Munich. The BMW Group is stepping up its activities in the field of sustainability, becoming the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to equip its cars with tyres using certified sustainable natural rubber and rayon, a wood-based material used to strengthen the tyres. The company will source 22-inch tyres in the first instance exclusively from Pirelli and, from August of this year, will use them in the BMW X5 xDrive45e Plug-in-Hybrid (fuel consumption combined: 1.7-1.2 l/100km (WLTP), 2.1-1.6 l/100 km (NEDC); power consumption combined: 27.7-24.3 kWh/100 km (WLTP), 25.2-23.5 kWh/100 km (NEDC); CO2 emissions combined: 39-27 g/km (WLTP), 47-37 g/km (NEDC)). Certification of the rubber plantations and the complex supply chain for natural rubber and rayon takes place in accordance with the strict standards of the independent Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

“As a premium manufacturer, we aspire to lead the way in sustainability and take responsibility,” said Dr Andreas Wendt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. “We have been committed to improving cultivation of natural rubber and increasing transparency in the supplier network since 2015. The use of tyres made of certified natural rubber is a pioneering achievement for our industry. In this way, we are helping preserve biodiversity and forests to counteract climate change.”

Natural rubber is the basic material for many products we use in our daily lives, such as boots and mattresses. About six million small farmers worldwide are responsible for over 80% of the world’s natural rubber cultivation. In the so-called rubber belt across the tropical regions, they run farms of between one and two hectares in size under a wide variety of different conditions. Agreeing uniform social and environmental growing conditions with these millions of small individual farms is therefore a major challenge.

By far the largest share of natural rubber grown worldwide goes into tyre production. Natural rubber’s high elasticity and sturdiness currently make it irreplaceable for tyre production.

Small label, big impact

As an independent organisation, FSC has developed an internationally recognised and demanding certification standard in recent years that is used worldwide for environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the forests. The organisation, whose well-known logo is already established in the wood and paper industry, also applies this standard to products made of natural rubber.

The new 22-inch P ZERO ∗ tyre has now become the world's first tyre to receive the coveted FSC label. To earn this certification, Pirelli adapted its US plant in Rome, Georgia, to produce tyres using FSC-certified natural rubber and rayon. From there, the tyres are delivered to BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, around 370 km away, and mounted on the BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid. The star ∗ in the name indicates that the new tyre meets the BMW Group’s strict performance requirements, including particularly low rolling resistance and noise level.

Giovanni Tronchetti Provera, Pirelli’s Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Future Mobility, said: “Before even reaching the road, sustainable mobility begins with raw materials. With the world’s first FSC-certified tyre, Pirelli once again demonstrates its commitment to pursuing increasingly challenging goals in terms of sustainability, a testament to the constant work on innovative materials and increasingly cutting-edge production processes. We continue to invest in sustainable growth for our planet, aware that this is also essential for the future of our businesses.”

Jeremy Harrison, Chief Markets Officer, FSC International, added: “The new FSC-certified Pirelli Tyre is a significant milestone in the drive to deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits across the natural rubber value chain. This is a major step forward in the journey towards a more sustainable natural rubber value chain, thereby helping to mitigate deforestation and support the fight against climate change.”

Long-standing commitment to greater transparency and sustainability in the natural rubber supplier network

The use of the first tyres containing certified sustainable natural rubber and rayon at the BMW Group is the result of the company’s extensive commitment in this area. In 2019, the BMW Group joined forces with well-known tyre manufacturers, NGOs, rubber producers and consumers to create the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR). Small farmers are also represented in this initiative. The GPSNR is committed to improving social and environmental conditions for cultivation of natural rubber and pushing for more sustainability. It also implements measures to stop deforestation and make supply chains more transparent. The GPSNR currently has almost 100 members, who are responsible for about 50 percent of the global natural rubber market.

Through its activities in the GPSNR and close cooperation with its suppliers, the BMW Group is constantly working to further improve sustainability in the natural rubber supply chain. The BMW Group is stepping up these activities and plans to steadily expand its sourcing of tyres made from sustainably grown natural rubber.

The BMW Group has been working with the FSC organisation for many years (Licence code FSC-N002012). The company decided to use FSC-certified wood in the BMW i3, which was first launched onto the market in 2013. The BMW iX for release later this year will also feature FSC-certified wood. In 2017, the BMW Group and FSC advocated for further development of FSC standards for cultivation of natural rubber in Thailand.

Sustainability an integral part of all purchasing activities

Independently of these measures, the BMW Group has contractually obligated all its direct suppliers to respect human rights, comply with expanded environmental and social standards and to introduce management systems to promote occupational safety and protect the environment since 2014. This also includes protecting forests and biodiversity. These requirements must also be contractually passed on to subcontractors. BMW Group Purchasing does not rely on contractual obligations alone for this but is also implementing a large number of additional measures in a transparent process. A risk filter is used to evaluate potential supplier locations worldwide even before the call for bids. The next step is to require possible suppliers to outline their sustainability activities in a detailed questionnaire. External partners also work with internal appraisers to review selected locations. Throughout the contract period, external partners work with internal appraisers to verify compliance with sustainability requirements through questionnaires and audits. In this way, BMW Group Purchasing is able to monitor thousands of locations every year.

Sustainable mobility with the BMW X5 xDrive45e

The BMW Group has completed full lifecycle CO₂ certification for the BMW X5 xDrive45e – from raw material procurement, through the supply chain, production and use phase, all the way to recycling. If charged during the use phase with the average European electricity mix, this gives it an advantage of around 40 percent over the BMW X5 xDrive40i. If charged with green power, the advantage is around 70 percent. The electric range amounts to 77-88 kilometres (WLTP).

Munich. Efficiency meets supremacy: With the market launch of the new BMW X5 xDrive45e, the drive portfolio of the Sporty Activity Vehicle (SAV) is now being expanded to include a plug-hybrid system. The second generation of the BMW X5 with electrified drive combines a model-specific in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology with the very latest BMW eDrive technology. Consistent progress in the area of plug-hybrid drive has produced a system output now increased to 290 kW/394 hp, a tangible enhancement in terms of electrically powered range and a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ levels as compared to the predecessor model.

More impressively than ever, the second generation of the plug-in hybrid model combines the purely electrically powered driving pleasure of a BMW plug-in hybrid model with the versatility that is typical of a Sports Activity Vehicle. In doing so, the new BMW X5 xDrive45e offers optimised qualities in terms of both driving dynamics and efficiency. With an electrically powered range of 67 to 87 kilometres in the new WLTP test cycle or some 86 to 97 kilometres* according to the NEDC test cycle, the figure achieved by the predecessor model has been more than tripled. At the same time, the combined fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of the new BMW X5 xDrive45e have been virtually halved. The fuel consumption figures are now 1.9 to 1.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle or 2.0 to 1.7 litres per 100 kilometres* in the NEDC test cycle, with the relevant CO₂ emissions being reduced to 44 to 27 grams per kilometre (WLTP) or 47 to 39 grams per kilometre* (NEDC). The combined power consumption of the new BMW X5 xDrive45e is between 28.3 and 23.1 kWh per kilometre (WLTP) or between 23.5 and 21.5 kWh per 100 kilometres* (NEDC). The top speed when driving on electric power alone is increased from 120 to 135 km/h.

These improved levels are the result of a completely newly developed drive technology. It comprises a 3.0-litre and 210 kW/286 hp in-line 6-cylinder engine from the current BMW EfficientDynamics drive family and the fourth generation of BMW eDrive technology. An electric motor with an output of 83 kW/113 hp, a lithium-ion battery with a gross energy content increased to 24.0 kWh and further developed power electronics for intelligent energy management give the plug-in hybrid system of the BMW X5 xDrive45e unique performance characteristics as well as an impressive level of efficiency. Together, the two drive units generate a system output of 290 kW/394 hp along with a maximum system torque of 600 Nm. The combustion engine and electric motor deliver their power to an 8-speed Steptronic transmission of the latest generation and the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. In this way, the drive torque is transferred to all four wheels when driving on electric power alone as well as when using the combustion engine or indeed both drive units: this ensures sporty driving pleasure on the road and supreme off-road performance over loose terrain at all times. The new BMW X5 xDrive 45e takes 5.6 seconds for the sprint from zero to 100 km/h, which is 1.2 seconds less than the predecessor model. Its top speed is 235 km/h.

Thanks to the high-voltage battery positioned in the underbody area of the vehicle, the centre of gravity is lower than in conventionally powered SAV model variants. The luggage compartment volume of the BMW X5 xDrive45e is only some 150 litres less. When all seats are used, the storage volume is 500 litres; if the rear backrests are folded down, a volume of 1 720 litres is available. The volume of the fuel tank is 69 litres – suitable for long distances.

The new BMW X5 xDrive45e is fitted as standard with a two-axle air suspension and electronically controlled dampers. The optional suspension systems available for the plug-in hybrid model include integral active steering. In addition to a comprehensive selection of features in the area of intelligent connectivity, new digital services are also offered that are geared specifically towards electromobility. In addition, all driver assistance systems developed for the Sports Activity Vehicle as well as high-quality options to enhance comfort and luxurious interior ambience are also available for the new BMW X5 xDrive45e. Its standard trim also includes acoustic pedestrian protection. When running at low speeds on electric power, a speaker system emits a distinctive sound generated especially for electrified BMW models which establishes an acoustic presence without impairing occupants’ acoustic comfort.

BMW plug-in hybrid models offer an array of benefits in everyday use.

BMW’s plug-in hybrid drive systems already offer users a host of additional benefits over traditional solutions:

• Money-saving: Electric driving in urban areas is cheaper than using petrol or diesel if the plug-in hybrid vehicle is charged at home or at the workplace at low cost.
• Interior always at the right temperature, even before you get in: auxiliary heating and auxiliary air conditioning are fitted as standard.
• Braking is winning: The battery is charged under braking. In conventional vehicles, braking generates only heat and brake dust.
• The best of both worlds: Plug-in hybrids provide electric driving pleasure in urban areas and classical BMW driving pleasure over longer distances.

• Smoothing the way into the future: Because a plug-in hybrid can run emission-free, it is eligible to enter many low-emission zones, enjoys extra parking privileges and saves on toll charges.
• Better quality of life in cities: By driving on electric power, users can actively contribute to reducing emissions and traffic noise in cities.

New BMW X5 xDrive45e has a smaller overall CO₂ footprint.

The “real” environmental impact of plug-in hybrid vehicles has been questioned on occasion, especially in markets where the proportion of green energy used by the public energy grid remains small. The BMW Group conducted a full-cycle CO₂ certification for the new BMW X5 xDrive45e – from raw material procurement, the supply chain, production and the use phase, all the way to recycling.

This revealed the CO₂ footprint of the new BMW X5 xDrive45e to be 40 per cent smaller than that of the new BMW X5 xDrive40i when running on average European power in the use phase. When charging the car with green energy, its CO₂ footprint is reduced by as much as 70 per cent.

Munich. Premium automobile manufacturer BMW is consistently moving ahead with the electrification of its drive portfolio and now presents its latest plug-in hybrid models at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. At the same time, BMW also announces the market launch of an additional sports activity vehicle (SAV) with electric drive. The globally popular BMW X3 will likewise be produced in a plug-in hybrid variant as of December 2019. This makes it the first model of the brand to be offered with both a conventional combustion engine and a plug-in hybrid system – with the addition of a purely electrically powered version in 2020.

Once again in 2018, the BMW Group further consolidated its status as a pioneer and market leader in the field of electrified automobiles (source: IHS Markit New Registrations 2018 Report 04. 01. 2019). With a market share of more than 9 per cent, the company leads the worldwide ranking of established premium providers of vehicles that are purely electrically powered or run on plug-in hybrid systems. In 2018 the BMW Group was the market leader in the premium segment of electrified vehicles in both Germany and in China. With a share of more than 16 per cent, the company also once again led the overall European market for electrified vehicles. BMW Group achieved a new worldwide sales record in 2018 with more than 140 000 units of electrical and plug-in hybrid vehicles sold – an increase of 38.4 per cent over the previous year. As one of the four future-oriented ACES topic areas (Autonomous, Connected, Electrified and Services/Shared), electromobility is one of the key elements of the company’s strategy NUMBER ONE > NEXT. The aim of the BMW Group is to have put more than half a million electrified vehicles of its brands on the road by the end of 2019.

With the purely electrically powered BMW i3 (BMW i3: combined power consumption: 13.1 kWh/100 km*; BMW i3s: combined power consumption: 14.6 – 14.0 kWh/100 km*), the BMW i8 Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 1.8 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions from fuel: 42 g/km*) and the BMW i8 Roadster (combined fuel consumption: 2.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions from fuel: 46 g/km*), the plug-in hybrid variants of the BMW X5 and the BMW X3, the BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series, the BMW X1 xDrive25Le produced in China for the local market, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (combined fuel consumption: 2.5 – 2.4 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 13.7 – 13.4 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 56 – 55 g/km*) and the purely electrically powered MINI, the BMW Group will have 12 electrically powered models in its programme by the end of 2019. Not only is the sheer number of vehicles available unique but also their variety – from the premium compact segment through to the mid-range, upper mid-range and luxury performance segment, and also including the sports car and sports activity vehicle categories. By 2025 the BMW Group will have increased the selection of its brands’ electrically powered vehicles to at least 25 models.

World premiere: the BMW X3 xDrive30e with plug-in hybrid drive.

BMW starts production of another SAV with plug-in hybrid drive in December 2019, thereby further expanding its range of electrically powered vehicles. Seeing its world premiere at the 2019 International Geneva Motor Show, the BMW X3 xDrive30e combines the versatile properties of a premium mid-range sports activity vehicle with cutting-edge BMW eDrive technology. Its robust characteristics, sporty driving performance figures and all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive – also active when running on electric power alone – are combined with outstandingly low levels of fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Due to the use of the very latest battery technology, the BMW X3 xDrive30e achieves an electrically powered range of up to 50 kilometres*. Thanks to BMW eDrive technology, its combined fuel consumption is reduced to up to 2.4 litres per 100 kilometres*, with CO₂ emissions of up to 56 grams per kilometre*.

The plug-in hybrid system in the BMW X3 xDrive30e consists of a 4-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and an electric motor. Both drive units put their power on the road – or unsurfaced terrain – via an 8-speed Steptronic transmission and the intelligent all-wheel drive system. Their joint system output of 185 kW/252 hp can be increased by up to 30 kW/41 hp by temporary use of the electric motor's peak output. The BMW X3 xDrive30e takes just 6.5 seconds (provisional figure) to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h.

The latest BMW plug-in hybrid model is fitted with a lithium-ion battery which is positioned under the rear seat in order to save space. With a luggage volume of 450 litres, the transport capacity of the BMW X3 xDrive30e is at the level of those model variants which are fitted with a conventional engine.

Other world premieres in Geneva: BMW 330e Sedan, BMW X5 xDrive45e and the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW 7 Series.

The leading role of the BMW Group in the area of electrification is also reflected in its current engine range. At the 2019 International Geneva Motor Show, BMW presents the second generation of plug-in hybrid models in as many as three vehicles segments.

The new BMW 330e Sedan is especially impressive due to an increase in electrically powered range as compared to its predecessor model of some 50 per cent to up to 60 kilometres*, a level of fuel consumption that has been reduced to up to 1.7 litres per 100 kilometres* and CO₂ emissions reduced to 39 grams per kilometre* – all combined with the sports sedan’s hallmark driving pleasure. The system output of its plug-in hybrid drive amounts to 185 kW/252 hp – with the possibility of a temporary increase by an additional 30 kW/41 hp using the standard XtraBoost. As a result, the new BMW 330e Sedan does the sprint from standing to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds (provisional figure).

Increased output, efficiency and electrically powered range are also offered by the latest version of the BMW X5 with plug-in hybrid drive. The new BMW X5 xDrive45e is now fitted with an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine adapted on a model-specific basis combined with an electric motor – with a system output that is now increased to 290 kW/394 hp. 5.6 seconds (provisional figure) is all it takes the sports activity vehicle to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h. Its electrically powered range is now approximately 80 kilometres*, almost three times that of its predecessor. As such, day-to-day commuter runs can easily be covered on electric power only, thereby reducing local emissions to zero. With its 69-litre fuel tank, the BMW X5 xDrive45e is also perfectly suited to use over long distances. Its progressive plug-in hybrid drive technology reduces combined fuel consumption to up to 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres* and CO₂emissions from fuel to up to 49 grams per kilometre*. The qualities of the BMW X5 xDrive45e as a travel vehicle are likewise borne out by its versatile luggage compartment: here the storage volume of 500 to 1 716 litres is only very slightly less than that offered by variants of the SAV that are powered by conventional means. The ground-breaking all-round properties of the BMW X5 xDrive45e are complemented with the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. This transfers the power of both drive units to all four wheels, providing sports-style driving pleasure on the road and supreme off-road performance over unsurfaced terrain.

In the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW 7 Series, the sporty flair, travel comfort and feel-good ambience of a luxury sedan are combined with the ability to enjoy locally emissions-free and virtually noiseless mobility. Their electrically powered range has been increased by almost 30 per cent as compared to the predecessor models, now at a distance of between 50 and 58 kilometres*. The model range comprises the BMW 745e (combined fuel consumption: 2.3 – 2.1 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 15.6 – 15.1 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 52 – 48 g/km*), the long version BMW 745Le (combined fuel consumption: 2.3 –2.2 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 15.7 – 15.6 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 53 – 50 g/km) and the BMW 745Le xDrive (combined fuel consumption: 2.6 – 2.3 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 16.3 – 15.8 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 59 – 52 g/km*) with extended wheelbase and intelligent all-wheel drive. Its drive system now comprises an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine adapted on a model-specific basis together with an electric motor. By setting the drive experience switch to SPORT mode, the driver can tap into a system output of 290 kW/394 hp. The new BMW 745e accelerates in 5.2 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, while the new BMW 745Le takes 5.3 seconds. Meanwhile the new BMW 745Le xDrive reaches the 100 km/h mark from standing in 5.1 seconds.

BMW 530e Sedan and BMW 225xe Active Tourer with further developed lithium-ion batteries and increased electrically powered range.

The latest progress in the field of battery cell technology has also led to an extension of the options for locally emissions-free driving in the plug-in hybrid models of the BMW 5 Series and BMW 2 Series. Although its dimensions remain unchanged, the new lithium-ion battery for the plug-in hybrid model of the BMW 5 Series Sedan now has a gross energy content that has been increased from 9.2 to 12.0 kWh. This means an increase in electrically powered range by more than 30 per cent to 64 kilometres*. The BMW 530e Sedan now achieves a combined fuel consumption of at least 1.7 litres per 100 kilometres* and CO₂ emissions of at least 38 grams per kilometre*. As an additional model variant, the all-wheel drive BMW 530e xDrive Sedan will also be included in the programme worldwide from July 2019 onwards. The latter achieves an electrically powered range of up to 57 kilometres*. Its combined fuel consumption is at least 1.9 litres per 100 kilometres*, while CO₂ emissions are at least 44 grams per kilometre*.

In the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, state-of-the-art battery cell technology paves the way to further reduced consumption figures as well as an increase in the electrically powered range of more than 25 per cent to up to 57 kilometres*. While retaining the same dimensions as before, its lithium-ion battery now has a gross energy content that has been increased from 7.7 to 9.7. The combined fuel consumption of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer is at least 1.9 litres per 100 kilometres*, its combined power consumption is at least 14.7 kWh per 100 kilometres and its CO₂ emissions level is at least 43 grams per kilometre*. The hybrid-specific all-wheel drive system contributes to the BMW 225xe Active Tourer's sporty and versatile driving properties. Its standard and optional fittings include numerous modern driver assistance systems as well as the current innovations in the field of intelligent connectivity and digital services – for increased convenience when charging the high-voltage battery and an even more intense electrical driving experience.

Cutting-edge battery technology, new operating system and innovative digital services for an optimised electric driving experience.

In addition to the very latest battery technology, the plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan, the new BMW X5 and the new BMW 7 Series also feature a new display and operating system as well as innovative digital services for an even more intense electric driving experience. Their standard fittings include the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with newly designed screens in the instrument panel and the Control Display, which also provide clearly laid-out details of the battery charge state, electrically powered range and operating mode of the plug-in hybrid system. The buttons used to select the drive mode are now integrated in the drive experience switch unit. Here, a press of the button is all that is needed to activate the modes SPORT for a particularly dynamic set-up and ADAPTIVE for a set-up that is geared towards the relevant driving style and situation, as well as the three operating modes HYBRID, ELECTRIC and BATTERY CONTROL. HYBRID mode serves as the standard setting that ensures a balanced set-up and optimised interaction between the combustion engine and electric motor. It also possible to select ELECTRIC mode as the standard setting via the iDrive menu. The HYBRID button is pressed twice to activate this operating mode in an efficiency-optimised version (HYBRID ECO PRO). The coasting function is one of the factors that contributes to a further reduction in fuel consumption.

The technology of the intelligent energy management system has likewise been further optimised. Since this is now linked to the navigation system, the interaction between combustion engine and electric motor can be adapted more precisely to the route and driving situation. In the new BMW 330e Sedan and the new BMW X5 xDrive45e, a control unit that draws on navigation and sensor data is also able to optimise brake energy recuperation efficiency in HYBRID ECO PRO mode. When approaching a junction or a vehicle driving ahead, for example, recuperation can be put to particularly intensive use for the purpose of deceleration.

During the charging process, the fully digital instrument panel provides graphically displayed information on the battery's current charge status and therefore the car’s potential electrically powered range. The graphic display – designed individually for each vehicle – also shows the amperage available at the charge station being used, as well as indicating when the battery is fully charged.

New digital services help make it more attractive and convenient to charge the high-voltage battery when out and about. For example, the navigation system shows the driver nearby hotels, restaurants, cafés and sights or cultural facilities when a public charging station is being selected. Customers are also given a forecast as to the occupation status of charging stations. In addition, BMW enables ChargeNow customers to reserve an enabled charging station for a limited period based on in-car activation.

A distinctive sound created especially for electrified BMW models is used for the purpose of acoustic pedestrian protection, emitted via a speaker system. The sound design in the low speed range radiates a vibrant acoustic presence, though without impairing the acoustic comfort of vehicle occupants.