Munich. A collaboration between BMW Group Design and Garage Italia Customs has produced an innovative colour and material concept of two concept cars based on current BMW i models. The BMW i3 Garage Italia CrossFade and the BMW i8 Garage Italia CrossFade will be presented on 30 September 2016 at the start of the Mondial de l’Automobile 2016 in Paris. The premiere in the French capital will also serve as an outlook on edition models of the BMW i3 and the BMW i8. These models, which both feature an exterior design derived from the concept cars, will become available at the beginning of 2017.

The common feature of the two concept cars is a surface structure that emphasises the groundbreaking design and the innovative character of the models BMW i3 and BMW i8 in a fascinating way. The focus here is on a specific colour design that was developed on the basis of a common painting genre during the late 19th and early 20th century and which provides for a particularly expressive appearance. “Lapo Elkann is a pioneer in linking the disciplines of fashion, automobile and design. As a designer, I find this comprehensive approach particularly exciting,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “With BMW i, we have been successful in overcoming previous restrictions in automotive design through the use of entirely new materials. So the progressive expressiveness of the Garage Italia CrossFade Edition is perfectly in keeping with the BMW i3 and the BMW i8.”

In June 2016, Garage Italia Customs had already presented the BMW i8 Futurism Edition. This vehicle also featured a body surface concept that was inspired by the art of painting. The design of the BMW i8 Futurism Edition, which was created on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of BMW Italia, is based on the painting “Lampada ad Arco” by the futuristic artist Giacomo Balla. “Technological development and constant search for innovation are common key values to both Garage Italia Customs and BMW,” adds Lapo Elkann, Chairman and Founder of Garage Italia Customs. “BMW i automobiles provide our designers with ideal opportunities for an artistic exploration of the future of mobility. The CrossFade project was a great opportunity to create something beyond the traditional idea of car painting, generating amazing effects with a unique geometrical pattern.”

The design of the concept cars now being shown in Paris was inspired by optical colour mixing, a technique already used in Pointillism of the late 19th century. This painting technique involves the creation of motifs using small and evenly distributed dashes of colour. Because the neighbouring colours are not intermixed, but only blend together in the perception of the viewer, a particularly intensive radiance is created. The selective variation of size and spacing of the individual dashes permits the creation of both precise and harmonious colour gradients.

On the body surface of the BMW i8 Garage Italia CrossFade, the accurately defined colour changes between Protonic Blue metallic and Protonic Dark Silver metallic are used to intensively underscore the lines and surface contours. Moreover, the applied dashes of paint are triangular. Resulting from this geometrical shape, both the overall impression as well as the plug-in hybrid sports car’s dynamics already symbolised in the design are accentuated even further. The colour design was realised using a complex painting process in which the car finished in Protonic Blue metallic was initially covered with a stencil film. In this way, it was possible to create the desired geometrical pattern with exceptionally high precision when the second layer of paint in Protonic Dark Silver metallic was finally applied. Moreover, the interior follows the BMW i8 Garage Italia CrossFade’s exterior design with the smooth transition from the dark silver of the front end of the car to the pure blue of the rear end printed on Alcantara textile that now covers the central tunnel, the side panels and the headliner. The surface structure of the interior and the seats in Foglizzo leather, and Protonic Blue and perforated Alcantara is effectively accentuated by the contrasting colours.

In the case of the BMW i3 Garage Italia CrossFade, the colour transition on the front end and the side panels flows in a vertical direction. The amount of blue decreases as it rises upwards to merge with the black roof and bonnet. The smooth transition is created by a transparent foiling with imprinted circular dashes of colour that symbolise the driving pleasure offered by the electrically powered five door car and become larger with increasing height. The distinctive colour design is also to be found in the interior, where high-quality textile and Alcantara surfaces additionally emphasise the premium character of the car. Base colour in each case is Protonic Blue, which is now also optionally available for the BMW i3 and exclusively in conjunction with the 94 Ah high-voltage battery.

The first plug-in hybrid production car from the BMW core brand is a Sports Activity Vehicle. Permanent all-wheel drive and the BMW EfficientDynamics eDrive technology endow the BMW X5 xDrive40e with sensational sportiness and supreme poise on the one hand and outstanding efficiency on the other. With a total system output of 230 kW generated by a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor, the BMW X5 xDrive40e achieves a combined fuel consumption of 3.4 – 3.3 litres per 100 kilometres and a combined electricity consumption of 15.4 – 15.3 kWh over the same distance. CO2 emissions come in at 78 – 77 grams per kilometre (figures according to EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, may vary depending on the tyre format specified).

The use of BMW eDrive technology for exceptionally efficient performance as well as all-electric mobility with zero tailpipe emissions as and when required ushers in a whole new form of commanding driving experience in a sports activity vehicle. At the same time, the BMW X5 xDrive40e reaps the benefits of the technology and know-how transferred from the debut of the BMW i cars. The BMW i8 blazes a trail for sustainable driving pleasure with plug-in hybrid drive power, which can now also be enjoyed for the first time in a model from the BMW core brand.

Lithium-ion battery with flexible charging options, typical SAV versatility and an exclusive ambience.The energy for the electric motor integrated in the 8-speed Steptronic transmission is drawn from a lithium-ion battery, which also supplies power to the low-voltage battery for the 12V electrical system aboard the BMW X5 xDrive40e via a voltage transformer. It can be recharged by connecting to any standard domestic power socket or a BMW i Wallbox, as well as at public charging stations. To save space the high-voltage battery is housed underneath the luggage compartment floor, where it is also particularly well protected in the event of a crash. With 500 – 1,720 litres of luggage space, a three-part folding rear backrest and a luxuriously designed interior, the BMW X5 xDrive40e also boasts the high versatility associated with a large sports activity vehicle but blended with an exclusive ambience.

Intelligent powertrain control and eDrive button for intense hybrid driving and mobility with zero local emissions. The actual driving experience is likewise characterised by versatile and effortless performance. The intelligent hybrid powertrain control ensures that the engine and the electric motor act in unison in a way that optimises efficiency while also catering perfectly to the driver’s wishes. The eDrive button on the centre console allows the driver to adjust the hybrid drive’s operating mode. In the AUTO eDrive basic setting, the engine’s power is boosted to noticeable effect when accelerating or during quick bursts of speed by the electric drive, whose full torque of 250 Newton metres is on tap from standstill for instantaneous power delivery. The BMW X5 xDrive40e completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds.

Alternatively, the MAX eDrive mode can be engaged, enabling the BMW X5 xDrive40e to run purely on electric power – when driving in urban traffic for instance – resulting in zero local emissions. When the high-voltage battery is fully charged, the vehicle has a range of up to 31 kilometres in the all-electric drive mode with a limited maximum speed of 120 km/h. The SAVE Battery mode can also be activated at the touch of a button, causing the high-voltage battery’s state of charge to be maintained or allowing energy to be accumulated again, e.g. by means of recuperation, if capacity is low. In this way, electrical energy can be deliberately conserved for all-electric driving later in the journey.

Regardless of the setting chosen with the eDrive button, the power stemming from both drive sources is permanently transmitted to the road via the intelligent all-wheel-drive system, BMW xDrive. The various vehicle set-ups that can be selected with the Driving Experience Control switch – COMFORT, SPORT and ECO PRO – are also available in all drive modes.

Hybrid-specific products and services from BMW ConnectedDrive and BMW 360° ELECTRIC.All of the driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive offered as standard or as optional extras for the BMW X5 are also available to provide enhanced driving pleasure in the model variant with eDrive technology. An intelligent energy management function is also offered as a special model-specific feature that can be used in conjunction with the Navigation system Professional which is fitted as standard in the BMW X5 xDrive40e. Whenever route guidance is active, data on the route profile is factored into powertrain control along with real-time traffic information. When driving medium to long distances, the system can therefore ensure it is possible to drive purely on electric power on urban sections by using Brake Energy Regeneration and managing the high-voltage battery’s energy reserves in a targeted and efficient manner.

The hybrid-specific version of the BMW Remote app makes it possible to check the high-voltage battery’s state of charge, locate public charging stations or call up efficiency evaluations for the BMW X5 xDrive40e on a smartphone. The auxiliary heating and ventilation functions can also be activated remotely.

The BMW i Wallbox  including installation service, are available for home charging as part of the BMW 360° ELECTRIC concept, offering customers a particularly fast and convenient means of recharging the high-voltage battery while parked. Model-specific assistance services are also available. The ChargeNow service provides cash-free access to all BMW charging stations with the ChargeNow card.

Wide-ranging equipment options.
The comprehensive standard specification of the BMW X5 on the plug-in hybrid model is extended to include the Navigation system Professional as well as an auxiliary heating and ventilation system. This is powered by electricity from the high-voltage battery or from the mains supply while charging. The BMW X5 xDrive40e additionally comes equipped as standard with the Adaptive Suspension Package Comfort including rear air suspension and Dynamic Damper Control.

Beyond this, practically all the optional extras offered for the BMW X5 can also be specified for the plug-in hybrid model. The Design Pure Experience and Pure Excellence packages for the exterior and interior are also available for the BMW X5 xDrive40e, as are the M Sport package and the bespoke features from BMW Individual.

Munich. BMW i is expanding the model range of its compact electric car, the BMW i3 and from summer will be offering a version with significantly increased battery capacity. The BMW i3 (94 Ah) has a capacity of 33 kilowatt hours (kWh) thanks to the higher storage density of the lithium ion cells. The battery dimensions remain unchanged with over 50 per cent range increase in the standard NEDC cycle which equals 300 kilometres instead of 190 kilometres.

Even in everyday use, in bad weather conditions and with the air conditioning or heating turned on, 200 kilometres of range can be achieved on one full battery charge. The driving performance figures of the 125 kW/170 hp hybrid synchronous electric motor remain virtually unchanged. The motor propels the BMW i3 from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. This makes the BMW i3 both the sportiest and most efficient electric vehicle in its segment with an electricity consumption of 12.6 kWh/100 km (NEDC).

The BMW i3 with 60 Ah battery, which has been on the market for two years, remains part of the model range. In addition, the model variant with Range Extender will still be available for both battery versions. The 2-cylinder petrol engine keeps the charge level of the battery constant while driving provides an additional range of 150 kilometres (BMW i3 (94 Ah)/BMW i3 (60 Ah): combined fuel consumption 0.6./0.6l/100 km; combined electricity consumption: 11.3/13.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 12/13 g/km)*. This broadens the model range of the best-selling premium electric vehicle in its segment worldwide to four versions. With the introduction of the BMW i3 (94 Ah), BMW i also offers new and more powerful charging stations for home garage use as well as new equipment options. Additionally, customers can have their first-generation battery retrofitted as part of a special retrofit programme and have the new battery type installed – this is made possible thanks to the modular and flexible design of the BMW i3.

The BMW i3 (94 Ah) will be available in South Africa from the fourth quarter of 2016.

About BMW i.
BMW i is a BMW Group brand and stands for visionary vehicle concepts and technologies, connected mobility services as well as a new understanding of premium strongly defined by sustainability.

BMW i is represented in 50 countries with the vehicles BMW i3 (electric car for metropolitan regions) and the BMW i8 (Plug-in-Hybrid sports car).

BMW i also incorporates BMW iPerformance automobiles (all BMW Plug-in-Hybrid vehicles) and the associated mobility services DriveNow (CarSharing), ReachNow (CarSharing 2.0), ChargeNow (easy access to the biggest charging point network worldwide), ParkNow (easy search, reservation and payment of parking spaces), BMW i Ventures (investment in young companies with the focus on urban mobility) and the BMW i Urban Mobility Competence Centre (for consulting cities, towns and municipalities).

For further details on official fuel consumption figures, official specific CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars, please refer to the "Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars", available at all sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/angebote/verlagsprodukte/leitfaden-kraftstoffverbrauch.html. ManualCO2 (PDF 2 MB)

Editorial note: The prices of the BMW i3 models in Germany are:

• BMW i3 (60Ah): 34.950€ (BEV), 39.950€ (REX)
• BMW i3 (94Ah): 36.150€ (BEV) , 41.150€ (REX)

Midrand, Johannesburg. BMW Group South Africa today announced the BMW i sales and service dealers that will provide comprehensive maintenance services to all customers who purchase the BMW i3 and BMW i8, which will both go on sale locally in March 2015.

The four dealerships that will sell and service the BMW i3 and i8 at the market launch are as follows:

• Club Motors Fountains, Pretoria
• Sandton Auto, Johannesburg
• SMG, Cape Town
• Supertech, Durban

“We congratulate the four dealerships that have been selected. Due to the nature of BMW i target groups and product characteristics; we believe that the demand is likely to be centered in urban areas, specifically for the BMW i3. For this reason, we are initially focusing our sales and marketing activities on regions with the strongest demand” says Mr Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW Group South Africa.

“Activities could be extended at any time to other regions and BMW i sales partners in the event of rising demand or a different distribution of demand,” Abbott adds.

“In this regard while we will launch BMW i with four dealers, we plan to install a fifth dealer immediately after a successful BMW i launch in 2015.”

The four BMW i sales dealers will service and repair BMW i vehicles under the basic and high voltage (HV) service formats only. All body repairs covering aluminium and carbon fibre (CFRP) components will be conducted at the top level BMW i service facility installed at the BMW South Africa vehicle distribution centre (VDC) in Rosslyn, Pretoria.

The announcement of the four BMW i sales and service dealers comes after BMW announced a partnership with Schneider Electric in 2014, an international expert in electrical mobility, to install the home charging BMW i WallBox for the BMW i3 and i8.

The partnership agreement includes checking the electrical installation in customers’ homes, supplying and assembling the WallBox charging point, as well as maintenance and other services for BMW i vehicles. This will allow future owners of a BMW i3 or BMW i8 to hook up their vehicles safely and quickly recharge it in the comfort of their home or office.

The recommended retail price for the WallBox Pure and standard installation is R25 000 incl. VAT. The price can vary depending on the location and layout of the required space and existing electrical infrastructure at the customer’s home which will be decided after an inspection from Schneider Electric.

The professional installation of the BMW i WallBox is one of the key factors for the success of BMW i.

The BMW i3 was recently awarded Green Car of The Year, while the BMW i8 has been named as Top Gear UK’s magazine global Car of the Year 2014.

Indicative prices for the BMW i3 and i8 are as follows:

BMW i3

*Prices include VAT

BMW i8

*Price includes VAT

For more information visit www.bmwi.co.za

-Ends-

For media queries, please contact:

Ms Thando Pato

Manager: Product Communications (MINI, BMW i and BMW Motorrad)

BMW Group South Africa

Telephone: +27-12-522-2070

Mobile: +27-72-232-5624

Email: thando.pato@bmw.co.za

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

OR

Mr. Edward Makwana

Manager: Group Automotive Communications

BMW Group South Africa

Telephone: +27-12-522-2227

Mobile: +27-83-717-3184

Email: edward.makwana@bmw.co.za

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

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2014, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.118 million cars and 123,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2013 was € 7.91 billion on revenues amounting to approximately € 76.06 billion. As of 31 December 2013, the BMW Group had a workforce of 110,351 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

Internet: www.bmw.co.za

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWSouthAfrica

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMW_SA   

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWSouthAfrica

About BMW i
BMW i stands for visionary vehicles and mobility services, inspirational design and a new interpretation of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability. With BMW i, the BMW Group takes an all-encompassing approach. With its tailor-made vehicle concepts, sustainability across the entire value chain and complementary mobility services, BMW i redefines the concept of individual mobility. Further information about BMW i can be found at www.bmwi.co.za

BMW 3 Series Sedan awarded the “Best Compact Executive Sedan” for the second time.

BMW i range awarded the “Green Award”.

Midrand. Three of BMW’s models have once again received top honours in the CAR Magazine 2014 Top 12 Best Buys Awards. This was revealed in the March 2014 issue of CAR Magazine, South Africa’s leading male-interest and motoring magazine.

The BMW 3 Series Sedan was awarded the “Best Compact Executive Sedan” for the second time in a row, while the BMW i3 and BMW i8 were honoured with the “Green Award”.

According to Steve Smith, Editor of CAR Magazine in South Africa, the CAR Awards recognise excellence by companies or individuals in the motoring world with a focus on the South African automotive industry and, in the Buy section of the maga­zine, CAR’s Top 12 Used Best Buys recognise the best second-hand vehicles (that are less than three years old) that are offered in the local market.

“We are very pleased to start the year with this accolade. It shows that indeed BMW is the leading premium brand in the automotive sector and encourages us to continue working hard to retain our title of being the best-selling brand in the luxury car segment, just like we did for the fourth consecutive year in 2013,” says Mr Edward Makwana, Group Automotive Communications Manager at BMW South Africa.

Best Compact Executive Sedan: BMW 3 Series Sedan.

The BMW 3 Series is the most important volume-model produced by the BMW Group as well as the biggest-selling model in the entire premium segment. At the same time, every generation of the 3 Series Sedan has been built in Rosslyn and since 1999 this plant has been responsible for production for important export markets such as the USA, Canada, China, Japan, Singapore and Australia to name but a few.

The BMW 3 Series Sedan has been on sale worldwide since February 2012 and offers not only impressive athletic flair and efficiency as is typical of BMW, but also a level of ride comfort and space which has been further optimised compared to its predecessor model. Sporty, elegant lines and a re-interpretation of the characteristic front view give the BMW 3 Series an unmistakable appearance. The current local model program includes three petrol and two diesel engine versions as well as the BMW ActiveHybrid 3.

Green Award: the BMW i range.

The BMW i3 is an uncompromisingly sustainable vehicle designed for urban areas –purpose-built for emission-free electric mobility and an intelligent form of urban transportation and commuting. The BMW i3 is currently on sale in key European markets and will go on sale in South Africa in March 2015 along with the BMW i8.

The BMW i8 is a highly contemporary sports car boasting a high degree of everyday utility. It combines the uncompromising performance of a BMW M3 with the fuel consumption of a subcompact. Thanks to its plug-in hybrid drive, most daily journeys can be taken in emission-free all-electric mode (electric range: 35 km). With the completion of the development work and final preparations for production at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig, the launch of the BMW i8 is approaching its peak. Delivery of the first customer cars will start in June 2014, beginning with the main European markets.

With BMW i, the company is opening up new target groups as well as further strengthening the positioning of the BMW parent brand as a sustainability-focused and forward-looking organization.

For more information visit www.bmw.co.za/bmwi

-Ends-

Media queries:

Edward Makwana

Manager: Group Automotive Communications

BMW South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +27-12-522-2227

Email: edward.makwana@bmw.co.za 

The BMW Group

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

In 2013, the BMW Group sold approximately 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2013 was €7.91 billion on revenues amounting to approximately €76.06 billion. As of 31 December 2013, the BMW Group had a workforce of 110,351 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

www.bmwgroup.com

www.bmw.co.za

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup (BMW South Africa)

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup (@BMW_SA)

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupview (BMW South Africa)

Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com