Munich/Shenyang. The first fully-electric BMW iX3 has left the production line at the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture (BBA) in Shenyang, China. The workforce at the BBA Plant Dadong in Shenyang already celebrated the successful start of production on 29 September 2020.

Franz Decker, head of BBA's Technology and Production division, said during the event: “Today, we begin production of the BMW iX3, the first pure electric model from our core BMW brand. With a production system like this, specialised for high quality, we are able to deliver what customers worldwide demand from premium vehicles.”

Leading production expertise guarantees premium quality

As well as intelligent manufacturing and state-of-the-art technologies, the BBA production facility in Shenyang is also distinguished by its comprehensive quality management system. A special "zero defect concept" ensures that the globally high market requirements for electric mobility are met.

BBA conducts rigorous testing of everything from the battery to the finished car to guarantee the vehicle safety of the BMW iX3. 128 mechanical tests and 994 software functionality tests ensure the high quality of high-voltage batteries throughout the entire lifecycle. 140 functional tests check every aspect of the vehicle during acceleration, in particular road conditions and on rocky roads. As a result, the BMW iX3 is well-suited for all types of roads and meets the high demands of different driving conditions.

BBA produces the fully-electric BMW iX3 on the same line as the BMW X3 with combustion engine to ensure a high level of efficiency and flexibility in production.

During the entire BMW iX3 project, the BMW Group's research and production, purchasing and production divisions worked closely with BBA.

Fully electric mobility celebrates its premiere in a BMW X model – the new BMW iX3. Locally emission-free driving pleasure complements the sporting ability for which BMW is renowned and the comfort, multi‑faceted functionality and spaciousness of the successful BMW X3. Latest stage in the ongoing rollout of the BMW Group’s electrification strategy; technological expertise amassed in the development of BMW I cars utilised for the first time in a purely electrically powered model from the BMW core brand.

New BMW iX3 will be the brand’s first model to also be produced for export at the Shenyang manufacturing facility in China. Market launch will begin in China later in 2020.

Strategic “Power of Choice” approach covers broad spread of customer requirements and statutory regulations around the world: BMW X3 is the first model to be available with a petrol or diesel engine, plug-in hybrid drive system or all-electric drive system.

New BMW iX3 blazes a trail for fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. Major progress made in terms of power density, operating range, weight, installation space requirement and flexibility. Power density of the electric drive system increased by 30 per cent over the BMW Group’s existing fully electric vehicles; gravimetric energy density of the high-voltage battery at cell level up by 20 per cent. Latest versions of the electric motor, power electronics, charging technology and high-voltage battery (all developed in-house) will also be deployed in the BMW iNEXT and BMW i4 from 2021.

Efficiency boosted significantly compared with the BMW i3 by highly integrated drive system technology. Electric motor, power electronics and transmission arranged in a central housing for the first time. Fifth-generation BMW eDrive high-voltage battery with the latest battery cell technology and gross energy content of 80 kWh enables operating range of up to 460 kilometres [285 miles] in the statutory new WLTP test cycle (up to 520 kilometres [323 miles] in the NEDC test cycle). BMW Group monitors compliance with environmental and social standards as part of its procurement process for the lithium and cobalt used in battery cells.

Newly designed fifth-generation BMW eDrive electric motor produces maximum output of 210 kW/286 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h [62 mph] in 6.8 seconds (for purposes of comparison – BMW X3 30i: 6.4 seconds), top speed (electronically limited): 180 km/h [112 mph]. The design principle of a current-excited synchronous motor enables optimised power development and allows engineers to avoid the use of rare earths.

Scope for varying degrees of recuperation enables choice between pronounced one-pedal feeling with extensive recuperation of braking and coasting energy in driving position B and adaptive recuperation including coasting function in driving position D. Recuperation level can be adjusted through three stages. Adaptive recuperation enhances driving comfort and efficiency by adjusting Brake Energy Regeneration and the coasting function to the driving situation at hand.

Power transfer to the rear wheels delivers a classical BMW driving experience. Unrivalled combination of low electric power consumption and high charging capacity enables long-distance journeys at high average speeds. Adaptive suspension (fitted as standard) optimises sporting responses and comfort.

BMW IconicSounds Electric. Newly developed soundscape for electrically powered BMW models makes its debut in the BMW iX3 and adds extra emotional depth to the driving experience. Powerful drive sound available in cars with the equipment line “Impressive”. Unmistakable composition when starting and deactivating the electric drive system developed in collaboration with Hans Zimmer.

Bespoke charging products and services: BMW Charging Card provides simple and convenient access to currently more than 450,000 public charging points worldwide ; new Flexible Fast Charger (allowing use of different socket types) and high-output Wallboxes now available as options. Individual packages offer the optimum charging solution for every customer need.

New digital services from BMW Connected Charging in the car and via the app promote user-friendly electric mobility and enhance navigation planning, including recommendations for charging stops. Navigation system factors mid-journey breaks to charge the high-voltage battery (includes detailed information on individual charging points) into route planning and calculation of arrival times.

Optimised energy storage concept now enables vehicle charging capacity of up to 150 kW at DC fast-charging stations; Recharging from 0 to 80 per cent of the high-voltage battery’s capacity takes 34 minutes, 10-minute charge adds 100 kilometres [62 miles] of range (WLTP). BMW iX3 customers enjoy particularly favourable tariffs at IONITY fast-charging stations with a consumption dependent component of e.g. €0.29 per kWh for Germany)

Characteristic proportions of a BMW X model combine with model-specific design features. Innovative BMW aerodynamic wheels: 19-inch light-alloy items with new, drag-reducing design fitted as standard.

Premium interior ambience with model-specific accents. User-friendly, variable-usage cabin with high level of comfort for five people over everyday journeys and longer distances; load capacity can be expanded from 510 litres to as much as 1,560 litres.

Wide-reaching standard specification (“Inspiring”) includes metallic paintwork, LED headlights, three-zone automatic climate control with pre‑heating and pre-conditioning, automatic tailgate operation, panoramic glass sunroof, Driving Assistant Professional and ambient lighting. Optional equipment line “Impressive” also brings 20-inch light-alloy wheels, acoustic glazing, sport seats, Vernasca leather trim, BMW Head-Up Display, Parking Assistant Plus and Harman Kardon Surround Sound.

BMW Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Maps cloud-based navigation system and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant as standard. Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto preparation, Remote Software Upgrade and digital services from BMW Connected Charging also standard).

Outstanding environmental credentials thanks to commitment to sustainability throughout the value chain. CO₂  impact of the BMW iX3 over its entire lifecycle is significantly less than a BMW X3 xDrive20d; impact reduced by 30 per cent when using electricity  from the European energy mix for charging and by around 60 per cent when using exclusively green energy.

Munich. The heart of the BMW brand beats in the premium segment of the mid-range category. Along with the BMW 4 Series Coupé, BMW 4 Series Convertible and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé models, it is the BMW 3 Series that brings out the qualities that are key to hallmark brand driving pleasure in a particularly concentrated form. Now BMW is transferring the brand's characteristic core features to the age of electric mobility – the central purpose in developing the BMW i4. The BMW Group's first purely electrically powered model for the premium mid-range combines driving dynamics, sporty and elegant design, premium quality and the spacious comfort and functionality of a four-door Gran Coupé with locally emissions-free mobility. This heralds a new era of driving pleasure.

The future of electric mobility will be shaped by fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, for which the BMW iX3 – to be produced from 2020 onwards – will act as a pioneer, followed by the BMW iNEXT and the BMW i4. With fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, which also includes the latest innovations in the field of battery cells, the BMW i4 sets new standards in sporty performance, achieving a range of some 600 kilometres.

The development of the BMW i4 is part of a comprehensive product offensive by the BMW Group in the field of models with electrified drive. The company currently has the biggest range of all-electric and plug-in hybrid models within the competitive field. By 2023, the BMW Group will have 25 models with electrified drive in its program. With a model portfolio that includes efficient combustion engines as well as modern plug-in hybrid and purely electric drive, the BMW Group as a globally operating company is taking into account the varying requirements and preferences of its customers in different regions of the world. Irrespective of the type of drive selected, all current and future models feature hallmark brand driving pleasure as part of their specific characteristics.

Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology for optimised dynamics, efficiency and range.

The drive technology of the BMW i4 sets new standards in terms of power density, efficiency and range in locally emissions-free driving. The electric motor, power electronics, charging unit and high-voltage battery have been entirely newly developed. Together they form the BMW eDrive technology of the fifth generation, with which the BMW Group has made further significant advancements in the field of electrified drive. From 2020 onwards, fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology will be introduced first in the BMW iX3 and then in the BMW iNEXT and BMW i4. The electric motor developed for the BMW i4 delivers a maximum output of around 390 kW/530 hp, reaching the level of a V8 engine in current BMW models fitted with a combustion engine. Its spontaneous power delivery gives the BMW i4 outstanding performance characteristics and exceptionally high efficiency.

The fifth generation of BMW eDrive also includes a newly designed high-voltage battery featuring the latest battery cell technology. The design of the high-voltage battery developed for the BMW i4 is characterised by its extremely flat design and optimised energy density. With a weight of some 550 kilograms, it has an energy content of around 80 kWh. This gives the BMW i4 a range of approximately 600 kilometres.

Gran Coupé with characteristic design and performance features.

The all-electric BMW i4 will be produced from 2021 onwards and subsequently launched on the global automotive markets. The new model will be manufactured at the company's main plant in Munich, where other vehicles produced include the BMW 3 Series Sedan with conventional combustion engine and plug-in hybrid drive, the BMW 3 Series Touring with conventional drive and from summer 2020 also with plug-in hybrid drive, the BMW 4 Series Coupé and the BMW M4 Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 10.0 – 9.3 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 227 – 213 g/km). In addition to the sporty, elegant design that is typical of a 4-door coupé of the brand, the BMW i4 is characterised by impressive performance features. The BMW i brand's first Gran Coupé accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in around 4.0 seconds, achieving a top speed of more than 200 km/h.

A flexible vehicle architecture, the flat, low-positioned high-voltage battery and the compact drive technology create a high degree of freedom in realising a model-specific design. The BMW i4 combines the characteristic proportions of a 4-door coupé with the typical design features of a BMW i model. Dynamically stretched lines and a precise surface design go hand in hand with aerodynamically optimised exterior features as well as sustainability accentuations that are specific to BMW i. High entry and exit comfort for the rear passengers and a spacious, variable interior ensure high suitability for both day-to-day trips and long-distance travel. As such, the BMW i4 can be clearly identified as a BMW Gran Coupé – and equally clearly as an electrically powered vehicle.

Modular, flexible drive and battery storage technology.

The electric drive component of the BMW i4, its charging unit and high-voltage battery are all developed in-house by the BMW Group. Production is carried out in-house or according to BMW Group specifications. Here, the experience gained from development of the previous generations of BMW eDrive technology is consistently tapped into with the aim of optimising all components on an ongoing basis.

The BMW Group's comprehensive expertise in the field of electrified drive systems forms the basis for a scalable modular system whose components can be integrated into different vehicle concepts with great flexibility. Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology comprises a highly integrated drive system in which the electric motor, transmission and power electronics are accommodated in a single housing. This drive system is compatible with all vehicle concepts and will be available for different models in a range of output levels. The highly integrated design of the system allows a significant increase in power density as well as a reduction in weight and manufacturing effort. Production of future-generation electric motors will no longer require materials categorised as rare earths.

The next generation charging unit is characterised by a uniform package suitable for all future vehicle architectures. It can be used in plug-in hybrid models as well as in purely electrically powered vehicles and is designed for a charging capacity of up to 150 kW. This allows the high-voltage battery of the BMW i4 to be charged to around 80 per cent of its full energy content in around 35 minutes. This results in a charging time of around six minutes for a range of 100 kilometres.

In the field of high-voltage batteries, too, the advancements introduced with the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology are based on the BMW Group's in-depth expertise and years of experience. The company has an exceptionally high level of know-how both in the field of battery cell technology and in the manufacture of model-specific high-voltage batteries. This lays the foundation for continuous optimisation of the batteries – both in future plug-in hybrid models and in purely electrically powered vehicles. The BMW Group has been manufacturing modules and model-specific high-voltage batteries for vehicles with electrified drive systems since 2013. An independently developed modular system with a flexible arrangement of the modules enables integration of batteries developed in-house into various vehicle concepts. Consistent ongoing development work is dedicated to optimising the basic characteristics of the battery cells as well as the structure of the modules and their arrangement in the respective model-specific storage unit. For example, the batteries used in the BMW i4 and other future electric vehicles have a higher number of cells per module, a reduced number of components, a more compact design and increased flexibility with regard to their geometry.

With the establishment of the Battery Cell Competence Centre in Munich, the BMW Group has further expanded its research and development expertise in this area, which is crucial to the future of electromobility. The focus is on fundamental research in areas where there is an impact on customer-related factors such as energy density, accessible peak output, service life, safety, charging characteristics, response at different temperatures and manufacturing costs. At the new Battery Cell Competence Centre, research is being conducted in particular into the potential for further optimisation of cell chemistry and cell design. The selection and composition of materials for the anode, cathode, electrolyte and separator as well as the format of the battery cells made of these materials will have a key impact on the quality of high-voltage batteries used in future models with electrified propulsion.

Contents.

1. BMW Connected – the personalised digital mobility companion from BMW – celebrates its premiere. European launch in August 2016
2. A commitment to development delivers ongoing reductions in emissions: The new-generation Efficient Dynamics engine family.
3. Battery technology – a core capability of the BMW Group.
4. Competence centre for eDrive technology : The BMW Group’s Dingolfing plant is the main production centre for electric motors and high-voltage batteries.
5. Paving the way for the mobility of the future: The list of achievements keeps on growing. The BMW i3 (94 Ah).
6. The best of two worlds: The BMW iPerformance models. The BMW 740e iPerformance, BMW 740Le iPerformance and BMW 740Le xDrive iPerformance.
7. The new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo.

Munich / Stuttgart. Four wins in the latest International Engine of the Year Awards plainly demonstrate the BMW Group’s engine-building prowess. The drive unit in the BMW i8 earned two class wins as well as being declared overall winner, with a further class win being garnered by the engine of the BMW M3 and BMW M4.

The BMW i8 unit was voted class winner for its BMW TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder petrol engine, while the overall drive unit of the BMW i8 claimed a further class win as the best “new engine”. Its combination of electric motor and petrol engine also earned it overall victory. In the 2.5 to 3.0-litre displacement category, the M TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line petrol engine of the BMW M3 and BMW M4 came out on top.

This fourfold success for the BMW Group at the International Engine of the Year Awards 2015 furnishes further evidence of the performance potential of the Efficient Dynamics technology package, which since 2007 has enabled a continuous enhancement of driving pleasure while at the same time cutting fuel consumption and emissions.

The International Engine of the Year Awards were launched in 1999, since when 66 class and overall wins have gone to engines developed for BMW models. Each year an expert panel of judges, this time comprising 65 motoring journalists from 31 countries, selects the best engines in numerous categories. The prize-winners were presented with their awards on Wednesday, 17 June 2015, against the backdrop of the Engine Expo trade fair in Stuttgart.

 The three-cylinder combustion engine in the BMW i8 develops 170 kW/231 hp and drives the rear wheels, while the 96 kW/131 hp electric motor draws its energy from a lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a conventional domestic power socket, and sends its power to the front axle. This bespoke plug-in hybrid system, developed and produced by the BMW Group, enables a range of up to 37 kilometres (23 miles) in the EU test cycle and a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) on electric power alone, coupled with a “glued-to-the-road” all-wheel driving experience headlined by powerful acceleration and a dynamically-biased distribution of power through keenly taken corners. The more powerful of the two sources drives the rear wheels and uses the electric boost from the hybrid system to deliver hallmark BMW driving pleasure while at the same time offering ground breaking levels of efficiency. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 4.4 seconds, yet combined fuel consumption – as calculated in the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles – stands at 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres (approx. 135 mpg imp) plus 11.9 kWh of electricity. This equates to CO2 emissions of 49 grams per kilometre.

The M TwinPower Turbo six-in-line petrol engine in the BMW M3 and BMW M4 is exceptionally high-revving for a turbocharged engine, resulting in linear power delivery over a wide engine speed range and a unique engine note. M TwinPower Turbo technology ensures that peak torque is on tap over a broad rpm range. A further hallmark of this engine is its outstanding efficiency.

Further information on official fuel consumption figures, specific CO2 emission values and the electric power consumption of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: “Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen” (Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained from all dealerships, from the Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html. LeitfadenCO2 (GuidelineCO2) (PDF ‒ 2.7 MB)

Munich / Stuttgart. The BMW Group has extended its run of success in the International Engine of the Year Awards by recording two more class wins. The company’s latest distinctions in the globally renowned competition came courtesy of two drive units which bring sporty performance characteristics to current BMW and MINI vehicles in particularly efficient style. In a repeat of last year, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology fitted in models including the BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series finished top of its displacement category. And the 1.6-litre four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo engine from the MINI Cooper S went one better, celebrating its seventh class win in a row. The Engine of the Year Awards were presented on 5 June 2013 at the Engine Expo fair in Stuttgart.

Instantaneous power delivery and a level of efficiency unmatched by any rival were the cornerstones of the BMW Group’s successful showing in the Engine of the Year Awards. The winners in each category and overall are decided by an international jury, made up this year of 84 motoring journalists from 35 countries. The company’s success in two categories of the International Engine of the Year Awards represents further evidence of its globally recognised development expertise in the area of drive system technology. Since 1999, the BMW Group has racked up over 60 class and overall wins in the competition.

BMW TwinPower Turbo technology once again provided the key to success in the 1.8 – 2.0-litre displacement class. In the winning BMW four-cylinder engine this package of technology comprises a twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection and BMW Valvetronic fully variable valve control. The 180 kW/245 hp version of the engine is used to power the BMW 328i, BMW 528i, BMW Z4 sDrive28i, BMW X3 xDrive28i and BMW X1 xDrive28i.

The other class conqueror in the BMW Group’s engine line-up also won over the Engine of the Year Awards jury – for the seventh consecutive year – with its impressive balance of sports performance and economy. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo unit, again the dominant force in the 1.4 – 1.8-litre category, boasts twin-scroll turbocharging with an overboost function, direct petrol injection and valve control based on the Valvetronic system. Its maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp enables the MINI Cooper S to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.0 seconds and deliver average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres (48.7 mpg imp). This highly efficient drive unit is now also available for the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper S Paceman, where it can be combined with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system.

1. Source of innovation. 25 years of BMW (Forschung und) Technik GmbH. (summary version)

2. Making the force of innovation tangible. The concept vehicles of BMW Technik GmbH.

BMW Z1:  First project becomes an immediate legend.

BMW Z1 Coupé: The base for the platform concept.

BMW E1: premiere in the sphere of electric vehicles.

BMW Z13: an interior concept that breaks the mould of convention.

BMW Z18: The first off-road roadster.

BMW Z21: fascinating driving fun Just 4/2.

BMW Z22: a masterpiece in mechatronic design.

BMW Z29: driving machine made from Formula 1 materials.

3. The future of sheer driving pleasure. Efficient Dynamics – from research to road.

Fuel-cell hybrid technology for emission-free mobility in city traffic.

BMW has been developing fuel-cell technology since 1997.

APU supplies the on-board power – and also provides drive energy for the first time.

Reformer technology: fewer emissions during cold start.

Synthesis gas obtained from liquid fuel is free of residues.

Hybrid concepts: More efficiency, more driving pleasure – right from the start.

Development of hybrid technology since the 1990s.

Option for the future, available now owing to intensive research: hydrogen as fuel.

4. More driving pleasure, comfort and safety through smart networking. Connected Drive – a dynamic concept with fascinating perspectives.

Strategic support in demanding driving situations: the narrow-passage assistant.

Automated driving in hazard situations: the emergency stop assistant.

Optimised vehicle localisation: with the TrackTrainer on the North Loop of the Nürburgring.

Independent manoeuvring in very tight spaces: the garage parker.

Networking is the future: vehicle-to-vehicle communication for enhanced safety and efficiency.

Research project for innovative control systems: Drive Stick.

From sailing to vehicle: optimised head-up display technology.

Identification and integration of new technologies as a recipe for success: BMW ConnectedDrive Services with unique, world-class functionality.

Innovative services for alternative drive concepts.

BMW Key: Additional functions through networking.

Munich. The Space Shuttle crew is getting a taste of the future of
mobility at BMW. The astronauts, who normally head into space propelled
by hydrogen, have adopted the role of earthbound passengers to
experience the world's first hydrogen-powered saloon, the BMW Hydrogen
7. It is an obvious move considering that NASA was already using the
American fleet of these vehicles for test purposes at Cape Canaveral in
autumn 2007. Commander Stephen Frick takes stock of his impressions:
"It's impressive to see hydrogen functioning so smoothly in cars
as well. What I find most striking is that a car running on hydrogen
performs just as well as a petrol-driven model." Dr Draeger, Member
of the board of management of BMW AG for development, adds: "We
feel honored that the astronauts of the Atlantis Space Shuttle value
our commitment towards sustainable mobility. Only in concert with
partners from society, industry and politics will we be able to
establish hydrogen as the fuel of the future. However, this is a
marathon, not a sprint." The Space Shuttle crew's visit to the
BMW Group marks one of the stages on their tour of Germany. After
returning from a space mission it is traditional for the European
astronaut on board, on behalf of the ESA, to invite his colleagues to
Europe on a crew tour. This includes special events at select venues at
which the astronauts talk about their mission and life in space. It was
their wish to use this opportunity to see some concrete examples at the
"coalface" and to compare notes with BMW engineers.

Munich. The BMW Group picked up as many as four awards at the CAROLINA
Internet Auto Award 2007 by AutoScout24, Europe's largest automobile
portal. With its EfficientDynamics program, BMW won in the special
category "Best Innovation". "EfficientDynamics" is
BMW's package of measures to optimise fuel consumption which is sold in
models ranging from the BMW 1 Series to the BMW X5. The measures
include High Precision Injection in the modern petrol direct injection
engines, Brake Energy Regeneration, automatic air intake flaps, Auto
Start/Stop Function and intelligent lightweight construction. With
these measures, 40% of new cars made by the BMW Group have an exhaust
emissions level below 140 grams CO2 / km, from MINI to BMW and
Rolls-Royce. The BMW Concept X6 was judged "Best New IAA
Feature"; the majority of those questioned at the IAA were
enthusiastic about the idea of a Sport Activity Vehicle in coupé
form. MINI was also highly successful: the compact, sporty car not only
won the small car category by a comfortable margin, it was also awarded
the title "Most Popular Car in Europe". The Internet Auto
Award is the biggest public internet award of the automotive trade in
Europe, with some 350,000 people voting. The editorial team of
AutoScout24 chose the "Best Innovation". All winners received
the CAROLINA, an extravagantly styled metal trophy. Input text.

Los Angeles - November 29, 2006... BMW today unveiled two world premiere
vehicles during its press conference on the occasion of the Los Angeles
International Auto Show. The first premiere was the new BMW X5. The
new BMW X5 grows in size and luxury yet further improves upon the
driving dynamics that made the first iteration of the X5 such a
success. The new X5 will be available with an expanded array of
available options - one of which is a third row, seven passenger
seating option. The new X5 is now on sale in the USA. The second
premiere was the new BMW Hydrogen 7, the world's first hydrogen-drive
luxury performance automobile. The Hydrogen 7 - which has fulfilled all
of the criteria of BMW's rigorous product development process - will be
built in a limited series and will be driven by selected users in the
US and other countries in 2007. The Hydrogen 7 is based on BMW's
familiar 7 Series model and is equipped with an internal combustion
engine capable of running either on hydrogen or on gasoline. The new
BMW Hydrogen 7 With the BMW Hydrogen 7, the BMW Group is laying down a
marker for sustainable mobility. This car will play a pioneering role
in driving forward hydrogen technologies. BMW has gained an excellent
reputation for significantly reducing fuel consumption and CO2
emissions by using ultra efficient, yet very dynamic gasoline engines.
Together with clean, performance diesel engines and the technologically
advanced hybrid systems currently under development within the BMW
EfficientDynamics project, the BMW Group has a clear strategy for
sustainable mobility - with hydrogen as the ultimate goal. Hydrogen
technology dramatically reduces emissions generated by personal
transport and, in particular, minimizes the emission of CO2. Running in
the hydrogen mode, the BMW Hydrogen 7 essentially emits nothing
but water vapor. With all the comforts and amenities of a
non-hydrogen BMW 7 Series, the BMW Hydrogen 7 is powered by a
260 bhp twelve-cylinder engine that accelerates from 0-62.1 mph in
9.5 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 143 mph. The BMW
Hydrogen 7 also features a dual-mode power unit - controlled at the
touch of a button - that can switch quickly and conveniently from
hydrogen to conventional premium gasoline. The car's dual-mode drive
provides a hydrogen mode cruising range of more than 125 miles, with
another 300 miles in the gasoline mode. With this overall cruising
range of more than 400 miles, the driver of a BMW Hydrogen 7 is
able to use the vehicle without problem even when the nearest hydrogen
filling station is far away. This technology is a viable solution until
the hydrogen infrastructure is fully developed. The BMW
Hydrogen 7 emphatically proves that changing over to an alternative
form of energy doesn't mean missing out on superior driving dynamics and
comfort. The departure from fossil fuel does not in any way mean giving
up the dynamics and performance typical of a BMW. The mobility of
tomorrow and driving pleasure of today are compatible, with the drive
concept of BMW Hydrogen 7 being directly transferable to future
models. Driving a car of this caliber will be just as thrilling in the
future as it is today, but at the same time cleaner than ever before.
The new BMW X5 When it arrived nearly seven years ago, BMW's X5 could
have simply added another respected premium nameplate to the ranks of
sport-utility vehicles. Instead, it redefined the class. BMW's
description of that original X5 as a "Sports Activity
Vehicle" represented a new approach to the concept of a
traditional SUV - one that linked handling, performance and agility to
the conventional attributes of practicality, versatility and off-road
ability. The result was some 618,000 X5s were produced in BMW's
Spartanburg, South Carolina factory. For 2007, BMW expands and refines
that definition with an all-new X5, one that includes an even higher
level of achievement in each of those original concepts. In the area
of versatility, the new X5 is now available with a third row seating
option which will fold flat - along with the second row to provide a
roomier cargo area and greater flexibility of usage than its
predecessor. The luxury of the X5 has been enhanced with high quality
interior materials and design. An extended color, trim and option list
allows a customer to tailor the X5 to exactly their specifications.
Finally, in spite of the larger dimensions, increased versatility and
luxury, the performance that made the original X5 such a strong product
has been thoroughly enhanced in this new model. As in previous years,
the X5 offers a choice of 6-cylinder or V-8 performance: the X5 3.0si
and the 4.8i, both of which offer better performance and excellent
efficiency. The flagship 4.8i boasts BMW's all-aluminum Valvetronic
V-8, boosted to 4.8 liters and 350 horsepower. The 3.0si features
BMW's new 260-horsepower aluminum/magnesium inline-6. Standard
equipment on both models is a new 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic. BMW's
outstanding xDrive all-wheel-drive system continues, enhanced via a
closer link between the xDrive electronics and the X5's Dynamic
Stability Control to provide even quicker, more accurate response.
New Products for 2007 BMW also presented a number of new for 2007
products today. The 3 Series Coupe continues to raise the level of
luxury and performance from which all sport coupes are judged. In true
BMW tradition, it also establishes new standards of performance and
driving dynamics with the introduction of an exceptional engine: the
335i Coupe features a new inline six-cylinder engine with
twin-turbochargers, high precision fuel injection, and an all-aluminum
crankcase with an output of 300 horsepower. The 335i Coupe will be
joined in the U.S. by the 230 horsepower 328i Coupe. The 328i Coupe
will also will be offered with xDrive all-wheel drive for the first
time. The 3 Series sedans also benefit from the engines developed for
the coupes. For 2007, the 3 Series sedan will be offered both as a
328i and as a twin-turbo 335i. Building on its reputation as an agile,
fun to drive, attainable BMW Sports Activity Vehicle, the X3 has
received a significant freshening for the 2007 model year. It begins,
of course, with a performance upgrade. The BMW X3 3.0si - as it is now
called - is powered by the award-winning aluminum/magnesium 3.0-liter
inline six-cylinder engine, featuring VALVETRONIC technology. In the
X3 3.0si, this engine produces 260 hp at 6,600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of
torque at 2,500 rpm. This represents an increase of 35 horsepower and
11 lb-ft of torque over the model it replaces. True to its BMW
heritage, the X3 3.0si is offered with a six-speed manual as standard
equipment. A new six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission is a no
cost option in place of the previous 5-speed. It also includes revamped
exterior styling, an increase in the level of interior refinement as
well as new luxury and performance oriented options. The BMW 7
Series is the introductory "canvas" for BMW Individual in the
USA. The BMW Individual offering will provide 7 Series customers with
a selection of distinctive paints and interior treatments allowing them
to individualize their vehicles to reflect their own tastes and
personality. BMW Individual was established in 1991 as a division of
BMW M GmbH with the goal of leading the trend towards more
individuality by concentrating on customers who were looking for
made-to-measure solutions in terms of distinction, design and function.
The available BMW Individual exterior paints are developed using special
Xirallic paints and a 5-coat process that picks up fine pigments in the
coating to create constantly changing nuances in the finish, giving
greater color intensity and dramatic two-tonal effects. The interior
is fitted with the highest quality Merino full-leather upholstery,
Alcantara headliner and unique interior trim - including Piano varnish
wood trim. Illuminated BMW Individual doorsills, distinctive 20"
BMW Individual wheels and the convenient storage net in the front
passenger foot well provide the additional premium touches to
complement the BMW Individual 7 Series.