Munich. Only weeks after its market launch it has already been hailed “Off-Roader of the Year”. The new BMW X3 has made an instant and lasting impression on fans of all-wheel-drive vehicles: readers of Germany’s Off Road magazine voted it their favourite in the “SUV” category. This accolade sees the new BMW X3 following in the tyre tracks of its predecessor model, which was voted “Off-Roader of the Year” twice in succession – in 2006 and 2007. The latest Off Road reader poll also conferred outstanding rankings on two other BMW X models: the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupé was runner-up in the “Crossover” category while the new BMW X5 came third among the “Luxury Off-Roaders”.

This triple success for the family of BMW X models is further proof of just how attractive and popular a vehicle concept it is. Its triumphal career began in 1999 with the unveiling of the first-generation BMW X5, with which BMW called into being the Sports Activity Vehicle segment. This was soon followed by both the first BMW X3 and the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Its electronically controlled drive distribution not only made for surefooted traction and maximum stability on slippery surfaces, but superior dynamics on the road as well, creating a unique rendition of hallmark BMW driving pleasure. With the BMW X6 and the BMW X1, this concept found its way into further vehicle segments. Both models remain unrivalled in the competitive field of premium automobiles.

By contrast, the new BMW X3 joins a segment that is already inhabited by other premium carmakers as well. Thanks to its systematically honed qualities, however, the BMW X3 once again sets benchmarks within that category – a fact reflected in its being voted “Off-Roader of the Year”. The engines available for this Sports Activity Vehicle deliver superior performance and, thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, exemplarily low fuel consumption and emission figures as well. In spring 2011 the engine portfolio comprises two petrol and two diesel engines with output ranging from 135 kW/184 hp to 225 kW/306 hp. Depending on the choice of engine, the new BMW X3 features an eight-speed automatic transmission either as standard or as an option. All-new suspension technology brings with it a palpable improvement in agility and ride comfort compared with the predecessor model.

With luggage capacity that can be extended from 550 to 1, 600 litres and a folding, 40 : 20 : 40-split rear seat backrest the new BMW X3 boasts the greatest available space and flexibility in its segment. It also comes with a choice of innovative equipment features, driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive that is unique among the competition. As an example, the new BMW X3 is the only model in its class that has the option of a Head-Up Display and allows for in-car internet use.

The vote for “Off-Roader of the Year” ranks among the most important and traditional reader polls in Germany. Going back as far as 1982, readers of Off Road magazine have been invited annually to choose their favourite all-wheel-drive vehicles on the German car market. This year the selection was made from a line-up of 101 models in eight categories.

Munich/Frankfurt am Main. The BMW Group received one gold and five
silver awards at the 7th AutoVision International Automobile Film and
Multimedia Festival. Filmservice International from Munich and Vienna
presented the coveted "OttoCar" awards on 15 September 2005,
the opening day of the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt am
Main. From 260 projects submitted, the international jury selected 52
entries, and awarded prizes in the five main groups of advertising
spots (TV and cinema), TV programmes, websites/multimedia, information
films and product presentation films. The world's largest automobile
film and multimedia festival is a showcase for the best international
films and interactive applications. "Every silver and gold award
winner can be certain that he has achieved something
extraordinary", said jury member Andreas Wegler, Client Service
Director of the Publicis Communications Agency in Munich. The following
BMW Group projects convinced the jury: OttoCar Gold in the category
Product Presentation Films/ Motorcycles: BMW Motorrad "BMW R 1200
RT" Experience shows - and so the loving couple in the best years
of their lives drive a BMW R 1200 RT for touring. On their trip through
Norway, they drive through a breath-taking landscape full of natural
theatrical effects. In the midst of craggy fjords, wide vistas and
winding roads across mountain passes, the harmonious pair enjoy one
thing above all: the ultimate driving experience. Agency: lucie_p GmbH
Munich for BMW AG, BMW Motorrad OttoCar Silver in the category
Websites/ Multimedia/ Corporate Websites: "Relaunch of the
international BMW Website" www.bmw.com The ultimate driving machine
- the relaunch of the international BMW website offers visitors an
adventure centre online. With a Corporate Identity that has been
revised down to the last detail, high-quality 3D animations combined
with films, sound, interactive interfaces and opportunities for
downloading, the range of facilities online provides an exciting
backdrop for the BMW brand products and services. Facts and information
are presented in the highest quality and in a fascinating way. The BMW
brand home page has established itself as a benchmark in the area of
automobile websites. Agency: Interone Worldwide Hamburg for BMW AG
OttoCar Silver in the category Websites/Multimedia/Brand Websites:
"BMW WilliamsF1 Team Website" www.bmw.williamsf1.com On this
BMW web site, fans and specialist visitors can navigate at close
quarters through the 2005 Formula 1 season: Reliable information about
racing engineering and the events of the season is presented using
high-end multimedia content and interactive interfaces, and the site is
continuously updated throughout the year. Separate sections describe
every Grand Prix separately, so that fans can closely experience the
work of the BMW WilliamsF1 Team. There are more interactive events in
the "pitstop", where users can navigate via hotspots.
Agency: Phase 4 Communications GmbH Munich for BMW AG OttoCar Silver in
the category Websites/Multimedia/Brand Websites: "MINI Relaunch
/Showroom" www.mini.com/showroom At the international web site
which has been designed according to the strict requirements of the
brand Corporate Identity, the latest techniques for online
communication encourage visitors to find out about the MINI product in
an entertaining way. With high-quality photos, films and flash
animations, 3D simulations, dynamic sound and expanded interactivity,
the user-friendly navigation guides visitors through the complete
presentation of all the MINI models. An extensive model comparison
makes a difficult choice easier. Fans can put together their ideal
model using the configurator. Agency: Interone Worldwide Hamburg for the
BMW AG OttoCar Silver in the category Streaming/ Web Only Films:
"The new BMW 3 Series - the sports saloon experience "
www.bmw.com/3erlimousine The internet special developed for the new BMW
3 Series sports saloon invites visitors to take a very unusual test
drive. Film sequences with seamlessly integrated 3D animations,
sequences using intensely detailed bullet-time technology, all
accompanied by energetic sound, turn the dynamism and agility, superb
format and convincing safety features of the new BMW 3 Series into a
real experience. In addition to providing clear information about the
unique features of the product, the motto is, above all: "Feel the
drive". Agency: Interone Worldwide Hamburg for BMW AG OttoCar
Silver in the category Special Internet Advertising: The internet game
"Cool Flame - The Game" www.be-the-first-one.com In the
online ad game for the launch of the BMW 1 Series in 2004, star reporter
Harley Flame searches for film producer Seymour Deville, who has
suddenly disappeared, through the virtual Montano Beach. The five
episodes are accompanied musically by singer Gina Lopez. The game
integrates voiceover dialogues, adventure passages, jump and run
sequences and racing elements. Downloads of useful gadgets and graphics
as backgrounds or screensavers round off the contents available.
Agency: Interone Worldwide Hamburg for BMW AG If you have any
questions, please contact: Corporate Communications Jörg
Schweizer, Public Relations, Film. Placement. Entertainment. Telephone:
+49 89 382 23250, fax: +49 89 382 20697 Michael Kirsch, General Manager
Public Relations Telephone: +49 89 382 25111, fax: +49 89 382 26972
Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en e-mail: presse@bmw.de