Midrand. In an age when flexing your creative muscles is as easy as taking your phone out of your pocket, people are exploring new frontiers, new ways to express themselves and capture the world around them. MINI South Africa has opened the door to a whole new world of creative innovation with its collaboration with local artist Shekhinah and her latest visual diary.

Titled “Spoonky” and featured on her 2025 hit album “Less Trouble”, the video makes use of MINI’s integrated vehicle technology to tell a story about irresistible love and the journey it encompasses.

Enabling this production is “Made by MINI”, a new creative platform that positions MINI and all its model derivatives as a tool for creating content and expressing oneself.

“Automotive technology is evolving and becoming more human-centred than ever. MINI has always been a brand that connects strongly to the individual and everything that makes them unique. We sought to enhance that connection through technology, and the result is a platform that’s made by MINI, for the MINI community, and one that speaks to the heart of everything we set out to achieve,” says Carmen Myles, Head of MINI South Africa.

As part of the platform, the latest generation of MINI vehicles is equipped with four high-definition exterior cameras and one “selfie” cockpit camera. The exterior cameras, located on front and rear bumpers and wing mirrors of the vehicle, are capable of capturing footage with 1620x1280 resolution at 30 FPS (frames per second), while the interior camera is located in the front overhead cluster.

Drivers can immediately access the footage captured on their MINI’s cameras on their smart devices via the MINI app, and from there can share the footage with their favourite contacts, groups, and social media platforms.

“It was quite something to see my music come to life in such a unique way. It makes you think about what’s possible when it comes to bringing your ideas and stories to life. And with MINI, those things can come to life wherever you are or wherever you’re heading to,” Shekhinah added.

The "Spoonky" visual diary was shot using the integrated cameras on the latest-generation MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4, the brand’s largest and most versatile model that combines all-wheel-drive with a flexible and dynamic driving experience, and the MINI John Cooper Works, inspired by the iconic 3-door original of the 1960s. 

“Shooting a visual diary using MINIs speaks to not only the versatility of our model offering, but also to how MINI delivers an elevated mobility experience defined by technical advancements and out-of-the-box thinking. We look forward to the videos and content that MINI owners will produce and share using their vehicle cameras and capturing their creativity and individual flair in new and exciting ways,” Carmen Myles concludes.

“Spoonky” by Shekhinah featuring MINI, and the behind-the-scene footage showing how MINI’s integrated vehicle cameras were used, is now available to watch on all MINI platforms at the links: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Munich. BMW Group Plant Munich is entering the next phase, as the plant launches production of the first near-series test vehicles for the new BMW i3*. This marks the beginning of the final preparation phase for the start of series production in the second half of 2026.

“Production of pre-series vehicles is an important milestone for our plant,” says Peter Weber, Head of BMW Group Plant Munich. “For the first time, we have built a BMW i3 entirely at our plant – using state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and digitally connected processes. With production now close to series maturity, our logistics and production processes are performing under real-world conditions across all technologies: in our modernised press shop, the new body shop, the state-of-the-art paint shop and the new assembly area, as well as the innovative logistics structures. Over the coming months, we will apply the lessons learned from the ramp-up to further refine the processes for series production and ensure a smooth series launch.”

On the road to series production

Integration of new models begins with pre-series vehicles – a crucial step in gearing up for future series production.

What makes Plant Munich unique is that a team from the facility has so far worked alongside a team from the nearby pilot plant to assemble the first vehicles at the Research and Innovation Centre. With the completion of Plant Munich’s new manufacturing and logistics areas, vehicles now pass through all production steps on site. This means that all logistics processes, manufacturing equipment and operations must already run smoothly. Although quantities are still small, all parts are supplied via the designated material flows and processed on the production line. Every part and every production step is closely scrutinised. A particular focus is on the approval inspection for cutting-edge production equipment and tools, and on how these are digitally integrated with existing systems.

Running system tests for the future vehicle model helps identify further potential for optimisation. In the coming months, efforts will be directed towards refining processes, based on the insights gained.

Employee training – first virtually, then in the real world

During this phase, employees will also undergo intensive training: until recently, using augmented reality and now, on the new installations and machinery. Close cooperation across all areas of production will ensure operations are seamlessly integrated for a smooth and successful series launch.

Munich. The new BMW iX3 is in the spotlight at CES 2026. For the first time, the enhanced, AI-powered BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with Alexa+ technology will be presented to the public. As the debut model for the Neue Klasse, the BMW iX3 showcases groundbreaking innovations that will shape the entire model range of the brand in the future. By 2027, the technologies of the Neue Klasse will be integrated into a total of 40 new models and model updates from BMW.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant expanded with Amazon Alexa+.
One year after the world premiere of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X at CES 2025, visitors to this year’s CES can experience the revolutionary user-interaction concept firsthand in the BMW iX3. With a balanced combination of digital functions and physical elements, it elevates intuitive operation according to BMW’s guiding principle ‘Hands on the Wheel, Eyes on the Road’ to a new level of driver orientation. Built on the technological foundation of a software-defined vehicle, the customer experience in the BMW iX3 continues to evolve. For the first time, BMW presents the next generation AI-powered BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. BMW is the first manufacturer to expand its voice assistant with the AI assistant Amazon Alexa+. This enables intuitive and intelligent interaction between passengers and the vehicle in a natural dialogue. The interaction includes the operation of vehicle functions as well as access to information and knowledge beyond the vehicle. For the first time, passengers can ask multiple questions in a single sentence—covering both your vehicle’s features and e.g. general knowledge topics.

The integration of Amazon Alexa+ into the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant represents a technological leap forward that focuses on added value for the customer. The AI technology used in the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is a Large Language Model (LLM), a generative AI that understands language and is capable of formulating its own responses. Starting in the second half of 2026 at the latest, this further development will be gradually rolled out in Germany and the USA across all BMW models equipped with BMW Operating System 9 and X.

BMW iX3 transforms waiting time into entertainment: stream a movie, play a video game or make a video call.^[1]
The BMW booth at CES also focuses on the wide range of entertainment options in BMW Operating System X. It offers an extensive selection of apps, videos, and games. In addition to the popular streaming service Disney+, customers in the BMW iX3 have access to the Video App (powered by TiVo™). This app enables video streaming on the central display when the vehicle is stationary, with a continuously growing selection of content such as news, live, and on-demand streaming. The portfolio of the video streaming platform will continue to evolve.

The BMW ConnectedDrive Store will also soon include the YouTube Music app for the first time, joining the more than 85 apps worldwide in categories such as Music & Audio, Entertainment, Gaming, News, Travel & Local. YouTube Music gives customers access to an extensive catalog with over 300 million tracks, including the official studio recordings, remixes, live performances, and hard-to-find covers. Zoom now allows video calls on the iX3’s central display for the first time when the vehicle is stationary. As soon as the vehicle starts moving, the video transmission stops, and the conversation seamlessly continues via audio.

In-car gaming via AirConsole, as introduced for the first time with the BMW Operating System 8.5, is also available in the new BMW iX3, featuring world-renowned titles like UNO^®️ Car Party!
A new highlight in AirConsole’s extensive game library is Hot Wheels: Xtreme Overdrive™️ from Mattel, available exclusively to BMW customers. AirConsole allows users to use their own smartphones as controllers, so all passengers can play together or compete against each other. Additional games and apps for in-car entertainment can be accessed through the BMW ConnectedDrive Store. Selected games in the BMW iX3 can also be controlled using Bluetooth controllers from conventional gaming consoles.

Sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology: higher efficiency, more range, faster charging.
The sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology developed for the Neue Klasse comprises highly efficient electric motors, fundamentally new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, and 800V technology. The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is powered by two electric motors, which together generate output of 345 kW and 645 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h. Its electric all-wheel-drive configuration consists of an extensively upgraded electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) with particularly high levels of efficiency at the rear axle and, at the front axle, a new asynchronous motor (ASM) distinguished by its compact design and high cost efficiency. The combination of EESM and ASM is evidence of the BMW Group’s commitment to technological neutrality within electric mobility as well. The drive technology developed for the Neue Klasse reduces energy losses by 40 per cent compared with fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, weight by 10 per cent and manufacturing costs by 20 per cent.

The new high-voltage battery concept with cylindrical cells for the Neue Klasse also achieves significant advances. The energy density on a cell level is 20 per cent higher than with fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, and the new concept also paves the way for a 30 per cent increase in charging speed. The cylindrical cells are integrated directly into the high-voltage battery (“cell to pack”), which benefits energy density and cost efficiency. Added to which, the high-voltage battery is integrated into the vehicle architecture as a structural component to minimise weight (“pack to open body”). The high-voltage battery in the BMW iX3 50 xDrive has a usable energy content of 108.7 kWh, enabling a range of up to 805 kilometres in the WLTP cycle.

BMW Charging: short charging times, premiere for bidirectional charging.
The advances brought by sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology have a significant influence on the charging experience, too. A maximum charging rate of 400 kW enables users to fill their new BMW iX3 with enough energy at an 800V direct current (DC) rapid charging station to add up to 372 kilometres ^[2] of range in just ten minutes. The high-voltage battery can charge from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in 21 minutes. Thanks to the battery management tech with integrated switching matrix developed completely in-house by the BMW Group, the new BMW iX3 can also be charged from 400V DC stations. Upgrades to the battery preparation also help to shorten charging times. The new BMW iX3 50 xDrive can top up on alternating current (AC) at 11 kW as standard or 22 kW ^[3] as an option.

Extensive bidirectional charging functions ^[3] are also available for the new BMW iX3, meaning that it can be used as an energy supply source for a variety of applications. The Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function turns the new BMW iX3 into a mobile powerbank, which can supply electric devices with power while on the move. Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) hands it the role of storage unit for solar energy generated by home-fitted photovoltaic systems. And customers can also hook their car up to the energy market via the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) application and earn some money in the process.

The selection of standard-fitted and optional charging accessories has been significantly expanded. For flexible charging during a journey, customers can make use of the new Multifunction Charger, which comes with several adapters for charging and discharging the high-voltage battery. The new BMW Wallbox Professional (DC) enables bidirectional charging at home or work. And BMW Charging offers the option of cost-optimised /solar-power-optimised home charging.

Heart of Joy: The Ultimate Driving Machine reaches a new level.
One of four superbrains in the electronics architecture of the Neue Klasse, the Heart of Joy looks after drivetrain and driving dynamics management. This high-performance control unit is responsible for the drivetrain, brakes, energy recuperation, and steering functions, and processes information up to ten times faster than conventional control units. In this way, the potential of electric mobility in terms of instantaneous power delivery, smooth power transfer, agility, stability, and efficiency is fully realised.

Together with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software stack developed fully in-house, the Heart of Joy calculates all the driving dynamics parameters with a new level of speed and precision. The driver and passengers in the new BMW iX3 experience a uniquely harmonious and BMW-typical driving sensation whatever the situation. Every movement of the accelerator, brake pedal, and steering is executed directly and with assurance and precision. Supreme traction and – thanks to the unique Soft Stop function – the smoothest stopping process ever achieved by a BMW are among its other attributes. In addition, the efficiency of the new BMW iX3 is optimised by the integrated management of drivetrain, braking system, and energy recuperation. In everyday driving, 98% of braking manoeuvres are carried out using recuperation only, without application of the friction brakes. The only occasions these are called upon are under emergency braking and during extremely sporty driving.

“Superbrain of automated driving” for the driver assistance systems with of the next technology generation.
Another high-performance computer brings together all the automated driving and parking functions in the BMW iX3. With 20 times greater processing power than in the previous vehicle generation, the watercooled “superbrain of automated driving” enables a significant technological advance with the Neue Klasse in this area as well.

BMW Symbiotic Drive provides seamless support.
The BMW iX3 uses its Symbiotic Drive capability combined with driver assistance to create a completely new driving experience. Whenever the driver wants to accelerate, brake or steer, their inputs merge seamlessly and intuitively with AI-enabled software.The result is a whole new form of Sheer Driving Pleasure. For example, the automatic cruise control system is not deactivated with only a light press of the brake pedal; instead, it is only switched off when the driver brakes harder. In the same way, the lane control assistance remains active even after light steering inputs by the driver.

With the optional BMW Highway Assistant ^[4], drivers can take their hands off the steering wheel permanently at speeds of up to 130 km/h, while remaining attentive and ready to intervene. The system assists with vehicle guidance within the lane and can also perform automated lane changes when needed – a simple glance as confirmation by the driver is sufficient. With active BMW Maps route guidance, the system proactively suggests lane changes at highway interchanges and exits, which can be confirmed with a quick glance in the wing mirror. The Highway Assistant remains active while passing through interchanges and until the end of highway exits. This allows BMW iX3 drivers to enjoy Level 2 driver assistance without touching the steering wheel in even more situations.

The new Highway and City Assistant ^[4] also offers innovative functions for urban environments, such as stopping and automatically restarting at traffic lights. Additional driver assistance features for complex urban driving situations will be rolled out later via over-the-air software updates.

[1] Availability of individual apps and content depends on the country. Download and use of the apps require connectivity via BMW Digital Premium or a connection to a WiFi network or mobile smartphone hotspot. App-specific subscriptions are not included in BMW Digital Premium.
[2] The range added after 10 minutes of high-power charging was determined according to ISO12906 in the WLTP cycle. This figure, as well as charging performance, depends on vehicle equipment, charging and battery aging condition, battery temperature, individual driving profile, use of auxiliary consumers, ambient temperature, and the charging power provided at the charging station.
[3] Available from production period 3/2026.
[4] Availability depends on the country.

Munich. The new BMW iX3 demonstrates the BMW Group's take on implementing a holistic approach to product sustainability across the entire life cycle. During product development, extensive measures were implemented throughout the supply chain, production and use phases, explicitly focused on conserving resources and reducing the model’s environmental footprint. As such, the Neue Klasse marks an important milestone toward achieving the company's 2030 and 2050 CO₂e targets.
 
CO₂e benefits achievable after only one year of use
The extensive decarbonisation measures in the supply chain results in an early break-even point: when charged with electricity from the European energy mix, the CO₂e footprint of the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive is lower than that of a comparable model with a combustion engine after about 21,500 kilometres (WLTP combined). When charged exclusively with electricity from renewable sources, the BMW iX3 50 xDrive beats the comparable ICE model after only 17,500 kilometres (WLTP combined), allowing customers to potentially achieve CO₂e benefits in as little as one year.

Decarbonisation in the supply chain
The key levers to reduce CO₂e emissions in the supply chain are the use of secondary materials and renewable energy, alongside product and process innovations. This combination of measures has led to a decrease of CO₂e emissions in the supply chain of 35% during product development.
The Gen6 battery cells of the BMW iX3 high-voltage storage system are made of 50% secondary cobalt, lithium, and nickel materials. In addition, renewable energies are harnessed in the anode and cathode materials and cell production. This is how CO₂e emissions per watt hour were reduced by 42% compared to the Gen5 cell of the previous model.

The BMW Group is increasingly focused on the use of innovative and secondary materials in other components as well. 
For instance, 30% of the secondary raw material  used for the engine compartment cover and the storage compartment under the front hatch is recycled maritime plastic. This post-consumer material consists of old fishing nets and ropes, preventing these materials from potentially being dumped in the ocean.
Secondary aluminum accounts for 80% of the wheel carriers and swivel bearings as well as 70% of the cast aluminum wheels.

‘Design for Circularity’: consistent implementation in the Neue Klasse 
The BMW Group applied the ‘Design for Circularity’ approach consistently in developing the BMW iX3. The approach builds on the concepts of secondary first (the prioritised use of secondary materials), strategic material selection and disassembly optimisation. As a result, secondary materials account for one third of all material used in the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive.
One example of implementing these three concepts is the Econeer seat cover, available in the interior trim Essential, whose fabric, adhesive and fleece are all made from PET. This mono-material choice increases recyclability. Moreover, the textile yarn used consists entirely of recycled PET as well.
Other components whose development followed the ‘Design for Circularity’ approach include the centre console, instrument panel and interior floor trim.

Significantly improved efficiency in the use phase    
BMW EfficientDynamics involves consistently identifying and harnessing efficiency potential in all vehicle subsystems. Applying this approach, the energy consumption of the new BMW iX3 is 20% lower than in the predecessor model (WLTP combined).
This significant improvement is primarily based on optimised aerodynamic properties, reduced rolling resistance and on-board power consumption as well as the drive’s unparalleled combination of efficiency and dynamics. 

Sustainability-centric production at BMW Group’s Debrecen plant
Designed and built according to the BMW iFactory principles, the new BMW Group plant in Debrecen, Hungary, is fully focused on efficiency, digitalisation and sustainability. It is the first BMW Group vehicle factory that is operated and produces vehicles without using fossil fuels, such as oil and gas, under normal operating conditions.
The only energy source to power operations at the site is electricity. According to current planning, up to 25% of the plant's annual electricity needs can be covered by the photovoltaic system located on the premises. The remaining electricity is obtained from other renewable energy sources. Surplus solar energy is stored in a heat storage unit and used to heat the paint shop ovens as needed.
Only 0.1 tons of CO₂e are emitted in the production of a BMW iX3 car, about two thirds below production at other BMW Group plants.

The BMW Group’s sustainability targets
The BMW Group's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and to achieving Net Zero by 2050 or earlier is an integral part of the comprehensive 360° sustainability approach incorporated in the corporate strategy. The company is pursuing ambitious, scientifically derived CO₂e targets for the coming years. For instance, the BMW Group intends to reduce its CO₂e emissions by at least 40 million tons in 2030 (baseline: 2019).

Publicly accessible, TÜV-verified Product Carbon Footprint 
For years, the BMW Group has released its vehicle footprint, which includes a greenhouse gas report for its vehicles verified by Germany’s TÜV Technical Inspection Association. The report for the new BMW iX3 50 xDrive can be downloaded here and is also available in the My BMW app. It offers increased transparency regarding raw materials used and CO₂e emissions over the entire vehicle lifecycle.

^{All information regarding the BMW iX3 50 xDrive’s mileage, energy consumption, range, energy content, dimensions, weights, share of secondary raw materials/recycled materials and other technical data and derivations thereof are provisional as of the start of production in November 2025.}

^{All model variants, equipment levels, technical data, fuel consumption and emission data mentioned correspond to the range offered in the German car market, provided the respective model is available there. Deviations in other markets are possible. Dimensions refer to the base model available in Germany; depending on wheel and tyre size as well as optional equipment selected, dimensions may vary depending on the specific configuration.}

^{Power consumption and range data were measured in accordance with the mandatory WLTP procedures and comply with the German Passenger Car Energy Consumption Labelling Ordinance (EnVKV). For more information, see www.bmw.de}  

^{The BMW Group}

^{With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.}

^{In 2024, the BMW Group sold over 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2024 was € 11.0 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.4 billion. As of 31 December 2024, the BMW Group had a workforce of 159,104 employees.}

^{The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products from the supply chain and production to the end of their useful life.}

^{www.bmwgroup.com 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup
X: https://www.x.com/bmwgroup} 

Rosslyn, Tshwane. BMW Group South Africa marked a notable milestone, hosting key national leadership, including the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by the Premier of Gauteng Province, Panyaza Lesufi, at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn on Thursday, 24 July.

The landmark visit, which saw the participation of Milan Nedeljković, Chairman of BMW South Africa and Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Production, and Ilka Horstmeier, Labour Relations Director and Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for People and Real Estate, as part of their broader engagements in South Africa, highlighted the strong and active partnership between the BMW Group and the South African government in advancing industrial growth and economic empowerment.

“The achievements at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, especially its path towards record production volumes and its crucial role in our global BMW X3 production, are a source of great pride”, comments Milan Nedeljković. “Our significant investment in electrification here demonstrates our long-term belief in South Africa as a key manufacturing hub within our global network, driving innovation, skills and sustainable growth for the region.”

Showcasing local excellence and commitment. 

The visit provided a valuable opportunity to spotlight BMW Group South Africa’s recent successes and plans. BMW Group Plant Rosslyn is set to achieve its highest annual production volume in 52 years, reflecting strong global demand and the BMW Group’s confidence in local manufacturing capabilities. This performance is underpinned by continuous investment, notably the R4.2 billion allocated for the electrification of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. The locally produced BMW X3 recently earned critical acclaim, winning the Old Mutual Insure 2025 South African Car of the Year and the Premium category awards, highlighting its strength and market appeal. BMW Group South Africa’s strong Q2 performance indicates its leadership in the premium segment, with customer demand and its electrification strategy continuing to drive production of the new BMW X3 at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. To date, Plant Rosslyn is the only plant that produces the BMW X3 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for the entire world; a fact that the team of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn takes pride in.

Advancing South Africa’s automotive sector, together.

The engagement at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn served as a pivotal platform to reinforce the company’s position as a trusted corporate citizen and contributor to national progress. During the visit, President Ramaphosa interacted with the plant assembly staff on the production line, gaining firsthand insight into daily operations, and later addressed several hundred production staff, acknowledging their dedication. Discussions during the visit highlighted BMW Group South Africa’s industry leadership, showcasing its role as a premium automotive manufacturer through innovative and sustainable practices, and emphasising its substantial investment in South Africa’s economic development.

The dialogue focused on the tangible benefits of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn, specifically its role in advancing job creation, driving essential skills development, and facilitating technology transfer within the local market. A reflection of its ongoing dedication to national transformation, BMW Group South Africa  and BMW Group Financial Services South Africa both achieved Level 1 B-BBEE status in the 2024 audit, highlighting the companies’ drive towards an inclusive and equitable workplace, and reflecting continuous, focused efforts and collaboration. Crucially, the visit has strengthened public and private sector relations, deepening BMW Group South Africa’s partnership with the local government and aligning its strategic goals with the President’s vision for industrial growth, economic empowerment and sustainable mobility.

“This engagement at Plant Rosslyn reaffirms the great partnership between the BMW Group and South Africa”, states Daniel Bester, Director of BMW Group Plant Rosslyn. “Our plant continues to be a beacon of manufacturing excellence, setting new production records and driving innovation. We remain committed to contributing to South Africa’s economic growth, actively working towards a shared, prosperous future.”

Beyond manufacturing, BMW Group South Africa’s partnership with the Youth Employment Services (YES) programme continues to create meaningful work opportunities for young South Africans, equipping them with practical experience. The company has generated over 3,500 youth work experiences since 2022. The 2025 cohort at BMW South Africa includes 86 talented individuals gaining invaluable experience across the four business entities.

Creating confidence for a shared future.

The successful gathering at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn solidifies BMW Group South Africa’s industrial leadership and its function as an integral collaborator in South Africa’s economic growth and enduring prosperity. A key pillar supporting this confidence is the company’s highly adaptive and capable manufacturing workforce. The advanced requirements for producing the new BMW X3 at BMW Group Plant Rosslyn have driven significant advancements in employee technical skills and expertise. This continuous development of local capabilities not only upholds manufacturing excellence but also reinforces South Africa’s strategic importance within the global automotive industry.

BMW is spotlighting six digital features in its global innovation campaign. With its mixture of high-tech and humour, the campaign shows how these technologies make drivers’ everyday lives significantly more comfortable as well as safer. So far, BMW has published entertaining short videos about the BMW Digital Key/ BMW Digital Key Plus on the Apple Watch, the Motorway Assistant, Remote Control Parking and BMW Curve-Ahead View. Two further films are due to follow – all of them featuring unusual situations unlikely to be covered by any manual.

Munich. Over the course of six creative social media films, BMW demonstrates how modern technology takes the driving experience to a new level. The BMW innovation campaign underscores the brand’s premium appeal – and features the tongue-in-cheek humour that has become a BMW hallmark. The films tell short stories in which digital features are not only helpers, but sometimes even become friendly accomplices. Also in starring roles: the BMW i5, BMW iX, BMW X1, BMW X3 and BMW X5, representing the wide range of digital features offered by many BMW model series.

“The BMW innovation campaign is about our promise to combine technology and driving pleasure in a unique way. We use humour to show how our digital features don’t just assist drivers but become faithful companions in everyday life,” says Bernd Körber, Senior Vice President BMW Brand and Product Management.

Benefits of advanced technology, explained in a charming and entertaining way.
The BMW Digital Key or BMW Digital Key Plus replaces the physical vehicle key. The feature also enables owners to use an Apple Watch to unlock, start and lock their vehicle. This is a major plot element in the short film called “Tight”. The protagonist really does not have room for a vehicle key in his tight trousers, so he uses his Apple Watch in order to start his BMW X3 for a night out. Intelligent technology ensures that the size of his pockets does not limit his freedom.

The motorway assistant offers automated driving at Level 2+ and is a highlight in the range of BMW driver assistance systems. On motorways and dual carriageways, it provides active steering assistance at speeds of up to 130 km/h. A particularly innovative feature is the Active Lane Change Assistant with eye activation, available in selected markets. Drivers always remain responsible, but they are able to take their hands off the wheel at certain times. This comes in very handy indeed in the short film titled “Mustache”. Sitting at the wheel of his BMW i5, the driver uses the motorway assistant so he can twirl the ends of his mustache into shape with his fingertips and put on his sunglasses, for maximum cool factor.

The campaign’s “Top Dog” film features a deliveryman who comes across an unbelievable scene: a dog sitting at the wheel of a BMW X5 smoothly steers the vehicle backwards out of a garage, a look of intense concentration on its face. But this feat is actually the result of human and artificial intelligence: the owner is controlling the car from outside via her smartphone – using the My BMW app’s Remote Control Parking function. This enables the driver to perform precise parking manoeuvres from outside the vehicle, so tight garages or narrow parking spaces are no longer a problem. The amazing scene is in fact another example of intelligent BMW technology making everyday life easier.

Small break, great fun.
In-car gaming can lead to surprising results – as the BMW innovation campaign shows in the short film titled “Race”. A businessman is enjoying a relaxed break while recharging the battery of his BMW i5 when the driver of a muscle car suddenly appears and challenges him to a race. However, the contest does not take place on the road, but in virtual reality, on the BMW Curved Display in the BMW i5 – using smartphones as controllers. What follows is an unusual showdown in a casual game. In the end, the rival’s stylish sunglasses go to the driver of the BMW i5, as a victory trophy. But the in-car gaming feature is a lot of fun, even when there are no strangers issuing challenges. In multiplayer mode, up to four people can play at the same time. The BMW Group partners with the AirConsole gaming platform for its in-car gaming support. (AirConsole is not yet available in South Africa). 

Digital solutions – in the right place and at the right time.
Sometimes it’s good to know what lies ahead, even if you can’t see it yet. That’s exactly what the BMW Curve-Ahead View in the BMW X1 is designed for: it recognises upcoming bends and highlights them in colour on the BMW Head-Up Display. In addition, the driver receives real-time feedback on their current speed – both before and during a bend. This makes for a better sense of control while also increasing safety and driving comfort.

The film “Fish” provides a charming demonstration of how useful this can be in practice: a BMW X1 is carrying moving boxes – and in the middle of it all is a goldfish in a transport bag, on its way to a new home. A winding road lies ahead, and right next to the vulnerable passenger is a box full of bristling cactus spines... (BMW Curve-Ahead View is not available in South Africa.)

Understands every word: intelligent BMW technology.
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is the digital point of contact in all new BMW models. It understands natural language, answers questions, explains vehicle functions and – depending on the situation – can become a humorous companion or even a co-conspirator. As in the film “Bye, Honey”, in which the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant aids and abets a mom driving a BMW iX. She tries in vain to engage her daughter in a conversation. Even a dramatic countdown – “5, 4 ...” – with the tongue-in-cheek request to activate the ejector seat elicits no response. Only when the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant matter-of-factly continues “3, 2, 1 ...” does the daughter suddenly prick up her ears and turn to her mother, alarmed. The mystery is quickly solved. “It was just a joke,” the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant explains – and immediately adds a suitable route recommendation to the nearest burger restaurant. 

The BMW innovation campaign was launched on 26 May. Click here to see the films published to date.


The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries. 

In 2024, the BMW Group sold over 2.45 million passenger vehicles and more than 210,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2024 was € 11.0 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.4 billion. As of 31 December 2024, the BMW Group had a workforce of 159,104 employees. 

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products from the supply chain and production to the end of their useful life.  

Munich / Berlin. Now in its fourth year, the successful partnership between BMW Group and ESMT Berlin continues to evolve. The BMW Group Change Maker Fellowships, launched in 2022, are being extended in 2025 to include ESMT’s full-time MBA and MSc programs alongside the Global Online MBA and will focus on shaping leadership for a digital future.

For the upcoming academic year, eight fellowships will be offered:

• two fellowships for the Full-time MBA programme (January 2026 intake)
• two fellowships for the MSc programmes (October 2025 intake) and
• four fellowships for the Global Online MBA programme (October 2025 intake).

This expansion marks an important shift in the collaboration between the BMW Group and ESMT. By investing in students across the business school’s degree programs, the BMW Group will support a broader and more diverse group of future leaders with strong backgrounds in mathematics and technology. These individuals will be uniquely positioned to drive positive change in business and society by bringing innovative thinking to real-world challenges in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for People and Real Estate, and Labor Relations Director emphasized the importance of this commitment. She said, "We are delighted to partner with ESMT to foster the next generation of Change Makers. Bold innovations require bold individuals. Through our commitment to additional ESMT programs, we are investing in future leaders."

Applicants must have an academic or professional background in mathematics or technology-related fields and be citizens or permanent residents of Germany, India, Portugal, Romania, China, USA or South Africa or hold refugee status in Germany. MSc and full-time MBA applicants must also be aged 30 or younger on September 1, 2025.

When applying for the BMW Group Change Maker Fellowships, candidates will be asked to answer the following question: the BMW Group seeks to actively shape the future of mobility; what aspect of a digital future fascinates you the most and why?

In total, the BMW Group currently employs around 10,000 people worldwide in IT & software development. It has been pooling the company's IT expertise in IT and software hubs worldwide since 2008. In addition to the locations in Germany, South Africa, the USA, Portugal and China, there are now two more in Romania and India. The hubs have their own distinctive tech culture and a high degree of autonomy, making them attractive places to work for regional talent pools. For this reason, BMW Group is offering the 2025 Change Maker Fellowships with a focus on digitalization to select countries of its BMW Group IT-Hub network.

ESMT President Jörg Rocholl commented, “The Change Maker Fellowships continue to deepen our shared mission with BMW Group: to foster tech-savvy leaders capable of driving meaningful, global change.”

Since their inception, the Change Maker Fellowships have emerged as a strategic initiative positioned at the crossroads of societal responsibility and global talent development. They reflect BMW Group and ESMT’s shared commitment to unlocking potential and guiding individuals toward meaningful, high-impact careers.

More information on the fellowship and the application process may be found here

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

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

Press Contact ESMT Berlin

Lennart Richter

Press Spokesperson

Email: lennart.richter@esmt.org

Telephone: +49-160-5521-393

Munich. As it pulls back the curtain on a new era in 2025, fuelled by the all-electric Neue Klasse models, BMW is creating a holistic driving and user experience that breaks genuinely new ground. One of the elements of the far-reaching BMW Panoramic iDrive concept is the new HypersonX soundscape. Developed by the BMW Group Sound Design Studio, it comprises 43 sound signals and special driving sounds for Personal Mode and Sport Mode. The multi-dimensional spectrum adapts the sounds precisely to the driving situation at hand and, in so doing, creates an emotional interaction between the driver and their vehicle.

This new stage in the evolution of the automotive sound experience has been made possible by the technological advances in hardware and software brought by the Neue Klasse. The revolutionary BMW Operating System X and a newly developed control unit pave the way for an innovative audio architecture. This allows the overall experience offered by the Neue Klasse to be perfected at an acoustic level, as well as in terms of vehicle character, driving experience and functional range.

A new dimension in drive sounds: distinctive and precisely honed.

“The unique sound spectrum of HypersonX plays a major role in giving a Neue Klasse model its own, highly distinctive character acoustically. Through our focus on precision, warmth and lightness, we can create a direct emotional connection between the driver and their vehicle,” emphasises Renzo Vitale, Creative Director of Sound Design BMW Group. In both Personal Mode and Sport Mode, the drive sounds focus on the essentials and are inspired by tones from nature and structures from the worlds of art and science. HypersonX has fewer basic notes than the sound experience previously employed. But at the same time, the acoustic spectrum has grown to include a new dimensional level. This gives the sound more “colour”, depth and precision, and it embodies more than ever the pleasure of driving for which BMW is renowned.

One of the main elements underpinning this capability is the audio control unit developed for the Neue Klasse, which enables a significant expansion of the dynamic range.

Added to which, the spatial modulation of the drive sound achievable in the Neue Klasse ensures that the vehicle occupants are thoroughly immersed in the soundscape generated by HypersonX. Under acceleration, for example, the vehicle gives the impression of moving between different three-dimensional layers of sound, thus transporting the feeling of speed and BMW-typical driving dynamics authentically into the cabin.

Humanity is a central design element of the welcome sound.

As well as intelligent reduction to the essential elements, the human aspect played an important role in the development of the soundscape for the Neue Klasse. The middle and lower frequency ranges of the BMW HypersonX sound spectrum have been brought to the fore to create a well-balanced acoustic ambience. In conjunction with intuitive operation, precisely adjusted light effects and homely interior design, this gives those on board a fine sense of wellbeing.

A choir made up of BMW Group Design Studio employees brings a voice – in their respective native languages – to moments of driving joy, infusing the welcome sound with a particularly empathetic flavour. Carefully isolated elements of these recordings enhance the overall composition of the welcome sound to excellent effect and treat the driver to moments of joy and human warmth.

BMW HypersonX gives the sounds for the Neue Klasse an expressive and distinctive, but also understated and sensitive feel. To this end, more than nine million sound instances based on BMW’s sound DNA were generated using a new algorithm. At the BMW Group Sound Design Studio, these were then filtered into a brand-typical essence that in turn generates a cohesive and multi-dimensional acoustic experience. The result is a sound that creates an emotional connection between human and vehicle in all driving situations and brings a positive, congenial and inviting aura to the acoustic presence of the Neue Klasse.

Munich. The BMW Group is the first automotive manufacturer to launch a completely newly developed digital nervous system for all drivetrain variants and vehicle segments. It is more intelligent, more powerful and more efficient and will be rolled out for the first time in the models of the Neue Klasse. Four high-performance computers, also called "Superbrains", consolidate the computing power for the most important customer functions: infotainment, automated driving, driving dynamics, and basic functions such as vehicle access, climate control, and comfort. The four Superbrains provide more than 20 times the computing power compared to the current vehicle generation and are already designed for upcoming software and function updates, including AI-powered customer experiences.

"Technology openness is the key to BMW's success. Starting with the first model of the Neue Klasse, we will roll out the technologies of the Neue Klasse across the entire future model portfolio – across all segments and all drivetrains. This also applies to our completely newly developed electronic architecture made up of powerful 'Superbrains' and highly interconnected software platforms. This architecture allows us to decouple the development of the vehicle and software from each other. The advantage: More than ever before, all future BMW models will remain digitally up to date via over-the-air upgrades and will receive updates even from the next and subsequent vehicle generations," says Frank Weber, Board Member for Development at BMW AG.

A fundamental component of the digital nervous system is the radically simplified wiring harness. It is based on a so-called zonal wiring harness architecture, which uses 600 metres less wiring and brings 30% weight savings compared to the previous generation. The wiring harness is divided into four zones: front end, centre, rear and roof. The Superbrains are connected via high-speed data connections to smaller control units, the zonal controllers, which manage and consolidate the data flow of the electronics in and out of the zones. The wiring in the vehicle is therefore zone-related and can thus be shorter, thinner, and lighter.

A crucial prerequisite for thinner and lighter wiring are the so-called "Smart eFuses". These are digital fuses that replace up to 150 traditional fuses. Smart eFuses can be intelligently programmed for digitally controlled energy distribution to components. The selective activation of components allows for the design of intelligent power modes for various vehicle states such as driving, parking, charging, and upgrading, in which unnecessary consumers can be identified and switched off. Thus, the eFuses make a significant contribution to the 20% improved energy efficiency.

The completely newly developed electronic architecture forms the basis for the next generation SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle). From the launch of the Neue Klasse, the upcoming BMW model generation will benefit from it. The first fully electric derivative of the Neue Klasse will go into series production later this year at the Debrecen plant in Hungary.

The advanced software architecture of the BMW Group builds on this new electronic architecture. With the multitude of digital functions in SDVs, it is crucial that functions can be continuously developed on stable software platforms rather than being newly developed for every new generation. This is precisely what is achieved with the Neue Klasse. In the vehicle the software platforms run on the respective Superbrains, and the vehicle functions run on top of them. The "Shared Service Layer" acts as a connecting element (middleware) and provides, among other things, state-of-the-art cybersecurity and flexible over-the-air updates. It also enables customer-relevant AI functions thanks to intelligent networking of cross-domain data sources.

"With the introduction of the Neue Klasse, we are entering a mode of software development where we achieve software continuity. This means we continuously develop software rather than starting from scratch each time," says Christoph Grote, Senior Vice President BMW Group Electronics and Software. "Based on our advanced software architecture and the fact that today our global development teams generate 130 times more software than ten years ago, we see ourselves in an excellent competitive position. More than ever, our software developers can focus on product innovations."

For the Neue Klasse, the development teams are working on well over 1,000 software modules, around 40 GB of software, and over 500 million lines of code, which will ultimately be integrated into the Superbrains and the rest of the electronic architecture in the vehicle. To achieve this, the BMW Group has established a solid foundation for future-proof and highly effective vehicle software development in recent years. Innovative methods and tools have been anchored in the continuously growing global developer network. At the heart of vehicle software development is the integrated developer environment: a tailored tool-chain called "CodeCraft." The speed and quality of development have been enhanced with the use of a variety of tools that support the software developer with generative AI. CodeCraft runs in the cloud on up to 75,000 virtual CPUs, supports the simultaneous work of well over 10,000 software developers, and records up to 200,000 software builds per day at peak times. This corresponds to a productivity increase of more than 130 times compared to ten years ago.

Munich/Las Vegas. The BMW Group presents the driving and user experience of the future at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas. BMW is providing the first opportunity to experience the close-to-production version of the new BMW iDrive – complete with its centrepiece, BMW Panoramic Vision – at the event. The software underpinning it all is the new BMW Operating System X, which acts as the intelligence hub behind the new display and operating concept. The holistic system, with its modern, style-shaping design, will be introduced in all new BMW models from the end of 2025.
“High tech meets highly intuitive operation – a quarter of a century of pioneering work and technological leadership in operating concepts has been channelled into the new BMW Panoramic iDrive,” says Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development.
“The foundations are provided by the new BMW Operating System X. With this advance, we are giving one of the world’s best and most comprehensive infotainment systems even greater capability and once again setting the industry benchmark in multimodal interaction. Starting with the first series-produced Neue Klasse model at the end of this year, the new BMW Panoramic iDrive will form an integral part of all future BMW models.” 

Four elements, one goal: consistent driver focus in characteristic BMW style.
The new BMW iDrive merges four central elements into a unique display and operating concept.

• BMW Panoramic Vision – a Head-Up Display concept newly developed by BMW for projecting content – reflects visible information from A-pillar to A-pillar onto a black printed surface in the lower section of the windscreen. This information is visible to all occupants.
  The most important driving information is projected directly into the driver's line of sight on the left-hand side of the BMW Panoramic Vision (in left-hand-drive cars), above the steering wheel. The driver can personalise the content in the central and right-hand areas of the BMW Panoramic Vision via the central display. The integration of the BMW Panoramic Vision creates a 3D effect for the driver and passengers.
• The new and optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display above the BMW Panoramic Vision now shows integrated navigation and automated driving information directly in the driver’s field of vision. The content in the BMW Panoramic Vision and BMW 3D Head-Up Display is presented in a neatly coordinated way.
  The level of innovation achieved by the two Head-Up display technologies is underlined by several patent applications from the BMW Group resulting from the development of these projection technologies.
• On the central display with matrix backlight technology, the familiar, updated menu structure with QuickSelect ensures optimal operation of the functions and content by touch. Operation is very easy and convenient, as the free-cut-design display is located close to the steering wheel in an ergonomically ideal position. Selected content (widgets) can be carried over to the BMW Panoramic Vision with a swipe on the central display. As many as six widgets are possible and they can be arranged as desired in the BMW Panoramic Vision.
• The new multifunction steering wheel uses BMW’s shy-tech approach, whereby the relevant buttons are illuminated to highlight available functions. The steering wheel serves as the primary physical control, and its buttons provide active haptic feedback. The buttons have a well-judged, relief-like surface, which makes them extremely easy to locate and means the driver can press them without needing to divert their gaze away from the road.
  The arrangement of the buttons follows the familiar principle of driver assistance functions being positioned on the left-hand side of the steering wheel and content-controlling functions on the right-hand side.
  
  

The combination of these four elements re-interprets BMW’s customary “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road” approach, with which BMW sets the benchmark for driver focus and presents a unique form of intuitive, user-friendly and ergonomically optimised operation. The BMW Panoramic iDrive always gives the driver the right information in the right place and at the right time. The system continues the approach of using an optimal combination of analogue and digital controls through the use of switches, buttons, touch and voice control. There are haptic switches for the windscreen wipers, turn signal indicators, exterior mirrors, volume control, gear selectors and window demisters. Other functions are optimised for operation using touch/voice control or via the multifunction steering wheel, such as telephone functions, media control systems, navigation, assisted driving, personalisation of displays, selection of MyModes and much more.

Alongside data-driven learnings on the use of BMW Operating Systems across the global fleet of now more than 22 million connected BMW vehicles, the development phase of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive also included numerous studies conducted in the BMW Group’s usability labs, in which around 3,000 customers were involved. Every decision on the various aspects of the operating logic is therefore based on data and made in a structured manner. Here, the user experience’s extended scope for personalisation has also been aligned with customer preferences and requirements.

BMW Operating System X: intelligent, versatile, fit for the future.
The new BMW Operating System X represents an update of the latest operating system, as used in many BMW models, and is a wholly in-house development from BMW. Like BMW Operating System 9, it is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack. It offers even greater update and upgrade capability than the predecessor system, making it both fit for the future and backwards compatible. It is ready to accommodate additional functions and will keep vehicles equipped with the new BMW Panoramic iDrive at the cutting edge of technology over a long period of time.
“The overall concept of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive with Operating System X has been enabled by a large technological leap forward,” says Stephan Durach, Senior Vice President Connected Company BMW Group. “It offers intuitive operation, emotionally engaging experiences and specific personalisation. The new BMW iDrive with Operating System X demonstrates the potential of a software-defined vehicle.”

The expanded intelligence of BMW Operating System X makes it possible to combine the BMW Panoramic Vision, optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display, central display and multifunction steering wheel with one another in such a way that physical and digital experiences merge. For example, an incoming call initially brings up a graphic on the BMW Panoramic Vision. At the same time, a symbol on the relevant steering wheel button that was not previously visible is illuminated in green, indicating the option of taking the call by pressing the button or rejecting it with a swipe on the right-hand side of the steering wheel.
When a navigation destination is entered by touch control or voice command, route guidance alerts are shown on the BMW 3D Head-Up Display and further information on roads and junctions on the BMW Panoramic Vision. A whole map overview can be shown on the central display at any time for broader-scale orientation.

The personalisation of content reaches a new level with BMW Operating System X. The displays in the Panoramic Vision can be adapted to personal preferences. In addition, drivers now also have the option of choosing their own settings for driving attributes such as response and steering characteristics in the My Mode “Personal”. Moreover, pictures chosen by the user can be uploaded as backgrounds for the Central Display and the colourway of the Ambient Lighting and user interface design adjusted to their particular preferences, creating an even more personalised driving experience.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant responds in the accustomed way to the prompt “Hey BMW” or can be called up by pressing the respective button on the multifunction steering wheel. The capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant are being constantly enhanced and will be taken to a whole new level for the Neue Klasse through the integration of Large Language Models (LLM). The use of this technology is focused initially on navigation, allowing the customer to give more extensive spoken commands using natural language: for example: “Take me to a charging station which is close to a food store.” At technology partner Amazon’s booth at CES 2025, visitors can get an initial impression of these capabilities using a beta version of this build of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant in a BMW X3. 

As with the current infotainment systems from BMW, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can – if the driver desires – make suggestions proactively based on user behaviour. This intelligence expands further with BMW Operating System X. In relevant situations, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant highlights driver assistance systems, which are rarely used by the driver. As a kind of reminder, the system suggests activating Sport Mode on suitable routes if the driver has already activated Sport Mode independently beforehand. If the driver doesn’t respond to or ignores these proactive suggestions several times, the system learns and refrains from making suggestions from then on. 

BMW Operating System X carries over the scope for integration of third-party apps from the previous infotainment generation. As things stand, the BMW ConnectedDrive Store offers more than 60 apps worldwide for BMW Operating System 9. The selection will continue to grow, e.g. with productivity apps such as video conferencing service Zoom.

Design and technology for a unique user and driving experience.
The new BMW Panoramic iDrive is scalable and will be integrated into all new BMW models – across all vehicle segments and with all drive system technologies – from the end of 2025.

The driving experience takes centre stage. The driver should feel at ease and have full control over the vehicle. This principle is reflected in the design of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive. Particular attention is paid to the details: the user interface has been designed as intuitively and adaptively as possible to ensure seamless interaction. The result is a holistic experience enhanced by a harmonious combination of sound, light and innovative design. Every journey becomes a special moment of connection between human and vehicle.
“Technology and customer preferences are changing more quickly than ever. The design of digital experiences and sound is playing an ever more important role,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The new BMW Panoramic iDrive not only makes our vehicles smarter and more user-friendly, it also enables much more extensive personalisation, which turns every new BMW into a car that is very much the user’s own.”
Another element in the holistic experience provided by the BMW Panoramic iDrive is the new HypersonX sound experience in the Neue Klasse models. Developed by the BMW Group Sound Design Studio, it comprises 43 sound signals and special driving sounds for Personal Mode and Sport Mode. The multi-dimensional spectrum adapts the sounds precisely to the driving situation at hand and, in so doing, creates an emotional interaction between the driver and their BMW.

Munich. Visitors to the next Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas will be in for a “little” surprise when they visit the BMW Pavilion in the Silver Lot to experience the first-ever BMW Panoramic iDrive display – and operating – concept of the Neue Klasse in a “magical” way. With this presentation, BMW is not only showcasing technology that will be featured in the series production Neue Klasse vehicles for the first time, but also once again setting standards for in-vehicle experience with a clear focus on driver orientation, safety, and personalisation.

The BMW CES 2025 press conference on Tuesday, January 7^th will be hosted by iconic US-based comedian Tim Meadows, starting at 8:30 a.m. PST. Meadows will be joined at the BMW Pavilion in the Silver Lot (just outside the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center) by Frank Weber, Chief Development Officer at BMW AG who will present the next generation of BMW iDrive along with Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design, and Stephan Durach, Head of UI/UX Development.

Following the press conference on January 7^th, CES attendees can visit the BMW Pavilion for repeat performances by Meadows and additional BMW experts at 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. On January 8 and 9 showtimes will begin at 10:00 a.m. and take place each hour on the hour through 5:00 p.m. Three final shows will be presented on Friday, January 10 at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. From January 2^nd, journalists and CES visitors can register for the shows in advance via the website https://ces2025.eventsbmw.com– available seats are limited.

Menlyn, Pretoria. On 13 December, BMW Group South Africa hosted the German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the BMW IT Hub. The visit underscores the growing importance of South Africa as a global technology hub and highlights the impact of the BMW IT Hub on local youth empowerment and skills development.

The German Federal President’s visit to the BMW IT Hub, during his official visit to South Africa, symbolises the close partnership between Germany and South Africa. As both nations celebrate significant milestones – Germany’s 35 years of reunification and South Africa’s 30 years of democracy – the BMW IT Hub stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation.

A shared vision for the future.

Walter Mertl, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Finance and Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, welcomed Federal President Steinmeier and Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, to the BMW IT Hub.

“We are honoured to welcome Federal President Steinmeier and Minister Tau to the BMW IT Hub,” said Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa. “This visit reaffirms the hub’s role in driving digital transformation and fostering a skilled workforce in South Africa. By investing in young talent and leveraging advanced technologies, we are contributing to the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness.”

Federal President Steinmeier had the opportunity to meet young IT professionals who develop cutting-edge technologies, including eye-tracking – a sophisticated technology that analyses eye movements to better understand user preferences and thus improve software useability. The hub’s work on developing data-driven digital twin for high-voltage batteries represents a significant step forward in the automotive industry, ensuring quality and efficiency.

Thorsten Achenbach, Director of the BMW IT Hub, commented: “The hub is more than just an IT centre; it is a platform for innovation and social impact. We are committed to empowering the next generation of IT professionals and driving sustainable growth in South Africa.”

BMW Group South Africa also hosted a high-level business delegation including executives based in Germany and South Africa who were given a tour of the hub. The meeting recognised South Africa’s thriving tech ecosystem, and the importance of the BMW IT Hub in providing IT solutions for the BMW Group globally. 

Empowering South Africa’s youth. 

The BMW IT Hub, a strategic pillar of BMW Group South Africa, is committed to nurturing young South African talent. Through initiatives such as the Graduate Tech Academy and partnerships with organisations such as Harambee, the hub empowers young people with critical IT skills, to enable them to contribute to the nation’s growing digital economy.

As one of the fastest-growing business units within the BMW Group, the BMW IT Hub has emerged as a global centre of excellence for IT services, expanding greatly since 2014. With a workforce of over 2,500 talented individuals, the hub is shaping the future of South Africa’s digital landscape.

A bright future for South Africa’s tech industry.

As South Africa and Germany continue to strengthen their bilateral relations, the German Federal President’s visit reaffirms the nation’s potential to address global challenges by leveraging technology. Both countries share a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. The BMW IT Hub is a symbol of this shared vision, continuously demonstrating its ability to shape the future of the automotive industry and beyond.

END

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Angela Konert

Head of Business Communications

Phone: +27 71 666 2472

Email: Angela.Konert@bmw.co.za

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

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2023, the BMW Group sold over 2.55 million passenger vehicles and more than 209,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2023 was € 17.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 155.5 billion. As of 31 December 2023, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,950 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products. 

www.bmwgroup.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup

X: https://www.x.com/bmwgroup

Midrand. BMW Group South Africa has introduced BMW Service with Proactive Care, an innovative customer service solution that delivers individual, pre-emptive support to a growing number of BMW owners*.

Launched ahead of the 2024 festive season – a time when many South Africans typically embark on road trips with loved ones – BMW Service with Proactive Care provides peace of mind and convenience through the integration of advanced digital technology and streamlined communication. This pioneering service ensures that BMW owners can enjoy their journeys with confidence, knowing they have access to expert assistance when needed.

“Today’s technological innovations have enabled automotive brands to take a more proactive stance when supporting vehicles and owners. With BMW Service with Proactive Care, a first for the South African market, we are proving to our valued customers that, whatever happens, we are there for them,” said Rob Gearing, General Manager for Customer Support at BMW Group South Africa.

Using BMW Service with Proactive Care, BMW can detect and inform vehicle owners about maintenance requirements or potential function failures in their BMWs at an early stage. When sensors in the vehicle detect any possible failures, that information is then shared with BMW via ConnectedDrive, after which service partners will contact the owner using email, in-vehicle messages or through the My BMW app. In urgent situations, BMW’s On Call roadside assistance service may contact owners directly by telephone.

"Relax. We Care."

In the event of vehicle servicing, BMW partners will suggest available dates for appointments, or owners can advise what date is most suitable for them. Where additional work is identified, a personalised service video can be sent to the customer via the My BMW app.

“The secret ingredient is convenience, which is illustrated in the ease with which our customers can request and receive assistance. Whether it is through in-car or in-app messages, email, phone, or roadside assistance, there is always a way for our customers to get in contact with us and for them to enjoy the added value that BMW offers. They can relax because we care,” Gearing added.

BMW's On Call roadside assistance service is available 24/7 from anywhere in South Africa. Complimentary roadside assistance is also available on the Van Reenen’s Pass located along the N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban from 13 December 2024 to 6 January 2025.

BMW Service with Proactive Care is available for all BMW models with BMW Operating System 7 or later. To sign up for the solution, vehicle owners must:

1. Activate a BMW ConnectedDrive account for their BMW.
2. Assign their vehicle to their BMW ID, either in the My BMW app or on the My BMW portal.
3. Register their details under their BMW ID, including their current phone number, email address, and preferred BMW retailer.

Owners must consent to the Privacy Policy in the vehicle and to receiving communication from the My BMW app. To make contact even easier, owners can enable push notifications in the My BMW app.

ENDS

* BMW Service with Proactive Care is available on most BMW models from model year 2018 onwards.

Munich. The number of BMW Remote Software Upgrades successfully installed by the BMW Group passed the 10 million mark at the end of September. These upgrades are transmitted over the air to the vehicles and then launched by the customer.

“Today, BMW is able to deliver over-the-air updates to more than nine million vehicles worldwide. And we can update the entire vehicle software in this way,” states Christoph Grote, Senior Vice President Electronics and Software BMW Group. “This capability clearly demonstrates our expertise in the field of software-defined vehicles. The fact that ten million Remote Software Upgrades have now been carried out in vehicles underlines how popular this form of innovation is with our customers.”

BMW sent out its first over-the-air upgrade five years ago. This functionality has since been extended to all brands, model series and drive types. The arrival of the new Operating System 9 means that MINI models can also be updated remotely, as can the Rolls-Royce Spectre. “The Remote Software Upgrade facility allows us to keep improving our vehicles without the need for a workshop visit,” Grote continues. “This brings greater comfort and safety for our customers and also offers them new features and functional improvements from time to time.”

Indeed, the BMW Remote Software Upgrade technology has enabled numerous new functions and functional improvements to be rolled out to customer vehicles. In addition to comfort and safety features, the updates have also benefited infotainment, driving, drive system and driver assistance capability. A recent customer study confirmed the importance of regular updates for product enhancement.

Connectivity is turning cars into smart mobility partners.
The BMW Group is a pioneering force in the field of connected driving. BMW has set the standard for the rest of the industry with over 22 million connected vehicles worldwide to date. Functions that have been purpose developed for electric vehicles – such as "Max Range" for maximising operating range and charging-optimised route planning – provide innovative solutions for everyday driving. With the introduction of digital premium vehicle features of this kind, the BMW Group proves time and again that compelling digital innovation and customer centricity are firmly embedded in the company’s DNA.

Munich. BMW plans to launch its first-ever series production fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2028, thereby offering customers an additional all-electric powertrain option with zero local emissions in a BMW. The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation are pooling their innovative strength and their technological capabilities to bring a new generation of fuel cell powertrain technology to the roads. Both companies share the aspiration of advancing the hydrogen economy and have extended their collaboration to push this locally zero-emission technology to the next level.

The BMW Group’s leading development expertise in electric drive technologies is once again demonstrated by its relentless efforts to advance hydrogen fuel cell technology and its embracing of a 'technology-openness' approach in order to provide customers with a range of mobility solutions for the future.

“This is a milestone in automotive history: the first-ever series production fuel cell vehicle to be offered by a global premium manufacturer. Powered by hydrogen and driven by the spirit of our cooperation, it will underscore how technological progress is shaping future mobility,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “And it will herald an era of significant demand for fuel cell electric vehicles.”

Koji Sato, President and Member of the Board of Management (Representative Director) Toyota Motor Corporation, said, “We are pleased that the collaboration between BMW and Toyota has entered a new stage. In our long history of partnership, we have confirmed that BMW and Toyota share the same passion for cars and belief in ‘technology openness’ and a ‘multi-pathway’ approach to carbon neutrality. Based on these shared values, we will deepen our collaboration in efforts such as the joint development of next-generation fuel cell systems and the expansion of infrastructure, aiming for the realisation of a hydrogen society. We will accelerate our efforts together with BMW and partners across various industries to realise a future where hydrogen energy supports society."

Shared powertrain technology utilised across individual models to offer attractive FCEV options.

The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation will jointly develop the powertrain system for passenger vehicles, with the core fuel cell technology (the individual third-generation fuel cells) creating synergies for both commercial and passenger vehicle applications. The result of this collaborative effort will be utilised in individual models from both BMW and Toyota and will expand the range of FCEV options available to customers, bringing the vision of hydrogen mobility one step closer to reality. Customers can expect the BMW and Toyota FCEV models to maintain their distinct brand identities and characteristics, providing them with individual FCEV options to choose from. Realising synergies and amalgamating the total volume of powertrain units by collaborating on development and procurement promises to drive down the costs of fuel cell technology.

BMW will launch its first hydrogen-powered production model in 2028.  

After successfully testing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet worldwide, the BMW Group is now preparing for series production of vehicles with hydrogen drive systems in 2028 on the basis of the jointly developed next-generation powertrain technology. The series production models will be integrated into BMW’s existing portfolio, i.e. BMW will offer an existing model in an additional hydrogen fuel cell drive system variant. As FCEV technology is another electric vehicle technology, the BMW Group explicitly views it as complementing the drive technology used by battery electric vehicles (BEV) and next to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and internal combustion engines (ICE).

A new level of partnership.

The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation can look back on over a decade of trusting and successful collaboration. Building on this, the companies are now extending their cooperation to accelerate innovation of next-generation fuel cell powertrain systems and pioneer this new technology.

Shared vision of advancing the hydrogen economy.

The pathway to realising the full potential of hydrogen mobility includes its use in commercial vehicles and the establishment of a refuelling infrastructure for all mobility applications, including hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles. Recognising the complementary nature of these technologies, the BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation are supporting the expansion of both hydrogen refuelling and battery electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Both companies are encouraging sustainable hydrogen supply by creating demand, working closely with companies that are building low-carbon hydrogen production, distribution, and refuelling facilities.

The BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation are advocating the creation of a conducive framework by governments and investors to facilitate the early-stage penetration of hydrogen mobility and ensure its economic viability. By promoting the corresponding infrastructure, they aim to establish the FCEV market as an additional pillar alongside other powertrain technologies. Furthermore, the companies are seeking regional or local projects to further drive the development of hydrogen infrastructure through collaborative initiatives.

Benefits of hydrogen-powered technology.

Hydrogen is recognised as a promising future energy carrier for global decarbonisation. It acts as an effective storage medium for renewable energy sources, helping to balance supply and demand and enabling a more stable and reliable integration of renewables into the energy grid. Hydrogen is the missing piece for completing the electric mobility puzzle where battery electric drive systems are not an optimal solution.

Midrand, Johannesburg. Anglo American Platinum, BMW Group South Africa and Sasol together launched the first trial of a pilot fleet of BMW iX5 Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in South Africa. 

On the signing of the collaboration agreement in October 2023 at the South African Green Hydrogen Summit, the companies agreed to a cross-industry alliance to drive forward the green hydrogen economy by actively demonstrating value chains and projects, moving from industrial policy to real world applications. The green hydrogen economy is rapidly rising to the forefront of global sustainability and energy security initiatives.

The public road vehicle trial was announced on the sidelines of the Hydrogen Council’s Regional Meeting held for the first time in Africa, in Sandton, Johannesburg on 12 and 13 February 2024. In terms of the collaboration, the companies each provide a unique part of the value chain to demonstrate their capabilities in this rapidly emerging new economy.

With the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, the BMW Group has introduced the world’s most powerful passenger hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The small series fleet is being used around the world to gain valuable insights into the operation of hydrogen FCEVs and customer experience.

Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, said at the Hydrogen Council’s Regional Meeting and at the launch of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet in South Africa that “collaboration across industries would be key to unlocking the huge potential of green hydrogen as a critical technology in the decarbonisation challenge.”

Van Binsbergen continued: “This is why we have partnered with Anglo American Platinum and Sasol to bring the BMW iX5 Hydrogen fleet to South Africa. We see Hydrogen as the ‘missing piece’ of the energy transition puzzle and, in the transport sector, it has the potential to become another pillar in the BMW Group’s drivetrain portfolio for local CO2-free mobility, alongside our established battery-electric mobility option.”

Dr. Juergen Guldner, BMW Group General Program Manager Hydrogen, said: After four years of development, the pilot fleet of BMW iX5 Hydrogen started its world tour in Antwerp, Belgium in 2023. Since then, we have showcased and tested these prototypes all over the world and see hydrogen cars as a good complement to our successful battery electric vehicles, not a competition between the two technologies. Since hydrogen cars combine the advantages of electric driving with the possibility to refuel quickly, they would be ideal for customers who travel a lot or who do not have electric charging at home or at work.”

Prakashim Moodliar, Head of Projects at Anglo American Platinum said: “As Anglo American Platinum, we believe partnerships are key to creating a local, sustainable hydrogen economy. Our Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) will play a strategic role in enabling a new industrial sector in the country and globally. In 2023 we announced our partnership with BMW Group South Africa and Sasol to bring green mobility to SA. This week’s engagements represent a clear  and continued demonstration of a green mobility ecosystem in action, which showcases the most powerful passenger fuel cell electric vehicle. The future is hydrogen.”

Dries Swanepoel, Principal Specialist Market Development at Sasol’s Low Carbon Energy Solutions business said: “Sasol is very excited about our partnership with Anglo American Platinum and BMW Group South Africa to develop a local green economy. BMW’s iX5 Hydrogen fuelled with Sasol’s hydrogen dispensed using Air Products technology is a powerful expression of thought leadership and innovation in action. Together, we are making strides towards introducing the concept of hydrogen mobility in South Africa and building the ecosystem of partners needed to do this. The central tenet to these strategic partnerships, proof-of-concept demonstrations and pilot projects is collaboration. Our joint effort is strong testament to what can be accomplished when diverse sectors come together to address one of the world's most pressing challenges.

For further information, please contact:

BMW Group South Africa

Hailey Philander

Hailey.Philander@bmw.co.za

Tel: +27 (0)71 666 2070

Anglo-American Platinum (Media)

Nomonde Ndwalaza

nomonde.ndwalaza@angloamerican.com

Tel: +27 (0)66 311 1133

Anglo American Platinum (Investors)

Theto Maake

PlatinumIR@angloamerican.com

Tel: +27 (083) 489 5215

Sasol

Matebello Motloung

Matebello.Motloung@sasol.com

Tel: +27 (0)82 773 9457

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group had a workforce of 149,475 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

www.bmwgroup.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

About Anglo-American Platinum

Anglo American Platinum Limited is a member of the Anglo American plc Group and is a leading primary producer of platinum group metals. The company is listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE). Its mining, smelting, and refining operations are based in South Africa. Elsewhere in the world, the Group owns Unki Platinum Mine and smelter in Zimbabwe. Anglo American Platinum is committed to the highest standards of safety and continues to make a meaningful and sustainable difference in the development of the communities around its operations.

www.angloamericanplatinum.com

Anglo American is a leading global mining company and our products are the essential ingredients in almost every aspect of modern life. Our portfolio of world-class competitive operations, with a broad range of future development options, provides many of the future-enabling metals and minerals for a cleaner, greener, more sustainable world and that meet the fast growing every day demands of billions of consumers. With our people at the heart of our business, we use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and to mine, process, move and market our products to our customers – safely and sustainably.

As a responsible producer of copper, nickel, platinum group metals, diamonds (through De Beers), and premium quality iron ore and steelmaking coal – with crop nutrients in development – we are committed to being carbon neutral across our operations by 2040. More broadly, our Sustainable Mining Plan commits us to a series of stretching goals to ensure we work towards a healthy environment, creating thriving communities and building trust as a corporate leader. We work together with our business partners and diverse stakeholders to unlock enduring value from precious natural resources for the benefit of the communities and countries in which we operate, for society as a whole, and for our shareholders. Anglo American is re-imagining mining to improve people’s lives.

www.angloamerican.com

About Sasol

Sasol is a global chemicals and energy company. We harness our knowledge and expertise to integrate sophisticated technologies and processes into world-scale operating facilities. We strive to safely and sustainably source, produce and market a range of high-quality products in 22 countries, preserving and creating value for stakeholders.

Anglo American Platinum, BMW Group South Africa and Sasol South Africa Limited on Monday, 16 October 2023 signed a collaboration agreement that will bring hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and supporting hydrogen refuelling technology to South Africa.

In terms of the agreement, which was signed at the 2023 South African Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town, BMW will provide the hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles, while Sasol will supply the green hydrogen and mobile refueler. These vehicles will operate on South African roads as part of an international trial to understand how the BMW iX5 Hydrogen performs in real-world conditions, following four years of development work. Anglo American Platinum, which provides platinum group metals (PGMs) used in FCEVs and has been investing in hydrogen technologies for many years, will work closely with BMW and Sasol to help develop a local green hydrogen mobility ecosystem.

The agreement is a significant step towards accelerating the uptake of FCEVs and the establishment of related infrastructure in the country. Growing the market for hydrogen-fuelled mobility solutions is a key pillar of the South African government’s green hydrogen economy strategy, which will lower carbon emissions, unlock investment, create jobs, and drive demand for critical metals and raw materials, including PGMs.

Sasol Executive Vice President for the Energy Business, Priscillah Mabelane, said: “Sasol, BMW and Anglo American Platinum recognise the urgency of addressing climate change, and this agreement demonstrates our commitment to revolutionising the energy sector by exploring and promoting cutting-edge solutions. As an organisation that has been producing and marketing hydrogen for more than 20 years, we know hydrogen. We produced our first batch of green hydrogen at our Sasolburg facility in June and in 2024 we will ramp this up to commercial scale when a 69MW wind farm, situated in the Eastern Cape, comes online. As Sasol we are excited to be part of this demonstration, which has been strategic in showcasing local capability and the art of the possible.”

Peter van Binsbergen, CEO of BMW Group South Africa, said: “One technology on its own will not be enough to enable climate-neutral mobility worldwide. As a versatile energy source, hydrogen has a key role to play on the road to climate neutrality. We believe South Africa – with its abundance of raw materials and sound infrastructure base – is ideally placed to deliver on the Green Hydrogen Economy’s promises. Soon, with collaborators Sasol and Anglo American Platinum, we will be able to demonstrate the technical maturity of BMW’s fuel cell electric vehicle drive system, underscoring its potential for the future.”

Craig Miller, CEO of Anglo American Platinum, said: “Hydrogen fuel cells are a critical technology for zero emission electric vehicles, and we believe FCEVs will play an important role in the mix of drivetrain technologies needed to decarbonise all forms of transport. FCEVs benefit from short refuelling times and long ranges, similar to using a diesel or petrol vehicle, but with the added benefit of zero emissions. Our collaboration with Sasol and BMW builds on various partnerships we have around the world to drive green mobility solutions and develop new uses for the products we mine.”

For further information, please contact:

BMW Group South Africa

Hailey Philander

Hailey.Philander@bmw.co.za

Tel: +27 (0)71 666 2070

Anglo-American Platinum (Media) 

Nomonde Ndwalaza

nomonde.ndwalaza@angloamerican.com

Tel: +27 (0)66 311 1133

Anglo American Platinum (Investors)

Franscelene Moodley

PlatinumIR@angloamerican.com

Tel: +27 (0)79 877 7848

Sasol

Matebello Motloung

Matebello.Motloung@sasol.com

Tel: +27 (0)82 773 9457

The BMW Group:

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2022, the BMW Group sold nearly 2.4 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2022 was € 23.5 billion on revenues amounting to € 142.6 billion. As of 31 December 2022, the BMW Group had a workforce of 149,475 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

www.bmwgroup.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

Notes to editors:

About Anglo-American Platinum

Anglo American Platinum Limited is a member of the Anglo American plc Group and is a leading primary producer of platinum group metals. The company is listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE). Its mining, smelting and refining operations are based in South Africa. Elsewhere in the world, the Group owns Unki Platinum Mine in Zimbabwe. Anglo American Platinum is committed to the highest standards of safety and continues to make a meaningful and sustainable difference in the development of the communities around its operations.

www.angloamericanplatinum.com

Anglo American is a leading global mining company and our products are the essential ingredients in almost every aspect of modern life. Our portfolio of world-class competitive operations, with a broad range of future development options, provides many of the future-enabling metals and minerals for a cleaner, greener, more sustainable world and that meet the fast growing every day demands of billions of consumers. With our people at the heart of our business, we use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and to mine, process, move and market our products to our customers – safely and sustainably.

As a responsible producer of copper, nickel, platinum group metals, diamonds (through De Beers), and premium quality iron ore and steelmaking coal – with crop nutrients in development – we are committed to being carbon neutral across our operations by 2040. More broadly, our Sustainable Mining Plan commits us to a series of stretching goals to ensure we work towards a healthy environment, creating thriving communities and building trust as a corporate leader. We work together with our business partners and diverse stakeholders to unlock enduring value from precious natural resources for the benefit of the communities and countries in which we operate, for society as a whole, and for our shareholders. Anglo American is re-imagining mining to improve people’s lives.

www.angloamerican.com

About Sasol

Sasol is a global chemicals and energy company. We harness our knowledge and expertise to integrate sophisticated technologies and processes into world-scale operating facilities. We strive to safely and sustainably source, produce and market a range of high-quality products in 22 countries, preserving and creating value for stakeholders.

Munich/Dubai. The vehicles in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet, which launched in February this year, have completed an intensive round of hot-weather testing in the United Arab Emirates for the first time. The car’s fuel cell drive system performed impressively in the face of temperatures rising to 45°C, as well as sand and dust, varying gradients and significant fluctuations in humidity.

The highly efficient fuel cell system, the two hydrogen tanks, the electric motor and the power battery teamed up with the central vehicle control unit to demonstrate their outstanding performance and state of readiness. The Munich-based development team examined both the functionality of all the electric systems under the extreme conditions and the provision of the cooling power to enable the full performance of the vehicle. The vehicles were able to ensure the driving dynamics for which BMW is renowned.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen goes around the world
Vehicles from the pilot fleet are currently in action in Europe, Japan, Korea, China, the USA and the Middle East. The aim is to shine a spotlight on the everyday usability of hydrogen-powered vehicles, and beyond that to gain important knowledge for the development of a potential series-produced model. The BMW Group is using the pilot fleet to provide support on a regional level for the development of a refuelling infrastructure which can be used with 700-bar refuelling technology across all categories of vehicle – from passenger cars and small vans to buses and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Synergies between different areas of application also offer important scope for developing a strong network of suppliers in hydrogen technology and reducing costs.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen combines long-distance capability and short refuelling stops with locally emission-free driving. Provided the relevant framework is in place, the hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to serve as another pillar in the BMW Group’s future drive system portfolio.

As part of its ongoing transformation, the BMW Group is applying a “technology-open” approach when it comes to drive systems. The company is therefore adapting to different customer requirements, infrastructure standards and political and regulatory landscapes in the various regions of the world. This flexibility puts the BMW Group in the position to respond quickly to changing requirements in the markets in any situation and to present an attractive offer for as many customers as possible at all times.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen has a fuel cell system generating output of 125 kW and a highly integrated drive unit using fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology (the electric motor, transmission and power electronics are grouped together in a compact housing). The output of the overall drive system is 295 kW. The hydrogen needed to power the fuel cell is stored in a pair of 700-bar tanks made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Together, these tanks can hold around six kilograms of hydrogen. This storage capacity gives the BMW iX5 Hydrogen a range of 504 km in the WLTP cycle. 

Munich. The new MINI family's all-electric models will boast sound worlds distinctive to the brand for an even more immersive driving experience. The repertoire includes completely new driving sounds in the interior, an unmistakable brand sound to distinguish it as a MINI from the exterior, jingles for the new MINI Experience Modes, as well as new sound icons for information and warning functions.

"The new sounds are an integral part of the digital experience and individually tailored to the character of each of the new models. They make an emotive appeal to the passengers in the interior while shaping the acoustic perception to the outside world. They also make it sound – as well as look – unmistakably MINI,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design. These can be experienced for the first time in the new MINI Cooper Electric.

The new MINI Sound DNA is based on the essential brand values and exudes a positive, charismatic aura. The MINI Experience Modes become the stage for the completely newly-created sound worlds. Analogue instruments, digital technology and artificial intelligence combine to generate sounds that simultaneously define it as MINI, convey information and arouse emotions.

Four driving sounds for an individual user experience.
The MINI “Core”, “Go Kart”, “Timeless” and “Balance” Experience Modes feature individually curated driving sounds that provide acoustic feedback to the driver during acceleration. These sounds are audible in the interior of the future MINI models, emotionalising the driving experience and also conveying an authentic yet informative impression of the driving situation.

The default sound world for the new MINI model family will be the “Core” driving sound. It is the only sound mode that is not only heard inside the vehicle, but outside it as well, as acoustic pedestrian protection. As a MINI brand sound, it sounds inviting, energetic and inspiring. “The new sound design for MINI is inspired by Nicolaus Copernicus, who depicts the heliocentric view of the world in which the planets revolve around the sun,” says Renzo Vitale, Creative Director Sound at the BMW Group. “We drew inspiration from the round shape of the OLED central display for the ‘Core’ driving sound. It reminds us of the sun radiating warmth. In an analogy to the planets, which each reflect the sunlight in their own way, we designed different sound components that vary depending on the driving situation.”

The MINI “Go Kart” driving sound was created for a particularly sporty driving experience. This features strongly pronounced pitch and load curves, forming a fitting sound backdrop for agile and dynamic driving.

Tradition and progress come together in the MINI “Timeless” driving sound. The engine sounds of conventionally powered models from the classic Mini to the MINI John Cooper Works GP were sampled and combined with a futuristic interpretation of the MINI “Core” driving sound to create an acoustic journey through time. The more intensively the vehicle accelerates, the more the sound morphs from the internal combustion engine past to the purely electric present.

A fourth soundscape opens up with the MINI “Balance” driving sound. It was originally designed for the MINI Vision Urbanaut and is based on the sounds experienced in a forest at different times of the day and night: from the babbling of a stream to the chirping of crickets and the rustling of the wind in the treetops. The resulting worlds of sound give a sense of relaxation and well-being on board the future MINI models.

Characteristic jingles and striking earcons.
The driving sounds for the future MINI family are assigned to the equally new Experience Modes. Their activation is announced with a characteristic jingle. This short sound sequence gets the occupants in the mood for the change to a new vehicle setting.

Another component of the completely new sound worlds for the new MINI family are known as earcons. Similar to optical icons, these serve as distinctive audible symbols to alert to certain events or information. Around 30 of these sound signals have been newly designed: from the acoustic accompaniment of the turn indicator to the seat-belt warning system and the Park Distance Control (PDC) tones. In future, they will fulfil their function as clearly identifiable signals with a distinctive and brand-typical sound, which will catch the attention of the occupants or warn of any dangers with their different sound characteristics and intensities.

Munich. History-rich British brand MINI is taking a quantum leap into the digital age with its new model family. At the heart of the action is the iconic central instrument – the MINI Interaction Unit. The round OLED display, with its 240 mm diameter and rich colours, blends perfectly into the interior of the new MINI family. Its positioning within the cabin allows it to be used comfortably by the driver and front passenger.

“We are taking a massive leap into the digital world with the new MINI family and, in so doing, underscoring the charismatic heritage of the brand. The iconic central display in the new MINI family is round and will be filled with round content for the first time. I am convinced that the digital power of the new models will delight MINI customers around the world,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI brand.

Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development: “We are presenting our all-new MINI family with a unique technology package. It is based on the latest tech stack from BMW and brings a very specific MINI flavour to signature brand-defining functions such as the Experience Modes and the voice assistant. The result is a display of cutting-edge digital fireworks with a sharp eye for detail.”

An overview of the digital highlights of the new MINI family*:

• Premiere for the automotive industry: MINI Interaction Unit is the first circular OLED display with a refreshing, MINI-typical user interface design.
• MINI Operating System 9 stands out with a MINI-specific, emotionally engaging design optimised for touch control. It is an in-house development by the BMW Group and is based for the first time on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack.
• Up to eight MINI Experience Modes provide a particularly immersive driving experience through the orchestrated use of light, user interface designs, drive settings and sound. An optional light projector on the back of the MINI Interaction Unit bathes the whole dashboard in colours and patterns to match the Experience Mode selected. The presentation of content in the optional Head-up display is also adapted accordingly.
• Unmistakable sound design for all-electric models: The acoustic repertoire comprises completely new driving sounds in the interior, a highly distinctive MINI brand sound to mark out the identity of the car from the outside, jingles for the new MINI Experience Modes and 30 new sound signals with information and warning functions. 
• The MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant is activated by the spoken command “Hey MINI” and can be used with the “MINI” or “Spike” (optional) visualisations. The Personal Assistant allows customers to control important functions by voice command, enables travel-related requests or wishes, and recognises whether it is the driver or front passenger currently speaking.
• The new, cloud-based MINI Navigation system provides particularly fast and precise route calculation. The latest map data is always streamed live into the vehicle. And charging-optimised route planning means drivers of fully electric MINIs can take on their longer journeys with peace of mind. The option Augmented View offers drivers a live video stream in the MINI Interaction Unit, with extra information added for optimum orientation for navigating. Customers can choose from various map designs and also activate an appealing visualisation option featuring 3D buildings.
• The MINI Connected Store provides optional access to a wide and ever evolving range of practical and entertaining apps, e.g. AirConsole gaming, music and video streaming (available content varies by countries).
• Digital vehicle access with compatible Apple-, Google- and Samsung devices: The optionally available MINI Digital Key Plus offers the driver flexible access to the vehicle, without having to take their smartphone out of their pocket. The key can be passed on to other people digitally using the sharing function.
• High-Speed connectivity and optional 5G-capability.
• Remote Software Upgrades: MINI vehicles also now receive regular free quality improvements via over-the-air software updates. Depending on the country, vehicle model, equipment and vehicle condition, you may even receive additional new functions or functional improvements free of charge. 

The new MINI Operating System 9 – optimised interaction for touch and voice control.

The new “Charismatic Simplicity” design language is also reflected in the aesthetic of the user interface, which brings together functional and emotional elements. The reduced design uses all-new graphics to create an extremely modern look. Static and dynamic elements blend naturally into the circular form of the OLED display, following a clear structure. Micro-animations enhance the already extremely intuitive interaction between the driver and central instrument and underscore the digital character of the new MINI family.

MINI Operating System 9 is an in-house development by the BMW Group and is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack. Operation is intuitive and follows the standards familiar from consumer electronics.

At the centre of the screen is the start menu, where personalised content can be selected and launched by swiping to the side. In the lower section of the screen is the fixed status bar containing the menu items “Navigation”, “Media”, “Telephony”, “All Apps” and, depending on the situation, “Home”, which can be selected directly. Swiping up from the lower edge of the screen reveals a tool belt, a process customers will be familiar with from many consumer electronics devices. Favourite functions can be stored here and called up again rapidly, i. e. navigation destinations and radio stations. The tool belt can also be activated via the star button on the multifunction steering wheel. The upper screen area is reserved for driving-relevant content such as the vehicle speed and important information on the vehicle status. The optional Head-up display shows the most important information for the driver in their field of view.

The temperature for the driver and front passenger is permanently displayed on the left- and right-hand edge of the screen. The climate control settings are integrated into the MINI Interaction Unit and can always be adjusted on the top layer by touch or voice command.

Depending on the Experience Mode selected, a single tap on the speed display transforms the entire MINI Interaction Unit into a MINI-typical speedometer.

MINI Experience Modes for intensely MINI moments.

The emotional connection between the new MINIs and their drivers steps up another degree in intensity with the MINI Experience Modes. Standard specification includes the Core, Green and Go-Kart Modes, each of which has its own specific user interface design. The Experience Modes can optionally be taken to the next level by the additional, coordinated use of light and sound. Drivers can immerse themselves in up to eight different worlds in the interior of the new-generation MINIs thanks to the MINI Experience Modes, with a distinctive jingle for each Mode indicating it has been activated.

The MINI Interaction Unit displays different designs and content according to the mode selected. A standout feature of the interior experience is a fresh interpretation of the signature MINI interior lighting. An optional projector on the back of the OLED display bathes the dashboard in coordinated colour worlds and patterns. The interplay of the projection, ambient lighting and MINI Interaction Unit creates a unique, immersive experience that extends into the door trim.

A particular highlight is Personal Mode, which breaks new ground in terms of personalisation and adjustability. It allows customers to turn their own pictures from their smartphone gallery into the background for the MINI Interaction Unit using the MINI App. The ambient lighting is set automatically in a colour that matches the picture selected.

The colour design in the optional Head-up display likewise adapts to the MINI Experience Mode selected. This also contributes to an emotionally engaging and consistent digital user experience.

Core: In the foreground when Core Mode is selected is the main menu with the MINI widgets. The user interface is in the MINI colour shade Laguna: an elegant, puristic and modern-looking choice. The projection and ambient lighting automatically adapt to this colour. The dashboard is immersed in the projection design of Core Mode. The “Core” driving sound becomes the new electric MINI brand sound and is the only tone that can be heard not only in the interior, but also from outside the car (as acoustic pedestrian protection). This is an inviting, energising and stimulating MINI brand sound.

Go-Kart: Ultra-dynamic and brimming with motorsport DNA, Go-Kart Mode cloaks the display and the interior as a whole in the colour shades Anthracite and Red. The MINI Interaction Unit adopts a sporty speedometer – if the driver wishes – across its full surface area. The projection and ambient lighting are adjusted automatically to the Go-Kart colours. The dashboard is draped in the projection pattern of Go-Kart Mode, and the throttle response of the accelerator pedal is optimised for dynamic driving. The Go-Kart driving sound – intended to raise the sporty driving experience another notch – is marked out by strongly pronounced pitch and fall, and as such provides a fitting soundscape for agile and dynamic driving.

Green: By concentrating on the essential details, this green-hued mode accentuates the more sustainable side of MINI mobility. The ambient lighting is green. The animal animations indicate through both their colouring and their character which efficiency level (high, medium, low) the driver is currently achieving. The throttle response of the accelerator pedal is optimised for efficient driving.

Balance: The colours, animations and layout in this puristic mode are deliberately calming and understated. The Balance driving sound is based on the noises heard in a forest at different times of the day and night – from the rippling of a stream and the chirping of crickets to the rustling of the wind in the treetops. The soundscape this creates will provide a feeling of relaxation and wellbeing on board future MINI models.

Timeless: In this mode, the heritage of classic MINIs is celebrated to full effect with a serif typeface and large speedo, and presented with a modern trim element against a light background. Timeless Mode will also be a very attractive option for night-time driving, with the design and projections adapted accordingly. Tradition and progress merge into one in the MINI “Timeless” driving sound. Here, engine sounds generated by conventionally powered models – from the classic MINI to the MINI John Cooper Works GP – are sampled and blended with a futuristic interpretation of the MINI “Core” driving sound to create an acoustic journey through time.

Vivid: This mode focuses on the presentation of media content. The colours in the user interface design and for the projections and ambient lighting in the car interior are sourced from the cover artwork for the music currently being played using automatic colour selection technology.

Personal: The possibilities are boundless with Personal Picture Upload. Personal Mode breaks new ground in terms of personalisation and adjustability. Here, customers can select their own pictures to be used for the background of the MINI Interaction Unit via the MINI App. As in Vivid Mode, a matching colour is automatically selected from the relevant image for the interior lighting and dashboard projection.

Trail: Trail will be the Experience Mode for the adventurers and explorers on board the MINI Countryman. A virtual compass and vehicle inclination data displayed symbolise the joy of discovering pastures new off the beaten track.

Unmistakable sound for all-electric MINI models.

The brand-typical soundscapes of the new MINI family are also part of the digital user experience. The spread of options includes all-new driving sounds in the interior, an unmistakable MINI brand sound to confirm the car’s identity from the outside, jingles for the new MINI Experience Modes and 30 new sound signals with information and warning functions.

The new sounds bring extra emotional appeal to the interior of the MINI and shape its acoustic statement to the world beyond. They provide the cars with a distinctive, MINI-typical identifying feature on an acoustic level. The first customers to experience the new sounds will be drivers of the new MINI Cooper Electric.

The new MINI sound DNA is based on the fundamental values of the brand and embodies a positive, charismatic aura. The MINI Experience Modes provide the stage on which the all-new soundscapes are performed. Familiar MINI sounds conveying information while also sparking emotions are generated using analogue instruments, digital technology and artificial intelligence. These MINI Experience Modes deliver immersive driving experiences.

MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant – visually accompanied by “MINI” or “Spike”.

This is the first time a full-capability voice assistant will be included in models from the MINI brand. The MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant can be activated using the greeting “Hey MINI” or by pressing the push-to-talk button on the steering wheel. The voice-controlled interaction on the circular OLED display takes place in the form of an animation made up of graphical elements, typography and an avatar. For the visualisation, users can choose between “MINI” – a stylised representation of a MINI – and optionally “Spike”, a figure already familiar to many MINI fans.

Many important functions, such as navigation, telephony, radio and temperature, can be controlled by voice command. The driver can make travel-related requests or wishes, such as “What’s the weather in... /at my destination?” and “Show me charging stations along the route”. If the customer expresses a wish, e.g. “I’m hungry” or “I’d like a coffee”, relevant options in the vicinity are displayed and route guidance to the desired destination can be started directly. Two microphones at the front of the headliner enable the system to automatically detect whether it is the driver or front passenger currently speaking.

The brand-typical character of the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant can be experienced by customers through chit-chat, which will bring up MINI-specific answers, jokes and stories. Such as the question “Do you like me” or “Tell me a joke”.

In the United Kingdom, the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant will already be based on the Alexa Custom Assistant’s AI technology stack at market launch, allowing it to engage in natural dialogue with the driver with a brand-defining voice. In many other markets, the new voice and other features also enabled by using the Alexa Custom Assistant will be introduced at a later stage over the air.

MINI Navigation: Fresh map designs and cloud-based navigation with charging-optimised route planning.

The cloud-based navigation system represents a major improvement in performance over the preceding generation and offers exceptionally intuitive destination entry. It enables very fast and dynamic route calculation based on precise real-time traffic data transmitted at short intervals, which is then combined with forecasting models. When the navigation app is selected, the map takes up the entirety of the circular display. The colour scheme for the map graphics changes to match the selected MINI Experience Mode, while buildings can also be shown in 3D if desired.

In all-electric MINI models, as soon as the destination has been entered, a charging-optimised route will be calculated if the vehicle’s current range is not enough to reach the destination. Both the calculation algorithm and the speed of calculation for charging-optimised routes are subject to a process of constant improvement. Important information for the charging stops is displayed in the route overview, such as the estimated state of charge upon arrival, recommended charging time and target state of charge for the onward journey. Live data is processed during the journey, allowing new charging stations to be automatically added to the itinerary if any of the stations originally planned for charging stops no longer have availability. The driver is also offered alternative charging-optimised routes, where available. By default, the system is set to ensure that the vehicle reaches both the final destination and the charging stops with a charge level of at least 10 per cent. Drivers are able to adjust this spare charge setting if required.

Charging is also made easier by the integration of the authorisation and start/stop functions for the charging process into the MINI App.

The optional Augmented View function enables exceptionally accurate navigational guidance. It provides a perfect complement to the navigation system’s instructions in crucial situations. For this, a live video stream from the driver’s perspective is shown on the MINI Interaction Unit and augmented by supplementary information that matches the context. At confusing junctions, for instance, an animated directional arrow is integrated into the video image to help the driver take the best turn-off for the planned route. In addition to this, information on applicable local parking regulations also appears in the live video stream in augmented reality form.

Further innovative navigation functions such as precise visualisations of lane guidance are part of the optional MINI Connected Package.

MINI Connected Store: AirConsole gaming, video streaming, Spotify and a constantly evolving range of apps.

The new MINI Connected Store combines with the optionally available MINI Connected package to provide access to a constantly evolving variety of practical and entertaining apps, including apps for gaming and music or video streaming. The availability of the apps varies from region to region in order to be able to offer customers the most tailored offer possible.

Following its introduction in current BMW models, a form of in-car gaming unique in the automotive sector now also awaits customers of the new MINI family. For example, the driver and passengers can play casual games in the AirConsole App when the vehicle is stationary as a way of passing time while waiting for the high-voltage battery to recharge.

Setting up the gaming experience with AirConsole is perfectly straightforward. All that players need is their smartphone, which acts as the controller, and the MINI Interaction Unit. Once the AirConsole App has been launched in the vehicle, the smartphone and car can be connected by scanning a QR code on the OLED display. Players can then get straight down to the action.

The AirConsole technology enables games to be made instantly available over the air and controlled using smartphones. This unique set-up means that multiple players – including passengers in the rear – can get involved in the in-car gaming fun during breaks in the journey. Generally speaking, it is possible to play alone or with all the other vehicle occupants, either as a team or in competition mode.

The games offered are casual games, so called because they are easy to pick up with intuitive control of gameplay. A range of racing, sport, general knowledge and music quiz games are available, along with simulation, strategy, jump-and-run and puzzle games, with titles including Go-Kart Go, Golazo, Music Guess and Overcooked. The portfolio of available games is constantly evolving.

Music streaming apps such as Spotify have been adapted for MINI Operating System 9 so that they integrate perfectly into the circular MINI Interaction Unit. This allows MINI customers to enjoy an intuitive and very visually appealing music streaming experience. The user’s Spotify account can be connected by simply scanning a QR code.

The MINI Connected services will be rolled out afresh in over 40 countries when the new MINI family is launched.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are likewise included as part of MINI Operating System 9 for connecting smartphones wirelessly.

Greater flexibility and digital vehicle access with the MINI Digital Key Plus.

The new MINI family of models will offer customers another highlight feature in the form of the MINI Digital Key Plus. Once this has been set up on a compatible Apple, Google or Samsung device, drivers will be given a friendly welcome as soon as they approach the new MINIs thanks to their ultra-wideband technology. The welcome sequence is continued inside the car after the door has been opened and concludes with a personalised greeting courtesy of the MINI ID functionality. And this all happens without the driver even having to take their smartphone out of their pocket or bag. Keys can be passed on to friends or family easily and securely from the Apple or Google wallet using the native “share” function familiar from many apps.

Remote Software Upgrades now standard for MINI too.

As a member of the BMW Group family, the MINI brand is benefiting from over five years of experience in over-the-air upgrades with BMW. The software architecture of the new MINI family employs the same software for Remote Software Upgrades that has benefited from ongoing development in BMW models since 2018 and ensures updates are carried out smoothly and securely. In this way, the new MINIs will receive free Remote Software Upgrades several times a year for quality improvements. Depending on the country, vehicle model, specification and vehicle status, the upgrades may also add new features or improvements to functions free of charge.

*The availability of digital services varies by country, vehicle model and equipment. Selected functions can be rolled out via remote software upgrade after market launch. Features and digital services available to the South African market will be determined closer to introduction.  

Sokolov/Munich. The BMW Group celebrated the launch of its new test site in Sokolov, Czechia (widely known as the Czech Republic). With Petr Očko, the Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade in Czechia, and Petr Kulhánek, the Governor of the Karlovy Vary region, in attendance, Ilka Hortsmeier, BMW Group’s Board Member for People and Real Estate, and Frank Weber, BMW Group’s Board Member for Development, officially opened the Future Mobility Development Center (FMDC) for fully automated development and test drives.

As the first development location of its kind in central Europe, the FMDC, in which 300 million euros have been invested, will play a key role in the company’s future mobility development. The former mining region has transformed into an innovation hub employing more than one hundred skilled workers. The surrounding terrain offers the best real-world conditions for testing of highly and fully automated driving and parking to supplement the virtual simulation of driving situations. Through this combination of virtual simulation and real-world testing, the BMW Group meets the highest safety requirements of its customers. The FMDC in Sokolov rounds out BMW’s existing group of test sites in Aschheim near Munich, Miramas in France, and Arjeplog in Sweden.

“With our new Future Mobility Development Center, we have created a one-of-a-kind test site, designed exclusively for the highly demanding testing of automated driving and parking up to level 4. On 600 hectares of land, we test all possible driving conditions with maximum flexibility and tremendous efficiency: city, countryside, freeway, as well as automated parking. The special thing: We can run our test modules one after the other without stopping. This makes our testing as realistic, reliable, and customer-oriented as possible,” said Frank Weber, BMW Board Member for Development.

The new test site not only enables the testing and further development of technological innovations, but also stands as an example of how the highest environmental protection and sustainability standards have been consistently integrated in concept and implemented. Throughout the planning and establishment of the test track, BMW worked in close cooperation with specialised ecological construction monitoring.

“Making mobility electric, digital, and sustainable goes beyond our vehicles at the BMW Group. We look at the entire value chain, including our own sites. Together with our partners, we were able to develop a former surface mine site here in Sokolov into a modern and efficient test site and create new, attractive jobs,” said Ilka Horstmeier, BMW Board Member for People and Real Estate. “The Future Mobility Development Center and its charging infrastructure are supplied with one hundred percent green electricity from renewable energy sources. This is another step toward the decarbonisation of our sites globally.”

In addition to the use of green electricity, the site is equipped with an innovative water management system that systematically collects rainwater and uses it for track irrigation. The protection and promotion of the local biodiversity were also considered throughout the planning process: amphibian control systems were installed throughout the site to ensure the safe crossing of animals across the test track. 2.2 million cubic meters of soil previously excavated by nearby mining were used to build the site. Thus, no additional land was sealed, but rather an area that had lain fallow was recycled for forward-looking technological development.

Munich / Antwerp. The BMW Group is presenting international media representatives with the first vehicles in a pilot fleet that will go into service this year. After four years of development work, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicle and development project is entering its critical next phase.

The fleet of under 100 vehicles will then be employed internationally for demonstration and trial purposes for various target groups. This active driving experience will therefore be the first chance for people not involved in the development process to gain a direct impression of what the BMW iX5 Hydrogen has to offer.

“Hydrogen is a versatile energy source that has a key role to play in the energy transition process and therefore in climate protection. After all, it is one of the most efficient ways of storing and transporting renewable energies”, said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “We should use this potential to also accelerate the transformation of the mobility sector. Hydrogen is the missing piece in the jigsaw when it comes to emission-free mobility. One technology on its own will not be enough to enable climate-neutral mobility worldwide.”

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen developed on the basis of the current BMW X5 was first unveiled as a concept at the IAA show in 2019. Initial prototypes were then made available at the IAA Mobility 2021 for visitors to experience in action as shuttle vehicles.

Its hydrogen fuel cell system is further proof of the BMW Group’s leading development expertise in the field of electric drive technologies. The BMW Group is systematically pushing forward with development of hydrogen fuel cell technology as an additional option for locally emission-free individual mobility in the future.

BMW’s technological expertise.
The BMW Group produces the highly efficient fuel cell systems for the pilot fleet at its in-house competence centre for hydrogen in Munich. This technology is one of the core elements in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen and generates a high continuous output of 125 kW.

A chemical reaction takes place in the fuel cell between gaseous hydrogen from the tanks and oxygen from the air. Maintaining a steady supply of both elements to the fuel cell’s membrane is of crucial importance for the drive system’s efficiency. In addition to the technological equivalents of features found on combustion engines, such as charge air coolers, air filters, control units and sensors, the BMW Group also developed special hydrogen components for its new fuel cell system. These include the high-speed compressor with turbine and high-voltage coolant pump, for instance.

The BMW Group sources the individual fuel cells from the Toyota Motor Corporation. The two companies have enjoyed a partnership characterised by trust for many years and have been collaborating on fuel cell drive systems since 2013.

Fuel cell systems are manufactured in two main steps, based on the individual fuel cells. The cells are first assembled into a fuel cell stack. The next step involves fitting all the other components to produce a complete fuel cell system.

Stacking of the fuel cells is largely a fully automated process. Once the individual components have been inspected for any damage, the stack is compressed by machine with a force of five tonnes and placed in a housing. The stack housing is manufactured in the light metal foundry at BMW Group Plant Landshut using a sand casting technique.

For this, molten aluminium is poured into a mould made from compacted sand mixed with resin in a process specially designed for this small-series vehicle.

The pressure plate, which delivers hydrogen and oxygen to the fuel cell stack, is made from cast plastic parts and light-alloy castings, also from the Landshut plant. The pressure plate forms a gas-tight and water-tight seal around the stack housing.

Final assembly of the fuel cell stacks includes a voltage test along with extensive testing of the chemical reaction within the cells. Finally, all the different components are fitted together in the assembly area to produce the complete system.

During this system assembly stage, further components are fitted, such as the compressor, the anode and cathode of the fuel-cell system, the high-voltage coolant pump and the wiring harness.

In combination with a highly integrated drive unit using fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology (the electric motor, transmission and power electronics are grouped together in a compact housing) at the rear axle and a power battery with lithium-ion technology developed specially for this vehicle, the powertrain channels maximum output of 295kW onto the road. In coasting overrun and braking phases, the motor also serves as a generator, feeding energy back into a power battery.

Production at Munich pilot plant.
The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is being built in the BMW Group’s pilot plant at its Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) in Munich. This is the interface between development and production where every new model from the company’s brands is made for the first time. Around 900 people work there in the body shop, assembly, model engineering, concept vehicle construction and additive manufacturing.

They are tasked with ensuring that both the product and the manufacturing process are ready for series production. In the case of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, specialists in hydrogen technology, vehicle development and initial assembly of new models have been working closely together to integrate the cutting-edge drive and energy storage technology.

Hydrogen allows rapid re-fuelling.
The hydrogen needed to supply the fuel cell is stored in two 700-bar tanks made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Together these hold almost six kilograms of hydrogen, enough to give the BMW iX5 Hydrogen a range of 504 km in the WLTP cycle. Filling up the hydrogen tanks only takes three to four minutes – so the BMW iX5 Hydrogen can also provide the driving pleasure for which BMW is renowned over long distances, with just a few, short stops along the way.

Summary of the technical data, performance, fuel consumption and range figures for the BMW iX5 Hydrogen:

Maximum output of overall drive system: 295 kW
Electric continuous output of the fuel-cell system: 125 kW
Maximum output of the battery (lithium-ion technology): 170 kW
Maximum output of the highly integrated electric drive unit: 295 kW
Capacity of the hydrogen tanks: 6 kg hydrogen (gaseous)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62 mph) < 6 s
Top speed: Over 180 km/h
Hydrogen consumption in the WLTP cycle: 1.19 kg/100 km
Range in the WLTP cycle: 504 km

FCEV technology contributes to decarbonisation.
The BMW Group is the first German carmaker to have joined the “Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign” led by the Science Based Targets initiative and is committed to achieving the goal of full climate neutrality throughout the value chain.

The next step in this process involves the BMW Group’s plan to reduce CO₂ emissions per vehicle over its full lifecycle – i.e. supply chain, production and use phase – by at least 40 per cent by 2030 compared with 2019.

The BMW Group sold more than 215,000 fully electric vehicles worldwide in 2022, which represents an increase over the previous year of almost 108 per cent. Fully electric vehicles accounted for just under 9 per cent of total sales volumes last year, and this share is set to increase to 15 per cent in 2023.

By 2030 at the latest, the BMW Group is looking to reach a situation where fully electric vehicles claim a more than 50 per cent share of its overall sales.

The BMW Group views FCEV technology expressly as a potential addition to the drive technology used by battery-electric vehicles.

Hydrogen as part of global activities for CO₂-free mobility.
According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), hydrogen offers considerable potential as a future energy source in connection with global energy transition activities. Thanks to its storage and transport capabilities, hydrogen can be used for a wide variety of applications.
Most industrialised countries are therefore adopting hydrogen strategies and backing them up with roadmaps and concrete projects. In the transport sector, hydrogen can become a further technology option, alongside battery-electric mobility, for shaping sustainable individual mobility in the long term.

However, this will depend on competitive production of sufficient quantities of hydrogen from green power, as well as expansion of the corresponding filling infrastructure, which is already being intensively pursued in many countries.

The BMW Group welcomes and supports activities to promote innovation in Germany and Europe that will help build a hydrogen economy and accelerate production of green hydrogen. These specifically include the large-scale hydrogen projects classified as Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI).

The projects that comprise this European Union initiative, supported in Germany by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Transport, span the entire value chain – from hydrogen production to transport to applications in industry.

With the right conditions, hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to become a further pillar in the BMW Group’s drive train portfolio for local CO₂-free mobility.

Munich. On 31 August, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG Oliver Zipse and Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development, will come together to inaugurate fuel cell system production at the company’s competence centre for #hydrogen in Munich. The reason for this occasion is the small series of BMW iX5 Hydrogen cars that will be entering service around the world from the end of this year for test and demonstration purposes. The combination of ##fuel cell## and high-performance battery is set to enrich the company’s portfolio by adding a unique form of drive system for the premium segment. The BMW Group is playing a visionary and pioneering role in this technology with the aim of achieving a more diversified transition to zero-emission mobility.

“As a versatile energy source, hydrogen has a key role to play on the road to climate neutrality. And it will also gain substantially in importance as far as personal mobility is concerned. We think hydrogen-powered vehicles are ideally placed technologically to fit alongside battery-electric vehicles and complete the electric mobility picture,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Wednesday. “By commencing small-scale production of fuel cells today, we are demonstrating the technical maturity of this type of drive system and underscoring its potential for the future.”

“Our many years of research and development work have enabled us to get the very most out of hydrogen technology,” added Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development. “We have managed to more than double the fuel cell’s continuous output in the second-generation fuel cell in the ##BMW iX5 Hydrogen##, while weight and size have both decreased drastically.”

Thanks to these advances, the BMW Group leads the way in the development of #hydrogen technology and considers it to hold great promise for its next generation of vehicles.

Technological expertise and high standards of efficiency in the drive system

The BMW Group will now be manufacturing highly efficient fuel cell systems at its in-house competence centre for hydrogen. This technology is one of the core elements in the BMW iX5 Hydrogen and generates a high continuous output of 125 kW. It teams up with an electric motor featuring fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology and a high-performance battery purpose developed for this vehicle to enable its powertrain to deliver 275 kW. The development team incorporated the powerful drive system – comprising two hydrogen tanks, the fuel cell and the electric motor – into the existing ##BMW X5 platform## for the small production run. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen already successfully demonstrated its excellent everyday usability, even at very low temperatures, during the final round of winter testing in Sweden at the start of this year.

The impressive testing results of this new small-scale series of cars are rooted in the BMW Group’s extensive experience with the use of hydrogen as a drive technology. Hydrogen-powered combustion engines had already been in use prior to the arrival of the fuel cell system. Efficiency considerations prompted the BMW Group to continue development work in this area from 2015 with the BMW 5 Series GT Hydrogen Cell based on fuel cell technology. Fuel cell technology has since been steadily refined by harnessing the company’s vast know-how in the field of conventional drive technologies and applying the exacting standards of all-round efficiency it expects of all its vehicles.

Production of fuel cell systems in Munich

A chemical reaction takes place in the fuel cell between hydrogen from the tanks and oxygen from the air. Maintaining a steady supply of both elements to the fuel cell’s membrane is of crucial importance for the drive system’s efficiency. In addition to the technological equivalents of features found on combustion engines, such as charge air coolers, air filters, control units and sensors, the BMW Group also developed special hydrogen components for its new fuel cell system. These include the high-speed compressor with turbine and high-voltage coolant pump, for instance.

The BMW Group sources the individual fuel cells required for manufacturing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen from the Toyota Motor Corporation. The two companies have enjoyed a partnership characterised by trust for many years and have been collaborating on fuel cell drive systems since 2013. Fuel cell systems are manufactured in two main steps. The individual fuel cells are first assembled into a fuel cell stack. The next step involves fitting all the other components to produce a complete fuel cell system.

Stacking of the fuel cells is a fully automated process. Once the individual components have been inspected for any damage, the stack is compressed by machine with a force of five tonnes and placed in a housing. The stack housing is manufactured in the light metal foundry at BMW Group Plant Landshut using a sand casting technique. For this, molten aluminium is poured into a mould made from compacted sand mixed with resin in a process specially designed for this small-series vehicle. The pressure plate, which delivers hydrogen and oxygen to the fuel cell stack, is made from cast plastic parts and light-alloy castings, also from the Landshut plant. The pressure plate forms a gas-tight and water-tight seal around the stack housing.

Final assembly of the ##fuel cell stacks## includes a voltage test along with extensive testing of the chemical reaction within the cells. Finally, all the different components are fitted together in the assembly area to produce the complete system. During this system assembly stage, further components are fitted, such as the compressor, the anode and cathode, the high-voltage coolant pump and the wiring harness.

Leipzig. An era is coming to an end at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig. The serial production of the BMW i3 is now to come to an end, some eight and a half years after it was launched. A source of inspiration, a driver of innovation, a pioneer of locally emission-free driving pleasure: The list of attributes that have accompanied the BMW Group's first large-series production automobile with fully electric drive since its debut in 2013 is long. The BMW i3 started out as an exotic specimen on the still barely tapped market for electric vehicles, developed into a classic with unmistakable charisma already in the course of its production period and goes down in the company's history as a pioneer of sustainable mobility.

For the BMW Group Plant Leipzig, the farewell to the BMW i3 is linked to the start of a new chapter in electric mobility. In a seamless transition, further e-drive components will be manufactured there with immediate effect in addition to producing high-voltage battery modules, which is already being done since May 2021. And already next year, the next generation of the MINI Countryman will be manufactured at the same location - with a fully electric drive, among other things. In this way, the electric mobility expertise of the workforce, which has been built up over the past years, will be used and advanced further. At the same time, the BMW Group Plant Leipzig becomes the first location in the company's global production network where BMW and MINI models are manufactured together.

The final anniversary: 250 , 000 units of electric driving pleasure made in Leipzig.

The BMW i3 ends its production run with an impressive homerun. Just a few days ago, the 250,000 unit of the compact e-vehicle was produced in Leipzig. This makes the BMW i3 the world's most successful electric vehicle in the premium compact segment. And contrary to what might be expected for a model that is being phased out, its popularity did not wane as it matured.

The BMW i3 has been sold in more than 74 countries around the world. In many markets, it achieved a significantly higher market share in the electric vehicle segment than the BMW brand in the area of conventionally powered cars. It also succeeded in inspiring additional target groups in the premium mobility offers from BMW. In the early years, more than 80 per cent of all BMW i3 buyers were new customers for the BMW Group.

The enduring appeal of the BMW i3, which is manufactured exclusively at the Leipzig site for the entire global market, is also due to its especially individualistic character. Its independent vehicle architecture consists of a drive module as an aluminium chassis, which carries the e-drive, the suspension and the high-voltage battery as well as a passenger cell made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) called the life module. This design, developed from the outset for pure e-mobility, made possible a particularly generous amount of space in the interior and a cockpit and centre console design which is both high-quality and very advanced. The same applies to the exterior design, which is still groundbreaking in its ninth year of production, and which is dedicated less to fashion or status than to technological avant-gardism.

Visionary technology standard-bearer with great symbolic power.

These characteristics have not only made the BMW i3 into a trailblazer for the transformation to CO₂-free mobility, but are also proof of how innovative the BMW Group is in a wide range of areas. "The BMW i3 has great symbolic power," says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. He describes the development of the BMW i3 as a prime example of the "BMW way". This is characterised in particular by the courage to "pioneer topics, to do something different and not just follow the mainstream". This mindset continues to endure, according to Zipse, because "even the BMW iX, which is quite surprising in its capabilities, has its origins in this corporate culture".

The employees involved in manufacturing the BMW i3 at the BMW Group Plant Leipzig know all too well what this culture means in practice. After all, the BMW i3 was a visionary technology standard-bearer from day one, and not just because of its electric drive. With its Life-Drive architecture, it also set new standards in the field of intelligent lightweight construction. In Leipzig, innovative processes unique in the automotive industry have been established for moulding large-format car body parts from the particularly lightweight high-tech material CFRP. Today, the BMW Group has unique expertise in the industrial use of carbon fibre in body construction and aluminium in designing chassis components.

"The BMW i3 is a true pioneer and the epitome of pioneering spirit," says Milan Nedeljković, Member of the Board of Management for Production at BMW AG. "Thanks to the BMW i3, the Leipzig plant became the birthplace of e-mobility at BMW." With the expansion of the production of e-drive components, the Leipzig plant will remain "electric" in the future, says Nedeljković. "It will become the hub for electric mobility and supply our production network worldwide with components."

Innovation driver for e-mobility and multiple award winner.

Thanks to its model-specific technology developments, the BMW i3 has also become an innovation driver for the BMW and MINI brands in numerous other areas. The 135 kW electric motor of the BMW i3s has been delivering urban driving fun and locally emission-free go-kart feeling in MINI style since 2020. The purely electric MINI Cooper SE has since become the most popular model variant of the British brand.

Originally developed for the BMW i3, the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology is now being produced. It is used in numerous purely electric and plug-in hybrid models from BMW and MINI. The ramp-up of electric mobility will continue in the coming years. By 2030, every second BMW Group vehicle sold worldwide is to be fully electric.

The BMW i3 has received numerous awards during its production period. In Germany, it was awarded the "Green Steering Wheel” already in 2013, followed three years later by the "Golden Steering Wheel", also awarded by "Auto Bild" and "Bild am Sonntag". The design, vehicle concept, interior, sustainability, value retention and connectivity technology of the BMW i3 received further national and international awards and public survey successes. These include class victories in the competitions of the magazines "Auto Zeitung" and "auto, motor und sport", awards as "UK Car of the Year", "Green Car of the Year", "Classic of the Future" and "Swiss Car of the Year" as well as the "World Car Design Award", the "iF gold product design award" and the French "Trophée de l'argus".

Rethinking mobility: The holistic approach of the BMW i brand.

In addition to the all-electric drive, the BMW i3's outstanding eco-balance also stems from the choice of materials, which is fully geared towards sustainability and resource-conserving production. It was the first BMW Group model to receive an ISO certificate issued by independent auditors at the time of its market launch, confirming its optimised environmental performance throughout its entire life cycle.

Partly recycled raw materials are used for its outer skin made of thermoplastics. The plastic used in the interior is made up of 25 percent recycled material. The textiles used for the seat surfaces are made entirely from recycled fibres. The door panels of the BMW i3 are made of kenaf fibres. Eucalyptus wood from certified cultivation in Europe serves as the raw material for parts of the instrument panel.

The holistic concept for sustainability also includes the extensive use of renewable energy in the production of the BMW i3. Four wind turbines on the site of the BMW Group plant in Leipzig supply the electricity needed for its production. At an early stage, they made the Saxon location a pioneer for CO₂-neutral vehicle production, which has been standard in all BMW Group plants around the world since last year.

In addition, the BMW i brand has provided impetus for sustainable driving pleasure and a comprehensive transformation to CO2-neutral mobility in many ways and far beyond the development of electrically powered vehicles. These activities include the urban car-sharing service DriveNow (called SHARE NOW today) which for many users is the ideal opportunity to come into contact with electric mobility for the first time, as well as the services now known as BMW Charging and MINI Charging for convenient charging at home and for easily accessing public charging stations, and the BMW Group's participation in the European fast-charging network Ionity.

The perfect introduction to the world of e-mobility - and a reliable endurance runner.

For many customers, the BMW i3 became a constant companion early on in urban settings, for the daily commute and often far beyond. The frequent drivers among the "early adopters" above all praise the low energy and maintenance costs, but also how reliable the vehicle is and the cycle stability of its high-voltage battery. They report on brake pads that have not had to be replaced even after more than 250,000 kilometres, because a large part of the deceleration power is provided by recuperation when driving the BMW i3, and of the impressive long-term quality of the high-voltage battery, which leads to only a negligible reduction in range even after similarly long running times. The BMW Group took this positive experience as an opportunity to increase the maximum mileage associated with the eight-year warranty period for the battery from 100,000 to 160,000 kilometres at the beginning of 2020.

The BMW i3's high-voltage battery has undergone continuous development since its market launch, doubling its storage capacity while retaining the same installation space. With a cell capacity of 120 ampere hours (Ah) and a gross energy content of 42.2 kilowatt hours (kWh), it now enables ranges of up to 307 kilometres (BMW i3) according to WLTP.

The high-voltage batteries developed and produced by the BMW Group are used in other areas as well. Examples of this are the Streetscooter vans used by the German postal service and the city buses of the Turkish manufacturer Karsan, as well as motorboats with electric drives of the Torqeedo brand, for which they also serve as a source of energy. In addition, BMW i high-voltage batteries are used as stationary energy storage systems for electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind or solar power. The BMW Group plant in Leipzig also has such an energy storage farm. It consists of 700 interconnected BMW i3 high-voltage batteries in which the electricity generated by the four wind turbines on the plant site can be stored.

Locally emission-free, elegant and exclusive: The HomeRun Edition of the BMW i3s.

On its home stretch, the BMW i3 once again showcases the elegant and extravagant side of its character that has already been the subject of several limited special models. The BMW i3s HomeRun Edition, was treated to a Frozen paint finish from BMW Individual for the first time. This premiere is associated with a maximum of exclusivity: Only ten units of the BMW i3s HomeRun Edition have been produced.

An an exclusive for the BMW i3s HomeRun Edition, two new BMW Individual paint finishes have been added to the range: Frozen Dark Grey and Frozen Red II. In addition the HomeRun Edition includes 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke design, an electrically operated glass roof, solar control glazing and Adaptive LED headlights. The special models also come with the particularly high-quality Suite interior design, which includes Vernasca Dark Truffle leather upholstery, a leather instrument panel, a leather steering wheel with galvanised trim, a Carum Grey roof lining, Ambient lighting and the welcome light. Other options include heated seats, comfort access, alarm system, Real Time Traffic Information, Concierge Service, Park Distance Control and rear view camera. Also included are the Comfort package and Driving Assistant Plus, the Professional navigation system, telephony with wireless charging, the Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system and online entertainment with music flat rate.

The production of the ten special models was a final highlight not only for the employees involved in its production at the BMW Group Plant Leipzig. Customers of the special models were able to witness the completion of the vehicles in the assembly hall for themselves.

Las Vegas. Digitisation is delivering an integrated user experience characterised by individuality and emotionalisation in the interior of current BMW models. The My Modes allow the driver to tailor the atmosphere in the interior entirely to their personal mood and the driving experience they want. With the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink being presented at CES 2022, the Munich-based premium car manufacturer is offering the prospect of a future technology that uses digitisation to also adapt the exterior of a vehicle to different situations and individual wishes. The surface of the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink can vary its shade at the driver's prompting.

Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development: "Digital experiences won't just be limited to displays in the future. There will be more and more melding of the real and virtual. With the BMW iX Flow, we are bringing the car body to life."

The fluid colour changes are made possible by a specially developed body wrap that is tailored precisely to the contours of the all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle from BMW. When stimulated by electrical signals, the electrophoretic technology brings different colour pigments to the surface, causing the body skin to take on the desired colouration. Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design: "The BMW iX Flow is an advanced research and design project and a great example of the forward thinking that BMW is known for."

The innovative E Ink technology opens completely new ways of changing the vehicle's appearance in line with the driver's aesthetic preferences, the environmental conditions or even functional requirements. The technology thus offers unprecedented potential for personalisation in the area of exterior design. The BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink demonstrates this potential to impressive effect. Against this background, the BMW Group is driving the development of the technology so that a new form of personalisation can be experienced both on the outside and in the inside of future production vehicles.

Already today, the colour chosen for a car is an expression of the driver's personality. The choice of exterior paints available for current BMW models covers a wide colour spectrum. In this way, the longing for a wildly expressive, extravagant, or sporty appearance on the outside can be taken into account as well as the desire for an understated, subtle or elegant appearance. New variants are added each year that reflect the characteristics of the model in question and that allow the brand to keep setting trends in the area of exterior design.

New technologies will provide a whole new level of decision-making freedom in the future. "This gives the driver the freedom to express different facets of their personality or even their enjoyment of change outwardly, and to redefine this each time they get into their car," says Stella Clarke, Head of Project for the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink. "Similar to fashion or the status ads on social media channels, the vehicle then becomes an expression of different moods and circumstances in daily life."

How a variable exterior colour can increase efficiency.
A variable exterior colour can also contribute to wellness in the interior and to the efficiency of the vehicle. This is done by taking account of the different abilities of light and dark colours when it comes to reflecting sunlight and the associated absorption of thermal energy. A white surface reflects a lot more sunlight than a black one. By implication, heating of the vehicle and passenger compartment as a result of strong sunlight and high outside temperatures can be reduced by changing the exterior to a light colour. In cooler weather, a dark outer skin will help the vehicle to absorb noticeably more warmth from the sun.

In both cases, selective colour changes can help to cut the amount of cooling and heating required from the vehicle's air conditioning. This reduces the amount of energy the vehicle's electrical system needs and with it also the vehicle's fuel or electricity consumption. In an all-electric car, changing the colour in line with the weather can therefore also help to increase the range. In the interior, the technology could, for example, prevent the dashboard from heating up too much.

E Ink technology itself is extremely energy efficient. Unlike displays or projectors, the electrophoretic technology needs absolutely no energy to keep the chosen colour state constant. Current only flows during the short colour changing phase.

Millions of paint capsules in a custom wrap.
Electrophoretic colouring is based on a technology developed by E Ink that is most well-known from the displays used in eReaders. The surface coating of the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink contains many millions of microcapsules, with a diameter equivalent to the thickness of a human hair. Each of these microcapsules contains negatively charged white pigments and positively charged black pigments. Depending on the chosen setting, stimulation by means of an electrical field causes either the white or the black pigments to collect at the surface of the microcapsule, giving the car body the desired shade.

Achieving this effect on a vehicle body involves the application of many precisely fitted ePaper segments. Generative design processes are implemented to ensure the segments reflect the characteristic contours of the vehicle and the resulting variations in light and shadow. The generative design algorithms enable the necessary formability and flexibility required to tailor the ePaper exactly to the design lines of the vehicle.

Laser cutting technologies guarantee high precision in generating each segment. After the segments are applied and the power supply for stimulating the electrical field is connected, the entire body is warmed and sealed to guarantee optimum and uniform colour reproduction during every colour change.

Munich. For many years, the BMW Group has been presenting innovations at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The mobility experience of tomorrow was also set to be the focus of the BMW Group's presence at CES 2022. Due to the pandemic situation, the BMW Group moved all planned media activities at CES to a fully digital program livestreamed from Germany.

For the first time, CES served as a platform for the world premiere of a new BMW model. The vehicle in question is the new BMW iX M60, the most powerful variant of the BMW Group's new technology flagship, which sets standards in the areas of user experience, operation and connectivity among others, as well as with its automated driving and parking functions. The German premium automobile manufacturer also presented a series of innovations that combine creativity and digitisation to produce great moments for the driver and passengers. The ultimate driving machine therefore literally meets the ultimate digital experience.

On the occasion of CES 2022, the BMW Group shows how innovative digital technology can be used to make the driving experience even more individual and emotionally engaging for the customers. The new My Modes, which create an immersive user experience in the interior, play a central role here. At CES, the BMW Group gave a glimpse of four new My Modes. The selection will soon be expanded to include the My Modes Expressive and Relax. In addition, Digital Art Mode presents digital art in an automobile for the first time and the Theatre Mode heralds a new era for in-car entertainment.

Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for customer, brands and sales: "At the beginning of December, we reached a milestone in our transformation and delivered the one millionth electrified vehicle. With the BMW iX M60, we are presenting the most powerful and fastest electric vehicle in our product portfolio on the occasion of this year's CES. At the same time, we know that the digital experience is becoming more and more important for our customers. With Theatre Mode we present a spectacular in-car entertainment experience; with My Mode Digital Art, we are the first manufacturer to present digital art in an automobile."

Just like the digital artworks on the BMW Curved Display, the drive sound also plays an important role in making the appreciation of driving pleasure the most intense it can be. The BMW Group is developing the specific soundscapes for all-electric models in collaboration with film score composer and Academy and Grammy Award winner Hans Zimmer. The partnership has produced BMW IconicSounds Electric. Another feature making its debut is Theatre Mode, BMW's new benchmark for the in-car entertainment of the future, which transforms the rear of future BMW models into a private cinema.

The completely new personalisation possibilities being opened up by digital technology are not limited to the interior, however. The BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink is the first car in the world whose exterior colour can be changed at the touch of a button.

The immersive installation DIMENSIONS OF REAL heralds a new phase of digital innovation at the BMW Group.

World premiere on the occasion of CES 2022: The BMW iX M60.

The BMW Group is presenting the most recent and most powerful model variant of its new technology flagship. The BMW iX M60, which was presented for the first time on the occasion of CES 2022, is the first performance automobile from BMW M GmbH developed from the outset for all-electric mobility. With its joint system output of 455 kW** from two electric motors, a maximum torque of 1,015 Nm* in Sport mode or 1,100 Nm* when Launch Control is active, its electric all-wheel drive and its M specific chassis tuning, the BMW iX M60 is bringing a phenomenal performance experience to zero local emissions mobility.

The BMW iX M60 combines a vehicle concept tailored uncompromisingly for sustainability with a modern Sports Activity Vehicle design and handling characteristics boasting a thrilling level of dynamism. Thus it embodies the best of the three worlds of BMW i, the BMW X models and BMW M GmbH. With the modern lounge character of its generous interior and its technological highlights that also encompass the areas of automated driving, operation and connectivity, the BMW iX M60 represents a new understanding of sophisticated luxury, high performance and premium characteristics. The BMW iX M60 sprints from a standing start to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Its characteristic overall vehicle harmony neatly packages the performance as an experience that is both emotionally engaging and at the same time reliably controlled right to the limits of driving physics.

Unique moments: The new My Modes Expressive and Relax.

The BMW iX is one of the first models from BMW to already use the latest generation of the iDrive display and operating system. The new iDrive not only enables a particularly intense interaction between driver and vehicle, but also a greater personalisation of the driving experience with the new My Modes. They create unique moments that result from a combination of vehicle characteristics and interior atmosphere tailored to the particular situation. On the occasion of CES 2022, BMW will now for the first time showcase further variants of the overall user experience created in this way in the interior. With My Modes Expressive and Relax, in the future BMW customers will have additional ways of adapting the vehicle settings to the particular situation and mood.

In the new My Mode Expressive, the active driving experience is combined with a particularly emotionally engaged atmosphere in the interior. The appearance of the displays on the BMW Curved Display is characterised by expressive colours and abstract patterns. In combination with BMW IconicSounds Electric for all-electric BMW models, activating My Mode Expressive also provides an unconventional sound in the interior that reflects the driving situation particularly intensely.

In My Mode Relax, the focus is on wellness, harmony and relaxation. The graphic displays on the BMW Curved Display are inspired by natural landscapes. In all-electric models, an understated and harmonious sound backdrop is generated to match this.

Exclusive experience: BMW brings digital art into the vehicle.

Digital Art Mode, the first time in the world digital art is being used in an automotive setting, will offer a particularly exclusive driving experience. The displays on the BMW Curved Display activated with this My Mode come from a creative dialogue between the BMW Group Design and the internationally renowned Chinese multimedia artist Cao Fei.

Back in 2017 Cao Fei designed BMW Art Car #18, the first fully digitally designed vehicle in the history of this globally unique collection of mobile artworks. With the premiere for the integration of digital art in an automotive setting, she and the BMW Group are now together taking the next step in the company's global cultural commitment. In her digital artwork created for Digital Art Mode, Cao Fei addresses the many interactions and correlations in a globalised world using light elements that are constantly changing, moving and relating to each other.

Start signal for BMW IconicSounds Electric.

BMW is intensifying the driving experience in the brand's all-electric models with new and emotionally engaging soundscapes. On the occasion of CES 2022 the company presents BMW IconicSounds Electric, created in cooperation between the BMW Group and the Academy Award winner and film score composer Hans Zimmer.

The jointly developed driving sounds reflect the specific performance characteristics and quintessential brand attributes of an electrified BMW in a way that is both completely new and at the same time authentic. They help to make the experience of sustainable mobility and the interaction between the driver and vehicle even more intense, even more present and even more unmistakeable. In this way, the acoustic feedback to the movements of the accelerator pedal also becomes an elementary part of the driving experience in an electrically and therefore virtually noiselessly powered BMW.

The new soundscapes vary depending on the My Modes chosen by the driver. The electrified BMW M automobiles use variations of the BMW IconicSounds Electric developed specifically for them. BMW IconicSounds Electric will be available for the first time for the BMW i4, followed by the BMW iX.

Cinema on wheels: The in-car entertainment of the future.

In addition to the new moments and soundscapes for intense driving pleasure, the BMW Group will also present an innovative concept for the individual mobility experience in the rear. On the occasion of CES 2022, the premium car manufacturer is offering the prospect of a particularly exclusive expression of My Modes in combination with the in-car entertainment system of the future. In My Mode Theatre, the rear of the interior transforms into a private cinema lounge, with the BMW Theatre Screen, a 31-inch ultra-wide display in 32:9 format, surround sound and 5G connectivity. There, passengers on the rear seats can enjoy a thrilling and luxurious cinema experience with an entertainment programme that can be selected individually on a display with a resolution of up to 8K.

Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development: "We develop immersive, digital experiences for sheer driving pleasure. In Theatre Mode, the rear of the interior is transformed into a private cinema lounge. With the 31 inch display, 5G connectivity, 8k resolution, surround sound and individual streaming program, an unprecedented experience is created that sets new standards in in-car entertainment."

The BMW Group is working with Amazon to fully integrate the Fire TV experience within the Theatre Screen system – giving passengers access to a wide variety of content so they can stream videos, listen to music, and watch downloaded programmes, all while on the road. A country-specific streaming offering is also in the works for customers in China.

The BMW Theatre Screen lowers elegantly from the headliner once Theatre Mode is activated. This motion is accompanied by a sound experience composed exclusively for this purpose in cooperation with Hans Zimmer. The occupants can operate the entertainment system via direct touch fields as well as via touch panels integrated in the doors.

A digital experience in the exterior: Colour changes at the push of a button.

The interior is not the only place where digital technology is creating completely new personalisation possibilities. With the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink, the BMW Group is offering the prospect of a unique technology that uses digitisation to also adapt the exterior of a vehicle to different situations and individual wishes. The surface of the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink can vary its shade at the driver's prompting.

Frank Weber: "In the future, digital experiences will not only take place on displays. The real and the virtual will increasingly merge. With the BMW iX Flow, we are bringing the car body to life."

Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design: "The BMW iX Flow is an advanced research and design project and a great example of the forward thinking that BMW is known for."

The fluid colour changes are made possible by a specially developed body wrap that is tailored precisely to the contours of the all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle from BMW. When stimulated by electrical signals, the electrophoretic technology brings different colour pigments to the surface, causing the body skin to take on the desired coloration.

A digital design vision: Immersive installation DIMENSIONS OF REAL.

On the occasion of CES, the BMW Group developed an installation to bring its future visions of digital design to life. DIMENSIONS OF REAL, conceived by DESIGNWORKS, BMW GROUP’s design innovation studio, is redefining the notion of a concept vehicle and invites people to embark on a multisensory journey. DIMENSIONS OF REAL is a purely digital format and an artful take on what is yet to come.

"BMW has always been pushing the boundaries of technology and design at the same time. We dedicate ourselves to the creation of human-centric products and experiences for all senses," states Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design.

Munich. With its purely electric drive and comprehensive range of digital features, the BMW iX represents a new era in individual mobility. In addition, it operates at the highest level of safety. This is according to the experts of the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) – the consumer protection institute specialising in automotive safety – who awarded the BMW iX the highest possible rating of five stars in the Euro NCAP safety assessment. During the course of the test programme, which was further intensified in 2020, the BMW Group’s new technology flagship impressed with both its outstanding occupant protection and its advanced driver assistance systems, which are particularly effective in helping to prevent accidents.

The BMW iX achieved five-star ratings in all test categories of the Euro NCAP crash test. In the assessment of adult occupant protection, the testers highlighted among other features the effectiveness of the new interactive airbag between the driver and front passenger seats, which provides additional protection against injury in the event of a side collision. Child safety in the rear of the BMW iX was also given the highest possible score for both frontal and side collisions.

Meanwhile, the integrated safety concept of the BMW iX ensures the highest level of passenger protection. In addition to precisely coordinated restraint systems, this includes highly resilient support structures and precisely designed deformation zones that absorb the impact of a collision and keep it away from the passenger compartment. The body structure of the BMW iX combines an aluminium spaceframe concept with a carbon cage for the passenger compartment. Particularly torsion-resistant components made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) are used in the roof, side and rear sections of the BMW iX.

“The BMW iX sets new standards in sustainability, and its top rating of five stars in the Euro NCAP underlines the vehicle’s comprehensive sustainability concept,” says Dominik Schuster, Head of Vehicle Safety BMW. “The extremely stable body structure and the extended range of restraint systems ensure an outstanding level of occupant protection. In addition, the BMW iX scores highly both in the test programme and in everyday driving with innovative driver assistance systems that significantly reduce the risk of accidents in a wide array of situations.” Among other features, the BMW iX has a front collision warning system with brake intervention that can detect pedestrians and cyclists as well as vehicles. In addition, the automatic emergency braking system now also reacts in turning situations, helping to minimise the risk to pedestrians when turning and the risk of collision with oncoming traffic when turning left.

If a collision does occur, the risk of injury to vulnerable road users is reduced by carefully designed body elements and flexible structures at the front of the vehicle. The BMW iX also features an active bonnet, which is raised by means of a pyrotechnical triggering mechanism as soon as the data collected by sensors indicate a corresponding collision. This creates a deformation zone that prevents direct impact between the pedestrian or cyclist and hard components in the engine compartment.

Other standard features of the BMW iX include an attention assistant, lane departure warning and speed limit recognition, all of which scored positively in the Euro NCAP crash test. The Driving Assistant Professional package is offered as an option, which also includes steering and lane guidance assistance. In a separate assessment, BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional in the iX3 was also recently awarded the top rating of “very good” by Euro NCAP.

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2020, the BMW Group sold over 2.3 million passenger vehicles and more than 169,000 motorcycles

worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2020 was € 5.222 billion on revenues amounting to € 98.990 billion. As of 31 December 2020, the BMW Group had a workforce of 120,726 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

www.bmwgroup.com

www.bmw.co.za

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BMWSA/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BMW_SA

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwsouthafrica

LinkedIn: https://za.linkedin.com/company/bmwsouthafrica

Dingolfing. Standard production of the fully-electric BMW iX began today in Dingolfing. The plant in Lower Bavaria now produces vehicles with all drivetrain variants, i.e. combustion-engine vehicles, plug-in hybrids and fully-electric models, on a single line. Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Production: “The launch of the BMW iX marks another milestone in our expansion of electrification and demonstrates our production network's successful transformation towards electromobility and digitalisation.”

The BMW iX is being manufactured at the BMW Group’s largest European production plant on an assembly line with the flexibility to build a mix of BMW 5 Series, 7 Series and 8 Series models. To handle this flexibility and variety of drivetrains, vehicle assembly in Dingolfing has been expanded and refurbished. The BMW Group has invested a total of more than 400 million euros in producing the BMW iX at the Dingolfing vehicle plant. Many of the remodelling and structural measures required for the BMW iX are already benefiting future generations of the BMW 7 Series and 5 Series that will come off the production line in Dingolfing in the coming years. Fully-electric variants have also been announced for both model ranges.

Half of production volume already electrified by mid-decade

With the BMW iX and other PHEV models at Plant Dingolfing alone, the BMW Group plans to double the percentage of electrified vehicles produced this year compared to 2020. By the middle of the decade, half the vehicles produced in Dingolfing will be electrified. The new model will play an important part in this. “The BMW iX will already be one of the highest-volume models at the location by next year,” according to Nedeljković. The BMW iX will be followed in the (European) autumn by the BMW i4, which will be built in Munich. At the end of next year, all German plants will be producing at least one fully-electric vehicle.

Broad know-how: Vehicle and e-drive production on site

Production of the BMW iX in Dingolfing benefits from broad know-how and expertise in the technologies located at the site. Close interaction between these different areas enables a high level of in-house activity and short lines of communication, as well as ensuring optimum production technology overall. The fully-electric heart of the BMW iX – the highly integrated e-drive and fifth-generation battery, as well as the complete electric axle are produced on site, together with the Dingolfing component plants. Production capacity will be systematically expanded and, from 2022, Dingolfing will be able to produce e-drives for more than half a million electrified vehicles.

BMW iX as trailblazer

The BMW iX introduces a multitude of innovations to the product and production processes at the plant – especially in the vehicle’s electrical system architecture, software, digital services, connectivity and automated driving functions. As a result, the vehicle plays an important role as a trailblazer and is making Dingolfing “e-car” and “smart-car ready” as the BMW Group’s primary plant for the luxury class.

The BMW iX is also an important trailblazer in production, bringing future technologies into the production system – such as digital methods for employee training, automation of logistics processes, virtual commissioning and validation of driver assistance systems.

Christoph Schröder, head of BMW Group Plant Dingolfing: “As the primary plant for the luxury class, our location produces the BMW Group’s technology flagship. It is once again proving itself as a pioneer for the mobility of tomorrow and as the industry leader in key future areas of automotive activity, such as electrification, digitalisation and sustainability. In this way, the BMW iX is continuing the successful transformation of the BMW Group location in Dingolfing that began long ago.”

Special focus on sustainability

The topic of sustainability is firmly anchored throughout the company. A particular focus is on improving our carbon footprint – especially in production of electric vehicles. Independent auditors have confirmed that the greenhouse gas potential of the BMW iX xDrive40* is around 45 percent lower than that of a comparable Sports Activity Vehicle with an internal combustion engine. “We are already the sustainability benchmark for our industry. But we will continue to invest in resource-saving technologies and set ourselves ambitious goals for the most sustainable production,” underlined head of Production Milan Nedeljković. The BMW Group takes a holistic approach to reducing CO₂ emissions and minimising resource consumption that covers the entire value chain, including production as well as the supply chain and use phase.

The BMW Group has already succeeded in lowering resource consumption per vehicle produced by more than half between 2006 and 2020. CO₂ emissions have been reduced even more significantly – by as much as 78 percent. The aim is to reduce CO₂ emissions per vehicle produced by another 80 percent by 2030. “To achieve this, we have made some changes at Plant Dingolfing and implemented a series of new measures,” says plant director Christoph Schröder. For example, the BMW iX is produced exclusively using regional and directly-sourced green power from two hydroelectric power plants located on the Isar and Lech rivers. The entire plant, like all BMW Group locations, will also be net carbon neutral from this year, through the use of corresponding offsets and certificates.

Other aspects of sustainability range from energy-efficient installations to packaging planning, through transport logistics and recycling, up to and including topics such as biodiversity and water management. Plant Dingolfing is therefore able to achieve a recycling rate of more than 90 percent and an even higher recoverability rate of over 99 percent. The plant’s own wells meet over 40 percent of its water needs, thereby helping conserve the region’s drinking water reserves. The BMW Group has already reduced its water consumption by more than 30 percent overall since 2006.

BMW iX as catalyst for change: Active shift in competence.

The BMW iX creates a need for additional training beyond the extensive experience and expertise that is already available. It is accelerating the shift in competence already taking place within the production network and helping prepare the workforce for the demands of a new era. In this way, employee development across the entire company is being geared towards digitalisation and e-mobility. As part of the biggest training offensive in the company’s history, 75,000 staff are being trained in future areas of activity.

In Dingolfing alone, more than 4,000 employees have moved to jobs with strong future prospects since 2012. A current example of this is the creation and expansion of the Competence Centre for E-Drive Production at the location, which doubled its staff numbers last year from 600 to 1,200. This number is likely to increase to over 1,900 by the end of the year.

*Fuel consumption/emissions data:

BMW iX xDrive40: Power consumption in kWh/100 km: 22.5-19.4 (WLTP); CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km

BMW iX xDrive50: Power consumption in kWh/100 km: 23.0-19.8 (WLTP); CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km

Munich. The future of driving pleasure is electric, locally emission-free – and characterised by a typically BMW sporting flair expressed not only in dynamic talent, but also through an emotionally rich aural experience. BMW IconicSounds Electric brings an unmistakable sound portfolio to BMW models powered by a fully electric or plug-in hybrid drive system. The collaboration between composer and curator Hans Zimmer and Renzo Vitale, Creative Director Sound at the BMW Group, has produced a distinctive driving sound which customers will soon be able to experience in a version developed specially for electric BMW M cars. “Every BMW has its own character, which is reflected in the sound it makes,” says film music creator and Academy Award winner Zimmer. “So for the electrically driven BMW M models we have developed a driving sound which accentuates their emotional driving experience particularly vividly and ensures their performance can be felt with even greater intensity.”

Hans Zimmer had previously been involved in the development of an inspiring ready-to-drive sound for electrically powered BMWs which instils a sense of excitement at the prospect of electric driving when the Start/Stop button is pressed. The latest chapter in this collaboration covers drive sounds for the BMW iX and BMW i4, including a differentiated sound for the M-specification version of the BMW i4.

While the hush of electric driving offers an unprecedented level of comfort, the driving experience loses a degree of emotionality. This is where BMW IconicSounds Electric steps in to put smiles on the faces of customers keen to experience Sheer Driving Pleasure with all the senses. In the future, electric driving pleasure will be enhanced by acoustic feedback to every movement of the accelerator. Like the on-board driving modes selectable at the touch of a button, the driving sound also takes its cues from the driving situation at hand and the driver’s personal preferences. In the basic setting, BMW IconicSounds Electric employs a strikingly transparent timbre with spherical components to convey the basic character of an electrically driven BMW brand model. An immersive and pleasant atmosphere is created initially in the BMW i4 in COMFORT mode. But when the driver steps on the accelerator, the direct relationship between how the car is being driven and the sounds it makes is immediately revealed: the sound experience deepens as load and speed increase. In SPORT mode, in particular, the car’s aural spectrum is more dominant and powerful, the sound providing a constant commentary on the driving situation. Drive system processes are registered within milliseconds and acceleration, load changes or recuperation given a suitable acoustic accompaniment. Only when the vehicle is travelling in ECO PRO mode is the acoustic feedback reduced to nothing. Here, the silence of the drive system underscores the driver’s decision to adopt an ultra-efficient driving style.

In the version developed specifically for electrified BMW M models, the drive sound of the BMW i4 is charged with extra energy. Added to which, the differentiation between COMFORT and SPORT mode is especially strong. Overall, the drive system note displays a less harmonious but engagingly rousing and technical sonic profile. Acceleration sparks a rich intensification of the soundtrack’s development, authentically reflecting the car’s performance character. “When you press the pedal of an M car, you suddenly get goosebumps all over your body,” says sound designer Renzo Vitale. “We translated this feeling into a drive sound that expresses a fusion of superior power and flowing energy.”

Hans Zimmer and Renzo Vitale had already co-developed the driving sound for the BMW Vision M NEXT revealed in 2019 and the BMW Concept i4 presented the following year. Numerous learnings from this creative process have now been channelled into the design of the sound for future series-produced vehicles.

The new drive sounds developed as part of the collaboration with Hans Zimmer are expected to feature in the BMW i4 and BMW iX over the course of 2022. IconicSounds Electric comes as standard in the BMW iX and can be specified as an option for the BMW i4. In cars with earlier build dates, the new sounds can be imported retrospectively via Remote Software Upgrade, should the customer wish. The new spectrum includes one ready-to-drive sound and one stop sound, plus a driving sound which will be made available in the relevant version for BMW models and BMW M cars with electrified drive system.

Munich. The BMW Group is accelerating its development for the battery technology of the future, thereby supporting the ramp-up of a European cell and battery value chain. In this context, Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, today received a grant decision from the Federal Minister of Economics and Energy, Peter Altmaier, as well as from the Bavarian Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, Hubert Aiwanger, in support of the BMW Group's battery projects within the framework of the battery IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Intertest).

For the BMW Group, it is clear that high-performance and sustainable energy storage systems are the key success factor for the individual mobility of the future. The development of highly innovative and sustainable battery cells is therefore one key element of a high-performance European cell and battery value chain.

This aspiration is reflected in the Neue Klasse, which the BMW Group first presented at its annual conference in March. This new generation of vehicles, which will be launched by the middle of this decade, will be uncompromisingly electric, digital, circular – and clearly focused on all-electric drivetrains.

For the Neue Klasse, the BMW Group is developing the next generation of its battery technology – combined with a clear aspiration: "With the Neue Klasse, we will make a big leap in technology in electric drive," said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Monday. "We want to significantly increase the energy density of the cells and reduce the costs of material use and production at the same time. We will also significantly reduce the use of primary material to ensure a truly 'green' battery."

With the Neue Klasse, the BMW Group aims at the level of state-of-the-art internal combustion engines in terms of range and manufacturing costs. For example, electric mobility "engineered by BMW" is intended to appeal to and convince new groups of buyers worldwide. For this sixth generation of BMW e-drive technology, the company evaluates correspondingly different cell formats, cell chemistry and also cell modules in the current development phase. A key goal is to create truly green, low-carbon and recyclable batteries.

Solid-state battery for serial use – demonstrator vehicle well before 2025

However, the BMW Group is already planning further into the future beyond this next generation: By the end of the decade, the energy density of battery cells is expected to increase by at least a mid-double-digit percentage range – from an already high level today.

Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development: "The greenest electric car in the world will be a BMW – sustainable from the initial idea to recycling after its use phase. We are developing the battery cell of the future: it will be powerful, safe, cost-effective, and recyclable - from material selection to recyclability after the use in the vehicle. All of this will be created in a European value chain." Weber continues: "We are doing intensive research on solid-state battery technology. By the end of the decade, we will be implementing an automotive-compatible solid-state battery for series production. We plan to show a first demonstrator vehicle featuring this technology well before 2025."

The BMW Group has had extensive in-house expertise in the complete value chain of electric drive for years and has optimized its battery cell technology from generation to generation. Cell chemistry has also been consistently further developed: for example, the proportion of cobalt in cathode material in the transition from Gen3 from the BMW i3 to Gen5, which was introduced in 2020 with the BMW iX3, was significantly reduced from 33 percent to 10 percent – at the same time, the nickel content rose to around 80 percent. In order to minimize the consumption of primary resources, up to 50 percent recycled nickel is already used in the high-voltage battery pack of the new BMW iX.

Electric offensive in full swing

Thanks to intelligent vehicle architectures and a highly flexible production network, the BMW Group will have around a dozen all-electric models on the road as early as 2023. In addition to the BMW i3, MINI Cooper SE and BMW iX3, which are already on the market, two key innovation drivers, the BMW i4 and the BMW iX will be put on the road this year– the BMW i4 even three months earlier than originally planned.

In the coming years, all-electric versions of the high-volume BMW 5 Series and the BMW X1 will follow. In addition, there will be an all-electric BMW 7 Series as well as the successor to the MINI Countryman and other models. As early as 2023, the BMW Group will have at least one all-electric model on the road in around 90 percent of its current market segments.

By 2025, the BMW Group will increase sales of all-electric models by an average of significantly more than 50 percent per year – more than ten times more than in 2020. In total, the company will have delivered around two million all-electric vehicles to customers by the end of 2025.

Based on current market expectations, the BMW Group is planning that by 2030 at least 50 percent of its global sales will consist of all-electric vehicles. In total, the company will bring about ten million all-electric vehicles onto the road over the approximately next ten years. This also means that the BMW Group is strategically on target of achieving the EU's ambitious CO2 reduction targets in 2025 and 2030.

The BMW Group commitment to IPCEI.

Within the framework of the two battery IPCEI (Important Projects of Common European Interest), the BMW Group is developing highly innovative, sustainable, function-optimized and cost-effective battery cells as a key element of a European cell and battery value chain.

The Federal Ministry of Economics and the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, support the project within the framework of the European funding process IPCEI.

Federal Minister Altmaier: "With the joint European projects, we have successfully built up the battery value chain in Germany and Europe and secured sustainable jobs. We support BMW in two concrete projects in the field of battery technology. Both projects are central to the further expansion of electromobility in Germany."

Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger: "The development of battery cells is an ideal fit for Bavaria's automotive industry and tech-industry as a whole. Bavaria is supporting this IPCEI project from BMW with co-financing in order to secure added value in a central high-tech field with great future potential. Because electromobility is becoming increasingly important, we have to produce the battery cells needed here in Germany, preferably in Bavaria. Our aim must be to participate economically in this climate-friendly technology and to make Europe more independent of suppliers from third countries."

Following the development of a next generation of lithium-ion cells as well as an innovative battery module and battery system concept in the first IPCEI, the focus of BMW's work in the second IPCEI is on the development of the next generation of lithium-ion cells, the development and optimization of process technologies as well as the construction of a prototype production plant for innovative battery modules and systems.

The BMW Group is also focusing on the recycling and the recyclability of battery materials, with the main aim of achieving a fully cyclable battery. 

Through the research and validation of future technologies such as solid-state batteries (so-called "All-Solid-State-Battery", ASSB), the company not only strengthens its own competence, but also the industrial location Germany. The BMW Group sees ASSB technology as a game changer in the automotive field.

Following the holistic approach of a closed innovation and development cycle, BMW will develop innovative products from the areas of battery cell as well as battery modules and systems with a focus on improved functionality and a significantly improved cost structure. The recycling and the usability of the batteries after their automotive use are also taken into account.

The BMW Group is more involved in the research, development and industrialization of battery value chains in Germany than any other vehicle manufacturer. The research results achieved by the BMW Group and the partners involved in the IPCEI project strengthen the development of an integrated European battery value chain. In addition, various concepts for solid-state batteries are being researched together with European R&D partners and the most promising prototype is being implemented. In doing so, the company is paving the way for successful battery cell development and production in Europe. 

Munich. At today’s BMW Group Annual Conference the upcoming BMW i4 was revealed. “With its sporty looks, best in class driving dynamics and zero local emissions, the BMW i4 is a true BMW. It makes the heart of the BMW brand now beat fully electric,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales.

The BMW i4 is a fully electric 4 door Gran Coupé and will enter the market during the course of 2021, including a BMW M Performance model. Its refined balance of BMW typical sportiness, comfort and sustainable performance are unique in its segment.

The BMW i4 model line will be available in different versions covering ranges of up to 590km*. With a power output of up to 390kW, the BMW i4 can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in around 4 seconds.

First pictures, sketches, footage and video can be found attached to this media information.

Full details on the BMW i4 will be released over the next weeks.

_{* preliminary manufacturer estimate.}

Munich. As one of the pioneers in the use of a smartphone as a digital vehicle key since 2018, BMW is pressing ahead with the development and popularisation of its BMW Digital Key feature, which is available to iPhone users today. In line with this goal, the premium car manufacturer will introduce the BMW Digital Key Plus, a convenient and secure way to unlock and start your car without taking your iPhone out of your bag or pocket. This latest incarnation of the service is based on Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, the technology found on the U1 chip of iPhone. The BMW Digital Key Plus feature will be first launched with the all-electric BMW iX for iPhone. 

Ultra-Wideband technology for enhanced convenience and security. 
The new, additional features enabled by the BMW Digital Key Plus are based on Ultra-Wideband technology. This is a short-range, high-bandwidth digital radio technology that is characterised by an exceptionally precise localisation with the greatest possible security. UWB’s precision also ensures that relay attacks, where the radio signal is jammed or intercepted, are not possible. Apple and BMW have been working closely with the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) to establish the Digital Key specification 3.0 for UWB, providing a global standard for the automotive industry.

Munich. The BMW i3 (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 13.1 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km) is sustainably on course for success - in both senses of the word. Almost seven years after its market launch, the purely electrically powered and thus locally emission-free compact model is still in continuous high demand. At the BMW Group plant in Leipzig, the 200 000th BMW i3 model rolled off the production line yesterday - almost silently as always. The BMW i3s (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.6 – 14.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km) with Fluid Black metallic paint finish and accents in BMW i Blue was produced for a customer from Saxony and will be delivered by the BMW branch in Leipzig.

The BMW i3 with 125 kW and BMW i3s with 135 kW are built in Leipzig for the entire world market on a dedicated production line and by specially trained employees. With the start of production in 2013, the plant in Saxony became a pioneer and centre of excellence for sustainable mobility. The BMW i3 was the BMW Group's first purely electrically powered large-scale serial model and also the company's first vehicle with a passenger cell made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). The Life module made of CFRP is part of a vehicle architecture specific to BMW i and designed for electric mobility from the outset. It is shaped in Leipzig from carbon fibre scrims and assembled in a unique process developed by the BMW Group. This is followed by the union with the drive module, the aluminium chassis, which bears the drive, chassis and high-voltage battery. State-of-the-art manufacturing processes ensure that the body construction and assembly of the BMW i3 in Leipzig takes only about half the time required for conventional vehicles.

BMW i3 as innovation driver for electric mobility and lightweight construction.

The success of the BMW i3 and the experience gained in developing and manufacturing it have significantly boosted progress in the fields of electric mobility and lightweight construction. In this way the BMW i brand has become the workshop of the future for the entire company. The drive of the BMW i3s now also powers the MINI Cooper SE (fuel consumption combined: 0.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 16.8 – 14.8 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km) to provide purely electric driving joy. In addition, the gross energy content of the high-voltage storage unit was almost doubled from initially 22.6 to 42.2 kWh without changing its size. The range of the BMW i3 thus increased to between 285 and 310 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle.

Based on the know-how acquired with the BMW i3, numerous innovations have also been achieved in the fields of drive, power electronics and charging technology. The fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology is now ready for series production. It is used, among other things, in the new technology flagship of the BMW Group, the BMW iNEXT, which will be manufactured at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing with components from the BMW plant Landshut, from 2021 onwards. The high-tech material CFRP is for example now also contributing to intelligent lightweight construction in the BMW 7 Series.

Leipzig as a location for the future: Battery module production to start in 2021.

The BMW Group plant in Leipzig will continue to make a significant contribution to expanding electric mobility in the future. The site will become part of the BMW Group's international production network for battery modules as early as 2021. By 2022, the BMW Group will invest more than 100 million euros in establishing battery module production in Leipzig. In future, the lithium-ion cells supplied will be assembled into standardised modules in a highly automated process. These will then be assembled together with the connections to the vehicle, the control units and the cooling units in an aluminium housing specific to each model. By 2022 more than 150 employees will be working in the battery module production in Leipzig.

In this way, the expertise gained at this BMW i3 production site is consistently used for manufacturing electrified vehicles in Germany. The BMW Group plant in Leipzig, where in addition to the BMW i3, models of the BMW 1 and 2 Series with conventional and plug-in hybrid drive are also manufactured, is thus even more comprehensively equipped for the "Power of Choice" approach in the company's model strategy in the future.

Pioneer for premium electric mobility in the city and for an overall understanding of sustainability.

The BMW i3 was developed as a revolutionary new vehicle concept for individual mobility in urban areas. With the BMW i3, the BMW Group has provided significant impetus for change in the field of inner-city transport, which has also inspired other car manufacturers to devote more attention to electric mobility. Today, the BMW i3 is not only still the best-selling premium car in its segment, but also a world-renowned symbol of locally emission-free driving in the city and for commuting between home and work.

According to a 2019 study by the German Automobile Club (ADAC), customers benefit not only from ecological but also from significant economic advantages. According to the calculations, the total costs for a BMW i3 or BMW i3s are on average around 20 percent lower than for a BMW model with a combustion engine that is comparable in terms of engine performance and equipment. All expenditures for the acquisition, operation and depreciation of the vehicles were taken into account, with a holding period of five years each and a total mileage of 75 000 kilometres.

In addition, the BMW i3 represents a new understanding of premium mobility, which is also strongly characterised by sustainability beyond the purely electric drive. Its roof is made of recycled CFRP at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig. Painting its plastic outer skin requires 75 percent less energy and 70 percent less water compared to conventional processes. 25 percent of the materials used for the thermoplastic exterior parts were either recycled or produced from renewable resources. A high proportion of renewable raw materials and recycled materials is also used in the interior. Production of the BMW i3 at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig is 100 per cent CO₂ neutral. Wind turbines on the factory premises supply the electricity required for production.

The outstanding life cycle assessment of the BMW i3 has already been confirmed by an ISO certificate issued by independent auditors immediately after its market launch. To this end, experts from TÜV Süd analysed all relevant data and evaluations, from which the environmental balance of the BMW i3 for the entire vehicle life cycle was derived, from raw material extraction and production to use and recycling. According to the study, the use of energy from the EU-25 electricity mix already resulted in a greenhouse gas potential reduced by around 30 percent compared to similar vehicles with conventional drive systems. When operated exclusively with regeneratively generated energy, such as wind or solar power, the CO₂ footprint was even reduced by more than 50 percent.

Munich. At BMW Group Plant Munich, everything is in place for production of the fully electric BMW i4 to begin. After six weeks of intensive conversion work, series production of vehicles has resumed, with around 5,000 associates returning to the line. “We have completed the comprehensive restructuring and conversion of the plant successfully, on schedule and without complications,” said Plant Director Robert Engelhorn. At the BMW Group’s home plant, a new era is about to begin: “Our plant can now manufacture the fully electric BMW i4 on the same line as diesel-, petrol- and hybrid-powered vehicles,” Engelhorn added.

“Outstanding planning and preparation, and perfect collaboration between the many in-house and external partners meant we were able to ready BMW Group Plant Munich for the mobility concepts of the future in the space of just six weeks,” Engelhorn reported. The entire development and conversion of the plant came at an investment of around €200 million. Approx. €700 million had already been invested between 2015 and 2018 to install a new, resource-efficient paintshop and extend the bodyshop for production of the BMW 3 Series.

In recent weeks, a particular challenge facing the team was the confined space within the production halls, which made conversion and installation work difficult. Previous systems had to be removed with very little space to spare, and new ones installed and launched. Before conversion work began, plans were made with the help of digital tools that simulated the line sections, system designs and production processes by virtual reality. “This allowed us to make the best possible use of the limited space available in our plant, and to see exactly which processes needed adjusting,” Engelhorn explained. Much of the expertise for the upgrade came from production workers themselves, who used VR goggles to obtain a clear picture of what their stage of work would look like, and offered valuable feedback on ergonomics and process optimisation.

The bodyshop at Plant Munich is a shining example of smart, efficient integration, as the majority of production processes for the BMW i4 can be carried out on existing bodyshop systems. Additional systems were required merely for the floor assembly and rear section of the BMW i4, as the electric drive and high-voltage battery mean these are quite different from conventional architectures. The approx. 550-kilogram battery pack will be fitted to the body by a new, fully automated battery assembly system, which uses camera systems to check automatically if the battery pack is positioned correctly on the line. The battery pack is also transported to the line and bolted to the body fully automatically.

A new electric overhead conveyor has also been installed for BMW i4 production, along with stronger conveyors in the vehicle finish area. “This has been the most comprehensive overhaul of assembly in the history of Plant Munich,” Robert Engelhorn pointed out.

As the number of driver assistance systems, safety equipment and connectivity features steadily increases, function-testing of the various in-car innovations and technologies during production is becoming more and more complex. To meet the ever tougher quality requirements, Plant Munich is making greater use of digitally connected production and testing systems. Complex logistics and production processes are also supported by myriad digitalisation solutions and interconnected smart systems.

During the conversion of Plant Munich over recent weeks, the focus was very much on integrating the BMW i4 into existing production systems. But systems and processes were also prepared for series production of the BMW M3, which will be manufactured on the same line as well. Established back in 1922, the BMW Group’s home plant is now set to deliver a wide-ranging product portfolio that includes not only the BMW i4 but also the combustion- and hybrid-powered BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Touring, and the new BMW M3.

The tremendous flexibility of the plant and the extraordinary skills of the team are impressive.

• Fully electric mobility celebrates its premiere in a BMW X model – the new BMW iX3 (fuel consumption combined in the NEDC test cycle: 0.0 l/100 km; electric power consumption combined: 17.8 – 17.5 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km; fuel consumption combined in the WLTP test cycle: 0.0 l/100 km; electric power consumption combined: 19.5 – 18.5 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km). 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 in the statutory new WLTP test cycle (up to 520 kilometres 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 and peak torque of 400 Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds (for purposes of comparison – BMW X3 30i: 6.4 seconds), top speed (electronically limited): 180 km/h. 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 of range (WLTP).
  
  
• 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/Shenyang. The BMW Group is systematically pursuing its electrification strategy and will release the new BMW iX3 onto the global market by the end of 2020. Standard production of the BMW core brand’s first pure electric model will get underway at the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture (BBA) in China in late summer (in the northern hemisphere) as planned: BBA Plant Dadong will produce the first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) with a pure electric drive train for the global market. The first of these electric vehicles will be delivered to customers by the end of the year.

The testing required for homologation of the new BMW iX3 has now been successfully completed and the results submitted to the regulatory authorities in key automotive markets. “This is the first time we have completed the entire homologation process for a fully electric model in China and Europe at the same time. The staff on our testing team mastered this unique challenge with tremendous dedication and efficiency,” said Arno Keller, head of Development BMW iX3. More than 340 hours of testing, including over 7700 kilometres of test drives, had to be completed within four weeks. 

Preparations for production of the BMW iX3 were stepped up in Shenyang in parallel. BBA has been building BMW iX3 pre-production vehicles at Plant Dadong in Shenyang since the middle of last year. The 200th pre-production model recently came off the assembly line and test drives on Chinese roads began – allowing development and test engineers to make final adjustments.

“We are right on schedule with our BMW iX3 pre-production vehicles and will launch standard production in late summer, using state-of-the-art technologies such as custom installation of the new high-voltage battery and artificial intelligence for monitoring parts,” explained Robert Küssel, BBA Plant Director Dadong. “We are also producing the fully-electric BMW iX3 and the BMW X3 with combustion engine on the same production line. This enables us to achieve high efficiency and flexibility in production,” Küssel continued.

With the new BMW iX3, the BMW Group is adding another fully-electric vehicle to its portfolio that will not only tap into new customer groups, but also arrives on the market at a time when demand for electric vehicles is expanding significantly. The electric car is based on the globally successful BMW X3 and combines the versatility and robust functionality of a premium mid-size Sports Activity Vehicle with ground-breaking drive technology for locally emission-free driving pleasure. The BMW X3 is the brand’s first model available with both conventional petrol and diesel engines, a plug-in hybrid system or a pure electric drive train. This “Power of Choice” approach allows the company to respond to the different needs and wants of its customers worldwide and maximise its impact in reducing global CO2 emissions.

The BMW iX3 already comes with fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, including a drive unit with the electric engine, power electronics and transmission highly integrated into a central housing. This significantly reduces the installation space and mass of the drive technology relative to output and offers added flexibility for installing new electric powertrain components in different vehicle derivatives. A further highlight is the electric motor, which no longer requires the use of rare earths and ensures the BMW Group is not depend on their availability.

The fifth-generation electric drive train also includes new and more powerful high-voltage batteries. Thanks to their scalable, modular design, these can be used flexibly in the respective vehicle architecture and at the respective production locations.

With a range of around 440 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle (preliminary data), the BMW iX3 paves the way for BMW eDrive technology, which will also be used in BMW i4 and BMW iNEXT models from 2021 on.

Munich. The character of the Concept i4 is not only a product of its design, but also of its visionary sound profile. Hans Zimmer composed the sound of the BMW Concept i4 together with BMW sound designer Renzo Vitale under the brand name BMW IconicSounds Electric. BMW IconicSounds Electric will imbue BMW’s electric models with extra emotional depth by connecting the driver with the vehicle’s character on another level through individual tones and sounds.

“Renzo and I were inspired to bring together the past and future of BMW with the sound for the BMW Concept i4,” explains Zimmer. “We hope the sound we created is classic yet surprising and has a feeling of lightness that is fitting for the BMW brand.” The aural repertoire of the BMW Concept i4 stretches from the driving sounds in the Experience Mode “Core” to the more intense tones of “Sport”. Acoustic accompaniments to a door opening and when starting the car are likewise part of its soundscape.

Sound by Hans Zimmer is the starting signal for electric driving pleasure.

Hans Zimmer and Renzo Vitale presented the new start/stop sound in Zimmer’s Santa Monica studio back in November 2019. The ready-to-drive sound for all-electric BMW models and BMW plug-in hybrids will be introduced as a standard feature worldwide from July 2020. “The ability to design the sound in our vehicles makes it possible for us to spark positive emotions,” says Vitale. “The new start/stop sound is intended to instil a sense of excitement at the prospect of electric driving when the customer gets into their vehicle and begins the journey.”

BMW IconicSounds Electric.

The silence of electric drive systems is often cited as a major benefit of electric mobility. As the choice of electrified models increases, however, it also means some drivers are missing out on the emotional appeal of sound. Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President Customer and Brand BMW: “Sound has always played an important role in the emotionalisation of our vehicles. Now we are taking the joy of sheer driving pleasure to a new level and are particularly pleased to be working with Hans Zimmer to create the new sound world of electric mobility at BMW. This collaboration will result in our forward-looking sound offering for electrified vehicles: BMW IconicSounds Electric.”

The BMW Concept i4 drive sound is the second developed for electric BMW vehicles with Hans Zimmer, following the presentation of the electric sound for the BMW Vision M NEXT at the #NEXTGen event in Munich in June 2019. “We have an extraordinary opportunity to turn electric driving in a BMW into a very special experience with the help of great sounds,” Zimmer commented in 2019. “I am relishing the challenge of co-designing the composition for future electric BMWs.”

Munich. The BMW iX3, the production of which will commence in 2020, facilitates locally emission-free driving in a novel and efficient form, whilst also being suitable for everyday use. A range of more than 440 km* within the legislative WLTP test cycle will be achieved with a net-battery size of 74 kWh*. The first purely electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is the trailblazer for BMW eDrive technology of the fifth generation, which, starting 2021, will also be deployed in the BMW i4 and the BMW iNEXT. For this purpose, both the drive system and the high-voltage battery unit featuring pioneering battery cell technology have been completely redeveloped. In the BMW iX3, the related advancement ensures brand-typical driving experience combined with outstanding efficiency and a novel balance of weight and range.

The BMW iX3 is yet a further milestone in the consistent realisation of the BMW Group’s electrification strategy. In 2020 the BMW X3 will become the brand’s first model available both with conventional petrol and diesel engines as well as plug-in hybrid and purely electric drive. With this “power of choice” offer, the globally operating company is taking into account the various different requirements and needs of their worldwide customers worldwide as well as maximum effectiveness in the reduction of CO2 emissions. The BMW iX3 is produced for the world market by the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive in Shenyang, China.  

* = preliminary data

________________________.

The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology is the key to future-oriented sustainability for vehicles with electrified drive systems. It is the result of consistent development work within the framework of BMW EfficientDynamics and the experience gained by the BMW Group in the field of electric mobility spanning more than 10 years. All powertrain components used for BMW eDrive technology were developed solely by the BMW Group. Moreover, the electric motor and the high-voltage batteries are produced in corporately owned manufacturing facilities. In this way, the BMW Group ensures it has a decisive influence on the product properties and the quality of each component. Furthermore, the drive unit and the high-voltage battery unit are flexibly scalable in terms of power and energy content and can thus be used in various different vehicle concepts and segments.

EfficientDynamics at its best: New drive component with high efficiency and brand-typical power characteristics.  
In the BMW iX3, EfficientDynamics reaches a new level. The vehicle’s fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology comprises a drive unit in which electric motor, system electronics and transmission are brought together into a central housing. As a result, the required installation space of the drive technology and its weight are considerably reduced. The ratio between motor output and weight of the drive system improves around 30 percent compared to the previous generation.
The electric motor featured in the BMW iX3 delivers a maximum power output of 210 kW*. The torque of 400 Nm* allows for high initial acceleration and keeps a high level even at the upper motor speeds because of exclusive BMW design measures.

A further special feature of the electric motor being deployed in the BMW iX3 for the first time is a construction method that eliminates the need for rare earth materials.

The electric motor used in the BMW iX3 transfers power to the rear wheels. This effectuates a further increase in drive system efficiency. Moreover, the range of the BMW iX3 benefits from the drive design conveying the traditional BMW rear-wheel drive experience.

High-voltage batteries with significant higher energy density and responsible use of raw materials.

The high-voltage battery unit of the BMW iX3 is integral part of BMW’s fifth eDrive generation and is based on the latest evolution in NMC-811 technology in BMW typical prismatic design. The BMW Group has outstanding development capabilities in this field. This know-how flows into precise specifications with regard to the use of materials and battery design, according to which the battery cells are produced. Consistent research and development work not only raises energy density but also constantly improves all battery cell characteristics, in particular also durability and safety. In total, the BMW high-voltage battery shows the optimum of what is possible nowadays.

At the same time the BMW engineers were able to reduce the share of cobalt contained in the battery by another two thirds. Compared to former technology used by BMW Group, the gravimetric energy density on cell level in the BMW iX3 is around 20 percent higher.

With the BMW iX3 the raw materials Cobalt and Lithium for the first time are purchased by BMW directly and then handed over to the producer of the battery cells.

In addition, scalability and the compact design of the high-voltage battery unit have been further optimised. The battery cells are grouped into modules at specialised BMW production locations and finally assembled as high-voltage battery packs aligned to each model. The high-voltage battery unit in the BMW iX3 is installed in an extremely flat position in the vehicle floor. Thanks to this arrangement, there is no loss of space for passengers and the luggage compartment compared to the conventionally powered versions of the BMW X3.

Greater range thanks to high efficiency rather than a bigger battery

With a net energy content of 74 kWh*, the high-voltage battery unit installed in the BMW iX3 achieves a range of more than 440 km* in the legislative WLTP test cycle. Within its segment, the BMW iX3 boasts not only a unique low power consumption of less than 20 kWh/100km* accordingly to the WLTP test cycle, but also stands for a novel ratio between battery size and range.
Thanks to the favourable efficiency rating of the drive components and the high energy density of the high-voltage battery unit, the BMW iX3 achieves a range that is only possible for common electric vehicles with larger and thus heavier batteries.

Positive environmental impact secured.
The “real” ecological footprint of electric vehicles is sometimes questioned, particularly in markets still having a low percentage of green electricity in the public power grid. At the BMW Group every electrified model has to proof that for the entire cycle, comprising raw material procurement, supply chain, production and usage phase as well as recycling, its CO2 balance is substantially better than the one of a conventionally powered sibling.  For the BMW iX3 the related advantage is more than 30 percent compared to a BMW X3 sDrive 20d when average European power supply is used during the car’s usage phase. If the vehicle is charged with green electricity the advantage is around 60 percent.

Furthermore, in analogy with the BMW i3 Plug&Play technology, the high-voltage battery featured in the BMW iX3 is planned for a second life as a stationary battery pack for the period following the first long life in the car. This way the already positive CO2 balance of the BMW iX3 can be further improved.

* =  preliminary data

• Fourth generation of the BMW X family patriarch. New BMW X5 opens the next chapter in the success story of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment’s founder, of which more than 2.2 million units have been sold so far. New edition of the BMW X5 captures the imagination with clarity of design, comfortable, sporty and authoritative driving attributes and innovative equipment features. Production at BMW Plant Spartanburg (USA). Market launch in November 2018.
• Significantly larger than its predecessor: Length increased by 36 millimetres to 4,922 mm, width by 66 mm to 2,004 mm and height by 19 mm to 1,745 mm. Wheelbase extended by 42 mm to 2,975 millimetres.
• Exterior employs a robust and clear design language that is new to BMW X models. Powerfully sculpted surfaces, precise lines. Large BMW kidney grille with a one-piece surround, eye-catching character line and dynamic roofline, rear lights have a three-dimensional form.
• Interior exudes a classy and modern aura thanks to sophisticated materials, harmonious design and an innovative control concept.
• Neatly judged individualisation with BMW xLine and M Sport lines, plus model-specific features from BMW Individual.
• BMW Laserlight with Adaptive LED Headlights available as an option. Light sources have a striking design; lenses spread in a distinctive X shape; signature blue colour of BMW Laserlight.
• First BMW model to be available with 22-inch light-alloy wheels (optional). M light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design and BMW Individual light-alloy wheels available from launch in this size.
• Market launch of the new BMW X5 with four engine variants: Newly developed V8 petrol engine with 340 kW in the BMW X5 xDrive50i, six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with 250 kW in the BMW X5 xDrive40i (fuel consumption combined: 8.8 – 8.5 l/100 km; CO ₂ emissions combined: 200 – 193 g/km)* and two six-cylinder in-line diesel engines with 294 kW in the BMW X5 M50d (fuel consumption combined: 7.2 – 6.8 l/100 km; CO ₂ emissions combined: 190 – 179 g/km)* and 195 kW/265 kW in the BMW X5 xDrive30d (fuel consumption combined: 6.8 – 6.0 l/100 km; CO ₂ emissions combined: 179 – 158 g/km)*. Only the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X5 xDrive30d will be offered in South Africa. All power units feature cutting-edge exhaust gas treatment technology, including a gasoline particulate filter or SCR catalyst, and meet the EU6d-TEMP standard. Eight-speed Steptronic transmission fitted as standard.
• BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with new, more efficient control system and rear-wheel bias as standard. Differential lock at rear axle provides noticeably enhanced agility, traction and directional stability when accelerating out of corners and in other dynamic driving situations.
• First BMW X model with optional Off-Road package. Two-axle air suspension, underguard at the front and rear, plus specific displays in the instrument cluster and Control Display. Choice of four driving modes available at the touch of a button. Ride height and the responses of BMW xDrive, DSC, the transmission and the accelerator are adjusted to give an optimum set-up for driving on sand, rock, gravel or snow.
• Dynamic Damper Control with electronically controlled dampers as standard. New chassis systems available for the first time in a BMW X model: two-axle air suspension offering ride height adjustment of up to 80 millimetres. Integral Active Steering, Adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation.
• Debut appearance of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional display and control concept (fitted as standard). Further development of the iDrive operating system to include a fully digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch Control Display. Clear graphics and flat menu structure designed for touch control ensure quick access to settings and functions. Situation-linked and customisable displays supply the driver with the right information at the right time.
• Increased ease of use through multimodal use of the touchscreen display, Controller, voice control and BMW gesture control.
• New generation of the BMW Head-Up Display with a larger projection surface (now 7 × 3.5 inch), optimised 3D graphics and additional display content.
• Optional third row of seats (expected to be available from 12/2018) offers two additional seats; comfortable entry and exit thanks to electrically forward-tilting second-row seats.
• Two-piece split tailgate, hands-free opening and closing of both sections with optional Comfort Access. Automatic boot cover can be lowered electrically into load compartment floor (expected to be available from 12/2018). Boot capacity can be increased from 645 litres to a maximum 1,860 litres.
• Standard leather trim in new variant Vernasca and optional BMW Individual Merino leather trim both available in a choice of four colours.
• New options provide the interior with exceptional creature comforts: Multifunction seats with massage function, four-zone automatic climate control, heated armrests, cooled/heated cupholders in the centre console, Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge with a 23 per cent larger glass surface, Ambient Air package for interior fragrancing, Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System (expected to be available from 12/2018), Rear-seat entertainment Professional system with 10.2-inch touchscreen display (expected to be available from 12/2018).
• First appearance of new glass applications (optional) for the newly designed transmission selector lever, the Controller, the start/stop button in the centre console and the audio system control knob.
• Telephony with wireless charging for compatible mobile phones. BMW Display Key shows vehicle status information and allows user to control vehicle functions.
• Updated ambient lighting (optional) with Welcome Light Carpet for the entry area to the car and Dynamic Interior Light with pulsating illumination in the instrument panel (when receiving incoming phone calls) and in the door panel and opener (when the door is opened with the engine running).
• Innovative suite of driver assistance systems takes another step towards automated driving: Driving Assistant Professional includes further developed Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Steering and lane control assistant, Lane Change Warning and Lane Departure Warning, side collision protection, evasion aid, Crossing traffic warning, Priority warning and Wrong-way warning.
• Emergency Stop Assistant available for the first time; brakes the vehicle automatically if required, and steers it to the side of the road.
• Parking Assistant with automated longitudinal and lateral guidance. New Reversing Assistant takes over steering to manoeuvre the vehicle along a path recently negotiated forward – over a distance of up to 50 metres. Parking Assistant Plus also includes Surround View, Top View, Panorama View and Remote 3D View.
• Complete range of services from BMW ConnectedDrive. Full connectivity between the vehicle and the customer’s digital devices via the BMW Connected personal mobility assistant. BMW Digital Key allows users to access the vehicle and start the engine using their smartphone. Hazard warning provided by connectivity with other BMW vehicles. Software upgrades “over the air”. Integration of Microsoft Office 365 and Skype for Business.

Time schedule 26.06.2017:

09:30 – 10:10 EST       Press Conference "Built in the US: The All-New BMW X3."

15:30 – 16:10 MEST    Spartanburg, USA. LIVE

13:30 – 14:10 GMT

iframe details:

The highlights can be downloaded as soon as possible after the event at:
https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Find more BMW Group on demand streams here:
www.live.bmwgroup.com

Rijswijk/Munich. As of August 2017, VDL Nedcar in Born in the Netherlands will begin production of the BMW X1. The move was jointly announced today by the BMW Group and the VDL Group. VDL Nedcar will share production of the BMW X1 for the world market with BMW Group Plant Regensburg. VDL Nedcar has built three MINI models in Born since 2014.The BMW X1 will be the fourth BMW Group model to roll off the production lines at VDL Nedcar.

Strong global demand for the BMW X1 requires additional capacity to supplement production at the BMW Group plant in Regensburg, where the second generation of this successful model has been manufactured since July 2015. With eight different models built on a single line, production volumes at BMW Group Plant Regensburg have risen significantly in recent years. As a consequence of this successful growth, the plant will share BMW X1 production with VDL Nedcar. Over its lifecycle, the main volume of the BMW X1 will still be produced in Regensburg, however.

BMW Group Plant Regensburg and VDL Nedcar are partner plants since early 2014 and have established a close and successful collaboration. VDL Nedcar has many years of experience manufacturing high-quality cars and is a trusted and reliable partner for the BMW Group production network. The involvement of VDL Nedcar as a contract manufacturer gives the BMW Group the flexibility to respond quickly to market demand for the BMW X1.

Peter Haug, Marketing Director of BMW Group Netherlands: “In the Netherlands, demand for BMW X models has been very strong, especially for the BMW X1. Last year, a total of 1,946 units were registered, making it the best sales result since the first generation was launched in 2009. In 2016, no less than 62.2 percent of all X models sold in the Netherlands (3,131 in total) were BMW X1s, which means that one in six BMW models sold was a BMW X1.”

Strong cooperation

Since 2014, VDL Nedcar has produced various MINI models, starting with the three-door MINI in split production with BMW Group Plant Oxford. The second model, the MINI Convertible, is exclusively built in Born. On 2 November 2016, VDL Nedcar also began exclusive production of the new MINI Countryman. In March 2017, VDL Nedcar will start production of the new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, MINI’s first plug-in hybrid, and the sporty MINI John Cooper Works Countryman with 170 kW (231 hp).

BMW X models popular worldwide

In 2016, BMW sold a total of 2,003,359 vehicles (an increase of 5.2 per cent compared to 2015), of which 644,922 were X models (an increase of 22.3 per cent compared to 2015). One in three BMW models sold in 2016 was an X model.

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. 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)

Copenhagen. Following the successful introduction of the BMW i3 to the DriveNow fleets in Germany, the UK and the USA, the next major step is being taken with the commissioning of 400 BMW i3 in Copenhagen on September 3rd 2015. What is new here is an all-electric fleet which is also interconnected with public transport. The future-oriented business model stands for even more targeted orientation of individual mobility towards the needs of people in metropolitan regions.

For BMW i, car sharing using electric vehicles is an important step in opening up convenient initial access to electric mobility to the public at large, in order to reduce traffic and emissions in cities and to make a contribution there towards better quality of life.

The Danish branch of the British Arriva PLC, with a share of 50 per cent is the largest bus operator in Copenhagen.

The BMW i3 ideally fulfills the requirements of this major project. Besides being designed as an emission-free electric car, it is also the world’s first automobile offering “intermodal routing”, i.e. the incorporation of public transport services into the navigation system’s route guidance in the car.

                                      _____________________________

Dr. Bernhard Blättel, head of BMW Group mobility services adds: “Here in Copenhagen we are now already witnessing mobility of the future. It is on-demand technology, interconnected, quiet and electric. We are pleased to be able to introduce the capabilities of the BMW i3 and our expertise in future-oriented mobility concepts here in the Danish capital.”

Regarding the collaboration with Arriva he adds: “We are not rivals, but cooperate with the providers of public transport in order to further develop urban mobility in a customer-oriented and sustainable way”.

”We are proud and very happy to introduce this innovative solution to the city of Copenhagen together with our strong business partners. Furthermore, I am confident that DriveNow will prove as a unique opportunity for people to try out and enjoy the green means of transportation. This will contribute to a breakthrough for the electric cars,” comments Nikolaj Wendelboe, CEO of Arriva Denmark.

                                     ______________________________

About BMW i:
BMW i is a brand of the BMW Group and stands for visionary mobility and vehicle concepts, progressive design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability.
BMW i is represented worldwide with the vehicles BMW i3 (electric vehicle for metropolitan regions) and the BMW i8 (hybrid sports car with the fuel consumption of a small car), as well as a multitude of mobility services in the field of electric and interconnected mobility.

About DriveNow:
DriveNow, the joint car sharing venture of the BMW Group and Sixt SE, offers high-class premium vehicles of the brands BMW und MINI for rent in major European cities according to the free floating principle. The vehicles can be rented and returned anywhere within a predefined operative area.
Registered customers reserve and book the vehicles via the DriveNow app or the website for diverse usage situations during their free time or at work. With the BMW i3, DriveNow is now also offering an electric mobility solution in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, London and soon in Copenhagen. DriveNow currently exists in Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Hamburg, Vienna, London, in the USA in San Francisco and briefly in Copenhagen.

About Arriva:
With more than 4,200 employees and a bus fleet of 1,200 buses Arriva Denmark is the largest bus operator in Denmark with operations in most parts of the country. Arriva also operates trains in Central and West Jutland as well as the harbor buses in Copenhagen. Arriva Denmark is part of the Arriva Group who runs public transportation in 14 European countries. Since 2010, the Arriva Group is owned by Deutsche Bahn.

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 and drives the rear wheels, while the 96 kW 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 in the EU test cycle and a top speed of 120 km/h 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 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 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.

Munich/Las Vegas. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES ) 2015 in Las Vegas, BMW is providing further evidence that it is a world leader in the development of Laserlight. Having already supplied its first models with Laserlight to customers, it is now presenting further laser functions for vehicles of the future. Laserlight is now able to offer its impressively long beam range of up to 600 metres in combination with the BMW Selective Beam function (anti-dazzle High-Beam Assistant). At CES, BMW is unveiling ways in which Laserlight, extensively integrated with assistance systems and vehicle sensors, can be used to implement new intelligent lighting functions for enhanced safety and comfort. For example, it can work with the navigation system to illuminate corners well in advance, while a laser-based Dynamic Light Spot can provide early warning of people or animals at night from a distance of up to 100 metres.

New lighting technology opens up design scope.
The BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights model, with exterior paintwork in Cool White metallic, features a new interpretation of the typical BMW twin round headlights. On the move, the laser technology can be identified by the fine blue strips inside the lights. Meanwhile, the rear light clusters of the BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights model are based on OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes), which produce light from wafer-thin semiconducting layers of organic material. For the first time, both the tail lights and rear direction indicators feature OLED technology. The illuminated surfaces are positioned to produce a three-dimensional effect. OLEDs also take up less room on account of their thin size.

Shining example of innovative technology: anti-dazzle Laserlight and laser projection.
BMW Laserlight sets new standards in terms of beam range and brightness. Inside the laser headlights, the “coherent” monochromatic blue laser light is converted into harmless white light. A special optical system directs the rays from the high-performance diodes onto a phosphor plate inside the light, which converts the beam into a very bright white light that is similar to natural daylight and pleasant to the eye. Despite consuming 30 percent less energy, the parallel light beam is ten times more intense than that produced by halogen, xenon or LED light sources. BMW Laserlight also has a beam range of up to 600 metres, more than twice that of conventional headlights, for increased safety in the dark. The camera-based BMW Selective Beam system, which is controlled by dynamic actuators, prevents oncoming or preceding vehicles being dazzled and allows the laser high beam to be left on at all times.

Enhanced safety through connectivity.
Extensive integration of the innovative Laserlight with other vehicle systems allows a variety of intelligent lighting functions to be implemented. Integration with the navigation system, for example, allows the proactive Adaptive Headlight control system to illuminate corners even before the steering wheel is turned. Laserlight also adds a new dimension to the Night Vision system’s Dynamic Light Spot function. In pitch-dark conditions, people and animals can be detected from a distance of up to 100 metres, by infrared camera, and “spotlighted” by the laser-based Dynamic Light Spot. This is a longer range than that of any other system. Also, if the vehicle detects reduced clear road width ahead, the laser headlights can be used to provide “narrow clearance” lighting. A laser projection function indicates the exact width of the vehicle in relation to the road to allow safe passage through the narrow space. BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights also showcases a further “visionary” system: “High Power Laser” diodes. This system projects driver information directly onto the road in front of the vehicle, allowing drivers to concentrate optimally on the traffic even in pitch darkness.

OLED rear light cluster with three-dimensional effect.
Organic light-emitting diodes – OLEDs – are an innovative, efficient, sustainable light source that form the basis for the BMW Organic Light system. OLEDs have a low power consumption, which helps to further reduce vehicle CO2 emissions. Another sustainable feature of this technology is the fact that no expensive rare earth metals are required in the production process. Unlike ordinary LEDs, which are a point light source, OLEDs produce light uniformly over their entire surface. The OLED elements are very thin, with a thickness of just 1.4 millimetres. Also, the individual modules can be activated separately, generating new possibilities for creating different lighting effects at the rear light clusters.

Different lighting effects in different driving modes.
In the past, rigorous legal requirements regulating the brightness of vehicle lighting have limited the number of lighting functions that it was possible to implement with OLED technology. On the BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights model, BMW Organic Light is used in the tail lights and rear direction indicators. By activating the OLED segments individually, it is possible to create different rear lighting effects in different driving modes. Whereas normally the L-shape is wide and uniformly illuminated, in Sport mode a different-shaped light pattern can be used by activating only some of the OLED segments. The rear light then appears as a narrow, focused and sharply defined “strip” of light.

New technologies create new design options.
Lighting is an important design element in modern vehicles. From the front, all vehicles of the BMW core brand are instantly identifiable by the combination of their twin round headlights and the hallmark kidney grille. At night, the four glowing corona rings form a distinctive signature.
The BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights model presents a new interpretation of the twin circular headlight theme. The headlights feature laser technology which is attractively highlighted by fine blue LED strips when the vehicle is on the move. Thanks to the new laser technology it was also possible to give the headlights a flat and sharply sculpted design.

The L-shaped rear light clusters are just as distinctive in terms of styling as the front lights. The “L” shape is a typical design hallmark that accentuates the width of the rear and gives the vehicle a striking and powerful look that always stands out from the crowd, whether at night or during the daytime. On current models, LED-powered light strips and other light elements emphasise the L-shape at night and make the brand identity more easily recognisable in the dark. BMW first presented a rear light cluster with OLED elements on the BMW Vision Future Luxury concept model, which made its world debut in Beijing in April 2014. BMW M4 Concept Iconic Lights displays its own version of this design. Its M-style OLED rear light cluster marks a new evolution of the typical BMW L-shaped lighting design which, with the BMW 7 Series launch, was reinforced with a distinctive “glowing” effect. OLED technology makes it possible to create a new, more three-dimensional and at the same time very sharply defined appearance.

BMW M GmbH will be launching a production model featuring OLED technology in the near future.

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 third 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 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 third 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 in 7.0 seconds and deliver average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres. 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.