Munich. Safety has always been a core development objective at MINI. Numerous five-star ratings in the Euro NCAP crash tests provide impressive proof of this commitment. At the heart of this is a consistently advanced safety concept of the highest standard, delivering an exceptionally high level of protection straight from the factory.

Integrated safety at MINI: Sensors, cameras and radar systems working together.
The integration of up to twelve ultrasonic sensors, five cameras and five radar systems forms the technological foundation for a wide range of driver assistance systems and safety functions. All MINI models come equipped as standard with a comprehensive package of active safety features. These systems support the driver by identifying potentially hazardous situations at an early stage and, ideally, helping to avoid accidents altogether.

Standard equipment includes Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention, Front Collision Warning with approach warning and automatic braking intervention, including during turning maneuvers and in complex junction situations, continuous information on applicable speed limits, as well as cruise control with braking function. In addition, all MINI derivatives are equipped with the Driving Assistant, which includes functions such as Lane Change Warning with collision warning in the blind-spot area, Exit Warning, Rear Collision Warning for approaching vehicles, and Rear Cross Traffic Warning to support safe reversing out of parking spaces.

MINI Pre‑Crash technologies: Occupant protection activated before an accident.
Integral safety in the current MINI models also incorporates intelligent Pre-Crash functions that actively prepare the vehicle ahead of a potential collision. Based on comprehensive driving dynamics data, sensor input and environmental information, the system detects critical situations at an early stage and initiates targeted, reversible protective measures. These include the automatic closing of windows and sliding roofs, as well as the anticipatory positioning of seat backrests.
Through this preventive interaction, MINI further enhances occupant protection even before an accident occurs. As a result, every MINI offers a high level of active safety as standard – in urban environments and beyond.

For the MINI Cooper family, the MINI Aceman and the MINI Countryman, the Driving Assistant Plus is available as an option. It enables partially automated driving and includes features such as the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, and the automatic Speed Limit Assistant. The radar- and camera-based system supports the driver in maintaining lane position, distance and speed.

With the Driving Assistant Professional, the MINI Countryman further expands this range with additional safety and comfort features such as the Lane Change Assistant and Active Lane Guiding. When route guidance is active, the system alerts the driver to upcoming lane changes or exits. After the indicator is activated, the vehicle supports the lane change by adjusting the speed and applying a gentle steering input towards the target lane, including stabilization.  Additional features include side collision protection for motorway driving and traffic light recognition for urban use.
With this combination of standard and optional functions, a new level of driver assistance is achieved. MINI combines a high degree of safety with enhanced comfort and everyday convenience.

MINI parking assistance systems: Precision and safety in urban environments.
The range of functions designed to ensure safe and relaxed driving is complemented by high-performance parking assistance systems. From the factory, features of the Parking Assistant such as the Parking Maneuver Assistant, Reversing Assistant, Active Park Distance Control and the Reversing Camera support safe and confident maneuvering. Depending on the model, enhanced systems are also optionally available.

Within the Parking Assistant Plus, four surround-view cameras generate 360-degree views of the vehicle’s surroundings, which can be used both for the Anti-Theft Recorder and for particularly precise parking maneuvers. Remote-controlled parking via smartphone and the MINI App becomes possible with the Parking Assistant Professional.

Passive safety at MINI: Body structure, airbags and restraint systems.
All current MINI models come equipped with a comprehensive package of passive safety features as standard, providing effective protection in frontal, side and rear impacts. A particularly rigid body structure, precisely defined crumple zones and state-of-the-art restraint systems form the foundation for the high level of safety.

Depending on the model and market, up to nine adaptive front and side airbags are deployed. In Germany, for example, the MINI Countryman is equipped as standard with seven airbags, including a central airbag designed to enhance the protection of both front-seat occupants. The MINI Cooper family as well as the all-electric MINI Aceman additionally feature two side airbags in the second row of seats.

A key element of passive safety is the seat belt system. MINI combines adaptive force limiters and automatic belt tensioners to create a finely tuned overall system that adapts to different collision scenarios depending on the situation.
In the all-electric MINI Cooper models and in the MINI Aceman, buckle-mounted belt tensioners are also used. This technology specifically improves restraint in the pelvic area. Another important safety feature is the Seat Belt Reminder, which is activated as standard on all seats. The second row of seats is likewise equipped with belt force limiters and automatic tensioners.

For almost all MINI models, the comprehensive safety concept also includes an active bonnet. In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, the bonnet is raised in a targeted manner, helping to reduce the risk of injury.

MINI’s safety commitment: Standard across all models and independently confirmed.
The intelligent combination of vehicle structure, state-of-the-art airbag and seat belt technology, and well-engineered protection systems for all occupants, paired with numerous Driving Assistant Systems, reflects MINI’s high standards in terms of safety. The repeated five-star Euro NCAP ratings are testament to this consistently rigorous development work.

In case of queries, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Julian Kisch, Press Spokesperson, Product Communications MINI
Phone: +49-151-601-38072
E-mail: julian.kisch@mini.com

Micaela Sandstede, Head of Communications MINI
Phone: +49-176-601-61611
E-mail: micaela.sandstede@bmw.de

Hams Hall, UK. BMW Group’s Hams Hall plant, located in the UK, has reached a major milestone: For exactly 25 years, the plant near Birmingham has produced highly efficient internal combustion engines for a variety of BMW Group vehicle models. More than 7.6 million engines have shipped from Hams Hall since 2001. The facility supplies numerous production sites worldwide with highly efficient petrol engines for the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands, including drive trains for plug-in hybrid models – making the plant an integral part of the BMW Group’s technology-open approach. Today, Plant Hams Hall produces three and four-cylinder petrol engines to high performance V8 engines, powering vehicles across both BMW and MINI. Separately, the V12 engine is produced at Plant Hams Hall exclusively for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Its assembly follows a distinct, bespoke production process, carried out by specially trained engineers and technicians, before final delivery to the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood.

Plant Hams Hall – an integral part of the global production network

"This anniversary is a special milestone for our site," says Dirk Dreher, Head of the BMW Group's Hams Hall plant. "We are a competitive plant and there’s always been a real passion among our workforce to continually improve our manufacturing processes and site. Building on our strong foundation, we are looking forward to remaining a successful plant in the future."

“The Hams Hall plant is an integral part of our global production network,” explains Harald Gottsche, Head of Engine Production at BMW AG. “The site combines technological expertise with high flexibility. It reliably supplies our vehicle plants with efficient, powerful engines of premium quality. This includes the V12 engine – a masterpiece from Hams Hall!”

61% reduction in energy use per engine built since the start of full production

The British engine plant is systematically implementing the principles of the BMW iFACTORY. The strategic vision of the BMW iFACTORY focusses on sustainability, electrification, digitalisation and profitability. From the first concept of the plant to the present day, the Hams Hall team has made sustainability a key consideration. Since the first full year of production, the plant has made a 61% reduction in energy required per engine built, meaning the overall energy to operate the site has remained level even though there has been a considerable increase in production. The plant purchases 100% of its external electricity from renewable energy sources today. It has also worked to reduce its consumption of natural gas.

SpOTTO robotic dog scans and monitors manufacturing equipment

A four-legged autonomous robot named “SpOTTO” joined the Hams Hall team in 2024. The autonomous robotic dog scans the plant, supports maintenance and ensures production processes run smoothly. Equipped with visual, thermal and acoustic sensors, SpOTTO collects valuable data for the plant’s digital twin. It also serves as a watchdog, monitoring the maintenance of production facilities. SpOTTO was developed by Boston Dynamics under the product name “Spot”, an agile robot capable of climbing stairs and traversing rough terrain with ease. At Hams Hall, “Spot” was fondly renamed SpOTTO, paying tribute to the engine plant’s proud heritage: Gustav Otto, one of the founders of BMW, was the son of Nicolaus Otto, inventor of the four-stroke engine.

Fully connected digital twin: Big data on three levels

At the core of the Hams Hall plant’s digital transformation is the fully connected digital twin, which consists of three levels: On the first level, 3D representations of the entire plant are generated. The second level comprises a large data layer, continuously updated with all relevant information from the SpOTTO robotic dog, the plant’s manufacturing equipment and its IT systems. On the third level – the application level – dedicated programmes organise the collected data into comprehensible units. Using special apps, experts at Plant Hams Hall can leverage this information for tasks such as production planning and quality assurance.

A history of continuous growth

Over the past 25 years, BMW Group Plant Hams Hall has continuously evolved, establishing itself as a key pillar of the company’s production network. Relying on state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies, it provides drive trains for numerous BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce models.

Selected historic milestones:

• 2001: Plant Hams Hall launches series production with new four-cylinder engines, using innovative Valvetronic technology in large-scale manufacturing for the first time.
• 2006: An additional engine family is introduced; Plant Hams Hall produces engines for the MINI brand for the first time.
• 2013: Plant Hams Hall becomes the exclusive manufacturer of the award-winning three-cylinder engine for the iconic BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car. The plant also integrates additional production lines for three- and four-cylinder petrol engines. At the same time, the processing hall for crankshafts, crankcases and cylinder heads is expanded.
• 2022: The plant takes over production of V8 and V12 engines. With this step the plant generates even greater business value for the company.
• 2026: Plant Hams Hall celebrates 25 years of production.

The BMW Group’s drive train production network

The BMW Group’s engine production network comprises several plants alongside Hams Hall: Its largest engine facility is in Steyr, Austria, where diesel and petrol engines, as well as sixth-generation electric motors, are developed and produced. The fifth generation of electric motors is produced in Dingolfing. Plant Munich handles mechanical production of V8 and V12 engine components, while Plant Landshut manufactures special engines. The Chinese joint venture BMW Brilliance builds engines for the local market in Shenyang. Collectively, these locations support the BMW Group's technology-open powertrain strategy.

• Update to the premium mid-size segment scooter.
• Market launch expected in Q1 2025.
• MSRP of $8,445 plus Destination.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – Dec. 19, 2024… .BMW Motorrad USA proudly presents the new, updated 2025 C 400 GT premium mid-size scooter. The BMW C 400 GT, or Gran Turismo, receives technical improvements, new standard equipment and enhancements to comfort and usability. Excellent handling and riding characteristics combined with comfort, and premium features mean that the C 400 GT continues to be at the forefront of the premium midsize scooter segment.

Features

• 350 cc water-cooled single-cylinder 34 hp motor with electronic throttle.
• New EU5+ emissions compliance.
• CVT transmission.
• New standard ABS Pro with BDC Dynamic Brake Control.
• New standard DTC Dynamic Traction Control and EBC Engine Brake Control.
• New two-position manually adjustable windscreen.
• New, reshaped seat, now 0.4-inches lower.
• New, increased under seat storage, now 7.1-liters larger.
• New, larger right-front storage compartment, now 3.2-liters larger.
• New USB-C charging port(s), replaces previous USB-A.
• New Style Exclusive in Diamond White Metallic.
• New Ultimate Care Break-In Service included.

Powerful single-cylinder drive with EU-5+ homologation and ABS Pro with DBC, DTC and EBC as standard. 

The engine remains the proven single-cylinder engine, making 34 hp at 7,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 26 lb-ft. at 5,750 rpm. Power is transmitted via a continuously variable CVT transmission.

The BMW C 400 GT is now equipped with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro as standard, replacing the previously standard ABS. Thanks to ABS-assisted braking at a lean angle, ABS Pro offers more safety and stability when braking in turns. Optimal brake pressure is continuously calculated calculated input from a six-axis sensor and from a pressure sensor.

In addition, the new standard Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) function, linked to ABS Pro, offers an extra level of safety by controlling throttle input during braking. As soon as ABS detects that the front brake has been applied strongly and quickly, the system controls pressure build up, enabling controlled braking. If the throttle is opened during detected emergency braking, the system reduces engine torque, keeping braking more stable and braking distances to a minimum. EBC Engine Brake Control helps prevent rear wheel slip when the throttle is quickly released by monitoring rear wheel slip, depending on lean angle, and increasing engine rpms to maintain stability.

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR) are also now standard. DTC, which replaces the previous ASC, has the added benefit of slip control while leaning. It compares rotation speed between front and rear wheels to detect rear wheel slip. If rear wheel slip exceeds limits, engine power/torque are reduced to maintain traction.

Connectivity — standard large, readable 6.5-inch TFT display. Navigation preparation and a 10.25” display for the BMW C 400 GT are optional.

The BMW C 400 GT comes with a large 6.5-inch TFT display as standard. The variety of information, display quality and, last but not least, user friendliness are unmatched. In conjunction with the BMW Motorrad Connected app, the display is linked to the multi-controller on the left handlebar and can be operated quickly, safely, and conveniently. Connectivity Pro, part of the optional Premium package, includes a larger 10.25” TFT display.

Convenient calling, listening to music and navigating while riding are all possible. If, for example, a smartphone and helmet are connected to the BMW Motorrad communication system via Bluetooth, media playback and telephone functions can be easily accessed using the TFT-display. These functions can be used without installing an app. If there is an active Bluetooth connection to a standard smartphone, the rider can enjoy listening to music while riding and charge the smartphone in the actively cooled storage compartment. In addition, the free BMW Motorrad Connected app offers practical arrow navigation directly via the TFT display.

This basic navigation is particularly attractive for riders who want to comfortably handle everyday traffic or short trips without additional equipment. Navigation preparation with a holder for the BMW Motorrad Connected Ride Navigator or the BMW Motorrad Connected Ride Cradle is available as an accessory (not in conjunction with the 10.25” display).

Greatly expanded storage space. New accessories such as 43.5 liter top case, body protector and hand guards. 

The 2025 BMW C 400 GT now has more storage space than ever. Combined storage volume, between the front and under seat compartments is increased by as much as 12 liters. BMW Motorrad engineers have taken care to extract the most possible storage room from all three storage compartments. The under seat compartment has been enlarged by 23%, from 30.5 liters to 37.6 liters and can now accommodate a 15-inch laptop. The right-front storage compartment has been enlarged by 346%, from 1.3 liters to 4.7 liters and can now accommodate a 16 oz. bottle. The left-front storage compartment has been slightly enlarged and with the Connectivity package, part of the optional Premium Package, now includes smartphone charging and cooling.

With 43.5 liters of storage space, the new top case not only offers 13.5 liters more volume than before, but can also now accommodate a payload of 22 lbs. instead of the previous 11 lbs. It also features interior lighting and a USB-C charging port. A back cushion and painted side panels are available as options for the new top case. It is attached to the vehicle via a vibration-isolated luggage rack. New original BMW Motorrad accessories, such as body protectors and hand guards, round off the range of offers.

The BMW C 400 GT now also comes with a standard manually adjustable windshield and can be fitted with an accessory luggage rack.

BMW C 400 GT features lower seat height and a new Style Exclusive variant.

The BMW C 400 GT's ground accessibility has been improved with a reshaped and lower seat (30.1 inch seat height vs. previous 30.5 inch seat height) and reduced leg arch reach (now 68.6 inches vs previous 69.1 inches) to provide greater comfort and improved ergonomics.

In addition to the standard Black Storm Metallic version with black seat, black wheels and black front brake calipers, the BMW C 400 GT is available in the new Style Exclusive variant.

The Style Exclusive BMW C 400 GT is finished in Diamond White Metallic and looks decidedly elegant. Gold wheels, and graphics, a black seat with embroidered gold emblem complement the gold front brake calipers. Ground lighting with a BMW logo projection or stainless-steel floorboard inserts round off the design.

Standard Equipment

• Stepless CVT with automatic centrifugal clutch.
• Water-cooled 1-cylinder 350 cc engine with Ride-by-Wire.
• ABS Pro.
• Dynamic Brake Control.
• Dynamic Engine Brake Control.
• Dynamic Traction Control.
• Twin Rear Shocks, Preload Adjustable.
• 35 mm Telescopic Forks.
• Automatic Stability Control.
• Electronic Immobilizer.
• LED Headlight, taillight and turn signals.
• 12V Socket, and USB-C Port.
• Twin Headlamp unit.
• Comfort Turn Indicators.
• 6.5-inch Colored TFT screen with Connectivity.
• Two position, manually adjustable windshield (+/- 2.5 inch positions).
• Center Stand.
• Lighted Flexcase storage compartment.
• Ultimate Care Break-In Service.

Like all 2025 model year BMW motorcycle models, the new C 400 GT includes the Ultimate Care Break-In Service, or “600 Mile Service” as standard. This included service further provides BMW customers with a truly premium experience. Time and mileage limits apply - maximum 6 months from the in-service date or maximum 750 miles - whichever comes first.

Optional Packages and Equipment

 Premium Package

• Heated Grips.
• Heated Seat.
• 10.25” TFT Display with Connectivity, split screen, and map navigation.
• Luggage Grid.

Style Exclusive

• Diamond White Metallic Paint.
• Adjustable Tinted Windshield.
• Gold colored wheels, front brake calipers, and graphics.
• Floor lighting or alternative Floorboards.

Individual Options

• Anti-Theft Alarm (dealer installed accessory).
• Luggage Rack for new, larger 43.5 liter top case.
• Top case, 43.5 liters with interior lighting and USB-C connection.
• Optional Backrest Pad, Side Panels, Luggage Net, Top Case Liner.
• Stainless Floorboard Inserts
• Anodized Handlebar Weights.
• Hand Guards.
• Body Protectors.

Technical Data

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,145 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.

www.bmwgroup.com and www.bmwmotorcycles.com

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