BMW Group UK is celebrating a strong start to the summer awards season, after receiving recognition from a range of leading automotive titles. Highlights include recent successes for BMW and MINI, at the 2026 Autocar Awards, Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards, What Car? Tow Car Awards, Auto Express Driver Power 2026 and the EcoCar Electrified Top 50 Awards.

Autocar name Neue Klasse architecture as ‘Mundy Award for Engineering’ winner,
with MINI JCW winning ‘Future Classic’ Award at 2026 Autocar Awards.
Earlier this week, BMW Group secured two coveted accolades at the annual Autocar Awards. All-new Neue Klasse architecture has received the prestigious Mundy Award for Engineering at the 2026 Autocar Awards. The Mundy Award is a highly regarding award that recognises standout engineering feats within the automotive industry for their exceptional technical contributions and innovation. The Neue Klasse architecture underlines the future BMW model portfolio, with BMW iX3, BMW 7 Series & BMW i3 already announced, and up to 40 new or updated models launching in the coming two years. Speaking on the origins, Mike Reichelt, the Head of Neue Klasse, stated that “we went all in and pushed every technology to the boundaries to lead BMW into the future. Ultimately it feels like a BMW, but a completely modern one and a new interpretation of what a BMW should be. And that’s the biggest compliment we can get”. The Neue Klasse architecture marks the first time a ‘product’ has been received this prize, rather than an individual person, since the Autocar’s inaugural awards ceremony in 2017. Speaking on the win, judges commented that the first of the Neue Klasse models – the BMW iX3 – “is amongst the finest electric cars yet”.

MINI was also victorious on the night, as Autocar named the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) as the winner of their Future Classic Award for 2026. The MINI JCW was praised for its “compelling hot hatchback charm and trademark desirability”, as it was benchmarked on its driving dynamics and significance in the current automotive market.

BMW iX3 wins ‘Youtube Director Award’ at Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards 2026.
At the ninth annual Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards, the BMW iX3 was revealed as the winner of this year’s Youtube Director Award. This award is presented to a vehicle launched during the past 12 months that has stood out above the competition after being tested by Autotrader’s Youtube Director, Rory Reid.

Speaking on the accolade, Rory commented, “The BMW iX3 stands out as a genuinely complete electric car. It combines a strong real-world range with everyday practicality, a high-quality, intuitive interior, and a driving experience that still feels distinctively BMW.” To conclude, Rory states, “[the iX3 is] one of the most convincing all-round EVs on sale today”.

Triple success for BMW at 2026 What Car? Tow Car Awards.
The annual What Car? Tow Car Awards help drivers choose a car that performs well both when towing and during everyday driving. Since its introduction in 2007, these awards assist buyers when it comes to towing capabilities across a range of weight classes. This year, the BMW 530e Touring was selected as the overall winner, claiming the headline award, as well as class winner for ‘best car for caravans over 1,700kg’. Speaking on the triumph, judges praised the BMW 530e Touring for its “extreme stability”, “excellent fuel economy”, and “luxurious and roomy” interior. What Car? Editor, Steve Huntingford concluded by stating, “we tested many impressive cars this year, but none is better than the overall champion, the BMW 530e Touring. It makes an exceptional tow car”.

Meanwhile, the all-new BMW iX3 was awarded ‘best electric car for caravans over 1,400kg’. What Car? commented, “Electric tow cars are improving at an impressive rate. There’s no better example than the BMW iX3”. As reigning What Car? Car of the Year, the BMW iX3 impressed judges by being a “powerful and stable tow car”, and What Car? Editor, Steve Huntingford, emphasised that the BMW iX3 is the “new standard-setter for electric tow cars”.

BMW takes home four trophies at EcoCar Electrified Top 50 Awards 2026.
BMW was recently awarded four category wins at the EcoCar Electrified Top 50 Awards 2026. Now in its fifth year as a standalone awards event, the Top 50 celebrate the very best electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid and hydrogen vehicles on sale in the UK. The 2026 awards saw BMW triumph, with four models placing within the top 31.

The all-new BMW iX3 was crowned ‘Best Electric Executive SUV’, as judges praised its “class leading” electric range, “premium interior”, and “BMW’s characteristic driving dynamics”.

Meanwhile, for the fifth consecutive year, the BMW iX was selected as “Best Electric Luxury SUV”. Judges commented, “A recent facelift has only improved what was already one of the finest electric vehicles on sale”. Impressed by the model’s “lounge-like interior”, “state of the art” display screen, and usable performance, Diesel & Eco Car Editor, Ian Robertson, stated that the BMW iX is “one of his favourite cars on sale right now”.

The BMW 5 Series and BMW i5 were named as “Best Plug-in Hybrid Executive Car” & “Best Electric Executive Car” respectively. Judges described these cars as “exceptional all-rounders that combine refinement, driver engagement and practicality in a thoroughly convincing package. Touring estate versions only enhance its appeal”.

Best Coupe and Family Car wins for BMW at Auto Express’ 2026 Driver Power survey.
The annual Auto Express Driver Power survey asks thousands of new car buyers to share their thoughts on the current automotive market and their real-world experiences during vehicle ownership. The results provide a good insight into what new car owners actually think of the cars they purchased and drive every day, helping fellow motorists choose their next vehicles. This year, BMW performed across a number of classes. The BMW 2 Series was named as ‘Best Coupe’, with buyers highlighting interior quality, driving pleasure and engine sounds as reasons to recommend. Particular praise was given to the infotainment system, with extra points noted for the ‘user-friendly controls and smartphone connectivity.

Meanwhile the BMW 1 Series was triumphant in ‘Best Family Car’ category with highlights including infotainment technology, interior styling and reliability. Notable impressions being that the BMW 1 Series scored highest in the survey for front seat comfort with 93.2% of customers rating this highly. The two above BMW models both placed within the top 6 of the 50 surveyed models.

Ends


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 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to € 133,5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 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 through 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


For further information please contact:

Sam Buckingham
Press Officer, MINI
Tel: 07815 362 262
Samuel.Buckingham@mini.co.uk

Tom Evans
Senior Press Officer, BMW
Tel: 07815 371 705
Email: Tom.Evans@bmw.co.uk

James Morrison
Head of Product Communications
Tel: 07815 372 646
Email: James.Morrison@bmw.co.uk

Christina Burnham-Hepe
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 371 206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptions have been made to cater to the UK market.

Munich/Dingolfing. One out of two million: A BMW i5 M60 xDrive sedan in Tansanit Blue assembled at Plant Dingolfing is the two-millionth all-electric vehicle produced by the BMW Group. The anniversary vehicle is going to a customer in Spain.

BMW Group Plant Dingolfing: home to the most all-electric models
Plant Dingolfing began series production of all-electric automobiles in 2021 with the BMW iX. Today, it builds the widest range of BEV models within the BMW Group: the BMW iX, the BMW i5 sedan and touring, and the BMW i7. Since 2021, more than 320,000 all-electric vehicles have already been built at the Lower Bavarian site. This means that almost every sixth of the BMW Group’s total of two million BEVs comes from Dingolfing. In 2025, more than a quarter of the vehicles produced at Plant Dingolfing were all-electric.

Clear strategy with maximum flexibility
As part of the BMW iFACTORY, the BMW Group continues to pursue a technology-open approach in its plants: vehicles with different powertrains are flexibly produced in a mixed build on a single production line. For several years now, at least one all-electric model has been rolling off the line at every German BMW Group plant - e-mobility has become the new normal across the company’s production network. In doing so, the BMW Group is making a significant contribution to Germany being the world’s second-largest production location for electric cars today.

BMW recently celebrated another successful May, having garnered a trio of accolades at industry events including the 2025 Which? Awards, Top Gear EV Awards and The Great British Fleet Awards. Meanwhile, MINI Aceman customers can benefit from an optional towbar supporting a load of up to 750 kg.

BMW named Electric Car Brand of the Year at the Which? Awards.
Inaugurated in 2007, the Which? Awards celebrate and reward the best businesses in the UK that consistently deliver for their customers. At this year’s ceremony, BMW was presented the coveted Electric Car Brand of the Year accolade – awarded for demonstrating dependable EV reliability across Which? surveys and for an innovative, safe and electrically-efficient product portfolio.

Paul Kester, Head of Product and Market Planning for BMW Group UK said, “This Electric Car Brand of the Year award is especially meaningful given how competitive the EV market is right now. It’s a big year ahead for BMW with the world premiere of our first next-generation electric vehicle this September. We hope to be back on stage again next year following its launch.”

Top Gear names the BMW i5 Touring Best EV Estate at annual awards.
Almost two years after its initial launch, the eighth-generation BMW 5 Series recently garnered its 25th accolade across its diverse model lineup at the prestigious Top Gear Electric Awards 2025.

Standing as the epitome of driving pleasure, sporty elegance and modern functionality in a one compelling package, it was the BMW i5 Touring that took the top spot in the EV Estate category. Reflecting on the win, Top Gear’s Editor in Chief, Jack Rix said, “The enormous breadth of smug ability served up by BMW’s vast i5 Touring means the rest frankly needn’t have bothered…”

BMW 7 Series wins Best Fleet Luxury Car at The Great British Fleet Awards 2025.
Judged by Fleet World’s expert panel of editors, the Great British Fleet Awards celebrate the best of corporate motoring in the UK, from fleet managers to suppliers and manufacturers. This year’s ceremony saw the BMW 7 Series secure the accolade for Best Fleet Luxury Car.

Commenting on the win, Fleet World’s Editor, John Challen said, “A stalwart of the BMW lineup for decades, the 7 Series grows in stature, performance and quality throughout. In the back, it feels like you are being transported in a private jet, while behind the wheel, there’s an engaging driver experience, large, clear screens and a level of quality that is on a par with other cars with a much higher price tag.”

Launched in 2022, the latest-generation BMW 7 Series has redefined the luxury saloon market with its unparalleled comfort and cutting-edge digital experience. Its compelling model portfolio – comprising both hybrid and fully electric powertrains – offers maximum flexibility for BMW’s most discerning customers.

MINI Aceman customers can now specify a towbar supporting a load of up to 750 kg.
Following the launch of the MINI Aceman last year, customers can now benefit from an expanded options portfolio with the addition of a new towbar. Offering a capacity of up to 750 kg – perfect for towing small trailers and bicycle carriers – this new option is available for the MINI Aceman SE and MINI John Cooper Works Aceman.


Ends

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

For further information please contact:

Sam Buckingham
Press Officer, MINI
Tel: 07815 362 262
Samuel.Buckingham@mini.co.uk

Tom Evans
Senior Press Officer, BMW
Tel: 07815 371 705
Email: Tom.Evans@bmw.co.uk

Helen Wilson
MINI Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 372 480
Email: Helen.Wilson@mini.co.uk

Chris Overall
BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 370 990
Email: Chris.Overall@bmw.co.uk

Christina Burnham-Hepe
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 371 206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk

BMW Group UK has added three more industry accolades to its growing list of 2025 awards. Earlier this week, BMW was named Fleet Manufacturer of the Year for the seventh consecutive year at the Fleet News Awards 2025. Meanwhile, the BMW i5 was recognised as Best Premium Electric Car at the 2025 Driving Electric Awards. MINI also celebrated success, with the MINI Countryman named Medium Crossover of the Year at UK Car of the Year Awards 2025.

BMW named Fleet Manufacturer of the Year for the seventh consecutive year at the Fleet News Awards 2025.
BMW has sustained its impressive winning streak at the annual Fleet News Awards, attaining the coveted Fleet Manufacturer of the Year title for the seventh consecutive year. Voted for by Fleet News readers, who are certified fleet decision-makers, this accolade is especially noteworthy and reflects BMW’s strong reputation across the wider sector.

On presenting the award, Fleet News judges said, “BMW continues to lead the way when it comes to its support and relationships with fleet decision-makers. An always-strong line up of desirable models have been augmented by some of the best electric cars on the market to secure an unprecedented seventh consecutive win in this fleet-voted category.”

Rachel McDermott, Head of National Corporate Sales, BMW UK commented, “We are incredibly proud to have retained Fleet Manufacturer of the Year. This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams and our diverse and ever-evolving product portfolio. Our fleet customers remain assured by product substance, bolstered by supporting services such as BMW Proactive Care and BMW Corporate Certified making BMW a dependable Fleet partner.”

BMW i5 named Best Premium Electric Car at the 2025 Driving Electric Awards.
The annual Driving Electric Awards celebrate the very best products in the electric vehicle world, and at this year’s awards the BMW i5 was named Best Premium Electric Car. Driving Electric Editor Paul Barker praised the model’s “outstanding tech” and “best-in-class driving experience” before concluding: “The BMW i5 ticks all the right boxes for a premium electric car – it’ll take something quite special to beat it next year.”

First introduced in 2023, the eighth-generation BMW 5 Series has continued to receive widespread acclaim and this latest award further bolsters its impressive trophy collection, which now stands at 25 accolades.

MINI Countryman secures Medium Crossover of the Year at UK Car of the Year Awards 2025.
The MINI Countryman has been crowned ‘Medium Crossover of the Year’ at the 2025 UK Car of the Year Awards. The awards are independently run by 31 professional journalists and designed to highlight and advise on the best new cars on the market, specifically for UK customers.

Judges praised the stylish exterior design, innovative interior technology and overall ‘fun to drive’ feeling of the MINI Countryman, commenting, “The Countryman injects some design flair into a class full of same-again SUVs. Its interior is refreshingly stylish and well-built too”.

Judges went on to say; “The new MINI Countryman perfectly embodies the evolution of the brand while staying true to its playful roots – making it an exciting choice for those who have grown up alongside it. As the MINI range has increased, so has the quality, desirability and ‘fun to drive’ element, with the Countryman standing out for its practicality”.

Ends

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 

For further information please contact:

Sam Buckingham
Press Officer, MINI
Tel: 07815 362 262
Samuel.Buckingham@mini.co.uk

Tom Evans
Senior Press Officer, BMW
Tel: 07815 371 705
Email: Tom.Evans@bmw.co.uk

Helen Wilson
MINI Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 372 480
Email: Helen.Wilson@mini.co.uk

Chris Overall
BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 370 990
Email: Chris.Overall@bmw.co.uk

Christina Burnham-Hepe
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 371 206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk

BMW has enhanced its product portfolio with the introduction of the new BMW iX1 and BMW iX2 Shadow Edition alongside an expanded range of exterior paint colours for the BMW X3 M50 xDrive and BMW Z4 M40i with Handschalter Pack. Meanwhile, BMW Group UK continues its winning streak, with both BMW and MINI receiving multiple accolades from T3, Professional Driver and Company Car & Van.

New Shadow Edition available for BMW iX1 and BMW iX2.
The most compact models within the all-electric BMW SAV lineup can now be further personalised with the introduction of the BMW iX1 and BMW iX2 Shadow Edition. This new trim option packages an expanded list of standard equipment and sporty styling features at a compelling price. Over and above the M Sport trim, customers opting for the Shadow Edition receive 19-inch alloy wheels (for BMW iX1/already standard for BMW iX2), red M Sport brake callipers, Shadow Line Adaptive LED headlights and M Sport Pro Package styling features.

Increased personalisation for the BMW X3 M50 xDrive and BMW Z4 M40i with Handschalter Pack.
First introduced last summer, the BMW X3 M50 xDrive is equipped with the most powerful six-cylinder in-line petrol engine ever fitted in an M Performance model, delivering dynamic performance capabilities which set a new benchmark for driving pleasure in its class. From launch, customers opting for the range topper could choose from eight exterior paint finishes, however from April production, the colour palette will be expanded with the addition of 490 BMW Individual paint colours, including Sao Paulo Yellow, Daytona Violet and Frozen Black.

Also benefiting from an expanded range of exterior paints is BMW Z4 M40i with Handschalter Pack. Previously finished exclusively in Frozen Deep Green with Cognac upholstery, the six-speed manual roadster can now be specified in seven exterior paint options including Skycraper Grey, Thundernight Purple and San Francisco Red. Increased personalisation continues inside the cockpit with a choice of four new interior upholsteries. 

T3 presents the Best Car Tech award to the BMW Panoramic Vision.
Following the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), T3 has compiled its list of standout technologies from the Las Vegas event, with BMW’s revolutionary Panoramic Vision emerging as the title’s top pick for in-car innovation.

The BMW Panoramic Vision is the focal point of the next-generation BMW iDrive system, which will include the latest BMW Operating System X. Rolling out on all-new BMW models launched from the end of 2025, this industry-leading head-up display concept projects content across the entire lower portion of the windscreen, with the most important driving information available directly in the driver’s line of sight.

On presenting the award T3’s Editor-in-Chief Mat Gallagher said, “In-car tech is one of the most forward-thinking platforms right now and none more so than the new BMW iDrive system. Ready to feature in the next generation of electric vehicles – known as the Neue Klasse – the iDrive OSX system combines four elements to deliver optimum driver communication.

“The highlight is the Panoramic Vision, a thin projected screen that sits under the windscreen, providing a wealth of information. The contents are customisable, allowing you to drag and drop different widgets from the specially angled centre screen. It's super futuristic and really useful for keeping all those features in your eyeline. We can't wait to see it in the upcoming iX3 later this year.”

Double success for BMW at the 2025 Professional Driver Car of the Year awards.
Two of BMW’s flagship all-electric models collected category awards at the 2025 Professional Driver Car of the Year awards. With six categories in total, the annual awards are judged by Professional Driver readers, who evaluate more than 60 cars as part of the selection process.

The BMW i5 Touring was named Estate Car of the Year with Editor Mark Bursa commenting, “The estate Car category was test, with several strong contenders for the prize. But our judges went with an electric car – and one of the newest on the market. The BMW i5 Touring is not just a refined car that’s ideal for executive chauffeuring – it’s a joy to drive too.”

Following the success of the BMW M760e xDrive at last year’s awards, the BMW 7 Series continues to lead Professional Driver’s Chauffeur Car category, with the all-electric BMW i7 taking the 2025 top spot. “The new 7-series has become a game-changer in the chauffeur market, giving drivers and operators a practical and supremely luxurious electric limousine,” said Bursa.

BMW Group triumphs at the 2025 Company Car & Van Awards.
Company Car & Van (CC&V) offers expert advice to individuals who directly influence the make-up of their company’s fleet. Each year at the CC&V Awards, the title shortlists the best vehicles for the fleet market and crowns their overall Fleet Manufacturer of the Year. For 2025, this headline award was presented to the BMW Group.

CC&V Editor Andrew Walker praised BMW Group’s comprehensive product portfolio: “With a vast choice of electric & plug-in hybrid's BMW & MINI really came of age in 2024, cementing their position as the most forward thinking premium brand across all car sizes. From the new electric Mini Cooper, Countryman & Aceman to the BMW iX2, i5, i7 updated i4, iX3 & plug-in 330e, every company car sector was covered leaving the competition trailing behind.”

Two further wins were garnered across both brands, with the BMW 5 Series and MINI Countryman each topping their respective category.

Named a “worthy” winner of the Executive Car of the Year 2025 award, the BMW 5 Series was commended for its “brilliant” drive and intuitive on-board technology. “The interior has the wow factor & in electric form, the i5 is probably the best all around electric saloon out there. If we had to choose one executive car, then the 5 Series would be it”, Walker added.

Meanwhile, the all-new MINI Countryman claimed the award for Medium Car of the Year, with judges applauding its nostalgia-infused yet technologically-advanced cabin. “It's the largest MINI yet, but don't let that worry you because both petrol & electric versions are best in class to drive, whilst offering decent interior space & a useful boot… A car we’d happily drive every day.”

Ends

About 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 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 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


For further information please contact:

Sam Buckingham
Press Officer, MINI
Tel: 07815 362 262
Samuel.Buckingham@mini.co.uk

Tom Evans
Senior Press Officer, BMW
Tel: 07815 371 705
Email: Tom.Evans@bmw.co.uk

Helen Wilson
MINI Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 372 480
Email: Helen.Wilson@mini.co.uk

Chris Overall
BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 370 990
Email: Chris.Overall@bmw.co.uk

Christina Burnham-Hepe
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 371 206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk

BMW Group UK is pleased to be celebrating another successful year end, after collecting a variety of awards over the winter months, including accolades from Auto Express, Carwow and Fleet News. Meanwhile, BMW M Motorsport pays homage to a racing-game legend.

The iconic BMW M3 GTR from Need for Speed™: Most Wanted is now a reality.
To commemorate 30 years of the Need for Speed™ racing game franchise, BMW M has brought a virtual icon to reality by recreating the E46 BMW M3 GTR which starred in 2005’s Need for Speed™: Most Wanted. Built by BMW M Motorsport in 2001 and now adorned with a striking silver-blue livery reminiscent of the game’s hero car, this very special M model will feature on display in the BMW Welt in Munich until 6 January 2025.

In addition, gamers can reprise their position behind the wheel of this nostalgia-infused legend as the M3 GTR makes its return in the latest title from EA Games: Need for Speed™ Unbound Vol. 9: Prepare for Lockdown. Players can also look forward to more BMW content in this edition, including the BMW S 1000 RR 2019 motorcycle - the first bike to appear in a Need for Speed™ game.

For further details, click here to read the full article in BMW M Magazine.

Triple success for BMW Group at the Auto Express Used Car Awards 2024.
BMW Group was victorious at the Auto Express Used Car Awards 2024, taking home three award wins across a variety of categories. The awards highlight the best used cars across 19 categories including value for money, reliability and driving experience.

MINI was successful in two categories, with the MINI Hatch winning ‘Best Used City Car’ and MINI Convertible taking home ‘Best Used Convertible’. The title praised the retro styling, slick interior, and engaging driving dynamics of the MINI Hatch, commenting “the level of refinement and stability on offer will have drivers convinced that they’re piloting a larger car”. Auto Express also complimented the interior and exterior design of the MINI Convertible, commenting on the generous high-quality materials and refinement of the soft top roof. 

‘Best Used Luxury Car’ went to the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé, with Auto Express highlighting its superb design, glorious driving experience, fabulous cabin, and brilliant engines as reasons for the win.

BMW does the double at the 2024 Fleet News FN50 Awards.
BMW proudly received both headline awards at the Fleet News FN50 Dinner 2024. Based on data from the UK’s 50 largest leasing companies, BMW was yet again recognised as the overall most reliable car brand, marking the ninth time it has received this distinction. Meanwhile, the BMW 3 Series retained its title as ‘Most Reliable Car Model’ for the fourth consecutive year.

Speaking on the win, Stephen Briers, Editor of Fleet News, said: “It’s a great achievement for BMW to regain its title as the UK’s most reliable car maker this year. FN50 leasing companies operate more than 1.3 million cars, making this one of the largest vehicle reliability surveys of its kind. Earning a spot anywhere on this list is a significant accomplishment, but being named the most reliable is a true testament to a manufacturer’s dedication and hard work in creating vehicles that can be depended on.”

BMW X5 named the ‘Adventurer’s Choice’ at The Carwow Car of the Year Awards.
The Carwow Car of the Year Awards name the best new cars currently available while providing expert car-buying advice to those wanting to reduce their shortlist. This year, the BMW X5 topped the ‘Adventurer’s Choice’ category, as it was commended by Carwow for its “powerful yet efficient engines”, “high-quality interior” and for being “genuinely enjoyable to drive.”

Carwow Chief Content Officer, Mat Watson said, “The BMW X5 is a great choice if you have an outdoorsy lifestyle, because it has space for you, your family and friends as well as all their things. The spacious boot is accessed via a split tailgate, which makes for a great place to sit and remove your wellies, or drink a coffee and soak in the views. Four-wheel drive means it’s useful if you head off the beaten track, too.”

BMW 3 Series voted Premium Used Car of the Year at the 2024 Motor Trader Industry Awards.
Adding a seventh accolade to its 2024 tally, the BMW 3 Series was recently named ‘Premium Used Car of the Year’ at the 34^th annual Motor Trader Industry Awards – a celebration of excellence across motor retailing.

David Beattie, Used Cars Sales Director, BMW Group UK, said, "We at BMW UK are so proud of the 3 Series. To many it represents the heart of the BMW model range. Now in its seventh generation, there is a huge range of 3 Series models on the road in the UK, offering something for every buyer, making it an excellent choice in the used car market. We’re extremely grateful to the Motor Trader judging panel for choosing the BMW 3 Series and to our retail partners across the country for ensuring its continued success.”

Double win for BMW Group at the Autovista Residual Value Awards.
Informed by data from 17 European markets, the annual Autovista Group Residual Value Awards identify vehicles which represent best-in-class value retention across a range of segments, body types and powertrains. The BMW Group received two awards in 2024, with the BMW i5 and MINI Aceman each outperforming their respective rivals.

The BMW i5 took the top spot in the ‘Compact and Large Battery-Electric Vehicle’ category, just ahead of the BMW i4, which this year placed second after winning the same accolade in 2023. On accepting the award, Nicole Mattig, Head of Corporate Sales for Europe, BMW AG, said, “We are delighted to accept this AutoVista24 Residual Value Award for the BMW i5. Available with an all-electric powertrain for the first time, the eighth-generation BMW 5 Series marries benchmark driving dynamics with an array of innovative technology, including advanced driver assistance systems, the BMW Curved display and My Modes for a customisable driving experience. This, combined with a high level of standard specification, ensures a compelling product offering for our most discerning customers across Europe.”

Meanwhile, the MINI Aceman demonstrated the strongest residual value predictions in the ‘Small Battery-Electric Vehicle’ category, with Autovista Group commending the crossover’s infusion of “typical MINI DNA in terms of style, practicality and premium ambitions.” “Its futuristic look makes it stick out in the segment, while it conserves and upgrades MINI design cues,” judges added.

BMW i5 Touring is GREENFLEET’s Vehicle of the Year.
Rounding off a successful year, the BMW i5 Touring received its fifth 2024 accolade after being named GREENFLEET’s Vehicle of the Year. Presented on 5 December at Coventry Building Society Arena, the GREENFLEET Awards recognise the businesses, fleets and individuals committed to transport decarbonisation.

Commenting on the win, Angela Pisanu, Editor of GREENFLEET said, "The BMW i5 Touring was crowned GREENFLEET's Vehicle of the Year for 2024 for its rewarding driving dynamic, build quality, technological innovation, and impressive range of up to 343 miles. Offering long-distance comfort with high levels of driver engagement, the i5 Touring was our worthy winner."

Ends

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

For further information please contact:

Sam Buckingham
Press Officer, MINI
Tel: 07815 362 262
Samuel.Buckingham@mini.co.uk

Tom Evans
Senior Press Officer, BMW
Tel: 07815 371 705
Email: Tom.Evans@bmw.co.uk

Helen Wilson
MINI Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 372 480
Email: Helen.Wilson@mini.co.uk

Chris Overall
BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 370 990
Email: Chris.Overall@bmw.co.uk

Christina Burnham-Hepe
General Manager, Communications
Tel: 07815 371 206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk 

• New BMW 5 Series offered as all-electric i5 Touring for the first time, with plug-in hybrid model arriving in summer 2024.
• Sixth generation BMW 5 Series Touring features larger dimensions and modern interior design updates, including BMW Curved Display and BMW Interaction Bar.
• Customer deliveries in the UK commencing 25 May 2024, with prices starting from £61,705.

The BMW 5 Series Touring, the epitome of driving pleasure, sporty elegance and modern functionality in the premium upper mid-range segment, is entering a new era. The sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series Touring is more progressive than ever, featuring numerous digital innovations, pioneering systems for automated driving and parking, increased sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle and, for the first time, an all-electric drive in the form of the BMW i5 Touring. The new BMW 5 Series Touring is a sophisticated all-rounder for everyday driving and touring, offering stylish presence, superior sportiness, versatility and spacious comfort.

The exterior dimensions of the new BMW 5 Series Touring are slightly larger than those of its predecessor, emphasising its dynamically stretched proportions and increasing the amount of space available in both rows of seats. A flexible drive architecture allows model variants with highly efficient combustion engines, plug-in hybrid systems and purely electric drive systems to be produced on a single production line at the BMW Group's Dingolfing plant.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring will be available in four distinct trim levels in the UK, with the Sport Edition, M Sport, M Sport Pro and range-topping BMW i5 M60 models each providing a compelling offering unique to the segment. As one of the most important sales regions for the new BMW 5 Series Touring, the UK will be one of the first markets to launch the all-electric model in May 2024, with the plug-in hybrid offering coming later in the year.

Priced from £61,705, the first BMW 5 Series Touring customer deliveries in the UK will commence from 25 May 2024.

^{*All figures relating to performance, consumption, electric range and emissions are provisional. All the stated technical data including fuel consumption, electric range and emissions figures relate to the offering in the German market. Dimensions and measurements refer to vehicles with basic configuration in Germany. These may vary depending on the wheel/tyre size and items of optional equipment selected. **Electronically limited.} 

Stretched proportions, strong front, individual rear.
Dynamically stretched proportions and generously designed surfaces characterise the exterior of the new BMW 5 Series Touring. Compared to its predecessor, the new BMW 5 Series Touring is 97 millimetres longer (5,060 millimetres), 32 millimetres wider (1,900 millimetres) and 17 millimetres higher (1,515 millimetres). The new BMW 5 Series Touring has the longest wheelbase in its class, increasing by 20 millimetres to 2,995 millimetres.

The distinctive front end features a modern interpretation of the hallmark twin headlights and BMW grille. Two almost vertical LED elements serve as direction indicators and daytime running lights respectively. The BMW grille, which projects far forward, is available with BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting on the M Sport Pro model. In the side view, the flat window graphics and the long roof spoiler emphasise the sporty, elegant 2-box design. Powerfully sculpted rear wheel arches, together with the flat rear window, emphasise the car's wide stature. An L-shaped chrome bar divides the LED rear light elements, which extend well into the side sections.

Sport Edition available to order on both Saloon and Touring models in the UK. 
In the UK, the market launch of the BMW 5 Series Touring will also see the introduction of a Sport Edition across both the Saloon and Touring models. This new derivative provides an entry point into the BMW i5 range, which continues to boast a high-level of specification, with 19” light alloy wheels and Phytonic Blue Metallic paint as standard, alongside the comfort and sportiness expected of any BMW 5 Series model. The new edition offers unique exterior styling highlights, featuring satinated aluminium finishes, M Anthracite Headliner and Sun Protection Glass. The modern interior of the new model is finished to a high standard with a Veganza two-spoke steering wheel alongside the state-of-the-art Interaction Bar and Harmon Kardon sound system. Furthermore, the BMW i5 eDrive40 Sport edition is equipped with AC Professional Charging, allowing up to 22kW charging as standard.

High Level of Standard Equipment across the range: M Sport, M Sport Pro and i5 M60
The new BMW 5 Series Touring in M Sport trim includes a high level of equipment as standard, with a range of options also available to personalise the new model for the driver’s needs. The all-electric and the plug-in hybrid models come with 19-inch light alloy wheels as standard, with up to 21-inch alloy wheels are available as an option. The new BMW 5 Series Touring has vegan upholstery as standard and features Veganza seat surfaces with decorative perforation. Also included with the M Sport models as standard are horizontal slats and M logo, high-gloss black exterior mirror caps and 19-inch M light alloy wheels ensure a particularly striking appearance.

The dynamic character of the new BMW 5 Series Touring can be further emphasised through the M Sport Pro Model, which includes a M Rear spoiler, M high-gloss Shadowline and high-gloss black BMW Kidney Grille with Iconic Glow. Additionally, the M Sport Pro Model comes as standard with 20” M light alloy wheels and M Sport brakes in red high-gloss. Further optional equipment includes BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery in several bi-colour variants and the panoramic glass roof.

As the top model in the series, the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring (combined power consumption: 20.8 - 18.3 kWh/62 miles according to WLTP) comes as standard with exterior components that clearly express its outstanding driving dynamics. A Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System, with up to 18 loudspeakers, is fitted as standard on the BMW i5 M60, and can be added as option to the other BMW 5 Series Touring models. The performance model also comes with 20” M aerodynamic wheels and Adaptive suspension Professional as standard.

Optimised functionality for everyday use, leisure and travel.
The new BMW 5 Series Touring offers more space and noticeably more leg, shoulder and elbow room, especially in the rear, as well as optimised acoustic comfort. With its versatile interior and numerous intelligent functions, the new BMW 5 Series Touring is just as impressive on the road as it is in everyday use.

A wider luggage compartment opening combined with a low sill makes it easy to stow large items of luggage. Regardless of their drive technology, all variants of the new BMW 5 Series Touring have a luggage compartment volume that can be expanded from 570 to up to 1,700 litres. In addition to the automatic tailgate operation, remote unlocking of the 40:20:40 split rear seat backrest from the luggage compartment is also standard. Storage compartments under the load compartment floor provide space for the luggage compartment partition net, luggage compartment cover and charging cable for the all-electric and plug-in hybrid models.

All-electric BMW i5 Touring available in two variants from the start.
The new BMW i5 Touring is the first all-electric premium model in its competitive field. It will be available in two versions from the outset. In the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring, two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles together form an electric all-wheel drive with up to 601 hp. With M Launch Control or M Sport Boost activated, the system torque is increased to 820 Nm (605 ft-lb). The top model accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds and its top speed is electronically limited to 143 mph. The electric motor of the BMW i5 eDrive40 Touring is located on the rear axle (combined power consumption according to WLTP: 19.3 to 16.5 kWh/62 miles) and generates a maximum output of 340 hp and a maximum torque of up to 430 Nm (317 ft-lb) with Sport Boost or Launch Control function. The BMW i5 eDrive40 Touring accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds.

In both models, the high-voltage battery located in the underbody provides a usable energy content of 81.2 kWh. In addition to the efficient electric motors, adaptive recuperation and heat pump technology for heating and cooling the interior, drive and high-voltage battery contribute to the long-distance capability of the BMW i5 Touring. The range determined in the WLTP test procedure is 277 to 314 miles for the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring and 300 to 348 miles for the BMW i5 eDrive40 Touring.

Innovative charging solutions from BMW Charging.
The battery can be charged with alternating current with an output of up to 22 kW as standard on both the Sport model and BMW i5 M60. This is available as an option on all other models. The high-voltage battery can be charged with direct current with a power of up to 205 kW. Anticipatory thermal management for the high-voltage battery optimises efficiency when using fast-charging stations. Connected Home Charging for the all-electric and plug-in hybrid models creates the conditions for solar and load-optimised as well as cost-optimised charging. The BMW i5 Touring is also suitable for the Plug & Charge Multi Contract function.

The ideal balance between sportiness and travelling comfort.
Driving pleasure in the new BMW 5 Series Touring is based on an ideal balance between sportiness and travelling comfort. With the longest wheelbase in the competitive segment, large track widths, an almost perfectly balanced 50:50 axle load distribution, intelligent lightweight construction and optimised rigidity of the body-chassis connection, it offers the ideal conditions for this. The extensively enhanced suspension technology includes sport steering, directly controlled wheel slip limitation and the latest version of the integrated braking system as standard. The BMW i5 Touring and the plug-in hybrid models also feature rear-axle air suspension including automatic self-levelling.

An M Sport Suspension, an M sport braking system and the Adaptive Chassis Professional (standard in the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Touring) with electronically controlled shock absorbers, Integral Active Steering and new lateral dynamics management are available as optional equipment. The Adaptive M Chassis Professional with Active Roll Stabilisation and Active Roll Comfort is also available for the top model.

Innovative systems for automated driving and parking.
The systems for semi-automated driving and parking available as standard or as an option for the new BMW 5 Series Touring set standards in the competitive environment with their range of functions, reliability and everyday benefits. The highlight of the range is the optional Driving Assistant Professional including Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control with Stop & Go function. In the US, Canada and Germany, the Highway Assistant is available, which relieves the driver of steering tasks on highways with structurally separated directional lanes. At driving speeds of up to 85 mph it is possible to take your hands off the steering wheel and position them comfortably as long as you keep a close eye on the traffic. The system also includes the unique Active Lane Change Assistant with eye activation.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring features the Parking Assistant including start monitoring, Trailer Assistant and Reversing Assist Camera as standard. With the optional Parking Assistant Professional, automated parking and manoeuvring up to 200 metres can be controlled from outside the car using a smartphone.

Progressively designed cockpit
At the heart of the progressive, driver-oriented cockpit design is the BMW Curved Display. Its 12.3-inch Information Display and the Control Display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches form a fully digital display network. The modern premium ambience in the interior is further enhanced by the new sports seats fitted as standard, the steering wheel, which is now flatter at the bottom, and the BMW Interaction Bar.

BMW iDrive with "QuickSelect", video streaming, AirConsole games.
The enhanced BMW iDrive display and operating system based on BMW Operating System 8.5 offers a redesigned home screen and the "QuickSelect" quick access function. The combination of the BMW Curved Display and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is consistently designed for touchscreen and natural language operation. The standard BMW Live Cockpit Plus includes the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional option includes the BMW Head-Up Display and an augmented view on the Control Display or the instrument cluster.

The infotainment system in the new BMW 5 Series Touring is complemented by a range of attractive digital services. The Connected Package Professional offers a choice of YouTube and the Video app with international and country-specific content for streaming video on the Control Display. The new BMW iDrive also enables the use of an innovative form of in-car gaming with the AirConsole platform.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring is equipped with two 5G mobile phone antennas as standard and four as an option. This ensures optimum reception for telephony and online services. The standard equipment also includes optimised smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The standard Personal eSIM fully integrates the vehicle into the customer's digital ecosystem. With the Remote Software Upgrades function, the new BMW 5 Series Touring always stays up to date with the latest software. It is also possible to test and rebook selected functions in the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.

ENDS

<sup>*All figures relating to performance, consumption, electric range and emissions are provisional. All the stated technical data including fuel consumption, electric range and emissions figures relate to the offering in the German market. Dimensions and measurements refer to vehicles with basic configuration in Germany. These may vary depending on the wheel/tyre size and items of optional equipment selected. **Electronically limited.

Fuel consumption, CO2 emission figures and power consumption were measured using the methods required according to Regulation VO (EC) 2007/715 as amended. The figures are calculated using a vehicle fitted with basic equipment in Germany, the ranges stated take into account differences in selected wheel and tyre sizes as well as the optional equipment. They may change during configuration.

For further details of the official fuel consumption figures and official specific CO2 emissions of new cars, please refer to the "Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars", available at sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/_.</sup>

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. 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
X: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

More dynamic than ever, brimming with digital innovations, with a spacious interior exuding a premium feel and – in the shape of the BMW i5, with a fully electric drivetrain for the first time, the new BMW 5 Series reinforces its claim to leadership in the premium executive class. For the members of the World Car Awards expert jury, it was the standout new arrival among the field of luxury vehicles which celebrated their debuts in the world’s car markets over the past 12 months. The international panel of experts therefore handed the BMW 5 Series the crown of World Luxury Car 2024. The results were announced today at the start of the New York International Auto Show 2024 as part of a ceremony broadcast worldwide via streaming services.

The success of the BMW 5 Series was underpinned by assessments carried out during extensive test drives by the around 100 car journalists from 30 countries that made up the jury. These ratings were then recorded in detail by the World Car Awards organisers. The BMW 5 Series fended off competition from a field of 13 new luxury vehicles, winning over the jury not only with the majestic power delivery from its portfolio of electrified combustion engines as well as the electric drive system, but also with its high comfort levels over long-distance journeys and numerous digital innovations. “We are very pleased to receive this prestigious award. The verdict of the international jury shows that our strong-character products with their typical BMW qualities convince and inspire demanding target groups all over the world,” said Bernd Körber, Senior Vice President BMW Brand and Product Management, Connected Company.

BMW 5 Series: Consistent electrification and digital innovations.

The BMW 5 Series displays its progressive character with its powertrain technology, its innovative digital services as well as an elegantly sporty design, generous levels of cabin space, optimised acoustic comfort and a progressive premium ambience for the interior. Advanced assistance systems like the motorway assistant and active Lane Change Assistant with eye confirmation emphasise the long-distance qualities of the BMW 5 Series. With the display and control/operation system BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, the BMW Curved Display and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with extended functionality all on board, the i5 is comprehensively set up for user-vehicle interaction via touch control and natural speech. When the car is stationary, BMW 5 Series occupants can explore the extensive video streaming offering on the control display and enjoy a new form of in-car gaming – e.g. to make use of the time when the high-voltage battery is charging.

As a fully integrated member of the new BMW 5 Series model range, the BMW i5 offers locally emission-free driving pleasure. The driving dynamics and efficiency of the BMW i5 have their roots in fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. This comprises highly integrated drive units and high-voltage batteries with extremely high energy density. In addition, the latest evolution of adaptive recuperation and an intelligent combination of heat pump technology for heating and cooling the interior, drive system and high-voltage battery help the car to achieve a range of up to 356 miles in the WLTP cycle, depending on the model and specification. The Combined Charging Unit of the BMW i5 enables AC charging at a rate of up to 22 kW and DC charging at up to 205 kW. This means the car’s range can be boosted by up to 97 miles within just 10 minutes when plugged into a fast-charging station.

The entire combustion engine portfolio has also been electrified. A flexibly designed drive architecture that was open to different technologies from the outset enables the new BMW 5 Series Saloon to be offered for the first time as an all-electric model, with plug-in hybrid systems and with highly efficient petrol and diesel engines. The combustion engines from the new modular generation of BMW Group Efficient Dynamics engines all feature the latest version of 48-volt mild hybrid technology.

BMW wins title number nine in the World Car Awards.

The World Car Awards were created 20 years ago to stand alongside national and regional distinctions as an acknowledgement of outstanding innovations and new products in car markets worldwide. This year, the awards were presented in a total of five categories in addition to the overall prize.

Over the years, BMW has collected eight wins in the World Car Awards. One of the victors was the BMW 7 Series, which was crowned World Luxury Car in 2016 already. In 2018, the title of World Performance Car was presented to the BMW M5. This ninth title win for the Bavarian premium carmaker is the latest in a long line of distinctions amassed by the new BMW 5 Series over the past few months. For instance, the all-electric version alone adds to the trophy collection with a total of three "Car of the Year" awards from Norway, Denmark and Italy.

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. 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

X: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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

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

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

• BMW i5 named Best Executive Car at UKCOTY
• Matt Collins named 35^th Most Influential Person by GREENFLEET
• First Winter edition YOXMAN, powered by BMW, offered 100 guests test drives in top luxury BMW models
  
  

BMW i5 clinches Best Executive Car at UK Car of the Year
The UK Car of the Year Awards (UKCOTY) is a wholly independent set of awards, designed to highlight and advise on the best new cars on the market specifically for UK customers. To qualify for the award, the car needs to have been launched on or after 1 January 2023, or be on sale by 31 December 2023.

The eighth generation BMW 5 Series launched in May 2023 and offers an all-electric drivetrain for the first-time with the BMW i5. Fusing advanced technology with elegant and sporting saloon style, the all-new BMW i5 Saloon has impressed from the offset and has now added a ninth award to its tally, picking up Best Executive Car at the UKCOTY Awards 2024.

The top model of each category, seven in total, is then put forward for the overall UK Car of the Year award, which is decided by 30-strong panel of judges consisting of the most knowledgeable and influential automotive journalists in the UK.

John Challen, Editor and Managing Director, UK Car of the Year Awards said: “Impressive inside and out, the i5 exudes quality, performance and class. Just a wonderful place to spend time in – no excuse is needed to go for a drive!”.

Matt Collins named in GREENFLEET magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People
BMW was awarded GREENFLEET’s accolade of Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year for 2023, with the magazine highlighting the broad range of models that are successful in the fleet market as a key reason for the win. Now, BMW Group UK Corporate Sales General Manager, Matt Collins, has been named the 35^th most standout figure in fleet by GREENFLEET magazine for 2024. Green Fleet Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential people list is designed to demonstrate the individuals that have made a significant contribution to fleet decarbonisation over the year.

A new entry to the list in 2024, Matt has worked for BMW since 2006 and has gained experience across the Group, including time working in Western USA, where he gained useful insights into the rapidly evolving EV market in California. Utilising this knowledge of electric mobility on his return to BMW UK has allowed Matt to further EVs within corporate fleets.

YOXMAN at Wilderness Reserve, powered by BMW
Following the announcement of BMW’s partnership with Wilderness Reserve, a collection of restored properties in rural Suffolk, in July 2023, the collaboration has continued into 2024 with the first Winter Edition of YOXMAN in January. The one-of-a-kind Michelin Star dining experience, which took place on the stunning 8,000-acre estate, showcased exceptional food and entertainment from some of the UK’s leading chefs - Tom Aikens, Raymond Blanc and Alex Dilling.

Year round, BMW UK provides complimentary transport around the estate to all Wilderness Reserve guests in either an all-electric BMW iX or i4. As a headline partner of YOXMAN, BMW also offered the 100 guests in attendance a test drive in BMW’s most luxurious models: the BMW i7, XM, X7 and M8.

ENDS

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/

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptations have been made to cater for the UK market.

Munich/Los Angeles. The BMW Group presents a fusion of art and innovation at the Frieze Los Angeles art fair in the form of the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA. The one-of-a-kind vehicle combines colour-change technology developed by BMW with the artistic language of South African artist Esther Mahlangu. The designer piece, with sections of attached film that can be electronically animated, embodies the latest development in colour-change technology for vehicle surfaces in cooperation with E Ink. The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA celebrates its world premiere at the fair opening on 29 February. The contemporary tribute recalls the BMW Art Car designed by Mahlangu in 1991. “The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA honours the history of the BMW brand and continues the story of our global cultural engagement in a unique way. It combines art and design through progressive technology. Here, technology itself becomes art,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.

In 1991, Mahlangu designed the 12th BMW Art Car, based on a BMW 525i – becoming the first woman and first African artist to do so. “Her art inspired me years ago, back when the concept of colour change on a car was just an idea in my head,” says Stella Clarke, Research Engineer Open Innovations at the BMW Group. „Now, being able to realise this idea, and work with Esther Mahlangu, is absolutely surreal.” The 88-year-old artist’s signature colours and geometric patterns are perfect for bringing the innovative Flow technology to life in the BMW i5. The versatility of the electrophoretic colour changes makes the fully-electric sedan a dynamic work of art. “It is fascinating to me to see how modern technology can expand my art and make it accessible to a completely new audience,” says Mahlangu.

Mahlangu’s art meets cutting-edge technology.
In the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA, which is named after Mahlangu’s first son, sections of film that can be electronically animated are applied, with two strips each across the roof, bonnet and rear section, as well as the vehicle’s sides. Like an e-book reader, there are several million microcapsules in each E Ink film. The structure and arrangement of the colour particles they contain can be changed by applying an electric voltage. This allows the typical colours and patterns of Mahlangu’s art to be generated in constantly changing compositions.

The animations are also accompanied by an equally extraordinary sound, specially composed by Renzo Vitale, the BMW Group's Creative Director, Sound, for the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA. To combine the soundscape of the BMW brand with that of the South African Ndebele culture, Vitale used sequences from Mahlangu’s voice, as well as the sound of the feather brushes she used for painting. These were combined with sounds produced by the colour pencils employed in the BMW design studio and the acoustic signal heard as feedback when operating the BMW i5’s touch display. This created a sound mix that starts off softly at the beginning of each colour change and increases in intensity as the animation progresses.

To accurately recreate every detail of the complex ornamentation, the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA has been fitted with 1,349 sections of film, each of which can be individually controlled. The laser cutting process used to trim the film and the electronic control design were developed in partnership with E Ink. The adaptation of the technology for curved surfaces, as well as the programmed animations, are all BMW Group in-house developments.

Overall, colour-change technology is developing rapidly. The BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink presented in 2022 had the ability to switch from white to black at the push of a button. This was followed just one year later by the first multi-coloured implementation. The 240 sections of film applied to BMW i Vision Dee were able to display up to 32 colours. This latest phase of development now enables even more colours and patterns. At the same time, the sections of the film are more robust – which could make potential future series production easier. However, for the time being, the BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA will remain one of a kind.

Tribute to a pioneering artist and her work.
As a globally respected artist, Esther Mahlangu is known for her Ndebele paintings, whose ornamentation originally symbolised major events or festive occasions. Mahlangu separated the designs from their original meaning and transferred them for the first time to canvas, carpets and everyday objects, thus preserving them for the future. The BMW i5 Flow NOSTOKANA is now reinterpreting this artistic language.

In presenting this designer car at Frieze Los Angeles, BMW continues its long-standing cooperation with the renowned art fair. At the same time, the BMW Art Car that formed the basis for this tribute will also be on display in South Africa for the first time in over 30 years as part of the exhibition hosted by the Iziko Museums of South Africa and the BMW Group in Cape Town “Then I Knew I Was Good at Painting”: Esther Mahlangu. A Retrospective. The exhibition, which runs until 11 August 2024, honours the life’s work of one of South Africa’s most influential artists and cultural ambassadors.

In Los Angeles, BMW will once again be presenting Frieze Music in collaboration with Frieze. Since 2019, the joint initiative between the two partners has brought together a large group of musicians at the intersection of music and art. The event’s return to Los Angeles will be celebrated on 29 February with a live performance by Sudan Archives at the Hammer Museum.

BMW UK is pleased to be celebrating another successful year end, collecting a host of awards across the winter period, including accolades from Top Gear, Carwow, Electrifying.com, The Car Expert and GREENFLEET. The newly launched BMW i5 received the first awards since its market launch in October 2023, with three category wins.

2023 was another hugely successful year for BMW in the UK, with the brand achieving more than 50 major independent awards. The BMW i7 continued to impress judges following its launch last year, picking up nine prizes across the year, whilst the BMW UK was awarded ‘Fleet Manufacturer of the Year’ by three industry leading outlets.

Frank van Meel collects ‘All The Car You’ll Ever Need’ win at Top Gear Awards 2023
The Top Gear Awards celebrated the greatest cars of 2023 amongst a host of industry experts and leaders in November. Flying to London especially for the awards, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel took to the stage to accept the award ‘All The Car You’ll Ever Need’ for the BMW M3 Touring, a car first World Premiered in the UK at Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2022.

The first-ever BMW M3 Touring blends blistering performance with everyday practicality with Top Gear Editor-in-Chief Jack Rix adding: “The M3 Touring hits every base on the bullseye. It’s exquisitely trimmed and lavishly equipped, yet it’ll moisten your palms, dry your throat and griddle your backside between home and the tip.”

All-new BMW i5 wins at Carwow ‘Car of the year’ Awards 2024
The Carwow 2024 awards showcased the very best cars on the market, alongside an array of highly commended alternatives, whatever a customer’s budget.  The content team - who run Carwow’s YouTube channel with over 8 million subscribers - reviewed hundreds of vehicles over 2023 and decided on 12 category winners, recognising and celebrating the cream of the crop.

Launched in the UK in October 2023, the BMW i5 is the eighth generation 5 Series and the first all-electric iteration of the model. Fusing advanced technology with elegant and sporty style, the new i5 won the ‘Comfortable Cruiser’ award from Carwow for 2024. Mat Watson, Carwow Chief Content Officer, said: “The 5 Series is BMW’s legendary saloon, so updating it always comes with pressure. But the first electric i5? Nailed it! BMW has built a posh premium electric car that’s good for the family but also good to drive, has loads of tech, buckets of performance and is a brilliant long-distance cruiser.”

Alongside the category win for the new all-electric model, BMW picked up five commendations for a variety of its models. The BMW X7 was Highly Commended in the ‘Family Values’ award category, the BMW M3 Touring was Highly Commended in ‘Desirability’ award category and the BMW M5 was Highly Commended for ‘2024's Most Anticipated New Car’. The BMW M2 was Highly Commended in the ‘Pleasure of Driving’ award category and the BMW i7 rear screens were also Highly Commended in the ‘Tech Trailblazer’ award category.

BMW i5 named Best Premium Electric Car at Electrifying.com Awards 2024
The Electrifying.com Awards are given to the brands, fully electric vehicles and innovations that an expert panel of judges believe represent a significant achievement in the field. The judging panel consisted of a variety of experienced and trusted electric car reviewers including; Founder and CEO of Electrifying.com, Ginny Buckley; Associate Editor at Electrifying.com and Formula E presenter, Nicki Shields; and experienced automotive journalist, and EV advocate, Tom Barnard.

The BMW i5 – which Electrifying.com first featured on their channel in May 2023 – has been awarded Premium Electric Car of the Year at the 2024 awards. Ginny Buckley said: “Premium cars are all about making you feel special through their quality, performance, technology and comfort. Our Electrifying.com Premium Car of the Year - the BMW i5 - has all of those attributes in spades.”

Three category wins for BMW at The Car Expert Awards 2024
Using the power of their exclusive Expert Rating Index, The Car Experts tracked new car reviews from 35 of the UK’s leading motoring websites over the last 12 months and compiled all of the scores awarded to each new model. These scores are then fed into a sophisticated algorithm that accounts for the various different scoring system that the different websites and magazines use, which then allows the awards to be given for the very best new cars customers can buy in 2023.

BMW has rounded out 2023 with not one but three category wins at The Car Expert Awards 2024, with the all-new BMW i5 being awarded Best Large Car on the night, alongside the BMW M2 receiving Best Performance Car and finally the BMW i7 being honoured with Best Luxury Car.

Stuart Masson, Editorial Director at The Car Expert, heralded the importance of the 5 Series model stating: “The arrival of any new 5 Series is a seminal moment for the car industry,” and further went on to praise the introduction of the new electric derivative “The i5 has moved straight to the top of the premium executive class, with a sublime mix of comfort, quality and advanced technology.”

For the third year running, BMW has been awarded the performance car award. Built on its predecessor with an increased performance and an enhanced specification the M2 takes the trophy for the Performance Car of the Year, Masson said: “Its performance will scare a few supercars, both in a straight line and through the trickiest of corners. A triumph.”

Finishing the year with a ninth accolade, the BMW i7 embodies luxury and technology, with the latest generation of the flagship saloon defining the luxury segment with Stuart Masson stating: “The BMW i7 has received near-universal praise from the UK media since its arrival, with its spacious and tech-laden cabin being earmarked as a particular highlight.”

BMW recognised as Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year at 2023 GREENFLEET Awards
The 2023 GREENFLEET awards continued to celebrate environmental excellence within the fleet sector, taking a close look at organisation and individuals that have gone above and beyond to reduce transport emissions.

The event - which took place at the British Motor Museum and was attended by the BMW Corporate Sales team - saw BMW take the top spot as Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year. Colin Boyton, GREENFLEET Event Manager, said “This was one of the most hotly-contested categories this year. A leading name on most UK fleet option lists, BMW is taking electrification seriously, with electric versions of its staple models at its core, and electric SUV models complimenting its line-up.”

GREENFLEET is the third major title to name BMW Fleet Manufacturer of the Year in 2023, following the Fleet News Awards and the Business Car Awards.

ENDS

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.

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• Eighth generation 5 Series fuses advanced technology with elegant and sporting saloon style, generous space and exceptional refinement
• All-electric drive arrives in the BMW 5 Series Saloon for the first time – BMW i5 eDrive40 offers up to 356-mile range*, BMW i5 M60 xDrive delivers scintillating performance with 0-62mph in 3.8s
• Pushing in-car technology to new levels – the new BMW Interaction Bar joins the BMW Curved Display and the first BMW to feature in-car gaming with AirConsole
• The first BMW in the UK to offer the latest leather free interior, Veganza, as standard, from launch  
• High standard specification - M Sport offered as standard in the UK, with M Sport Pro and BMW i5 M60 xDrive models available
• Plug-in hybrid models offered from November 2023
• BMW 5 Series range is priced from £51,000 OTR

More dynamic than ever, featuring a wealth of digital innovations and all-electric drive for the first time, the eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series Saloon continues to stand for advanced technology combined with sporty, elegant design and hallmark driving pleasure.
The new generation of the world's most successful business saloon also intensifies its commitment to sustainability, significantly reducing its carbon footprint by 20 to 25 per cent in the supply chain, and up to 58 per cent across its life cycle compared to its predecessor.

<sup>*These figures may vary depending on the wheel/tyre size and items of optional equipment selected.

**Electronically limited.</sup>

The exterior design of the latest generation reinterprets the sporty elegance of a BMW 5 Series Saloon in the brand’s current design language. Its proportions make the character of the dynamic business saloon instantly recognisable. As a performance model from BMW M GmbH, the all-electric BMW i5 M60 xDrive comes as standard with specific exterior features that visually underline its outstanding sporting potential.

The road presence of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon is enhanced by its athletic proportions and the larger exterior measurements compared to its predecessor. The eighth generation vehicle has grown in length by 97mm to 5,06mm, in width by 32mm to 1,900mm and in height by 36mm to 1,515mm. The wheelbase has been increased by 20mm to 2,995mm for improved seating comfort, especially in the rear.

In addition to a pure-electric drivetrain, the latest generation BMW 5 Series debuts several firsts for the iconic saloon. It is the first BMW in the UK to feature Veganza upholstery as standard from launch, encompassing the seats, dashboard and door panels while the striking BMW Interaction Bar first seen in the BMW 7 Series is now incorporated in the new BMW 5 Series. Furthermore, the saloon is now available with a panoramic roof – the first time in the model’s history – and the digital experience is taken to a new high with cutting-edge additions of AI-driven servicing notifications and the introduction of in-car gaming.

Like all previous model generations, the new BMW 5 Series Saloon is manufactured at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. In 1973, the first vehicle manufactured at the plant was a first-generation BMW 5 Series Saloon.

Available in three exceptionally well specified trim levels in the UK – M Sport, M Sport Pro and the exclusive BMW i5 M60 xDrive – the new BMW 5 Series Saloon is available to order now priced from £51,000.

The BMW 5 Series Saloon range has expanded further with the introduction of the BMW 530e and BMW 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid models, which offer an electric range of up to 63 miles (WLTP) and 55 miles (WLTP) respectively. Set to also join the model family in spring 2024 is the next generation of the BMW 5 Series Touring, which will also be available with all-electric drive for the first time, as well as with plug-in hybrid drive and pure combustion engine drive.

Modern interpretation of classic signature styling
The front view of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon is characterised by a modern interpretation of the brand’s signature twin headlights and BMW kidney grille. The LED headlights show the hallmark four-eye face in a modern and reduced form. Daytime driving lights and turn indicators are generated by two nearly vertical LED elements arranged on the outside. The Adaptive LED Headlights incorporate both the cornering light and the Matrix High Beam including the glare-free High Beam Assist BMW Selective Beam. M Shadow Line lights with black trim for the inside of the headlight housings are standard on M Sport Pro models.

The new BMW 5 Series Saloon offers customers an appealing welcome and goodbye display. Among other things, the headlights and the light carpet projected from the vehicle sill are atmospherically orchestrated.

The BMW kidney grille, inspired by the “Sharknose” and projecting far forward, functions as the visual centre. With its wide surround and BMW Iconic Glow standard on M Sport Pro and i5 M60 xDrive models, the BMW kidney grille gives the 5 Series a distinctively sporty appeal.

Flowing lines enhance the sporty side profile of the traditional saloon design
The clear and reduced design language is also expressed in the side view of the BMW 5 Series Saloon. Its elongated proportions, long bonnet and almost upright BMW kidney grille are clearly visible. The sporty character of the Saloon’s typical three-box design is also expressed in the steeply sloping A-pillar, the gently flowing roof line towards the rear and the slightly sloping luggage compartment line.

The side profile has a pronounced athletic look thanks to a high shoulder line, powerfully modelled surfaces and two precisely drawn character lines. Black side skirts provide a visual contrast to the rest of the bodywork, while the door openers are integrated flush with the surface. The counter-swing at the base of the C-pillar, known as the Hofmeister kink, is highlighted by a graphic element with the number 5 embossed on the side window surround.

At the rear, the shoulder and roof lines flow harmoniously into the contours of the lights. The flat rear lights interpret the brand’s hallmark L-shape with modern appeal. Inside, four narrow, horizontally aligned LED strips generate the lighting functions, divided by an L-shaped chrome strip. Similar to the headlight units, strikingly designed LED units also function as daytime running lights.

Exclusive design features for BMW i5 M60 xDrive and M Sport Pro models
Individual design features give the BMW i5 M60 xDrive a striking look and emphasise its dynamic performance. A front apron with black surfaces in its centre and large air intakes, a BMW kidney grille with contour line lighting, horizontal slats and M logo, side skirts and exterior mirror caps finished in high-gloss black, a unique 20-inch M light alloy wheels and a rear apron with a pronounced diffuser insert signal the top-of-the-range model's sporty character. An M rear spoiler lip is also standard on M Sport and i5 M60 xDrive models.

M Sport Pro variants of the BMW 5 Series Saloon stand out with the illuminated BMW kidney grille with black surround, the dynamic light carpet, high-gloss black exterior mirror caps and a black-painted M rear spoiler. In addition, there are also the M Shadow Line lights for the front and rear and red-painted brake calipers.

Optimised aerodynamics deliver real-world range improvements
Combined with EfficientDynamics measures such as air flap control, an AirCurtain in the front apron, aerodynamic wheels and a smooth underbody, the new BMW 5 Series Saloon achieves an outstanding Cd value of 0.23.

The air flap control can increase the electric range of the new BMW i5 by up to 16 miles, by only opening the cooling air intakes in the BMW kidney grille, the lower cooling air intake, and brake cooling ducts as required. The Air Curtains, meanwhile, direct the airflow from the front apron past the front wheels, thereby reducing turbulence at the wheel arch, increasing range by up to 1.25 miles.

The light alloy wheels with optimised inserts combine optimum aerodynamics with low weight. Their design makes a significant contribution to reducing air resistance and increases the electric range by up to 6 miles.

In the new BMW 5 Series Saloon, the underbody is closed off as far as possible thanks to the optimised panelling and air control elements, reducing air resistance. At the rear, the rear axle cover and aerodynamically shaped diffuser contribute to optimising the underbody airflow. These efforts can achieve an additional reduction in CO₂ emissions and increase the electric range by up to 6 miles.

New EfficiencyCoach generates suggestions for more efficient and sustainable driving
With EfficientDynamics, the BMW Group has been developing technologies to increase the efficiency of its vehicles and reduce their emissions for many years. However, the driver is still a significant factor influencing efficiency. By driving economically, up to 25 percent of fuel or electrical energy can be saved. The new EfficiencyCoach in the My BMW app provides tips to make driving more efficient and sustainable. The assistant analyses the current consumption and compares it with the previous month as well as that of the community and makes suggestions for driving more economically.

Driving pleasure and exceptional comfort combined with innovative style
Generous space, modern functionality, a high level of acoustic comfort as well as high-quality, precisely processed materials, fine workmanship and advanced digital services characterise the new BMW 5 Series Saloon. The fully digital BMW Curved Display represents the heart of the interior redesign. Other innovations include the BMW Interaction Bar in the instrument panel and door area, My Modes for a customisable driving and interior experience, and the new gear selector switch on the centre console.

Fully digital BMW Curved Display with new graphic display and optimised touch operation
With its frameless glass surface slightly inclined towards the driver, the BMW Curved Display consists of a 12.3-inch Information Display behind the steering wheel and a Control Display with 14.9-inch screen, which merge into a single fully digital high-resolution display unit. The BMW iDrive experience, based on BMW Operating System 8.5, offers a new graphic display with a particularly clear start screen and “QuickSelect” access for simple and intuitive touch operation. The latest-generation operating system introduces new functionalities, including video on demand via YouTube for the driver and front passenger when stationary (SIM card reader and separate data plan required).

The advances in digitalisation make it possible to reduce the number of buttons used in the cockpit. They continue to be used only where they are the ideal solution for fast and intuitive operation. A large interior trim strip for the instrument panel highlights the BMW Curved Display and the BMW Interaction Bar. With an Aluminium Rhombicle Dark Silver finish, it is also optionally available in the Carbon Fibre variant with high-gloss silver threads and in several fine wood finishes.

In-car gaming with AirConsole premieres in the new BMW 5 Series
In cooperation with gaming platform AirConsole, BMW presents a new form of in-car gaming in the new BMW 5 Series Saloon. The driver and passengers can play casual games while the vehicle is stationary, for example to bridge waiting times while charging the high-voltage battery of the BMW i5.

Setting up the experience with AirConsole is seamless. Players’ smartphones act as a controller, with the connection established by scanning a QR code on the Curved Display. With instant delivery of games over-the-air, players can start playing right away. The selection of games at launch includes racing, sports, quiz, simulation, strategy, jump-and-run and puzzle games. The portfolio of 20 or so titles is continuously expanding and includes "Go Kart Go", "Golazo", "Music Guess" and "Overcooked".

BMW Interaction Bar with touch function and lighting effects
The BMW Interaction Bar was first presented in the new BMW 7 Series and is now also available in the new BMW 5 Series Saloon. The backlit unit with crystalline surface extends below the trim strip across the width of the instrument panel far into the door panels and includes touch-sensitive control panels for controlling ventilation and air conditioning. Part of the standard Ambient Light, its lighting design is based on the selected My Modes and can be customised. Getting in and out of the car is accompanied by a welcome and farewell scenario, staged with lights on the BMW Interaction Bar. The BMW Interaction Bar interacts with the passengers in the form of dynamic light animation and indicates incoming telephone calls, among other things. It also indicates to the driver and front passenger when it is safe to get out the car thanks to the Safe Exit function.

Fresh designs for steering wheel and centre console control panel
The newly designed steering wheel has three spokes and a rim that is flattened in the lower section, with contrast stitching in BMW M GmbH colours. With BMW i5 M60 xDrive, a red centre marker on the steering wheel emphasises its sporty character. A steering wheel heating function is offered on all models as part of the Comfort Pack.

The control panel on the centre console has also been redesigned. The iDrive Controller, new gear selector switch, start/stop button, My Modes buttons, volume control and other buttons are clearly arranged on the centre panel. With the CraftedClarity option, crystal glass applications for selected controls add a luxurious touch. A wireless charging tray is included as standard on all models.

The first BMW to feature Veganza upholstery as standard from launch
As standard, the new BMW 5 Series Saloon is the first model in the UK to feature Veganza upholstery from the initial launch. The new BMW 5 Series Saloon includes black seat surfaces in the leather­like Veganza finish, with the material also extending to the dashboard and door panels. Optionally, the leather-free surface material is also available with a decorative perforation and in three other colours. Further optional equipment includes BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery in several bicolour variants.

The newly designed seats offer increased comfort and optimised adjustment options. Sport seats are included as standard and incorporate electric height and inclination adjustment as well as a heating function. Active seat ventilation is available as part of the Comfort Plus Pack.

The backrests of the outer rear seats extend far into the door areas, increasing comfort. The rear seats can be heated as part of the Comfort Plus Pack. The entire rear seat backrest is now divided as standard in the ratio 40:20:40. The luggage compartment of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon has a total storage volume of up to 520 litres (490 litres on i5 models). Despite their drive units being integrated in the rear axle, the all-electric BMW i5 models have a luggage compartment volume that is almost equivalent to the other variants.

The Travel & Comfort System, available as part of the Comfort Pack, adds ambient lighting elements to the backs of the front seats to emphasise the atmospheric ambience.

The standard M Sport specification includes an anthracite-coloured roof lining, while M Sport Pro models also feature M seat belts.

Enhanced air conditioning with almost invisible seam vents, heat pump technology in the BMW i5
The standard equipment of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon includes automatic air conditioning with an extended range of features. In the instrument panel area, seam vents are used instead of conventional air vents, positioned at the height of the BMW Interaction Bar.

To maximise range, BMW i5 models have energy-efficient heat pump technology as standard. A 4-zone automatic air conditioning system with separate control panel in the rear, air vents in the B-pillars and nano particle filters is available as part of the Comfort Plus Pack. For the first time, the air conditioning makes it possible to separately regulate the temperature in the front footwells. A second solar sensor is used to regulate the temperature in the rear. Preheating is standard equipment in the BMW i5.

A first for the BMW 5 Series: panoramic glass roof now available
The optional panoramic glass roof is a first for the new BMW 5 Series Saloon. It covers almost the entire roof surface, extends without interruption from just behind the windscreen to almost the rear window. With a length of 841mm and a width of 818mm, the viewing area is almost 90 percent larger than the sunroof of the predecessor. An optional interior sunblind provides shading of the interior.

High payload and trailer load for all versions, strengthening suitability for long-distance travel
The long-distance capabilities of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon are underlined by the high payloads it can carry. For example, the total payload of the BMW i5 eDrive40 Saloon is 610kg. An electrically-deployed towbar is available as an option for all models, with a towing capacity up to 2,000kg.

Exceptional sound experience via high-quality audio systems and BMW IconicSounds Electric
The standard Harman Kardon Surround Sound System provides a high-level sound experience with 12 speakers and a 205 watt amplifier. With 18 speakers and amplifier output boosted to 655 watts, the optional Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System guarantees an outstanding acoustic experience. A seven-channel digital amplifier creates a clear sound experience in all seats. Illuminated metal panels for the loudspeakers in the doors emphasise the exclusive character of the sound system.

Two USB-C ports are fitted as standard in the front of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon and two further USB-C ports in the back. Optionally, a further USB-C port is available in the backrests of the front seats.

The Travel & Comfort System is also available to provide customised entertainment in the rear. With plug-in couplings installed in the backrests of the front seats for attaching multifunction holders from the Original BMW Accessories range, tablets and other devices can be attached to serve as entertainment screens. The system includes mounting options for clothes hangers and fold-out tables.

A special soundscape can be experienced in the new BMW i5. The BMW IconicSounds Electric accompany every movement of the accelerator pedal. Depending on the My Mode selected, the sound is staged in different ways, with SPORT mode particularly powerful. The BMW IconicSounds Electric were developed in collaboration with renowned film music composer Hans Zimmer.

Introduction of all-electric powertrains to the BMW 5 Series for the first time
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon is to be offered for the first time with the choice of all-electric models. The new BMW i5 is being launched with two model variants: the BMW i5 M60 xDrive performance model is positioned at the top of the model series. Both it and the BMW i5 eDrive40, are equipped with enhanced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology.

BMW i5 eDrive40: Advanced BMW eDrive technology, traditional rear-wheel drive
The BMW i5 eDrive40 combines advanced BMW eDrive technology with traditional rear-wheel drive. The electric motor is located directly in the rear axle and generates maximum output of 340hp and maximum torque of 400Nm or 430Nm with the Sport Boost or Launch Control function. The zero-to-62mph sprint is covered in 6.0 seconds, while maximum speed is electronically limited to 120mph. Its combined power consumption is between 18.7 and 16.2kWh per 62 miles.

BMW i5 M60 xDrive: All-electric driving pleasure at the top of the model range
The BMW i5 M60 xDrive is the new top model and combines a 601hp (with M Sport Boost or M Launch Control) electric drive with hallmark M performance and specific design features. Two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles form the electric all-wheel drive system. The rear motor generates 340hp, while the front motor produces 261hp. The system torque generated by both motors is 795Nm or 820Nm when M Sport Boost or M Launch Control is activated. This enables the new BMW i5 M60 to accelerate from zero to 62mph in 3.8 seconds. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 142mph. Its combined power consumption is 20.5 to 18.4kWh per 62 miles.

The BMW i5 M60 xDrive and BMW i5 eDrive40 feature a shift paddle marked with "Boost" near the left steering wheel spoke. If the paddle is pulled for more than 0.8 seconds, a Sport Boost indicator appears on the Information Display, and maximum acceleration is triggered by the accelerator pedal. At the same time, the drive sound changes to that assigned to My Mode SPORT.

High-voltage battery with compact design and high energy content
The high-voltage battery used in the all-electric variants is derived from the latest fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. It is composed of four modules with 72 battery cells each and three modules with 12 cells each. The battery has a particularly flat design and is fitted in the underbody of the BMW i5 to save space. It provides a usable energy content of 81.2 kWh. The BMW i5 M60 xDrive has a range of 282 - 320 miles (WLTP), while the BMW i5 eDrive40 has a range of 296 - 362 miles.

The latest version of adaptive recuperation helps to conserve or recover energy. The system can use navigation data and information from the driver assistance systems to adjust how much power is recuperated according to traffic levels. The driver can also select high, medium or low braking energy recovery in the BMW iDrive menu. Low recuperation triggers the coasting function – the BMW i5 rolls along without drive torque as soon as the accelerator is released. Efficiency is further enhanced by combining the heat pump technology for the interior and the drive units and battery.

My Mode EFFICIENT with new MAX RANGE function
When driving in My Mode EFFICIENT, the range of the BMW i5 can be increased by up to 25 percent by limiting drive power and top speed, combined with reduced comfort functions.

The MAX RANGE mode was designed for situations where a planned charging stop is no longer possible. The maximum speed is limited to 60 mph; the air conditioning is deactivated; rear window heating is reduced; steering wheel and seat heating and ventilation are deactivated. The range gained in this way is shown on the Control Display, the speed and power scales are adjusted on the Information Display and the additional range is taken into account in the range forecast.

Combined Charging Unit and intelligent charging software minimise charging time
The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the BMW i5 enables AC charging up to 11kW as standard and optionally up to 22kW (standard on the i5 M60 xDrive). The battery can be charged with DC up to 205kW. This allows the charge level to be raised from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes. In addition, the range can be increased by up to 97 miles in 10 minutes at a DC fast-charging station when starting with a charge level of 10 percent.

Charging efficiency is optimised using the latest version of the charging software. The system continuously adjusts the charging power instead of delivering a "staircase curve" thereby making charging times even shorter. The waste heat generated by the electric motors is used to control the temperature of the battery in the BMW i5 for the first time, significantly reducing the energy required to preheat the battery on the way to a charging station.
 
When the navigation system is active, the battery is automatically pre-conditioned before a planned charging stop. Pre-conditioning can be manually activated at any time. In addition, it is possible to save charging settings for individual charging points. They are then automatically restored on the next visit. The cloud-based navigation system in the BMW i5 calculates charge-optimised routes and will become even more precise as time passes.

Four-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology
The four-cylinder petrol engine is equipped with 48-volt mild hybrid technology that uses a crankshaft starter generator to produce a spontaneous response to every accelerator movement, both when starting off and during acceleration, and increases comfort when using the Auto Start Stop function. The energy required is stored in a 48-volt battery located under the luggage compartment. It is charged by means of recuperation during overrun and braking. In addition to the electric motor, the 48-volt battery also supplies the vehicle’s 12-volt electrical system via a voltage converter.

The four-cylinder petrol engine in the new BMW 5 Series Saloon comes from a new modular generation that uses the Miller combustion process, which shortens the opening times of the intake valves. It also features redesigned intake ducts and combustion chambers, as well as innovations in camshaft control, fuel injection, the ignition system and exhaust gas routing.

In addition, the latest version of the fully variable valve control VALVETRONIC is able to stop gas exchange when required, thus reducing the engine’s frictional torque in overrun phases by about two thirds. This leads to braking energy being more intensively recuperated.

In the new BMW 520i Saloon, this engine produces 190hp and 310 Nm of torque, increased to 208hp and 330Nm with the support of the 48-volt mild hybrid technology – 24hp and 40Nm more than its predecessor. The new BMW 520i Saloon takes 7.5 seconds to accelerate from zero to 62mph.

New 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with Sport Boost function as standard
A new 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is standard, with shift paddles on the steering wheel and a Sport Boost function activated by the left paddle. The new transmission includes the electric motor and the 48-volt mild hybrid power electronics in its housing. In addition, the internal efficiency of the transmission has been optimised, as have vibration damping and torsional irregularity decoupling. A new electric oil pump and a torsional damper system increase efficiency and shift comfort.

Chassis and steering honed for sporting precision and optimum refinement
Both the double-wishbone front axle and the five-link rear axle of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon have undergone extensive development. To optimise the acoustic properties, the front axle support received an elastic steering gear mount. In the BMW i5 M60 xDrive, noise from the electric drive is insulated by large powertrain mounts, while the all-wheel drive variants feature an aluminium stiffening plate under the front axle support. The rear axle support combines low weight with high rigidity. The vibration damping and acoustic insulation of the BMW i5’s electric drive unit are optimised by a large bearing and specific rubber mounts for the rear axle support.
 
All new BMW 5 Series Saloons are equipped with the latest electromechanical power steering as standard. The standard sport steering now includes a direct and steering angle-dependent ratio. Its range of functions also includes the Servotronic speed-related power assistance.

The advanced Integral Active Steering is also available for the new BMW 5 Series Saloon as part of the Adaptive Suspension Professional. Depending on vehicle speed, the rear wheels are turned either against the front wheels or in the same direction by up to 2.5°. At low speeds this aids manoeuvring in and out of parking spaces, while the turning circle is reduced by more than 0.6 metres to 11.7 metres.

Lowered M sport suspension as standard, stroke-dependent dampers for the BMW i5
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon is equipped with M sport suspension as standard. It includes a firmer tuning of the springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, combined with a lowering of the vehicle by 8mm.

The BMW i5 also features stroke-dependent control of the dampers on both axles. The additional hydraulic damping calms the body when compensating for vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces. The damping is spring-travel-dependent, so that vibrations are initially damped linearly and then additionally absorbed by a second piston in the event of greater deflection. This prevents excessive bouncing or rocking of the body when driving over large bumps.

The BMW i5 is also equipped with rear-axle self-levelling air suspension as standard. This ensures optimum vehicle height, even when heavily loaded. The air supply to the suspension is regulated individually for each wheel and can compensate for uneven loading.

Adaptive Suspension Professional
The Adaptive Suspension Professional with electronically controlled dampers is optionally available across the range. Infinitely adjustable valves enable wheel-specific regulation of the damper forces. The rebound and compression stages of the dampers are infinitely variable. Using My Modes, two different maps can be activated for the dampers. The damper control takes into account longitudinal and lateral acceleration, speed, steering angle, and body and front wheel acceleration, in order to activate the required damper force within a few milliseconds.

Adaptive M Suspension Professional with additional Active Roll Stabilisation offered exclusively on the BMW i5 M60 xDrive
The Adaptive M Suspension Professional with additional Active Roll Stabilisation is offered exclusively on the BMW i5 M60 xDrive as standard. This system uses the new control logic to optimise sportiness and comfort and the damper forces are controlled using M specific characteristics.

The Active Roll Stabilisation deploys 48-volt electric swivel motors to ensure particularly fast and precise compensation of lateral inclination forces. Active Roll Stabilisation benefits agility and driving precision, while at the same time enabling a dynamic steering response by providing better roll support. It also increases comfort when driving straight ahead by decoupling the anti-roll bar, reducing body roll caused by road unevenness. The Active Roll Comfort function ensures that the system not only reduces body roll, but also builds up a counter-torque to keep the body horizontal, especially when the road surface is uneven on one side. In this way, the driver and passengers hardly notice any bumps in the road.

Directly controlled wheel slip limitation for fast and precisely optimised traction
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon now features directly controlled wheel slip limitation to deliver maximum agility and control in demanding driving situations. With this system, the traction control is integrated into the engine control unit. This eliminates the long signal paths to the control unit of the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), so that the control interventions take place up to 10 times faster.

Larger light alloy wheels introduced across the range
The standard equipment of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon includes 19-inch light alloy wheels on M Sport models, while M Sport Pro models receive 20-inch light alloy wheels as standard. The enlarged diameter over its predecessor gives the vehicle an even more sporty presence. 20-inch and 21-inch light alloy wheels are available ex-works and in the genuine BMW accessories range. The range also includes the option of aerodynamic wheels, whose design and construction methods reduce both weight and air resistance.

In addition to the tyre pressure display, the new BMW 5 Series Saloon features a digital tyre condition monitoring system as standard, making it possible to detect tyre issues earlier. This is made possible by a diagnostic function using artificial intelligence (AI) in the BMW backend. A loss of pressure is reported to the driver by the My BMW app and, depending on the market, also in the vehicle, together with a recommendation for taking action. Predictions allow a forecast to be made of the remaining life of the tyres until the recommended minimum tread depth is reached.

Driving Assistant Professional
Driving Assistant Professional, available as part of the Tech Pack Plus, includes Distance Control with Stop & Go function and Steering and Lane Control Assistant. The combination of these two features enhances the level 2 automated driving experience.

Further components of the system are Side Collision Protection with active return, Road Priority Warning and Wrong-way Warning, the front and rear Crossing-traffic Warning with braking function as well as the Emergency Lane Assistant and Emergency Stop Assistant functions in selected countries.

The central area of the cockpit display is reserved for an augmented reality representation of the vehicle and its surroundings. Camera images are combined with additional graphics and information to provide the driver with a precise overview of the surroundings.

Launching initially in Germany, the United States and Canada, this package also includes the new version of the Active Lane Change Assistant, available for the first time in the new BMW 5 Series Saloon. This system can automatically carry out lane change manoeuvres with corresponding steering movements and speed adjustments. As a world first, the Active Lane Change Assistant can be controlled by eye activation. The vehicle suggests a lane change and this can be carried out by looking in the exterior mirror to confirm. The Active Lane Change Assistant makes the necessary steering movements automatically up to a speed of 85mph. It is no longer necessary to confirm the lane change with the turn indicator. The launch timeframe for this functionality in the UK market is not confirmed.

Driving Assistant with advanced front collision warning and Lane Departure Warning
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon offers a comprehensive safety package as standard equipment with the Driving Assistant. The scope of the front collision warning now includes detection of oncoming traffic when turning left and of pedestrians or cyclists when turning left. The Lane Departure Warning with active lane return now also reacts to oncoming traffic that poses a potential collision risk.

Active lane return has been added to the Lane Change Warning, and a braking function has been added to the rear Crossing-traffic Warning. Further components of the Driving Assistant are the rear collision warning, exit warning, Evasion Assistant and Crossroads Warning with brake intervention. Cruise control with brake function and manual Speed Limit Assist is also standard.

Parking Assistant including Reversing Assistant as standard
The standard Parking Assistant includes start monitoring and the Trailer Assistant, as well as a Reversing Assist Camera that creates panoramic images of the area behind the vehicle. Parking Assistant assists the driver in selecting parallel or perpendicular parking spaces. In addition to the steering tasks, it also takes over accelerating and braking as well as the necessary gear shifts.

The standard Reversing Assistant enables automated reversing in narrow environments such as multi-storey car parks. It stores the steering movements when driven forwards at up to 22mph, which the system can then repeat in reverse for up to 50 metres.

Parking Assistant Plus, part of the Tech Pack, additionally includes the Parking View, Panorama View front and 3D View functions. This shows a 360-degree image of the vehicle and its surroundings on the Control Display. In addition, the Remote 3D View function allows the driver to view a live image on their smartphone (available for Apple iPhone from iOS 16.2). The BMW Drive Recorder and anti-theft recorder are also included.

Parking Assistant Professional: Control parking manoeuvres via smartphone
In conjunction with the optional Parking Assistant Professional (part of the Tech Pack Plus), the Reversing Assistant can take over steering for up to 200 metres. The system can now orient itself to marker lines and kerbs as well as other vehicles when parking automatically. In tight spaces, the driver can now control the manoeuvre outside of the vehicle using the My BMW app (available for Apple iPhone from iOS 16.2).

Also included is the BMW Manoeuvre Assistant which uses GPS and trajectory data to store and replay complex parking manoeuvres. Up to ten manoeuvres of up to 200 metres each can be recorded up to 600 metres in total. From the starting point, the BMW Manoeuvre Assistant takes over all steering, accelerating, braking, and gear shifting. Just like automated parking, the driver can control the BMW Manoeuvre Assistant either in the vehicle or from outside using the My BMW app on Apple iPhone.

BMW iDrive featuring “QuickSelect” for faster function selection
To make selecting the numerous functions more intuitive, the latest-generation BMW iDrive offers a redesigned start screen with “QuickSelect” access that allows functions to be called up directly without switching to a submenu. In addition to the Home symbol, there are now also the symbols for direct access to the Air conditioning menu, the All Apps menu, Navigation as well as Media, Telephony and Apple CarPlay^® and Andoid Auto^™, if activated.

BMW Maps with route guidance optimised for charging
The cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps is part of the standard BMW Live Cockpit Plus. It offers fast and dynamic route calculation based on real-time traffic data. In addition, the new BMW Maps system allows drivers to use improved route planning optimised for charging on long-distance journeys with the BMW i5, both in the vehicle and via the My BMW app. Charging stops are planned so that the destination is reached as quickly as possible. The driver's preferred final charging status can be set in five-percent increments and the system can give preference to charging stations from selected providers. Detailed information can be provided on charging stations en route. Availability, supported plug types and payment options are listed, as well as the availability of bathrooms, catering or playgrounds in the vicinity. How long the charging will take and estimated cost can also be shown.

Personalisation with BMW ID and My BMW app
Functioning as a universal digital interface, the My BMW app provides information on the vehicle's status, charge and available range. Via remote access, it enables vehicle location, door locking and unlocking and recording the vehicle's surroundings. The driver can view a live image of the vehicle's surroundings using Remote 3D View and Remote Inside View. In conjunction with the BMW Digital Key Plus, Remote Control Parking functions are also available when in the vicinity of the vehicle.

In addition, the My BMW app can be used to send destination addresses from the smartphone to the vehicle's navigation system and to initiate, purchase or extend ConnectedDrive upgrades. Charging for the BMW i5 can also be controlled via the My BMW app. The My Journeys function provides data and evaluation of distances travelled, consumption, average speed and the eDrive share on the smartphone and can even provide tips for more efficient driving.

Proactive Care: highlighting servicing needs via AI to offer prompt solutions to customers
With Proactive Care, BMW is creating a new platform for customer exchanges. The focus is on recognising the vehicle's service needs by using artificial intelligence to proactively offer solutions to the customer without them having to take action themselves.

From Condition Based Service to digital tyre diagnostics and Battery Guard to accident detection as part of the automatic emergency call, the new BMW 5 Series Saloon identifies servicing or assistance needs and reports them to BMW according to the customer’s preferences. BMW then contacts the customer and proposes a suitable solution. Should the vehicle need servicing urgently while on the road, the customer receives suggestions for a nearby dealership.

Communication takes place via different channels: an in-car message on the Control Display, a message in the My BMW app, by e-mail or – in the event of a collision or breakdown – a Roadside Assistance call. Remote diagnosis is possible with problem solving via software update or online appointment scheduling. In the event of a breakdown, BMW will activate Mobile Service or a tow truck and inform the customer when assistance will arrive.

BMW ID allows parking fees to be paid directly from the BMW 5 Series
Using the BMW ID, the driver can now pay parking fees directly from the vehicle. The new Park Payments function can initially be used in Germany and Austria, with other European countries following during 2023. The vehicle automatically detects whether the service is available and displays the payment function if the parking zone is covered by one of the connected providers. The parking stay can be paid for using the credit card stored in the My BMW app. When the vehicle leaves the parking space, the parking stay is automatically terminated.

Natural dialogue with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
With the new generation of BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, naturally spoken instructions can now be used to adjust the seat position, start the Parking Assistant or activate the IconicSounds Electric in the BMW i5, among other things. A text overlay shows the customer the command the voice assistant has just understood. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant also now responds to instructions from rear-seat passengers. In addition, the digital companion can recognise user behaviour and make suggestions on how to use the vehicle.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is accompanied by new graphics on the displays that emphasise the system’s interactive character. The digital assistant is visualised so that it ‘leans’ towards the active speaker and shows that it is listening. In addition, the new BMW 5 Series Saloon offers the option of integrating with Amazon Alexa, , to for example, make shopping lists, play music or control your smart home remotely. At home, you can also check on the BMW i5's battery status or activate pre-conditioning using an Alexa capable device.

BMW Digital Key Plus as a fully-fledged vehicle key
The optional Comfort Access function also includes the BMW Digital Key Plus. It offers the option of unlocking and locking the new BMW 5 Series Saloon via security-optimised Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology using iOS or Android smartphones or the Apple Watch. Approaching or moving away from the vehicle triggers unlocking or locking. The smartphone can remain in the customer's pocket. The vehicle owner can also share access with up to five other users.

Smartphone integration as standard
The standard equipment of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon includes smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^™. The services are integrated into the operating system via a Wi-Fi connection between the smartphone and the vehicle. The driver can view all important information from the apps on the Control Display, the instrument cluster and the optional Head-Up Display available as part of the Technology Pack.

Individual driving experience with My Modes
My Modes can be called up by voice command or via a button on the centre console, which takes the place of the previous Driving Experience Control button. The My Modes PERSONAL, SPORT, EFFICIENT as well as RELAX, EXPRESSIVE and DIGITAL ART are available in the new BMW 5 Series Saloon. They can be used to activate settings for the drive, suspension, displays, and interior lighting including the BMW Interaction Bar to suit personal preferences.

Interior camera for image and video recording
The Tech Pack includes an interior camera in the roof area that allows passengers to take photos and record video and sound to capture special moments and share them with friends or family. The recordings can be transferred by scanning a QR code in the control display. In addition, the customer can use the remote function in the My BMW app to request footage from the interior camera on their smartphone. The interior camera is also activated when the anti-theft recorder is triggered.

“Over-the-air” updates: Remote Software Upgrade and BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades
With more than 5 million vehicles on the road, the BMW Group has the world's largest over-the-air upgradeable vehicle fleet. With the Remote Software Upgrades function, the new BMW 5 Series Saloon always stays up to date with the latest software. Upgrades may include free quality improvements or even additional features and functions.

With BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades, customers can test selected functions free of charge for one month and then book them for a specific term. The BMW ConnectedDrive Store for the new BMW 5 Series includes Remote Engine Start, Parking Assistant Professional and Welcome Light projection.

Fixed kilowatt-hour prices for public charging
The main advantage of BMW Charging's public charging offer is the fixed and attractive kilowatt hour prices for AC and DC charging. For drivers of a BMW i5, the monthly fees for the bp pulse and the IONITY Plus package are waived for the first twelve months in the UK. These packages fix the cost of charging, for example IONITY high-power rates are currently 0.26 GBP / kWh and bp pulse DC charging is 0.55 GBP / kWh (for stations up to 149 kW, under 90 minutes of charging). BMW Charging ensures that every charge uses renewable energy, while providing access to more than 466,300 public charging points in 29 countries in Europe with just one registration. For further information, visit https://bmw-public-charging.com/.

New BMW 5 Series Saloon meets premium standards of sustainability
The new BMW 5 Series Saloon makes a significant contribution to achieving the company's ambitious climate goals by reducing the carbon footprint in the supply chain by 20 to 25 per cent and by up to 58 percent across the entire life cycle compared to its predecessor.

The new BMW 5 Series is the brand's first model in the UK to offer Veganza upholstery as standard from launch. Innovative Frozen paints produced using the Biomass Balance process are now available. In the BMW i5, the waste heat from the electric drive can be used for the first time to warm the battery while the new MAX RANGE function, the range can be increased by up to 25 percent if required.

Ends
<sup>*These figures may vary depending on the wheel/tyre size and items of optional equipment selected.
**Electronically limited.

Fuel consumption, CO2 emission figures and power consumption were measured using the methods required according to Regulation VO (EC) 2007/715 as amended. The figures are calculated using a vehicle fitted with basic equipment in Germany, the ranges stated take into account differences in selected wheel and tyre sizes as well as the optional equipment. They may change during configuration.

For further details of the official fuel consumption figures and official specific CO2 emissions of new cars, please refer to the "Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars", available at sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.</sup>

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

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptations have been made to cater for the UK market.

Munich. The new features set to enhance the BMW model line-up from autumn 2023 centre on the latest advances in terms of digitalisation. The new BMW X1 and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will both be equipped with the upgraded BMW iDrive featuring QuickSelect and BMW Operating System 9 from November 2023. The BMW Digital Premium offering, with its highly customisable selection of online-based services, is also being introduced in both model series at the same time. Plus, extra digital services will be made available for a large number of current models via Remote Software Upgrade. Meanwhile, an extended range of functions will also add to the appeal of the My BMW App.

When it comes to automated driving systems, the highlight is without doubt the new Highway Assistant, which is also due to become available for models in the BMW 7 Series range from March 2024 following its premiere in the new 5 Series Sedan. Autumn 2023 will also bring additions to the choice of exterior colours and light-alloy wheels for selected models.

More intuitive and easier to use than ever: new BMW iDrive with QuickSelect.

From November 2023, the upgraded BMW iDrive with QuickSelect will be fitted as standard in all model variants of the new BMW X1, the all-electric BMW iX1 and the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, enabling numerous vehicle functions to be operated even more intuitively and easily. The latest incarnation of the display and control/operation system is based on BMW Operating System 9 and is packaged together with the BMW Curved Display and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The new BMW iDrive features a redesigned home screen and the QuickSelect rapid-access tech, bringing an improved menu structure that takes its cue from consumer electronics devices. The new home screen displays the navigation system’s map view or other individually configurable graphics in the control display at all times. On the same level, function icons appear in a vertical arrangement on the driver’s side of the display. Drivers can switch between icons with a vertical swipe of the finger. The QuickSelect feature allows the function selected in this way to be activated directly without having to enter a submenu.

BMW Operating System 9 was developed in-house by the BMW Group and is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack for the first time. It provides the basis for a broader offering of digital content that serves information and entertainment, shorter function update cycles and improved accessibility to a host of specific online services.

New BMW Digital Premium offering: customised selection of gaming, video & music streaming and other online services.

The new BMW Digital Premium offering will be brought out in Germany in November 2023 alongside the introduction of BMW Operating System 9. It will be available as an option for BMW X1, BMW iX1 and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer models and can be ordered from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store, which has now been expanded with the addition of further third-party apps. This means customers can enjoy in-car use of all the apps available in their country, e.g. for video and music streaming, news or gaming, as part of a package. In addition to this, BMW Digital Premium also includes enhanced navigation functions along with added customisation options thanks to extra My Modes, for instance.

As with all other ConnectedDrive Upgrades, BMW Digital Premium can be obtained from the ConnectedDrive Store either on the website, in the My BMW App or directly in the car. And, from November 2023, it will be even easier for customers to add ConnectedDrive Upgrades, as it will then be possible to not just select them directly from their vehicle, but to pay for them at the same time. In other words, instead of being redirected to the app or internet to complete their order, customers will be able to carry out the entire process, including payment, from the comfort of their car.

This new offering is designed to allow customers to put together a customised selection of digital services from the growing variety on offer – one that is perfectly suited to their personal requirements. BMW Digital Premium is available in Germany, for example, for €9.98 a month or from mid-2024 (provisionally) for an annual fee of €99 (both including VAT). The package also covers data usage for all digital services and the apps available from the BMW ConnectedDrive Store, including music and video streaming. Customers can take advantage of a free three-month trial period that will allow them to sample all the BMW Digital Premium services and content.

A new form of in-car gaming unique in the automotive sector is one of the highlights of BMW Digital Premium. BMW is presenting a wide selection of casual games that use a smartphone as the controller in collaboration with the AirConsole gaming platform. The games can be played in either solo or multiplayer mode when the vehicle is stationary as a way of passing the time while e.g. waiting for the high-voltage battery in the BMW iX1 or the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer plug-in hybrid models to recharge. About ten titles will initially be available to play, including racing, sport, quiz and skill games, and the range will continue to grow.

Besides audio streaming, BMW Digital Premium also lets the occupants enjoy a wide variety of video streaming services (powered by Xperi TiVo) on the control display while the car is stationary. This offers customers access to an ever-growing selection of aggregated video content, such as news and live or on-demand streaming of movies and series, for instance, along with country-specific content. Available with BMW Digital Premium in the USA, UK, South Korea, France, Italy, Germany and Spain, the Video App will feature, among other things, the Pluto, Bloomberg Television, Deutsche Welle, Al Jazeera and TED portals. In Germany, the package will additionally include the tagesschau news service app as well as the popular streaming service JOYN. Country-specific content will also be offered from the outset in Italy and the USA. The portfolio of video streaming platforms will keep evolving and will be gradually rolled out to other countries too.

Enhanced navigation functions, additional My Modes.

One of the key benefits of BMW Digital Premium is the enhanced functionality of the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps. For example, real-time traffic information (RTTI) with colour coding shows how freely traffic is flowing across the entire map area, even if route guidance is not activated. Other functions include 3D visualisation of buildings and surrounding elements in the map view and extended information on parking facilities. The driver is also proactively notified of the current traffic situation and estimated time of arrival when setting out to destinations they drive to regularly. If necessary, the system will even propose an alternative route. Turn-off instructions and lane recommendations are shown in realistic form in both the information display and the optional BMW Head-Up Display.

In Germany and other European countries, BMW Digital Premium offers the additional benefit of allowing drivers to pay parking fees directly from their vehicle in parking zones that support this payment method. And drivers in Germany also have the option of settling fuel bills digitally from their car after refuelling at participating filling stations. In both cases, payment is made using a credit card that is first registered with the partner company Parkopedia via the My BMW App.

In addition, BMW Digital Premium adds Expressive Mode, Relax Mode and Digital Art Mode to the choice of My Modes, opening up still greater scope for customising the driving experience. And it also brings new variants for both the Welcome Light sequence and the graphics visualising the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. 

Current Remote Software Upgrades for enhanced driving pleasure.

The Remote Software Upgrades bring existing digital functions right up to date. At the same time, new features and improvements to quality can also be imported into the car over the air. The latest in-car gaming and video-streaming services for BMW models will be made available in this way for the majority of vehicles with BMW Operating System 8.5 in autumn 2023.

Customers also receive notification of the Remote Software Upgrades in the My BMW App. Another option is for upgrades to be downloaded via the My BMW App and transferred to the vehicle before initiating the installation process there.

Extra functions for the My BMW App.

The My BMW App for smartphones provides customers with a direct link to their car and, depending on the vehicle configuration and country, offers them the benefit of numerous functions designed to make day-to-day mobility even more straightforward. This includes information transferred to the user’s smartphone on their vehicle’s status, servicing requirements, charging status and range, as well as remote access to functions for vehicle locating, locking and unlocking the doors, climate control and monitoring the car’s immediate vicinity. Charging-optimised routes can also be planned via the My BMW App and destination addresses sent from a smartphone to the vehicle’s navigation system. From autumn 2023, it will also be possible to enter mid-journey stops as part of the process.

And from March 2024, customers with compatible Android smartphones will also be able to use the My BMW App to operate the Remote Control Parking and Manoeuvre Assistant functions available with the optional Parking Assistant Professional and BMW Digital Key Plus. The My BMW App will also indicate the status of the alarm system on suitably equipped vehicles and show how it can be fully or partially activated.

New Highway Assistant also coming soon for the BMW 7 Series.

BMW has become the first carmaker to gain approval from Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority for semi-automated driving at speeds up to 130 km/h (81 mph). As a result, the BMW Highway Assistant already available in the USA and Canada is now set to become an extremely innovative component of the optional Driving Assistant Professional package in Germany too. The new function lets the driver take their hands off the steering wheel and put them in a comfortable position while driving. First launched in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, it will also become available to use in the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan from spring 2024.

The BMW Highway Assistant can operate on multi-lane roads with structurally separated carriageways, with the function’s availability indicated to the driver in the information display. On suitably designated stretches of road, the driver is able to take their hands off the steering wheel for longer periods and position them comfortably, provided they continue to pay attention to what is happening on the road and are able to take over the steering again at any time. The Active Lane Change Assistant with eye confirmation included as part of the new BMW Highway Assistant adds another layer to the automated driving experience. As soon as the traffic situation permits, it is capable of performing the necessary steering movements for an overtaking manoeuvre, for example, and adjusting the vehicle’s speed as required. Plus, for the first time, the driver is able to initiate a lane change suggested by this system by simply looking in the exterior mirror to confirm it.

Additional exterior colour for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, new 21-inch light-alloy wheels for the 7 Series.

A new shade is already being added to the selection of exterior colours for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, just a short time after its launch. The Fire Red metallic paint finish will be made available for the BMW i5 M60 xDrive Sedan (electric power consumption combined: 20.6 – 18.2 kWh/100 km in the WLTP cycle) from November 2023, as well as for all other model variants of the new business sedan specified with the M Sport package.

A further highly exclusive design of light-alloy wheel will be added to the range of optional extras for the BMW 7 Series from November 2023. At the same time, 21-inch BMW Individual light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design will also be available for all model variants of the luxury sedan. They have a bi-colour finish and are fitted with mixed-size tyres.

All of the stated model variants, equipment features, technical data and fuel/electric power consumption and emissions figures relate to the offering in the German market.

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptations have been made to cater for the UK market.

Munich. At the IAA Mobility 2023 international motor show in Munich, the BMW Group will be presenting the most recent highlights of its ongoing transformation in the key action areas of electrification, digitalisation and circularity. The latest new models with electrified powertrains from the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands, plus Vision Vehicles and concepts for individual mobility in tomorrow’s world all serve to underline the company’s innovative strength in these fields. As the dawn of a new era in personal mobility approaches, the BMW Group is set to unveil its latest highlight, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, which brings together the Group’s development expertise in the three crucial disciplines for the future of mobility.

The IAA Mobility show is being staged in Munich for the second time. For the BMW Group and its brands, this provides an excellent opportunity to enter into constructive dialogue on the future of individual mobility with local people, as well as with visitors to the show from outside Munich and other stakeholders. The IAA Mobility Summit at the exhibition centre and the BMW Group’s Open Space at Max-Joseph-Platz in the heart of Munich will be the main arenas where BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad present their new products on 5 – 10 September 2023. Among the models visitors can acquaint themselves with here alongside the BMW Vision Neue Klasse is the fully electric BMW i5. And they can also experience the world premieres of the new fully electric MINI Cooper, new fully electric MINI Countryman and BMW CE 02 eParkourer.

Electric, digital, circular – the focus areas of the BMW Group.

The BMW Group’s presence at IAA Mobility 2023 revolves around the company’s rigorous focus on electric, digital and circular mobility for the future and the latest progress it has made in these areas. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse is joined by a selection of new models from across the Group’s brands whose electrified powertrains, digital innovations and resource-efficient manufacturing illustrate the ongoing process of change in a variety of ways.

The new products poised for launch by the BMW brand include the plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 5 Series. The new BMW i7 Protection – the first ever all-electric protection vehicle in the luxury sedan segment – is also making its debut at IAA Mobility 2023.

MINI is unveiling the members of the brand’s new model family for the first time with the help of two world premieres: the new fully electric MINI Cooper and new fully electric MINI Countryman will both be on show at the Open Space site. A new model with all-electric drive also forms the centrepiece of BMW Motorrad’s line-up at Max-Joseph-Platz. Conceived as a compact eParkourer with a trailblazing design, the new BMW CE 02 injects fresh impetus into the urban mobility scene.

Locally emission-free mobility sets the theme for the models on show.

The IAA Mobility show will be officially opened on 5 September at Munich’s exhibition centre. The BMW Group will be represented at its stand in Hall A2, where the BMW Vision Neue Klasse will be unveiled to kick off the event. The BMW i7 Protection all-electric protection vehicle will also be presented for the first time at the IAA Mobility Summit.

The IAA Mobility Summit is taking place under the banner “Experience Connected Mobility” and is aimed primarily at trade visitors. It will showcase trends and technological innovations for future mobility over the course of numerous talks, presentations and panel discussions. One of the central topics is the use of hydrogen as an energy source for current and future vehicles. BMW is carrying out pioneering work in this field with its development and practical testing of a Sports Activity Vehicle with a hydrogen-powered fuel-cell drive system. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is also being exhibited at the Summit.

Locally emission-free mobility is also the dominant theme for the models awaiting visitors to the Open Space site. BMW has at least one purely electrically powered representative in all relevant model segments. The brand is presenting its entire line-up to the public, ranging from the BMW iX1 compact Sports Activity Vehicle via the BMW i4 and BMW i5 to the BMW iX and the BMW i7 luxury sedan.

The Open Space at Max-Joseph-Platz can be visited free of charge on 5 – 9 September from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday 10 September from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, BMW Welt will continue to provide an attractive destination for all automotive enthusiasts during IAA Mobility 2023. The current model portfolios of the BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad brands are presented here, along with the latest BMW and MINI Lifestyle collections. Plus, starting on 2 September 2023, BMW Lifestyle together with BMW M GmbH will be running a GOODS WITH FREUDE pop-up store in the Hofstatt shopping centre at No. 10 Sendlinger Straße. Located just a few minutes’ walk away from the Open Space, the store will feature both familiar lifestyle articles and the new BMW Lifestyle collection.

World premiere: the BMW Vision Neue Klasse.

At IAA Mobility 2023, the BMW Group is offering visitors a preview of the Neue Klasse – the forthcoming generation of models from BMW. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse brings together innovations from the areas of electrification, digitalisation and circularity in signature BMW style. The Vision Vehicle takes design, control/operation, efficiency and sustainability into a whole new dimension – one that it will be possible to experience on the road before long.

During IAA Mobility 2023, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse will be on show at both the Summit and the Open Space. The new Vision Vehicle incorporates the latest innovations in the BMW Group’s key future-focused fields. It therefore builds on the BMW i Vision Circular and the BMW i Vision Dee – which have already demonstrated the BMW Group’s development expertise in the areas of circular economy and digitalisation – and combines their qualities with further new developments in exterior and interior design, user experience and powertrain and battery technology.

World premiere: the plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan.

As well as the all-electric BMW i5, the brand is exhibiting two other model variants with electrified powertrains at IAA Mobility 2023. As early as spring 2024, two models featuring state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid technology will be added to the new BMW 5 Series Sedan range. Their six-cylinder and four-cylinder in-line petrol engines from the new modular generation of Efficient Dynamics units will each be combined with the latest BMW eDrive technology for plug-in hybrid systems. This will result in a notable increase in output and much sharper power delivery, while also significantly improving efficiency and electric range compared to the outgoing model generation.

The electric motor purpose-developed for the new plug-in hybrid system is integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission together with its power electronics. The highly integrated drive unit contributes up to 145 kW/197 hp to the maximum combined output of 360 kW/489 hp in the case of the new BMW 550e xDrive Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 1.1 – 0.8 l/100 km [256.8 – 353.1 mpg imp]; electric power consumption combined: 22.5 – 20.1 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 24 – 19 g/km in WLTP cycle, provisional figures) and 220 kW/299 hp for the new BMW 530e Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 0.8 – 0.6 l/100 km [353.1 – 470.8 mpg imp]; electric power consumption combined: 21.4 – 18.9 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 19 – 14 g/km in WLTP cycle, provisional figures).

A BMW-patented innovation has been used to enhance the electric motor’s power delivery in the new plug-in hybrid models: a pre-gearing stage enables the nominal torque of 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) to be increased to effective torque of up to 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) at the transmission input for the motor. The compact electric motor is therefore able to boost torque by an amount that would normally only be possible using a larger unit and makes a clear difference both when accelerating off the line and putting in a rapid burst of speed. Electric range is now up to 79 – 90 kilometres (49 – 56 miles) in the WLTP cycle for the new BMW 550e xDrive Sedan and 87 – 101 kilometres (54 – 63 miles) in the WLTP cycle for the new BMW 530e Sedan.

The lithium-ion high-voltage battery’s space-saving positioning within the vehicle’s underbody has a beneficial effect on both the car’s centre of gravity and the capacity of its luggage compartment, which holds a total of 520 litres in the plug-in hybrid models – meaning it is just as large as that offered by their purely combustion-engined siblings. The usable energy provided by the high-voltage battery has climbed to 19.4 kWh. At the same time, maximum charging capacity has doubled compared to the outdoing models and now stands at 7.4 kW, enabling the high-voltage battery to be fully recharged from empty in 3.0 hours. When hooked up to a conventional domestic power socket, a full vehicle charge is completed in 9.8 hours.

World premiere: the BMW i7 Protection.

BMW is presenting a new generation of protection vehicles in the luxury sedan segment at the IAA Mobility 2023 show. The new BMW i7 Protection (electric power consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 30.0 kWh/100 km, provisional figure) is absolutely unique in this segment, as it is the world’s first ever certified protection sedan with an all-electric drive system. Driven by two powerful electric motors, it meets all the requirements of class VR9 protection without any limitations, as does the new V8-engined BMW 7 Series Protection (fuel consumption combined in WLTP cycle: 14.6 l/100 km [19.3 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions: 328 g/km, provisional figures).

Both models blend the integrated protection concept channelled into the development of the new BMW 7 Series range with outstanding levels of ride comfort and spaciousness, advanced equipment features and the unbeatable dynamic prowess for which BMW is renowned. The concept centres around the new and unique BMW Protection Core, which forms a self-supporting body structure made from armour steel. This is then combined with features such as additional armouring for the underbody and roof, plus armoured glass. The result is customised protection from attacks with firearms or explosives for at-risk individuals. The glass in the new protection vehicles even meets the requirements for the highest class of civilian protection, VPAM 10.

The all-electric BMW i7 Protection is equipped with one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear. Together they generate a combined output of 400 kW/544 hp and maximum combined torque of 745 Nm (549 lb-ft), and create an electric all-wheel-drive system. The new BMW i7 Protection sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) from rest in 9.0 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 160 km/h (99 mph). The instantaneous, precisely orchestrated power delivery from the two motors guarantees exceptional traction and directional stability even when the car is being driven hard and performing challenging manoeuvres, such as when escaping from an attack.

Tuned and optimised specifically for this model, the chassis technology also makes allowance for the additional weight of its armouring, resulting in superbly assured performance in any situation. Another unique offering for this segment is the inclusion of Integral Active Steering as standard. This reduces the car’s turning circle, increases agility when cornering at speed and improves driving comfort for rear-seat passengers. The 20-inch light-alloy wheels are a further standout feature. The PAX tyres that also come as standard allow the car to continue its journey at up to 80 km/h (50 mph) even in the event of a total loss of pressure.

The latest generation of BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8.5 is fitted, complete with the BMW Curved Display. The system is intuitive to use and operates in a way familiar to BMW drivers. The special functions relevant to occupant protection are also operated via BMW iDrive. The new protection vehicles can also be tailored precisely to any purpose, with items including a fresh-air supply system, a fire extinguishing system, flashing lights, radio transceivers and flag poles for when the car is on official duty, plus other special customer-specific options.

Trailblazing: the BMW iX5 Hydrogen.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen presented at IAA Mobility 2023 provides further evidence of the company’s superlative innovative strength in the field of drive technology. A pilot series of the Sports Activity Vehicle with hydrogen fuel-cell drive, developed on the basis of the current BMW X5, has entered service for demonstration and test purposes with various target groups around the world. This allows selected test groups who haven’t been involved in the development process to get behind the wheel of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen and gain a direct impression of its attributes for the first time.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is equipped with the latest, fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology. The highly integrated drive unit at the rear axle draws its energy from a high-performance battery with li-ion technology that was specially developed for the hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle and generates maximum output of 295 kW/401 hp. The electric motor also doubles as a generator that feeds energy back into the high-performance battery on the overrun or under braking.

The model’s two 700-bar tanks made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) together hold six kilograms of gaseous hydrogen and can be refilled in three to four minutes. A chemical reaction takes place in the fuel cell system between the hydrogen and oxygen from the air, through which the electric power for the electric motor is generated. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen achieves a range of 504 kilometres (313 miles) in the WLTP cycle without having to refill the tanks. The hydrogen-powered SAV completes the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in under six seconds and goes on to reach a top speed in excess of 180 km/h (112 mph).

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen combines long-distance capabilities and short refuelling stops with zero tailpipe emissions and hallmark BMW driving dynamics. Its hydrogen fuel-cell technology has the potential – provided the necessary basic conditions are in place – to serve as an additional pillar in the BMW Group’s future powertrain portfolio. As part of its ongoing transformation, the BMW Group is following an approach that embraces all technologies when it comes to drive systems. The company is therefore readying itself for differing customer requirements, infrastructure standards and political and regulatory frameworks in the various regions of the world. This degree of flexibility puts the BMW Group in a position to react quickly to changing requirements in the markets in any situation and to present as many customers as possible with an appropriate model offering at all times.

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptations have been made to cater for the UK market.

Munich. The first-ever BMW 5 Series with a fully electric drive system has yet to make its global debut, but it has already come through the ultimate endurance test. The new BMW i5 repeatedly demonstrated both the stability of its electric powertrain and its dynamic performance qualities over the course of arduous test drives in wintry conditions. The programme of testing on ice and snow lasted about a year in all, from the initial test runs to the final stages of fine-tuning. During the extensive testing on country roads, motorways and specially prepared test tracks, the development engineers mainly focused their attention on the car’s ability to drive at low temperatures and on surfaces offering little grip.

The innovative powertrain and chassis control systems on board the new BMW i5 do a great deal to optimise its traction, dynamism and driving stability, and nowhere is this more apparent than on a solid blanket of snow, icy mountain roads or frozen lakes. It was only right that the dynamic winter testing of the purely electrically powered sedan recently finished exactly where it began: in the biting cold of the BMW Group’s winter test centre at Arjeplog, northern Sweden.

Endurance test for BMW eDrive technology, operating continuously at extreme sub-zero temperatures.

As part of the production development process, the new BMW i5 first had to prove its mettle back in February 2022, when it completed a road trip from Munich to the BMW test centre at Arjeplog. A prototype model of the all-electric BMW 5 Series fully camouflaged with a special wrap, plastic attachments, grilles and provisional headlights and rear lights set off on a five-day test drive from the foothills of the Bavarian Alps up to Denmark, then on to the edge of the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland.

The journey of around 3,000 kilometres (1,850 miles) provided an early opportunity for the motors, power electronics, high-voltage battery and integrated heating and cooling system for the cabin and battery pack to demonstrate their advanced level of readiness on a long-distance journey. Featuring cutting-edge battery cell technology and intelligently controlled thermal management, the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology – further upgraded for the new BMW i5 – forms the basis for long ranges and short charging times during breaks in the journey, even in extreme sub-zero ambient temperatures.

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The final destination of Arjeplog provided the team of development and test engineers with the ideal venue for their test programme. The snow-covered roads and frozen lakes of northern Sweden, with their vast expanses of ice, create the perfect setting for exploring how the chassis components, steering and braking systems, and driving dynamic and driving stability systems all interact with one another in extreme outdoor conditions. As a result, the groundwork for the authoritative, assured and characteristically sporty handling of the new BMW i5 were already laid in the first test drives in Arjeplog.

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Testing in everyday driving and on wintry roads in the foothills of the Alps.

This was followed by more testing over the course of 2022, both at other
BMW Group test facilities and in everyday driving in and around Munich as well as in the vicinity of BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. The task here was to continue refining the car’s chassis technology and acoustic properties under a wide variety of conditions, as well as honing the drive unit’s power delivery, in order to produce a well-resolved driving experience at all times.

Here again, part of the development work was deliberately carried out during the colder months on icy and snowy roads in the Alpine foothills. This last winter, BMW i5 prototypes – now sporting less camouflage and near-production headlights – were regularly sent out for testing to verify the functionality and reliability of their powertrain and chassis control systems in extremely demanding road and weather conditions. The BMW engineers involved in the vehicle project were able to directly inspect the current state of development through testing in the BMW brand’s native Bavaria before it was time to return to endurance testing near the Arctic Circle in February 2023.

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BMW i5 thrills with its unrivalled handling on ice and snow.

The purpose of this second round of testing in Sweden was to fine-tune all powertrain and chassis control systems. Thanks to their low-grip surfaces, the test areas sited on frozen lakes around Arjeplog were particularly well suited for delicately adjusting the drive torque control system in the BMW i5 under precisely reproducible conditions. In the new BMW i5, the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system, the near-actuator wheel slip limitation function and the drive torque control system are interlinked so that they can interact and complement each other flexibly in any driving situation. As a result, the all-electric sedan performs at least as proficiently as any conventionally powered model on ice and snow.

The integrated application of all powertrain and chassis systems underpins the outstanding handling abilities displayed by the BMW i5 in winter testing. The more challenging the conditions, the more impressive were the speed and precision of the control systems in the fully electric version of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. The BMW i5 serves up a harmonious blend of optimum traction when pulling away and supreme driving stability when cornering or braking, which is unique in the competitive environment.

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