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.

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)}

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

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

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

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

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

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

Munich. BMW i is expanding the model range of its compact electric car, the BMW i3 and from summer will be offering a version with significantly increased battery capacity. The BMW i3 (94 Ah) has a capacity of 33 kilowatt hours (kWh) thanks to the higher storage density of the lithium ion cells. The battery dimensions remain unchanged with over 50 per cent range increase in the standard NEDC cycle which equals 300 kilometres instead of 190 kilometres. Even in everyday use, in bad weather conditions and with the air conditioning or heating turned on, 200 kilometres of range can be achieved on one full battery charge. The driving performance figures of the 125 kW/170 hp hybrid synchronous electric motor remain virtually unchanged. The motor propels the BMW i3 from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. This makes the BMW i3 both the sportiest and most efficient electric vehicle in its segment with an electricity consumption of 12.6 kWh/100 km (NEDC). The BMW i3 with 60 Ah battery, which has been on the market for two years, remains part of the model range. In addition, the model variant with Range Extender will still be available for both battery versions. The 2-cylinder petrol engine keeps the charge level of the battery constant while driving provides an additional range of 150 kilometres (BMW i3 (94 Ah)/BMW i3 (60 Ah): combined fuel consumption 0.6./0.6l/100 km; combined electricity consumption: 11.3/13.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 12/13 g/km)*. This broadens the model range of the best-selling premium electric vehicle in its segment worldwide to four versions. With the introduction of the BMW i3 (94 Ah), BMW i also offers new and more powerful charging stations for home garage use as well as new equipment options. Additionally, customers can have their first-generation battery retrofitted as part of a special retrofit programme and have the new battery type installed – this is made possible thanks to the modular and flexible design of the BMW i3.

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

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

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

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

Munich. The BMW i Remote App for the Samsung Gear S smartwatch has garnered international success: the innovative app by BMW earns a prize in the “Software and Mobile Apps” category at the renowned CES Innovation Awards in New York.

The international Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is held each January in Las Vegas, with the forthcoming event taking place from 6 to 9 January 2015. With 3,500 exhibitors, the CES is among the world’s biggest consumer electronics trade fairs. The lead-up to the show sees the presentation of the coveted CES Innovation Awards in 20 product categories on 11 November 2014.

Selecting the winning submissions are teams of judges made up of independent industrial designers, engineers and media representatives. The “Software and Mobile Apps” category is guided by criteria such as functionality, aesthetic appeal, user-friendliness and innovative edge. It places the BMW i Remote App for the Samsung Gear S among the global front-runners in mobile apps.

Innovative, simple to operate and highly functional.
The BMW i Remote App for the Samsung Gear S smartwatch is an application which seamlessly connects BMW i drivers to their vehicle via their wristwatch. The app was developed to allow direct access to important information in real time. The app displays all key information at a glance on the smartwatch’s home screen: in the case of the BMW i3, for example, it shows not only the time but also the electric range available, the battery charge level and – during the charge process – the estimated charge time remaining. Using the touch display to click on the data sent to the Gear S by the BMW i Remote App opens a submenu with more detailed information presented in the typically classy colours and style of BMW i. A further submenu informs the user of the vehicle’s current status, i.e. whether any of the doors, windows or the boot are open.

Advance regulation of the onboard climate, which can likewise be controlled by the Samsung Gear S, is an important factor in extending the car’s range. In this way, the interior can be conveniently preheated while the vehicle is still connected to the power supply. This does not affect the charging process.

The BMW i Remote App for the Samsung Gear S is further evidence of how rapidly BMW can respond to the fast pace of innovation on the connected car front by drawing on BMW ConnectedDrive services and apps to deliver smart solutions.

Munich. Six wins thanks to Efficient Dynamics: with its current range of models and engines, BMW has achieved outstanding success in the 2014 "Green Mobility Trophy" awards presented by the automobile magazine "Auto Zeitung". Based on a reader survey, the awards were won by the Munich premium automobile manufacturer in six out of a total of seven categories. Three of these class victories were achieved by automobiles of the new BMW i brand, while two others went to the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition and the 4-cylinder petrol engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology. The triumph was rounded off with BMW being voted the "Most environment-friendly brand" of the year. The vote recognises both consistent development work and the courage to pursue innovative concepts aimed at reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels on an ongoing basis by means of Efficient Dynamics.

13 733 "Auto Zeitung" readers took part in this year's vote. The BMW i3 achieved an especially impressive result. The purely electrically powered 5-seater won in two categories and attracted the highest share of the vote in the entire competition. It was named "Best electric car" with a clear 30 per cent share of the vote. And it won the "Best lightweight construction car" with a remarkable 31.1 per cent. These two results show that both BMW eDrive technology and the lightweight construction concept featuring a passenger cell made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and an aluminium chassis are regarded as sound solutions for sustainable mobility.

The plug-in hybrid sports car BMW i8 - developed according to the same engineering principle - likewise finished first. Having achieved third place in its class last year, this time round the BMW i8 was named "Best hybrid car" with 20.9 per cent of the vote - just a few weeks after its market launch.

BMW achieved two more class victories with conventional drive technology. The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition prevailed against 20 competitors to win the title of "Best economical diesel". The mid-range sedan is powered by a 120 kW/163 hp 4-cylinder diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, accelerates in 8.0 seconds from zero to 100 km/h and has an average fuel consumption of 4.1 litres per 100 kilometres and a CO2 figure of 109 grams per kilometre on the EU test cycle. The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition impressed survey participants with this combination of driving pleasure and efficiency to gain 19.3 per cent of the vote, defending its title from last year. The current 4-cylinder petrol engines in the BMW engine portfolio secured an award with similarly unambiguous results. In the vote for the "Best downsizing engines", 18.7 per cent of readers chose the 2.0-litre engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and an output of up to 180 kW/245 hp.

Finally the diverse range of successful concepts and technologies for sustainable mobility is reflected in the result of the vote for the "Most environment-friendly brand". BMW clearly led the way in this category, too, with a share of 22.6 per cent of the vote. The combination of sporty flair and efficiency that is characteristic of the entire model program produced by the Munich-based premium automobile manufacturer thus gained BMW its sixth title of the 2014 "Green Mobility Trophy".

For further details on official fuel consumption figures, official specific CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars, please refer to the "Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars", available at all sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/angebote/verlagsprodukte/leitfaden-kraftstoffverbrauch.html. ManualCO2 (PDF - 2.7 MB)