology to digital user experience to computing power. It was a time for pioneers. In other words: the perfect BMW moment.”

Just one year later, at the Munich auto show in September 2021, BMW unveiled the first of five Vision vehicles that would preview various technologies underpinning the Neue Klasse concept. The compact i Vision Circular demonstrated the Neue Klasse’s emphasis on sustainability and “circularity,” using materials that were both recycled and recyclable, and which minimized waste thanks to novel design and production processes. The i Vision Circular also incorporated an entirely new information display concept, which projected information across the base of the windscreen for its entire width.

The following January, Zipse demonstrated the i Vision DEE (for Digital Emotional Experience) at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. A stylish sedan inspired by Marcello Gandini’s 1970 Garmisch concept, DEE introduced a user interface that turned the automobile into a personal assistant/companion, one fully integrated with one’s digital existence.

DEE’s design language was further refined in the Vision Neue Klasse, which premiered at the 2023 Munich auto show in September. This time, BMW previewed not only an attractive exterior with classic sports sedan proportions but a thoroughly reimagined interior. Minimalist, elegant, and nearly free of buttons and knobs, the cockpit featured a large, driver-focused central touchscreen used to engage most functions. A tall greenhouse filled the cabin with light, while the underfloor battery compartment and absence of a transmission tunnel made the interior exceptionally spacious. 

Those themes were carried forward into the Vision Neue Klasse X, an SAV introduced at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles in May 2024. The Neue Klasse X distilled BMW SAV design language to its essence, and it received high praise from those who saw it.

Finally, BMW executed the coup de grâce, putting journalists in the passenger seats of a high-performance sedan called the Vision Driving Experience (VDX) built to demonstrate an unprecedented level of in-car computing power. The VDX demonstrated the capabilities of its four control computers (“Superbrains”) developed entirely in-house by BMW, including one dubbed the “Heart of Joy” that controls driving dynamics. The Heart of Joy integrates motor functions with those of the chassis on an entirely new level, and it’s perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of the entire Neue Klasse project.

Today, the elements previewed in that series of five concepts have been incorporated into the iX3, the first Neue Klasse vehicle to reach series production. Introduced at the Munich auto show on September 5, 2025, the iX3 realizes what Zipse called “a massive leap that will shape the entire brand for years to come.”

Like the 1500 that premiered in 1961, and unlike its i3 and i8 predecessors, the iX3 is a mainstream vehicle, one that will be accessibly priced and produced in significant numbers. “We made a conscious decision to start out in the high-volume segments, because the Neue Klasse was never designed for a niche,” Zipse said. “We want all our customers to benefit from the innovations as quickly as possible.”

Those innovations begin with a new design language that incorporates sleek surfaces, pure forms, and unprecedented aerodynamic efficiency. Though it’s an all-new design, the iX3’s exterior nonetheless references classic BMW design hallmarks: including the original Neue Klasse’s small kidney grille and Hofmeister kink. It also pays homage to the four-eyed “face” and L-shaped taillights of subsequent BMWs, here with distinctive LED illumination.

The iX3’s interior, too, has been pared to its essence. That minimalism was made possible by the revolutionary Panoramic iDrive user interface designed by the team led by Stefan Durach, the former head of the BMW Technology Office in California.

In explaining the concept, Durach noted that BMW has been integrating its automobiles with our device-focused lives for years. The iX3 does so in a new way, and with a different goal.

“Cars are getting better access to your personal ecosystem than they had in the past, and you see a trend of putting a lot of screens in the car,” Durach said. “But our perspective is that your car is your last private space, and it’s more than just sitting in front of a big television. At the same time, you want to have access to your digital life, and you still have a driving task. So our philosophy is more like ‘hands on the wheel, eyes on the road,’ so that you don’t have too much distraction. With the Panoramic Vision, we cleaned up the interior of the car, and the information is right in your line of sight, at the right point in time and at the right location. We have control elements on the steering wheel, and we have a pretty capable voice interface as the dominant interaction, as well as more touch control. It’s our iDrive system taken to the next step, with completely new possibilities.”

The Panoramic iDrive system consists of four elements: the Panoramic Vision across the lower edge of the windshield, the central display, a multi-function steering wheel, and the optional 3D head-up display. The system was designed to be supportive and informative rather than flashy and distracting, and its development was guided by individual customer feedback, data from over 10 million connected vehicles, and usability studies with more than 3,000 customers. “We put a lot of effort into consumer testing, but the truth is when the customer is driving the car,” Durach said. 

In addition to an all-new design language and user interface, the Neue Klasse’s NCAR architecture has been engineered specifically for the new Gen6 battery-electric powertrains.

The sixth-generation electrical architecture consists of highly efficient motors, new high-voltage batteries with compact cylindrical cells, and 800-volt technology. Together, they allow 30 percent faster charging speeds, 30 percent more range, and 40 percent greater overall efficiency than BMW’s fifth-generation battery-electric vehicles. In real-world use, the iX3 is expected to have an EPA-rated range of up to 400 miles on a single charge, and drivers will be able to add about 175 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a 400-volt DC charging station.

The iX3 sends power to all four wheels via two electric motors: an electrically excited synchronous motor at the rear, and a compact asynchronous motor at the front. The use of two different electric motor designs is novel, and it reinforces BMW’s commitment to technology openness even within the realm of purely electric mobility.

All of that represents a significant advance from BMW’s previous electric vehicles, but the real breakthrough lies in the Neue Klasse’s electronic control systems. Rather than dozens of control modules and highly complex network of connections, as would be typical, the Neue Klasse utilizes just four control computers. Each module controls a specific aspect of the vehicle: driving dynamics, automated driving, infotainment, or basic control and comfort functions such as locks and lighting. This groundbreaking design eliminates nearly 2,000 feet of wiring, reduces weight by 30 percent over previous systems, and reduces reaction times (latency) within each area of operation.

Reducing latency is critical when it comes to driving dynamics, which fall under the responsibility of the computer known as the Heart of Joy. The Heart of Joy controls all aspects of driving dynamics—motors, power distribution, steering, suspension, ABS, DSC, regenerative braking, etc.—and it does so up to 10 times faster than conventional digital motor electronics and with an unprecedented degree of precision and control. In short, it allows the Neue Klasse automobiles to realize an electric powertrain’s benefits—instantaneous power delivery, smooth power transfer, agility, stability, and efficiency—to a greater degree than ever. 

Oliver Zipse agreed. “Whether you’re pushing the limits or driving in everyday situations, this is Sheer Driving Pleasure taken to a whole new level,” he said.

The Heart of Joy is augmented by BMW’s highly evolved Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The ADAS is controlled by its own water-cooled, high-performance computer with 20 times the processing power of conventional units. It’s more than just fast: Since no driver assistance system can function if it’s so intrusive that the driver simply disables it, the new ADAS has been designed as a true complement to the human behind the wheel rather than an authoritarian who’ll intervene based on incomplete information. In that, it adheres to the philosophy of “smart, symbiotic, and safe.”

Take, for example, the optional Highway Assistant, which allows attentive hands-free driving at up to 85 mph. When active, it allows the iX3 to steer around obstacles in the road if traffic conditions make it safe to do so. It can also suggest a lane change to pass slower traffic, which the driver can confirm simply by glancing at the appropriate rear view mirror. If the driver forgets to activate the turn signal before manually executing a lane change, the system will do so automatically. And unlike conventional cruise control, it won’t automatically deactivate if the driver taps the brake pedal or turns the steering wheel.

It’s all very forward-thinking, but production of the iX3 50 xDrive is already underway at a brand-new plant in Debrecen, Hungary. European customers will take their first deliveries in spring 2026, while US customers will have to wait until summer. The first iX3 model to arrive will be the 2027 iX3 50 xDrive, which will be offered for around $60,000.

The iX3 will be followed by a sports sedan, the i3 that will premiere in later in 2026 and arrive in the US in 2027. The i3 will provide the basis for the first fully electric M3, which will demonstrate the Heart of Joy’s full capabilities as tuned by the engineers at BMW M. In light of the preview offered by the VDX, we can expect the electric M3 to be breathtaking.

The design, innovations, and lessons learned in the development of these Neue Klasse (NCAR) vehicles will soon spread to the entire BMW product lineup. The iX3 and i3 are only the first of some 40 new or significantly updated models—battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and internal combustion vehicles—that will launch by the end of 2027. In this sense, the Neue Klasse isn’t merely a new vehicle or even a stand-alone architecture but a fundamentally new way of engineering an automobile.

The original Neue Klasse ensured BMW’s survival in the 1960s, and its underlying concept served BMW well for more than 50 years. The next Neue Klasse is being launched by a company in a much stronger position, but it too has a crucial role to play in ensuring BMW’s survival through a rapidly changing automotive environment. From all indications, including the first reports by journalists who tested the car on the road and on the track in Spain, it should do so every bit as effectively as the original.

“Celebrating fifty years in the U.S. in the same year that we unveil the Neue Klasse is a true privilege,” said BMW of North America CEO Sebastian Mackensen. “It’s a perfect opportunity to connect our legacy with the innovation that defines our future. The iX3 isn’t just any new BMW; it truly is the Next Ultimate Driving Machine. Together, these milestones honor where we’ve come from and define the bold new era we’re shaping next.”

• Silicon carbide inverters increase efficiency and range on certain i4 models
• New BMW i4 M60 gains power and range.
• Production of the 2026 i4 line will begin in November.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – November 6, 2025…The autumn of 2025 will bring increased efficiency, range, and in some cases more power to BMW’s most popular lineup of battery electric vehicles. The 2026 i4 eDrive40 is expected to achieve over 300 miles of range irrespective of which wheel and tire package is fitted^*. And the range-topping performance model gets a significant boost in power and a new name.

The 2026 BMW i4 adds range – the i4 M50 also gains power and becomes the M60. 

The 2026 BMW i4 eDrive40 benefits from the same SiC inverters previously announced for the i5 range. This means customers can expect over 300 miles of range on a full charge whether they choose 18-inch or 19-inch wheels^*.

The improvement in range comes from using silicon carbide (SiC) parts in the power electronics (SiC inverters). SiC inverters make energy transfer from the high‑voltage battery to the electric motors more efficient. These SiC components are not only more efficient, but also more powerful and more resistant to heat than traditional silicon semiconductors.

The top of the i4 range receives not only the efficiency improvements from SiC inverters, but more power as well. The 2026 BMW i4 M60, as it is now known, produces 510 hp at start-up – a 41-hp increase from the i4 M50 – and 593 hp when My Modes Sport is selected – up 57 hp from the M50. The newfound power means the trip from 0-60 mph is now dispatched in just 3.6 seconds.

^*Estimated range according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards

Equipment enhancements to the i4 range include the addition of the Seal & Drive Tire Kit as standard equipment and the addition of the Drive Recorder to the Parking Assistant Professional package. Black mirror caps and M Sport brakes with blue callipers are now part of the Shadowline package on i4 eDrive40 and xDrive40 as well as standalone options. Glass Controls are now optionally available on all i4 models.

BMW Group in the United States

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles and motorcycles in the U.S. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.
Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled more than 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.

The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 351 BMW retailers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers,105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.
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Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com, www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com. 

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• The First Model of the Neue Klasse Heralds the Future of BMW Design and Technology; Arrives in the U.S. Mid-2026.  
• Built on the Neue Klasse Principles of Electric, Digital, and Circular, the BMW iX3 will be Presented as Part of a Showcase Underlining BMW Group’s Commitment to Responsible Innovation.   
• BMW Group’s “Technology Openness” Strategy will Include Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) Powered by Hydrogen Starting in 2028.  

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – September 18, 2025… Following its World Premiere at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich earlier this month, the all-new BMW iX3—the first of BMW’s Neue Klasse, or “New Class” of vehicles—will make its North American Premiere at a special event at Bathhouse Studios in New York City on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Presented by BMW Group Member of the Board of Management, Development, Dr. Joachim Post, the BMW iX3 Sports Utility Vehicle is not just the first series-production Neue Klasse model, but a preview into an entirely new era of The Ultimate Driving Machine.  

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

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

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

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

New Standards for Efficiency, Range, and Charging Speed.  

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

The new high-voltage battery concept with lithium-ion cylindrical cells for the Neue Klasse also achieves significant advances. The energy density on a cell level is 20% higher than with fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and also enables a 30% increase in charging speed. The advances brought by sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology also have a significant influence on the charging experience. A maximum charging rate of 400 kW enables users to add up to ~175 miles of range in just 10 minutes at an 800V DC charging station. The high-voltage battery can be charged from 10 to 80% capacity in just 21 minutes.  

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

Unmatched Driving Dynamics.  

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

New Design Language: Reduced, Characterful, and Timeless. 
The new BMW iX3 will launch the new BMW design language, which will expand across the whole of BMW’s range as new models and variants are introduced. This new use of forms provides a very modern interpretation of BMW’s original and enduring blueprint. For this reason, comprehensive design protection has been registered for the new BMW design language used in the new BMW iX3. 
The new BMW iX3 has the hallmark proportions of a BMW SUV infused with the authoritative presence of a BMW X model and has a reduced surface treatment that emphasizes all four wheels. Created squarely and exclusively for electric vehicles, the vehicle architecture enables an extremely favorable ratio of exterior size to interior space.  

Sustainability Showcase. 

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

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

For the first time, the BMW Group will also show the Natural Fiber Roof, a vehicle roof developed in collaboration with Swiss clean tech company Bcomp. Bcomp uses natural flax fiber composites to create more sustainable and lightweight vehicle parts which can replace conventional carbon fiber components. The CO₂e footprint from production is reduced by about 40 percent, including end-of-

life considerations. Following their successful use in certain BMW race models, these innovative natural fiber composites are now ready for BMW M production models.  

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

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

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

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

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

Live Podcast Recordings. 

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

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

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BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles and motorcycles in the U.S. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.

Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled more than 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.

The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 351 BMW retailers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers,105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

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Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com 

Mountain View, CA – September 2, 2025… BMW i Ventures announced today an investment in Rive, the company redefining how teams design and ship user interfaces (UI). This investment underscores Rive’s growing role in how modern user interfaces are built. Teams are shifting away from static mockups and work-intensive reconstruction in code, toward unified workflows that allow them to design and ship fully interactive content across platforms.

“Rive is not only improving design workflows—it’s reshaping how brands build digital experiences and products,” said Kasper Sage, Managing Partner at BMW i Ventures. The BMW Group’s design department immediately recognized the potential. “By merging design and development into a unified workflow, Rive unlocks faster time to market, higher-quality UI, and frees up valuable developer time, reducing cost. We believe this sets a new standard for the next generation of interactive design.”

Rive enables designers to create animated, interactive graphics and immediately deploy them. Using Rive’s visual Editor, a designer can draw and animate graphics, add logic through a state machine, and immediately export an asset to an app or website without compromise. This unified design-to-development pipeline accelerates development cycles while preserving the designer’s vision in the end product.

Guido Rosso, Co-Founder and CEO of Rive, added: “We’re thrilled to partner with BMW i Ventures. Their investment accelerates our mission to bring motion to the heart of modern interfaces — giving designers and developers the tools to build interactive experiences that feel alive across every screen, from apps and games to websites, products, and in-car displays.” 

Under the hood, Rive uses a new lightweight vector format and open-source runtime libraries to ensure these interactive graphics run smoothly anywhere. Rive’s rendering engine can animate complex visuals, even though the file sizes typically remain only a few kilobytes. Moreover, developers can easily integrate Rive graphics into other platforms, game engines and embedded systems. This means a graphic or UI element designed in Rive can be used instantly across multiple devices and screen sizes, ensuring consistency in user experience.

BMW i Ventures joins existing outside investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Two Sigma, and Duolingo, the leading mobile learning platform, which is already using Rive to power real-time, interactive experiences. 

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About BMW i Ventures

BMW i Ventures is the independent venture capital firm of BMW Group. From offices in Silicon Valley and Munich, BMW i Ventures invests in early to growth-stage companies defining the future of automotive, sustainability, manufacturing, and supply chain. Since starting in 2011, the firm has $800M under management and has invested in over 80 startups, including Bcomp, Boston Metal, CelLink, ChargePoint, GaN Systems, Motorway, Tekion, and Xometry.

For more information:https://www.bmwiventures.com

About Rive

Rive is a new way to design, build, and ship UI for apps, products, websites, and games. It combines an interactive design tool, a new stateful graphics format, a lightweight multi-platform runtime, and a blazing-fast vector renderer — so you can build custom UI with killer performance.

For more information:https://www.rive.app/

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Mountain View, CA – June 23, 2025… BMW i Ventures announced today a lead investment in Qualytics, an enterprise platform for automated data quality. The $10M oversubscribed Series A funding round also included new investors Conductive Ventures and The Hill Fund by Firebrand Ventures, alongside existing investors Tech Square Ventures, Knoll Ventures, Inner Loop Capital, SaaS Venture Capital, and Rich Family Ventures.

As enterprises rapidly expand their data-driven operations and AI initiatives, the need for trustworthy data is critical. Founded by data veterans Gorkem Sevinc and Eric Simmerman, Qualytics empowers teams to proactively manage data quality with automated anomaly detection, intelligent rule generation, and no-code workflows — all through a platform built for collaboration between business and technical users. The investment comes at a time when Gartner predicts that 70% of organizations will adopt modern data quality tools by 2027.

“At its core, Qualytics solves a problem every data-driven organization thinks it’s managing, until the costs of bad data hit,” said Baris Guzel, Partner at BMW i Ventures. “The dirty secret in today’s AI arms race is that most models are trained on unreliable inputs. Garbage in, garbage out. Qualytics flips that on its head. They bring continuous, automated data quality monitoring to the production layer and that’s a foundational shift. We’ve seen this movie before: cloud migration, observability, DevOps. The winners are the ones who instrument complexity without slowing velocity. Qualytics does just that for data quality. The team is technical, focused, and early in a massive wave. We’re thrilled to back them.”

In a major milestone, Qualytics recently signed one of the top three U.S. financial institutions, reinforcing its position as the trusted data quality platform for large, data-driven enterprises.  The company’s rapid growth reflects demand for a platform that works seamlessly across cloud-native and legacy environments, integrating with tools like Databricks, Snowflake, SQL Server, Oracle, and data catalogs such as Atlan and Alation. 

Data operationalization has exposed two urgent challenges: ensuring reliable data to fuel AI and analytics, and democratizing governance across organizations. Qualytics addresses both by delivering a deeply automated, intelligent platform that profiles data to support deep learning at scale, automatically infers and evolves quality rules, and streamlines remediation — all with minimal setup and maximum usability across teams. Where legacy solutions depend on complex rule-writing and siloed ownership, Qualytics replaces friction with automation — enabling technical and business teams to co-own data quality at scale, and delivering the enterprise-grade resilience needed to mitigate costly breakdowns that cost organizations an average of $12.9M annually.

To support accelerating demand, Qualytics is scaling its team across product and go-to-market functions, including engineering, product management, customer success, and sales. This growth will enable the company to expand platform capabilities, onboard new customers faster, and deepen support for existing users.

“We’re excited to partner with BMW i Ventures and other investors to scale Qualytics,” said Gorkem Sevinc, Co-Founder and CEO. “Working closely with large enterprises has shaped our product into one that’s scalable, flexible, and built for collaboration. Eric and I built the platform we always wanted in our own careers, one that puts automation and usability at the heart of data quality management. With this new investment and our strong revenue growth, we’re more confident than ever that Qualytics is delivering what modern data practitioners truly need to manage data quality at scale.”

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About BMW i Ventures.

BMW i Ventures is the independent venture capital firm of BMW Group. From offices in Silicon Valley and Munich, BMW i Ventures invests in early to growth-stage companies defining the future of automotive, sustainability, manufacturing, and supply chain. Since starting in 2011, the firm has $800M under management and has invested in over 75 startups, including Bcomp, Boston Metal, CelLink, ChargePoint, GaN Systems, Motorway, Tekion, and Xometry. For more information: https://www.bmwiventures.com.

About Qualytics.

Data quality remains a top concern for data teams—and as enterprises scale their data efforts, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and trust in data becomes increasingly complex. The rise of AI-driven insights, coupled with the risk of hallucinations, has made data quality and governance more critical than ever. Without a proactive approach, poor data quality can lead to flawed insights, compliance risks, and costly business mistakes.

Qualytics enables enterprises to manage data quality (DQ) at scale with AI-driven automation and seamless collaboration. Our intelligent platform automatically generates and maintains data quality rules, bridging the gap between business and data teams to ensure data integrity across the organization. For more information about Qualytics, please visit https://qualytics.ai.

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Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 20, 2025… The BMW Group is bringing large-format, pure ASSB cells from Solid Power to its test vehicle, a BMW i7, which is being operated in the Munich area. The potential benefits of ASSB technology: higher energy density in a very compact storage system compared to current technologies.

Since 2022, the BMW Group and Solid Power, Inc. (Nasdaq: SLDP) have intensified their activities for the development of all-solid-state battery (ASSB) technology through their technology transfer agreement.

The BMW Group and Solid Power believe in the potential of genuine ASSB technology. With a higher energy density compared to current battery technologies, ASSB batteries have the potential to achieve longer ranges in vehicles without the disadvantages with regard to the weight of the overall storage system.

“Solid Power is extremely proud that our partnership with BMW has resulted in the first demonstration of truly all-solid-state battery cells in a vehicle,” said John Van Scoter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Solid Power.  “We believe in the promise of ASSB’s and continue to drive innovation of our sulfide electrolyte in support of that future for EV’s.”

Martin Schuster, Vice President Battery Cell and Cell Module at the BMW Group, says: “Our BMW i7 ASSB test vehicle on the road is a perfect example of the BMW Group's technology-open mindset. We are continuously advancing the development of new battery cell technologies and are constantly expanding our know-how with valuable partners such as Solid Power.”

The concept battery integrated in the BMW i7 test vehicle combines proven Gen5 construction principles (prismatic cells in modules) with new, innovative module concepts for integrating ASSB cells from Solid Power.

The management of cell expansion will be investigated here. In addition: How is the operating pressure controlled and how to adjust the temperature conditions.

The use of solid power cells with sulfide-based electrolytes and their complete integration into a battery pack will provide the BMW Group with further important findings in the test program over the coming months.

The innovative cells were developed and manufactured by Solid Power in collaboration with experts from the BMW Group. Further development steps are required to implement ASSB technology in a competitive overall storage system.

The BMW Group and Solid Power have been cooperating since 2016 through an extended “Joint Development Agreement”, which was supported by BMW Group's investment in Solid Power in May 2021 as part of a financing round.

At the end of 2022, BMW and Solid Power agreed to further deepen their partnership. BMW will operate a solid cell prototype line at the CMCC (Cell Manufacturing Competence Center) in Parsdorf on the basis of a research and development license and using the experience and expertise of Solid Power.

Since 2008, the BMW Group has been steadily expanding its expertise in the area of battery cell technology. Since 2019, this know-how has been bundled at the BMW Group's Battery Cell Competence Center (BCCC) in Munich. The BCCC covers the entire value chain, from research and development to battery cell design and production capability.

In order to be able to implement innovations in battery cell technology quickly and efficiently, the BMW Group cooperates in a network of around 300 partners, including established companies, start-ups and universities.

The cooperation with Solid Power underlines the BMW Group's battery strategy -to further develop innovative battery technologies on equal footing with leading partners in the industry. This strategically strong position in the value chain ensures the BMW Group access to all new and innovative battery cell research worldwide.

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BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America began operations 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles in the U.S. BMW Motorrad was brought into the fold in 1980. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.

Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled over 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.

The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 350 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

Solid Power, Inc.

Solid Power is developing solid-state battery technology to enable the next generation of batteries for the fast-growing EV and other markets. Solid Power’s core technology is its electrolyte material, which Solid Power believes can enable extended driving range, longer battery life, improved safety, and lower cost compared to traditional lithium-ion. Solid Power’s business model – selling its electrolyte to cell manufacturers and licensing its cell designs and manufacturing processes – distinguishes the company from many of its competitors who plan to be commercial battery manufacturers. Ultimately, Solid Power endeavors to be a leading producer and distributor of sulfide-based solid electrolyte material for powering both EVs and other applications. For more information, visit http://www.solidpowerbattery.com/.

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• VIA is Powering the Future of Zero Trust through Decentralized, Quantum-Resistant Security for Seamless and Trusted Data Exchange.

Mountain View, CA – March 20, 2025… BMW i Ventures announced today an investment in Via Science, Inc. (VIA), a leading provider of Web3 data protection solutions which ensures that all transactions are verified, protected and auditable, no matter where data resides. The investment, which is part of an oversubscribed Series B funding round of $28 million, will help accelerate VIA’s mission of redefining data protection.

“As software-defined vehicles, robots, and edge devices become the norm, securing data flows between sensors, onboard systems, agents, and external networks is more critical than ever,” said Kasper Sage, managing partner of BMW i Ventures. “VIA is paving the way for real-time communication across trusted systems and safer, more resilient mobility solutions.”

Traditional cyber security companies focus primarily on network segmentation and passwords, leaving core vulnerabilities in data access and trust mechanisms unaddressed. VIA goes further by embedding zero trust principles in the data layer, empowering enterprises with resilient, mission-specific security solutions that deploy seamlessly across existing infrastructure. VIA also addresses vulnerabilities in enterprise security by using a decentralized architecture which separates data protection from storage and transport, ensuring just-in-time access and privacy for authorized parties.

“As we have proven at our customers, decentralized, passwordless Web3 solutions have become the only viable option for securing data transfers between systems of record, internal teams, external

partners, machines, and AI agents. This funding will accelerate adoption of our paradigm-shifting technology platform by the enterprise,” said Colin Gounden, co-founder and CEO of VIA.

“Unlike any other Web3 technologies, our quantum-secure, passwordless solutions can be deployed quickly and easily in a variety of the most demanding environments and our entire software stack from operating system to mobile application is checked 24/7 for vulnerabilities,” added chief operating officer and co-founder Kate Ravanis.

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About BMW i Ventures

BMW i Ventures is the independent venture capital firm of BMW Group. From offices in Silicon Valley and Munich, BMW i Ventures invests in early to growth-stage companies defining the future of automotive, sustainability, manufacturing, and supply chain. Since starting in 2011, the firm has $800M under management and has invested in over 75 startups, including Bcomp, Boston Metal, CelLink, ChargePoint, GaN Systems, Motorway, Tekion, and Xometry. For more information: https://www.bmwiventures.com/

About VIA Science

VIA is the leader in decentralized, enterprise-scale data and identity protection. The U.S. Department of Defense and Fortune 100 companies worldwide trust VIA to provide the highest security technologies to safeguard their most critical assets. Backed by 17 issued patents, VIA’s data-centric platform is quantum-resistant, passwordless, and easy to implement, maintain, and use. Learn more at www.solvewithvia.com.

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Mountain View, CA – February 7, 2025…BMW i Venturesannounced today an investment in GreenSpark Software, a New York City-based company building modern operating software for the metal recycling industry. Existing investors Zero Infinity Partners and Third Prime also participated in the investment round. This investment positions GreenSpark to fast-track its product roadmap, expand into larger enterprise segments, and drive innovation in an industry that has long been underserved by technology.

Despite being a crucial part of the recycling ecosystem, the $120bn+ recycled materials industry has lacked intuitive, modern software to streamline operations, finance, logistics, and commercial functions. GreenSpark’s platform leverages the latest technology to provide solutions for all segments of the recycled metals value chain, accelerating the circular economy and boosting operators’ profitability.

This investment echoes BMW i Ventures’s commitment to driving towards a circular economy.

"At BMW i Ventures, we're always on the lookout for companies that not only innovate but also transform industries,” said Baris Guzel, Partner at BMW i Ventures. “GreenSpark is doing just that for the metal recycling sector with its cutting-edge, end-to-end digital solutions. We're thrilled to back a team that's streamlining operations, saving time, and significantly reducing costs, all while pushing for sustainability. This is the kind of investment where technology meets real-world impact, and we're excited to see where GreenSpark takes it from here."

GreenSpark has more than tripled its customer base over the last twelve months and offers industry-leading AI solutions that can revolutionize how recycling operations conduct business. Today, it actively serves customers across the metals recycling and automotive industry.

“We’re thrilled by this endorsement from BMW i Ventures as a key investor who is like-minded in creating a circular supply chain for metal recycling,” said Gordon Driscoll, Co-Founder and CEO of GreenSpark. “As we pursue this next phase of growth, one principle that will remain constant at GreenSpark is the obsession with providing our customers the best software experience in the industry. We’ve been laser-focused on providing our customers with more efficient ways to run their business and grow revenue and look forward to delivering our customers value with this incremental investment.”

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About BMW i Ventures.

BMW i Ventures is the independent venture capital firm of BMW Group. From offices in Silicon Valley and Munich, BMW i Ventures invests in early to growth-stage companies defining the future of automotive, sustainability, manufacturing, and supply chain. Since starting in 2011, the firm has $800M under management and has invested in over 75 startups, including Bcomp, Boston Metal, CelLink, ChargePoint, GaN Systems, Motorway, Tekion, and Xometry.

For more information: https://www.bmwiventures.com

About GreenSpark.

GreenSpark provides end-to-end, web-based software solutions to help metal recyclers create stronger relationships with their customers, grow revenue more quickly, and increase profit margins. GreenSpark has raised ~$25 million in venture financing from BMW i Ventures, Zero Infinity Partners, Third Prime, Bienville Capital, Tiger Global, and more. For more information, visit www.greensparksoftware.com.

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Mountain View, CA, January 30, 2025 –BMW i Ventures announced today an investment in Athenic AI, a pioneer in the data analysis and business intelligence (BI) space. The $4.3 million round was led by BMW i Ventures, with participation from TenVC, Scrum Ventures, Stage 2 Capital, Beat Ventures, SpaceCadet, Boost VC and Abstraction Capital.

Athenic AI simplifies data analytics, provides actionable insights and eliminates reliance on analysts with its LLM-enabled, self-serve platform. The proprietary search engine pulls data from ERP systems, CRMs, and data warehouses, delivering instant insights. Now, business users can ask questions in natural language and receive answers—via tables, graphs, or reports—within seconds. By integrating multiple data sources, the platform democratizes access to critical insights, accelerating decision-making across teams.

"Access to business analytics is essential for a well-functioning, data-driven organization," said Samantha Huang, Principal of BMW i Ventures. “Today’s process is inefficient—business teams face long waits for reports or dashboards, while analytics teams are overwhelmed with ad hoc requests. With Athenic AI, users have been able to reduce the time of their workflow from weeks to minutes. The potential for such technology is vast, not only for transforming Analytics and BI software but also paving the way for a new category.”

Athenic AI focuses on four core pillars.

• Empower users with instantaneous data analysis, allowing them to extract critical information at any given moment. This dynamic interaction with datasets is tailored to address teams' immediate challenges, ensuring timely and crucial insights.
• Break down barriers by making analytics accessible to non-technical users.
• Go beyond mere analysis by enabling users to seamlessly incorporate data insights into their daily workflows. This empowerment equips them to dive deeper into trends, facilitating data-driven decision-making as a part of their daily routine.
• Tailor insights derived from company data to individual needs, surpassing standard dashboards and reports that often lack the crucial nuance required for comprehensive analysis. This customization not only saves time but also enables more data-rich insights.

Jared Zhao, CEO of Athenic AI, said, "This investment is a testament to the transformative potential of Athenic AI in the BI space. As more organizations become data-driven, we believe there is a need for an intuitive and scalable BI solution for non-technical users. We are excited to continue our mission of democratizing data analysis and helping organizations uncover actionable insights from their data, ultimately driving better decision-making."

Customers have already recognized the company's value proposition, includingPenske Media Corporation (PMC) a digital media and publishing company that owns Variety, Variety.com,Rollingstone.com, Deadline, Golden Globe, Billboard, and American Music Awards.

"Athenic AI augments our data capabilities by allowing our non-technical users to analyze data more directly and much faster,” said Gabriel Koen, Senior Vice President of Technology at PMC. “The platform helps us produce greater value from our data by increasing the number of people who can access insights."

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About BMW i Ventures:

BMW i Ventures is the independent venture capital firm of BMW Group, investing in startups defining the future of mobility, supply chain, and sustainability. The firm has made many successful investments over the years in companies such as Blackmore, ChargePoint, CelLink, Fox Robotics, GaN Systems, Plus One Robotics, Our Next Energy, Tekion, Xometry, and many more. BMW i Ventures invests in all stages from seed to growth with a focus on Series A/B. More information can be found at: https://www.bmwiventures.com.

About Athenic AI: 

Athenic AI is a data analysis and business intelligence company on a mission to empower individuals and enterprises to discover the "Why" behind their data and dashboards. With advanced Generative AI technology, Athenic AI offers instant data answers, democratizes analytics, empowers users to integrate data insights into daily workflows, and provides customization tailored to individual needs. Founded by a team with deep research experience at UC Berkeley, Athenic AI is dedicated to revolutionizing BI reporting and ad hoc analysis.

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• Increased power, range, and efficiency for the fully electric BMW SAV.
• Simplified design language including new grille and headlight designs.
• Available M Sport Package with M Multi-Functional seats.
• New iX xDrive45 starting at $75150 plus $1,175 destination and handling
• Production at Plant Dingolfing starts in March, with deliveries expected in Q2.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 28, 2025… More power, more dynamic performance, more efficiency: The new BMW iX takes the driving experience of the all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle to a new level. Consistent progress in the field of drive and high-voltage battery technology as well as further development of BMW EfficientDynamics measures not only increase the power output and sporty driving characteristics, but also the efficiency and thus the range of BMW’s first-ever SAV designed from the beginning to be fully electric.

The 2026 BMW iX is now offered in three variants. The new iX xDrive45 delivers 402 hp and an estimated range of up to 312 miles. The iX xDrive60 provides 536 hp and an expected range of up to 340 miles. And the performance-oriented iX M70 xDrive now further sets itself apart with unique M-specific design elements to go with up to 650 hp and expected 302 miles of range (estimated ranges according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards).

Production of the 2026 BMW iX will begin in March of 2025 at BMW’s Plant Dingolfing. Delveries are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2025.

Base MSRPs (+$1,175 destination and handling)

2025 BMW iX xDrive45                        $75,150

2025 BMW iX xDrive60                        $88,500

2025 BMW iX M70 xDrive                  $111,500

Exterior design.  Reduced design language, enhanced sportiness.

The revised exterior of the new BMW iX has an expressive presence and monolithic appearance with characteristic BMW SAV proportions, a design language reduced to the essentials, and clearly defined surfaces. The striking front design is characterized by the BMW grille with a redesigned frame and a new structure of vertical and diagonal lines in its interior. The updated grille can be ordered with illumination on the iX xDrive45 and iX xDrive60. Illumination is standard on iX M70 xDrive.

The headlights have also been redesigned with vertical elements for daytime running lights and turn indicators. The new structure of the BMW kidney grille is echoed in the diagonal lines of the headlight modules with available cornering lights.

The powerful rear end of the BMW iX underlines its modern look with generously proportioned surfaces divided by a few distinctive lines. The tailgate extends over the entire rear section without any breaks. The rear apron has been redesigned and features an integrated diffuser element in the new BMW iX M70 xDrive and in conjunction with the optional M Sport Package on other models.

The front and rear aprons of the new BMW iX have an almost seamless design and a higher proportion of surfaces painted body-color, giving them a sporty, elegant appearance as standard. The M Sport Package, now available as an option for the all-electric SAV for the first time, adds dynamic accents with powerful lines, distinctive air intakes, and new M alloy wheels.

When specified with the optional M Sport Professional Package, the new BMW iX is fitted with dark M Shadowline headlights and rear lights. The new BMW iX M70 xDrive comes as standard with the design features of the M Sport and M Sport Professional Packages, and adds a model-specific BMW kidney grille with M logo, black exterior mirror caps, and exclusive 22-inch M alloy wheels. The 21- and 22-inch alloy wheels on the new BMW iX consist of 70% secondary aluminium.

The range of colors available for the new iX now includes five new finishes: Arctic Race Blue metallic, Dune Grey metallic, Carbon Black metallic, BMW Individual Frozen Deep Grey metallic, and Tanzanite Blue metallic (delayed release). The BMW Individual Exterior Line Titanium Bronze is also available as an option for iX xDrive45 and iX xDrive60.

The alloy wheels available for the new BMW iX feature an aerodynamically optimized design. 20-inch alloy wheels are standard on iX xDrive45 and xDrive60, while 21-inch or 22-inch M alloy wheels in four new variants are available as upgrades to the M Sport Package and the M Sport package Professional. The new BMW iX M70 xDrive underscores its position as the top performer in the range with exclusive 21-inch M alloy wheels as standard. 22-inch and, for the first time, 23-inch BMW Individual alloy wheels in a V-spoke design are now also available, either as a standalone option on iX M70 xDrive or as an enhancement to the M Sport Package on the other models. All the new wheel designs have aluminium inserts to help reduce drag. 

Interior: Progressive luxury, refined sportiness. 

The interior ambience of the BMW iX, characterized by generous space and progressive luxury, can now be combined with the sporty design features of the M Sport Package. New M Multi-Function seats offer enhanced lateral support and a striking design. Available for the first time in the iX, these seats offer a wide range of adjustments, including backrest width adjustment and  lumbar support, and pronounced contouring. The microfibre/Sensatec seats are finished in Atlas Grey/Black with M-specific stitching and accents in the BMW M tricolor. The new M multifunction seats are also optionally available in Amido natural leather and Castanea natural leather. As an option, they can also be combined with active seat ventilation. The M Multi-Function seats are part of the M Sport package on xDrive45 and xDrive60 and standard equipment for the new BMW iX M70 xDrive.

The M Sport package also includes an M leather steering wheel, two-tone instrument panel with M logo, Dark Silver trim finishers, anthracite headliner, M pedals, and high­gloss black trim on the center console.

Appealing options: From the Climate Comfort Package to the Panoramic Eclipsing Roof and a tow hitch. 

The Climate Comfort Package (optional on xDrive45 and xDrive60, standard on M70 xDrive) contributes to maximum well-being. Heated surfaces for the instrument panel and glove compartment, the door panels, center armrest and the rear seats ensure a comfortable temperature for all passengers. The Panoramic Eclipsing Roof, optional on xDrive45 and standard on the other models, enhances the bright and spacious interior with a one-piece viewing area that extends over both rows of seats. Instead of a roller blind, it features electrochromatic shading that can be activated at the touch of a button. The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, with 30 speakers and exciters in the front seats, delivers an exceptionally intense and precisely balanced sound experience. It is optional on xDrive45 and xDrive60, standard on M70 xDrive.

A tow hitch will be available as an option for the new BMW iX in the summer of 2025. For all model variants, the maximum permitted towing capacity is 3,500 lbs.

Strong performance from every drive system.

In each of the three model versions of the new BMW iX, a re-tuning of the drive system and optimized power electronics result in noticeably spirited power delivery. The new BMW iX xDrive45 delivers a maximum system output 402 hp, which enables a 0-60 time of just 4.9 seconds. The new BMW iX xDrive60 receives a 20 hp increase over the previous xDrive50 to 536 and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds. Both models have an electronically limited top speed of 124 mph.

At the very top of the iX line, the new BMW iX M70 xDrive offers genuinely exhilerating performance. The dual motors in the iX M70 xDrive combine to deliver a maximum system output of up to 650 hp in My Mode Sport – 40 more than its M60 xDrive predecessor – and a maximum torque of 811 lb-ft when Launch Control is activated. The new BMW iX M70 xDrive sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph when equipped with performance tires.

Chassis technology and driver assistance systems. Continued development of BMW dynamics, comfort and safety.

The suspension technology of the BMW iX includes a double-wishbone front axle, a five-link rear axle, a stroke-dependent damper system, and electric steering with Servotronic function and variable ratio. The new BMW iX M70 xDrive also features adaptive two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers including M-specific tuning and M-specific anti-roll bars, Integral Active Steering, and M Sport brakes with red-painted brake callipers. Adaptive two-axle air suspension and Integral Active Steering are available as options for the iX xDrive45 and iX xDrive60 (as part of the Dynamic Handling Package), as are the M Sport brakes.

In the new iX, the suspension, damping and chassis control systems have been recalibrated to cope with the increased drive power and weight balance resulting from optimized battery technology. In addition, a hydraulic rear axle support bearing ensures a balance between sporty dynamics and ride comfort. Weight- and friction-optimized wheel bearings and tires with reduced rolling resistance also contribute to the increased efficiency of the new BMW iX.

Drive and charging technology. More powerful and more efficient than ever.

The biggest single contribution to the increased efficiency of the new BMW iX comes from the first-ever use of silicon carbide semiconductor components (SiC inverters) in a BMW electric vehicle. The use of a SiC inverter now ensures significantly more efficient energy conversion in the drivetrain. Semiconductors made of silicon carbide are not only more efficient, but also more powerful and significantly more temperature-resistant than semiconductors made of conventional silicon.

This new inverter technology for the power electronics optimizes the power density of the drive system. This ensures high efficiency in the transfer of energy from the high-voltage battery to the electric motor. The innovative silicon carbide module of the inverter optimizes the peak performance of the electric motors, their efficiency, and thus the range of the new BMW iX. Thanks to the further development of the performance electronics and the fine-tuning of the wheel bearings and tires, among other refinements, the new iX xDrive60, for example, is expected to deliver about 10% more range than its predecessor – up to 340 miles when properly equipped (estimated range of up to 340 miles according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards).

Like the drive units, the high-voltage batteries used in the new BMW iX are based on the latest development of the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology. The innovations also include a new battery management system that optimizes efficiency. Combined with the high energy density of the high-voltage batteries used in the new BMW iX, this contributes significantly to the outstanding range. A new battery cell technology gives the high-voltage battery in the BMW iX xDrive45 a net usable energy content of 100.1 kWh, while xDrive60 and M70 xDrive models have HV batteries with 113.4 kWh and 112.8 kWh of net usable energy respectively.

Adaptive recuperation with efficiency-optimized control. 

When driving, the latest version of adaptive recuperation helps to extend range. The intelligent networking of the drive control system enables the intensity of energy recovery during acceleration and braking to be adapted to the traffic situation as determined by navigation data and the sensors of the driver assistance systems. For example, the recuperation power can be increased when approaching a junction and more energy can be fed into the high-voltage battery during deceleration.

As an alternative to adaptive recuperation, the driver can select high, medium, or low braking energy recovery for all traffic situations in the BMW iDrive menu. Low recuperation corresponds to the coasting function. The BMW iX simply glides along without drive torque as soon as the accelerator pedal is released. The electric drive is not energized and thus no energy is consumed from the high-voltage battery.

If required, My Mode EFFICIENT can be used to activate a highly energy-efficient operating mode. The MAX RANGE function can increase the range remaining before the next charging stop by up to 25% by limiting the drive power and maximum speed and reducing certain comfort functions.

New heat pump function, more efficient predictive heat management for the high-voltage battery. 

All BMW iX models are equipped with an advanced heat pump function as standard. The new intelligent combination of heat pump technology ensures even greater efficiency in a wide range of driving situations and outside temperatures between -4° F and 86° F for the integrated heating and cooling circuit of the interior, as well as for the heating and cooling system of the drive system and high-voltage battery. For example, the waste heat from the electric motors can be directed to heat the interior and the high-voltage battery. This allows both the interior and the high-voltage battery to be heated simultaneously with the heat pump function and, if required, with a central electric auxiliary heater.

When outside temperatures are low, a new storage heating function optimizes the pre-conditioning of the high-voltage battery for optimum DC charging with shorter charging times and greater efficiency. Efficient use of the heat generated by the instantaneous water heater allows the high-voltage battery to heat up much faster. Anticipatory thermal management ensures that the temperature of the high-voltage battery is optimally controlled in advance of a stop at a fast-charging station. When the navigation system is active, the battery is automatically pre-conditioned before a planned charging stop. Pre-conditioning of the battery can be manually activated and deactivated at any time. The high-voltage battery can also be pre-conditioned before departure via the My BMW App.

Combined Charging Unit and optimized charging software. 

The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) used in all model variants of the new BMW iX enables AC charging with a maximum output of 11 kW. The CCU of the new iX xDrive45 can charge at a rate of up to 175 kW at a DC fast charging station. The maximum charging power of the iX xDrive60 and iX M70 xDrive is 195 kW.

Plug & Charge Multi Contract for maximum charging flexibility and convenience. 

The new BMW iX offers the Plug & Charge Multi Contract function. Plug & Charge Mulit Contract makes charging at compatible public charging stations even more convenient, as digital authentication via an app or card is no longer required. When the iX is connected to the charging point, the necessary contract data for invoicing the energy costs is transmitted through a communication interface via the charging cable. Customers can digitally store up to five individual Plug & Charge-enabled power contracts from different providers in the vehicle. 

Wide variety of systems for automated driving and parking. 

To optimize comfort and safety, the new BMW iX offers a wide range of systems for automated driving and parking. These are based on BMW’s latest modular technology kit and set new standards in terms of functionality, reliability, and availability. The advanced modular technology kit gives the new BMW iX outstanding intelligence in environmental monitoring and data processing. It also offers the potential for extensive integration of new and enhanced functions. These updates and enhancements can be installed over-the-air via remote software upgrades or downloaded from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store. This means that the BMW iX and its software remain conveniently at the cutting edge of technology.

Highway Assistant for optimized comfort on long journeys. 

The new BMW iX is already equipped with Driving Assistant Plus as standard. In addition to Forward Collision Mitigation, Active Blind Spot Detection and Lane Keeping Assistant and Speed Limit Assistant it also includes Distance Control and Steering Assistant, each of which can be used at speeds of up to 112 mph, as well as Active Speed Limit Assist.

The BMW Highway Assistant is the highlight of the range of options for automated driving. Its Level 2+ functionality allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel and comfortably position themselves on suitable limited access highways with divided lanes at speeds of up to 85 mph while keeping a close eye on the traffic. The system also includes Active Lane Change with eye activation. The combination of these two functions ensures outstanding driving comfort on long journeys with the new BMW iX.

Parking and maneuvering can be controlled by a smartphone. 

Parking Assistant, including Back-Up Assistant, also comes as standard in the new BMW iX. The optional Parking Assistant Professional, part of the Driving Assistant Professional Package, adds Parking View including Top View, Panorama View and 3D View, as well as the BMW Drive Recorder and Anti-Theft Recorder.

Parking Assistant Professional also allows users to control parking maneuvers from outside the vehicle using a smartphone. The Maneuver Assistant can also automatically complete complex reversing maneuvers up to 650 feet in length.

Display and operating system, connectivity.  Intuitive user experience and advanced digital services.

The BMW iX is also a pioneer in the field of display and operating systems. It was the first production vehicle to be launched with the innovative BMW Curved Display. BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, based on the BMW Operating System 8.5, contributes to the advanced driving experience in the new BMW iX. With the BMW Curved Display and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, it is geared towards operation via touch functions and natural speech. 

The BMW Operating System 8.5 start screen permanently shows the map view of the navigation system or other individually configurable displays. On the driver's side, the screen displays vertical live widgets that can be selected with a swipe, and QuickSelect makes it easy to activate them without having to go to a submenu. Once the settings have been made, simply tap the Home symbol at the bottom of the display to return to the start screen. In addition to the Home symbol, there are now icons for direct access to the air conditioning menu, the All Apps menu, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. In addition, the BMW iDrive in the new BMW iX provides the prerequisites for using digital services such as audio and video streaming as well as in-car gaming.

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional, optional on xDrive45 and xDrive60, standard on M70 xDrive, includes the BMW Head-Up Display and the Augmented View function on the Information and Control Display. 

With the BMW Operating System 8.5, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant also gains additional capabilities, including in the areas of communication, navigation and vehicle control. It is also possible to integrate Amazon Alexa. The Alexa voice service can be used in the vehicle, for example, to make shopping lists using your voice, play music or control your smart home remotely.

BMW Maps navigation system with charging-optimized route planning. 

The BMW Maps cloud-based navigation system, which is part of BMW Live Cockpit Professional, offers even better functions for charging-optimized route planning on long journeys in the new BMW iX. This can be done either in the vehicle or via the My BMW App. Charging stops are planned in such a way as to arrive at the destination as quickly as possible. The driver's preferred charging status, with which he wants to reach the stopovers and the final destination, can also be set. On request, detailed information about the charging stations along the route can be accessed during the journey, such as availability, costs, and services in the vicinity.

The closer the vehicle gets to a scheduled charging stop, the more frequently the availability of the charging station is checked so that an alternative route can be determined in plenty of time if necessary. If the driver decides to make an individual charging stop along the way, the planning of the rest of the route is automatically adapted to the new conditions.

Over-the-air updates: Remote Software Upgrade and BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades. 

To ensure that the new BMW iX always has the latest software, updates can be installed over the air. Remote software upgrades can include free quality or functional improvements. 

In addition, customers can purchase further driver assistance, entertainment and personalization features through the BMW ConnectedDrive Store. Selected functions can be tested free of charge for a period of one month and then booked for a specific term or purchased outright.

Video streaming and in-car gaming on the control display. 

The BMW Operating System 8.5 enables a wider range of digital content for information and entertainment, faster update cycles for functions, and optimized access to many specific online services. For video streaming on the Control Display, the Connected Package Professional offers YouTube as well as a video app for local channels. The entertainment offering includes both live channels and on-demand media libraries in the categories of news, sport, children's entertainment, movies, and series.

The latest generation of BMW iDrive also offers an innovative form of in-car gaming with the AirConsole platform. When the vehicle is stationary, the driver and passengers can play casual games alone or in multiplayer mode, for example to pass the time while the BMW iX's high-voltage battery is charging. Players only need their smartphone, which acts as a controller, and the BMW Curved Display. The selection of playable titles such as "UNO^® Car Party!", "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" or "Starlit Kart" is constantly being expanded.

Personalized user experience with BMW ID, My BMW App and personal eSIM, BMW Digital Key Plus as standard. 

The standard equipment of the new BMW iX includes optimized smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto™, and 5G mobile phone reception as standard provides the ideal conditions for in-car gaming, audio and video streaming and the use of other online-based services.

To personalise the user experience with BMW ID, simply log in to the vehicle for the first time using a smartphone and scan the QR code. The personal profile is then added and synchronizable settings are loaded. This means that the customer is greeted on the vehicle display by name and, if desired, with a personal profile picture, and their individual vehicle settings are automatically loaded. In addition, the vehicle is added to the My BMW App without the customer having to do anything. As a universal digital interface, it provides information on the vehicle's status, available range and service and maintenance requirements at all times. It also provides remote access to functions such as locating the vehicle and locking and unlocking the doors. 

The BMW Digital Key Plus can also be set up as standard for suitable smartphones and smartwatches with iOS or Android operating systems. Using the digital key on a mobile device, the new BMW iX automatically unlocks when approached. This is made possible by ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology. The vehicle can also be started without taking the device out of a pocket or bag. This makes a conventional car key superfluous. The BMW Digital Key Plus is even easier to set up with the new Setup Card. Simply hold the card up to your smartphone or scan the QR code on the back. The BMW Digital Key Plus can be shared digitally with other people with individually definable rights and offers additional control functions via the My BMW App in the vicinity of the vehicle.

Designed for recycling: Moving towards a circular economy step by step. 

One of the BMW’s ambitious sustainability goals is to increase the use of secondary raw materials in vehicle production, as is already being implemented in many areas of the new BMW iX. The company is pursuing the vision of the circular economy, in which raw materials are kept in circulation for as long as possible and without any loss in quality in order to reduce the use of primary materials and the associated mining of new raw materials and their energy and CO₂ intensive processing. BMW is also making important contributions to the recycling of vehicles at the end of their useful life. 

BMW’s Recycling and Dismantling Centre (RDZ) develops technologies and solutions that are then made available to the entire recycling industry. For 30 years, the RDZ has been doing important groundwork to promote recycling in the automotive industry.

Parallel to the market preparation for the new BMW iX, BMW launched a Europe-wide partnership with SK tes, a leading provider of innovative technology life cycle solutions, in November 2024. In a special recycling process, cobalt, nickel and lithium are extracted from used batteries and then returned to the value chain for the production of new batteries.

More efficient driving with the efficiency trainer. 

In addition to BMW EfficientDynamics technology, an efficient driving style is a key factor in reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions during the vehicle's service life. The efficiency trainer in the My BMW App provides drivers with tips on how to optimize their driving style in terms of sustainability. The digital assistant analyses previous journeys and provides tips for improvement as well as incentives by comparing fuel consumption with corresponding values from the BMW Community.

Specifications.

BMW Group in the United States.

BMW of North America, LLC was established 50 years ago to support the sales, marketing and distribution of BMW automobiles and motorcycles in the U.S. In 1993 BMW Group Financial Services NA, LLC was founded, and one year later BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC began assembling vehicles in South Carolina. In 2002 and 2003, BMW Group established MINI USA, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC relaunching two iconic brands and rounding out its product portfolio.

Today, the BMW Group has a nationwide corporate footprint in the U.S. which consists of nearly 30 locations in 12 different states. Beyond the National Sales Company and Financial Services headquarters in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, its manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and numerous other operational facilities, BMW Group in the U.S. also includes Designworks, a strategic design consultancy in Santa Monica, CA, BMW Group Technology Office USA, a technology research and development center in Silicon Valley, and BMW i Ventures, a venture capital fund, also in Silicon Valley.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the largest single BMW production facility in the world, and the global center of competence for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles including the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM. The plant assembles more than 1,500 vehicles each day, and up to 450,000 annually. Since 1994, Plant Spartanburg has assembled nearly 7 million BMW vehicles in the U.S.

The BMW Group sales organization in the U.S. is represented through a network of 350 BMW retailers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. The company’s activities provide and support over 120,000 jobs across the U.S. and contribute more than 43.3 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists online at www.bmwusanews.com , www.miniusanews.com, and at www.press.bmwna.com

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Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 30, 2024… BMW i Ventures announced today an investment in Phoenix Tailings, a pioneering metals production company dedicated to creating a zero-waste, zero-emission future. The Series B financing, which was led by Envisioning Partners and included additional participation from Yamaha Motor Ventures and Escape Velocity, will enable Phoenix Tailings to scale its rare earth processing operations to produce ~200 tons of rare earth metals annually.

Phoenix Tailings was founded in a backyard in Cambridge, Massachusetts, by four visionary co-founders determined to transform how critical metals are produced—metals essential to the technologies that power modern society. With the backing of the United States Department’s of Energy and Defense, as well as the State of Massachusetts, the company has secured initial offtake agreements, validated the groundbreaking technology, and assembled a world-class team to bring this vision to fruition.

“Phoenix Tailings has made a breakthrough that will significantly advance the sustainable refining of rare earth elements - a crucial step forward as many clean energy technologies depend on these critical materials,” said Kasper Sage, Managing Partner, BMW i Ventures. “We’re excited to see how this innovation will reshape global supply chains and contribute to a more sustainable future."

Phoenix Tailings is the leading U.S. company focused on refining rare earth metals into the final products essential for magnets used in various components. Through its innovative process, Phoenix Tailings extracts rare earth metals from both traditional ores, and as well as non-traditional feedstocks such as recycled materials, and mining waste—known as “tailings”—without producing toxic byproducts. This breakthrough approach allows the company to be cost-competitive with traditional processes currently dominated by China and Russia. By delivering a sustainable and secure supply of rare earth metals, Phoenix Tailings plays a vital role in strengthening the U.S. supply chain for defense manufacturing and meeting the growing demand for these essential materials in commercial industries.

“As our reliance on advanced technology grows, so does our dependence on critical metals—particularly lesser-known materials like rare earth metals,” said Nick Myers, co-founder and CEO of Phoenix Tailings. “From automotive and defense to medical devices, rare earth metals are essential to modern manufacturing. At Phoenix Tailings, we are ensuring the United States can meet this surging demand through processes that are ethical, sustainable, and economically viable.”

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About BMW i Ventures.

BMW i Ventures is the independent venture capital firm of BMW Group. From offices in Silicon Valley and Munich, BMW i Ventures invests in early to growth-stage companies defining the future of automotive, sustainability, manufacturing, and supply chain. Since starting in 2011, the firm has $800M under management and has invested in over 80 startups, including Bcomp, Boston Metal, CelLink, ChargePoint, GaN Systems, Motorway, Tekion, and Xometry.

More information can be found at: https://www.bmwiventures.com.

About Phoenix Tailings

Phoenix Tailings is a pioneering clean mining and metals production company dedicated to creating a zero-waste, zero-emission future. Through its innovative processes, Phoenix Tailings efficiently extracts and refines critical rare earth metals without harmful environmental impacts. With operations in Burlington, MA, and plans to scale up in Exeter, NH, the company is revolutionizing sustainable resource recovery for a greener world.

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Nantucket, MA – September 26, 2024… BMW of North America is back on the island of Nantucket this weekend in support of the twelfth annual Nantucket Project as prolific thought leaders from across the globe come together to reimagine solutions for a range of complex challenges facing humanity today. As Official Automotive Partner of The Nantucket Project, the company will once again provide a full lineup of vehicles for guests to enjoy including the 100% electric BMW i7 flagship sedan and first-ever plug-in hybrid BMW XM Label Sports Activity Vehicle.

Host to cultural icons, policy makers, artists, corporate executives, inventors, and hundreds more curious-minded influential figures seeking to make the world a better place, the non-profit initiative serves as a dynamic platform for different perspectives united by a commitment to honest, open dialogue. Through the art of storytelling, immersive live performances, and thought-provoking films, The Nantucket Project aims to foster empathy and enlightenment by bringing new worldviews into focus.

“The Nantucket Project is a unique opportunity to engage with an array of consumers who see the world through many different lenses yet share a fundamental view that the exchange of new ideas is what drives us all forward”, said Marcus Casey, Chief Marketing Officer, BMW of North America. “The BMW Group believes that the future is electric, digital, and circular, however no one company or industry can shape it by themselves. The only way to get there is through open dialogue and collaboration.”

From raw material procurement to manufacturing, and through the post-vehicle recycling phase, the BMW Group’s commitment to a sustainable future aligns with The Nantucket Project’s vision to leave a lasting, positive impact on our world. The company has established a firm goal for 2030 to reduce CO₂ emissions throughout its entire value chain by at least 40 percent and is striving for total climate neutrality by 2050.  

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BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists online at www.bmwusanews.com , www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com.

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Woodcliff Lake, NJ. — September 17, 2024 – BMW i Ventures today announced its participation in a $12 million Series B funding round for RunSafe Security, a leading cybersecurity firm specializing in software immunization. The investment round was led by Critical Ventures and SineWave Venture Partners and also includes Working Lab Capital, Lockheed Martin Ventures, HyperLink Ventures, Iron Gate Ventures, Alsop Louie Partners, and NextGen Venture Partners. 

RunSafe Security, known for its patented process that protects software from cyberattacks without disrupting developer operations, will utilize the funding to accelerate product development and expand its market reach in EMEA and APAC. The company’s success is evident in its remarkable growth, with back-to-back years of tripling annualized revenue and its solutions have been adopted by industry leaders across various sectors, including aerospace, defense, and energy.

Kasper Sage, Managing Partner at BMW i Ventures, stated, "Memory attacks pose an increasing threat to embedded systems within connected devices. RunSafe's cybersecurity technology immunizes memory-based systems from unknown vulnerabilities and future attacks. BMW i Ventures is committed to advancing safety and security measures across the automotive supply chain and beyond and is excited to partner with Joe and the RunSafe team to support their mission."

"This investment round will enable us to accelerate our efforts in delivering innovative solutions that protect critical systems from cyber attacks, without the need for extensive code rewrites,” said RunSafe CEO, Joe Saunders.

"RunSafe’s products have been adopted by industry leaders such as Vertiv, Schneider Electric, and GE Aviation, as well as esteemed branches of the U.S. military, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force," added Saunders. "With the expansion of the RunSafe Security Platform, we solidified our position as cybersecurity crusaders, offering automated solutions for SBOM generation, vulnerability identification, and exploit prevention and remediation for embedded software deployed throughout critical infrastructure."

This investment further solidifies BMW i Ventures' position as a key player in driving innovation and security within the automotive industry and beyond.

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About BMW i Ventures

BMW i Ventures is the independent venture capital firm of BMW Group. From offices in Silicon Valley and Munich, BMW i Ventures invests in early to growth-stage companies defining the future of automotive, sustainability, manufacturing, and supply chain. Since starting in 2011, the firm has $800M under management and has invested in over 75 startups, including Bcomp, Boston Metal, CelLink, ChargePoint, GaN Systems, Motorway, Tekion, and Xometry.  For more information: https://www.bmwiventures.com.

About RunSafe Security

RunSafe Security aims to immunize software from cyberattacks without developer friction, disrupting hacker economics. Our security techniques inoculate customer systems from an entire class of cyberattacks. Our customers integrate our product across build and deploy tools chains without developer friction, protecting open-source software and proprietary native code, changing system behavior, or affecting system overhead. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with an office in Huntsville, Alabama, RunSafe Security’s customers span the aerospace, defense, energy, industrial, and national security verticals. Learn more at: https://runsafesecurity.com/.

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• Refreshed design details inside and out for the 2025 i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe.
• Updated four and six-cylinder engines with 48V mild hybrid technology for the 430i and M440i models.
• New exterior lighting designs including laser-accented taillights.
• Production to commence in July 2024. Pricing to be announced soon.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 24, 2024… Already innovators in the premium midsize class in terms of aesthetic appeal, driving pleasure, electrification, and digitalization, the new BMW i4 and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe are building further on their unique status in the marketplace with updates in all these areas.

New exterior paint finishes and light-alloy wheels, new designs for the headlights, and rear lights available with laser-lit accents accentuate the bold visual impact of both models.

Inside, the BMW Curved Display provides the stage for the latest evolution of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, based on BMW Operating System 8.5. The display and control/operation system can be specified with an Augmented View display for the BMW Maps navigation system. And new steering wheel designs, interior trim elements, and upholsteries bring modern touches to the premium ambience of the interior.

The new BMW i4 and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe will be built at BMW’s home plant in Munich, whose transformation into a production facility geared exclusively to all-electric models is being fueled by substantial investment. The worldwide market launch of the new BMW i4 and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe will get underway in July 2024.

New design for the BMW kidney grille, headlights, and rear lights.

Slim headlights and a vertically arranged BMW kidney grille dropping deeply towards the road define the front-end styling of the BMW i4 and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. A refreshed design brings additional visual impact to these signature brand features. The surround of the BMW kidney grille is now finished in matt chrome, both as standard and in conjunction with the optional M Sport package. Due to the lower cooling requirement of the electric drive system, the BMW kidney grille of the new BMW i4 has a fully enclosed upper section, below which is a Black high-gloss surface topped by a matte-silver honeycomb pattern. The air intakes on the combustion-engined versions of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe have a mesh structure whose surfaces are now finished in matte Quartz Silver.

As well as a front apron with large side air intakes, the M Sport package for the BMW i4 and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe also includes a diffuser element in the lower section of the rear bumper, now finished in Black high-gloss. The exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear apron on the left and right of the combustion-engined models have grown from 3.5 inches to 4 inches in diameter. Like the BMW kidney grille surround, if the optional M high-gloss Shadowline with extended elements is specified, they are finished in Black high-gloss.

The slim headlights have been visually and functionally upgraded. Low and high beam are generated from a single LED module, and pair of vertical and subtly arrow-shaped LED units house the side marker lights, daytime running lights, and turn signal functions. The new headlights generate a Welcome Light animation once the driver and key come within 10 feet of the vehicle.

Adaptive Full LED Headlights are standard on i4 M50 xDrive and M440i models and optional on all other models as part of the Shadowline Package. Vehicles equipped as such are also fitted with new Laserlight taillights. This innovative lighting effect employs a technology first seen on the BMW M4 CSL, a high-performance special edition model. Here, laser diodes illuminate a fiber optic bundle, giving the rear units an intricate light graphic.

New exterior paint finishes and aerodynamic wheels.

The selection of exterior paint finishes for the BMW i4 and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe now includes Cape York Green metallic and Vegas Red metallic. A wide variety of BMW Individual paint finishes are also offered.

The range of optional alloy wheel designs also features attractive new additions. 19-inch M Aero bi-color wheels can be ordered on cars specified with the optional M Sport Package. Also new are 20-inch BMW Individual Aero bi-color wheels in double-spoke design, available on M440i models and 430i models equipped with the M Sport Package.

New interior accents enhance a progressive sporting appeal.

The changes to the interior of the new BMW i4 and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe are focused on digitalization and achieving a sharper sporting profile. The upgraded BMW iDrive with QuickSelect further reduces in the number of buttons and controls in the cockpit. The functions of the automatic climate control system and seat and steering wheel heating can now be operated by touch via the BMW Curved Display or by voice command through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. New adjustment controls for the air vents allow the airflow direction to be adjusted using rotating and tilting movements.

The new BMW i4 and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe are fitted as standard with sport seats in perforated Sensatec. Vernasca leather trim with decorative quilting is available in five colors including the new bi-color Black with Red Highlight.

2025 BMW i4s and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupes come standard with a two-spoke steering wheel with polygonal rim and illuminated multifunction buttons. Adding the M Sport Package now brings an M leather steering wheel in a three-spoke design with a flat-bottomed rim and a black center stripe marking the 12 o’clock position. The three-spoke M leather steering wheel standard on the i4 M50 xDrive and M440i models additionally features M tricolor stitching and a red stripe at top dead center.

High-quality materials, new interior trim elements. 

New interior trim elements include M Fine Brushed Aluminum, new Fineline Light open-pored and Grey Blue Ash open-pored fine wood trim variants.

The Sensatec upholstery covering the instrument panel now has a smoother, more refined surface that extends to the upper portion of all four door panels. And customers can now specfiy a Galvanic finish for the gear selector, BMW iDrive Controller, and Start/Stop button on the center console.

Combustion engines with 48V mild hybrid technology. Powerful and efficient.

The new B58B30M2 3-liter inline 6-cylinder engines in the 2025 M440i Gran Coupe models feature a new 48V mild hybrid (MHEV) technology for sharper power deliver and greater efficiency. The auxilliary electric drive of the 48V starter generator can provide 11 hp of boost to the 375 hp TwinPower Turbo engine, resulting in  a total system output of 386 hp @ 5,200-6,250 rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque @ 1,900-4,800 rpm.

The engine is paired with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission to propel the BMW M440i Gran Coupe from 0-60 mph in an estimated 4.7 seconds, or an estimated 4.3 seconds when fitted with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The engine’s surge of power is accompanied by an exhilarating soundtrack from the M Sport exhaust system. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
 
The B48B20O2 2-liter inline 4-cylinder engine in the 2025 430i Gran Coupe models also benefits from 48V mild hybrid technology, as well as incorporation of the Miller cycle combustion process, a redesign of the intake ports and combustion chambers, and innovations in the areas of camshaft control, injection, ignition system, and exhaust gas routing. The TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine produces 255 hp @ 4,700-6,500 rpm, and 295 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,500 rpm.

Unique design elements for the M Performance models.

The BMW i4 M50 xDrive and BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe underline their sporty character with M-specific design features. Both models now feature a BMW kidney grille with a Black high-gloss surround and horizontally arranged bars adorned by a BMW M logo. And the front apron elements previously finished in Cerium Grey now come in Black high-gloss.

The distinctive trapezoidal tailpipe trim at the rear end of the new BMW M440i Gran Coupe models also sports a Black high-gloss finish. The M Carbon exterior package available as an option includes side air intake trim at the front end, M‑specific exterior mirror caps, a diffuser insert in the rear apron, and a subtle rear spoiler all made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

Display and control/operation system, connectivity.

The latest generation of the BMW iDrive display and control/operation system with QuickSelect based on BMW Operating System 8.5 opens up a new way of intuitively controlling vehicle functions and accessing digital services in the BMW i4 and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. With the digital BMW Curved Display screen grouping and the expanded capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the driver-centric cockpit has been optimized for touch control and natural language.

The climate control functions are also operated digitally in the new BMW i4 and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, enabling a further reduction in the number of physical buttons and controls. The control/operation system additionally comprises multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, the BMW iDrive Controller and, as an option, the BMW Head-Up Display.

BMW iDrive with QuickSelect: simplified and even more intuitive. 

The system’s QuickSelect feature paves the way for an improved menu structure that takes cues from consumer electronics devices. It allows the driver to navigate to functions directly from the newly arranged home screen without having to enter submenus. The new, flat menu structure makes it much easier to switch between different functions and helps the driver to focus their attention on what’s happening on the road.

The new home screen continuously displays the navigation system’s map view. On the same level, there is a vertical bar on the driver’s side of the display containing widgets that can be individually selected and arranged. The BMW i4 also includes a widget for the charging functions. Some of the widgets can also be swiped horizontally to show additional content. The related functions can then be called up directly with QuickSelect. And once the relevant settings have been chosen, a quick tap on the home icon at the lower edge of the control display is all it takes to return to the home screen. Icons for direct access to the climate control menu, Apps menu, and Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto™ can also now be found next to the home icon.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with additional languages and new graphics.

Voice control using the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is set to become even more interactive and intuitive in the new BMW i4 and new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. There is now a choice of two different looks for the graphics visualising the digital companion on the control display, with additional graphics also appearing here in response to selected voice commands. For instance, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant acknowledges the request to look for a filling station nearby by showing the image of a fuel pump, enriching the dialogue between driver and vehicle.

BMW Maps navigation system with new charging-optimised route guidance and Augmented View. 

The cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system forms part of the standard BMW Live Cockpit Plus. Underpinned by BMW Operating System 8.5, the system now makes it even easier to input destinations and can offer additional information while driving. Further enhancements include better usability of filters, a flatter menu structure with touch buttons shown directly on the map view and proactive route recommendations.

The latest version of BMW Maps also gives BMW i4 drivers access – both from the vehicle and via the My BMW App – to improved functions that enable charging-optimized route planning over long journeys. The charging stops are planned so that the selected destination is reached as quickly as possible. The driver’s preferred minimum charge level when arriving at mid-journey stops and the final destination can be adjusted in increments of five percent and incorporated into the route planning. The system can also give preference to charging stations operated by selected providers and exclude others from the route planning at the driver’s request. The system will then propose the latter only if there seems to be no alternative for an efficient route without any large detours.

Additional information is provided for the selected charging stations, such as supported connector types and payment options, as well as the availability of sanitary, catering or shopping facilities in the vicinity. The expected duration of the planned charging stop and the resulting electricity costs can also be shown in advance. The closer the vehicle gets to a scheduled mid-journey stop, the more frequently the availability of the charging point is checked so that an alternative route can be recommended in good time if necessary. Regardless of the charging-optimized route given, a constant stream of alternative charging options are also displayed, e.g. for spontaneous mid-journey breaks.

Specifying the optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional adds not only the full-color BMW Head-Up Display, but also the Augmented View function. This offers contextual, real-time information to complement the navigation system’s map display by showing a live video stream of the driver’s view on the control display or instrument cluster and augmenting it with information that is currently relevant. At confusing junctions, for instance, an animated directional arrow is integrated into the video image to help the driver take the best turn-off for the planned route.

Personalization and remote access with BMW ID and My BMW App. 

BMW Operating System 8.5 also makes it even easier to personalise the user experience in the BMW i4 and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Signing in to the vehicle by scanning a QR code with a smartphone is all it takes to import the customer’s personal profile, load synchronizable settings and automatically link the key detected in the vehicle with the BMW ID.

The vehicle is also automatically added to the My BMW App. Available free of charge from the app stores for both iOS and Android, the My BMW App acts as a universal digital interface that provides information on the vehicle’s condition, charging status or remaining range at any time. Depending on the car’s specification, it also gives the user access to various remote functions. For example, the vehicle can be located remotely via the My BMW App and the doors locked and unlocked. The Remote 3D View and Remote Inside View functions included with the optional Parking Assistant Plus give drivers the ability to call up a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle’s immediate vicinity on their smartphone.

Besides this, the My BMW App can also be used to send destination addresses from the user’s smartphone to the vehicle’s navigation system for route planning and to initiate, purchase or extend ConnectedDrive Upgrades. It is also possible to control the charging process and pre-conditioning for the BMW i4 from the My BMW App. The My Trips feature including Efficiency Trainer and monthly review provides the user with data and evaluations for distances travelled, consumption and average speed, as well as offering helpful tips for driving more efficiently.

Optimum connectivity with Personal eSIM and 5G standard.

Customers of the new BMW i4 and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe can activate the Personal eSIM as standard – in addition to the vehicle’s built-in mobile SIM. The Personal eSIM uses the 5G mobile communications standard and allows the customer to use the communications and connectivity features covered by their mobile contract from their car, even when they don’t have their smartphone with them.

All phone functions can be operated with the BMW iDrive system or the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. A connection to the vehicle’s exterior antenna is used for making phone calls and streaming data via the Personal eSIM.

Plug & Charge Multi Contract: contactless authentication with access to multiple contracts.

The Plug & Charge Multi Contract function can also be used with the new BMW i4. Plug & Charge Multi Contract makes charging at compatible public charging stations even easier, as digital authentication via app or charging card is no longer required to access them. Instead, the vehicle authenticates itself independently through a technical interface.

Customers can digitally store up to five individual Plug & Charge-enabled charging contracts from different suppliers in the vehicle. The authentication required for charging and billing takes place automatically at compatible charging points.

BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 349 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,146 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

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Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com, www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com. 

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• Tribute to BMW Art Car No. 12 by Esther Mahlangu Debuts at Frieze Los Angeles Featuring the 100% Electric BMW 5 Series.
• Latest Iteration of Color-Changing E Ink Technology Reinterprets Mahlangu’s Distinctive Design. 
• Complex Colors and Patterns Showcase Future Potential for Vehicle Personalization. 

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 29, 2024… 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 color-change technology developed by BMW with the artistic language of South African artist Esther Mahlangu. With sections of attached film that can be electronically animated, the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA embodies the latest development in color-change technology for vehicle surfaces in cooperation with E Ink.

The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA celebrates its world premiere at the fair opening on February 29. The contemporary tribute recalls the BMW Art Car designed by Mahlangu in 1991. “The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA honors 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 color 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 realize this idea, and work with Esther Mahlangu, is absolutely surreal.” The 88-year-old artist’s signature colors and geometric patterns are perfect for bringing the innovative Flow technology to life in the BMW i5. The versatility of the electrophoretic color 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, hood, 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 color particles they contain can be changed by applying an electric voltage. This allows the typical colors and patterns of Mahlangu’s art to be generated in constantly changing compositions.

The animations are also accompanied by an equally extraordinary sound composed by Renzo Vitale, the BMW Group's Creative Director, Sound. 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 color 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 color 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, color-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 multicolored implementation. The 240 sections of film applied to BMW i Vision Dee were able to display up to 32 colors. This latest phase of development now enables even more colors 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 symbolized 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 special vehicle Frieze Los Angeles, BMW continues its longstanding 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 August 11, 2024, honors 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 February 29 with a live performance by Sudan Archives at the Hammer Museum.

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BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon

Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,146 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists online at www.bmwusanews.comwww.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com.

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• BMW returns as official partner for the 21^st edition of Art Basel Miami Beach from December 8 to 10, 2023.
•   “REMEMBR” guides visitors on a journey through time and memory in a captivating fusion of art and technology.
•   The interactive exhibit inside the Art Basel Miami Beach Collectors Lounge will feature the first-ever, 100% electric BMW i5 sedan.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – November 28, 2023… BMW continues its longstanding partnership with Art Basel, returning as an official partner for the 21-year anniversary of Art Basel Miami Beach from December 8 to 10, 2023. On the occasion, BMW is collaborating with artist Alex Israel to present “REMEMBR”, an AI-powered participatory video installation that guides visitors on a journey through time and memory in a captivating fusion of art and technology. The new fully electric BMW i5 played a fundamental role in inspiring Israel for this project. As a global partner of Art Basel for 19 years at shows in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong and Paris, BMW will once again offer a VIP car service for attendees.

Alex Israel is a renowned contemporary artist based in Los Angeles, known for his innovative and thought-provoking work that often explores the intersection of popular culture, art, and technology. His body of work, which includes paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media installations, frequently draws inspiration from the vibrant culture and iconic imagery of his hometown. Israel's unique artistic perspective allows him to capture the zeitgeist of modern life in a way that is both insightful and engaging, while exploring the boundaries of what art can be in the digital age.

"It was a true pleasure to meet with Alex in Munich and explore the BMW i5 together. His fascination with our latest innovation mirrors our shared commitment to blending the worlds of technology, design, and art to pursue something truly extraordinary. The BMW i5 is a vehicle that not only moves you physically but emotionally and imaginatively, much like Alex's art," said Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design.

Israel worked closely with BMW to develop AI technology that will collect, filter, compose and choreograph the visitor’s phone’s camera content. In an immersive installation across seven custom-designed screens at Art Basel Miami Beach, guests will be invited to discover the hyper-memories of Alex Israel and, equally, share their own in real time.

"Working on 'REMEMBR' with BMW has been an incredible learning experience. The electric BMW i5 played a significant role in the conception of this project," said Alex Israel. "I always say that my real studio is my car. I get most of my ideas while I’m driving around LA and my memories stream and fuse with my imagination to bear new ideas as the radio shuffles and the city passes me by. The BMW i5, with its AI technology and My Modes feature, resonated for me as a milestone in the evolution of human-machine relationships. The BMW i5 is a memory-making tool that encourages discovery, anticipates human need, and tailors experience to each individual driver. Similarly, our phones have also helped to close this gap, evolving from mere communication devices into digital diaries—extensions of our memories and external hard drives in our pockets. 'REMEMBR' asks: what if we could revisit and share all these memories in an engaging way? This project is a testament to the power of technology in shaping our memories and experiences, and I'm excited for visitors to explore it and themselves this December at Art Basel in Miami Beach," continued Israel.

“As we’ve done for more than half a century, forging meaningful connections with world-renowned artists—and by extension art lovers everywhere—is a great way for BMW to reach new audiences while promoting the creative spirit that drives our brand forward and inspires us all,” said Marcus Casey, Chief Marketing Officer, BMW of North America. “We’re delighted to collaborate with Alex Israel on this project that seamlessly blends technology and design, much like the first-ever 100% electric BMW i5”.

"REMEMBR" reflects BMW’s commitment to innovation and design, which are key features of the new BMW i5. The latest BMW 5 Series is dynamic, digital, and now with the addition of the BMW i5, also fully electric. The BMW i5 embodies personal expression and represents the joy of moving forward with an empowering mindset. The BMW My Modes feature found inside the BMW i5 activates different sensory environments at the touch of a button, creating a human centric approach to the use of technology.

Experience “REMEMBR” and the 100% electric BMW i5:

December 8 - December 10, 2023

BMW Lounge at Art Basel Miami Beach Collectors Lounge

Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami FL 33139

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About Art Basel 

Founded in 1970 by gallerists from Basel, Art Basel today stages the world's premier art shows for Modern and contemporary art, sited in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Paris. Defined by its host city and region, each show is unique, which is reflected in its participating galleries, artworks presented, and the content of parallel programming produced in collaboration with local institutions for each edition. Art Basel’s engagement has expanded beyond art fairs through new digital platforms and new initiatives such as The Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report, Intersections: The Art Basel Podcast and The BMW Art Journey. The Financial Times is its global Media Partner. For further information, please visit www.artbasel.com

About Alex Israel (b. 1982, Los Angeles, CA)

For the last decade, Israel’s art has embraced pop-culture as a global language. Trafficking in the invisible stardust of Hollywood and the detritus of film production—backdrops, sets and props—while riding the wave of the Internet and social media—as online talk-show host, eyewear and clothing designer, filmmaker and hologram—Israel’s art practice doubles as a brand, centered around a Southern Californian millennial lifestyle for which his iconic profile-in-shades-logo becomes a sly emblem, mobilized across high-visibility platforms from the worlds of art, entertainment, fashion and tech. Embedded within each of Israel’s endeavors is not only a landscape (of LA) and a portrait (of himself), but a cool and savvy meditation on a world fueled by celebrity, product placement and influence. A sort of sphinx behind dark lenses, the artist provokes an interrogation of the role of contemporary art in this new world.

Israel earned a B.A. from Yale University, Connecticut, and an M.F.A. from University of Southern California, Roski School of Fine Arts, Los Angeles. Israel’s works are included in major museums and private collections worldwide, including: Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Moderna Museet, Stockholm; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; Museum of Modern Art, New York; Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam; The Israel Museum, Jerusalem; Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; and Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon

Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,146 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

  Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists online at www.bmwusanews.comwww.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com.

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• All-new, 2^nd generation of BMW’s Compact Sports Activity Coupe
• X2 xDrive28i and high-performance X2 M35i xDrive with 312-hp available at launch
• Modern, tech-focused interior featuring the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9
• MSRP for X2 xDrive28i - $42,000 + $995 destination; X2 M35i - $51,400 + $995 destination
• US market launch to begin in March 2024

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – October 10, 2023…The BMW X2 introduced the concept of a Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) for the premium compact segment. And now the more distinctive, sportier, and tech-forward second generation makes its debut. Significantly larger dimensions, a pronounced coupe silhouette, and dynamic lines broadcast the leap in development taken by the all-new BMW X2. The progressive character of the new X2 is also evident in the array of systems enabling automated driving and parking, and in the innovative digital services provided by the new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9.

As the youngest member of the BMW X model family and one with distinctive emotional appeal, the 2024 BMW X2 embodies a youthful and progressive lifestyle. The new X2 has everything it needs to build on the success of its predecessor, more than 380,000 examples of which were sold worldwide, and in the process strengthen the brand’s position in the growing compact segment. 

The 2024 BMW X2 will make its world debut at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo (formerly the Tokyo Motor Show), which will open its doors on October 26, 2023. The US market launch of the compact SAC will commence in March 2024.

The new BMW X2 will be produced at BMW Group Plant Regensburg for worldwide distribution. BMW Group Plant Regensburg has become the automotive industry's first plant worldwide to use an end-to-end digitalized and automated process in standard production for inspection, processing, and marking of painted vehicle surfaces by AI-controlled robots. The Bavarian plant is therefore taking another step towards becoming a digital and intelligently connected facility – the BMW iFactory.

Sporting presence, modern and spacious interior. 

The proportions, lines, and surface treatment of the all-new BMW X2 exude sporting prowess, individuality, and a confident presence. The X2’s distinctive exterior appearance sets it apart in character from the BMW X1 compact Sports Activity Vehicle and is accompanied by a modern cockpit design shaped by digital innovations including the BMW Curved Display and by generous levels of interior space. 

The BMW X2 has grown by 7.6 inches in length over its predecessor, to 179.8. This means it’s now 2.6 inches longer than the new BMW X1. Its wheelbase is now 106.0 inches (+ 0.9 inches), and width has grown 0.8 inches to 72.6. Wider tracks at both the front and rear, together with the larger-diameter wheels, give the new BMW X2 a broader, more muscular stance. Overall height is now 62.6 inches, up 2.5 inches compared with the previous generation. The result is dynamically stretched proportions that embrace two signature features of a BMW Sports Activity Coupe:  a vertical front end and a roofline flowing deep into the rear end in the traditional coupe style.

Inside, the new BMW X2 has seating for five adults. Both the driver and front passenger and those in the rear seats benefit from noticeable increases in shoulder and elbow room. Kneeroom in the second row of seats has been expanded by a full inch. The rear seat backrests can be folded in a 40:20:40 split. With all the seats in use, the new BMW X2 can accommodate 25.3 cubic feet of cargo. A maximum of 51.7 cubic feet of storage is available with the rear seats folded.

Exterior design. Authentic SAC proportions with dynamic lines and a strong presence.

The all-new X2 impresses with dynamically stretched lines and a generous surface treatment featuring a small number of character lines. The roofline, which flows along an unbroken path into the rear end, creates a slim, coupe-like silhouette. The upright front end, prominently flared wheel arches and powerful rear exude confidence and presence.

The extroverted exterior design of the new BMW X2 highlights its distinctive character. The differentiation from the brand’s compact Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), the BMW X1, is clear from every angle. Model-specific headlights, a fresh new design for the rear lights, and the optional illuminated BMW kidney grille underscore the exclusivity of the BMW X2. 

The unique design features of the BMW X2 M35i xDrive performance model speak to the promise of dynamic driving pleasure for those on board. An M Sport package – which also includes aerodynamically optimized exterior details – is available on the X2 xDrive28i. And 21-inch light-alloy wheels are now offered on a compact model from BMW for the first time.

Front end with a strong character and unique design features. 

The front-end design of the new BMW X2 brings sporting appeal and visual excitement to the premium compact segment. Front and center are new interpretations of two signature brand features: the BMW kidney grille and twin headlights. The two connected elements of the kidney grille together form an almost hexagonal contour, recalling the front-end design of the BMW X4 and BMW X6 models. The outline of the BMW kidney grille is highlighted by a three-dimensional surround. The optional illuminated BMW kidney grille gives the X2 an expressively distinctive appearance, especially after dark. The model-specific air inlet grille with sporty honeycomb structure is finished in black high gloss.

The headlight units extend well into the wheel arches. The new BMW X2 comes standard with LED headlights for low and high beam. Two vertical LED units with a subtle arrow shape include the daytime driving lights and turn signal indicators. M Shadowline headlights may be specified as an option.

The lower air intake extends well into the sides of the front end. It is flanked to either side by elegant, wing-shaped inlays, which guide the onrushing air to the air curtains in the front apron. Together with the eye-catching headlights, the new BMW kidney grille, and a windscreen much more heavily raked than on the new BMW X1, this creates a slim yet powerful front view that emphasizes the width of the X2 and exudes solidity.

Coupe-shaped silhouette, eye-catching shoulders.

The distinctive proportions of the new BMW X2 are evident most clearly when the vehicle is viewed in profile. The upright front end, long hood, heavily raked A-pillars, and roofline flowing dynamically into the rear define the typical silhouette of a Sports Activity Coupe from BMW. Large wheels and a wraparound black border at the lowest edge of the body are subtle indicators of the robust character of the compact BMW X model. 

Adding to the powerful appearance of the all-new BMW X2 are the clean body panel surfaces, which are given added structure by a small number of dynamically stretched lines. The door handles are integrated flush with the body. At its trailing edge, the slender side window area features a tweaked interpretation of the Hofmeister kink familiar from BMW models past and present. Shallow roof rails in black high gloss can be specified as an option for the new BMW X2. 

Both the front and rear wheel arches are prominently flared, the rear arches particularly so. Combined with a notable indent near the rear window, this creates a muscular shoulder area. Enhanced by a passenger compartment set well rearward, the design of the X2 radiates agility and power even when standing still.

Powerful rear end with distinctively styled lights. 

The flared wheel arches and muscular shoulders also shape the appearance of the new BMW X2 when viewed from the rear. The character lines along the flanks continue in the rear, creating a flowing connection between the different areas of the body. Like the contours of the rear lights, the body lines and surface structures are horizontal. This accentuates the width of the rear end and the body’s muscular stance on the road very effectively. Below the heavily raked rear window, a bold Gurney-style spoiler generates additional downforce over the rear axle.

A concave surface below the rear spoiler creates a three-dimensional effect and adds a sense of tautness. The model-specific rear apron of the new BMW X2 is composed of a black surface, which frames the license plate carrier and extends as far as the side body edging, and a section below it painted in body color. Inserts styled as air intakes and vertical reflectors further enrich the sporting flavor.

An all-new design treatment gives the rear lights of the compact Sports Activity Coupe a characterful appearance. The light units are split into two sections and extend well into the car’s flanks and the tailgate. The LED elements for the rear lights and turn signal indicators point outwards in the shape of an arrow, picking up the design of headlights.

Wide variety of exterior colors; optional M Sport Package. 

Customers can choose from two solid and eleven metallic paint finishes for the exterior of their new BMW X2 (one solid and nine metallic finishes for X2 M35i), including the new Vegas Red metallic. Two Frozen shades from BMW Individual and a broad spectrum of BMW Individual special paint finishes will also be available.

An M Sport package is available for the all-new BMW X2 xDrive28i to further accentuate the dynamic mission of the Sports Activity Coupe. The M Sport Package adds large side air intakes integrated separately into the front apron, a border painted in body color along the lower edge of the body, M-specific side skirts, M High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and a striking rear apron with integrated diffuser element. Adaptive M suspension and 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design are also part of the deal (20 and 21-inch wheels are also available). M-specific interior appointments include sport seats, an Alcantara-trimmed instrument panel, an anthracite-colored headliner, and an M leather steering wheel with shift paddles.

For those wanting to make an even bolder statement, the M Sport Professional Package is available for both models. When fitted to the X2 xDrive28i with M Sport, the package adds black mirror caps, M Sport brakes with red calipers, M Shadowline headlights, a rear spoiler, and additional Shadowline exterior trim. When specified for the X2 M35i, buyers get a choice of blue or red M Sport brake calipers (or they may choose M Compound brakes with grey calipers), M Shadowline headlights, additional Shadowline trim, and unique M Sport seats.

Interior and equipment. Premium ambience and functionality with a sporting flavor.

A modern premium ambience with sporting touches and a lot more space than was offered by the previous model await the driver and passengers inside the new BMW X2. High-quality materials, precise workmanship, and a host of details executed with innovative flair reveal the progress that has been achieved with the new model generation. Generous on-board spaciousness and noticeably increased legroom in the rear compartment combine with a significantly larger luggage compartment, which gives the compact Sports Activity Coupe an impressive degree of practicality.

The progressive aura in the interior of the all-new BMW X2 results primarily from the fundamental upgrades to the display and control/operation system. The new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect based on BMW Operating System 9 represents a reimagining of the driver-centered cockpit design to focus on touch and voice control – via the BMW Curved Display and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. The broad-based implementation of digitalization enables the number of physical buttons, controls and switches required for intuitive operation to be significantly reduced.

Supreme driving pleasure in a progressive ambience. 

The driving pleasure in the new BMW X2 is characterized by a raised seating position and a driver-focused cockpit design. The outstanding view over the road and the ergonomically optimized arrangement of the displays and controls enable a sporty driving experience undisturbed by any situation. 

Many details of the modern interior design take their cues from the interior concept of the BMW iX. Key features include the slender instrument panel, which serves as a stage for the BMW Curved Display, and a “floating” armrest with integral control panel between the driver’s seat and front passenger seat. The BMW Curved Display – with its frameless glass surface angled slightly towards the driver – brings an elegant, modern highlight to the cabin.

Below it, the slim dash panel accentuates the width of the interior with its horizontal decorative surfacing. Four interior trim strip variants, including the new Aluminum with graphic accents and – exclusively in cars with the M Sport package – Aluminum Hexacube, allow owners to personalize the design.

The progressive style of the interior design continues with the center console. Alongside the newly designed gear selector toggle, the control panel integrated into the center console houses buttons for various vehicle functions. These include the Start/Stop button, the volume control for the audio system and the button for the hazard lights, as well as the parking brake, My Modes and Park Assist.

In the front section of the center console, directly below the central air vent, is space for two cup holders and a smartphone tray with indirect illumination on both sides. Secured by a movable clasp, phones can be placed here upright so they are visible to the driver and front passenger and charged wirelessly. Additional storage areas can be found in the space underneath the central armrest.

Newly developed seats offer better comfort and lateral support. 

The newly developed seats in the X2 offer a stylish appearance, outstanding lateral support in quick transitions, optimized comfort over long distances, and extended functionality. This applies to both the standard items and the optional sport seats, which also stand out with their prominent bolsters and shoulder areas, and their adjustability of seat angle and depth. The two seat variants are also available with lumbar support in the backrest including massage function. 

Animal-free perforated Veganza seating surfaces are standard, and customers can choose from Black, Mocha, Oyster, bi-color Red/Black, and bi-color Atlas Grey/Smoke White. The M Sport package includes Veganza/Alcantara sport seats in black with blue contrast stitching.

The optional Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof brings an exclusive touch to both the exterior appearance of the all-new BMW X2 and its interior ambience. Its dark-tinted glass surface extends in a single section from the windscreen into the rear part of the roof; indeed, only a small section of the roof is painted in body color. It also reaches around to the roof frame on either side, creating a stylish and consistent look. Designed as a body-mounted module, the panoramic glass sunroof floods the interior with light thanks to a view-through area measuring 28.0 inches in length and 27.6 inches in width. A multi-layer, electric interior roller blind is on hand to provide interior shading when required.

New 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder for the X2 xDrive28i. 

The 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine at work in the X2 xDrive28i has been extensively revised. The new engine incorporates a Miller combustion cycle, as well as a new dual (direct and port) injection system and a revised combustion chamber geometry. The engine now makes 241 hp between 4,500-6,500 rpm, and torque has increased to 295 lb-ft between 1,500-4,000 rpm – enough to propel the X2 xDrive28i from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds.

M on the outside, M on the inside: The X2 M35i xDrive.

The most potent 4-cylinder version of the latest modular generation of engines delivers the power the all-new BMW X2 M35i xDrive turns into exhilarating performance. Among the 2.0-liter unit’s M-specific highlights are a new, stronger crankshaft, an optimized oil supply system for the pistons with cooling channels, and main bearing shells and caps carried over from the latest-generation 6-cylinder engines. It is also equipped with VANOS variable camshaft timing with optimized oil supply for the actuator and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing. The result of these enhancements is 312 hp between 5,750 and 6,500 rpm, and peak torque of 295 lb-ft from 2,000 to 4,500 rpm.  With all that power at the ready, the new BMW X2 M35i xDrive sprints from rest to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.

The new motor’s spirited power is accompanied by a growl from the M-specific exhaust system. The new BMW X2 M35i xDrive features two pairs of twin tailpipes. Nestled neatly into the left and right of the rear apron, they are a signature feature of high-performance models from BMW M and have now been adopted by the most powerful member of the compact SAC range. 

Standard equipment: a 7-speed Steptronic double-clutch transmission. 

The new engines in the BMW X2 are paired with a 7-speed Steptronic double-clutch transmission executes quick and seamless gear changes. The latest generation of the transmission stands out with its fully electric actuation, widened gear ratio spread and greater internal efficiency. And the transmission automatically shifts into P when the engine is switched off. If the car is parked on a slope, the electric parking brake is automatically applied.

The seven-speed Steptronic transmission also features a built-in mechanical limited-slip differential, whose locking effect limits the difference in speed between the front wheels. Together with the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system for fully variable distribution of power between the front and rear wheels, this serves to maximize traction, handling stability and cornering dynamics.

Gearshift paddles on the steering wheel (standard on X2 M35i xDrive, available on X2 xDrive28i) enable ultra-fast manual gear changes. In vehicles specified with the optional M Sport package, the left-hand paddle is also used to activate the Sport Boost function, which enables extremely dynamic mid-range sprints.

With the second-generation BMW X2, there has been a notable improvement in agility and cornering dynamics, as well as in long-distance comfort when compared to the previous model. A body construction of lower weight but increased rigidity, a substantially longer wheelbase and significantly wider tracks, plus high-quality chassis components and control systems tuned for this specific model provided the necessary tools here. It all adds up to sweetly balanced, precisely controllable, and consistently well-resolved handling.

Newly developed componentry for the front and rear axle. 

The all-new BMW X2 has adopted its predecessor’s design principle for the front and rear axle. However, every component of the single-joint spring strut axle at the front has been developed almost completely from scratch. The new axle kinematics and increased rigidity help to give the X2 agile turn-in response and steering feel that is largely unaffected by torque steer. The supports for the hydromounts are now made from aluminum, shaving around three kilograms off the vehicle’s weight. Following readjustment of the steering axle, the caster offset has been increased by some 15 percent over the previous model, which has a positive effect on both steering feedback and straight-line stability. 

The modular three-link rear axle also has the ideal ingredients for sporty handling. Featuring a unique design with especially high rigidity, it works in conjunction with a rear-axle subframe with a rigid mounting and promises precise wheel guidance even under high lateral acceleration. The springs and dampers take up less space thanks to their separate arrangement, freeing up additional room both for passengers in the rear and in the luggage compartment. 

The use of anti-roll bar mounts with high preload on both axles improves not just roll stabilization, but also steering precision during dynamic cornering. A new wheel bearing design that minimizes both friction and weight is an additional factor in the superior efficiency of the new BMW X2. 

The suspension and damping systems in the new BMW X2 have also undergone an extensive upgrade with a view to enhancing long-distance comfort. For the first time, the front axle has been equipped with extra, lift-related damping using an additional sleeve on the dampers. This reduces body movement when driving over small bumps, while also ensuring excellent transient behavior in corners. 

Adaptive M suspension with frequency-selective damping, a lowered ride height, and sport steering. 

Adaptive M suspension is available for all model variants of the compact SAC. It is fitted as standard on the BMW X2 M35i xDrive and is included with the M Sport package on the X2 xDrive28i. Both agility and long-distance comfort benefit from this suspension system’s adjustable and frequency-selective dampers. Pressure peaks inside the dampers are smoothed out with the help of additional valves that are active on the rebound side. As a result, the system offers comfortable response when absorbing minor bumps in the road surface combined with sporty damper characteristics in dynamic driving situations.

Sport steering is part of the adaptive M suspension specification. This version of the Electric Power Steering system features a more direct rack ratio, along with the Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance also included with the standard steering.

Near-actuator wheel slip limitation for extremely quick, precise response. 

The new BMW X2 also now comes with near-actuator wheel slip limitation to maximize agility and composure in challenging driving situations. Unique in this segment, this traction control system is integrated into the engine management, eliminating the long signal paths to the DSC control unit. This allows corrective inputs to be applied up to ten times faster than in conventional systems and with exceptional precision. Near-actuator wheel slip limitation ensures optimum traction even on slippery roads, superb straight-line poise and assurance when accelerating hard, and excellent handling stability in corners.

Integrated braking system as standard, M Sport and M Compound brakes as options. 

The standard braking system on the new BMW X2 xDrive28i employs single-piston floating-caliper disc brakes at the front and rear. When the M Sport package is specified, four-piston, fixed-caliper M Sport disc brakes are fitted at the front wheels with single-piston, floating-caliper at the rear.

The BMW X2 M35i xDrive is fitted as standard with the M Sport brakes. Powerful M Compound brakes, comprising four-piston, fixed-caliper brakes with 15.2-inch drilled discs at the front wheels and single-piston, floating-caliper units with 13.0-inch discs at the rear, are optional. Originally developed for the high-performance models from BMW M GmbH, the M Compound brakes offer very comfortable braking, superb feel, and stable stopping power even under high loads. In addition, weight has been minimized and unsprung masses are substantially lower compared with conventional braking systems. The brake calipers are painted grey and bear the M logo.

The M Sport package for the X2 xDrive28i offers 19 or 20-inch M light-alloy wheels while the new BMW X2 M35i xDrive comes with 20-inch M light-alloy wheels as standard. Other light-alloy wheels up to 21 inches are available as options. The 19- and 20-inch light-alloy wheel variants are fitted with tires that are 20 millimeters wider than on the outgoing model to give the all-new BMW X2 greater dynamic handling potential. High-performance tires are also available for models with Adaptive M Suspension.

Individual design with familiar M details. 

The exceptional performance capabilities of the new BMW X2 M35i xDrive are reflected in distinctive design features that testify to the technical requirements of a high-performance vehicle in terms of cooling air supply and aerodynamic balance. A front apron with large air intakes ensures the engine, transmission, and brakes work within their optimum temperature windows at all times, even under hard driving. Prominent side skirt extensions, black M exterior mirror caps, a model-specific M rear spoiler with central indent and a rear apron with diffuser inlay vividly showcase the performance-led character of the new flagship model.

The BMW M kidney grille of the new BMW X2 M35i xDrive bears the M logo. The grille also sports horizontal double bars, a design cue originally developed for high-performance models from BMW M GmbH. The same applies to the quartet of exhaust tailpipes – each measuring almost four inches in diameter – integrated into the rear apron. These pairs of tailpipes positioned to the far left and right of the rear end signal the presence of the most powerful engine in the model range.

Cabin features M-specific displays and optional M Sport seats. 

The M-specific cockpit design creates a high-intensity performance experience inside the new BMW X2 M35i xDrive. Highlights include Aluminum Hexacube interior trim elements, an M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles and red center marker, an Alcantara-trimmed instrument panel, an anthracite-colored headliner, M pedals and the M-specific graphics of the BMW Curved Display and, optionally, the BMW Head-Up Display.

Standard equipment for the new BMW X2 M35i xDrive includes black Veganza/Alcantara sport seats with blue contrast stitching. Also on the options list are M Sport seats. These offer multi-way electric adjustment (including memory function for the driver’s seat), have integral head restraints and feature an illuminated M logo in the upper section of the backrests.

Display and control/operation system, connectivity. The new BMW Operating System 9 and innovative digital services.

The latest version of the BMW iDrive display and control/operation system featuring QuickSelect is fitted in the new BMW X2, enabling numerous functions to be controlled intuitively and easily and providing access to innovative digital services. Based on BMW Operating System 9, it is packaged together with the BMW Curved Display and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, meaning it has been carefully geared to operation using the touchscreen and natural language. The control/operation system additionally comprises multifunction buttons on the steering wheel and, as an option, the BMW Head-Up Display. The new BMW iDrive helps to deliver a focused, assured driving experience by showing the right information in the right place.

The latest-generation BMW iDrive features a redesigned home screen and the QuickSelect rapid-access tech, bringing an improved menu structure that takes its cue from consumer electronics devices. BMW Operating System 9 was developed in-house by the BMW Group and is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack for the first time. It provides the basis for a broader offering of digital content for information and entertainment, shorter function update cycles and improved accessibility to a host of specific online services. BMW Operating System 9 therefore paves the way for a highly customizable selection of additional digital services that are made available to customers with the BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades and the new BMW Digital Premium offering.

BMW iDrive 9 with QuickSelect.

At the heart of the display and control/operation system is the standard BMW Curved Display formed by a 10.25-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 10.7 inches. The screens merge into a single unit behind a continuous glass surface that curves towards the driver.

The new BMW Operating System 9 home screen on the control display continuously displays the navigation system’s map view or other individually configurable graphics. On the same level, function icons appear in a vertical arrangement on the driver’s side of the display.

Drivers can change between icons with a vertical swipe. The QuickSelect feature allows the function selected to be activated directly without having to enter a submenu. And once the relevant settings have been chosen, a quick tap on the home icon at the lower edge of the control display is all it takes to return to the home screen. Icons for direct access to the climate control menu, All Apps menu and, if activated, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ can also now be found next to the home icon.

The new, flat menu structure makes it much easier to activate the desired functions and settings. The digital content – just like the hardware in the form of the BMW Curved Display – is designed to enhance the driver focus for which BMW is known.

Over-the-air updating: Remote Software Upgrades and BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades. 

BMW has the world’s largest fully over-the-air upgradeable vehicle fleet, with more than five million such vehicles on the road. The Remote Software Upgrades function keeps the new BMW X2 right up to date with the latest software. Upgrades may include free quality improvements or even additional features and functional improvements.

New BMW Digital Premium offering heralds the arrival of in-car gaming and audio and video streaming. 

BMW Digital Premium means customers can enjoy in-car use of all the apps available in their country, e.g., for music streaming, video streaming, news, or gaming, on a subscription basis. The optional package also covers data usage for all digital services and the apps available from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store, including music and video streaming.

A new form of in-car gaming unique in the automotive sector is just one highlight of the BMW Digital Premium offering. BMW is presenting a wide selection of casual games in collaboration with the gaming platform AirConsole. These can be played when the vehicle is stationary.

Setting up the gaming experience with AirConsole is perfectly straightforward. All that players need is their smartphone, which acts as the controller, and the BMW Curved Display. Once the AirConsole App has been launched in the vehicle, smartphone and car can be connected by scanning a QR code on the Curved Display. The games are then instantly made available, with gameplay controlled by smartphone over the air. This unique set-up means that multiple players can share in the in-car gaming fun at the same time. The around 10 titles initially available to play include racing, sport, quiz and skill games, and the portfolio will keep growing. 

Audio streaming services can also be used in the new BMW X2 with BMW Digital Premium, and the driver and front passenger are able to view a wide variety of video streaming offerings (powered by Xperi TiVo) on the control display while the car is stationary. This means customers can enjoy a continuously growing selection of aggregated video content, such as news, live and on-demand streaming of films and series, for example. The video streaming platform’s portfolio will be constantly expanded and rolled out gradually across more countries.

The new BMW X2 provides powerful mobile reception for data transmission – enabling in-car gaming, streaming and other online services – as well as for interference-free phone calls while driving, thanks to the vehicle’s own 5G antenna system combined with the optional Personal eSIM. With up to four 5G mobile antennae available, outstanding voice and data transmission quality is guaranteed.

Additional My Modes and further scope for customization with BMW Digital Premium. 

Selectable by voice command or at the push of a button, the My Modes create an all-encompassing interplay of vehicle functions, displays and interior ambience. Drivers of the new BMW X2 can choose from Personal Mode, Sport Mode, and Efficient Mode as standard, while BMW Digital Premium extends the range by adding Expressive Mode, Relax Mode, and Digital Art Mode. This opens further options for individually tailoring aspects such as the style of the readouts on the control display and the interior lighting to suit the driving situation at hand, the current mood, and personal preferences.

BMW Digital Premium also enhances the user experience with add-ons for the lighting sequence that is activated when approaching the car. The welcome scenario starts with an orchestrated lighting effect using the exterior and interior lights, including the light carpet in the entrance area. The vehicle then automatically unlocks when the driver is about 1.5 meters away. And as they get into the car, the BMW Curved Display plays a choreographed start-up animation and shows a customized welcome window for the driver – with a personal greeting as well as handy suggestions and information. BMW Digital Premium allows customers to select three more carefully devised lighting sequences for this welcome, in addition to the standard lighting choreography. Lighting effects with a very elegant, vibrant, or dynamic style are then available to choose from. Ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology helps to ensure that the location of the key or compatible smartphone with BMW Digital Key Plus can be pinpointed precisely on the approach to the vehicle.

In BMW X2 models with BMW Digital Premium, automated routines can also increase convenience in regularly recurring situations. For instance, the driver’s window can be opened automatically at the entrance to an underground car park, making it easy to use an access card.

Extended functionality for the BMW Maps navigation system. 

The cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system forms part of the BMW Live Cockpit Plus fitted as standard in the new BMW X2. Besides offering a simplified method of destination entry, BMW Maps enables fast route calculation, carried out dynamically and based on precise real-time traffic data transmitted at short intervals. 

Opting for BMW Live Cockpit Professional also adds the Augmented View function to the navigation map, which shows a live video stream from the driver’s perspective on the control display and augments it with supplementary information to match the context. At confusing junctions, for instance, an animated directional arrow is integrated into the video image to help the driver take the best turn-off for the planned route.

One of the key benefits of BMW Digital Premium is the enhanced functionality of BMW Maps, such as the real-time traffic information (RTTI) service with color coding to show how freely traffic is flowing across the entire map area, even if route guidance isn’t activated. It also offers 3D visualization of buildings and surrounding elements in the map view and extended information on parking facilities. In addition, the driver is proactively notified of the current traffic situation and estimated time of arrival when setting out for destinations they drive to regularly. If necessary, the system will even propose an alternative route. Turn instructions and lane recommendations are shown in realistic form in both the information display and the optional BMW Head-Up Display. 

Natural dialogue with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant also gains additional skills as part of the upgraded BMW iDrive package. Naturally formulated spoken instructions can now be used to adjust the air conditioning, for instance. Two different visualization variants are available for the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant in conjunction with BMW Digital Premium. Together with the accompanying interactive graphics, this results in an even closer and more personal dialogue between the user and their car. The depicted graphics visualize how the system is listening attentively to what is being said, for example. An instant text display also now indicates the command that has just been understood and processed by the voice assistant.

The digital companion is additionally capable of recognizing user behavior and proactively making contextually relevant suggestions to the driver on how to use the vehicle. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant suggests example commands and unused functions, which can be found in the Personal Assistant widget using QuickSelect.

Smartphone integration via both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ is included as standard in the new BMW X2. The WiFi connection between smartphone and vehicle enables the services to be integrated directly into the car’s display/operation system. Information from the apps can be viewed both in the control display and – in a cleverly presented way – in the instrument cluster or optional Head-Up Display.

Personalization using the BMW ID and My BMW App. 

BMW customers will benefit from increasingly automated personalization of the user experience based on their BMW ID. Their profile is simply imported into the vehicle once they have signed in using a QR code. Personal and synchronizable settings are loaded, while the vehicle is also added to the My BMW App without the customer having to do anything, allowing them to make the most of the app’s extensive functions.

The My BMW App acts as a universal digital interface that provides information on the vehicle’s status, charging status and remaining range at any time. And it enables remote operation of functions such as vehicle locating, locking or unlocking the doors or monitoring the car’s immediate vicinity. The Remote 3D View and Remote Inside View functions give drivers the ability to call up a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle’s immediate vicinity and its interior on their smartphone. 

The ability to manage the car’s servicing and maintenance requirements is another convenient feature of the My BMW App. If the vehicle needs to be serviced, users receive a push notification and can make an appointment directly in the app. The app provides support during the entire service process, including check-in, service video, status tracking and payment.

The My BMW app can additionally be used to send destination addresses from the smartphone to the vehicle’s navigation system and to initiate, purchase or extend ConnectedDrive Upgrades. The My Trips feature including Efficiency Trainer provides the user with data and evaluations on their smartphone for distances travelled, consumption and average speed, and offers helpful tips for driving more efficiently. A total of up to seven users can associate the same vehicle with their My BMW App and an individual BMW ID in each case. The My BMW App is also available for the Apple Watch with a selected range of functions.

Proactive Care: new service pledge marked by digitalization. 

With Proactive Care, BMW is creating a new platform for communicating with customers when various types of car servicing are required. The focus here is on the ability to also detect the vehicle’s servicing requirements using artificial intelligence and proactively offer solutions to the customer without them having to act themselves.

For many years now, customers have already been benefiting from the fact that service-related data is transmitted directly from the vehicle to the BMW dealer thanks to BMW TeleServices. It is also possible to arrange service appointments online in this way – either by calling from the vehicle or via the My BMW App. BMW is now going one step further with Proactive Care. From Condition Based Servicing to digital tire diagnostics, from Battery Guard to accident detection as part of the automatic emergency call feature, the new BMW X2 can identify servicing requirements or a need for assistance in many ways and report them to BMW in line with the customer’s preferences. As soon as this happens, BMW contacts the customer and proposes a suitable solution, which is then implemented via the appropriate channel depending on the urgency of the matter. If the vehicle needs urgent servicing during trips away, the customer is given the details of nearby dealerships they could visit. 

Depending on the type of servicing work required, communication takes place via different channels: an in-car notification on the control display, a message in the My BMW App, an e-mail or – in the event of a collision or breakdown – a phone call from Roadside Assistance. The customer can take advantage of various types of service with Proactive Care. This includes remote diagnosis with potential troubleshooting via a software update, as well as online appointment scheduling and a personalized service video complete with online payment (the scope of “Proactive Care” services may vary depending on the country of delivery). In the event of a breakdown, BMW will arrange a Servicemobile unit or tow truck and inform the customer in advance when assistance will arrive.

BMW Digital Key Plus as a full-function vehicle key. 

The Comfort Access option also includes the BMW Digital Key Plus. This enables customers to lock and unlock their BMW X2 with a compatible smartphone running iOS or Android or an Apple Watch by means of security-enhanced ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology – dispensing with the need for a conventional car key. To unlock and lock the vehicle, the user simply has to approach it and move away again, without even needing to take their smartphone out of their pocket.

The BMW Digital Key Plus can be set up using the My BMW App. The car owner can also share it – and therefore access to the vehicle – with up to five other users, regardless of whether their smartphone runs iOS or Android. 

Interior camera for taking pictures and recording videos or checking inside the car using the My BMW App on a smartphone. 

The cars’ occupants can use an overhead interior camera to take photos and record videos, complete with sound, both when stationary and while driving, allowing them to capture special moments and share them with friends and family. Pictures and recordings can be transferred to any smartphone connected to the car via WiFi by simply scanning a QR code in the control display. 

Customers are also able to have pictures from the interior camera sent to their smartphone using the My BMW App’s remote function if they wish to check inside the car to see whether bags or other items have been left there. The interior camera is also activated by the anti-theft recorder. This initiates a recording of the interior the instant the vehicle’s anti-theft alarm system is triggered. On models fitted with the optional Parking Assistant Plus, footage from the exterior cameras is also provided in this case.

Driver assistance systems. State-of-the-art technology enhances comfort and safety.

The new BMW X2 is fitted as standard with the latest version of the Forward Collision Mitigation system, which brings additional functions to help prevent an accident. It comprises features such as Collision Warning, pedestrian and cyclist warnings with braking function, and it can also warn the driver of pedestrians and cyclists who are parallel to the road and approaching the vehicle from the front or rear when turning right. The Forward Collision Mitigation system also helps to increase safety when turning left. If a vehicle is approaching on the side of the road the driver needs to cross, visual and acoustic warnings are triggered, and the brakes are applied to prevent the driver from continuing with their maneuver. 

Active Blind Spot Detection is now standard, and there is a new exit warning function, which warns if a vehicle or cyclist is approaching the BMW X2 and there is a risk of collision on either side of the vehicle if a door were to be opened. The driver or front passenger is alerted to the danger by flashing LEDs in the mirror or the ambient lighting. An acoustic signal is also emitted.

A new level of assisted driving for the X2: Driving Assistance Professional. 

The optional Driving Assistant Professional available for the first time on the BMW X2 offers new levels of comfort and safety on long-distance journeys. This camera- and radar-based system includes the Steering Assistant as well as Distance Control. Corrective steering inputs help the driver to keep the vehicle in the lane detected by the system. Distance Control is capable of not only maintaining the preferred speed, but also automatically keeping a safe distance from vehicles travelling ahead and can bring the new BMW X2 to a halt if necessary. And when driving in tedious, dense traffic, Traffic Jam Assistant allows attentive, hands-free driving at speeds up to 40 mph on limited access highways.

Parking Assistant, Rear View Camera, Backup Assistant. 

Drivers of the new BMW X2 also benefit from assistance when parking and maneuvering thanks to technology such as the optional Active Park Distance Control with Side Protection (PDC) with sensors at the front and rear. This system uses visual and acoustic alerts and automatic brake inputs to help avoid collisions with obstacles to the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle when parking. The Backup Assistant makes light work of backing up for distances of up to 150 feet by steering the vehicle along the same line it took when moving forward. 

The latest version of the optional Parking Assistant Plus offers an even wider range of uses. It helps the driver to select and park in spaces either parallel or perpendicular to the road. Instead of just using other vehicles as a guide to help it select a parking space and straighten the vehicle when parking, the system is now able to take its bearings from the curb. Automatic Park Assistant can be used both to enter and to exit spaces. As well as the necessary steering inputs, it also carries out the acceleration, braking and gear changes required for the maneuver.

The functions contained in Parking Assistant Plus provide an excellent overview in many different situations. Parking View and 3D View create a 360-degree image of the vehicle and its surroundings, which is shown from various angles in the control display. Meanwhile, the Remote 3D View function gives drivers the ability to call up a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle and its immediate vicinity on their smartphone.

The BMW Drive Recorder is another Parking Assistant Plus feature, which uses the driver assistance systems’ cameras to record video images all around the vehicle, so these can be stored and later either played back on the control display when the vehicle is stationary or exported via the USB interface. The Crash Recorder feature, when enabled, will automatically record up to 60 seconds of footage in the event of an accident.

If the vehicle’s alarm system is triggered, the Anti-Theft Recorder can record video images from the four Surround View cameras at the same time as alerting the customer by sending a push notification to their smartphone via the My BMW App. 

Major standard equipment.

• 19-inch Y-spoke bi-color wheels style 867 with all-season non-runflat tires (xDrive28i)
• 20-inch M V-spoke bi-color wheels style 873M with all-season non-runflat tires (M35i)
• 7-speed Steptronic Dual Clutch Transmission
• BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9
• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
• Lane Departure Warning
• Active Park Distance Control
• BMW Navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• SiriusXM with 360L + 1 year Platinum Plan subscription
• LED headlights
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Black High-Gloss trim with Ambient Lighting (xDrive28I)
• Aluminum Hexcube trim with Ambient Lighting (M35i)
• Power tailgate
• Roof rails in Satin Aluminum (xDrive28i)
• Satin Aluminum Line exterior trim (xDrive28i)
• Shadowline exterior trim (M35i)
• Privacy glass
• Automatic high beams
• Illuminated Kidney Grill (M35i)

Major optional equipment.

• Convenience Package (xDrive28i)
  • Power folding mirrors
  • Comfort Access keyless entry with UWB technology for Digital Key Plus
  • Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof
  • Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors
  • Wireless device charging
• Technology Package (xDrive28i)
  • Convenience Package
  • Parking Assistant Plus
  • Head-Up Display
  • Live Cockpit Professional
  • Surround View w/3D View
• Premium Package
  • Technology Package
  • Universal garage door opener
  • Interior camera
  • Harman/Kardon Premium Sound System
• Driving Assistance Professional Package
  • Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for limited access highways
  • Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go
  • Active Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision avoidance
  • Evasion Aid
  • Front Cross Traffic Alert
• M Sport Package (xDrive28i)
  • 19-inch M double-spoke bi-color wheels style 871M with all-season non-runflat tires
  • Shift paddles
  • Adaptive M suspension
  • M Sport Brakes with blue calipers
  • Aluminum Hexacube trim with Ambient Light
  • M Steering wheel
  • Aerodynamic kit
  • Shadowline exterior trim
• M Sport Professional Package
  • Mirror caps in black (xDrive28i)
  • M Sport Brakes with red calipers
  • M Shadowline lights
  • Rear spoiler (xDrive28i)
  • Extended Shadowline trim
  • (Opt.) M Compound Brakes with grey calipers (M35i)
  • M Sport front seats (M35i)
• Remote engine start
• Active front seats including lumbar support
• Heated front seats & steering wheel
• Universal garage door opener
• Sport seats
• M Compound Brakes with grey calipers (M35i)
• Aluminum trim with mesh effect with Ambient Light (xDrive28i)
• Aluminum Crosshatch interior trim with Ambient Light (M35i)

  Specifications

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley, and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 351 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 110 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

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Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com, www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com. 

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On location photos and footage International Media Launch

Lisbon, Portugal.

• For the first time ever, the iconic BMW 5 Series is available fully-electric.
• BMW i5 M60 xDrive: 593 hp, 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, estimated 256-mile range.
• BMW i5 eDrive40: 335 hp, estimated 295-mile range.
• Highway Assistant allows attentive hands-free driving at up to 85 mph.
• World-first Active Lane Change with eye activation.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 24 2023… More dynamic than ever, featuring a wealth of digital innovations and, for the first time ever, available fully electric - this is the new BMW 5 Series. In the form of the all-electric BMW i5, the latest edition of the celebrated BMW 5 Series takes the lead on the road to sustainable premium mobility. The eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series continues to stand for advanced technology combined with sporty, elegant design, and the performance and comfort only a BMW can deliver.

The global market launch of the new BMW 5 Series will begin in October 2023. The new generation will be offered worldwide with an all­electric drivetrain, while the flexible architecture also accommodates highly efficient internal combustion engines with 48-volt mild hybrid technology and, coming to the US in 2024, plug-in hybrid systems.

The segment benchmark continues a long success story. 

The success story of the BMW 5 Series dates back to 1972, when the first generation of the sporty and elegant four-door sedan was presented. Since then, the worldwide popularity of the BMW 5 Series has steadily increased. With its unmistakable combination of dynamic performance and high level of long-distance comfort, it became the epitome of the business sedan. By the spring of 2023, more than ten million BMW 5 Series had been produced.

Base MSRPs of models available at launch are as follows:

•           530i                             $57,900 + $995 destination and handling

•           530i xDrive                  $60,200 + $995 destination and handling

•           i5 eDrive40                  $66,800 + $995 destination and handling

•           i5 M60 xDrive              $84,100 + $995 destination and handling

•           540i xDrive*                $64,900 + $995 destination and handling

*540i xDrive production starts November 2023

Traditional production site celebrates anniversary. 

Like all previous generations, the new BMW 5 Series is manufactured at Plant Dingolfing, BMW’s largest European plant, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. In 1973, the first vehicle manufactured at this location was a first-generation E12 5 Series. Today, the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing is not only the lead plant for BMW’s luxury class vehicles, but also the location of the company's e-drive production competence center, which produces both the electric motors and the high­voltage batteries for the BMW i5 on site.

Sporty, elegant sedan at the heart of the brand portfolio. 

The exterior design of the new generation reinterprets the sporty elegance of a BMW 5 Series in the brand's current design language. With its distinctive appearance, the new BMW 5 Series is right at the center of the brand's portfolio of four-door models - more present and elegant than the 3 Series, more dynamic and sporty than the 7 Series.

The heightened presence of the new BMW 5 Series is underscored by the athletic proportions and the larger exterior dimensions compared to the previous generation. The new model has grown in length by 3.4 inches to 199.2, in width by 1.3 inches to 74.8 and in height by 1.4 inches to 59.6. The wheelbase has been increased by 0.8 inches to 117.9 and improves seating comfort, especially in the rear.

Modern front design with nearly vertical daytime driving light icons and optional illuminated BMW kidney grille. 

The front view of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is characterised by a modern interpretation of the brand's signature twin headlights and BMW kidney grille. The LED headlights show the traditional four-lamp face in a modern, minimalist form. Two nearly vertical LED elements positioned towards the outside function as daytime running lights and turn signals.

The BMW kidney grille, stylistically inspired by the so-called "Sharknose" of early 5 Series generations and projecting far forward, functions as the visual center at the front. All the lines of the front apron and the long hood, which connects directly to the kidney grille frame, run towards the front fascia. With its wide surround and optional illuminated contour line, the BMW kidney grille gives the front view a distinctively sporty appeal.

Sporty silhouette and dynamically stretched proportions. 

The clear and simplified design language is also expressed in the side view of the new BMW 5 Series. Its dynamically elongated proportions, long hood, and almost upright BMW kidney grille are clearly visible from this perspective. The sporty character of the three-box design is also expressed in the steeply sloping A-pillar, the gently flowing roof line towards the rear, and the gradually sloping trunk line.

The side section has a pronounced athletic look thanks to a high shoulder line, powerfully modelled surfaces, and two distinct character lines. Black side skirts provide a graphic contrast to the rest of the bodywork, visually slimming the vehicle in profile. The door handles are flush with the surrounding surfaces. The Hofmeister kink is elegantly highlighted by a graphic element with the number ‘5’ embossed on the side window surround.

Powerful rear end with expressively designed lighting. 

At the transition to the rear, the shoulder and roof lines flow harmoniously into the contours of the lights. where horizontal lines emphasise the width and solid stature of the rear view.

The flat rear lights interpret the brand’s hallmark L-shaped lights with modern appeal. Inside, four narrow LED strips aligned horizontally handle lighting functions. They are divided by an L­shaped chrome strip.

Wide range of paintwork, BMW i5 M60 xDrive and M Sport Package with specific design features. 

The range of exterior paint colors includes one solid finish. nine metallic finishes, and three BMW Individual paint finishes including two expressive Frozen paint finishes.

Individual design features give the BMW i5 M60 xDrive a striking look, which emphasise its dynamic performance. A front apron with black surfaces at its center and large air intakes, a grille featuring horizontal slats and M logo, side skirts and exterior mirror caps finished in high-gloss black, 19-inch M light alloy wheels and a rear apron with a pronounced diffuser insert signal the M Performance model's sporty character.

The M Sport Package is optionally available for all other model variants, and highlights 5 Series’ athleticism. It also includes M specific design features, most notably the large air intakes at the front, flared side skirts and window trim in high-gloss black and a rear apron with diffuser insert, as well as 19-inch M light alloy wheels.

The available M Sport Professional package, optional on all 5 Series models, adds the illuminated BMW kidney grille framed in high-gloss black, M Shadowline headlghts, a discreet rear spoiler, and Extended Shadowline trim. Specifying the M Sport Professional package also allows the option of red calipers for the M Sport brakes.

Interior and Equipment. Driving pleasure and travel comfort combined with innovative flair.

The new BMW 5 Series offers ideal conditions for enjoying BMW driving pleasure in everyday traffic and a high level of comfort on long-distance journeys. Generous space, modern functionality, a high level of acoustic comfort as well as high-quality materials, fine workmanship, and advanced digital services characterize the ambience in the interior. The clear and modern design of the interior, sporty flair and innovative equipment features, designed to optimize travelling comfort, underline the vehicle's character as a dynamic business sedan for the digital age.

The fully digital BMW Curved Display, which reinterprets the brand's typical orientation towards the driver, represents the heart of the interior redesign. Other innovations include the BMW Interaction Bar with ambient lighting in the instrument panel and door area (standard on i5 models, optional on 530i and 530i xDrive), My Modes for a customizable driving and interior experience, and the new gear selector switch on the center console control panel. With the significantly expanded level of standard equipment compared to the predecessor model and a new structure in the range of options, comfort and individuality are raised to a higher level.

Fully digital BMW Curved Display with new graphic display and optimized touch operation thanks to BMW Operating System 8.5 with QuickSelect. 

With its frameless glass surface slightly inclined towards the driver, the BMW Curved Display consists of a 12.3-inch Information Display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch Control Display, which merge into a single fully digital and high­resolution unit. The BMW Curved Display is the central component of the multi-sensory BMW iDrive experience, which in its latest generation based on BMW Operating System 8.5 also offers a new graphic display with a clear start screen and QuickSelect access for simple and intuitive touch operation.

The control system is designed to be operated primarily by means of the touch screen and natural language, but also includes steering wheel buttons and the BMW iDrive Controller on the center console. The BMW Head-Up Display and BMW Natural Interaction for controlling functions using gestures are available as optional equipment. The advances in digitalization that accompany the development of the BMW iDrive make it possible to significantly reduce the number of buttons, knobs and controls used in the cockpit. They continue to be used where they are the ideal solution for fast and intuitive operation.

The new BMW Operating System 8.5 start screen permanently shows the map view of the navigation system or other individually configurable displays. On the same level, vertically arranged widgets are available on the driver's side of the BMW Control Display. Users can switch between the widgets by swiping vertically. To display different content, horizontal swiping is also possible within some widgets, for example in the "My Vehicle" area.

The corresponding functions can be called up directly with QuickSelect without switching to a submenu. Once the settings have been made, it is sufficient to tap the Home symbol at the bottom of the display to return to the start screen. In addition to the Home symbol, there are now also the symbols for direct access to the climate control menu, the All Apps menu, Navigation as well as Media, Communication, and Apple CarPlay ® and Android Auto ™.

In addition, BMW Operating System 8.5 in the new BMW 5 Series offers a wider range of digital content for information and entertainment, faster update cycles for functions, improved information on charging points for electric vehicles and optimized access to many specific online services. A broad range of video streaming is possible on the Control Display, as is an innovative form of in-car gaming presented for the first time in the new BMW 5 Series with the AirConsole platform.

In-car gaming with AirConsole premieres in the new BMW 5 Series. 

In a cooperation with the gaming platform AirConsole, BMW presents a new and unique form of in-car gaming in the new BMW 5 Series. Driver and passengers can play casual games while the vehicle is stationary, for example to occupy waiting times while charging the high-voltage battery of the BMW i5.

Setting up the gaming experience with AirConsole is seamless. Players only need their smartphone, which acts as a controller, and the BMW Curved Display. After launching the AirConsole app in the vehicle, the connection between the smartphone and the vehicle can be established by scanning a QR code on the Curved Display. The players can then start playing right away.

AirConsole technology enables instant delivery of games over-the-air and players can control them via their smartphones. Thanks to this unique configuration, several players can take part in the in-car gaming fun at the same time, even passengers in the rear. It is possible to play solo or with all passengers in the vehicle, either together or in competition mode.

So-called casual games are offered, which are characterized by being easily accessible and providing intuitive gameplay control. The selection available for the market launch of the new BMW 5 Series includes racing, sports, and quiz games as well as simulation, strategy, jump-and-run and puzzle games. The 20 or so titles that can be played right from the start include "Go Kart Go", "Golazo", "Music Guess" and "Overcooked". The portfolio of available games is being continuously expanded.

BMW Interaction Bar with touch function and lighting effects. 

The BMW Interaction Bar combines modern functionality and fascinating design. It was first presented in the new BMW 7 Series and is now standard in the BMW i5 models and available as an option in the new BMW 530i and 530i xDrive. The striking backlit functional unit with crystalline surface structure extends below the trim strip across the entire width of the instrument panel for into the door panels and includes touch-sensitive control panels for controlling ventilation and air conditioning and for activating the hazard warning lights. The BMW Interaction Bar’s lighting design follows the colors of the selected My Modes, or can be customized.

Available fully leather-free interior. 

The seats in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan have been redesigned for a noticeable increase in comfort and optimal adjustment. Sport seats are standard equipment. Multi-contour seats are standard on i5 M60 xDrive and optional on other models.

The backrests of the outer rear seats extend far into the door areas, especially in the shoulder area, increasing seating comfort in back. The flowing transition between the instrument panel at the front and the backrests in the rear to the door panels harmoniously encloses the entire passenger compartment. The folding rear seat backrest is split 40:20:40. The three elements can be folded down individually or together to create additional space for long pieces of cargo. The luggage compartment of the new BMW i5 offers 17.3 cubic feet of storage, while the 530i and 530i xDrive each provide 18.4 cubic feet.

Tthe new BMW 5 Series may be fitted with a fully leather-free interior. Leather-like, perforated Veganza is used on the seats as well as the dashboard and door panels and, for the first time, the steering wheel. Extended Merino leather upholstery in several bicolor variants remains an option.

The M Sport Package for the new BMW 5 Series includes exclusive seat surfaces in Veganza/Alcantara finish with unique perforation in the shoulder area and translucent accents in red and blue. M pedals, an M driver's footrest, and M-specific displays on the Information Display add to the sporty environment.

Climate control with almost invisible vents, heat pump technology in the BMW i5. 

The standard equipment of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan includes automatic air conditioning with an extended range of features and advanced control logic. In the instrument panel area, seam vents are used instead of conventional air vents and are positioned at the height of the BMW Interaction Bar. The direction of the air coming out of the vents can be varied by means of adjusting control levers. In addition, air conditioning and ventilation are controlled via the touch function on the control display.

Fixed panoramic glass roof with significantly enlarged viewing area. 

A panoramic Sky Lounge roof can be ordered in place of the standard slid-and-tilt moonroof for the first time in any BMW 5 Series sedan. It is designed as a fixed structural module, and connects almost the entire roof surface; extending uninterrupted from just behind the windscreen to almost the rear window. With a length of 33 inches and a width of 32 inches, the viewing area is almost 90 percent larger than that of the standard tilt-and-slide moonroof. This creates a generously light-flooded atmosphere in the interior. If required, an interior sunblind can provide shading of the interior.

Drive and charging technology. Dazzling performance and outstanding effiiciency.

A flexibly designed drive architecture that was open to different technologies from the outset enables the new BMW 5 Series Sedan to be offered for the first time both as an all-electric model and with highly efficient internal combustion engines. This global strategy ensures that customers around the world are offered a choice of models tailored to their individual needs, as well as to the infrastructure conditions and legal framework of their region.

The electric motors developed by BMW are characterised by impressively high power density and efficiency. They work according to the principle of a current-excited synchronous machine. This makes it possible to completely dispense with the critical raw materials from the rare earth metal sector required for magnetic components when manufacturing the rotor. At market launch, the all-electric BMW i5 will be available in two model variants. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive performance model is positioned at the top of the 5 Series range. Like the BMW i5 eDrive40, it is equipped with extensively enhanced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology.

BMW i5 eDrive40: Advanced BMW eDrive technology, traditional rear-wheel drive.

The electric motor of the BMW i5 eDrive40, located at the rear axle, generates a maximum power outbput of 335 hp and maximum torque of 295 lb-ft, or 317 lb-ft when the Sport Boost or Lanch Control function is activated.

The sprint from 0-60 mph requires only 5.7 seconds. The maximum speed of the BMW i5 eDrive40 is electronically limited to 120 mph.

BMW i5 M60 xDrive: All-electric driving pleasure at the top of the model range.

The BMW i5 M60 xDrive sits at the top of the 5 Series range and combines a 593 hp electric drivetrain with hallmark M peformance characteristics and specific design features.

Two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles, in which the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission are compactly combined in a common housing, form an electric all-wheel drive system that enables the BMW i5 M60 xDrive to deliver captivating dynamic performance. The electric motor acting on the rear wheels generates a maximum power output of 335 hp, while the motor at the front axle produces 257 hp. The total system torque generated by both motors is 549 lb-ft, or 605 lb-ft when M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function is  activated.

This power enables the new BMW i5 M60 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in an explosive 3.7 seconds, and the power is delivered continuously as speeds increase. The maximum speed of the BMW i5 M60 xDrive is electronically limited 143 mph when equipped with performance tires (130 mph with all-season tires).

In order to activate full drive power on demand, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive and i5 eDrive40 (when equipped with the optional M Sport package) feature a shift paddle marked "Boost" near the left steering wheel spoke. If the paddle is pulled for more than 0.8 seconds, a Sport Boost indicator appears on the Information Display. It indicates that a high level of power is being requested by the accelerator pedal which then triggers maximum acceleration. At the same time, the Iconic Sounds Electric sound changes to SPORT.

In conjunction with the M Sport Package Pro, the Launch Control function standard on the i5 M60 xDrive is also available for the i5 eDrive40. Extremely dynamic acceleration from standstill is enabled via precise coordination of the drive and traction control systems.

High-voltage battery with compact design and high energy content. 

Like the drive units, the high-voltage battery used in each BMW i5 model is also derived from the latest fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. It is composed of four modules with 72 battery cells each and three modules with twelve cells each. The high-voltage battery has a low profile thanks to the modules being cleverly and model-specifically designed. This means it can be fitted in the underbody of the BMW i5 to save space. In fact, the amount of space available for the passengers in the electric 5 Series is identical to that available in the internal combustion variants.

The high-voltage battery in the BMW i5 combines compact dimensions with high energy density. It provides a net usable energy content of 84.3 kWh. Combined with the high efficiency of their electric motors, this provides ranges suitable for long journeys for both model variants of the BMW i5. When fitted with standard 19-inch wheels, the i5 eDrive40 is estimated to travel up to 295 miles on a single charge, while the range of the high performance i5 M60 xDrive is estimated at 256 miles (estimated ranges according to preliminary BMW AG tests based on the EPA’s test procedure standards).

The Combined Charging Unit in the BMW i5 enables Level 2 AC charging up to 11 kW. When connected to a DC fast charger, the charging rate of 205 kW means the battery can be topped up from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. First-time owners of the new BMW i5 receive two years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America DC fast-charging locations.

When driving, the latest version of adaptive recuperation helps to conserve the power reserves and recover electrical energy during throttle lift-off and braking phases. Thanks to intelligent networking, the drive control system can use navigation data and information from sensors of the driver assistance systems to adjust how much power is recuperated according to the respective traffic situation. As an alternative to this adaptive recuperation, the driver can select high, medium, or low braking energy recovery for all traffic situations in the BMW iDrive menu. Low recuperation enables a “coast” function. The BMW i5 simply rolls along without drive torque as soon as the accelerator pedal is released.

Efficiency is further enhanced by a novel intelligent combination of heat pump technology for the integrated heating and cooling circuit of the interior as well as for the heating and cooling system of the drive and the high-voltage battery of the BMW i5. This allows both the interior and the high-voltage battery to be heated simultaneously with the heat pump function and, if required, with a central electric auxiliary heater.

My Mode EFFICIENT with new MAX RANGE function. 

The i5’s range can be moderated by activating a new drive system function; MAX RANGE. In this mode, drive power and top speed are carefully restricted and comfort functions scaled back, conserving battery power.

The MAX RANGE mode is primarily for critical situations where drivers are unable to recharge mid-journey where they had originally planned and must continue to an alternative charging point. To makd the most of the available energy, the vehicle’s top speed is limited to 56 mph, the climate control system is deactivated as are seat heating, seat ventilation, and steering wheel heating. A popup window appears in the control display indicating the recalculated range. The speed and power output gauges in the information display are also modified accordingly and the new energy conservation profile is taken into account in the range forecast.

The MAX RANGE mode can be selected using the control display’s touchscreen functionality, the iDrive Controller, or voice commands to the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. It can also be deactivated by full-throttle acceleration (kickdown), engaging the M Sport Boost function, or switching the window defrost to maximum.

Charging efficiency is optimized using the latest charging software.

As the battery charge level increases, the charging procedure continuously reduces the charging power instead of delivering the so-call "staircase curve". This makes the charging curve smoother, shortening the charging time. Furthermore, the waste heat generated by the electric motors is used for controlling the temperature of the high-voltage battery in the BMW i5. This can significantly reduce the energy required for preheating the battery on the way to a fast charging station.

Battery thermal management for optimized DC fast charging. 

Anticipatory thermal management ensures that the temperature of the high-voltage battery is optimally controlled in advance of a stop at a fast-charging station. When the navigation system is active, the battery is automatically pre-conditioned before a planned charging stop. Pre-conditioning the battery can also be manually activated and deactivated by the customer at any time.

"Overcooling" of the high-voltage storage unit during fast charging is prevented by implementing full and partial cooling power phases in the charging process. This prevents excessively low temperatures from occurring during fast charging, especially at high states of charge. This offers increased potential for short charging times and reduced ageing of the battery cells. In addition it is possible to save individual charging settings for several individual charging points. They are then automatically restored the next time the driver approaches the respective charging point.

New generation of four and six-cylinder internal combustion engines. 

The internal combustion engines offered in the new BMW 5 Series all stem from a common modular design. The associated innovations include the Miller combustion process, which shortens the opening times of the intake valves, a redesign of the intake ducts and combustion chambers, as well as innovations in the areas of camshaft control, injection, ignition system and exhaust gas routing.

In addition, the engines feature the latest version of the fully variable valve control VALVETRONIC. Their switchable rocker arms on the exhaust side make it possible to stop the gas exchange when required, thus reducing the engine's frictional torque in overrun phases by about two thirds. This allows braking energy to be recuperated more effectively.

BMW 530i and 530i xDrive: New four-cylinder engine. 

The new generation of the 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine also features the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head. In the BMW 530i and 530i xDrive models, the engine produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, increases of 7 hp and 38 lb-ft. This allows the 530i to accelerate from 0-60 mph in only 5.9 seconds,  while additional all-wheel drive traction drops that time to 5.8 seconds for the 530i xDrive.

BMW 540i xDrive power output significantly increased. 

In the inline 6-cylinder engine of the BMW 540i xDrive, which will go into production in November 2023, the VANOS camshaft phasing system is now operated electronically. The resulting extended adjustment range has a positive effect on the powertrain’s emissions.

The 3.0-liter engine features the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and generates a maximum output of 375 hp, an increase of 40 hp over the previous generation. The maximum torque increases by 52 lb-ft 384 and can be boosted to 398 lb­ft with the additional power of the 48-volt mild hybrid system. The new BMW 540i xDrive can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a scant 4.4 seconds.

Driving experience: chassis technology. Refined sportiness in hallmark BMW fashion.

The vehicle concept of the new BMW 5 Series is characterized by the longest wheelbase in its segment, increased track widths at the front and rear axles compared to the previous generation, near perfect 50:50 weight distribution, intelligent lightweight construction, and body and chassis connection rigidity optimized with specific struts.

The flexible drive architecture of the new BMW 5 Series results in a wider range of vehicle weights. This is accounted for by specifically modifying and individually tuning chassis components and adapting all control systems accordingly in each powertrain configuration. Regardless of the drive concept, every model variant offers an excellent driving experience by combining the refined sportiness and superior driving comfort typical of the BMW 5 Series.

Both the double-wishbone front axle and the five-link rear axle of the new BMW 5 Series have undergone extensive development. To optimize the acoustic properties, the front axle support received an elastic steering gear mount. In the BMW i5 M60 xDrive, noise from the electric drivetrain is insulated by large powertrain mounts. The all-wheel drive variants of the new BMW 5 Series each feature a model-specific aluminum stiffening plate under the front axle support. Like the housing of the high-voltage battery in the underbody of the BMW i5, it contributes to optimizing the rigidity of the front end. The rear axle support, manufactured using aluminum integral casting, combines low weight with high rigidity. The vibration damping and acoustic insulation of the BMW i5’s electric drive unit at the rear wheels are optimized by a large bearing and specific rubber mounts for the rear axle support.

Sport steering with variable ratio now standard.

All BMW 5 Series are equipped with the latest version of electromechanical power steering (EPS) as standard. The standard sport steering includes a new, more direct, steering angle-dependent steering ratio. Its range of functions also includes Servotronic speed-related power assistance as well as comfort or sport-oriented settings available in My Modes.

BMW i5 M60 xDrive features model-specific chassis technology for superior performance. 

As the top model in the range, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive not only has the most powerful drivetrain, but also comes with standard suspension equipment that ensures the power of its two electric motors can be harnessed to deliver a superior performance experience. Its Adaptive Suspension Professional includes electronically controlled dampers, Integral Active Steering (which allows the rear wheels to turn in or out of phase with the front wheels up to 2.5 degrees), and lowers the ride height by 0.3 inches compared to the standard chassis of the BMW i5 eDrive40. The dynamic performance, agility, and handling precision of the high-performance model are enhanced by standard 19-inch M light alloy wheels with mixed performance tires and a powerful M sport braking system.

Stroke-dependent dampers for the BMW i5. 

The BMW i5 features new stroke­dependent control of the dampers on both axles, both as standard and with the M sport suspension. The additional hydraulic damping, which acts in the direction of pull, noticeably calms the body when compensating for the vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces and dynamic cornering, thus enhancing the sporty and confident handling of the vehicle. The additional damping is spring-travel­dependent, so that vibrations building up are initially damped linearly and then additionally absorbed by a second piston in the event of greater deflection. This prevents excessive bouncing or rocking of the body when driving over large bumps and thus prevents unpleasant vibration behavior.

The stroke-dependent damping serves as an active tuning element, which optimizes the balance between sportiness and comfort specifically for each model. The positive influence of the additional damping on the i5’s driving behavior is not only noticeable under heavy load, but in situations where a wheel lifts slightly after being triggered by a small bump.

The BMW i5 is also equipped with rear-axle air suspension as standard. The self-levelling suspension ensures optimum vehicle height for comfortable and safe driving, even when heavily loaded. The air supply to the suspension is regulated individually for each wheel and can thus also compensate for uneven loading.

Adaptive M Suspension Professional with optional Active Roll Stabilization.

The Adaptive M Suspension Professional on the BMW i5 M60 xDrive can be enhanced with optional Active Roll Stabilization (delayed introduction) including Active Roll Comfort. Electric swivel motors ensure fast and precise compensation of lateral roll forces. In its latest version, the system utilizes a 48-volt electric motor for this purpose.

Active Roll Stabilization benefits agility and driving precision, while at the same time enabling a dynamic steering response by providing better roll support. It also increases comfort when driving straight ahead by decoupling the fixed connection of a conventional anti-roll bar. This reduces body roll caused by one-sided road unevenness. The Active Roll Comfort function ensures that the system not only reduces body roll, but also builds up a counter-torque to keep the body horizontal, especially when the road surface is uneven on one side.

Near-actuator wheel slip limitation for fast and precisely optimized traction. 

The new BMW 5 Series now features near-actuator wheel slip limitation to deliver maximum agility and control in demanding driving situations. With this system, the traction control is integrated into the engine control unit. This eliminates the long signal paths to the control unit of the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). so that the control interventions take place at up to 10 times the speed of conventional systems.

The near-actuator wheel slip limitation ensures optimized traction and superior directional stability even on slippery roads. Since it prevents loss of traction from the outset, especially when accelerating fast, but also during high-speed cornering, the Dynamic Stability Control DSC has to intervene much less frequently by selectively braking individual wheels to ensure confident and safe handling.

Light alloy wheels up to 21 inches. 

The standard equipment of the new BMW 5 Series includes 19-inch light alloy wheels for both the i5 models and 530i models. Optional 20-inch and 21-inch light alloy wheels are available with either mixed performance or all-season non-runflat tires. The range also includes aerodynamic wheels, whose design and construction methods reduce both weight and air resistance.

Driving experience: driver assistance systems. Intelligent systems for automated driving and parking.

The systems for automated driving and parking available as standard or as an option for the new BMW 5 Series set standards in the competitive environment with their range of functions, reliability, and everyday usability. They underline BMW’s leading role in the field of advanced driver assistance systems. A technology suite featuring the latest generation of cameras, ultrasonic and radar sensors, a new software stack, a powerful computing platform and a connection to the BMW Cloud via 5G mobile communications enables the outstanding functionality of BMW’s current systems and offers unique potential for developing future automated driving functions.

New Highway Assistant including Active Lane Change with eye activation. 

The optional Driving Assistance Professional now includes the Highway Assistant, which enables attentive hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph where conditions and speed limits allow. Driver attention is continuously monitored by the system via an interior camera. The driver is fully responsible for the task of driving even when the Highway Assistant is activated and must always be able to take over should it become necessary.

The automated driving functions of the Driving Assistance Professional Package also include the new version of the Active Lane Change. In a world first, the Active Lane Change in the new BMW 5 Series can be controlled by eye activation.

The vehicle suggests a lane change, and the driver can confirm the lane change simply by looking in the corresponding outside rearview mirror. The Active Lane Change performs the necessary steering movements automatically up to a speed of 85 mph, traffic conditions and speed limits permitting. It is no longer necessary to confirm the lane change with the turn signal. This seamless interaction between the driver and the Automatic Lane Change provides a level of comfort and safety unique in the automotive sector.

An overview of the activated systems and their functionality is available to the driver via Assisted View in the instrument cluster. The central area of the cockpit display is reserved for an augmented reality representation of the vehicle and its surroundings. For this purpose, camera images are combined with additional graphics and information. The images from the vehicle environment processed in this way provide the driver with a precise overview of the vehicle surrounding captured by cameras and sensors.

Automatic Park Assistant including Backup Assistant as standard. 

The new BMW 5 Series also provides support when parking and maneuvering. The standard Automatic Park Assistant helps the driver in selecting and using parking spaces that are either parallel or perpendicular to the driving lane. In addition to the steering, it also takes over accelerating and braking as well as the gear shifts necessary when maneuvering, both when parking and when backing out.

The Backup Assistant, which is also standard, enables automated reversing in narrow and complex environments such as multi-story parking structures or driveways. To do this, it stores the steering movements on the route last driven forwards and at a maximum speed of 22 mph. The system can then travel the stored journey in reverse for a distance of up to 50 meters.

The optional Parking Assistant Plus adds the Parking View, Panorama View front and 3D View functions. This shows a 360-degree image of the vehicle and its surroundings from different perspectives on the Control Display. In addition, the Remote 30 View function allows the driver to view a three-dimensional live image of his vehicle and its surroundings transmitted to his smartphone (available for Apple iPhone from operating system iOS 16.2). The Drive Recorder and the Anti-Theft Recorder are also included in the range of functions of Parking Assistant Plus.

Plug & Charge: Contactless authentication with access to multiple contracts. 

The all-electric models in the new BMW 5 Series are also the first BMW vehicles to use Plug & Charge. Plug & Charge makes charging at compatible public charging stations even more convenient, as it eliminates the need for account access via the provider’s app or card.

Customers can store up to five individual Plug & Charge-enabled accounts from different providers in the vehicle’s iDrive system. As soon as the vehicle is connected to the charging point, the data necessary for account access and payment is sent to the vehicle via the charging cable. The authentication required to initiate charging and payment takes place automatically at any of the stored charging locations.

Major standard equipment (i5 eDrive40, i5 M60 xDrive).

19-inch Aerospoke bi-color grey light alloy wheels on mixed non-runflat tires (i5 eDrive40 only)

BMW Curved Display

BMW Operating System 8.5

Tilt-and-slide moonroof

Sport seats (Multi-contour seats on i5 M60 xDrive)

Parking Assistant

Active Driving Assistant

• Front Collision Mitigation with Left Turn Warning
• Lane Keeping Assistant with Active Blind Spot Detection
• Cross Traffic Warning (rear) with Brake Intervention
• Exit Warning
• Speed Limit Info

ConnectedDrive Services

• Remote Services
• Smartphone Integration
• BMW Maps
• Connected Navigation

Harman/Kardon Premium Sound System

Apple CarPlay / Android Auto compatibility

Wireless device charging

Personal eSIM 5G

Flexible Fast Charger

Interaction Bar with Ambient Lighting

Iconic Sounds Electric

Additional standard equipment on i5 M60 xDrive

M Sport Package

M Sport Brakes with Blue Calipers

Adaptive M Suspension Professional

19-inch M Aerodynamic light alloy wheels with mixed performance non-runflat tires

M steering wheel

Shadowline exterior trim

Heated front seats

Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound system

Major standard equipment (530i, 530i xDrive)

48V Mild Hybrid System

8-speed STEPTRONIC transmission with shift paddles

Tilt-and-slide moonroof

Sport seats

Active Driving Assistant

• Front Collision Mitigation with Left Turn Warning
• Lane Keeping Assistant with Active Blind Spot Detection
• Cross Traffic Warning (rear) with Brake Intervention
• Exit Warning
• Speed Limit Info

ConnectedDrive Services

• Remote Services
• Smartphone Integration
• BMW Maps
• Connected Navigation

Parking Assistant

Harman/Kardon Premium Sound System

19-inch Triplex-spoke light alloy wheels on all season tires

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

Personal eSIM 5G

Wireless device charging

Major optional equipment (all models except where indicated)

Convenience Package (i5 eDrive40, 530i, 530i xDrive)

• Remote Engine Start (530i, 530i xDrive)
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated front seats

Driving Assistance Professional Package

• Highway Assistant with attentive hands-free driving up to 85 mph
• Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Protection
• Active Lane Change with eye activation
• Evasion Assistant
• Cross Traffic Warning (front)

M Sport Package (i5 eDrive40, 530i, 530i xDrive)

• 19, 20, or 21-inch light alloy wheels on mixed performance or all season non-runflat tires
• M Sport Brakes with blue calipers
• M Sport suspension
• M steering wheel
• Shadowline exterior trim
• M Sport exterior and interior elements

M Sport Professional Package

• Illuminated BMW kidney grille
• M Sport Brakes with red calipers
• M Shadowline lights
• Rear spoiler
• Extended Shadowline Trim

Luxury Seating Package (i5 eDrive40, 530i and 530i xDrive)

• Front ventilated seats
• Multi-contour seats
• Front and rear heated seats

Premium Package

• Remote engine start (530i and 530i xDrive only)
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated front seats (i5 eDrive40, 530i, 530i xDrive)
• Interior camera
• Full LED lights with cornering lights
• Parking Assistant Plus
• Driving Assistant Plus
• BMW Curved Display with Head-Up Display
• Natural Interaction

Executive Package

• Remote Engine Start (530i, 530i xDrive)
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated front seats (i5 eDrive40 only)
• Panoramic Sky Lounge roof
• Power rear sunshade & and rear side window shades
• Glass controls
• Full LED lights with cornering lights
• Interior camera
• Parking Assistant Plus
• BMW Curved Display with Head Up Display
• Natural Interaction

Illuminated kidney grille

Panoramic Sky Lounge roof

Power rear sunshade and rear side window shades

Front ventilated seats

Front and rear heated seats

Bowers and Wilkins Surround Sound system

M Carbon Exterior Package (i5 M60 xDrive only)

Specifications.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and assembles the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,146 BMW motorcycle retailers, 104 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

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Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com, www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com. 

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• Fully-electric BMW i4 M50 by Kith marks second limited run vehicle collaboration with the New York lifestyle brand.
• Exclusive clothing and accessory collection inspired by partnership will be available in Kith stores worldwide and online.
• Kith founder Ronnie Fieg also customized a fully-electric BMW 1602 as an homage to the historic BMW 1602 Elektro originally built for the 1972 Munich Olympics.
• 3D billboard in New York’s Times Square to showcase the BMW i4 M50 by Kith on October 3, 2022, from 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. EST.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – September 30, 2022… BMW announced today a second collaboration with New York lifestyle brand Kith, featuring a fully-electric, limited-edition BMW i4 Gran Coupe customized by Kith founder and noted BMW enthusiast, Ronnie Fieg. Unveiled during Paris Fashion Week at the Kith store in Paris, the BMW i4 M50 by Kith will be strictly limited to seven examples worldwide, each presented in a custom Kith Vitality Green paintwork over BMW Individual Caramel Merino leather upholstery with additional unique details throughout.  A new 51-piece lifestyle collection featuring the same signature colors debuted in parallel. 

BMW also adapted its iconic roundel on the BMW i4 M50 by Kith. The fusion badge adds an extra ring around the roundel trimmed in matching Kith Vitality Green with a signature model inscription. Inside the vehicle, a similar logo with the subline ‘Elektro Auto’ can be found etched into the cup holder lid, and ‘Kith Exclusive Edition’ has  been laser-engraved on the dashboard trim panel. The caramel interior is punctuated by Kith wordmarks embossed on the headrests and front center armrest.

As an homage to BMW’s earliest exploration of electric vehicles, Fieg also reimagined the classic BMW 1602 Elektro – the first-ever electrified BMW, of which two original examples were created to serve as support vehicles during the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. The 1972 BMW 1602 Elektro by Ronnie Fieg adds bespoke Kith details inside and out along with a color scheme to mirror the BMW i4 M50 by Kith. The extraordinary classic vehicle will be presented to Fieg for his personal collection in celebration of the collaboration. 

The BMW i4 M50 by Kith underscores BMW’s continuous focus on lifestyle, luxury, and fashion – key areas for interacting with new and existing customers. Building off 2020’s partnership which saw all 150 editions of the BMW M4 Competition by Kith sell out in 30 minutes, the BMW i4 M50 by Kith will be limited to just seven examples, one of which will be auctioned to a global public audience.

As part of the launch, the BMW i4 M50 by Kith will also be featured on a 3D billboard in the heart of New York City above the EDITION Hotel on the corner of 47^th Street and Seventh Avenue on October 3, 2022, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST.  Set against the vibrant backdrop of Times Square in midtown, Manhattan, the three-dimensional immersive spot ushers in a new frontier of digital advertising for BMW.

BMW and Kith’s highly exclusive electrified masterpiece packs plenty of performance. The 536-horsepower BMW i4 M50 – BMW M GmbH’s first fully-electric performance model – blends the functionality of the Gran Coupe design with the instantaneous power delivery of BMW’s latest 5th generation eDrive technology. Launched in March with an estimated EPA range of up to 270 miles on a single charge, the all-electric, all-wheel-drive powerhouse combines class-leading driving dynamics and uncompromising quality to deliver a zero-emissions BMW worthy of the Ultimate Driving Machine moniker.

For more information, please visit www.bmwusa.com For more information on The Kith for BMW Collection, please visit www.kith.com

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BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,146 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists online at www.bmwusanews.com , www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com.

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• BMW grows the i4 portfolio with the introduction of the i4 eDrive35
• Single electric motor to produce 281hp and 295 lb-ft of torque
• 256-mile range on standard 18-inch wheels
• Starting MSRP of $51,400 plus $995 destination and handling
• US deliveries expected to start in the first quarter of 2023

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – August 1, 2022… BMW continues to deliver on the promise to provide engaging and innovative electromobility solutions with the latest addition to the fully-electric BMW i4 range, the new BMW i4 eDrive35. The BMW i4 eDrive35 joins the successful BMW i4 eDrive40 and BMW i4 M50 and makes purely electric BMW performance more attainable than ever. US deliveries are expected to start in the first quarter of 2023 with a starting base price of $51,400 plus $995 destination and handling.

The BMW i4 eDrive35 is driven by the same Gen5 eDrive powertrain technology found in the BMW iX and the other i4 models. In the i4 eDrive35, the single electrically-excited synchronous motor is fed by high-voltage batteries with a net usable energy content of 67 kWh. The motor sends 281 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, resulting in an estimated 0-60 mph time of just 5.8 seconds.

When fitted with the standard 18-inch aero wheels, the i4 eDrive35 delivers an EPA range of 256 miles. Utilizing DC fast charging, the batteries can be charged at a rate of up to 180 kW and, based on early testing, owners can expect to be able to charge the HV battery from 10% to 80% in only 32 minutes.

Inside, drivers are greeted by the dramatic BMW Curved Display, powered by BMW Operating System 8. The display unites a 12.3-inch information display with a 14.9-inch control display behind a single, seamless glass surface angled towards the driver. Standard and optional features and equipment are unchanged from that available on the 2023 i4 eDrive40, and the i4 eDrive35 will benefit from the full range of available ConnectedDrive digital services and over-the-air updates.

Production of the 2023 BMW i4 eDrive35 will begin in the fourth quarter of 2022 at BMW Group Plant Munich. The first units are expected to arrive in the US in the first quarter of 2023.

In the first half of 2022, BMW sold over 57,000 fully electric vehicles worldwide. The BMW Group is aiming for BEVs to account for fully 50% of global sales by 2030.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,146 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

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Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com, www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com. 

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• Pete Alonso, Tim Anderson, Walker Buehler and Ozzie Albies Star in Two Custom Spots Slated to Run Exclusively During MLB Games.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 7, 2022… BMW of North America today debuted two new 30-second spots featuring a decorated cast of four MLB All-Stars and the all-new, fully-electric BMW iX Sports Activity Vehicle, which will run throughout the much-anticipated 2022 MLB season. The new creative, developed in partnership with the Home Team Sports division of Playfly Sports, imagines New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler, and World Series champion Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies carpooling as they work out how they could “do more together.” A first-look at both commercial spots can be found online here.

“With comfortable seating for five, premium interior finishes, and all of the latest technology and advanced driver assistance systems, the BMW iX is the ultimate way to get to the game on time,” said Albi Pagenstert, head of BMW brand communications, BMW of North America.  “The new spots are a joyful reminder that whether you’re an MLB All-Star like Pete, Tim, Walker and Ozzie, or just on your way to the neighborhood field, carpooling with friends is an enduring piece of the baseball experience.”

The first-ever, fully-electric BMW iX brings together the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology with the company’s latest developments in the fields of design, connectivity, digital services and sustainability. With 516 hp and a 0–60 time of only 4.6 seconds, the BMW iX offers an exhilarating driving experience with an EPA estimate of up to 324 miles of all-electric range and the latest in-vehicle technology, including 5G connectivity, a sweeping curved display that unites the 12.3-inch information display with a 14.9-inch central control display, and the debut of BMW iDrive 8, the company’s latest user-interface system. The BMW iX starts at $83,200 plus $995 destination and handling.

The work, produced by Playfly’s in-house agency-style shop, Playfly Creates, will be featured throughout MLB game broadcasts airing on all U.S. regional sports networks. This year’s spots represent the fifth consecutive MLB season for BMW of North America and Home Team Sports.

“Showcasing BMW in this way offers a fresh solution to enhance the brand’s footprint at the local and regional levels,” said Chief Operating Officer at Playfly Sports, Craig Sloan. “BMW has a long history of compelling campaigns to reach the most passionate fans in Major League Baseball, as they watch their favorite teams on regional sports networks across the country. This year’s light-hearted approach has unlocked a new level of connectivity between the brand and baseball fans everywhere.”

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About BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; technology offices in Silicon Valley and Chicago, and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 146 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

About Playfly Sports

Playfly Sports is a full-service sports marketing company operating where sports marketing, media & technology converge. Playfly Sports drives outcome-based solutions for brands reaching approximately 83% of all U.S. sports fans generating over 230bn impressions each year in pro, college, and high school sports. Utilizing the influence and durability of local sports fandom, Playfly Sports exclusive rights in the NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAA, esports, and high school sectors drive value for our local, regional, and national brand partners. Playfly’s insights-infused multimedia and tech platforms drive innovation through scaled linear, digital, in-venue, and experiential marketing and engagement assets. Playfly Sports has the unique ability to partner, innovate, and advance the aspirations of athletes, brands, academic institutions, and sports fans across the U.S. Playfly Sports is Igniting Brands through the Love of Fans. Visit Playfly Sports online at playfly.com and follow Playfly Sports on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook: @PlayflySports.

www.playfly.com

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• BMW and Google Cloud collaborate to present the iX and i4 AR Experience, powered by Google Cloud’s edge computing technology.
• Users can leverage augmented reality to digitally place the BMW iX and i4 in their own driveways and other locations in vivid detail via their smartphones and interact with each vehicle’s features virtually.

• The BMW iX and i4 AR experience is best viewed via bmwusa.com , which provides a direct link into the experience in the Google app for Android and iPhone OS.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 1, 2022… BMW of North America debuted today a unique, immersive augmented reality (AR) experience featuring its all-new, fully-electric BMW iX and BMW i4 vehicles created in collaboration with Google Cloud. The AR experience, powered by Google Cloud’s immersive AR technology, allows users to digitally place the BMW iX and BMW i4 into any real-world environment in vivid detail with usable virtual features such as changing paint colors, lighting elements and opening/closing doors. The BMW iX and i4 AR Experience is best viewed via bmwusa.com, which provides a direct link into the experience in the Google app for Android and iPhone OS.

The BMW iX and i4 experience, leveraging Google Cloud’s immersive AR technology, allows users to interact with the i4 and iX in photorealistic detail. The digital experience utilizes augmented reality in a totally new way for BMW customers and enthusiasts to interact with BMW’s all-new, fully-electric vehicles ahead of their U.S. market launch this spring.

“BMW will celebrate the U.S. market launch of our all-new, fully-electric BMW iX and i4 next month,” said Albi Pagenstert, head of brand communications and strategy, BMW of North America. “We know that our new and existing customers expect unique and innovative campaigns for two of the most unique and innovative vehicles in our brand’s history, and Google Cloud helped us create something very special to share with them.”

To power the BMW iX and i4 AR Experience, Google Cloud utilizes its unique interactive streaming solution that provides photorealistic experience to all users. As an example, users can choose to get an up close and personal look of details like the fine leather grain and stitching in the interior of the BMW iX, vividly rendered via millions of polygons by Google Cloud’s industry-leading computing technology.

The all-new BMW i4 Gran Coupe and iX Sports Activity Vehicle are the newest chapters in BMW’s electrification story. The all-wheel-drive i4 M50 is the first fully electric vehicle from BMW M GmbH.  Offering a total system output of up to 536 hp from its dual electric motors, the i4 M50 can launch from 0-60 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds and return an EPA estimated range of 270 miles between charges. The rear-wheel-drive i4 eDrive40 features a single 335 hp electric motor and can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in just 5.5 seconds and travel an EPA estimated range of up to 301 miles.

The BMW iX is the technological flagship of BMW i. Produced in a factory powered by locally-sourced hydroelectric power, incorporating a number of recycled materials, and powered by electric motors that use no rare earth metals, the iX xDrive50 considers the planet from the start of production through to the end of its serviceable life. Its dual fifth-generation BMW electric motors produce 516 hp and allow the all-wheel-drive iX to accelerate from 0-60 in only 4.6 seconds and achieve an EPA estimated range of up to 324 miles.

The i4 and iX go on sale in the first quarter of 2022.  Base MSRP for the i4 eDrive40 is $55,400 while the i4 M50 starts at $65,900, plus $995 destination and handling for either model.  The iX xDrive50 starts at $83,200 plus $995 destination and handling.

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BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 146 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com, www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com. 

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• Conceived by Goodby Silverstein & Partners and directed by Bryan Buckley, the 60-second spot will air during the third commercial break of the first quarter.
• BMW to launch two All-New, fully electric vehicles in the U.S. next month—the BMW iX Sports Activity Vehicle and the four-door BMW i4 Gran Coupe.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ—February 8, 2022… BMW will debut a new 60- second advertisement during the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 13, 2022, to showcase its All-New, fully electric BMW iX Sports Activity Vehicle, which arrives in the US next month. The star-studded spot features legendary actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Academy Award nominee Salma Hayek Pinault, and was directed by two-time Academy Award nominated director Bryan Buckley. It will air during the third commercial break of the first quarter of the game.

Schwarzenegger stars as Zeus, the Greek god of lightning, and Hayek Pinault plays his wife, the goddess Hera, as they retire from Mt. Olympus to a quiet life in Palm Springs, California.  However, the monotony of retirement quickly weighs on Zeus, who becomes frustrated by his struggles with earthly electronics and his nagging mortal neighbors’ constant requests to charge their electric golf carts and hedge trimmers. Meanwhile, Hera, the hero of the story, has fully acclimated and is thriving in retirement. In an effort to bring some excitement back into Zeus’s life, she gifts him with an all-electric BMW iX, which quickly helps reignite her husband’s electric mojo. The spot closes with the happy couple rocking down the road in their new BMW iX to Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue” while Zeus uses his electric power to change the traffic lights to green.

“All-electric mobility is at the very heart of the BMW brand,” said Jens Thiemer, senior vice president, customer and brand, BMW AG. “There is no better place to make this statement than in front of one of the largest television audiences in the world, where viewers tune in as much for the commercials as they do for the game. With Arnold and Salma, we are able show the world the new BMW iX in a memorable and impactful way.” 

“The humor lies in this legendary god of lightning, who is supposed to be indestructible, battling with everyday electronics,” said Schwarzenegger. “It is only when his brilliant wife presents him with the gift of an all-electric BMW iX that Zeus is struck with the mighty power of electricity and is completely rejuvenated.”

The spot was conceived by BMW’s lead U.S. creative agency, Goodby Silverstein & Partners, and directed by two-time Academy Award nominated director Bryan Buckley, highly acclaimed for his work on more than 65 Super Bowl commercials. The ad also marks Hayek Pinault’s debut in a Super Bowl spot and the first time she and Schwarzenegger have costarred in a national ad.

“This is my first Super Bowl commercial—and the first time I’ve played a Greek goddess,” said Hayek Pinault. “Seventy-five percent of the decisions made in a marriage about where to spend the money are made by women, and in this commercial, it is the woman who decides on the right car to get her husband back on track. Of course, the commercial is entertaining, but there is also a real human truth to it.” 

“I’ve done 60-some-odd Super Bowl spots. I’ve never had more star power than these two,” said director Bryan Buckley. “When I first saw  Schwarzenegger’s name on the script, I was in. And Salma—there is no one greater as an actress. It’s a movie in 60 seconds, and it’s on the biggest platform.”

“Transcending sports, this iconic annual event isn’t just a championship game. It’s a cultural phenomenon where viewers pay even more attention when the action on the field stops,” said Rich Silverstein, co-founder and co-chairman of Goodby Silverstein & Partners. “There’s only one person on the planet who could say he’s Zeus, and that’s Arnold. And there’s only one brand worthy of being called the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine, and that’s BMW. We needed to showcase this in a big way, and that is what we’re doing on February 13.” 

Designed to provide more than just mortal mobility, the BMW iX brings together the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology with the company’s latest developments in the fields of design, connectivity, digital services and sustainability. With 516 hp and a 0–60 time of only 4.6 seconds, the BMW iX offers an exhilarating driving experience with an EPA estimate of up to 324 miles of all-electric range and the latest in-vehicle technology, including 5G connectivity, a sweeping curved display that unites the 12.3-inch information display with a 14.9-inch central control display, and the debut of BMW iDrive 8, the company’s latest user-interface system. The BMW iX starts at $83,200 plus $995 destination and handling.

“This is a pinnacle event in the U.S. and the perfect stage on which to introduce the BMW iX to our customers,” said Uwe Dreher, vice president, marketing, BMW of North America. “We have already seen a significant number of preorders for both the BMW iX and BMW i4, and a huge amount of excitement for these two new electric vehicles.”

Alongside the BMW iX, BMW will also launch the fully electric BMW i4 four-door Gran Coupe in the U.S. next month as the company takes a major step toward its stated goal of reaching global sales of 50% electric vehicles by 2030.

BMW’s last Super Bowl ad appeared in 2015 and featured Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel as they marveled over BMW’s first fully electric production vehicle, the BMW i3. The BMW i3 was a pioneer of electromobility and later became one of the best-selling premium electric vehicles in the world.

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BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 350 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers,144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 105 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Journalist note: Information about BMW and its products in the USA is available to journalists online at www.bmwusanews.com, www.miniusanews.com, and www.press.bmwna.com

Follow BMW of North America on Instagram @BMWUSA, Twitter @BMWUSA, and like BMWUSA on Facebook. 

• New high-performance vehicle purpose-built for purely electric mobility[SDCPU1] .
• Two electric motors with a maximum system output of up to 610 bhp[SDCPU2] .
• Range of 280 miles (preliminary EPA estimate).
• MSRP $105,100 plus $995 destination and handling.
• US market launch in June 2022.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ. – January 4, 2022…Today, BMW announced their first high-performance SAV designed for purely electric mobility. The even more powerful variant of its technology flagship: the 2023 BMW iX M60.  With a total system output of up to 610 bhp and 811 lb-ft of torque (when Launch Control is activated), and a unique M-enhanced adaptive dual-axle air suspension, it adds an outstanding performance experience to the world of emission-free driving.

By integrating a vehicle concept geared towards sustainability with the design of a modern Sports Activity Vehicle and thrilling dynamic driving characteristics, the BMW iX M60 embodies the best of three worlds; BMW i, the BMW X models and BMW M GmbH.

Fully electric mobility in hallmark BMW M style starts here.

With Sport Mode engaged to unleash 610 bhp and Launch Control activated to release all 811 lb-ft of instantaneous torque, the BMW iX M60 will hit 60 mph from a standstill in only 3.6 seconds[SDCPU3] . The intense power delivery of its M-specific electric drive continues steadily into high load ranges, so acceleration remains almost constant up to the electronically-limited maximum speed of 155 mph when properly equipped.

The two motors of the BMW iX M60 operate on the principle of a current-energized synchronous machine. That is, instead of permanent magnets, the excitation of the rotor is triggered by the precisely metered supply of electrical energy. This design method makes it possible to completely dispense with the rare earth metals required for magnetic components when manufacturing the rotor.

The M-specific design of the current-energized synchronous machine principle enables the electric motor of the BMW iX M60 - especially in the case of the rear motor - to achieve an extremely high power density. The drive unit is six-phase operated and has a double inverter. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly significant increase in peak power, which is available up to high speeds and enables typical BMW M power delivery.

The debut of the BMW iX M60 marks a milestone in the history of BMW M GmbH, which began 50 years ago. Together with the BMW i4 M50, it signifies the entry of BMW M into the segment of electrified performance cars. The extreme power and precise control of the electric all-wheel-drive, the highly responsive actuator-based traction control system, and suspension technology that includes a dual-axle air suspension with automatic level control provide the hallmark BMW M driving experience:  power, agility, and precision.

Balanced vehicle concept, extremely sporty orientation.

The vehicle concept of the BMW iX provides an ideal basis for an all-electric SAV with high-performance characteristics. The body structure and suspension design are geared towards combining superior ride comfort with sporty handling characteristics. The aluminum spaceframe and carbon cage with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the roof, side and rear sections are an intelligent mix of materials that combines increased rigidity with optimized weight.

The BMW iX M60's performance, efficiency and range also benefit from its optimized aerodynamic properties, which give it a drag coefficient (C_x) of 0.26. The high-voltage battery is located low in the vehicle’s structure and within the wheelbase, lowering the vehicle's center of gravity and ensuring agile handling as well as balanced weight distribution. The result is that the performance of the BMW iX M60 is not characterized solely by ferocious acceleration, but also by outstanding cornering dynamics and handling that can be precisely controlled at all times, even in highly dynamic situations. The perfectly balanced driving characteristics give the BMW iX M60 a confident and nimble feel at all speeds and provides the driver clear feedback in typical BMW M style.

The suspension technology of the BMW iX M60 is comprised of a double-wishbone front axle, a five-link rear axle, and electric steering with Servotronic assist and a variable ratio. In addition, the BMW iX M60 comes as standard with an M-calibrated adaptive dual-axle air suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers. This ensures particularly comfortable handling combined with increased agility and dynamic performance. The dual-axle air suspension ensures the optimum vehicle height at any speed, regardless of the load. The air supply to the suspension is regulated individually for each wheel and can therefore compensate for uneven loading. In addition, the height of the vehicle body can be adjusted manually using a button on the center console. The damper forces are adaptively controlled with continuously adjustable valves, which take into account longitudinal and lateral acceleration, road speed and steering angle as well as body and wheel acceleration on the front axle to provide the required damper force within a few milliseconds. The respective damper mapping is part of the overall vehicle setting, which can be activated by the driver using the My Modes button on the center console.

First BMW M vehicle based on the new future modular system.

The BMW iX M60 combines its typical M performance characteristics with the exceptionally advanced technology of the BMW Group's new future modular system in the areas of automated driving, operation, connectivity, and digital services. Like the other model variants, the BMW iX M60 features a vast range of standard equipment in the field of driver assistance systems as well as numerous innovations. A new generation of sensors, new software, and a powerful computing platform also provide considerable potential for consistently advancing automated driving and parking.[SDCPU4] 

Powerful proportions, impressive luxury: enhanced by M.

The powerful proportions of a modern SAV, clean surface design and precise details characterize the uncluttered exterior look while special M details give the BMW iX M60 its distinctive presence. The formidable brakes feature blue painted calipers and the M logo. The optional BMW Individual Titanium Bronze Exterior [SDCPU5] and M logos in a new High Gloss Black/Titanium Bronze finish on the rear of the vehicle clearly announce the high-performance character of the BMW iX M60. Unique 22-inch aerodynamic wheels featuring an exclusive Titanium Bronze design are optional.

The exclusive character of the BMW iX M60 is further emphasized by its truly comprehensive level of equipment. Included as standard are BMW Live Cockpit Professional and BMW Natural Interaction, which allows functions to be operated using speech and gestures, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, BMW Laser Light, Comfort Access, Active Seat Ventilation for the driver and front passenger, and the Radiant Heating Package, which warms the seats, steering wheel, and armrests and features innovative radiant heating of the door panels and dashboard to surround the occupants in warmth in cold weather.

Exterior Colors

Alpine White (STD)

• Dark Graphite Metallic
• Phytonic Blue Metallic
• Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic
• Storm Bay Metallic
• Oxide Grey Metallic
• Aventurin Red Metallic

Interior colors and materials

Oyster Perforated SensaTec

• Mocha Perforated SensaTec
• Black Perforated SensaTec
• Amido Perforated Leather
• Castenea Chestnut Perforated Leather

Standard Equipment

Integral Active Steering

• 2-axle Air Suspension
• Sport Package
• M Sport Brakes with Blue Calipers
• AC Fast Charging
• Ambient Lighting
• Park Distance Control
• Dynamic Cruise Control
• Automatic High Beams
• SiriusXM with 360L + 1 Year Platinum Plan Subscription
• BMW Assist eCall
• BMW TeleServices
• ConnectedDrive Services
• 21-inch Aero Bi-color Wheels Style 102 with All-Season Non-Runflat Tires
• Power Tailgate
• Comfort Access Keyless Entry
• Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof
• Privacy Glass
• Front Ventilated Seats
• Headliner in Anthracite
• Multi-Function Seats
• Heated Steering Wheel with Front and Rear Heated Seats and Armrests
• 4-zone Automatic Climate Control
• Interior Camera
• DC Fast Charging
• Acoustic Protection for Pedestrians
• Iconic Sounds Electric
• Icon Adaptive LED Headlights with Laserlight
• Parking Assistant Plus
• Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System
• Wireless Device Charging
• Personal eSIM 5G
• Live Cockpit Professional including Navigation
• Natural Interaction
• Surround View with 3D View

  Specifications

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley, and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 351 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 107 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
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Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com, www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com. 

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“The New 2022 BMW iX xDrive50 press release has been updated with EPA range information indicating an EPA range of up to 324 miles with 20-inch wheels, 305-miles with 21-inch wheels and 315 miles with 22-inch wheels.”

• New generation of all-electric SAV from BMW.
• Combined 516 hp and electric all-wheel drive. 0-60 mph in 4.4 sec.
• EPA range up to 324 miles.
• Available 5G and Personal eSIM
• MSRP of $83,200 plus $995 Destination.
• U.S. market launch expected in Q1 of 2022.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – June 1, 2021…BMW is proud to announce the BMW iX xDrive50. Conceived from the outset as purely electric mobility, the iX sees BMW redefining its successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. The BMW iX has been created to provide something beyond just mobility – an exhilarating driving experience combined with a sense of well-being for both drivers and passengers all the while enjoying the journey with safety, security and in luxury.

The iX xDrive50 brings together the company’s latest developments in the fields of design, sustainability, connectivity, electrification and digital services. The expertise accumulated by the BMW Group over many years in the area of sustainability has been channeled into the manufacturing of the BMW iX xDrive50. The most exacting environmental requirements have been put in place throughout the value chain and for the full life cycle of the car. Key components include closely monitored raw materials extraction, the exclusive use of electricity from renewable sources in the production process and an extraordinarily high proportion of recycled materials.

Some of the advanced technology features making their BMW debut in the 516 hp iX include DC fast charging at up to 195 kW, available 5G and Personal eSIM support, a single-piece panoramic glass roof with electrochromic shading, the BMW Curved Display and iDrive 8, BMW Digital Key Plus with ultra-wideband radio technology, available Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound with 4D audio and the iconic BMW kidney grille serving as an intelligent sensor panel with self-healing capabilities.

A more powerful iX M60 model, with over 600 hp and the first all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle from BMW M GmbH, is planned for the future.

Body and Chassis Design

The BMW iX body structure’s aluminum spaceframe construction features an intelligent material mix that increases rigidity and minimizes weight. This also has a beneficial effect on passive safety, driving dynamics and electric power consumption. The mix of materials for the bodyshell includes CFRP and high-performance thermoplastics, along with high-strength steels and aluminum.

Light, yet extremely torsion resistant CFRP components for the side frame, rain channels, roof frame, cowl panel and rear window frame together form a ‘Carbon Cage’ in the BMW iX body. The BMW Group has employed its many years of experience in working with this high-tech lightweight material – amassed during production of the BMW i models and the current BMW 7 Series – to use CFRP intelligently to reinforce the body while saving weight. The Carbon Cage has evolved from the Carbon Core used in the 7 Series and allows the best qualities of this high-tech material to also be appreciated visually.

Fitting a lightweight CFRP side frame reduces the vehicle’s weight while helping to keep its center of gravity low. The cowl panel and rear window frame components are manufactured from continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTP) using an all-new production method. The innovative blend of materials forms the basis for an exceptionally slim profile that adds to the sense of spaciousness in the cabin. Brackets for control units, washer fluid lines and wiring harnesses can also be incorporated into these components. The CFRTP construction increases stiffness while achieving a weight saving of some 10 pounds compared to similar elements made of steel.

The CFRP used in the side frame and at the rear lends an added visual appeal to the BMW iX: the carbon components’ fiber structures clearly stand out in the entrance area and when the tailgate is open, providing a reminder of the car’s high-tech character.

The front double-wishbone suspension gives the iX precise steering characteristics and excellent ride comfort. This design principle separates the wheel guidance and shock absorber functions, ensuring optimum road contact over the suspension’s full range of travel. As a result, high levels of lateral acceleration can be achieved without compromising ride comfort. The rigid connection of the aluminum front axle subframe to the body factors into the steering’s direct response feel. An aluminum shear panel combines with the high-voltage battery module to further increase front end rigidity. Aluminum is also used for the suspension strut forks, swivel bearings and control arms, resulting in further weight savings. The elastic bearing in the front axle subframe for the front electric motor ensures optimum acoustic isolation from the body.

The rear suspension is of a five-link design. The rear control arms and rear axle subframe are made from aluminum. The rear motor has an elastic mounting inside the axle subframe that offers effective acoustic isolation. By bolting the spring struts to the bottom of the camber arms, the axle’s overall height is reduced, thereby improving both the through-loading width and the luggage capacity of the BMW iX.

Lift-Related Shock Absorbers

BMW iX includes front and rear anti‑roll bars as well as a lift-related damping system that plays a major part in achieving the balance between sport and comfort. Extra hydraulic damping is incorporated into the shock, which adjusts the firmness progressively according to the changing suspension travel. This prevents excessive body dive when driving over large bumps, while low damping forces around the middle damping position ensure a high level of comfort when travelling over minor road imperfections.

The first line of defence against body vibrations is the conventional piston and base valve. Only with greater degree of suspension lift will a second piston drop down into the inner sleeve of the shock to generate an additional damping effect. The lift-related extra damping is provided on rebound at the front suspension and during compression at the rear.

The spring struts feature a triple-path strut mount, where the suspension spring and auxiliary spring are connected directly to the body, while the rubber mount only must absorb the damping forces, allowing the elastokinematics to be tuned independently of vehicle load.

Optional Two-Axle Air Suspension

The BMW iX is available with an optional adaptive suspension including electronically controlled shocks and two-axle air suspension with automatic self-levelling. A range of shock settings and ride heights can be selected to shift the emphasis of the driving experience further towards either comfort or sport.

The front and rear shocks are controlled individually for each wheel. This increases agility and body stability when cornering at speed, while also enhancing ride comfort. Damping force is adapted by means of continuously adjustable valves, which are controlled to adjust force as in just a few milliseconds after factoring in longitudinal and lateral acceleration, vehicle speed, steering angle, body acceleration and wheel acceleration at the front axle. There is a choice of two shock control settings - for sporty driving or a more comfortable ride respectively.

The adaptive two-axle air suspension keeps the BMW iX at the optimum ride height at all speeds, regardless of the load. The suspension’s air supply is controlled individually for each wheel, making it possible to balance out an unevenly loaded car. The height of the body can be adjusted manually using a button on the center console. In the default setting, the car’s body automatically drops by 0.4-inches when the vehicle speed exceeds 87 mph, improving not just high-speed directional stability, but aerodynamic properties and therefore range. The body can also be raised by 0.8-inches for extra ground clearance. Selecting SPORT mode lowers the body by 0.4-inches throughout the entire speed range.

Servotronic and Integral Active Steering

The BMW iX comes standard with Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance with a variable rack ratio. Making its debut in the BMW iX, the new steering gear ensures exceptional directional stability for straight-line driving at high speeds together with excellent precision and feedback when cornering. Steering comfort when parking and maneuvering at low speeds is also improved.

The optional Integral Active Steering adds rear-wheel steering and gives the BMW iX excellent straight-line stability and agility, while also enhancing lane change maneuvers. Turning the rear wheels in either the same or the opposite direction to the front wheels, depending on vehicle speed, makes the car nimbler when driving in urban traffic or cornering, while also allowing lane changes to be performed more comfortably at moderate to high speeds. It also gives the BMW iX noticeably superior low-speed maneuverability when entering and exiting parking spaces.

Electric All-Wheel Drive, DSC and Near-Actuator Wheel Slip Limitation

The intelligent electric all-wheel-drive system in the BMW iX is fully variable and can split torque as needed from highly efficient pure rear-wheel drive to an all-wheel-drive set-up for maximum traction.

The BMW iX comes equipped with near-actuator wheel slip limitation technology developed specifically for electric models. This enables the vehicle to maximize straight line accelerate even on slippery surfaces, thanks to extremely quick and precise control responses. Specially designed for the instantaneous power delivery of electric motors, this traction control system is integrated into the motor management. This eliminates the long signal paths to the control unit for the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), meaning that the corrective inputs at both the front and rear wheels are applied much faster and more precisely, with coordination between front and rear wheels.

While the motor management’s integrated near-actuator wheel slip limitation function mainly reduces the loss of traction accelerating, the DSC system is responsible for optimizing directional stability in dynamic situations by selectively applying the brakes at individual wheels. Its primary functions include the Anti-lock Braking System, traction control system and electronic stability control. SPORT mode can be configured to allow a higher degree of wheel slip, helping the driver to explore the BMW iX’s performance limits.

Further DSC functions that enhance handling stability and agility in the iX include Performance Control, Brake Standby, Brake Assist, fading compensation and Dry Braking.

Integrated Braking System

The BMW iX’s integrated braking system delivers outstanding stopping power and linear pedal feel. Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, the brake activation, brake booster and braking control functions are brought together within one compact module. The required brake pressure is triggered using an electric actuator, an operating principle that generates pressure more dynamically and ensures significantly faster and more precise interventions from the driving stability control system. The integrated braking system generates stopping power adjusted precisely to the driver’s inputs, while producing consistent pedal feel unimpaired by any annoying pulsing as a result of wet road surfaces, significant lateral acceleration or high brake temperatures.

Unwanted pedal feedback is eliminated when energy recuperation is being used to slow the car. Balancing the effects of recuperation and friction braking to suit the situation enables drivers to determine how Brake Energy Regeneration is applied. They have a choice of recuperation when the accelerator is released (one-pedal feeling in driving position B) or using the coasting function with purely adaptive recuperation of brake energy or a combination of the two (in driving position D). Each of these settings exploits the full efficiency potential of Brake Energy Regeneration.

Aerodynamically Optimized Light-Alloy Wheels and Noise-Reducing Tires

The BMW iX is equipped with standard 20-inch aerodynamically optimized light-alloy wheels. 21-inch and 22-inch Air Performance wheels are optional. These unique optional wheels include an aluminum base wheel with customized inserts between the spokes that give them a flat design resulting in smoother airflow and a weight reduction of approximately 15 percent over conventional light-alloy wheels.

The optional Ait Performance light-alloy wheels are fitted with new innovative tires specially designed for the BMW iX and which feature integral noise reduction. A layer of foam on the tire’s inner surface absorbs the noise produced by vibrations within the tire’s cavity, which is filled with air causing it to act as a resonator. This leads to a substantial reduction in the level of tire noise transmitted to the BMW iX’s cabin.

A more advanced version of BMW’s Tire Pressure Monitor can be found in the BMW iX. The system’s sensors relay data on tire pressure and temperature from each individual wheel, which is then processed to generate corresponding readouts in the control display. The Tire Pressure Monitor factors in specific data on the equipped tires, including manufacturer, dimensions and production date, which can be scanned from a QR code at the factory or service partner. Exclusive to BMW, this system simplifies use of the tire pressure indicator in the iDrive menu. In the menu item for tire selection, the driver has only to indicate whether the vehicle is partially or fully loaded to view information on both the ideal and current tire pressures and decide whether there is any need to adjust them.

A digital tire diagnosis function helps advise the owner of tire wear by processing the data from the Tire Pressure Monitor in the BMW backend together with the pressure, temperature and wheel speed readings to forecast the remaining tire life. Customers can be notified via the My BMW App, for example, if action needs to be taken.

5^th Generation eDrive Technology

The 5th generation of BMW eDrive technology is built around a drive unit which brings together the electric motor, power electronics and transmission as a highly integrated package within a single housing. This design approach enables a power density around 30 per cent greater than earlier electric drive systems could offer.

The latest electric motors developed in-house by the BMW Group have an efficiency factor of 93 percent, compared to less than 40 percent efficiency found in current combustion engines.

The excitation of the rotor in the BMW iX motors is not induced by fixed permanent magnets, but the feed-in of electric energy. This allows the use of rare earths (required for magnetic components) to be avoided altogether. 

The drive power produced by the motors is channelled via a single-speed transmission – installed in the same housing – to the front and rear wheels along the shortest possible path. The centrally controlled electric all-wheel drive links up with the chassis control systems to enable extremely rapid and precise metering of drive power according to the driving situation, the road conditions and the driver’s wishes.

Adaptive Recuperation of Energy

Adaptive and individually regulated recuperation of braking energy allows for an increase in BMW iX’s overall drive system efficiency. Intelligently connected drive management means the intensity of the brake energy recuperation can be adapted to the road situation, provided by data from the navigation system and the sensors used by the driver assistance systems. When approaching a junction, for example, the degree of recuperation can be increased, while at the same time feeding energy back into the high-voltage battery and increasing the deceleration effect. This targeted control of deceleration through energy recuperation helps to increase range.

A coasting function enhances comfort and efficiency by putting the iX into a “freewheeling” state with no drive power whenever the driver takes their foot off the accelerator. If the car draws a lot closer to a vehicle ahead while coasting, recuperation will be initiated immediately.

Adaptive recuperation is one of the standard settings activated when the driving position D is engaged. Alternatively, the driver can choose a high, medium or low Brake Energy Regeneration setting via the iDrive menu. In driving position D, the new BMW iX pulls away at minimal speed as soon as the brake pedal is released, increasing comfort in stop-and-go traffic. Activating driving position B with the selector lever generates the one-pedal feeling characteristic of the BMW Group’s electric vehicles by driving with the maximum degree of recuperation. In this case, recuperation remains active even when the vehicle comes to a stop, which also provides a hill hold assist function.

Graphics showing the driving status and energy flow can be called up in the BMW iDrive system’s Live Vehicle menu. When either the PERSONAL or EFFICIENT settings are selected with the My Modes button, the control display indicates whether the electric motors in the BMW iX are currently providing drive power, recuperating brake energy to feed it back into the high-voltage battery or have been de-energised (front axle) / switched to torque-neutral (rear axle) for coasting.

An Efficiency Trainer function is available in the Live Vehicle menu with EFFICIENT mode activated. Hints for driving in a smoother, more efficient manner – considering the current driving situation – appear in the instrument cluster, where they combine to create a total mobility experience. The graphics visualizing recommended techniques for accelerating or slowing down as efficiently as possible motivate drivers to collect bonus miles. The driver also receives verbal suggestions and tips for reducing electric power consumption and increasing range from the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The range horizon that can be brought up in the information display visualizes the extent to which the driver can alter the range of the BMW iX should they adopt a very dynamic or extremely economical driving style. This provides a clear illustration of how range changes depending on driving style. If route guidance is activated, the distance to the pre-programmed destination will be accompanied by additional information on the high-voltage battery’s anticipated charge level upon arrival. This provides the driver with a conclusive guide to the potential range spectrum and helps them plan the remainder of the journey accordingly.

High-Voltage Battery

A high-voltage battery with state-of-the-art battery cell technology is a key component of BMW’s 5^th generation eDrive. The gravimetric energy density of the lithium-ion battery has been increased by around 20 percent over the previous-generation batteries. And the latest generation of the high-voltage battery displays excellent characteristics in charging and discharging, durability and safety.

The iX’s high-voltage batteries are mounted low in the vehicle floor in an aluminum housing which acts as an integral component of the body.

The latest advances made in the field of battery technology are the result of many years of relentless research and development work. The BMW Group has been producing modules and batteries for vehicles with electrified drive systems since 2013. The company can call on immense reserves of expertise and experience when it comes to both battery cell technology and the manufacture of model-specific high-voltage batteries. The BMW Group has carried out underlying research in the fields of cell chemistry and cell design, enabling it to give precise specifications – geared to the requirements of electrified vehicles – to external battery cell producers.

The prismatic battery cells supplied by these companies are used to produce battery modules at the assigned BMW Group production plant. An independently developed modular system enables these modules to be arranged flexibly and turned into model-specific high-voltage batteries. The BMW iX xDrive50 is fitted with a battery with a gross energy content of 111.5 kWh and a net energy content of 106.3 kWh

Integrated Heating and Cooling System with Heat Pump Function and Anticipatory Thermal Management for the Battery

The BMW iX’s heating and cooling system is made up of three cooling/heating circuits that can be interconnected by means of electric valves with a shared expansion tank. While driving in low outside temperatures, for example, the excess heat generated by the drive units is used to warm up the high-voltage battery. A two-level cooling module, a refrigerant compressor, two evaporators, a water-cooled condenser and a high-performance control unit together ensure optimum temperature control for both the BMW eDrive components and the vehicle interior in any operating state and in all regular weather conditions.

The latest version of the heat pump achieves a high efficiency factor by making use of ambient heat and heat from dehumidification – as well as the waste heat from the motors – for energy-efficient operation. The integrated heating and cooling system also insures optimal temperature control for the high-voltage battery in highly dynamic driving situations with high power requirements and during fast-charging from a DC charging station. If the navigation system’s route guidance function is active and has scheduled a stop at a fast-charging station, anticipatory thermal management will automatically pre-condition the battery beforehand. Warming up the high-voltage battery or cooling it down as appropriate means it will be at the optimum temperature for quick and efficient charging at maximum capacity upon arrival at the charging station. Thermal management takes several factors into account here, including current battery temperature, remaining range, the predicted charging rate and the amount of charging planned as part of the overall route calculation.

Combined Charging Unit for Charging at up to 195 kW

Alongside the electric motors and high-voltage batteries, new charging technology is also part of the 5^th generation BMW eDrive. The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) in the BMW iX enables an extremely high level of flexibility when charging. The CCU brings together the functions of the voltage transformer, charging electronics and power distribution, plus the management systems for the drive, high-voltage and charging functions of the drive units, into a single package. Hooking up the high-voltage battery to a Level 2 Wallbox allows it to be topped up with AC at a charging rate of up to 11 kW. Using a Level 2 charger, the BMW iX xDrive50 can recharge its battery from 0 to 100 percent in under eleven hours.

The BMW iX xDrive50 can also charge its high-voltage battery at up to 195 kW using a DC fast charger. Plugging the BMW iX xDrive50 into a fast-charging station with 10 percent charge for example, enables its range to be increased by up to 90 miles in just ten minutes at 195 kW. Using the same fast charger, it would take less than 40 minutes to increase the high-voltage battery’s state of charge from 10 to 80 percent.

Charging with EVgo

Recognizing the critical importance of public charging infrastructure to EV drivers, BMW has partnered with EVgo, the nation’s largest public fast charging network and the first in the US to be powered by 100% renewable energy.  BMW Charging Powered by EVgo provides BMW EV and PHEV drivers with access to EVgo and partner charging network stations via an easy to use mobile app, underscoring BMW’s commitment to a high performance and zero emissions driving experience. BMW Charging Powered by EVgo enables BMW drivers to see real-time status of chargers, initiate a session, check their account status, and more all within the BMW Charging Powered by EVgo mobile app.

EVgo and BMW previously partnered on the ChargeNow DC Fast Program and are building on their shared history to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.  EVgo’s public fast charging network offers the convenience of charging at more than 800 fast charging locations at retail and grocery stores, shopping malls, entertainment centers and other sites ideal for quick, 20-30 minute errands. Plus, for drivers who will be parked for a few hours, EVgo’s relationships with partner networks will provide access to more than 38,000 L2 chargers for drivers, expanding the variety of charging options. With the new BMW Charging Powered by EVgo partnership, buyers and lessees of qualifying fully electric BMW models will receive $100 in EVgo charging credit that can be used at EVgo and partner network stations across all 50 states.

Optimized Body Aerodynamics: Drag Coefficient (C_d) of just 0.25.

Optimizing the aerodynamic properties of the BMW iX have had a direct and positive impact on both its performance and range. The low aerodynamic drag can be attributed to the streamlined body, the tapered glasshouse, flush-fitting door handles, extremely slender exterior mirrors and precisely crafted aero edges, all which combine to produce a very low drag coefficient (C_d) of just 0.25.

Functional aerodynamics elements include third-generation active air-flap control at the front, which directs cooling air to the drive units and brake system when required. In normal driving situations, both the BMW kidney grille and the air intakes at the bottom of the front bumper are completely blocked off. This default setting allows the air to flow around the vehicle unhindered, thereby significantly reducing aerodynamic drag. Opening of the electronically controlled air flaps is done automatically when maximum cooling air is required or during operation of the heat pump for the automatic climate control. The flaps are adjusted gradually, allowing cooling air to be directed efficiently to the brake air ducts and drive components in carefully metered quantities.

Another drag-reducing feature is the sealing of the underbody. Spanning the largest area between the front and rear axle is the smooth aluminum high-voltage battery housing, located low down in the vehicle floor. At the front, aero elements direct the oncoming air past the wheels to prevent adverse turbulence. And airflow along the rear is smoothed by the large rear axle cover and the rear apron’s diffuser. All of these measures lead to the most aerodynamic BMW SAV to date.

BMW iDrive 8

The new BMW iDrive 8 is an instrumental component of the user experience on board the BMW iX xDrive50. The most recent incarnation of the display and operating system takes the interaction between driver and vehicle further into the digital future. The new BMW iDrive 8, a new generation of displays, controls and software, plus extremely powerful connectivity and data processing allow BMW iX to serve as an intelligent and proactive partner for the driver and passengers. The new BMW iDrive 8 was designed with a focus on dialogue-based interaction using natural language and on touch operation. Consequently, new available features include the expanded capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which uses new graphics to communicate with the vehicle’s occupants, and the BMW Curved Display – the all-new fully digital display grouping in the BMW iX formed by the information display and control display and angled around the driver.

Connected Navigation, Parking and Charging with BMW Maps

The cloud-based navigation system, BMW Maps, enables routes to be calculated significantly faster and more dynamically than ever before. To accomplish this, BMW Maps combines real-time information with forecasting models that predict the traffic situation along the rest of the route. This allows arrival times to be calculated with an excellent level of accuracy – by both automotive and smartphone standards. The data pool for these calculations is provided by the HERE map, supplemented by knowledge gathered through the swarm intelligence of the BMW Group’s connected fleet (more than 14 million vehicles worldwide). The map data is updated over the air at regular intervals. Machine learning algorithms are also employed for data processing in the BMW Cloud.

With the arrival of the new BMW iDrive 8 in the BMW iX xDrive50, the digital services for navigation, parking and charging are fully integrated into the cloud-based BMW Maps system in a user-friendly way. The calculated traffic situation is now updated at one-minute intervals for example. Entering the destination in the vehicle is easier and faster, too. The one-box search facility allows addresses to be entered in a search box, just like with an online search engine. And over 120 million points of interest worldwide can be located the same way. The stored information is updated several times a week to ensure that BMW Maps is always up to the minute. The My BMW App can be used to transfer destinations from a smartphone straight to the car. The BMW Cloud also contains additional contextual information on points of interest, such as ratings, opening times and images, as well as detailed information on public charging stations.

One of the key new and intelligent functions is “Learning Navigation”, where BMW Maps uses the habits associated with the individual BMW ID as the basis for learning and anticipating the destination the driver is likely to head for. This saves drivers the trouble of entering the destination again for regular journeys, especially the daily commute to work, when they still wish to be alerted to delays or hazards along their route. Information on the current traffic situation for the trip ahead and the estimated driving time are sent to the My BMW App prior to departure. An individually configurable Traffic Widget in the car shows the predicted destination with the accompanying traffic information. Once the suggested destination has been selected, route guidance can be activated with a quick tap of the finger if, for instance, the system proposes an alternative route due to high traffic levels.

Improvements have also been made in terms of the help provided by BMW Maps when searching for a parking space. For roadside parking, a parking search route is calculated based on a probability analysis. This guides the driver to their destination along a route offering a very good chance of finding a free space. BMW Maps is additionally able to suggest parking spaces with charging facilities, a real boon for electric vehicles.

Connected Charging: Easy Charging Thanks to Intelligent Connectivity

Digital services from Connected Charging are designed to make sure that charging on the road can be completed easily and conveniently with the BMW iX xDrive50. During the journey, the BMW Maps navigation system shows public charging stations along the route or in the vicinity of the destination. Color coding is used to indicate charging station availability directly in the listing, together with further details such as the charging capacity offered and information on the operator and possible payment methods. When searching for charging stations, a filter can be added to show fast-charging stations only.

Charging stops can be factored into route planning in the My BMW App thanks to Connected Charging. The system calculates the optimum charging strategy and suggests the quickest overall route. This exact and detailed route planning provides an accurate estimation of the arrival time with included charging. When the driver selects a public charging station, the navigation system will also show them suggestions for restaurants, cafés, attractions or cultural venues in the area to allow them to make the most of the time while their car is charging.

The Remote Services in the My BMW App can be used to remotely control both the charging process and pre-conditioning of the BMW iX xDrive50. In this way, the driver can program when vehicle charging and pre-conditioning of the interior and battery should start taking into account the amount of energy required and the planned departure time. The driver will receive a push notification once the target charge level has been reached or if there are any irregularities during charging. Similarly, information on charging status, range and other details can be viewed in the My BMW App on a smartphone as well as in the vehicle. The My BMW App also contains a transparent evaluation of all charging cycles performed either at home or on the go. In addition to this, the app can be used to start or stop charging remotely and to define a maximum charge level in order to conserve the battery, for instance.

My Modes for an All-Encompassing Driving Experience

The new My Modes use an interplay of various functions to create special experiences during the journey. Based on a combination of vehicle and interior ambience settings tailored to the moment, they can be selected easily by voice command, by touch from the My Modes menu in the control display or by using a dedicated button on the center console. This button replaces the Driving Experience Control switch in the BMW iX xDrive50 and offers an extended range of functions.

There is a choice of three modes in the BMW iX: PERSONAL, SPORT and EFFICIENT. They each activate specific settings for the drive system and chassis, the display styles, the ambient lighting’s color scheme, the drive unit’s interior soundtrack and the seat backrest width. EFFICIENT mode is focused on sustainable driving. Here, changes to the accelerator response and tips shown in the information display help the driver to operate the BMW iX xDrive50 using as little electric power as possible. The driver is also supported by the intelligent Efficiency Trainer, and the interior ambience is made as calm as possible: a blue shade sets the tone for the lighting mood and the drive sound becomes quieter. In SPORT mode, the focus switches to generating a pulse-quickening driving mood. This is aided by the more direct settings for accelerator and steering response and a chassis set-up geared to sporty driving, while the drive unit’s soundtrack with its distinct acoustic feedback, snug-fitting backrests with optional multi-contour seats, pared-back displays and interior lighting in Thrilling Orange all add to the effect. PERSONAL mode allows customers to create their own individual My Mode. The vehicle characteristics are set to a balanced configuration. The customer can choose various lighting and color settings and display layouts, and also select other settings to create their personal ideal driving experience.

Great Entrance Moments

“Great Entrance Moments” is the name given to the user experience from the point when the driver first approaches the BMW iX xDrive50 until the journey begins. All steps are orchestrated by the vehicle and blended into one welcoming experience. Ultra‑wideband (UWB) radio technology allows precise triangulation between the vehicle and the key or smartphone, meaning that the car knows the direction the driver is approaching from and how far away they are.

Once the distance drops below ten feet, the vehicle prepares and carries out a choreographed sequence. It begins with an orchestrated lighting effect using the exterior and interior lights, then proceeds to activate the light carpet, illuminate the door handles and automatically unlock itself. The car then activates the entry assistance features along with the steering wheel and surface heating, plays a start-up animation on the BMW Curved Display, loads the BMW ID settings and establishes a connection with the smartphone, before finishing with a customized welcome window showing a personal greeting as well as handy suggestions and information.

Remote Software Upgrades

Since the introduction of BMW iDrive 7 in 2018, BMW drivers have been able to keep their vehicle up to date with the latest software by means of the Remote Software Upgrade. The BMW Group is one of the leading manufacturers in the field of over‑the-air upgrades – over 1 million cars upgraded in 2021 for example. The new BMW iDrive 8 further enhances the options for updating the in-car software and expanding its functions. New and improved functions can be imported quickly and easily over the air, either using the car’s built-in SIM card or via the My BMW App. Installation is subsequently launched by the customer and seldom takes longer than 20 minutes. Updated software is installed free of charge.

When a new Remote Software Upgrade is available, drivers will receive a notification together with accompanying information in the vehicle, on their smartphone in the My BMW App and, in future, from the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant too by means of a special widget on the control display. In the BMW iX xDrive50, Remote Software Upgrade will now also offer the possibility of performing extremely complex and large software updates in areas such as driver assistance and partial automation, while additionally enabling drivers to schedule the installation process. For this, the vehicle must first be securely parked in accordance with the instructions. Installation can then be carried out automatically at a pre-set time – meaning it can be done overnight as well.

Precision Navigation and Additional Information with Augmented Reality Video

The new Augmented Reality Video function available to supplement the BMW Maps navigation system’s map view enables the driver to find their way with greater ease and accuracy. A live video stream from the driver’s perspective is shown on the control display and is augmented by additional helpful information. When dealing with confusing turns, for instance, an animated directional arrow is integrated into the video image to help the driver take the best turn‑off for the planned route. Depending on the situation at hand, the Augmented Reality Video view is activated prior to the maneuver to be performed and disappears again afterwards.

Using graphics to enhance reality opens new ways of ensuring drivers enjoy a safe and relaxed journey to their destination. As well as superimposing arrows, points of interest (POI) of relevance to the driver can also be highlighted in the live video stream. Tapping the indicated POIs brings up further information about them, such as user ratings, opening times or images.

The ability to show both a section of the map and the live video stream augmented with additional information in the control display’s split-screen view is unique in this segment. Using Augmented Reality Video to help drivers search for a parking spot is another available feature.

Snapshots: A Glance Inside the Vehicle and Theft Protection with new Interior Camera

Making its debut in this form in the BMW iX xDrive50, the overhead interior camera can be used by the occupants to take snapshots during the journey, allowing them to capture special moments and share them with friends and family. Pictures can be taken by voice command, gesture or touch control, and there is also the option of a self-timer (three second delay). The camera system can even be set to only take a photo when at least one of the occupants is smiling. The camera operates in HDR mode, while the night mode produces sharp black-and-white images even at night or in low light conditions. Pictures can be shared by simply scanning a QR code in the control display with any smartphone connected to the car via WiFi.

Customers can send pictures from the interior camera to their smartphone using the My BMW App’s remote function if they wish to take a glance inside the car to check whether bags or other items have been left there, for example. The interior camera is also activated when the new Remote Theft Recorder – coming in the future for the BMW iX – is triggered. This system relays a message to the customer’s smartphone when the vehicle’s anti-theft alarm system is set off. The customer is then able to access and save the pictures from both the interior camera and the cameras at the front and rear of the vehicle and on its exterior mirrors.

Careful attention was paid to privacy and security from the outset in the development of all the interior camera functions. Customers always have complete transparency and control over the functions. When the interior camera function is opened for the first time, a data privacy disclaimer containing all the relevant information flashes up in the display prior to activation. This disclaimer must be accepted before pictures can be taken, and these are subsequently only stored locally in the vehicle. Images are only transmitted if they are requested by the customer via the My BMW App. This is done directly using end-to-end encryption; no pictures are stored on BMW servers. Customers have the option of deactivating the camera’s picture-taking function again at any time.

5G Connectivity and Personal eSIM

The BMW iX xDrive50 is the first BMW to feature available 5G support. As well as the built-in SIM card, it is the first BMW model to offer the eSIM technology that has been featured mainly on smart devices such as tablets and smartwatches. The Personal eSIM essentially turns the car into another digital and connected device in the customer’s ecosystem. Both SIM cards are fully geared to the new 5G mobile technology and have DSDA (Dual SIM Dual Active) capability. Mobile reception is significantly improved by the vehicle’s own 5G antenna system.

The Personal eSIM allows the customer - with compatible mobile service provider - to use their mobile contract’s SMS, call and data allowances from their car with ease – even in situations where they don’t have their smartphone with them. Users can extend an existing mobile contract by activating the Personal eSIM via one of the available network operators. What’s more, the Personal eSIM isn’t linked to just one car, but the user’s BMW ID – meaning it can be transferred to other BMW vehicles with Personal eSIM functionality. The eSIM is configured automatically when users sign in with their BMW ID, after which it is available immediately.

When connected to the 5G network, customers benefit from the low latency and high bandwidth of up to two SIM cards, depending on the quality of the signal. As a result, data is exchanged between the BMW Cloud and vehicle faster and Remote Software Upgrades can be downloaded to the car in a fraction of the normal time required. An in-car WiFi hotspot directly linked to the Personal eSIM is also enabled, dispensing with the need for an additional contract when setting up a hotspot. As many as ten devices can be connected to the vehicle’s WiFi hotspot simultaneously, providing them with high-speed internet access that allows functions such as video streaming in full HD quality.

The ability to activate the Personal eSIM is being gradually expanded in collaboration with mobile providers and network operators and depends on the individual parameters in each country. Customers in the USA should be able to activate the Personal eSIM via participating network providers.

BMW Digital Key Plus with Ultra-Wideband Radio Technology

BMW is a pioneering partner in the use of smartphones as digital vehicle keys and plays a leading role in devising industry-wide standards. It has worked relentlessly on the further development of the BMW Digital Key since it was first introduced and is now offering a new generation of this convenient and secure means of unlocking and starting the vehicle without the user even having to take their Apple iPhone out of their pocket.

The BMW Digital Key Plus, set to make its debut with the BMW iX xDrive50, employs ultra-wideband (UWB) technology already integrated into the vehicle and the iPhone’s U1 chip. As customers approach the BMW iX xDrive50, they are welcomed by a staged lighting effect using the exterior lights, and the vehicle unlocks just before they reach the door. Once they have got in, the Apple iPhone can be simply left in the user’s pocket or placed in the smartphone tray for wireless charging; nothing else is required to start the vehicle.

UWB is a digital radio technology for short-range high-bandwidth applications that offers exceptionally precise location identification combined with maximum security. It has the additional benefit of ruling out the possibility of relay attacks, where the radio signal is disrupted or intercepted.

Apple and the BMW Group have been working closely together with the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) to develop the Digital Key Release 3.0 specification for UWB, which will serve as a global standard for both the automotive industry and smartphone manufacturers. The iPhone’s iMessage service can be used to share a Digital Key with up to five other vehicle users. The Digital Key Plus function is expected to be available from the end of 2021.

Personalization Using the BMW ID

When interacting with the new BMW iDrive 8, BMW iX xDrive50 customers benefit from increasing personalization of the user experience based on their BMW ID. This is used for securely storing even more personalized settings and transferring them between vehicles. A PIN code can be created, or the BMW ID associated with a particular key to prevent other vehicle users from accessing personal data. When signing into a vehicle for the first time, simply scanning a QR code is all it takes to create a new BMW ID on a smartphone. If the user has the My BMW App and is therefore already in possession of a BMW ID, this will be automatically imported into the car via the app when the QR code is scanned.

The BMW ID can be created and activated effortlessly and securely in vehicles with BMW iDrive 8 or BMW iDrive 7. Once the BMW ID has been imported, the driver will receive a personal greeting which will include the customized profile image the driver can create in the My BMW App. At the same time, personal settings for seat and steering wheel position, exterior mirrors, navigation system, driver assistance functions, display layouts, shortcuts and favorites as well as infotainment system settings will be imported automatically. Personalized suggestions from the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant are stored in the BMW ID, together with individually selected wake words and privacy settings. Once the BMW ID has been activated with the associated key or by selecting the BMW ID in the vehicle, the personal settings are instantly adopted. The customer can elect to save these personal settings to the BMW Cloud, thereby allowing them to be imported into other appropriately equipped BMW vehicles once the user has logged in.

If the vehicle is made available to another user, all personal data and settings will be protected by switching to a guest account where this information can be neither viewed nor modified. And if the vehicle is briefly given to a stranger in order to park it, for example, activating Valet Mode temporarily disables access to both personal data – such as vehicle, infotainment and control functions – and the luggage compartment.

Smartphone and Third-Party Integration

Integrating Apple CarPlay® more into the BMW iDrive environment    enables customers to use a great number of functions from their car in the same way they do on their smartphone. One notable new feature when using Apple CarPlay is that the Apple Maps navigation map is shown not just on the control display but also on the information display in the BMW Curved Display. The corresponding navigation instructions also appear in the BMW Head-Up Display when route guidance is active. A special function for all-electric vehicles will be added to Apple Maps in 2022: if the distance to the destination is greater than the current range, Apple Maps will automatically plan a charging stop and modify the route accordingly.

Google Android Auto^TM offers customers access to a wealth of smartphone functions and content while driving. Wirelessly connecting an Android smartphone (with Android 10 or higher) to the BMW iX xDrive 8 will be quicker and easier than ever. Assuming Bluetooth is activated on the device, a prompt to connect to the car will be displayed automatically when the user gets in. Following confirmation, the device will be connected in just one step so that it is instantly ready for Bluetooth phone calls or Android Auto. Deep integration into BMW iDrive 8 will allow Android Auto content to be shown in multiple display areas, too. If Google Maps navigation is active, the map will appear in the information display as well as the control display, while navigation instructions can also be viewed in the Head-Up Display.

Advanced Driver Assistance System Sensors

The BMW iX is the BMW Group’s first model to feature driver assistance systems from a new technology toolkit. The new technology toolkit gives the vehicle outstanding intelligence when it comes to monitoring its surroundings and transferring and processing data. For example, the tech is designed to be able to process 20 times more data than existing models. This means many times more sensor data can be processed.

The BMW iX xDrive50 is equipped with a wide range of assistance functions which make driving and parking safer and easier. Drivers of vehicles both in standard specification and featuring the optional Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus will be offered extended, optimized and new functions during their ownership of the vehicle that are designed to provide them with the best possible assistance with the task of driving. Noticeable improvements carried out in how the various functions work provide considerable added value for customers.

The new BMW iDrive 8 makes the driver assistance functions more user-friendly. Controls have been reduced to the essentials, ensuring that the driver can activate the optimal degree of assistance quickly. The focus is on overall, intelligent automation, simplification of system status and intuitive operation. This simplification can be seen in the reduced number of buttons on the multifunction steering wheel, for example.

The exceptional intelligence of the BMW iX is the product of an all-new software stack, coupled with the latest generation of sensors and an extremely powerful computing platform for evaluating and processing data collected about the vehicle’s surroundings. The reach and quality of the system of sensors are class-leading: high ranges and recognition rates for pedestrians, other vehicles, traffic signs and other nearby objects are achieved with the 8 MPix front camera making its worldwide automotive debut here. Another global first for a vehicle is a front-mounted radar system, which uses its array of aerials to offer maximum ranges of up to 300 yards and achieve a vertical resolution in several levels for the first time. In total, five cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors team up to map the vehicle’s surroundings, the data they gather providing the basis for the BMW environment model on the computing platform.

If the customer has given their consent, the data collected by sensors in extremely challenging driving situations is evaluated using artificial intelligence via the cloud in the BMW backend and utilized to constantly improve the assistance systems. These improvements are always considered in the context of worldwide system certification (homologation) and do not violate product conformity at any time. They can then be installed across the vehicle fleet over the air.

When creating the systems of sensors for its vehicles, the BMW Group focuses on creating a combination of different technologies, whose specific abilities and strengths complement each other to create a precise picture of the vehicle’s surroundings. For example, the data collected by radar sensors on vehicles or other road users ahead of the car is constantly matched against the images supplied by the front cameras. The helps the road situation at hand to be assessed in as much detail as possible and enables the relevant driver assistance functions to respond as required.

The key new features in terms of design include the camera and radar sensor systems fitted out of sight within the BMW kidney grille. The front-mounted radar is integrated seamlessly into the grille. In order to guarantee the greatest possible precision when using the radar sensor, a nanoscale vacuum-based coating process is employed in its manufacture. Here, the two color finish and visible 3D effect are produced by vaporization using laser technology and by a plasma-fired application technique in a high vacuum. The laser-based method developed specially for production of the kidney grille on the iX xDrive50, together with a precisely defined combination of material and layer thickness, optimize radar performance and ensure an appearance as classy as it is familiar.

An additional polyurethane coating reduces the kidney grille’s susceptibility to damage. The self-healing effect of its surface repairs minor scratches, for example – within 24 hours at room temperature or through a five-minute supply of warm air. The BMW kidney grille of the iX is also an essential component of the highly developed automated driving and parking systems. The camera positioned in the center of the grille – like the camera integrated into the BMW badge at the rear – has its own cleaning system. Up to two other cameras are positioned near the rear-view mirror on the windscreen. The exterior mirrors on the driver’s side and front passenger side each also have a camera. Like the cameras, the ultrasonic and radar sensors of the BMW iX also provide a complete all-round view. Six ultrasonic sensors are in each of the front and rear bumpers. Radar sensors are positioned on either side of the car at both the front and rear.

Advanced Driver Assistance System Functions

The BMW iX xDrive comes with an extensive suite of assistance systems designed to enhance both comfort and safety. The standard front collision warning system can slow the car to a standstill in order to avoid an impact or mitigate its consequences. It is active in situations such as approaching a vehicle in front and in response to oncoming traffic, and interacts with other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

Cross-traffic alert with braking helps to minimize the danger of a collision with crossing traffic when entering an intersection with restricted visibility. The Evasion Assistant helps to avoid collisions with vehicles or pedestrians that appear suddenly. As soon as an evasive maneuver corresponding to such a scenario is detected, the system helps the driver direct the vehicle into a clear adjacent lane with steering inputs.

Speed Limit Info including pre-warning allows the driver to set a maximum speed and guards against acceleration beyond that point. When driving with Cruise Control activated and a speed restriction is detected by the front-mounted camera, the Speed Limit Assist function enables the driver to adopt that speed as their desired figure at the touch of a button or automatically.

Lane Departure Warning registers road markings and alerts the driver to the danger of an unintended deviation from their current course using the steering wheel vibrations. The system also prompts the driver to guide their vehicle back into the correct lane by initiating a steering impulse.

The functions grouped together in the standard Driving Assistant also noticeably improve safety in the BMW iX xDrive50. Blind Spot Detection reduces the risk of a collision when pulling out into the adjacent lane with the turn indicator activated. This system initiates a visual signal in the exterior mirror and a steering wheel vibration to alert the driver to the presence of a vehicle to their side in the adjacent lane or approaching from the rear. At speeds of at least 40 mph, the system also prompts the driver to steer the BMW iX back into their original lane by initiating a steering impulse. In the BMW iX xDrive50, Blind Spot Detection includes a new function in turn-off situations. At a speed of up to 12 mph, the system warns the driver of a risk of collision in a turn-off maneuver signalled by activating a turn indicator.

The Driving Assistant also contains both rear collision warnings and rear crossing-traffic warnings, which works using side-mounted radar sensors and employs warning alerts and braking inputs to reduce the danger of a collision when reversing towards roads which are difficult to see into.

Another new feature is the exit warning function, which activates visible and acoustic signals when a vehicle or cyclist is approaching the BMW iX xDrive50 at speed and there is a risk of collision with the side of the vehicle. The driver or front passenger is warned about the danger by flashing LEDs in the mirror or the ambient lighting along the door. An acoustic warning is emitted and opening of the doors on the relevant side of the BMW iX delayed. This delay mechanism can be activated on all four doors – i.e. also the rear doors.

Optional Driving Assistant Professional

Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Keeping Assistant – which focus on energy efficiency when EFFICIENT mode is selected – are combined in the optional Driving Assistant Professional. Distance to the vehicle in front can be selected by steering wheel-mounted control.

The latest version of Lane Keeping Assistant – making its debut on the BMW iX – can be used in more traffic situations than before. To provide its far-reaching functionality, the system factors in the data supplied by the front- and side-mounted cameras, the front-facing radar sensor and the four radar sensors facing out to the sides. Lane Keeping Assistant operates at speeds of up to 124 mph. It takes its cues from lane markings and vehicles driving ahead in order to help the driver keep the vehicle in the recognized lane with steering corrections. This also proves to be an effective aid in situations where the lane narrows.

A dedicated button on the steering wheel’s left-hand spoke ensures the systems are easy to operate. Pushing it once activates both the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Keeping Assistant. Assisted View in the instrument cluster gives the driver an overview of the activated systems and their functionality. The central area of the cockpit display is reserved for a three-dimensional mock-up of the vehicle and its surroundings. Here, the driver can see an image of the cars, trucks and motorcycles detected by the camera and radar sensors in the driver’s current lane, along with those in any adjacent lanes. Vehicles within a critical distance are highlighted. Icons indicate situation-specific manoeuvres that can be carried out with the help of assistance systems. In this way, Assisted View offers the driver a convenient way of checking the status of the driver assistance systems and the relevant courses of action with a single glance at any time.

Parking Assistant, Rear View Camera and Parking Assistant Plus

BMW iX xDrive50 drivers benefit from helpful assistance when parking and maneuvering. The standard Park Distance Control (PDC) with sensors at the front and rear provides visual and acoustic alerts and automatic brake inputs to avoid collisions with obstacles to the sides and rear of the vehicle. Standard equipment also includes the Parking Assistant, which helps the driver to select and use parking spaces either parallel or perpendicular to the road. Suitable spaces are detected using ultrasonic sensors as the vehicle drives past. A new feature is the system’s ability to drive into perpendicular spaces forwards or in reverse. The latest version of the Parking Assistant can be used both to enter and exit spaces. As well as the necessary steering inputs, it now also carries out the acceleration, braking and gear changes required for the maneuver.

Standard equipment for the BMW iX xDrive50 also features a Rear View Camera with Panorama View and the Back-Up Assistant. The Back-Up Assistant offers the highly convenient option of automated reversing in confined spaces or situations where the driver does not have a clear view, such as multi-story garages or tight driveways. To do this, it stores the steering movements for any section the car has just driven forward along at no more than 22 mph. The system is then able to reverse the vehicle for distances of up to 50 yards by steering it along the same line it took when moving forward. All the driver must do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals and monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. The Back-Up Assistant can back the car up automatically at a maximum 5.5 mph.

Parking Assistant Plus with Remote 3D View and Remote Theft Recorder.

The functions contained in the optional Parking Assistant Plus provide an excellent overview of your surroundings in many different situations. Assistance, parking and panorama view including 3D View help to create a 360-degree image of the vehicle and its surroundings, which is shown from various angles in the control display. Meanwhile, the Remote 3D View function gives drivers the ability to call up a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle and its immediate vicinity on their smartphone.

At a future date, the Remote Theft Recorder will be made available for the BMW iX xDrive50. When activated, it will use use the new interior camera. If the vehicle is stolen, this system can send a message to the customer’s smartphone. The customer can then access and store the images from the interior camera and videos recorded by the cameras at the front and rear of the BMW iX and on its exterior mirrors.

Exterior Design

The exterior dimensions of the BMW iX xDrive50 – length: 195 inches, width: 77.4-inches, height: 66.7 inches – allow it to combine the functionality of the BMW X5 with agility of the BMW X6 and the expressive appearance of the BMW X7. The result is a distinctive re‑imagining of the powerful proportions of a large BMW SAV. The BMW iX is comparable with the BMW X5 in length and width and is almost the same height as the BMW X6 due to its flowing roofline. The larger diameter of its wheel and tire profiles, meanwhile, bring to mind the BMW X7. A wheelbase measuring exactly 118.1 inches and wide front and rear tracks provide the ideal platform for chassis tuning which balances luxurious long-distance comfort and sporty cornering characteristics.

Front Design: Expressive, BMW Kidney Grille Serves as Intelligence Panel

The front-end design of the BMW iX xDrive50 features a distinctive prominent BMW kidney grille and equally familiar twin headlights – which have been newly interpreted with a dash of futuristic style. Since the eDrive system of the BMW iX xDrive50 requires only a small amount of cooling air, the kidney grille is completely blocked off. Its role has thus turned digital and now it functions as an intelligence panel. Camera technology, radar functions and other sensors are integrated seamlessly into the grille behind a transparent surface along with their heating elements and cleaning system.

Slim LED Headlights and Functional Front Roundel

The slimmest headlight units ever to feature on a series-produced BMW model provide a minimalist take on BMW’s familiar four-eyed front-end appearance. The daytime driving lights have a new design - as two-dimensional strips along the upper edge of the headlight units. This gives the headlights a totally new appearance in daylight. The daytime driving light strips include the turn indicator function. The BMW iX xDrive50 is fitted with standard full-LED headlights. The darkened light fixtures are set well back into the inner sections of the headlights and therefore only become visible when switched on. The fixtures in each headlight unit team up to generate both low and high beam.

The hood of the BMW iX xDrive50, with its pronounced three-dimensional sculpting, extends all the way up to the headlights and BMW kidney grille. All hood lines converge on the kidney grille and the BMW logo above it. The roundel is itself a functional component, serving as the washer fluid filler neck. It opens and closes again – once the fluid has been topped up – with a gentle push. The hood does not have an opening mechanism for use by the customer; the drive system technology and power electronics below the surface can only be accessed by workshop technicians.

Side View: Clear Surface Structuring, Precise Lines

When the BMW iX xDrive50 is viewed from the side, its reduced design language accentuates the modern and very distinctive styling of the all-electric SAV. The minimalist surface sculpting creates an athletic body whose uncomplicated appearance is highlighted by small number of precise lines. The almost rectangular contours of the front and rear wheel arches are a head-turning element of the exterior design.

A hallmark exterior side window design elements of BMW i cars appears in an updated form. The tapering of the window graphic towards the rear and the forward-slanting C-pillar underline the dynamic lines of the car’s silhouette. The “stream flow” of converging lines mimics the airflow along the sides of the car. On the BMW iX xDrive50, this distinctive graphic takes the form of a black surface connecting the rear side windows and rear window and carries the inscribed model badge.

Integrated Flush Door Handles and Frameless Windows

The flush electric door handles, which are operated by the press of a button, are embedded into the door surfaces and are finished in a contrasting color. Indirect lighting illuminates the handle recesses. With the latest generation of the optional Comfort Access system, the doors lock or unlock automatically as the owner approaches or walks away from the car. The required signal is sent to the car using the radio remote control or the BMW Digital Key (via the customer’s smartphone).

Doors with frameless windows make their debut in a large BMW SAV. Previously only seen on BMW coupés, this design brings a flowing, sporting appearance to the side window design. High-gloss black trim for the B-pillars provides an attractive contrast against the body color while three layers of sealing around the doors provide excellent acoustic comfort.

Aerodynamically Optimized Exterior Mirrors, Black Body Edging

The innovative design of the exterior mirrors on the BMW iX xDrive50 helps reduce wind noise, optimize aerodynamics and improve all-round visibility. The super-slim mirror bases attach to the lower edge of the side window surround, removing the need for the classical mirror triangle at the front of each side window. The mirror caps are painted in body color while the mirror base is finished in high-gloss black. The slim geometry of the mirrors and carefully positioned aero foils help reduce wind noise. The turn indicators, which measure only around two millimeters in width are integrated into the exterior mirrors behind glass covers.

Among the design features familiar from classic BMW X models is the black surround at the lower edge of the body. On the BMW iX xDrive50 this forms a band around the whole car. The charging socket is located in the same place as the fuel filler neck on conventionally powered BMW models – i.e. behind a flap on the right-rear wheel arch.

Rear Design: Modern and Minimalist

The modern and minimalist design of the rear surfaces accentuates the width of the BMW iX. The minimalist design language with a small number of joints and character lines exudes an aura of simplicity and sophistication. The aerodynamics of the BMW iX are further enhanced by the flow of air over the roof all the way to its trailing edge, and by a diffuser in the rear bumper.

The tailgate has no separation joints and extends across the whole of the rear. The rear-view camera is integrated into the black ring of the large BMW roundel positioned in the center of the tailgate. The camera lens is cleaned automatically by a water spray system which extends from behind the roundel.

Like the headlights, the single-piece rear LED lights have a slimmer design than on any previous series-produced BMW Group vehicle. The light fixtures are integrated directly into the three-dimensional lens cover mouldings, creating an extremely bold appearance. The L-shape, familiar from other BMW models, is used in modern interpretation within the single light strip housing of the rear lights and brake lights, and the horizontal turn indicators, which only become visible when active.

The reversing light and rear fog lights are located along with the reflector in an extremely slim strip in the rear diffuser. Secondary light units positioned at the outer edges of the car beyond the tailgate opening include turn indicators, rear lights and brake lights, ensuring that the relevant light signals are still visible when the tailgate is open.

Interior Design

The fully digital BMW Curved Display, the latest generation of BMW iDrive, an innovative architecture for cockpit and center console - with a hexagonal steering wheel and around 50 percent fewer buttons and switches, sustainable materials and new design approaches such as shy tech – are the prominent features inside the BMW iX xDrive50. The progressive design of the interior plays a significant role in the iX’s driving experience. Equipment such as the BMW Head-Up Display, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System and standard panoramic glass sunroof with electrochromic shading not only deliver enhancements to comfort and practicality in day-to-day use and on longer trips. Together with a choice two olive leaf tanned leather, a microfiber/wool blend, and three non-leather options, they also offer customers exceptional freedom when it comes to configuring their BMW iX precisely to their personal style.

“We designed the BMW iX from the inside out. “In the process, we took particular care to create a modern, warm and minimalist interior design with a very spacious feel.”

Vast amounts of room, a top-quality selection of materials, newly developed seating and the extraordinary expanse of the panoramic glass roof combine to immerse all five seats inside the BMW iX cxDrive50 in a luxurious lounge-style ambience. The brand-new architecture of the BMW iX cabin underpins the straightforward functionality that revolves entirely around the needs of the driver and their fellow occupants. The absence of a center tunnel resulting from the eDrive concept adds to the open, airy feel, while also creating extra legroom in the front and rear as well as sufficient space for storage facilities.

Shy Tech: Where People Take Center Stage and Intelligent Technology Fades into the Background

The technology aboard the BMW iX xDrive50 is used intelligently, only manifesting itself when it is required. This makes it intuitive to use rather than overly complex. The interior design conveys a sense of safety and familiarity and engenders a new type of bond between occupants and vehicle.

All displays and controls have been reduced to the essentials. The shy tech approach for the interior can be seen in a number of features, including speakers that have been integrated out of sight, delicately styled air vents, heated surfaces and the way the BMW Head-Up Display’s projector has been recessed into the instrument panel to make it almost invisible. The hexagonally shaped steering wheel, a rocker switch for gear selection and the BMW Curved Display – which forms part of the next-generation BMW iDrive 8 – hint at the futuristic form of driving pleasure.

The newly developed seats for the driver and front passenger have integral head rests for a distinctly sporty appearance. For the first time in a model from the BMW Group, there is the option of integrating speakers into the seat. The sound sources positioned beneath the surface in the head rest and lumbar areas further enrich the acoustic experience inside the BMW iX and are another example of the principle of shy tech being applied. Besides the seats’ extensive multi-way electric adjustment, there is also the option of seat heating, seat ventilation and a massage function.

Clearly Structured Surfaces for a Generous Sense of Space

An ambience of modern luxury sets the tone for both the front and rear compartments of the BMW iX xDrive50 interior. The minimalistic design language and clearly structured surfaces give the cabin an exceptionally spacious feel. The door panel layout features a distinctive diagonal split using different colors and materials. The door handles have been sleekly integrated into the diagonal accent strip along with the electric door opening switch. Buttons for adjusting the seat position are located at the top of the front door panels where they are ergonomically arranged in the form of a seat. The passenger-side armrest incorporates a compartment for holding a mobile phone. Meanwhile, the audio system’s midrange speakers embedded beneath the door panels’ fabric trim are hidden from sight yet make a very audible impact on the enjoyment of the journey.

Three Interior Design Variants and Sustainable Materials

Customers can choose from three design variants to give the interior of their BMW iX xDrive50 additional individuality. These bring specific materials and color schemes to the surfaces of the seats, door panels, armrest, center console and the upper section of the instrument panel, creating unique design and color worlds with their own distinctive characteristics. Standard Atelier specification includes surfaces in Sensatec with a striking seam pattern and perforated areas. It is available in Black, Oyster and Mocha. If the optional Stonegray trim is specified, the surfaces are adorned with a diagonal pattern of materials and colors combining high-quality textile and microfiber fabrics. The asymmetric styling and quilting composed of triangular, square and pentagonal sections give the seats their very modern appeal. Contrast stitching on the seat surfaces adds a further highly distinctive touch. The instrument panel with printed color gradient breaks new ground for car interiors. Also available is Exclusive Natural leather and the color shades Castanea and Amido.

The surface of the leather used for the seats and instrument panel is treated with a natural olive leaf extract, thereby avoiding any production residue that is harmful to the environment, while also giving the leather a particularly high-quality yet natural look. This especially gentle process has proven its worth for many years in the treatment of leather surfaces in the BMW i3 and is now used in the interior of the BMW iX xDrive50. The sustainability-focused approach applied when selecting raw materials and production methods has also resulted in the use of FSC-certified wood and a high proportion of recycled plastics in the surfaces of the door panels, seats, center console and floor coverings, plus floor mats made from recycled nylon waste material.

Lounge Ambiance in Rear Compartment, Surface Heating Generates Inviting Atmosphere

The rear bench seat has been designed for three passengers. The outer seats have integral head rests, which can be equipped with optional built-in speakers. The head rest of the center seat can be folded down to optimize rear view. The omission of the center floor tunnel means that anyone in the second row also enjoys a generous amount of legroom. The open sense of space this creates combines with the broad bench seat extending into the door areas to reinforce the lounge-style feel and increase passenger comfort. A Travel & Comfort system has been integrated into the front seats that can be used by occupants in the rear to attach coat hooks or hold tablet devices. A pair of USB-C ports can also be found in each of the front head restraints.

Heated rear seats are also available as an option. This function is part of the optional Radian Heat package, which also brings heating on vertical surfaces such as the instrument panel, glove compartment, door panels, and contact surfaces like the center armrest and steering wheel. All of this helps to warm the interior particularly efficiently. Spreading the heated areas around the surfaces of the interior in this way allows the occupants of the BMW iX to sense the change in temperature much more quickly than with a conventional distribution of warm air. And direct contact with the warmed surfaces fast-tracks the feel-good factor for those on board.

The rear backrest has a 40:20:40 split, allowing the amply proportioned luggage compartment to be expanded as required by folding down individual sections.

Slim Instrument Panel, Freestanding BMW Curved Display

The BMW iX xDrive50 interior’s modern, spacious feel is enhanced by the slim instrument panel, which is covered in Sensatec with the option of either microfiber fabric or Natural leather tanned with olive leaf extracts. In the Stonegray trim, the graduation of color from the light to the dark areas reinforces the impression of an extremely light design.

The BMW Curved Display is held in place by a supporting structure that is concealed from the occupants’ view, so it appears to be standing freely in the cockpit. It has a magnesium housing and a frameless, single-piece glass surface. The anti-reflective glass makes it possible to dispense with the customary binnacle for shielding the readouts from sunlight, giving the cockpit area a remarkably tidy and airy appearance.

“The BMW iX is the first model from the BMW Group to feature the impressive high-resolution Curved Display, which is far larger and sharper than the displays in our current models,” remarks Frank Weber. “As a result, the BMW iX interior points the way ahead for cockpit design in future BMW models.”

The curved, one-piece display brings together the 12.3-inch information display and the 14.9-inch control display to form a single unit angled towards the driver. The interlinked, driver-focused display ensemble optimizes how information is shown and makes the display’s intuitive touch control even simpler to use. At the same time, the control display section can still be clearly seen and easily operated by the front passenger.

The Curved Display in the BMW iX xDrive50 teams up with BMW iDrive 8 to deliver a totally new graphics experience. The instrument cluster offers new, completely customizable display options that provide the driver with precise information tailored to the current situation. Exceptionally intuitive operation using voice or touch control enables the driver to interact with the additional intelligent functions aboard the BMW iX xDrive50 easily and safely. This takes the renowned user friendliness of BMW display and operating systems to the next level.

Newly Designed Center Console Control Panel

The Curved Display’s position and technology have been optimized to facilitate very intensive and intuitive use of the touchscreen functionality. All elements of the iDrive 8 menu can still be selected and activated with the familiar center console Controller. The Controller is enclosed by a sharply styled control panel with a high‑gloss black frame, a glass-effect surface and white backlit buttons. The rest of the control panel design is an example of the shy tech principle. Instead of conventional buttons, a control surface with active haptic input subdivided by feeler bars is used to select the iDrive menus, My Modes and other functions. The Touch Controller, designed in an extremely smart glass-effect finish for the BMW iX xDrive50, is encircled by a bezel painted in Gold Bronze. A roller control allows for convenient adjustment of the audio system volume. The Start/Stop button is illuminated in the signature BMW i blue color, signifying the presence of an all-electric drive system. Nestled between the Start/Stop button and the button for the electromechanical parking brake is a newly devised rocker switch that takes the place of the customary gear selector lever.

The Controller, the rocker switch for gear selection, the audio roller control and the seat adjustment buttons can also be specified in a polished crystal finish as an option. This specification additionally includes a control panel surface made from FSC-certified wood. The open-pore walnut finish again incorporates backlit buttons.

The space gained from the absence of a center tunnel is also used to create additional stowage facilities in the center console area. As a result, the center console’s lower level houses two cupholders, a smartphone tray with inductive charging, a 12V power connection and two USB-C ports.

The center console armrest – which is available in an optional heated version – doubles as a butterfly lid that opens to reveal a roomy, illuminated storage compartment. The rear console terminates in air vents for the rear passenger compartment with a high-gloss black trim surround.

The iX Hexagonal Steering Wheel

The BMW iX xDrive50 is the first model from the BMW Group to be fitted with a hexagonal steering wheel. The rim’s unique, track-inspired contour has the effect of improving ease of access and seating comfort. The hexagonal shape also affords the driver a better view of the section of the Curved Display positioned directly behind the steering wheel.

The new-look multifunction buttons on control pads in a glass-effect finish optimize intuitive operation of both audio and communications functions and the driver assistance systems. Steering wheel heating with a new three-stage control system is, for the first time available for the BMW iX xDrive50 as an option.

BMW Head-Up Display with Frameless Projector Integration

The latest generation of the BMW Head-Up Display features a projector which has been flush fitted into the surface of the instrument panel without a frame, meaning that it is hidden from sight. It projects driving-related information onto the windscreen in the form of graphics that appear directly in the driver’s field of vision. This allows the driver to take in all the key data without having to divert their attention from the road. The information projected by the BMW Head-Up Display includes the car’s speed, speed limits, Check Control messages, status indicators and warnings from the driver assistance systems, detailed route guidance and turn instructions, as well as telephone and entertainment lists. The display’s imaging angle, height and brightness can be adjusted individually.

Automatic Climate Control and Integral Nanofiber Filter

The standard four-zone automatic climate control in the BMW iX xDrive50 allows the driver, the front passenger and the rear-seat passengers to set their individually desired temperature and ventilation levels. The driver and front passenger can adjust the climate control system via the control display or by voice command. The desired temperature is the key variable for this automatic system. Depending on the settings selected in the climate control menu, changing the temperature also adjustments the seat heating, seat ventilation and steering wheel heat. This means individual functions no longer need to be operated separately. Moreover, those on board can see immediately if the system is currently cooling or heating the interior and if the seat heating or seat ventilation is activated. The system also considers the number of passengers on board and where they are sitting. This is the first time that all the vehicle’s temperature and comfort-enhancing functions have been controlled from a single source.

Innovative nanofiber filter technology provides a particularly effective means of helping to keep the air in the BMW iX xDrive50 cabin clean as it prevents ultra-fine particles, certain microbial particles and allergens from entering the vehicle’s interior. Nanofiber filter technology is more rigorous than normal filter systems in removing virtually all particles from the air in the interior in a matter of a few minutes when air recirculation mode is switched on. Drivers are also able to use the My BMW app to activate the air conditioning system’s ventilation function before the journey starts in order to purify the air in the cabin quickly and thoroughly.

Panoramic Glass Roof with Electrochromic Shading

The BMW iX xDrive50 is equipped with a standard panoramic glass roof. Its single-piece transparent surface spans the entire interior without any cross struts to break it up, making it the largest glass roof ever fitted in a model from the BMW Group. The panoramic glass roof plays a major role in giving the interior the BMW iX its generous feeling of space and lounge-like ambience and offers passengers exceptional levels of headroom thanks to the lack of a roller blind. The glass roof features electrochromic shading instead, which can be activated at the press of a button to shield the interior from direct sunlight.

The panoramic roof is composed of a steel frame, two glass panels and three layers of film sandwiched between them. The laminated glass construction offers both optimum protection against ultraviolet rays and an excellent standard of acoustic comfort. The upper glass panel’s triple silver coating is designed to maintain a comfortable climate in the cabin.

Instead of having an interior liner, the roof is the only one of its kind in the automotive industry to employ PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) technology for shading the interior. The panoramic glass roof's transparency is altered by applying a voltage to the middle layer of film. The liquid crystals dispersed as droplets in a polymer matrix are aligned so evenly by the electrical energy that they allow rays of light to pass through into the interior unimpeded. When de-energized, it takes less than a second for the crystals to distribute themselves in a disorderly pattern that creates the effect of shade. This electrochromic shading can be activated and deactivated using a button in the roof function center. The shading mode is activated automatically once the BMW iX xDrive50 has been parked.

Pioneering Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 4D Audio

The standard Harman Kardon Surround Sound audio system in the BMW iX xDrive50 includes 18 speakers and 655 watts of audio power. The five midrange and five tweeter speakers are complemented by four built-in speakers in the rear head rests. Automatic sound adjustment based on the car’s dynamic performance level and Logic7® Surround Sound technology provide superb listening pleasure for all occupants. The combination of two central bass speakers and two additional subwoofers located under the rear seat unit has never been seen before in a BMW model and ensures powerful sound performance. The timeless, functional design of the Harman Kardon tweeter grills fits seamlessly into the design of the BMW iX xDrive50 interior, while the midrange speakers are integrated out of sight underneath the fabric door panel trim.

Available as an option for the first time, the latest version of the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System takes the audio experience into a new dimension, turning the BMW iX xDrive50 into a concert hall on wheels. This fully active sound system boasts a seven-band equalizer for authentic 3D sound, microphone-assisted sound control based on dynamic performance and four sound modes, allowing the user to adjust the mood of music playback in just a small number of steps. With 30 speakers and an impressive amplifier output of 1,615 watts, this highly advanced system produces an exceptionally clear and wonderfully nuanced sound.

Highlights include eight speakers integrated into the head restraints of the first and second rows of seats, two Diamond tweeters in the A-pillars and a quartet of 3D speakers in the headlining, plus two central bass speakers and two subwoofers under the rear seats. In addition to this, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System also incorporates a 4D Audio function. Bass shakers in the front seats generate precise vibrations using software patented by BMW. These result in intense perception of bass frequencies, even at low volumes. The midrange units are concealed underneath the fabric door panel trim, while the tweeters feature brushed stainless-steel grilles and a discreet lighting effect to provide an elegant and classy showcase for the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.

Acoustic Pedestrian Protection and BMW IconicSounds Electric

The electric drive system powering the BMW iX xDrive50 produces not only zero emissions but also almost nothing in the way of sound. In order to alert other road users that the iX is approaching, it comes with an acoustic pedestrian protection system. Developed specially for electrified BMW vehicles, artificially generated and emitted through exterior speakers, the sound is active up to driving speeds of 19 mph. It gives the vehicle a brand-typical soundtrack, without impinging on the comfort of those on board.

The acoustic experience can also be enjoyed in the interior of the BMW iX xDrive. Pressing the Start/Stop button sparks an inspiring acoustic accompaniment that builds anticipation for the all-electric driving experience. This sound production was created as part of a collaboration between film music composer and Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer and Creative Director Sound at the BMW Group Renzo Vitale. When underway, a drive sound delivers authentic feedback to every movement of the accelerator. The character of the sound alters according to the vehicle setting chosen with the My Modes button. This means that in SPORT mode the car’s sound spectrum is more dominant and powerful.

Sustainability Throughout the Entire Value Chain

Sustainability has played a very important role in the development of the BMW i brand character from the very beginning. Making responsible use of resources throughout the value chain and minimizing a product’s carbon footprint at all stages of its life cycle means that careful attention has been paid to the development and production of the new BMW iX – from the monitored selection and extraction of raw materials, through the sourcing of electricity generated from renewable sources for manufacturing processes, to the use of recycled materials.

The powerful impetus provided by the BMW i brand in leading the way in this field has helped the BMW Group to stake a claim as the world’s most successful and sustainable premium mobility company. To achieve this, advances have been made across a wide variety of areas that affect the creation and use of vehicles from all the BMW Group’s brands. Measures for optimizing sustainability are defined for every model and cover all phases – from the production of raw materials through manufacturing and use to subsequent recycling.

“Rather than simply passing responsibility on to the supplier network, we take responsibility together with our direct suppliers,” explains Dr Andreas Wendt, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. “In so doing, we tap into our many years of experience and create processes for attaining greater transparency and traceability.”

Raw Materials Sourcing: Monitored, Transparent, Certified

The sustainability targets for the BMW iX were set at a very early stage of vehicle development. Defining the appropriate measures requires detailed knowledge of the materials used, where they originate from or how they were obtained. This includes the upstream production chains. The focal points on the purchasing side are compliance with environmental and social standards, respect for human rights, conservation of natural resources and reduction of CO₂ emissions. Measures for optimizing sustainability were therefore established in consultation with suppliers, such as using recycled materials and harnessing renewable energy.

Besides an eco-friendly manufacturing process, consideration is also given here to the recyclability of the component in question and to health-related aspects. The material properties of all components are meticulously documented and verified at the BMW Group’s materials laboratory. The checks also include ensuring that potentially allergenic materials, such as nickel, are not used in areas where they could be touched by customers.

This holistic approach to improving sustainability also embraces those technological developments that make it possible to reduce the use of critical materials, or even avoid them altogether. For instance, the design principle for the electric motors in 5^th generation BMW eDrive technology dispenses with the need for rare-earth metals in the rotor. Instead of the customary magnets for which these raw materials are needed, an electrically excited rotor is used to ensure both instantaneous and precisely controllable actuation of the electric drive. The BMW Group has thereby capitalized on its industry-leading development expertise in the field of drive systems to enable it to produce electric motors irrespective of rare earth availability.

During development of the latest generation of battery cells, the proportion of cobalt contained in the cathode material was reduced to less than ten percent. In addition, the BMW Group procures the cobalt required for this battery cell generation itself and then makes it available to the battery cell suppliers. The company can therefore ensure that environmental and sustainability standards are observed during the extraction and processing of cobalt and that there are no violations of human rights.

Although no cobalt from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is being used in the battery cells for 5^th generation BMW eDrive technology, the BMW Group is involved in a pilot project there focusing on ecologically and socially sustainable mining of this raw material. The company, together with its supply chain partners, has commissioned the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to develop measures aimed at improving working and living conditions for both artisanal mine workers and the inhabitants of nearby communities. If the project is successful, having cobalt supplied directly from the DRC could become an option for the BMW Group once more.

Lithium is another raw material that is vital for the production of high-voltage batteries but classified as critical. The BMW Group again sources this raw material directly before supplying it to battery cell manufacturers. This ensures complete transparency regarding the origin of the raw materials required for lithium-ion batteries. The lithium used in the high-voltage battery pack on board the BMW iX is mined from hard-rock deposits in Australia in accordance with the company’s environmental and sustainability standards. The BMW Group has also commissioned two prestigious American universities to carry out a study into sustainable lithium extraction in Latin America. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of lithium extraction on local water supplies.

The BMW Group is making a further commitment to wide-reaching sustainability through its involvement in an initiative to protect deep-sea habitats. The move sees the company supporting the activities of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Germany. In a joint declaration, the BMW Group and companies in other industries have undertaken, as a precautionary measure, not to use deep-ocean minerals or finance deep-sea mining until comprehensive scientific research into the impact of deep-sea mining can be conducted and sufficient protection for deep-sea environments can be ensured.

Deep-sea deposits of mineral raw materials have recently received greater public attention due to growing demand for raw materials in general. In particular, manganese nodules (polymetallic nodules), cobalt-rich iron and manganese crusts, as well as massive sulphides and ore sludge, could attract the interest of mining companies. Some experts believe this could offer an attractive alternative to minerals from terrestrial mining. However, the majority remain sceptical overall, due to the lack of scientific analysis. Currently, there are not sufficient scientific findings to be able to assess the environmental risks of deep-sea mining, and we are aware that the procurement of raw materials requires particular care. For this reason, the decision has been taken that raw materials from deep-sea mining are not an option for the company at present.

Among other sustainability goals set out by the BMW Group is the increased use of secondary raw materials in vehicle production. Indeed, the company is aiming to significantly increase the proportion of recycled materials it uses by 2030 and to use raw materials multiple times as part of a circular economy approach.

Electricity from Renewable Resources for Component and Vehicle Manufacture

Between 2006 and 2019, the BMW Group was able to lower CO₂ emissions from vehicle production by over 70 per cent. Compared with 2019 levels, the amount of CO₂ per vehicle is set to be reduced by a further 40 per cent by 2025 and 80 per cent by 2030. Since 2020, electricity generated entirely from renewable sources has been purchased externally for vehicle manufacture at all plants in the BMW Group’s global production network. Only green hydroelectric power produced locally at the Isar and Lech rivers is used in the production of the BMW iX at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing and in the upstream component plants.

The manufacture of battery cells is an energy-intensive process. With a view to also minimizing the carbon footprint in this area, the BMW Group has secured commitments from all makers of battery cells for 5^th generation BMW eDrive technology to only use electricity from renewable sources.

In order to further reduce the CO₂ emissions arising from the production of aluminium components, the BMW Group is exploring new ways of sourcing this lightweight material. Since February 2021, the company has procured aluminum manufactured in the United Arab Emirates with the help of solar power. Electricity generated in a vast solar park located in the desert outside Dubai is used for producing the lightweight metal. The BMW Group plans to continue sourcing aluminium manufactured with green energy over the long term, enabling it to reduce carbon emissions by 2.5 million tonnes by 2030. The quantities of aluminium acquired using solar power cover nearly half the annual requirements of the light metal foundry at BMW Group Plant Landshut, whose output includes the casings for the latest-generation electric motors fitted in the BMW iX xDrive50.

Careful Material Selection, High Proportion of Recycled Materials

Besides the switch to green power, the other factor helping to make the manufacture of light-alloy components more sustainable in the BMW Group’s production network is the ongoing increase in the proportion of secondary aluminum used. Targeted use of recycling methods for this high-grade lightweight metal can lead to a substantial reduction in the energy-intensive use of primary aluminum, which also generates high levels of CO₂ emissions when conventional manufacturing techniques are employed. The proportion of secondary aluminum used in manufacturing the castings for the BMW iX xDrive50 is up to 50 percent.

The cabin of the BMW iX xDeive50 features carefully selected materials which are of high quality and maximize the sustainability factor. The key elements here are conservation of resources, energy efficiency in manufacture and suitability for recycling. The use of chrome in the exterior and interior of the BMW iX xDrive50 has been reduced by up to 90 percent compared with vehicles where similar sustainability-enhancing measures have not been applied. For example, in the interior of the BMW iX xDrive50, chrome is now only used for selected bolted connections, on the head restraint guides and for the seat belt buckles and guide loops.

The optional glass and wood controls includes a control panel on the center console made from sustainably grown wood with the corresponding FSC certification. The Twist cloth forming part of the Stonegray interior appointments incorporates natural wool fibers. The seat coverings are made from Dinamica, a microfiber material consisting of 50 percent recycled polyester. And the backs of the textile materials are made of 85 percent recycled material – a production method utilized by the BMW Group for some 15 years in a range of vehicles which now includes the BMW iX xDrive50. The leather upholstery is also notable for the extremely eco-friendly and material-efficient production method employed. An olive leaf extract is used to treat the leather instead of conventional tanning agents. This is obtained from the leaves gathered following the annual pruning of the trees in European olive groves.

The floor coverings and mats in the BMW iX are made from a synthetic yarn that is produced from recycled nylon waste material in a specially developed process. The source material for this includes fishing nets recovered from the sea along with worn flooring and residual waste from plastics manufacturing. These waste products are fed back into the reusable material cycle at a special facility in the Slovenian capital Ljubljana. For this, the material is first broken down into its chemical constituents and then processed to produce nylon granules. The resulting Econyl material forms the basis for making the floor coverings and mats in the BMW iX. As well as helping to preserve resources, the use of Econyl also serves to reduce climate-damaging emissions. The process for manufacturing the recycled plastic emits around 80 percent less CO₂ than conventional production of petroleum-based nylon.

High-quality recycled material is also featured in a multitude of other components in the BMW iX. Recycled material accounts for over 20 percent of the thermoplastic content in the vehicle. The substructure of the door panelling, the cowl panel cover, the bumper guides and the surround for the front apron, for example, are all made entirely from reused plastic. The cable ducts on the BMW iX are manufactured using between 60 and 100 percent recycled plastic, while the tailgate panelling and the outer surfaces of the door panelling are both made up of around 30 percent recycled material. Each BMW iX xDrive50 contains some 130 pounds of recycled plastic in total.

Specifications

BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California;  a technology office in Silicon Valley, and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 349 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 116 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

www.bmwgroup.com

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Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com, www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com. 

Interior Colors and Trim

Perforated SensaTec is standard on both i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 models.

• Canberra Beige Perforated SensaTec
• Tacora Red Perforated SensaTec
• Cognac Perforated SensaTec
• Black Perforated SensaTec

Vernasca leather is optional for both i4 models.

• Oyster Vernasca leather
• Tacora Red Vernasca leather
• Cognac Vernasca leather
• Mocha Vernasca leather
• Black Vernasca leather
• Black Vernasca leather with contrast stitching

Standard Equipment

The i4 eDrive40 includes the following notable standard equipment:

• 18-inch Gunmetal Grey Aero wheels with performance non-runflat tires
• Sport leather steering wheel
• Alarm System
• Tire Pressure Monitor
• Power Tailgate
• Universal garage Door Opener
• Comfort Access keyless entry
• Rear view camera
• Satin Aluminum exterior trim
• Moonroof
• Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors
• Power front sport seats
• 40/20/40 Split rear seat
• Black high gloss interior trim
• SensaTec dashboard
• Anthracite headliner
• Acoustic protection for pedestrians
• Park distance control
• Rain sensor and automatic LED headlamps with auto high beams
• Dual zone climate control
• Dynamic cruise control
• Active Protection
  • Automatic pre-tensioning of safety belts
  • Automatic closing of windows and moonroof
  • Post-crash braking
  • Fatigue and focus alert
• Active Driving Assistant
  • Active Blind Spot Detection
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Speed Limit Info
  • Rear cross traffic alert
• Active Guard
  • Pedestrian Warning with braking
  • Frontal Collision Warning
  • City Collision Mitigation with braking
• SiriusXM with 360L and 1-year Platinum plan subscription
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Connected Package Pro
• BMW curved display

The i4 M50 adds the following standard equipment:

• 19-inch M Bi-color black double-spoke wheels with performance non-runflat tires
• M steering wheel
• Sport Boost function
• M Sport Brakes with Blue Calipers
• Adaptive M Suspension
• Variable Sport Steering
• Aerodynamic kit
• Shadowline exterior trim

Optional Packages and Equipment

Premium Package

• Heated steering wheel
• Lumbar support
• Heated front seats
• Interior ambient lighting
• Iconic Sounds electric

M Sport Package (i4 eDrive40 only)

• Variable sport steering
• M steering wheel
• Aerodynamic kit
• Shadowline exterior trim
• 19-inch M Y-spoke bi-color black wheels with performance non-runflat tires
  • or 19-inch M Y-spoke black wheels with all-season non-runflat tires
  • or 19-inch M bi-color midnight grey Aero wheels with perf. non-runflat tires
  • or 19-inch M bi-color midnight grey Aero wheels with AS non-runflat tires

Dynamic Handling Package (i4 eDrive40 only)

• M Sport Brakes with blue or red calipers
• Adaptive M Suspension
• Rear spoiler
• 19-inch M Y-spoke bi-color black wheels with performance non-runflat tires
  • or 19-inch M bi-color midnight grey Aero wheels with perf. non-runflat tires
  • or 19-inch M bi-color midnight grey Aero wheels with A/S non-runflat tires

High-Performance Tire Package (i4 M50 only)

• Enhanced capability M Sport brakes
• M rear spoiler
• 20-inch M bi-color gunmetal grey wheels with high-performance non-runflat tires

Driving Assistance Professional Package

• Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for limited access highways
• Active cruise control with stop & go
• Active lane keeping assistant with side collision avoidance
• Evasion aid
• Front cross-traffic alert

Parking Assistance Package

• Parking Assistant Plus
• Active Park Distance Control
• Surround view with 3D view

Shadowline Package

• M Shadowline lights
• Extended Shadowline trim

Individual options include:

• Adaptive M suspension (i4 eDrive40 only)
• M Sport brakes with red calipers (i4 M50 only)
• M Carbon exterior package (i4 M50 only)
• Heated front seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Ambient lighting
• Open pore fine wood oak grain trim
  • or High gloss fine wood ash grey-brown trim
  • or Aluminum with mesh effect trim
  • or Carbon fiber trim (i4 M50 only)
• Iconic Sounds electric
• Icon adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight
• Harman Kardon surround sound system
• Drive recorder
• Wireless charging for compatible mobile devices
• Personal eSIM 5G
• BMW curved display with Head-Up display
• Shadowline exterior trim (i4 eDrive40 only)
• BMW i Blue exterior accents

    Specifications

BMW Group in America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; technology offices in Silicon Valley and Chicago, and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is the BMW Group global center of competence for BMW X models and manufactures the X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 351 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 144 BMW motorcycle retailers, 107 MINI passenger car dealers, and 38 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

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

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com, www.miniusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com. 

Munich. With the consistent expansion of its range to further vehicle segments, the BMW Group is pushing ahead with the transformation to electric mobility. During the forthcoming year, the Munich-based premium automobile manufacturer will already present the world’s first all-electric luxury sedan – the BMW i7 (power consumption combined: 22.5 – 19.5 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions: 0 g/km; prognosis based on the vehicle’s current level of development). Within the framework of its series development process, the BMW i7 is currently undergoing driving dynamics testing on the premises of the BMW Group winter test centre in Arjeplog, Sweden. There, just a few kilometres away from the Arctic Circle, test engineers find the frozen surfaces and snow-covered roads offering the ideal preconditions for the integrated application of all drive and suspension systems. With the test programme held in the biting cold, they pave the way to a new interpretation of luxury driving pleasure. For the first time, it will be possible to experience a maximum in characteristic BMW dynamics, comfort and supremacy in the luxury class with absolutely zero local emissions.

The suspension components, steering and braking systems as well as driving dynamics and vehicle stability systems developed for the future generation of the BMW 7 Series are designed to raise the balance between sportiness and ride comfort so typical of the brand’s luxury sedans to the next level. This also includes performance-oriented tuning of the wheel suspension, springs, dampers and various regulating systems to match the various different drive types. They all undergo intensive testing in Arjeplog under extreme climate conditions.

In Lapland’s winter landscape, the test engineers find the perfect preconditions for this. During test drives around the snow-covered roads around Arjeplog, they are able to test and optimise all functions under extremely challenging conditions in order to achieve an absolutely harmonious and BMW-typical driving experience. Moreover, they make use of test surfaces on frozen lakes with their low road friction coefficient in order to achieve particularly fine tuning of suspension control systems. The steering application undergoes meticulous tuning as do the numerous functions of the Dynamic Stability Control system (DSC) and the accurately regulated interaction between friction brake and deceleration by means of energy recuperation. 

The winter programme also focuses in particular on the components of the all-electric drive system. The BMW i7’s electric drive, high-voltage battery, power electronics and charging technology all originate from the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology, which already provides for sustainable driving pleasure in the BMW iX. Above all, it is the motor, the battery and the temperature control system of the BMW i7 that prove their high level of maturity in extreme sub-zero temperatures in the north of Sweden.

With the BMW i7, the brand’s current model offensive in the luxury segment is being continued in a particularly progressive way. For the first time, it is possible to experience a luxury sedan that is characterised by elegance, ride comfort and supremacy without restriction and in conjunction with a purely electric drive system. The BMW i7 is based on the same vehicle concept as all further model variants of the BMW 7 Series. This integrated development also guarantees locally emission-free driving with the characteristic combination of both sporty and comfort-oriented handling properties along with the exclusive spaciousness of a BMW luxury sedan. 

• BMW Group continues to expand manufacturing capacity at the Competence Centre for E-Drive Production in Dingolfing
• E-drive trains for 500,000 electrified vehicles per year from 2022
• Extensive in-house drive train expertise: Start of production for fifth-generation high-voltage batteries in Germany
• Successful transformation to e-drive train production

Munich/Dingolfing. Production of fifth-generation high-voltage batteries and battery modules for use in the BMW iX* and BMW i4 is now underway at the Competence Centre for E-Drive Production in Dingolfing. At the same time, the company is also increasing production capacity for its fifth-generation electric motor, which has been built in Dingolfing for the BMW iX3* since 2020 and will also power the BMW iX* and BMW i4. “We expect at least 50 percent of the vehicles we deliver to our customers worldwide to be electrified by 2030. To achieve this, we are relying on our extensive in-house drive train expertise: We are increasing capacity at existing drive train production locations – like here in Dingolfing – and developing capabilities at others – like recently in Regensburg and Leipzig,” explained Dr Michael Nikolaides, Senior Vice President, Production Engines and E-Drives, BMW Group.

The BMW Group is investing more than 500 million euros in expanding production capacity for e-drives at its Dingolfing location alone between 2020 and 2022. From 2022, it will produce e-drives for more than half a million electrified vehicles. The BMW Group will invest a total of around 790 million euros in expanding capacity for electric powertrain components at its Dingolfing, Leipzig, Regensburg and Steyr locations between 2020 and 2022.

Standard production of the BMW iX* will soon get underway at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, followed by production of the BMW i4 at Plant Munich in the autumn. The highly integrated e-drives and high-voltage batteries for these vehicles will all be manufactured at the Competence Centre for E-Drive Production in Dingolfing. The BMW Group already began producing battery components at Plants Regensburg and Leipzig in April and May 2021. In line with growing demand for e-drives, BMW Group Plants Landshut and Steyr are also stepping up production of e-drive housings.

Production of fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology

The output and energy content of drive units and high-voltage batteries with fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology can be flexibly scaled. This means they can be optimally adjusted to suit different model variants.

Each vehicle uses up to two highly integrated e-drives, which combine the electric motor, power electronics and transmission in a single housing. Based on the design principle of a current-excited rotor, the fifth-generation e-drive does not require any materials classified as rare-earth metals.

BMW eDrive technology also comprises a high-voltage battery with state-of-the-art battery cell technology. The BMW Group agreed with its suppliers that they will only use renewable green power for producing fifth-generation battery cells. The entire high-voltage battery boasts outstanding qualities in the areas of performance, charging and discharging characteristics, durability and safety. The technically standardised production process for battery modules has been further developed in such a way that different module variants can be produced on the same production line – in line with the growing range of electrified vehicle models and performance levels. The production systems are highly flexible and scalable. Battery modules are produced from supplied prismatic battery cells at the respective BMW Group production location. A modular system developed in-house allows model-specific high-voltage batteries to be manufactured from these modules in a flexible arrangement.

The company has outstanding expertise and experience, both in the field of battery cell technology and in production of model-specific high-voltage batteries. The BMW Group conducts basic research in the fields of cell chemistry and cell design at its own Battery Cell Competence Centre. The BMW Group also produces battery cell prototypes itself. These battery cell prototypes are used in tests to validate the development maturity of battery cells and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the production processes. In addition, the prototype production of the battery cells serves the identification of process potentials as well as the optimization of the production processes. In this way, the BMW Group gains a thorough understanding of the entire battery cell value chain and the decisive competitive advantages its chemical and technical properties offer. This enables battery cells to be manufactured to precise specifications that are geared towards each vehicle’s individual requirements.

Competence Centre for E-Drive Production

Following extensive expansion, the Competence Centre for E-Drive Production now provides a usable area of 125,000 sq. m. This is where the company manufactures electric motors and the components needed for them, as well as high-voltage batteries and battery modules. A paint coating is also applied to the battery cells at this location. The coating increases mechanical robustness and thermal conductivity, thereby improving insulation and cooling of the even more powerful fifth-generation battery cells.

Plant Dingolfing has been manufacturing standard high-voltage batteries and battery modules since 2013, when the BMW Group's first all-electric vehicle, the BMW i3*, went into production. The first production lines for electric motors and high-voltage batteries for plug-in hybrids went on-stream there in 2014. The Competence Centre for E-Drive Production has been steadily growing ever since. The plant has also been producing high-voltage batteries for the fully electric MINI Cooper SE* since 2019 and, since 2020, also the highly integrated fifth-generation e-drive used for the first time in the BMW iX3*. Production of the even more powerful high-voltage batteries for the BMW iX* and BMW i4 is now getting underway. E-drives for future models can also be produced on the flexible production lines.

Qualification for long-term, sustainable jobs

With the BMW Group systematically pursuing progress in electromobility, the demands on employees and their areas of responsibility are also constantly evolving. “We are growing our staff for e-drive production almost exclusively through personnel restructuring. We are actively shaping the transformation process and leveraging our employees’ skills so we can develop long-term sustainable jobs,” explains Nikolaides.

The Competence Centre for E-Drive Production in Dingolfing currently has almost 1,400 employees. By the end of 2021, around 1,900 employees are expected to work in e-drive production in Dingolfing.

Production employees receive further training at the in-house learning centre, which uses innovative vocational training and further education methods to provide employees with intensive preparation for their new tasks. Employees’ knowledge and skills are being expanded specifically to include new electromobility technologies, with a training concept that is constantly updated. The training sessions are held in the classroom, at practice workstations and directly on the production lines. Digital methods and augmented reality play a bigger role here than ever before. Thanks to these methods, the training courses were also able to continue safely during the coronavirus pandemic, in compliance with health and safety measures.

“The learning centre takes a holistic approach that supports employees throughout their professional development and further education, from their first day in production,” reports Dr Sven Jochmann, head of Production E-Drives Dingolfing, Landshut, Regensburg, Leipzig. “As well as trainers and managers, new colleagues are also supported by trained mentors who help them quickly find their way around their new working environment,” adds Jochmann.

Transformation of the Dingolfing location

The Dingolfing location is a prime example of the successful transformation of the BMW Group plants towards e-mobility and digitalisation. E-drive production, including electric motors and high-voltage batteries, is located in an existing, roughly 50-year-old building at the site, rather than using new space. The infrastructure was adapted to the new requirements and expanded accordingly. A modern staff restaurant seats 300 and there is also a new parking deck with space for 800 vehicles. The structural measures are rounded out by a 25,000 sq. m. logistics hall, new office spaces and social rooms close to the production area, as well as an additional plant gate in the south for improved logistics flows.

On the issue of sustainability, the BMW Group takes a holistic approach to reducing CO₂ emissions and minimising resource consumption that covers the entire value chain, including in-house production, the supply chain and use phase. In Dingolfing, as at all BMW Group locations, production uses only green power. In addition, all BMW Group locations have been net carbon neutral since this year, through corresponding offsets and certificates. The company is also using many other levers: from building technology to energy-efficient installations to increased use of renewable energies. Electric trucks will be used for intra-company goods transport at the Competence Centre for E-Drive Production from the autumn.

2030: At least 50 percent of global BMW Group sales will be fully electric

The BMW Group continues its massive electromobility ramp-up: The company will offer five fully-electric models by the end of this year: the BMW i3*, the MINI Cooper SE* and the BMW iX3*, as well as the two main innovation flagships, the BMW iX* and BMW i4.

Between now and 2025, the BMW Group will increase its sales of fully-electric models by an average of well over 50 percent per year – more than ten times the number of units sold in 2020. Based on its current market forecast, the company also expects at least 50 percent of its global sales to come from fully-electric vehicles in 2030. In total, over the next ten years or so, the BMW Group will be releasing about ten million fully-electric vehicles onto the roads.

Global e-drive production network with a focus in Germany

The high-voltage batteries and battery components needed for all BMW and MINI electrified vehicles come from the company’s own battery factories in Dingolfing, Leipzig and Regensburg in Germany, as well as from Spartanburg (USA) and Shenyang (China). The BMW Group has also localised production of high-voltage batteries in Thailand, at its Rayong plant, and is working with the Dräxlmaier Group for this. Munich is home to the e-drive pilot plant and the Battery Cell Competence Centre, where the BMW Group is conducting a full analysis of battery cell value creation processes and advancing technology for its production processes.

The company produces electric motors at the Competence Centre for E-Drive Production in Dingolfing and at BMW Group Plant Landshut. BMW Group Plant Steyr builds the housing for the highly integrated fifth-generation e-drive.

Munich. At today’s BMW Group Annual Conference the upcoming BMW i4 was revealed. “With its sporty looks, best in class driving dynamics and zero local emissions, the BMW i4 is a true BMW. It makes the heart of the BMW brand now beat fully electric,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales.

The BMW i4 is a fully electric 4 door Gran Coupé and will enter the market during the course of 2021, including a BMW M Performance model. Its refined balance of BMW typical sportiness, comfort and sustainable performance are unique in its segment.

The BMW i4 model line will be available in different versions covering ranges of up to 590km (WLTP) and up to 300 miles* (EPA). With a power output of up to 390kW / 530HP the BMW i4 can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in around 4 seconds.

First pictures, sketches, footage and video can be found attached to this media information.

Full details on the BMW i4 will be released over the next weeks.

_{* preliminary manufacturer estimate, not official EPA values.}

Munich. BMW i will once again serve as an official partner of the Coachella Valley Music & Art Festival this year. With its unique atmosphere of creativity, lifestyle and green awareness, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is a regular fixture on the festival calendar for stars and fans alike. Just like last year, BMW i is building anticipation for the festival on social media with #roadtocoachella and unveiling a unique Coachella design for its BMW i models, created by Portugal. The Man lead singer John Gourley.

“Hardly anything moves us like music does – especially live music in such an exhilarating atmosphere as the Coachella Festival. Like Coachella, inspiration, innovation and the will to constantly reinvent oneself are part of BMW i’s DNA. This makes the festival the ideal partner for BMW i. We are looking forward to the #roadtocoachella campaign and the inspiring collaboration with John Gourley,” said Stefan Ponikva, head of BMW Brand Experience Shows & Events.

John Gourley is not only the lead singer of the Grammy-winning band Portugal. The Man and one of the main acts on the Coachella Stage, he is also in strong demand as a designer. His expressive design interpretation of BMW i electric vehicles captures the uniquely diverse spirit of the festival. The event, set in the Californian desert, is considered a creative melting pot, where trends and currents are born and divined. The festival, which will be held from 13-15 April and 20-22 April on the Empire Polo Fields in Indio, California, is a cultural happening not just for music fans. Over six days, almost 200 acts will perform for thousands of visitors from around the world.

Selected international influencers will document their ride from Los Angeles to the festival in BMW i vehicles with the eye-catching Coachella design under the hashtag #roadtocoachella and share their excitement about the upcoming festival with millions of fans worldwide. And, of course, fans can also share their own preparations with the world using the campaign hashtag.

On the first weekend, BMW i is also inviting selected Coachella visitors to attend “Poppy’s BMW i Powered Paradise” and “Poppy’s BMW i Recharged Oasis” – an event double feature, which has quickly become one of the most popular items on the programme alongside the actual festival.

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.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Julian Hetzenecker, Business and Finance Communications, julian.hetzenecker@bmw.de

Telephone: +49 89 382-39229

Micaela Sandstede, Business and Finance Communications, micaela.sandstede@bmw.de

Telephone: +49 89 382-61611

Media website: www.press.bmw.de

Email: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

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

In 2017, the BMW Group sold over 2,463,500 passenger vehicles and more than 164,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2017 was € 10.655 billion on revenues amounting to € 98.678 billion. As of 31 December 2017, the BMW Group had a workforce of 129,932 employees.

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

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• First BMW iPerformance model to be offered in both sDrive Rear-wheel drive and xDrive All-wheel drive.
• Fourth member of the growing BMW iPerformance model lineup bearing testimony to the BMW i know-how transfer.
• Featuring the full wealth of driver assistant systems and latest innovations derived from the all-new BMW 5 Series.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 17, 2016 5:45 pm EST / 2:45 pm PST …

Today, BMW announces the latest addition to its iPerformance line-up, the first ever BMW 530e iPerformance. The BMW 530e iPerformance is a sport sedan that serves up the dynamic driving experience for which the brand is renowned, combined with the option of electric driving. The BMW 530e iPerformance offers the full breath of BMW 5 Series Advanced Driver Assistance systems and the latest technology just premiered in the all-new BMW 5 Series, now with eDrive plug-in hybrid powertrain technology. As for its power source, trailblazing BMW eDrive technology teams up with a BMW TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine to create an exceptionally efficient and powerful plug-in hybrid drive system that fits perfectly with the dynamic, smooth and luxurious character profile of the new BMW 5 Series. The iPerformance badge attached to all of BMW’s plug-in hybrid models bear testimony to the transfer of engineering excellence from BMW i. In the U.S., the BMW 530e iPerformance is the fourth member of a growing portfolio of iPerformance models already available at U.S. dealers.

The 2018 BMW 5 Series iPerformance will be available at U.S. dealers in spring 2017. Pricing will be announced closer to market launch.

Power delivery on all electric.

The BMW eDrive system’s electric motor has an output of 95 hp and offers maximum torque of 184 lb-ft on tap, while the 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo combustion engine with its 2.0-liter displacement generates 180 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque (preliminary). The overall system output of 248hp (preliminary) and combined peak torque of 310 lb-ft (preliminary) propel the BMW 530e iPerformance from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds (preliminary) and enable it to reach a top speed of 130 mph (preliminary). The electric motor and combustion engine direct their power to the sedan’s rear wheels in the BMW 530i Sedan or all four wheels in the BMW 530i xDrive sedan via the standard 8-speed Steptronic transmission with paddle shifters. Positioning the electric motor upstream from the transmission allows the transmission’s ratios to be used in all-electric mode too. This dispenses with the need for a torque converter, something that goes a long way towards offsetting the weight penalty of the additional drive unit.

The high-voltage battery pack consisting of lithium-ion cells with a total capacity of 9.2 kWh has been placed in a space-saving location underneath the rear seat and includes efficient refrigerant cooling with a highly integrated low-temperature circuit. Thanks to the battery’s installation, the BMW 530e iPerformance offers full use of the trunk and a flat load compartment floor. The battery can be charged to full capacity in under 7 hours from a residential 120V outlet using the OUC (Occasional Use Cable), while tailor-made solutions enabling safe, straightforward charging are available through BMW 360° Electric Lifestyle, such as the BMW Installation Services and BMW Solar Energy programs. The BMW Charging Station uses its output of 3.6kW - 7.2 kW (16/32 A, 240 V) to reduce charging time to under three hours, to wake up to a fully charged vehicle each day. The progress of the charging process can be tracked via a graphic in the car’s instrument cluster.

iPerformance Characteristics.

BMW 530e iPerformance is equipped with various elements unique to the iPerformance line-up. Exterior design elements include: blue kidney grille slats, blue wheel hub covers, charging socket located between the front wheel arch and the A-pillar on the driver’s side, “i” badging on the front fenders, “eDrive” emblems on the C‑pillars and the “530e” badge on the trunk lid. When passengers open the doors they are welcomed by illuminated door sills bearing the “eDrive” lettering. The BMW 530e iPerformance also comes with an eDrive button on the center console, along with specially designed displays for both the instrument cluster in front of the driver and the central information screen.

BMW eDrive.

As well as the Driving Dynamics Control switch, with its SPORT, COMFORT and ECO PRO settings. The eDrive button, unique to the iPerformance models offers three driving modes: AUTO eDRIVE, MAX eDRIVE and BATTERY CONTROL.

AUTO eDRIVE ensures that the engine and electric motor interact to optimum effect in all driving situations and allows an all-electric top speed of 56 mph (preliminary). This mode is automatically activated as the default setting every time the vehicle is started. When MAX eDRIVE mode is selected, the BMW 530e iPerformance drives on electric power alone. To do so, it uses the electric drive’s full power and can attain a maximum speed of 87 mph. However, if the accelerator is pressed through to kick down the engine will kick in which is whenever an extra boost of power is needed.

BATTERY CONTROL mode lets the driver set the charge level for the high-voltage battery manually. The intelligent battery management of the BMW 530e iPerformance either keeps the high-voltage battery’s charge constant at the selected level or increases it to the pre-set value, with the electric motor acting as a generator. BATTERY CONTROL mode makes it possible to conserve or even increase the reserves of electric power while traveling on the highway to ensure that an upcoming section through an urban area can be driven on pure electric.

Latest-generation iDrive for even more intuitive operation.

As in all the other models in the new BMW 5 Series line-up, the navigation, telephone, entertainment and vehicle functions grouped within the standard high-resolution 10.25-inch iDrive display can be controlled not only using the iDrive Controller, but also by the iDrive Touch screen display or with the help of the Intelligent Voice Assistant. Optional BMW Gesture Control which offers a particularly intuitive and easy way of operating commonly used infotainment system and telephone functions allows the driver and passenger another convenient way of interacting with iDrive 6.0.

Driver Assistance Systems.

The new BMW 530e iPerformance comes with an extensive range of assistance systems which can be used in conjunction of eDrive mode. Utilizing the Blond Spot Detection system when switching lanes, Active Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Avoidance steers the vehicle back into its lane if the sensors detect another vehicle in the lane. Two systems, providing a semi-automated driving capability are Active Lane Keeping Assistant & Traffic Jam Assistant. Together, these systems operate between 0 – 130 mph and use smooth, comfort-enhancing steering interventions to keep the vehicle in lane. The latest generation of the system features improved image recognition and software algorithms to keep the vehicle reliably on course. In certain situations, particularly in stop & go traffic, the system also uses the vehicle in front as an additional reference point.

Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go for all driving situations .                      Dynamic Cruise Control (DCC), which is standard on the BMW 5 Series Sedan, maintains any selected speed between 19 –130mph. It also supports energy-saving coasting by decoupling the engine from the powertrain when the driver lifts off the accelerator at higher speeds. The new and improved Active Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go uses radar to adjust the pre-selected speed to the traffic situation. The system operates at all speeds up to 130 mph and is capable of braking to a standstill in stop & go traffic and automatically senses if the vehicle in front is moving once more. If the vehicle has been placed into standby mode by pushing the resume button on the steering wheel, the all-new BMW 5 Series can automatically start moving again up to 30 seconds after coming to a full-stop. The ACC system now also takes into account highway exits and traffic circles where it adjusts the acceleration dynamics to suit these special traffic situations. The control technology monitors two vehicles ahead so that vehicle speed can be adjusted earlier and smoother.  Heating elements ensure that the front-mounted radar sensor remains fully operational even if it’s snowing.

Active Lane Departure Warning.

The Lane Departure Warning system operates at speeds between 40 – 130 mph. If the forward-facing stereo camera detects that the vehicle is straying from its lane, Active Lane Keeping Assistant helps the driver steer back on course with smooth and seamless steering interventions. Utilizing the Active Blind Spot Detection system (12-130 mph) when switching lanes, Active Lane Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Avoidance steers the vehicle back into its lane if its sensors detect another vehicle in the next lane. Side Collision Avoidance, which operates at speeds between 40 and 130 mph, warns drivers by means of a visual signal or steering wheel vibration if another vehicle has drifted too close to the side of the vehicle. If the system detects sufficient room on the other side of the vehicle, it correctively steers the vehicle in this direction and out of a possible accident. This corrective steering assistance can be overridden at any time by the driver.

Evasion Aid: evasive steering around obstacles.

Another new function contained with Active Driving Assistant Plus is the Evasion Aid. If a quick lane change is required, for example when the vehicle in front brakes aggressively, the evasion aid – which operates at speeds up to 100 mph – supports the necessary evasive steering action. Faster steering and counter steering during an evasive maneuver results in reduced vehicle instability, supported by Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). While executing the maneuver, the Evasion Aid also uses information from the vehicle’s sensor systems to check how much unobstructed space is available around the vehicle. At speeds over 100 mph, the system no longer provides actual steering support and instead focuses on maximizing vehicle stability.

BMW Connected Onboard.

With the launch of BMW Connected in the USA and Europe in 2016, BMW has introduced an all-encompassing digital concept designed to aid personal mobility. Using the flexible Open Mobility Cloud as a basis, BMW Connected seamlessly integrates the vehicle into the user’s digital life via multiple touchpoints, such as an iPhone, Apple Watch, Android smartphone or smartwatch. New additions, introduced in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, include BMW Connected Onboard, which allows personal information such as the next navigation destination, estimated arrival time and current weather conditions at the destination to be shown on the car’s display. BMW Connected is also able to transfer the user’s personal mobility agenda from their smartphone straight to their car.

3D Surround View.

Surround View and Remote 3D View offer peace of mind by allowing owners monitor their BMW 5 Series at all times. The system shows a bird’s-eye view of the driver’s car as well as a three-dimensional image of the area surrounding the vehicle. Any obstacles, including curbs, or other vehicles or pedestrians that suddenly appear can be spotted.   ParkNow and On-Street Parking Information.

The integration of the ParkNow service means that on-street parking spaces and garages can be easily located, reserved and paid for. Reservations can either be made while en route from the navigation system or in advance via the ParkNow smartphone app or website. Over 150 parking garages are currently affiliated with the ParkNow network in the U.S. alone, with that number expected to grow to over 500 affiliated garages by mid-2017. Once the selection has been made via the navigation system, the driver is directed straight to the chosen parking place and an electronic ticket is generated which grants access to the reserved space.   On-Street Parking Information (OSPI) is receiving its world premiere in the all-new BMW 5 Series Sedan. This cutting-edge technology helps to alleviate the problem of vehicles searching for a parking space, which accounts for a large part of traffic congestion in metropolitan areas. OSPI works similar to the Advanced Real Time Traffic Information system, using historical and current data to draw conclusions regarding the availability of parking spaces on route within the coverage area. The system then uses a model to predict the odds of finding an open parking spot. A color coding on the navigation map displays the systems suggestions.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 and X4 Sports Activity Coupes.  The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 341 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 153 BMW motorcycle retailers, 126 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwusa.com.

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Journalist note: Information about BMW and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com.

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Los Angeles, CA – June 8, 2016… BMW of North America today announced that it has won its bid to supply the Los Angeles Police Department with 100 fully-electric BMW i3 vehicles for use in the department’s transportation fleet.

This announcement comes after a field trial during which a BMW i3 was evaluated alongside other EVs on the streets of Los Angeles as part of the LAPD’s every day fleet. Ultimately, the BMW i3 was selected due to a combination of EPA rated best-in-class efficiency, reliability and state-of-the-art ConnectedDrive services, which can be used to support fleet management applications. BMW’s extensive knowledge of charging infrastructure and the availability of a large network of BMW i centers for servicing the fleet in a convenient and cost effective way also played into the decision.

“We should be thinking green in everything we do — and these new EVs show how local government can lead,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Our sustainability plan pushes L.A. to speed adoption of greener practices and technologies, which also save money and resources.”  

“The attributes of the BMW i3 position it to excel as the ideal vehicle for municipal organizations. The performance and technical capabilities, such as the BMW i3 ‘s acceleration, and its ConnectedDrive integration, are perfectly suited to transform the future mobility of the Los Angeles Police Department while also reducing their carbon footprint,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO of BMW of North America.  

The BMW i3 police cars began hitting the streets of Los Angeles this spring badged with an LAPD insignia. As the department’s non-emergency fleet vehicles, the BMW i3s will be used throughout the department as transportation vehicles for officers and in community outreach initiatives.  

BMW's software data system will integrate with the LAPD's fleet management system which will allow the department to electronically receive critical vehicle data needed to effectively maintain their fleet.  BMW is also designing a web tool that will allow the department to track their fleet in near real-time, contributing to improved deployment, utilization, and the efficient charging of their fleet of BMW i3s. 

Greenlots, a global provider of open standards-based distributed energy resource solutions, will supply 100 Level 2 chargers and four DC fast chargers to LAPD.

Due in large part to its compact size and use of light-weight Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) in its construction, the sustainable, fully-electric BMW i3 has a tight turning radius and the agility needed to navigating congested city streets.

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About the BMW i3, the company’s first-ever production electric vehicle

The BMW i3 is the first purpose-built electric production vehicle to be made primarily of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). With 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque hybrid-synchronous electric motor, the fully electric BMW i3 is electrified by a 22-kWh lithium-ion battery, good for 80-100 miles of emission-free driving and has been rated the most fuel efficient EPA-certified vehicle by the U.S. Department of Energy. Agile and engaging to drive, the BMW i3 is ideally suited for dense urban areas. Every aspect of the BMW i3 has been conceived for sustainability. The carbon fiber used to create the i3 is produced using hydro-electric power. The BMW i production line in Leipzig, Germany draws its power from wind energy.

The BMW i3 has a base MSRP of $42,400 and the range-extender model starts at $46,250, before any federal or applicable state incentives.  

About BMW i

BMW i is the BMW Group’s forward-looking and sustainable brand dedicated to solving many of the mobility challenges faced by the world’s most densely populated cities. The all-encompassing approach of BMW i includes the extensive use of recycled, renewable raw and naturally treated materials, alongside an extremely resource-efficient production method.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 and X4 Sports Activity Coupes.  The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 341 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 153 BMW motorcycle retailers, 126 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

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Journalist note: Information about BMW and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com.

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• BMW i3 (94 Ah) with more powerful battery (33 kWh).
• Up to 114 mile combined1 (hwy/city) range under everyday conditions2.
• New BMW Home Charger Connect offering additional comfort and connected functions.

Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – EMBARGO: May 1, 6:01 pm EDT / 3:01 pm PDT… Today BMW announced that BMW i will offer a new model range of its compact electric car, the BMW i3 and from the 2017 model year will be offering a new version with more than 50% increased battery capacity. The 2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah) has a capacity of 33 kilowatt hours (kWh) thanks to the higher energy density of the lithium ion cells. The BMW i team worked to ensure that the battery dimensions remain unchanged while still offering a significant range increase. Even in everyday conditions 2, the new Battery Electric BMW i3, in varying weather conditions and with the air conditioning or heating turned on, a range of up to 114 miles combined1 (hwy/city) is possible as shown by independent BMW testing cycles3. The driving performance figures of the 170 hp AC synchronous electric motor remain virtually unchanged. The motor propels the BMW i3 from 0 to 60 mph in just over 7 seconds. This makes the BMW i3 both the sportiest and most efficient electric vehicle in its segment with an expected EPA electricity consumption of 27 kWh/100mi. In addition to the Battery Electric BMW i3, the Range Extender model will also feature the 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 and provides an additional range thanks to a 25% larger fuel tank (2.4 gallons). With the introduction of the 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 functions. Pricing for the 2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah) will be released closer to market launch.  

1 Preliminary test results for BMW i3 (94 Ah) BEV.

2 Range achievable according to BMW range testing cycle under everyday conditions in city environment, 68° F, heating/air-conditioning, preheating, COMFORT driving mode. Range is dependent on a variety of factors.

3 Final EPA figures still pending.

Higher storage density of the 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 approximately 114 miles combined1 (hwy/city) on one full battery charge. Consuming only 27 kWh/100mi the BMW i3 is the most efficient car in its segment with the lowest electricity consumption costs of approximately 2.81 USD/100mi4.

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. Customers receive an 8-year/100,000-mile High-voltage Battery Warranty.

The BMW i3 – a benchmark in terms of sustainability.

During the development phase of the BMW i3, the entire architecture of the electric drivetrain was designed with the next technological steps as well as serviceability in mind. For example, if necessary a single battery module can be exchanged which distinguishes the BMW i3 from other competitive offers and represents an integral component of the holistic BMW i concept of sustainability. From the production stand point, sustainability is achieved to a large extent through the CO2 free electricity supply of the BMW i production sites in Leipzig (assembly) and Moses Lake (CFRP production) as well as through the use of 70 percent less water in the production process compared to conventional automobiles.

4 Calculated using 10.42 cents per kWh average in the US in 2015.

Optimized performance delivery, more efficient drive.

The BMW i3 is by far the lightest car in its segment. Despite the slight weight increase, at 2,961 lbs (BEV), and 3,234 lbs (REX), the BMW i3 (94 Ah) is characterized by driving performance, which is subjectively as agile as the 60 Ah model variant. The BMW i3 (94 Ah) is also powered by the same 3 phase AC synchronous electric motor developed in-house by the BMW Group. The motor generates an output of 170 hp and delivers 184 lb-ft of torque which is available as soon as the electric motor begins to turn. The BMW i3 (94 Ah) accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just over 7 seconds. The impressive electric motor, small turning circle of 32.3 feet, – a major benefit to driving in the city – BMW’s near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, precise electric power steering and the stable suspension set-up help to make the i3 as satisfying to drive as every other BMW.

The sporty character of the BMW i3’s electric motor is also clearly noticeable by its performance figure of 5.1 seconds accelerating from 50 to 75 mph. This is a decisive factor for enabling fast and safe passing maneuvers, and is normally only achieved by combustion engine powered cars with considerably higher outputs. The BMW i3 (94 Ah) is close to the level of cars such as the (320 hp) BMW 340i. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via the single-speed transmission, which the BMW i3 uses to accelerate without torque interruption to its electronically limited top speed of 93 mph.

The electric consumption of the BMW i3 (94 Ah) has also been reduced by a large number of detail improvements including revised electric motor management as well as advanced low-resistance tires with optimized compound.

Charging times.

The 7.4 kW charging electronics of the BMW i3 (94 Ah) can charge the 33 kWh battery in approximately 4.5 hours using a Level 2 charger, which is slightly more than the approximately 3.5 hours required to charge the battery on a BMW i3 (60 Ah). Standard equipment of the BMW i3 includes the occasional use cable for connecting it to a domestic power socket. Core elements such as range, hallmark BMW agility thanks to low weight and overnight battery charging remain in place.

The BMW i3 is equipped with the future-proof 50 kW direct current (DC) fast charging technology. When the BMW i3 (94 Ah) is connected to a DC fast charging station, the battery cells are charged up to a minimum of 80 percent of their capacity in less than 40 minutes. In the BMW i3 (60 Ah) this takes around 25 minutes. This means that the BMW i3 (94 Ah) achieves a charging speed of 2.5 mi/min which corresponds to 24 minutes charging time per 62 miles of range.

Range Extender for even greater range.

BMW i also offers a Range Extender for the BMW i3 (94 Ah).The range of the BMW i3 is extended by a 650 cc 2-cylinder gasoline engine which is located adjacent to the electric drive above the rear axle. The Range Extender engine delivers a maximum output of 38 hp and powers a generator in order to produce electricity, working on a required-based and highly efficient principle. For those occasional times where additional range is required, as soon as the charging level of the lithium ion batteries drops to a specified level, the Range Extender kicks in to keep the charging level constant effectively extending the range. Fitting the car with the Range Extender has no influence on the available luggage volume: the luggage compartment volume remains unchanged at 15.1 ft3 and can be extended to 36.9 ft3 with the rear seats folded down. The BMW i3 (94 Ah) now features a 2.4 gallon fuel tank improving the range from the previous model.

The BMW i3 (94 Ah) with Range Extender weighs approximately an extra 270 lb compared to the Battery Electric BMW i3 but is also characterized by a high level of agility and offers impressive performance figures. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 8 seconds.

New equipment on the BMW i3.

The BMW i3 (94 Ah) is now available in the exclusive Protonic Blue metallic exterior color, previously only available in the US on the BMW i8. The BMW i3 (94 Ah) customer can also choose from two non-metallic paint colors (Capparis White and Fluid Black) and, in addition to Protonic Blue, three metallic paintwork colors (Mineral Grey, Platinum Silver and Ionic Silver).

The Deka World is now part of the standard profile of the BMW i3 (94 Ah) and features a lightweight dark cloth fabric interior made from recycled materials. Other changes to the standard profile include the addition of the Universal Garage Door Opener, Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information, and Comfort Access.

As part of the Tera World, a Dark Oak Wood trim is also now included, with an alternative Light Eucalyptus Wood trim available as well. These trims are also available for ordering with the Giga World.

The highly anticipated electric moonroof is also available for ordering for the first time in the US. This option features individual shades and adds to the great set of convenience features that the BMW i3 has to offer.

Standard profile and equipment for the BMW i3 (94 Ah) includes: Automatic climate control, Dynamic Cruise Control, LED Headlights, HD Radio, DC Fast Charging, Navigation Business System, BMW Assist and BMW Teleservices. Other standard features include: the iDrive operation system, the BMW i RemoteApp functionalities, the Driving Dynamic Control switch, hands-free telephone operation, leather steering wheel and Park Distance Control (PDC).

BMW i3 - a success story.

The BMW Group took on a pioneering role when it founded the BMW i brand and decided to develop an independent vehicle structure and passenger cells made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) as well as BMW eDrive technology for a purely electric drive. The BMW i3, which was designed for local emissions-free urban mobility, as well as the trail-blazing BMW i8 Plug-in-Hybrid sports car combined with sustainability-oriented premium character. Since the November 2013 launch, the BMW i3 has already established itself at the top of its segment. The most important single market for the purely electric five door BMW i3 is the U.S. More than 80 percent of buyers deciding on a BMW i3 worldwide are new customers for the BMW Group. The BMW i3 and the BMW i8 received a large number of awards for innovations in the areas of lightweight construction, drive, sustainability, driving performance and design. This makes BMW i the brand to win the most awards in the world during its market launch phase.

Comfortable home charging: the new BMW Home Charger Connect.

In late 2016, BMW i will be offering the new BMW Home Charger Connect, a residential charging station designed for comfortable and fast home charging.

The new BMW Home Charger Connect, with a more compact, sleeker design, charges the battery of the BMW i3 (94 Ah) in approximately four hours and 30 minutes. The charging process starts automatically as soon as the car and charging cable are connected. The BMW Home Charger Connect is operated using an LED interface.

The BMW Home Charger Connect comes standard with WiFi and will feature innovative charging services which can be accessed remotely. This charger helps preserve vehicle range as it can precondition the vehicle battery when connected.

On the go: convenient public charging with ChargeNow.

ChargeNow is designed to optimize the public charging experience for BMW i customers, for easy access to public charging options. Thanks to ChargeNow’s partnerships with leading public EV charging network providers, BMW i drivers enjoy convenient access to public chargers along the way. Learn more at www.chargenowusa.com.

ChargeNow DC Fast5: Eligible BMW i3 drivers can recharge for no charge.

Offered by BMW in cooperation with EVgo, ChargeNow DC Fast allows eligible BMW i3 drivers in participating markets to enjoy 24 months of no cost charging sessions for the BMW i3 at participating EVgo Stations. Enrolled BMW i3 customers can use the ChargeNow card for unlimited 30 minute, DC Fast Combo charging sessions and Unlimited 1 hour, Level 2 charging sessions.

The BMW i3 is equipped with the future-proof 50 kW direct current (DC) Fast charging technology. When the BMW i3 (94 Ah) is connected to a DC Fast charging station, the battery cells are charged up to 80 percent of their capacity in less than 40 minutes. In the BMW i3 (60 Ah) this takes approximately 25 minutes.

5 Additional terms apply. Learn more at www.chargenowusa.com.

ConnectedDrive: Setting standards through Connectivity.

The optional Navigation System Professional provides BMW ConnectedDrive Services especially developed for BMW i. The range assistant follows the planned and currently driven route. If the destination selected in the navigation system is beyond the car’s range, the driver receives the suggestion to shift to the ECO PRO or ECO PRO+ mode. Additionally, the system calculates a more efficient alternative route. Should it be necessary to recharge at a public charging station, the driver is shown all the available stations along the planned route.

A dynamic range map is another central element of the connected navigation unit. Apart from the current charging status of the battery, the driving style, the activated electric comfort functions and the selected driving mode, the topographic features, the current traffic situation and the outside temperature are all taken into consideration. The Advanced Real Time Traffic Information (ARTTI) data is used for this purpose. The data is provided by the BMW ConnectedDrive Server.

The BMW i3 also sets standards when it comes to connecting driver and car. The BMW i Remote App provides useful vehicle-related mobility planning data available on the customer’s smartphone. Apart from pedestrian navigation; navigating your way to your destination from the parking space and back, BMW ConnectedDrive offers a so-called intermodal routing system and for the first time in combination with the Navigation System Professional. This also incorporates public transport connections such as subway stops if this means you can reach your destination quicker. From the actual trip in the BMW i3, looking for a parking space, changing onto a metro and or a walking route, the BMW i ConnectedDrive services take the customer to his destination efficiently.

About BMW i.

BMW i is a BMW Group brand and stands for visionary vehicle concepts and technologies, connected mobility services as well as a new understanding of premium strongly defined by sustainability. BMW i is represented in 50 countries with the vehicles BMW i3 (electric car for metropolitan regions) and the BMW i8 (Plug-in-Hybrid sports car).

BMW i also incorporates BMW iPerformance automobiles (all BMW Plug-in-Hybrid vehicles) and the associated mobility services, ReachNow6 (CarSharing 2.0), ChargeNow (easy access to the largest charging networks), BMW i Ventures (investment in young companies with the focus on urban mobility) and the BMW i Urban Mobility Competence Centre (for consulting cities, towns and municipalities).

6 Learn more at www.bmwcarsharing.com

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 and X4 Sports Activity Coupes.  The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 341 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 153 BMW motorcycle retailers, 125 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwusa.com.

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Journalist note: Information about BMW and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com.

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• Best Green Car $30,000 - $50,000
• Best Green Car - subcompact

Los Angeles, CA – April 25, 2016 . . . The BMW i3 electric vehicle won two categories in the American Automobile Association (AAA) 2016 Green Car Awards. It won for the Best Green Car in the $30,000 - $50,000 price range as well the Best Green Car in the subcompact category. These awards are the latest in a string of national and international honors bestowed upon the BMW i3.

“With BMW i, the BMW Group set out to do something truly ground-breaking in the field of sustainable mobility. The BMW i3 continues to be recognized for its design and innovation which demonstrates that we are on the right track,” noted Christine Fleischer – Manager, BMW i for BMW of North America.

The AAA Green Car awards comprised three price categories and six size/type categories. The BMW i3 won both in the price and size categories.

The BMW i3 has received nearly 30 national and international awards for sustainability and design since it was introduced in 2014. The range of awards has included acclaim for the design of the BMW i3 and well as its interior which incorporates the widest use of sustainable materials with a highly functional design.

About BMW i.

BMW i is a brand of the BMW Group, playing the role of an incubator for visionary mobility and vehicle concepts, progressive design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability. BMW i is represented worldwide by two models. The BMW i3, the company’s purpose built electric vehicle and the first mass-produced vehicle made largely of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic. It is available both as a battery electric vehicle as well as with a range-extender. With a combined rating of 124 MPGe, the BMW i3 is the most efficient electric vehicle available in the US according to the US EPA. The other model, the BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid sports car with the fuel consumption of a small car (US EPA estimates 76 MPGe). BMW i includes a multitude of mobility services and investments in the field of EV charging infrastructure and interconnected mobility.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 and X4 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 341 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 153 BMW motorcycle retailers, 125 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwusa.com.

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Journalist note: Information about BMW and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com.

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• As part of ChargeNow DC Fast, BMW’s cooperation with EVgo will add an additional 500 DC Fast Combo chargers across 25 major US markets.
• Qualifying BMW i3 drivers can enjoy no cost DC Fast and Level 2 charging sessions at EVgo Stations, for 24 months.
• Participants use ChargeNow card for easy access to EVgo Stations.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – November 18, 2015… BMW of North America announces the ChargeNow DC Fast Expansion program in cooperation with EVgo. As part of its ongoing commitment to the growth of a robust public DC Fast charging infrastructure, BMW is supporting EVgo’s installation of an incremental 500 DC Fast Combo chargers, to benefit BMW i3 customers and all EV drivers in the US with DC Fast Combo charging capability. ChargeNow DC Fast also includes two years of no-cost charging for qualifying BMW i3 drivers in those areas.

Eligible BMW i3 customers* in ChargeNow DC Fast markets**, who purchase or lease the BMW i3 on or after November 1, 2015, from a BMW i Center can enroll in the program. Program participants can enjoy unlimited no cost 30-minute DC Fast Combo charging and no cost 1 hour Level 2 charging for their BMW i3, at EVgo Stations, for 24 months from date of enrollment at chargenow.com/us. Customers use the complimentary ChargeNow cards (included with the BMW i3 vehicle) to access the no-cost charging sessions.

With the growth of EV sales, there is increasing demand among drivers for more publicly available, strategically located DC Fast charging stations to facilitate longer distance EV travel. A BMW i3 vehicle can charge up to 80% in just 20-30 minutes using a DC Fast Combo charger—about the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack.

“This significant expansion in the number as well as the locations of publicly available DC Fast Combo chargers further affirms BMW’s commitment to e-mobility and will make EV ownership even more enjoyable for BMW i3 drivers,” said Robert Healey, Head of EV Infrastructure for BMW of North America. “With ChargeNow DC Fast, BMW i3 owners can experience ‘range confidence’ resulting from convenient, quicker DC Fast charging on the go, making longer EV trips more practical. The no cost charging sessions for BMW i3 drivers will become even more valuable over time, as more of these DC Fast Combo chargers become available.”

ChargeNow DC Fast, originally introduced in July 2014, resulted in the successful installation of 100 EVgo Stations with DC Fast Combo charging, throughout California, while providing BMW i3 owners with no-cost access to the stations. With BMW’s continued support, EVgo plans to install 500 additional DC Fast Combo chargers by the end of 2018, with more than 600 charging stations in operation. By the end of 2015, EVgo expects to have nearly 50 of the additional chargers installed, with at least one such charger in each market (excluding Portland).

The first phase of ChargeNow DC Fast introduced one card, one account public charging network interoperability, as BMW i3 drivers in California to access DC Fast Combo charging sessions at EVgo Stations, using the ChargeNow card. The program expansion extends network interoperability even further as customers across the US use the ChargeNow card to access both DC Fast Combo and Level 2 charging sessions at EVgo Stations.

*Fleet customers are not eligible. Other terms and conditions apply, see chargenow.com/us.

**ChargeNow DC Fast markets include:

Atlanta, GA

Austin, TX

Boston, MA

Chicago, IL

Dallas, TX

Denver, CO

Fresno, CA

Houston, TX

Los Angeles, CA

Miami, FL

Monterey, CA

Nashville, TN

New York, NY

Orlando, FL

Philadelphia, PA

Phoenix, AZ

Portland, OR

Raleigh, NC

Sacramento, CA

Salt Lake City, UT

San Diego, CA

San Francisco, CA

Santa Barbara, CA

Seattle, WA

Washington, DC

About BMW i

BMW i is the BMW Group’s forward-looking and sustainable brand dedicated to solving many of the mobility challenges faced by the world’s most densely populated cities. The holistic approach of BMW i to sustainable mobility includes the extensive use of recycled, renewable raw and naturally treated materials, along with an extremely resource-efficient production method.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 and X4 Sports Activity Coupes.  The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 149 BMW motorcycle retailers, 124 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwusa.com.

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Journalist note: Information about BMW and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com.

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Los Angeles, CA – September 11, 2015 11:30am PDT/2:30pm EDT … BMW i today announced that it will loan the Los Angeles Police Department a BMW i3 electric vehicle for twelve months in the first US test of the innovative EV in an authority fleet. The BMW i3 test vehicle, which sports the famous LAPD black and white livery, complete with rooftop light-bar, will undergo a year of rigorous testing. It will also be featured at public events throughout the loan period.

“The decision by the Los Angeles Police Department to undertake this evaluation highlights the compelling nature of the BMW i3 as a versatile, sustainable vehicle,” noted Christine Fleischer, Manager – BMW i for BMW of North America. “By virtue of its innovative design and construction from leading-edge materials, the i3 is a brilliant fit with the technology-driven research philosophy of the LAPD. This will be a valuable learning experience for both BMW and the Department.”

The LAPD will benefit from the compact size and agility, thanks to the light-weight Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic construction of the BMW i3. The very tight turning circle of the i3 will make maneuvring around the streets of Los Angeles a breeze. The LAPD will have access to the large, conveniently located network of BMW i Centers, making servicing of an i3 fleet convenient and cost effective.

Watch for the “LAPD” BMW i3 on the streets and at events around Los Angeles over the coming months.

About the BMW i3, the company’s first-ever production electric vehicle

The BMW i3 is the first of the BMW i vehicles constructed from the ground up primarily of carbon fiber to enter the U.S. market. With 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque hybrid-synchronous electric motor, the fully electric BMW i3 is electrified by a 22-kWh lithium-ion battery, good for 80-100 miles of emission-free driving. Agile and engaging to drive, the BMW i3 is ideally suited for dense urban areas. Every aspect of the BMW i3 has been conceived for sustainability. The carbon fiber used to create the i3 is produced using hydro-electric power. The BMW i production facility in Leipzig, Germany draws much of its power from wind energy. Even the interior of the BMW i3 was created using sustainably-sourced materials.

The BMW i3 has a base MSRP of $42,400 and the range-extender model starts at $46,250, before any federal or applicable state incentives.  

About BMW i

BMW i is the BMW Group’s forward-looking and sustainable brand dedicated to solving many of the mobility challenges faced by the world’s most densely populated cities. The all-encompassing approach of BMW i includes the extensive use of recycled, renewable raw and naturally treated materials, alongside an extremely resource-efficient production method.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars; Designworks, a strategic design consultancy based in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 and X4 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 149 BMW motorcycle retailers, 124 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwusa.com.

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Journalist note: Information about BMW and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwusanews.com.

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Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 26, 2015… Today, BMW officially premiered the new, 60-second spot for the all-electric BMW i3 that will air during the first quarter of NBC’s broadcast of Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday, February 1, 2015. After a 4-year hiatus, BMW will be returning to the big game with “Newfangled Idea,” featuring Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel. The spot juxtaposes the famous 1994 Today Show clip of Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel’s initial confusion surrounding “what is the internet?”, to Katie and Bryant in 2015 grasping the newfangled concept of the revolutionary BMW i3.

“In 1994, people had not yet grasped what the internet was, which is similar to how electric mobility is viewed today,” said Trudy Hardy, Vice President of Marketing, BMW of North America. “Electric mobility is at a tipping point. We are on the verge of something great and we hope that with this spot, we can educate audiences about the BMW i3 and e-mobility in a fun and engaging way.”

The BMW i3 spot marks the first time both Katie and Bryant have participated in national brand advertisement.

“When BMW offered me the chance to turn back the clock to 1994 and make fun of Bryant—and myself – I jumped at the opportunity,” said Katie Couric. “The tape doesn’t lie, we weren’t exactly visionaries back then, but thankfully in 2015 we are much more adept @ recognizing game-changing, environmentally friendly innovations like the BMW i3.”

“The BMW i3 Super Bowl spot is my very first commercial, and the opportunity to reunite with Katie was a no-brainer,” said Bryant Gumbel. “We are not actors, and we got to be ourselves, which made it fun and easy.”

BMW i is BMW’s forward-looking and sustainable brand dedicated to solving many of the mobility challenges faced by the world’s most densely populated cities. The BMW i3 is the first of the BMW i vehicles constructed from the ground up primarily of carbon fiber. Currently available in the U.S., the BMW i3 has a starting MSRP of $43,350 (Including $950 Destination and Handling), and the range-extender model has a starting MSRP of $47,200 (Including $950 Destination and Handling).

The spot is part of a larger campaign that includes digital and social activations. KBS (kirshenbaum bond senecal + partners) developed and executed the creative and UM is responsible for media buying on behalf of BMW. 

“Newfangled Idea” is now available on BMW of North America's YouTube channel: http://youtu.be/U1jwWwJ-Mxc

Visit http://bmwusa.com/hellofootball for official BMW i3 Super Bowl content, and follow the BMW i3 Super Bowl conversation with:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BMWiUSA
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/bmwiusa
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/bmwusa
• Tumblr: http://bmwusa.tumblr.com/
• Hashtag: #HelloFuture

For Media: Behind-the-Scenes footage and official images available for download at:

www.BMWUSANews.com/SuperBowl

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BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 and X4 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 122 MINI passenger car dealers, and 35 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwgroupusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com.

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Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 15, 2015… Today, BMW announced plans to feature the all-electric BMW i3 in a 60-second spot during Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday, February 1, 2015. After a 4-year hiatus, BMW will be returning to the big game with a commercial during the first quarter.

“As one in three Americans will tune in to watch the Super Bowl, we are thrilled to use this platform to educate viewers on the importance of electric mobility,” said Trudy Hardy, Vice President of Marketing, BMW of North America. “Big ideas like the BMW i3 take a little getting used to, and the creative idea surrounding our spot will play on this analogy.”

BMW i is BMW’s forward-looking and sustainable brand dedicated to solving many of the mobility challenges faced by the world’s most densely populated cities. The BMW i3 is the first of the BMW i vehicles constructed from the ground up primarily of carbon fiber. Currently available in the U.S., the BMW i3 has a starting MSRP of $43,350 (Including $950 Destination and Handling), and the range-extender model has a starting MSRP of $47,200 (Including $950 Destination and Handling).

KBS (kirshenbaum bond senecal + partners) partnered with BMW for the creation of the spot, and UM is responsible for media buying. 

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 and X4 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 147 BMW motorcycle retailers, 122 MINI passenger car dealers, and 35 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Journalist note: Information about BMW Group and its products in the USA is available to journalists on-line at www.bmwgroupusanews.com and www.press.bmwna.com.

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Additional Featured BMW Vehicles Include BMW i8 Plug-In Hybrid Sports Car, BMW i3 Electric Vehicle, and BMW M235i Coupe.

The BMW 6 Series and BMW M6 will make their world debuts at the 2015 North American International Auto Show on Monday, January 12, at the BMW Stand at 10:50 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. at COBO Center, One Washington Boulevard Detroit, MI 48226. English and Spanish speaking BMW representatives will be available for interviews throughout the day.  In addition, BMW also will feature the plug-in hybrid sports car BMW i8, the all-electric BMW i3, BMW M235i Coupe, and other BMW vehicles at the BMW Stand.

The world debut of the 2016 BMW 6 Series and BMW M6 will be represented in Detroit by all three body styles in the form of: the new BMW 6 Series Convertible, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, and the BMW M6 Convertible. Through three generations, the BMW 6 Series has stood for vehicles meeting the highest standard of handling, comfort, technology, and elegance.  Using state-of-the-art suspension technology, the BMW 6 Series strikes the ideal balance between agility and comfort. The two-door body of the BMW 6 Series Coupe exudes an athletic and elegant aesthetic, while its interior ambience is designed to comfortably immerse four people in the ultimate driving experience. Similarly, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe blends the performance and elegance of a coupe with the functionality of a four-door vehicle.  The BMW 6 Series Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe will continue in the US in the  650i and 640i models.  The BMW 650i Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe are equipped with a BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 that produces 445 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, which is mated to an 8-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission, accelerating from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds.  The BMW 640i Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe use BMW’s TwinPower Turbo inline six, generating 315 horsepower, 330 lb-ft of torque, again mated to an 8-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission, accelerating from 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds.  All 2016 BMW 6 Series models feature full-LED headlights as standard equipment. The 2016 BMW M6 is the latest example of the unique blend of luxury and ultra-high performance that is unique to the BMW M brand. The M6 will again be represented in the three 6 Series body styles – Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible. In Detroit, the BMW M6 line-up will be represented by the M6 Coupe. Sporting a front end with the now standard LED headlights and defined M-specific double-bar kidney grille, the BMW M6 also includes the unique M gills, side skirts, and the exclusive forged 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, with 20-inch M light alloy wheels optional.  Using a 4.4-liter  BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine which generates 560 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, the M6 Coupe and Gran Coupe will accelerate  from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds (4.3 seconds for the M6 Convertible). The BMW M6 transfers the engine’s power to the rear wheels via either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic.  BMW 6 Series vehicles will arrive in US showrooms Q2 2015. BMW 6 Series Press Kit.

The BMW i8 is the world’s first plug-in hybrid 2+2 sports-car from BMW Group.  It sits at the pinnacle of BMW i’s lineup of visionary vehicles which are purpose built from the ground up as electric and hybrid electric, constructed primarily from lightweight carbon fiber. Currently in showrooms and priced at $135,700, the BMW i8 features an athletic design and a sleek, low slung exterior and operates with extremely high fuel efficiency. The BMW i8 has a US EPA rating of 76 MPGe combined. It is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on the way to an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph. BMW i8 Press Kit.

The BMW i3 is the first fully electric vehicle from BMW Group under BMW i’s growing lineup of visionary vehicles constructed from the ground up primarily from lightweight carbon fiber. With 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque hybrid-synchronous electric motor, the BMW i3 is electrified by a 22-kWh lithium-ion battery, good for approximately 80 miles of emission-free driving. The BMW i3 offers interior space comparable to the legendary BMW 3 Series on a shorter overall body. Its 32.3-foot turning circle and a relatively long wheelbase make it agile and engaging to drive, yet ideally suited to driving in dense urban areas. With a combined rating of 124 MPGe, the BMW i3 is the most electric vehicle as rated by the US EPA. The BMW i3 is the only electric vehicle that offers the option of a range extender – a small gasoline engine that can act as a generator when the battery runs low. Currently in showrooms, the BMW i3 has a base MSRP of $41,350 and the range-extender model will have a starting MSRP of $45,200. BMW i3 Press Kit.

The BMW 2 Series Coupe is offered as both a 228i and M235i, which was the first BMW M Performance Automobile to be offered in the US. The BMW 2 Series Coupe has unmistakable BMW handling attributes and impressive ride comfort thanks to rear-wheel drive, longitudinally mounted engines, near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, and sophisticated chassis technology. Double-pivot spring strut front suspension and five-link rear suspension feature tuning tailored to each 2 Series model, while variable sport steering, M Sport braking system and Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers are all standard on the M235i in the US and optional on the 228i. The BMW 2 Series was named to Car and Driver Magazine’s list of 10Best cars in its very first year. An M Performance mechanical limited slip differential is available for the BMW M235i Coupe through the BMW M Performance Accessories range. The BMW 2 Series Coupe has a base MSRP of $33,025 for the 228i and $44,025 for the M235i, including $925 Destination and Handling fee. BMW 2 Series Coupe Press Kit

BMW will also showcase advancements made to BMW ConnectedDrive at the BMW Stand, most notably with the over-the-air automatic map updating technology. BMW ConnectedDrive aims to minimize driver distractions by eliminating the use of a phone while driving and offering navigation and traffic assistance, providing an enjoyable and individualized driving experience.

DATE:            Monday, January 12, 2015

TIME:             Press Conference: 10:50 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.; Interviews: All Day

PLACE:         COBO Center

BMW Stand

1 Washington Blvd.

BMW executives and experts available for interviews include:

• Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America

Ludwig Willisch is available to discuss overall company business and strategy.

• Hildegard Wortmann, Head of Product Management Automobiles and Aftersales, BMW AG

Hildegard Wortmann is available to discuss current and forthcoming featured vehicles and global BMW sales.

• Franciscus van Meel, President, BMW M Division, BMW AG
  Frandiscus van Meel is available to discuss the global BMW M brand, overarching strategy of BMW M, as well as the entire BMW M product portfolio. Mr. van Meel will have limited availability for interviews at NAIAS.
  
  
• Karim Habib, Head of Design, Automobiles, BMW AG
  Karim Habib is available to discuss the design elements of the BMW 6 Series, BMW M6, and other featured BMW vehicles.
  
  
• Timo Resch, Vice President, Product Management Midsize and Large Series, BMW AG

Timo Resch is available to discuss the technical specifics and details of the BMW 5 Series, BMW 6 Series, and BMW 7 Series.

• Laurenz Schaffer, President, BMW Group DesignworksUSA

Laurenz Schaffer is available to discuss all topics related to BMW Group Designworks USA.

• Carsten Pries, Head of Product Management BMW M Division , BMW AG

Carsten Pries is available to discuss the BMW M product portfolio as well as the technical specifications of the new BMW M6.

• Dr. Michael Gruffke, Head of Development, BMW ConnectedDrive, BMW AG
  Dr. Michael Gruffke is available to discuss BMW’s ConnectedDrive services and product portfolio. ConnectedDrive provides intelligent interaction between the driver, vehicle and external environment through its range of infotainment options, navigation systems and concierge services.

• Paul Ferraiolo, Head of Product Planning & Strategy, BMW of North America

Paul Ferraiolo is available to discuss current and forthcoming product portfolios as well as the BMW i products in the U.S.

• Christian Metzger, Project Manager for BMW 5 Series, BMW 6 Series, and BMW 7 Series, BMW AG
  Christian Metzger is available to discuss the technical specifics and details of the BMW 5 Series, BMW 6 Series, and BMW 7 Series.

• Claire Cleuziou, Project Manager for BMW i, BMW AG
  Claire Cleuziou is available to discuss the global BMW i brand, including the BMW i3 and BMW i8 in international markets.
  
  
• Kate Alini, Product Manager, BMW 6 Series and BMW 7 Series, BMW of North America

Kate Alini is available to discuss the technical specifics and details of the BMW 6 Series and BMW 7 Series.

• Jose Guerrero, Product Manager and US Product Planning and Strategy for BMW i, BMW of North America

Jose Guerrero is available to discuss the BMW i products. Guerrero can also specifically provide insight and perspective on the U.S. market in relation to these vehicles.  

• Oliver Ganser, Product Strategy and Market Intelligence Manager, BMW of North America

Oliver Ganser is available to discuss the overarching product strategy and technical specifics of the BMW 2 Series Convertible.

• Jake Mooney, Product Manager, BMW M Performance Parts, BMW of North America

Jake Mooney is available to discuss the growing line of BMW M performance parts including the BMW M Performance Exhaust System, BMW M Wheelsets, BMW M Performance aerodynamic components, and others.

• Jason Chan, Product Manager, BMW X3, BMW X4, BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW 5 Series, BMW M5, BMW X5 M, and BMW X6 M, BMW of North America

Jason Chan is available to discuss the technical specifics and details of the BMW X3, BMW X4, BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW 5 Series, BMW M5, BMW X5 M, and BMW X6 M.

London/ Munich. DriveNow, the carsharing joint venture between the BMW Group and Sixt SE, is launching its flexible carsharing service in London today. Initially, 210 BMW 1 Series and MINI Countryman models will be available for spontaneous hire. DriveNow furthermore intends to add 30 all-electric BMW i3 cars to the London fleet in spring 2015, expanding it to a total of 300 vehicles during the course of next year. The scheme will start off by serving an area around 65 square kilometres (25 sq. miles) in size comprising the boroughs of Islington, Haringey and Hackney, though DriveNow is seeking to extend the area of coverage to neighbouring boroughs before long.

Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG and responsible for Mobility Services, comments: “DriveNow is already an international success, with more than 360,000 regular customers in Europe and America and we are delighted now to launch it in London, Europe’s largest city. DriveNow gives Londoners instant access to highly desirable cars, perfect for the city, in an innovative and entirely flexible way. This program is part of BMW Group’s strategic response to the growth in urban living and shared ownership. Our aim is to expand it into about 15 more cities in Europe and about 10 in North America in the future.”

Every journey is charged to the exact minute, with each minute of driving in London costing 39 pence. The hourly rate is capped at £20, so that customers save £3.40 per 60-minute hire. Each minute in the reserved park mode costs 19 pence. As in Germany, DriveNow additionally offers saver packages, which allow customers to buy blocks of minutes for as little as 32 pence per minute, as well as blocks of hours. Prices for the hourly packages vary from £35 for three hours, including 40 free miles, to £120 for 24 hours, including 125 free miles. All costs such as fuel, taxes, insurance and parking charges are already included in London as well. The standard one-off registration fee for London will be £29.

DriveNow is currently available in five cities in Germany – Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Cologne and Hamburg – as well as in the Austrian capital Vienna and in San Francisco, USA. It gives over 360,000 customers access to a fleet of some 3,000 premium BMW and MINI cars in any of these cities.

Further information can be found at https://uk.drive-now.com.

About DriveNow

DriveNow is a carsharing joint venture by BMW Group and Sixt SE. Each company holds a 50 percent share of the joint venture. BMW Group contributes the vehicles and the automotive technology to the joint company. Sixt SE, in turn, provides the services, the car rental know-how, the IT systems, and an extensive network of stations for customer registration. The modern mobility concept of DriveNow is currently available in Munich, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Hamburg, Vienna, San Francisco and London. In London DriveNow is available across three London boroughs: Islington, Hackney & Haringey. The location-less, booking free service has a fleet of 210 cars in the UK and is enjoyed by more than 360,000 customers globally. 

The main customer benefit of DriveNow is the flexible and spontaneous location-independent hiring and returning of vehicles as well as the premium fleet including a wide range of models. DriveNow exclusively uses high-quality premium vehicles of the brands MINI and BMW. Nearly all cars come with at least four seats, a full suite of extras (including parking assistance, automatic AC, heated seats, etc.) and highly efficient engines. With the BMW ActiveE, DriveNow additionally offers a purely electric, emission-free mobility solution in Berlin and Munich. The vehicles are marked with the DriveNow logo and are easily recognisable.

Munich. With the Green Car of the Year Award 2015, the BMW i3 has added a further trophy to an impressive raft of honours in its first year on the market. It was chosen for this award, presented by Green Car Journal at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2014, as the first dedicated all-electric vehicle in the premium segment. This latest honour, which adds to a long tally of awards the BMW i3 has picked up over the past months, is a further endorsement of this model’s unique sustainable mobility concept. More than 12,000 BMW i3s have already been sold since November 2013. The presence of more and more of these vehicles on the roads of cities all over the world is clear proof that it is now possible to successfully mate zero tailpipe emissions with premium-class driving pleasure, and that this groundbreaking combination is here to stay. One year after its launch, the BMW i3 is already the third best-selling all-electric automobile on the market.

Early adopters of the BMW i3 in Germany praise its sporty performance in particular. This is based on a 125 kW/170 hp electric motor, which offers highly responsive acceleration, and advanced chassis engineering. These drivers mainly use their BMW i3 for everyday urban driving and for commuting to work. For the most part they charge the lithium-ion battery overnight, at home. These first customers’ main reasons for buying the first electric vehicle from the BMW Group are its integrated sustainable mobility concept and BMW’s acknowledged technological expertise. Stand-out features of the BMW i3 in the eyes of its first German customers are its carbon-fibre (CFRP) passenger cell, renewable interior materials, mature powertrain engineering, state-of-the-art connectivity, and styling which these customers perceive as “futuristic”. 

Demand for this electric vehicle, which can optionally be supplied with a range extender, is outstripping expectations. Both in number and diversity, the string of awards the BMW i3 has picked up – starting before the market launch and continuing on an upward trend ever since – is quite exceptional. In Germany, no sooner had pre-launch sales begun than the BMW i3 won the Green Steering Wheel 2013 award – one of the categories in the Golden Steering Wheel competition hosted by Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag – and was voted best car in its class in auto, motor und sport’s Best Cars 2014 awards.

It also won two readers’ awards from Auto Zeitung magazine, plus the Auto Trophy 2013 and the Green Mobility Trophy 2014.

On the international stage, too, the successful market launch of the BMW i3 was accompanied by very positive ratings in opinion polls and independent expert reviews. Highlights to date include the UK Car of the Year Award, the Next Green Car Award, the Green Car of the Year Award, the Fleet Hero Award and a class win in the Sunday Times Top 100 Cars list (all of these in the UK), the Special Jury Award in the Swiss Car of the Year Award and a win in the French Trophées de l’Argus awards. In April 2014, a jury of motoring journalists from across the world named the BMW i3 World Green Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year.

The BMW i3’s groundbreaking and individualistic exterior and interior design also earned it many other accolades, including the German Design Award, the iF gold product design award and the Automotive Interiors Expo Award, while the French edition of GQ magazine named BMW i Head of Design Benoit Jacob “Designer of the Year”. In further tributes, Auto Bild voted the BMW i3 Design Innovation of the Year, and readers of Auto Bild Klassik named it Classic of the Future.

The latest honour, the Green Car of the Year Award 2015, presented at the LA Auto Show, is a further tribute to the BMW i3’s all-round sustainable mobility concept. The evaluation by Green Car Journal was based on the BMW i3’s zero emissions at the point of use, its innovative lightweight design and the high percentage of sustainably produced materials used in its manufacture. Green Car Journal specialises in reporting on sustainable, efficiency-enhancing technologies and pioneering trends in the automotive industry and has been hosting the Green Car of the Year Award annually at the LA Auto Show since 2005. This year’s show is open to the public from 21 to 30 November.

Additional Featured BMW Vehicles to Include: BMW Concept X5 eDrive plug-in hybrid, BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, BMW i3 EV, BMW X4, BMW M4 Coupe, BMW M6 Gran Coupe, and others.

The new BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M will make their world debuts and the BMW 2 Series Convertible and BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe will make their North American auto show debuts at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show on Wednesday, November 19th at the BMW Stand from 1:10 p.m. – 1:35 p.m. PST at the Los Angeles Convention Center (1201 South Figueroa Street).  English and native Spanish-speaking BMW representatives will be available for interviews throughout the day, as well as on Thursday, November 20.  In addition, BMW will feature the BMW Concept X5 eDrive, the plug-in hybrid high-performance BMW i8, all-electric BMW i3, BMW X4 Sports Activity Coupe, BMW M4 Coupe, BMW M6 Gran Coupe, and other BMW vehicles at the BMW Stand. 

Making their world debuts together in Los Angeles, the all-new BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M combine the robustness, agility, and everyday use characteristics of the successful BMW X family with the commitment to high performance that defines BMW M vehicles.  Purpose-designed for exceptional driving experiences, the latest generation of high-performance all-wheel-drive vehicles from BMW M delivers boosted output, optimized suspension technology, and new heights of luxury and innovation in the equipment range.  The BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M raise the bar in terms of dynamics, steering precision, and braking performance, while fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are significantly lower than previous models. The perfectly tuned package of engine, powertrain, and suspension, both models are equipped with the V8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology that delivers a maximum of 567 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.  The standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds.  The BMW X5 M will be offered at a base MSRP of $99,650 and the BMW X6 M will start at $103,050, including $950 destination and handling.  BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M Press Kit.

The BMW 2 Series Convertible, making its North American auto show debut in Los Angeles, is the successor to the BMW 1 Series Convertible, enhancing the hallmark strengths of the world’s most successful open-top premium model in its class.  In addition to the flagship model, the M235i, powered by an in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology and 320 horsepower, the market launch of the BMW 2 Series Convertible is also available as a 228i, featuring an in-line four cylinder with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and 240 horsepower.  The 228i Convertible is available with rear wheel drive or with BMW xDrive, the company’s intelligent all-wheel drive system. The BMW 2 Series Convertible offers up to an 18 percent improvement in fuel economy and emissions figures compared to its predecessor.  The electrically-operated soft-top of the BMW 2 Series Convertible can be opened and closed in 20 seconds, even when driving at speeds up to 31 mph.  The BMW 228i Convertible goes from 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds, and the BMW M235i Convertible achieves 0 to 60 in 5.2 seconds.  The BMW M Performance Automobile is available with either a six speed manual transmission or an eight-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission.  Arriving in US showrooms in early 2015, the BMW 2 Series Convertible has a base MSRP of $38,850 for the 228i, $40,650 for the 228i xDrive, $48,650 for the M235i, all including $950 destination and handling.  BMW 2 Series Convertible Press Kit.

The new BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe, BMW’s second generation of the Sports Activity Coupe, comes with a suitably exclusive roster of standard equipment that goes well beyond the previous model: Xenon headlights, 19-inch light-alloy wheels, automatic tailgate operation and the 8-speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles included, as are leather trim, two-zone climate control, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors and the Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster. The BMW X6 is offered in the U.S. in two powertrain variants, with the BMW X6 xDrive 35i using an in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and 300 horsepower and the BMW X6 xDrive 50i presenting the latest-generation V8 gasoline engine and 445 horsepower. Both models will come with BMW xDrive, the company’s intelligent all-wheel drive system. Cutting fuel consumption by up to 22 percent compared to its predecessor, the BMW X6 will be produced exclusively at the company’s production facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and will arrive in US showrooms in late 2014.  Pricing for the X6 xDrive 35i will start at $62,850, and the X6 xDrive50i will start at $73,850, both including $950 destination and handling. BMW X6 Press Kit.

In the BMW Concept X5 eDrive, the innovative EfficientDynamics drive technology BMW eDrive and the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive are united for the first time, creating the world’s first plug-in hybrid Sports Activity Vehicle. The combination of a BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder combustion engine and a 95-horsepower electric motor provides typical BMW performance, with BMW xDrive further increasing the dynamics. At the same time, this powertrain is impressively efficient. It has an average fuel efficiency of approximately 62 mpg, which is unrivalled among vehicles in this class, with CO2 emissions of less than 90 grams per kilometer also setting new standards. Via the driving dynamics control switch, different drive modes can be selected. In the fully electric mode, which is free from local emissions, a maximum range of 19 miles is possible – at speeds of up to 75 mph. The BMW Concept X5 eDrive obtains its electrical energy from a (lithium-ion) high-voltage battery, which is accommodated in a space-efficient manner under the flat luggage compartment floor. This means that the room in the vehicle can still be used flexibly, with an almost identical luggage space volume. The high-voltage battery can be charged quickly and conveniently using the BMW home charging station. Alternatively, it can be replenished using any standard household power outlet or at a public charging station. BMW Concept X5 eDrive Press Kit.

The BMW i8 is the world’s first plug-in hybrid 2+2 sports-car from BMW Group.  Itjoins BMW i’s growing lineup of visionary vehicles which are purpose built from the ground up as electric and hybrid electric and constructed primarily from lightweight carbon fiber. Currently in showrooms and priced at $135,700, the BMW i8 features an athletic design and a sleek, low slung exterior and operates with extremely low fuel consumption (94 mpg) and emissions output. It is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on the way to an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph. BMW i8 Press Kit.

The BMW i3 is the first fully electric vehicle from BMW Group under BMW i’s growing lineup of visionary concept vehicles constructed from the ground up primarily from lightweight carbon fiber. With 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque hybrid-synchronous electric motor, the BMW i3 is electrified by a 22-kWh lithium-ion battery, good for approximately 80 miles of emission-free driving. The BMW i3 offers interior space comparable to the legendary BMW 3 Series on a shorter overall body. Its 32.3-foot turning circle and a relatively long wheelbase make it agile and engaging to drive, yet ideally suited to driving in dense urban areas. Currently in showrooms, the BMW i3 has a base MSRP of $41,350 and the range-extender model will have a starting MSRP of $45,200. BMW i3 Press Kit.

In addition, from the Los Angeles Auto Show, BMW will announce a new app integration involving a leading multi-national music and technology company that will enhance the driving experience for BMW drivers.

Also, Uwe Higgen, Head of BMW Group Technology Office USA, will participate in a panel discussion entitled “OEMs Speak Out” at the Connected Car Expo at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Tuesday, November 18 at 1:45 p.m. The conversation will present leading auto futurists who will describe their vision of what automakers are planning for the short term and distant future as well as what the future of the connected car may hold.

BMW also will participate in the Green & Advanced Technology Ride & Drive event on Thursday, November 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Gilbert Lindsay Plaza, with the BMW i3 available for test drives. 

Further, the BMW i3 has been named a finalist for Green Car Journal’s 2015 Green Car of the Year award.  The award winner will be announced at Green Car Journal press conference on November 20 during the Los Angeles Auto Show’s media days.

For updates on Twitter, follow the conversation with the hashtag #BMWLAAS.

DATE:           Wednesday, November 19, 2014

TIME:            Press Conference: 1:10 p.m. – 1:35 p.m.; Interviews: All Day

PLACE:         The Los Angeles Convention Center

                       South Hall

                       1201 South Figueroa Street

BMW executives and experts available for interviews include:

• Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America

Ludwig Willisch is available to discuss overall company business and strategy.

• Hildegard Wortmann, Senior Vice President of Product Management Automobiles and Aftersales, BMW AG

Hildegard Wortmann is available to discuss current and forthcoming featured vehicles and global BMW sales.

• Carsten Pries, Head of BMW Product Development, BMW M Automobiles and BMW Individual , BMW AG

Carsten Pries is available to discuss the BMW M product portfolio as well as the technical specifications of the new BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M. Carsten Pries will have limited availability for interviews at the LAAS.

• Trudy Hardy, Vice President of Marketing, BMW of North America

Trudy Hardy is available to discuss BMW’s marketing efforts in North America.

• Uwe Higgen, Head of BMW Group Technology Office USA
  Uwe Higgen is available to discuss BMW’s current and forthcoming innovative technology, including the  launch of a new app that will be announced at the LAAS.

• Paul Ferraiolo, Head of Product Planning & Strategy, BMW of North America

Paul Ferraiolo is available to discuss current and forthcoming product portfolios as well as the BMW i products in the U.S.

• Claire Cleuziou, Project Manager for BMW i, BMW AG
  Claire Cleuziou is available to discuss the global BMW i brand, including the BMW i3 and BMW i8 in international markets. 
  
  

• Jacob Harb, Head of Electric Vehicle Sales and Strategy, BMW of North America

Jacob Harb is available to discuss BMW’s strategy for electric vehicles in the United States, including the BMW i vehicles.

• Jose Guerrero, Product Manager and US Product Planning and Strategy for BMW i, BMW of North America

Jose Guerrero is available to discuss the BMW i products. Guerrero can also specifically provide insight and perspective on the U.S. market in relation to these vehicles.  

• Alanna Tracey-Bahri, Product Manager, BMW Z4, BMW X3, BMW X4, BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW 3 Series, BMW 4 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW of North America

Alanna Tracey-Bahri is available to discuss overarching product strategy and technical specifics for the BMW Z4, BMW X3, BMW X4, BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW 3 Series, BMW 4 Series, and BMW 5 Series.

• Victor LeLeu, Product Manager, BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M, BMW of North America

Victor LeLeu is available to discuss the technical specifics and details of the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M.

• Oliver Ganser, Product Strategy and Market Intelligence Manager, BMW of North America

Oliver Ganser is available to discuss the overarching product strategy and technical specifics of the BMW 2 Series Convertible.

• Eric Sargent, Product Manager, BMW 2 Series, BMW of North America

Eric Sargent is available to discuss the technical specifics and details of the BMW 2 Series.

• Peter Burgner, Head of the BMW App Development Center USA, BMW of North America

Peter Burgner is available to discuss the launch of a new app that will be announced at the LAAS.

• Joey Hand, BMW race car driver