In de jaren ’80 creëerde een Italiaanse groep kunstenaars en architecten onder de naam Memphis Design Group een opvallende visuele stijl met felle kleuren, originele grafische patronen en geometrische vormen. Hiermee ging de groep in tegen het functionalisme en de commerciële logica van die tijd én tegen het minimalisme van de jaren 70. Premium autobouwer BMW stak een futuristische BMW i3 en BMW i8 in een Memphis Design-jasje en brengt deze wagens nu voor het eerst naar ons land.

BMW i8 Mythic Editions in grootste BMW i8 showroom ter wereld.

In de BMW Brand Store aan de Brusselse Louisalaan kan je nog tot en met donderdag 17 augustus terecht om deze kunstwerken te bewonderen. Wie zelfs nog vóór 10 augustus gaat, zal er ook vijf BMW i8’en in mythische koetswerkkleuren kunnen ontdekken: Avusblau, British Racing Green, Carbonschwarz, Frozen Silver en Pure Black. Deze wagens zullen aansluitend van 14 tot 26 augustus samen met onder andere een BMW i8 CrossFade Edition in het BMW Driving Center te Bornem tentoon gesteld worden in de grootste BMW i8 showroom ter wereld.

MemphisStyle Edition BMW i3 en BMW i8.

De MemphisStyle Edition BMW i3 en BMW i8 zijn vormgegeven door Lapo Elkann, Chairman en Creative Director van Garage Italia Customs. Elkann is gespecialiseerd in het ontwerpen van designs op maat voor diverse voertuigen. “Ik deel de visie van BMW, waarbij een blik op de toekomst en technologische innovatie in ieder project de belangrijkste elementen vormen”, zegt Elkann. “Creativiteit, stijl en innovatie hebben altijd een sleutelrol gespeeld in al het designwerk van mijn team. Deze samenwerking heeft mij de kans gegeven om mijn grote passie voor Memphis-artiesten te vieren. Ik verzamel al enige tijd diverse topstukken van deze kunstbeweging die mij elke dag inspireren. Ik kan niet anders dan trots zijn op het resultaat van mijn bedrijf. Opnieuw hebben mijn designers de verwachtingen overtroffen: ze hebben de ware essentie van Memphis Design overgebracht op deze futuristische one-offs.”

De Memphis Group en BMW i.

De Memphis Group werd in 1981 opgericht door Ettore Sottsass en was een absolute tegenstelling tot functionalisme en commerciële logica. De groep werkte vernieuwend en daagde mainstream design uit door gebruik van ongewone materialen en originele grafische patronen. De stijl was duidelijk provocatief en geïnspireerd op de opvallende geometrische vormen van Art Deco, de felle kleuren van Pop Art en Kitsch om los te komen van het minimalistische design van de jaren zeventig.

Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President van BMW Group Design: “Tijdens de jaren tachtig en negentig trok de Memphis Group de formele ernst en klassieke functionaliteit van designartefacten in twijfel, zowel op een enigszins provocerende als grappige manier. Op deze manier werd Memphis een symbool van hedendaags design. Memphis Groep daagde met zijn ontwerpen bestaande dogma's uit, maakte emoties los maar creëerde ook ontwerpen met een hoge herkenningswaarde.”

Van Hooydonk vervolgt: “De BMW Group heeft een soortgelijke benadering toegepast met het ontwerpen van de BMW i modellen, door typisch autodesign in twijfel te trekken, nieuwe terreinen te ontdekken en auto’s compleet nieuw te ontwerpen. Vroegere elektrische voertuigen waren voornamelijk bedoeld om op te vallen. BMW paste eveneens een nieuwe benadering toe wat betreft materiaalgebruik. BMW was bijvoorbeeld de eerste autofabrikant ter wereld die op grote schaal met koolstofvezel versterkt kunststof (CFRP) toepaste in serieproductie. We bedanken Lapo Elkann van Garage Italia Customs voor de creatieve en inspirerende samenwerking, maar zijn ook erg trots op de nauwe betrokkenheid van Michele de Lucchi, een van de oprichters van de Memphis Design Group, bij dit project.”

Michele de Lucchi herinnert zich de eerste jaren van de Memphis Group nog goed, net als zijn motivatie om de groep te helpen oprichten.

“Memphis brengt mij terug naar mijn jeugdjaren, de beginjaren in Milaan en vooral naar de vriendschap met oprichter Ettore Sottsass”, zegt De Lucchi. “Ik was 28 jaar oud. Het leven zag er toen heel anders uit. We wilden de grote stijltradities doorbreken, revolutionair zijn en bewijzen dat revolutie ook mogelijk was door het ontwerpen van objecten en de aanwezigheid daarvan. We waren op zoek naar een nieuwe definitie van de reden van ons bestaan. In die jaren waren hedendaagse onderwerpen als minder duurzame leefgewoontes, post-postmoderne waarden en ongewenste politieke verschuivingen niet aan de orde. Hoewel, we hadden al wel het verlangen om het ongebreidelde consumentisme te stoppen en meer diepgang te vinden. Niet met negativiteit, maar met optimisme: het vieren van vormgeving en met een kleurrijk vleugje van echte betrokkenheid. Op deze manier is de kern van Memphis, van wat wij deden en verlangden, tijdloos.”

BMW i MemphisStyle: hypnotische patronen en felle kleuren.

Schuine, horizontale en verticale lijnen maar ook hypnotische patronen en levendige kleuren zijn de belangrijkste kenmerken van deze nieuwe liveries, ontworpen door Garage Italia Customs. Opvallend is dat elk element perfect aansluit en dat de geometrische vormen moeiteloos de rondingen van het koetswerk van beide auto’s volgen. De realisatie gebeurde extreem nauwkeurig en nam vijf weken in beslag. Nog voor de diverse spuitprocessen werden er verschillende maskers aangebracht om bepaalde patronen te creëren. Er zijn niet minder dan acht kleurlagen op het koetswerk aangebracht, wat de complexiteit van dit project benadrukt. Ook in het interieur van zowel de BMW i3 als BMW i8 keert het typische Memphis Design terug. De diverse materialen, waaronder technische stoffen, Alcantara® en Foglizzo leder, zorgen voor groot contrast. Felle kleuren, zoals oranje, paars, groen en geel, zijn de hoofdkleuren in de grafische patronen in het interieur. Elk element in de cabine is onderdeel van de artistieke designtaal die in de jaren tachtig als schokkend werd ervaren en die in de jaren daarna van grote invloed was op design en inrichting.

De MemphisStyle Edition BMW i3 en BMW i8 zijn one-offs. Garage Italia Customs levert de speciale livery echter wel aan BMW i-klanten die interesse hebben.

BMW i3 en BMW i8 zullen zorgen voor transport zonder uitstoot. De bekende componist Hans Zimmer draagt op zijn beurt bij met de muziek voor de sociale mediacampagne van BMW “Road to Coachella”.///

Munich. BMW i will debut as the exclusive transportation partner at the Coachella Valley Music & Art Festival in 2017, providing VIP shuttle service and hospitality during the weekends of April 14-16 and 21-23. BMW’s sustainable, future-oriented brand will provide BMW i3 electric vehicles and BMW X5 40e iPerformance plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for transportation on and around the festival site.

A stand-out feature of the BMW i3 fleet at Coachella is a unique wrap that was created especially for the occasion, its design reflecting the creative and unconventional character of the event. BMW i8 plug-in hybrid electric sports cars with Coachella design will also take to the roads between Los Angeles and Palm Springs with a selected group of festival-bound celebrities and influencers on board.

Coachella is one of the world’s largest music festivals and provides an ideal stage for the BMW i brand: “The wealth of ideas the artists bring and the festival’s focus on sustainability create a unique atmosphere; Coachella is the birthplace for many trends, ideas and movements,” says Hildegard Wortmann, Senior Vice President Brand BMW. “BMW i is likewise a driver of pioneering innovations and the joy of sustainable mobility. We are positioning the sub-brand as open-minded, creative and inspiring – and Coachella provides an exceptional platform for this purpose, uniting creativity, passion and connectedness. We’re looking forward to an inspirational partnership.”

"Road to Coachella".

A social media campaign entitled “Road to Coachella” kicked-off the partnership on March 14. The campaign offers festival goers the chance to be entered into a drawing to win a festival pass by documenting their preparation for the festival and their own journey to Coachella Valley via social media using the hashtag #RoadToCoachella. 

Renowned composer and music producer Hans Zimmer (“Inception”, “Pearl Harbor”, “The Dark Knight” and “The Lion King”) has provided the soundtrack for a video promoting “Road to Coachella.

The three-minute piece, which debuted on April 9 on BMW’s YouTube Channel, is set to a Zimmer’s music and features the BMW i8 hybrid electric sports car, while providing a look at his preparations as he and his orchestra ready for their first-ever Coachella performance. Also featured in the video are fellow Coachella performers including Marshmello, Galantis, Ryan Rabin of Grouplove, Warpaint and Broods.

Furthermore, BMW i will invite visitors during the festival to visit the innovative BMW i Brand Lounge in the VIP Area, where they can experience up close the allure of BMW i and the unique Coachella design, co-developed with Garage Italia Customs.

About BMW i

BMW i is based around a wide-reaching concept designed to bring about sustainable and future-focused mobility. It is fuelled by visionary electric vehicles and mobility services, inspirational design and a new understanding of premium that is defined squarely in terms of sustainability and delights with innovative new vehicles. The design of the all-electric BMW i3 emission-free model for urban use is centred around sustainability, while the BMW i8 introduces us to the sports car of the future.

De wereldpremière van de nieuwe BMW 5 Reeks met lange wielbasis is een van de highlights op het Autosalon van Shanghai 2017. De nieuwe businessberline is de opvolger van de huidige koploper in het Chinese premiumsegment. Daarnaast zal de Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition van de BMW i8, de plug-in hybride sportwagen, voor het eerst worden voorgesteld aan het grote publiek.    

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The world premiere of the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase is one of the main highlights of the Auto Shanghai 2017 show. The new business sedan is the successor to the current front-runner in the Chinese car market’s premium segment and comes with all the right credentials for cementing this leading status. Likewise making its debut public appearance is the latest special-edition version of the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car. And Auto Shanghai 2017 also hosts the Asian premieres of the BMW Concept X2, revised BMW 4 Series models and new services from BMW Connected created specifically for the Chinese market.

The time-honoured MINI brand is also represented at Auto Shanghai 2017 with a world premiere. The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, a talented all-rounder with stand-out performance attributes, is making its first public appearance. And BMW Motorrad is kicking off its 2017 product offensive with the presentation of the revised BMW S 1000 RR and BMW S 1000 XR, plus an ultra-exclusive new model.

Auto Shanghai is one of the most important motor shows of the year for the global automotive industry. It has taken place every other year since 1985, alternating with the Auto China show in Beijing on the motoring calendar. The National Exhibition and Convention Center in the west of Shanghai opened its doors in 2015 and invites vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and service providers from around the world to display their products across an area measuring some 400,000 square metres. The 17th edition of the Auto Shanghai show will see more than 1,100 exhibitors present their new models, technological innovations and service offerings to the public from 21 – 28 April 2017.

World premiere: the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase.

Taking centre stage at the BMW brand’s stand at Auto Shanghai 2017 is the world premiere of the all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase. The new model is being built by BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. exclusively for the Chinese market at the Shenyang facility.

Its 133-millimetre-longer wheelbase imbues the business sedan’s exterior with elegantly stretched proportions which blend harmoniously into its contemporary looks. State-of-the-art powertrain and chassis technology underpin an exceptional balance between BMW’s hallmark dynamic driving ability and supreme ride comfort. The all-new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase is up to 130 kilograms lighter than its predecessor and boasts enhanced aerodynamics.

Generous kneeroom, optimised soundproofing and a host of innovative equipment features – such as the electrically adjustable comfort seats, Ambient Air package and Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof – elevate on-board comfort in the rear to an even higher level. As well as the iDrive system and a further improved voice control system, the display and control concept also encompasses a touchscreen monitor and BMW gesture control.

World premiere: the BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition.

The BMW Group is also building on its successful track record in sustainable mobility, where BMW i has played a significant role. The BMW eDrive drive system technology originally developed for the all-electric BMW i3 and BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car can now be experienced in six BMW model ranges and one MINI. Indeed, fuelled by the popularity of the BMW i and BMW iPerformance models, the BMW Group is now the most successful manufacturer of plug-in hybrid models for the premium segment globally.

The BMW i8, for example, has developed into the world’s highest-selling plug-in hybrid sports car. And its appeal is given fresh lustre at Auto Shanghai 2017 with the presentation for the first time of the BMW i8 Protonic Frozen Yellow Edition. This latest special edition stands out with its exclusive Protonic Frozen Yellow paint finish, newly designed 20-inch light-alloy wheels and distinctive interior design cues.

Asian premiere: the BMW Concept X2.

The BMW Concept X2 is celebrating its Asian premiere in Shanghai. The new vehicle concept for the premium compact segment combines the robust and functionally accomplished character of a BMW X model with the low-slung proportions of a coupe. Among the signature X elements are muscular surfaces, large, almost squared-off wheel arches and stylistic underfloor protection. The long wheelbase, short overhangs, flowing roofline and slim side window graphic lend the silhouette of the BMW Concept X2 a svelte and dynamic appearance.

Asian premiere: the new BMW 4 Series model range.

The new BMW 4 Series models will be introduced to the public in Asia for the first time with detailed revisions to their design and optimised chassis technology. LED headlights and LED rear lights now come as standard for the BMW 4 Series Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, as does a refined premium ambience in the interior. If the optional Navigation system Professional is specified, the iDrive operating system also features a new tile-style menu layout with constantly updated content. And the Multifunctional Instrument Display can now also be ordered as an option.

BMW Connected with services developed specially for China.

With mobility, communication and infotainment services tailored specially to BMW’s Chinese target group, BMW Connected presents a premium digital offering unmatched in the country. The BMW Connected personalised mobility assistant’s China-specific functionality includes customer support among its suite of services. BMW Connected allows smartphone users to coordinate communications with a selected BMW dealer and arrange service appointments. BMW Connected also supplies users in China with information on traffic offences. And customers can make use of online-based lifestyle, social media and entertainment services selected specially for the Chinese market and with bespoke functionality.

World premiere: the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

The MINI brand is showing off its sporty side at Auto Shanghai 2017, with the world premiere of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman commanding the limelight. The latest John Cooper Works machine is the largest and most versatile elite performance model in the British car maker’s portfolio. The brand’s most powerful engine, eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission (fitted as standard in cars for the Chinese market), ALL4 all-wheel drive and sports suspension, plus the aerodynamically optimised body and sports-car cockpit aura come together into a sublime overall package to deliver standout performance and a race feeling that will capture the imagination.

The new-generation MINI sees the British manufacturer also strengthening its position as the leading maker of premium vehicles in the small car and compact segments in China. The MINI 3-door and MINI 5-door are each available with a selection of three engines in the country, and MINI Convertible customers there can choose from two variants. In the premium compact segment, the MINI Clubman can be ordered with one of three engines and the MINI Countryman with a choice of two, plus ALL4 all-wheel drive as an option. The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman joins the MINI John Cooper Works and MINI John Cooper Works Clubman in the ranks of top-level MINI performance models in China.

BMW Motorrad: fresh success, a model offensive and a world premiere for a suitably exclusive newcomer.

BMW Motorrad recorded extremely dynamic growth in China in 2016, with sales up 52.7 per cent compared with the previous year. And the brand is continuing along its upward curve in 2017, fuelled by its ongoing model offensive in the premium motorcycle and maxi scooter markets. 14 new and redesigned models are set to be introduced up to the end of 2017. And the brand is showing various models at Auto Shanghai 2017, including the latest versions of the ultra-sporty BMW S 1000 RR and BMW S 1000 XR. But the highlight of the BMW Motorrad stand is the world premiere of one of the most exclusive models ever offered by BMW Motorrad.

^{Further information on official fuel consumption figures, specific CO2 emission values and the electric power consumption of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: “Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen” (Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html. LeitfadenCO2 (GuidelineCO2) (PDF ‒ 1.9 MB)}

In de marge van de Mondial de l’Automobile 2016 in Parijs herinterpreteerden BMW en Garage Italia Customs het vooruitstrevende design van de twee BMW i modellen met een koetswerkkleur die van blauw naar grijs overvloeit. Het geheel zorgt voor een dynamisch schouwspel, met een techniek die zich inspireert op de pointillistische stroming. Deze unieke BMW i3 en BMW i8 zullen eenmalig samen tentoongesteld worden in de BMW Brand Store van 15 tot 21 december. Bovendien zal er van elk artistiek model slechts één exemplaar voor België en Luxemburg te koop aangeboden worden.

De BMW i3 en BMW i8 Garage Italia CrossFade Editions onderscheiden zich niet enkel langs buiten van de futuristische BWM i3 en BMW i8. Zo zorgt onder meer een aangepaste binnenbekleding in Alcantara en Foglizzo leder in pointillistisch design voor een artistieke toets.

Om het geheel in de kijker te zetten zal kersverse BMW i Friend en Brusselaar dj Henri PFR op 21 december een unieke dj-set spelen in eigen stad. Over de hele wereld worden zijn summer- en deephouse-sets fel gesmaakt. Wie interesse heeft in deze auto en aanwezig wenst te zijn op deze exclusieve ‘Electrifying Christmas” avond in de BMW Brand Store en zo de BMW i3 en BMW i8 Garage Italia CrossFade Editions wil ontdekken binnen een uniek kader dat alle zintuigen prikkelt, kan terecht bij Lore Lambrechts van de BMW Brand Store in Brussel.

Kunst en BMW.

BMW brengt al sinds 1975 kunst naar zijn meest sportieve wagens dankzij de BMW Art Cars. De voorbije week werd BMW Art Car nummer 19 door Amerikaans kunstenaar John Baldessari uitgebreid voorgesteld aan het grote publiek. Deze BMW M6 GTLM zal in het voorjaar van 2017 zijn kleuren verdedigen op het circuit.

“Net zoals het pointilisme in zijn tijd heel vooruitstrevend en vernieuwend was, is dat vandaag het geval voor de BMW i3 en BMW i8. Door gebruik te maken van nieuwe technieken brengen zowel BMW als het pointillisme elk in zijn tijd een ongeziene ervaring. Deze BMW i3 en BMW i8 Garage Italia CrossFade Editions zullen net zoals onze BMW Art Cars kunnen proeven van het asfalt en zullen zowel zijn bestuurders als zijn bewonderaars een streling voor het oog bieden”, zegt Jean-Philippe Parain, President & CEO van BMW Group Belux.

BMW i en Garage Italia Customs presenteren de BMW i3 en de BMW i8 Garage Italia Crossfade in Parijs. Concept cars met expressieve kleuren in pointillistische stijl klaar voor hun wereldpremiere tijdens de Modial de l'Automobile 2016.

BMW i kondigt een upgrade van de modellenreeks van zijn compacte elektrische wagen BMW i3 aan en biedt vanaf de zomer een versie aan met aanzienlijk verbeterde accucapaciteit. De BMW i3 (94 Ah) heeft een capaciteit van 33 kilowattuur (kWh), dankzij de hogere opslagdichtheid van de lithium-ioncellen. De afmetingen van de accu blijven ongewijzigd, met een toename van meer dan 50 procent in de standaard NEDC-cyclus, die nu 300 kilometer bedraagt in plaats van 190 kilometer. Zelfs bij dagelijks gebruik, in slechte weersomstandigheden en met de airconditioning of verwarming ingeschakeld kan met een volledige acculading 200 kilometer worden afgelegd. De rijprestaties van de hybride synchrone elektromotor van 125 kW/170 pk blijven vrijwel ongewijzigd. De motor laat de BMW i3 in 7,3 seconden van 0 tot 100 km/u accelereren. Dat maakt van de BMW i3 zowel de sportiefste als de zuinigste elektrische wagen in zijn segment, met een stroomverbruik van 12,6 kWh/100 km (NEDC). De BMW i3 met accu van 60 Ah, die BMW i als een van de pioniers op die vlak al twee jaar op de markt aanbood, zal in België en Luxemburg niet meer aangeboden worden. De uitvoering met Range Extender krijgt deze upgrade naar 90 Ah ook. De 2-cilinder benzinemotor houdt de lading van de accu constant tijdens het rijden en verlengt het rijbereik met nog eens 150 kilometer (BMW i3 (94 Ah): 11,3 kWh/100 km; gecombineerde CO2-emissie: 12g/km). Met de introductie van de BMW i3 (94 Ah) biedt BMW i ook nieuwe en krachtigere laadstations voor thuisgarages en nieuwe uitrustingsopties aan. Ook kunnen klanten hun accu van de eerste generatie in het kader van een speciaal vervangprogramma laten vervangen door een accu van het nieuwe type – dit is mogelijk dankzij het modulaire en flexibele ontwerp van de BMW i3. De aanbevolen verkoopprijs is € 37.200,00 inclusief BTW voor de BMW i3 (94 Ah) en €41.690,00 voor de BMW i3 (94 Ah) met Range Extender. De aanbevolen prijs voor de een upgrade zal later via de concessiehouders beschikbaar zijn voor de geïnteresseerde klanten. U vindt alle verder – internationale – informatie in de onderstaande Engelstalige tekst.

Higher storage density of the the battery cells.
The BMW i3 (94 Ah) sets a new benchmark in its segment with 94 ampere hours (Ah) cell capacity, approx. 33 kWh battery energy and an electric range of 300 kilometres according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) in combination with hallmark BMW driving performance.

Consuming only 12.6 kWh/100 km (NEDC), it is the most efficient car with the lowest electricity consumption costs of 3.15 EUR/100 km**, or even lower. The range of the new BMW i3 (94 Ah), on a full battery charge with the air conditioning or the heating on has been significantly increased to 200 km in everyday use. This is achieved with no subjective loss of driving performance and agility: in spite of the considerably higher battery density, the BMW i3 (94 Ah) almost reaches the record figures held by the BMW i3 (60 Ah) in the segment of compact electric vehicles. Both BMW i models strike the ideal balance between efficiency, performance and range. From standstill to country-road speeds, the BMW i3 (94 Ah) is on par with sporty, conventionally combustion engine powered cars.

The high-voltage battery of the BMW i3 consists of eight modules with twelve storage cells each and its capacity has increased significantly without any changes in exterior dimensions. By optimising the cell-internal packages with more electrolyte and adapting the active material, BMW and Samsung SDI have succeeded in increasing cell capacity to 94 Ah and overall battery energy to 33 kWh of which 29 kWh can be effectively used. The battery of the BMW i3 (60 Ah) produces 22 kWh (gross)/19 kWh (net).

A benchmark also in terms of sustainability.
The BMW i engineers only had to undertake minor modifications to integrate the new battery. Already in the development phase of the BMW i3, the entire architecture of the electric drivetrain was designed with the next technological steps in mind. Now that the battery modules need to be climatised, no structural changes are necessary. This highlights how universal and forward thinking the vehicle concept really is. As before it is also possible to exchange a single battery module instead of the entire battery if required in the BMW i3. This is a stand-alone feature within the competitive field and represents an integral component of the holistic BMW i concept of sustainability. The BMW i3 continues to score significantly better than a modern diesel or petrol engined car in the overall CO2 balance consisting of supply chain, production, service life and recycling.

When the BMW i3 was launched in 2013, it was the first car with a TÜV-certified life cycle assessment, which was at least one third better than reached by any conventional car. This is achieved to a large extent through the CO2 free electricity supply of the BMW i production sites in Leipzig (assembly) and Moses Lake (CFRP production) as well as through the use of 70 per cent less water in the production process compared to conventional automobiles.

The lithium ion cells used, set themselves apart in the competitive field by achieving a special balance between high energy density, cycle stability and safety in the case of a crash. The coolant of the air conditioning system is responsible for cooling the high-voltage battery very effectively. An optional heating system can also be used to heat the battery to ensure the optimum operating temperature of 20 degrees Celsius before starting off. The battery has been designed to last for the car’s entire service life. Customers receive an 8-year or 100,000 kilometre warranty on the battery.

Retrofit programme: the battery can be exchanged optionally.
The main focus at BMW i is on sustainability. The customer is given the assurance that his BMW i3 can be adapted to the latest technical developments in a resource-saving way. This is safe-guarded by the flexible LifeDrive vehicle architecture. The BMW i3 is the first automobile in the premium compact segment in the world to have been designed from scratch as a purely electrically powered vehicle. This design also includes retrofitting new battery technologies.

With the introduction of the new 94 Ah battery, BMW gives BMW i customers the opportunity of retrofitting their purely electric BMW i3 (60 Ah) with the new 33 kWh battery as part of a high-voltage retrofit programme. This programme is available in selected markets. The 22 kWh batteries traded-in by customers are used to build stationary storage battery modules thus starting their second life. This effectively proves how sustainable BMW i technology is across its entire production and service life cycle.

Optimised performance delivery, more efficient drive.
The BMW i3 is by far the lightest car in its segment. Despite of the weight increase to now 1,245 kilograms, the BMW i3 (94 Ah) is characterised by driving performance, which is subjectively as agile as the 60 Ah model variant. This has been achieved by modifying power electronics and systems management and results in an optimised performance curve. In addition, there is the physically related improvement of the voltage curve under load for the new 94 Ah battery. 

The BMW i3 (94 Ah) is also powered by the hybrid synchronous electric motor especially developed by the BMW Group. The power unit generates an output of 125 kW/170 hp and delivers 250 Newton metres of torque which is available from standstill. The BMW i3 (94 Ah) completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. It reaches a speed of 60 km/h within a mere 3.8 seconds.

The sporty elasticity performance figure of 5.1 seconds for accelerating from 80 to 120 km/h, a decisive factor for enabling fast and safe passing manoeuvres, is normally only achieved by combustion engine powered cars with considerably higher outputs. In this domain the BMW i3 (94 Ah) is on a level with cars such as the 240 kW (326 hp) BMW 440i Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 7.7–7.4 l/100; combined CO2 emissions: 179/–172 g/km)*. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via the single-speed transmission which the BMW i3 uses to accelerate without torque interruption to 150 km/h (limited top speed for reasons of efficiency). This applies to both battery variants.

The electricity consumption of the BMW i3 (94 Ah) has also been reduced by a large number of detail improvements including revised electric motor management as well as advanced low-resistance tyres. In the NEDC it consumes 12.6 kWh/100 km. This is the best value in the competitive field. The BMW i3 (60 Ah) consumes 12.9 kWh/100 km.

New, faster charging electronics: three-phase charging up to 11 kW.
In principle, a 50 percent higher battery capacity would also mean longer charging times – if the charging technology had not been adapted to the new requirements. In order to keep up with the increased battery capacity when charging with alternating current (AC), the AC fast charging system was developed. With the new 94 Ah battery, multi-phase AC charging is extended to 11 kW charging capacity and thus is in line with the charging capacity standards widely used in the public charging infrastructure.

The new, higher-performance charging electronics of the BMW i3 (94 Ah) can use three-phase charging currents with 11 kW.

This represents a 50 percent increase compared to the BMW i3 (60 Ah). The 60 Ah model can be charged using single-phase alternating current at 7.4 kW. This means the charging time for the BMW i3 (94 Ah) is less than three hours, in spite of the significantly larger battery capacity – which is the same time it takes for today’s 60 Ah battery at 7.4 kW charging current.

The BMW i3 is equipped with a charging cable as standard for connecting it to a domestic power socket. The BMW i3 (94 Ah) can be recharged in less than ten hours at a charging current of 2.8 kW. The BMW i3 (60 Ah) battery requires approximately eight hours for this. Core elements such as range, hallmark BMW agility thanks to low weight and overnight battery charging remain in place.

Today, the BMW i3 is equipped with the future-proof 50 kW direct current (DC) fast charging technology. When the BMW i3 (94 Ah) is connected to a DC fast charging station, the battery cells are charged up to a minimum of 80 percent of their capacity within less than 40 minutes. In the BMW i3 (60 Ah) this takes 25 minutes. This means that the BMW i3 (94 Ah) achieves a charging speed of 4 km/min which corresponds to 24 minutes charging time per 100 kilometres of range.

Range Extender for even greater range.
BMW i also offers a Range Extender for the BMW i3 (94 Ah).The range of the BMW i3 is extended by a 650 cubic centimetre 2-cylinder petrol engine which is located in direct proximity to the electric drive above the rear axle. The Range Extender delivers a maximum output of 28 kW/38 hp and powers a generator in order to produce electricity. It operates on a needs-based and highly efficient principle. As soon as the charging level of the lithium ion batteries drops to a certain level, the Range Extender kicks in to keep the charging level constant thus extending the range by 150 kilometres under everyday conditions. Fitting the car with the Range Extender has no influence on the available luggage volume: the nine-litre fuel tank is installed in the front section. The luggage compartment volume remains unchanged at 260 litres and can be extended to 1,100 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The BMW i3 (94 Ah) with Range Extender may weigh in with an extra 120 kilograms of weight but is also characterised by a high level of agility and offers impressive performance figures. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds. The emissions of the BMW i3 (94 Ah) with Range Extender amounts to 12 g/km CO2 (NEDC) while the exclusively electrically powered BMW i3 produces zero emissions locally. This puts the BMW i3 (94 Ah) at the top of its segment with regard to performance figures and efficiency – whether as a purely electric vehicle or equipped with Range Extender.

New equipment.
The BMW i3 (94 Ah) will be instantly recognisable in the colour Protonic Blue metallic, which is available exclusively for this model version. Up until now this was reserved for the BMW i8 hybrid sports car, but is now also available for the BMW i3. When configuring a BMW i3 (94 Ah), the customer can choose from two non-metallic paintwork colours (Capparis White and Fluid Black) and in addition to Protonic Blue, from three additional metallic paintwork colours (Mineral Grey, Platin Silver and Ionic Silver).

Four different interior designs are available for the BMW i3. Apart from the Atelier basic line: Loft, Lodge and Suite. In the future more combinations of the interior designs will be available for the BMW i3. The new elegant dark oak trim is a standard equipment in the Suite interior design. In all other interior designs the Dark Oak wood trim and the eucalyptus wood trim are available as options. The materials used are a mix of naturally treated leather, wood and wool as well as other renewable raw materials. These make the sustainable premium character of the BMW i3 both visible and tangible.

The Driving Assistant Plus equipment package is also available in the Atelier equipment line at sales start. Driving Assistant Plus consists of camera-based cruise control with Stop&Go function, traffic jam assistant, speed limit info, pedestrian and collision warning with city brake function and proactive driving assistant.

Most successful electric vehicle in its segment worldwide.
The BMW Group took on a pioneering role when it founded the BMW i brand and decided to develop an independent vehicle structure and passenger cells made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) as well as BMW eDrive technology for purely electric drive. The BMW i3, which was designed for local emissions-free urban mobility, as well as the trail-blazing BMW i8 Plug-in-Hybrid sports car both deliver sheer driving pleasure combined with sustainability-oriented premium character. Within two years after its launch in November 2013, the BMW i3 has already established itself at the top of its segment. In Germany it is the best-selling electric vehicle on the market and in Norway it is the BMW model with the most new registrations (source: Polk/IHS 2014- 3/2016). The most important single market for the purely electric five door BMW i3 is the U.S. More than 80 per cent of buyers deciding on a BMW i3 worldwide are new customers for the BMW Group. The BMW i3 and the BMW i8 received a large number of awards for innovations in the areas of light-weight construction, drive, sustainability, driving performance and design. This makes BMW i the brand to win the most awards in the world during its market launch phase.

Comfortable home charging: the new BMW i Wallboxes.
With the introduction of the BMW i3 (94 Ah) in summer 2016, BMW i will be offering a new BMW i Wallbox worldwide for comfortable and fast home garage charging or charging on a private parking space. This Wallbox has been adapted to the new charging technology and in addition to single-phase operation now also offers a charging capacity of up to 22 kW in three-phase operation.

The new Wallbox is not characterised by a flatter and more compact design compared to its predecessor, but thanks to its increased performance can now charge the battery of the BMW i3 (94 Ah) in two hours and 45 minutes. The charging process starts automatically as soon as the car and charging cable are connected. The BMW i Wallbox is operated using an LED interface.

At the end of 2016 two additional Wallboxes will be available offering additional comfort and connected functions. This permits private or fleet customers to adapt the Wallboxes precisely to the needs of their different number of vehicles. Among other things the BMW i Wallbox Plus automatically detects the connected vehicles and associates the relevant charge data using a local smartphone app. The BMW i Wallbox Connect which features WiFi as standard provides full connectivity. It offers all the functions of the BMW i Wallbox Plus and features innovative charging services which can be controlled online. Different amounts of electricity are not only recorded for different vehicles but the data can also be e-mailed instantly after completion of the charging operation and thus used for accounting purposes.

Both the BMW i Wallbox Plus as well as the BMW i Wallbox Connect can be integrated into an intelligently connected house and it are currently compatible with MyGEKKO and Loxone control systems. This allows the BMW i3 to be charged using clean electricity generated directly by the solar system on the roof of your house.

In addition, the BMW i Wallboxes help save battery electricity as they can precondition the vehicle battery when connected up. During this preconditioning process, the air conditioning in the car and the heating of the high-voltage battery can be activated via smartphone. Prewarming the battery ensures optimum battery conditions even at low outside temperatures. This ensures highest-level battery performance, range and longevity. If the preconditioning is carried out using the BMW i Wallbox, the required electricity is not taken from the car battery, but from the energy supplier’s mains system thereby not cutting down on the car’s range.

BMW i, however, not only offers a wide selection of Wallboxes, but also provides a unique installation service including onsite installation assessment at the customer’s, the supply and installation of the charging station as well as maintenance, consulting and other services.

On the go at home and abroad: comfortable charging thanks to ChargeNow.
With more that 40,000 charging points run by different operators in currently 25 countries, ChargeNow by BMW i offers the largest network of publicly accessible charging points for electric and plug-in-hybrid vehicles worldwide. The ChargeNow card and the app of the same name give the customer comfortable access to all operators in the international network including cashless payment and billing. The complicated and time-consuming registration process with different providers is thus done away with completely. The driver is supported in finding and selecting one of the charging stations of the ChargeNow network by the service integrated into the navigation system as well as the related apps.

ConnectedDrive: Setting standards through Connectivity.
The optionally available Navigation System Professional provides BMW ConnectedDrive Services especially developed for BMW i. The range assistant follows the planned and currently driven route. If the destination selected in the navigation system is beyond the car’s range, the driver receives the suggestion to shift to the ECO PRO or ECO PRO+ mode. Additionally, the system calculates a more efficient alternative route. Should it be necessary to recharge at a public charging station, the driver is shown all the available stations along the planned route.

A dynamic range map is another central element of the connected navigation unit. Apart from the current charging status of the battery, the driving style, the activated electric comfort functions and the selected driving mode, the topographic features, the current traffic situation and the outside temperature are all taken into consideration. The Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) data is used for this purpose. The data is provided by the BMW ConnectedDrive Server.

The BMW i3 also sets standards when it comes connecting driver and car. The BMW i Remote App provides useful vehicle-related mobility planning data available on the customer’s smartphone, too. Apart from pedestrian navigation for finding your way to your destination from the parking space and back, BMW ConnectedDrive offers a so-called intermodal routing system for the first time in combination with the Navigation System Professional. This also incorporates public transport connections if this means you can reach your destination more quickly. From the actual trip in the BMW i3, looking for a parking space, changing on to a bus or underground line to the last stage covered on foot, the BMW i ConnectedDrive services take the customer to his destination precisely and efficiently.

As before, the comprehensive range of standard equipment of the BMW i3 (94 Ah) and the BMW i3 (60 Ah) includes: the iDrive operation system, the BMW i RemoteApp functionalities, auxiliary heating, Driving Experience switch, Radio Professional, hands-free telephone operation, air conditioning, leather steering wheel, LED daytime driving lights, Park Distance Control (PDC) with rear sensors and the charging cable for connecting to a domestic power socket.

Met vier gewonnen awards op de ‘Engine of the Year Awards’ 2015 toont BMW Group volop zijn kennis en kunde op het gebied van motoren. De motor van de BMW i8 heeft gewonnen in twee verschillende categorieën en sleepte daar bovenop ook de hoofdprijs in de wacht. Daar bovenop won ook de motor van de BMW M3 en BMW M4 in zijn klasse. In de bijlage vindt u het Engelstalige persbericht.