• Exclusive three-door interpretation of a BMW Touring.
• Unique color and material concept.
• Limited-run small series for collectors and enthusiasts.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ/Cernobbio – May 23, 2025… At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025, the renowned celebration of historic vehicles on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, BMW is presenting an exclusive new concept car that will subsequently be made available for purchase in a small series.

The BMW Concept Speedtop reimagines the sporty Touring, blending the elegance of a shooting brake with unique proportions.

“A true BMW exudes dynamism and elegance even when it’s standing still,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. “And that’s also the case with our new concept car. The BMW Concept Speedtop is characterised first of all by its profile. It is very unique in the automotive industry. In this way, we have created an exclamation mark for our entire lineup of vehicles, especially for the Touring models.”

The generous interior invites weekend getaways for two. High-quality materials, the focus on every detail, and the stylistic connection between exterior and interior are testaments to its true craftsmanship.

The BMW Concept Speedtop shares its eye-catching form language with the BMW Skytop and will be offered to collectors and connoisseurs in a strictly limited small series.

Unique profile, dynamic proportions.

The pronounced V-shape of the front end, with its shark-nose design, the slim front lights, and the illuminated kidney grille give the BMW Concept Speedtop an unmistakable presence.

The continuation of the central spline from the bonnet over the roof to the rear spoiler gives the car a dynamic Touring profile. The color gradient on the roof, moving from “Floating Sunstone Maroon” to “Floating Sundown Silver”, accentuates this shape. The athletic design is enhanced by the car’s broad shoulders. Its elegance is underscored by two-tone, 14-spoke wheels, which have been designed specifically for the BMW Concept Speedtop.

Luxurious craftsmanship.

The interior of the BMW Concept Speedtop was designed with a strong focus on even the smallest detail. Skillfully crafted, traditional brogue-style details accentuate the leather-trimmed surfaces and emphasize the manufactory-level craftsmanship on display.

The two-tone color and material contept creates a connection between the exterior and interior. The sparkling brown tone of the “Floating Sunstone Maroon” exterior paint is carried over into the interior. Here, the brown “Sundown Maroon” world harmonizes with the light “Moonstone White” of the seats. The two-tone leather upholstery divides the dynamic and functional areas of the interior. The visually striking roof spline on the exterior is mirrored as a light beam in the two-tone leather headliner, providing atmospheric, indirect illumination.

The trunk is also leather-covered and refined with brogue-style perforations. A light beam illuminates the luggage compartment, which is divided into two sections. This allows large items of luggage to be stowed inside for multi-day trips. The elaborate craftsmanship of the exterior and interior was realized with the expertise of the Manufactory workshop at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing.

The virtuosity in the design of the BMW Concept Speedtop is further enhanced through the collaboration with the traditional Italian manufacturer Schedoni. Known for the production of exclusive and high-quality leather goods by hand, expecially in the automotive sector, Schedoni has always stood for the highest quality and customization.

Two storage areas with leather straps behind the seats provide space for two of Schedoni’s made-to-measure bags. The bags were designed exclusively for the Concept to fit in with its color and material concept. A matching weekend bag can also be accommodated in the trunk.

Most powerful V8 in the portfolio and limited-run small series.

The concept car’s engine ensures it scales the heights not only in terms of design, but also performance. It is fitted with the most powerful V8 engine currently offered by BMW.

“Last year, the presentation of the BMW Concept Skytop at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on Lake Como generated great enthusiasm among connoisseurs and atuomotive enthusiasts,” says Bernd Körber, Senior Vice President BMW Brand and Product Management. “This led to a strictly limited production run of 50 units. Thanks to this positive response, this year we have decided to also offer the BMW Concept Speedtop in a limited production series of 70 units. This extraordinary vehicle is now available for order. We are pleased to be able to offer collectors and enthusiasts another exclusive model.”

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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• Power, precision, and craftsmanship in an open two-seater for luxurious travel.
• Unique and exotic design with references to the historic BMW 503 and BMW Z8.
• An amalgam of aesthetics and dynamics at the highest level.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 24, 2024… With the BMW Concept Skytop design study, BMW is once again bringing an exceptionally elegant, one-of-a-kind vehicle to this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the annual gathering of historic cars and motorcycles held on the shores of Lake Como. The open two-seater resembles a meticulously crafted vehicle sculpture, with a flowing, sporty elegance that complements its athletic, muscular stance. The interior and exterior of the concept car feature warm monochromatic colors, blending exclusive materials with traditional craftsmanship.

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

Athletic proportions, organic body. 

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

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

The harmonious design of the headlights blends highly complex details into the overall concept. The LED units, positioned on milled aluminum carriers, were custom developed for the BMW Concept Skytop, utilizing the latest technology and design for automotive headlights with the slimmest profile possible.

The clean, purist design allows all lighting functions to be consolidated in a single installation space. The flat and defined shape of the rear lights complements the BMW Concept Skytop’s overall appearance.

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

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

Brogue-style leather surfaces characterize the interior.

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

Like the Z8 before it, the BMW Concept Skytop is powered by an engine from BMW M; in this case, the 617-hp 4.4-liter V8 with M TwinPower Turbo Technology from the BMW M8 Competition.

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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• Innovative drive and chassis control delivers more precision, more dynamic performance, more efficiency, more fun.
• HYPERSONX personalized drive sounds with the new BMW iDrive.
• Resource-saving plant-based material in the interior.
• Spacious, open, progressive design.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 21, 2024… A new BMW Vision Vehicle provides a first glimpse of the Neue Klasse as an SAV: The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X brings the aesthetics, technology, sustainability, and philosophy of the Neue Klasse to the Sports Activtity Vehicle sector. The first fully-electric SAV derivative on the new architecture will go into series production at Plant Debrecen, Hungary, in 2025.

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

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

Innovative drive and chassis control: more dynamic performance, more precision, more efficiency.

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

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

Design: BMW X models reimagined with strong characters.

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

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

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

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

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

Custom user experience with BMW Panoramic Vision and HYPERSONX WHEEL personalized sound experience.

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

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

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

BMW eDrive technology: Sixth generation more efficient than ever.

In the Neue Klasse, overall vehicle efficiency reaches a new level. The latest, sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology is key to this. In addition to improved e-drive units, it also features new cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells, with a volumetric energy density more than 20 percent higher than that of the prismatic cells previously used. In combination with the transition to an 800-volt system, this will improve charging speed by up to 30 percent. The sixth generation of BMW eDrive also delivers up to 30 percent more range. When it comes to aerodynamics, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X boasts an impressive reduction in drag of about 20 percent compared to current BMW X models. New tire designs and a special brake system for fully-electric vehicles help increase overall vehicle efficiency by up to 25 percent.

Reduced CO₂ footprint through more resource-efficient production and supply chain.

A completely plant-based, mineral-based, and petroleum-free surface material was developed for the interior. It will be used in the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X in the lower portion of the door paneling and in the center console. Maritime plastics are also being utilized for the first time for injection-molded parts. In selected components, this secondary raw material, which is obtained, for example, from discarded fishing nets, accounts for about 30 percent of plastic content.

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

The Neue Klasse also heralds a new chapter in production history. BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary was planned and developed as an iFACTORY. When production of the Neue Klasse gets underway in 2025, it will become the first BMW Group manufacturing site in the world to run entirely on fossil-free energy.

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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• A glimpse of the future for the BMW brand: electric, digital, and circular.
• Design pared down to key BMW-typical elements.
• Next generation of BMW iDrive as interface between real and virtual worlds.
• More efficiency and driving pleasure thanks to sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – September 2, 2023… With its lates design concept, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, BMW is showcasing what the next generation of its vehicles will look like. “The BMW Vision Neue Klasse combines our ability to innovate in the core areas of electrification, digitalization, and circularity,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “In this way, we are always able to stay two steps ahead of the future: The Neue Klasse is already bringing the mobility of the next decade to the roads in 2025 – and leading BMW into a new era.”

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

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

New BMW design language: clear, elegant, timeless

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

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

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

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

Providing vision: Next generation of BMW iDrive

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

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

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

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

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

CO₂-reduced production, sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology.

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

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

Innovations guarantee signature BMW driving pleasure for future generations.

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

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

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 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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“Please Note: The BMW Concept XM press release has been updated with new information to more accurately reflect the power rating of 740 bhp and a maximum torque of 738 lb-ft. The power was previously listed as 750 ps.

• BMW M GmbH’s vision of future high-performance X vehicle design.
• The first standalone BMW M vehicle since the iconic M1.
• Global unveiling at Art Basel Miami Beach 2021.
• Production to begin in late 2022 at Plant Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ. – November 29, 2021 Today at Art Basel’s 2021 Miami Beach show, BMW M GmbH is presenting a radical new vehicle concept on the global stage for the first time. The BMW Concept XM looks ahead to the most powerful BMW M car ever to go into series production, which is set to begin at the end of 2022. Electrification underpins an extraordinary driving experience which allows the driver to both glide along in near silence and enjoy the engaging pleasure of high performance driving, M-style. The BMW Concept XM provides a preview of the new front end design for BMW’s forthcoming luxury-class models. It also introduces a highly progressive and distinctive take on BMW X model design, and an all-new form of luxury and sense of space for the interior.

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

The bold exterior styling of the BMW Concept XM reflects the vehicle’s exceptional performance attributes: power, agility, and precision, plus an all-electric range of up to 80 km (WLTP) and up to 30 miles (preliminary estimate, not an official EPA value). The newly developed M Hybrid drive system in the BMW Concept XM brings together a V8 engine and a high-performance electric motor to develop a maximum output of 740 hp and peak torque of 738 lb-ft. The first electrified vehicle from BMW M GmbH in the high-performance segment is emphatically pointing the way forward for the future of the brand.

“The BMW Concept XM represents a complete re-imagining of the high-performance vehicle segment,” says Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “It underlines the ability of BMW M GmbH to break with established conventions and push boundaries in order to offer fans of the brand the ultimate driving experience. The series-production vehicle – the first pure BMW M model since the legendary BMW M1 – also shows how we are approaching the step-by-step electrification of our brand.”

BMW M goes its own way in the luxury segment.

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

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

The front end: progressive design for maximum presence.

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

M-specific details point to uninhibited performance.

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

The side view: an expression of unbridled dynamism.

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

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

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

The rear : powerful stature and newly interpreted design.

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

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

The interior design – high performance and extroverted luxury.

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

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

Spacious and luxurious: the M Lounge.

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

Illuminated and sculptural: the headliner .

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

BMW Curved Display with M-specific user interface.

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

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

“It’s very rewarding for our team to see our core principle of cross-fertilization reflected in the list of winning entries,” said Laurenz Schaffer, President, BMW Group DesignworksUSA. “We have the fortunate opportunity to take insights and learnings from a multitude of industries and markets to solve challenges with products and services spanning areas like medical and mobility, consumer goods and entertainment.”

Awarded design programs by DesignworksUSA:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the event of inquiries please contact:

BMW Group DesignworksUSA

Jackie Jones, Manager, Marketing & Communications

BMW Group DesignworksUSA

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

E-Mail: jackie.jones@designworksusa.com

Sophie Seidenath, BMW Group Design and Lifestyle Communication

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

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

E-Mail: presse@bmw.de

BMW Group DesignworksUSA

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

Website:  www.designworksusa.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BMWDesignworks

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

Vimeo:  http://vimeo.com/BMWGroupDesignworksUSA

The BMW Group

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

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

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last eight years.

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

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

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

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

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

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI, Husqvarna Motorcycles and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 29 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2012, the BMW Group sold about 1.85 million cars and more than 117,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2011 was euro 7.38 billion on revenues amounting to euro 68.82 billion. At 31 December 2011, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 100,000 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last eight years.

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

Clear focus: driver-centric design.

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

Emotional flow of lines: horizontality.

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

Play with light and shade: surface design.

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

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

Airiness at every level: layering.

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

Love of detail: perfectionism.

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

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

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

The BMW 6 Series Coupe and a DesignworksUSA project win the iF Gold Award. BMW Group Design collects a further five prizes.

Munich. BMW Group Design celebrated an exceptional accolade at today’s presentation of the 2012 iF Design Awards, held as part of Munich Creative Business Week. The jury conferred the iF Gold Award – the prestigious special prize of the International Forum Design – on the new BMW 6 Series Coupe. Beyond these honors, too, the evening was dominated by BMW: providing not just a worthy architectural setting for the presentation ceremony was BMW Welt, with Frauke Ludowig hosting the evening event in the auditorium. In addition to the BMW 6 Series Coupe, the BMW 1 Series, BMW 1 Series M Coupe, BMW 6 Series Convertible and the BMW G 650 GS motorcycle were also recipients of the iF Product Design Award, while DesignworksUSA added another feather to their cap with a prize for their interior design of the new Falcon 2000S business jet.

Over the past 60 years or so, the iF Design Award of the International Forum Design has emerged as one of the highest seals of approval for outstanding design achievements. This year once again, manufacturers and designers from 48 countries submitted a total of 4,322 entries for the coveted award. The panel of judges, made up of internationally recognised design experts, deemed 1,218 submissions worthy of an award.

The iF Gold Award-winning BMW 6 Series Coupe is an aesthetically consummate fusion of pleasure in luxury with pioneering technology, and sporty dynamics with exclusive travel comfort. Adaptive LED Headlights usher in innovative lighting technology and mark their debut in this segment, while the hallmark twin round headlight configuration presents a new rendition of BMW’s iconic design cue.

BMW Group Design also won the jury over with the design features of five further products:

The new BMW 1 Series, too, stands for unmistakable design thanks to proportions that imbue it with stretched, sporty contours, eloquently sculpted surfaces and a youthful, vivacious overall impression. Complementary design features deftly underline the mature character and premium status of this car.

The new BMW 1 Series M Coupe cuts a persuasive figure with its athletic appeal and M-specific interior design. Its optimised track width at the front and rear, an expansive front apron and widely flared wheel arches lend the BMW 1 Series M Coupe a particularly powerful stance, while the two chromed twin tailpipes positioned at the outer edges of the rear make for the customary symmetrical look of M styling.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible combines a stretched bonnet, set-back passenger compartment, long wheelbase and flat waistline with a classic soft-top in characteristic “fin” design. Powerfully sculpted surfaces and dynamic, forward-surging lines reflect the car’s supreme handling.

With its lean, wiry off-road physique, the BMW G 650 GS motorcycle evokes a lightweight and adventure-hungry impression. Its typical enduro design and its colour concept are entirely in keeping with the style of the BMW GS family and round off the general sporty look. The bike sets itself apart from the competition with its quality, specification and comfort, combined with relatively low weight and a low seat height.

The interior of the Falcon 2000S jet by Dassault Aviation conveys an intimate ambience rooted in classical yet at the same time modern, elegant design elements. The cabin impresses with its clean, calm lines and stylish handcraftsmanship. DesignworksUSA has already been honored with the prestigious Good Design Award for its contribution to the new business jet.

With these latest distinctions, BMW Group Design continues a success story that has been recognised for some years by the high-calibre jury of the iF Product Design Award. For Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, the 2012 award haul is both an affirmation and an incentive: “We are delighted to receive these awards right here in Munich. They confirm our high standards and provide an incentive for the future.” Between 2007 and 2011, a string of prizes were won by BMW Group Design. In 2008, for example, awards went to the BMW 3 Series Convertible and the BMW G 650 Xcountry motorcycle; 2010 saw the BMW F 800 R honoured; and in 2011, prizes were bestowed on the BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW 5 Series Touring.

The award presentation ceremony staged at BMW Welt adds a further highlight to the BMW Group’s involvement in Munich Creative Business Week. This newly initiated series of events is committed to a clear-cut goal: to encourage high-calibre, in-depth debate on design issues and concepts. To this end, the planned annual MCBW aims to stimulate an interdisciplinary design discourse and bring together creative and business professionals from around the world in the Bavarian capital. This year’s MCBW programme comprises more than 90 events, which will be ongoing across the entire Munich metropolitan area until 12 February. Here BMW Welt assumes a special role in more ways than one: as the location of the MCBW press office it is a central hub of information on all aspects of the design event, while also serving as the location partner for various MCBW events. In addition to hosting the presentation of the iF Design Awards, BMW Welt was also the venue for the MCBW launch ceremony.

In the event of enquiries please contact:

BMW Corporate Communications

Susanne Giuliani (née Spatz), BMW Group Design and Lifestyle Communication
Tel.: +49-89-382-20961, Fax: +49-89-382-20626

Martina Daschinger, Spokesperson BMW Welt

Tel.: +49-89-382-14908, Fax: +49-89-382-0114908

Media Website: www.press.bmwgroup.de

E-mail: presse@bmw.de