The new BMW X5 adds another chapter to its story of success. The fifth generation of the BMW X5 impresses with technical innovations, a stunning new design and the integration of future-oriented technologies from the Neue Klasse. This underlines its exceptional status and reinforces its leading position in a segment that it originally established.

First model from the brand with five different drive system types.
As the first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) from the brand and founding father of the eminently successful BMW X family, the trendsetting BMW X5 has been shaping the future in innovative style since its introduction in 1999. Embodying that very same aspiration, the new BMW X5 is the first model from the brand to come to market with a choice of five different drive system types.

In addition to variants with petrol or diesel combustion engines, including 48V mild hybrid technology, and plug-in hybrid models, the fifth generation of the successful model does not just encompass the first all-electric BMW iX5. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is also set to celebrate its market launch – at a later stage – as the first hydrogen-powered BMW production vehicle. The powertrain encompasses the fuel cell system, in-car hydrogen storage with the new BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage technology and an innovative high-voltage battery. The third generation of the fuel cell system enables a particularly compact design within a high-performance, efficient drive system with a range of up to 750 kilometres (466 miles)[1].

The new BMW iX5 – the first battery-electric BMW X5 – is launching with the sixth generation of BMW’s eDrive technology. This means longer ranges of up to 845 kilometres (525 miles) in the BMW iX5 60 xDrive, fast charging, 800V technology and practical bidirectional charging. This is thanks to new cylindrical cells with a height of 120 millimetres, installed in the high-voltage battery and in use for the first time in the new BMW iX5.

“With its imposing presence and flawless symbiosis of comfort and driving pleasure, the BMW X5 became a global bestseller,” says Dr. Joachim Post, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “And now the latest generation also benefits from the technologies in the Neue Klasse and the widest possible range of drive systems. As a result, I’m sure the new BMW X5 will set the benchmark in its class once again and write the next chapter in its success story.”

New design: unmistakeable presence from every perspective.
The new BMW X5 also takes a major leap forward in terms of design. Viewed from any perspective, the clear, monolithic and powerful appearance of the car embodies the confident presence that underlines its leading position in the segment, becoming one of the key faces of the brand. This is in large part down to the effortless melding of classic SAV proportions with the forward-looking BMW design language of the Neue Klasse to produce a harmonious, distinct end result.

The next generation of the distinctive X exterior is characterised by the upright design of the front end, the vertically aligned BMW kidney Iconic Glow and the new “double-X” light icons, making their first appearance in a BMW. The clearly structured side view of the BMW X5 is particularly impressive, thanks in large part to the innovative door handles, the BMW Winglets. These combine progressive design with functional convenience: recessed handles requires the lightest of touches to open the electrically powered doors.

Naturally, all models offer broad scope for tailoring the design, including eleven exterior paint colours and a precisely curated wheel range that now boasts 23-inch rims. The new BMW X5 M60e xDrive creates visual highlights emphasising its role as the sporting flagship, while the M Sport package and the M Sport package Pro provide a range of distinctive features.

High-quality M Performance Parts available.
In addition, high-quality M Performance Parts are available for the BMW X5. Highlights of the range include striking exterior items such as the M Performance front splitter carbon fibre, M Performance roof spoiler black high-gloss, M Performance rear diffuser aramid and M Performance exterior mirror caps aramid. Also available are M Performance summer and winter complete wheels in 21- and 23-inch formats. The cabin can likewise be given an even sportier look with items such as the M Performance floor mats.

Spacious, natural and innovative: redesigned interior combines feel good atmosphere with digital user experience.
One glance at the redesigned interior immediately reveals the extremely high quality of the new BMW X5. The interior impresses with clear structures and uncluttered surfaces, producing a harmonious sense of space and calmly providing subtle support for classic BMW driver orientation.

The outstanding visual and haptic quality of the interior is also underlined by the new decorative surfaces constructed from materials such as slate and glass that generate an atmosphere of elemental sophistication. BMW is the first carmaker worldwide to offer slate as an optional decorative surface.

The BMW X5 incorporates core technologies from the Neue Klasse in the form of the new BMW Panoramic iDrive display and operating system, underpinned by BMW Operating System X. These include the Central Display in free-cut design, the BMW 3D Head-Up Display, the BMW Passenger Screen available as an optional extra in the BMW X5 for the first time, the BMW Panoramic Vision with a projection surface extending across the full width of the windscreen and the new multifunction steering wheel. This results in an all-encompassing digital user experience centred around both the driver and their passengers.

The BMW X5 combines fascinating new technologies with a genuinely feel-good interior atmosphere. This is expressed in the lighting animations provided by the ambient light strip, a central element that creates an inviting wrap-around effect from door to door to generate a harmonious atmosphere.

BMW X5 combines a high level of comfort with BMW typical driving dynamics and intelligent driver assistance systems.
As the sportiest SUV in its segment, the BMW X5 has long set standards in terms of driving dynamics – and the latest generation of the BMW X5 is equally impressive in its this respect. This is due in no small part to the adaptive suspension fitted as standard and axle load distribution close to 50:50. Optional extras include Adaptive Chassis Control, as well as the Adaptive Chassis Control Professional with roll stabilisation initially available for every all‑electric and plug‑in hybrid model. This system leads the way when it comes to blending BMW’s characteristic driving dynamics with maximum ride comfort.

BMW Symbiotic Drive provides intelligent support tailored to individual driving behaviour. The advanced Level 2 driver assistance systems and active safety functions are designed down to the smallest detail for seamless interaction between assistance and human driving. In the BMW iX5 models, and in the upcoming BMW iX5 Hydrogen, the Heart of Joy also enables a very special experience: BMW Soft-Stop, which executes the smoothest stopping action every provided by BMW.

Production and premiere in Spartanburg.
The market launch of the first variants of the new BMW X5 is scheduled for late November 2026, with the all-electric and plug‑in hybrid versions to follow in early 2027. Production of the new models will ramp up some months ahead of this, with BMW Group Plant Spartanburg (USA) initiating series production of the fifth-generation BMW X5 in August 2026.

Plant Spartanburg has been producing the X5 ever since it was launched – founding a new market segment – in 1999. And now the facility is celebrating a new premiere: the new BMW iX5 will be the first all-electric vehicle to be manufactured there. The new factory for sixth-generation high-voltage batteries built for this model variant adjacent to BMW Group Plant Spartanburg requires no fossil fuels for normal operations. This is just one of many examples of the BMW Group’s rigorous approach to minimising CO₂e emissions during production.

Spartanburg, South Carolina. The BMW Group announced today the completion of a $1.7 billion investment in its South Carolina operations. The company celebrated the milestone at the "Home of X" event at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg, reaffirming its longstanding commitment in the United States through continued investment and innovation leadership. With this milestone, BMW Group has completed the expansion of Plant Spartanburg and the construction of Plant Woodruff, establishing the foundation for the assembly of fully electric BMW vehicles in South Carolina. The United States remains one of BMW Group’s most important markets and business ecosystems worldwide.

The event also marked the world premiere of the new, fifth-generation BMW X5. BMW confirmed that the BMW iX5 will be the first fully electric BMW assembled in the United States, starting in late 2026.

"When we announced our investment plans for South Carolina in 2022, we made a clear commitment to the future of the BMW Group in the United States," said Milan Nedeljković, Chairman of the Board of Management, BMW AG. "Today, we are delivering on that commitment. The completion of our investments in Plant Spartanburg and Plant Woodruff demonstrates our confidence in the United States and reinforces South Carolina’s role at the center of BMW Group’s global operations."

Together, Plant Spartanburg and Plant Woodruff form a highly integrated network supporting the future of BMW X model assembly and electrification in the United States.

Home of X.

Home of X recognizes the significant role the United States plays in BMW Group’s global operations. South Carolina is the home of BMW Group’s largest plant worldwide. For more than 50 years, BMW has maintained a strong commitment in the United States, growing its presence to nearly 30 locations across 12 states. Today, BMW Group’s business activities in the U.S. support more than 120,000 jobs nationwide and contribute more than $43.3 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

Established more than three decades ago, BMW Group Plant Spartanburg is the global center of competence for BMW X models. Since 1994, more than 7.3 million BMW vehicles have been assembled in South Carolina for customers in the United States and around the world. In 2025, 412,799 BMW X models were assembled at Plant Spartanburg – this marked the seventh time the plant has exceeded 400,000 units.

Approximately half of the plant's current production is exported to nearly 120 countries, helping to make BMW the leading automotive exporter in the United States by value. To date, nearly 3 million BMWs have been exported from the United States, valued at over $113 billion.

The completion of BMW Group’s $1.7 billion investment in South Carolina represents the latest chapter in the company’s longstanding commitment in the United States. Together, Plant Spartanburg and Plant Woodruff will enable the assembly of the next generation of BMW X vehicles, including fully electric models, while strengthening BMW Group’s ability to serve customers around the world.

With two plants, over 400 suppliers, and many longstanding strategic partners across the country, the United States remains central to BMW Group’s global strategy. This foundation supports future growth, innovation, electrification, and customer choice for decades to come.

New BMW X5 Available in Five Drivetrains.

A centerpiece of the Home of X celebration was the world premiere of the new BMW X5. The X5 established the premium Sports Utility Vehicle segment and became one of the most successful products in BMW history. Since 1999, over 3 million BMW X5 models have been sold around the world, a third of which were sold in the U.S.

Assembled at Plant Spartanburg for over 25 years, the new BMW X5 becomes the first vehicle offered with five drivetrain technologies. The options span internal combustion, battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, diesel and, soon, fuel cell electric powered by hydrogen. This breadth reflects BMW Group's technology-open approach and commitment to customer choice.

"Our strategic course remains unchanged. We will continue to pursue the same technology-open strategy that has made BMW successful and will continue to make us successful in the future," continued Nedeljković.

Plant Spartanburg will be the first plant in the BMW Group’s global production network capable of assembling a single vehicle with five different drivetrain technologies on one assembly line, demonstrating the technology-open strategy at the highest level.

By offering a broad range of drivetrain technologies, BMW enables customers to select the vehicle that best suits their needs, driving habits, and preferences. This flexibility reflects BMW Group’s conviction that multiple technologies will play an important role in the transition to sustainable mobility.

"The new BMW X5 demonstrates our belief that innovation and customer choice go hand in hand," said Sebastian Mackensen, President & CEO, BMW of North America. "Our customers both in the U.S. and around the world will love the new BMW X5 – and our technology-open approach puts them in the driver’s seat to enjoy the performance and premium experience that define BMW, regardless of which drivetrain they choose."

BMW Group also confirmed that the BMW iX5 will be the first fully electric BMW vehicle assembled in the United States. Assembly is scheduled to begin at Plant Spartanburg before the end of 2026.

The announcement represents another important milestone in BMW Group’s electrification strategy. It fulfills a key commitment made as part of the company’s 2022 investment announcement. By 2030, BMW Group will assemble at least six fully electric BMW models in the United States, supported by locally assembled high-voltage batteries from Plant Woodruff.

"The future of BMW X models will continue to be shaped in South Carolina," said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, President & CEO, BMW Manufacturing Co. "From highly efficient combustion engines and plug-in hybrid systems to battery-electric and future hydrogen-powered vehicles, Plant Spartanburg will be able to assemble a broad range of drivetrain technologies for customers in the U.S. and around the world. This flexibility of Plant Spartanburg and our global production network strengthens our resilience, supports customer choice, and enables us to meet customer demand at any level."

Digitalization and AI in Production: Key Principles of BMW iFACTORY are implemented in Plants Spartanburg and Woodruff.

The BMW iFACTORY concept defines the BMW Group’s strategic vision for the future of its global production network, driven by efficiency, sustainability, and digitalization. At both Plant Spartanburg and Plant Woodruff, the guiding principles of the BMW iFACTORY are already a reality.

Smart automation, end-to-end data integration, and virtual planning form a highly connected production system — with a highly skilled workforce at its core. Digital twins allow processes in both plants to be optimized long before the first component reaches the assembly line. 3D virtual simulations enable seamless implementation, reduce complexity, and enhance workflows and ergonomics for associates.

Artificial intelligence is deeply anchored in the assembly of both plants. AI-supported applications, including self-correcting robotics and vision-based quality controls, help ensure consistently high standards in a dynamic manufacturing environment. At both plants, AIQX (Artificial Intelligence Quality Next), an in-house IT platform at the BMW Group, is being applied. AIQX uses sensors and camera systems along the production line to automate quality processes. AI evaluates the data and provides real-time feedback to employees on the line.

At the same time, Plant Spartanburg is advancing the next stage of innovation through physical AI. By utilizing humanoid robots from Figure AI, Plant Spartanburg has become a pioneer of BMW’s Physical AI Initiative. These applications support associates in physically demanding and repetitive tasks, enabling greater focus on precision, craftsmanship, and quality that define every BMW vehicle.

At Plant Woodruff, the BMW Group is deploying intelligent, next-generation manufacturing powered by cutting-edge technologies — first proven in virtual environments. Guided by the BMW iFACTORY principles, the new plant also reduces complexity and sets new standards in high-voltage battery assembly. Following the “Cell-to-Pack” principle, the cells are assembled directly into the housing without the former processes of cell coating and cell module production.

All in all, innovative technologies at both plants support and protect people. In doing so, digitalization enhances production performance, resilience, and the flexibility and adaptability needed to meet the mobility demands of today and tomorrow.

Björn Lellmann, Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport:

“We have enjoyed another series of exciting and successful race weekends. Looking back at the past weekend, our customer teams secured podium finishes with the BMW M4 GT3 EVO at both the 24 Hours of Spa and the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen. These results add to the outstanding performances achieved with the car over the past few weeks, including successes in the ADAC GT Masters, on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and in Italy. For the BMW M4 GT4 EVO, one of the standout moments was the double victory of BMW M Racing Academy member Thomi Rackl and his teammate Gabriele Piana in the GT4 European Series races at Spa-Francorchamps. Further successes were also celebrated in championships across Europe, the Americas, and Australia. We are also delighted to see the launch of the new one-make series featuring the BMW M2 Racing, with the inaugural races of the BMW M2 Cups taking place in Germany and Brazil. We are looking forward to the weeks ahead, with more outstanding customer racing action across the globe.”

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GT4 European Series (25th-27th June): Rackl and Piana celebrate double victory at Spa.

BMW M Racing Academy member Thomi Rackl (GER) claimed a celebrated double win alongside Gabriele Piana (ITA) at Spa-Francorchamps (BEL). At the third event of the 2026 GT4 European Series, the Borusan Otomotiv Motorsport duo triumphed in the overall classification of both races with the #12 BMW M4 GT4 EVO, taking victory on Saturday evening and again on Sunday morning. On the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Rackl and Piana, who compete in the Silver Class, celebrated their first two wins of the season. For the 18-year-old German, it also marked his maiden victory in the GT4 European Series. Following their successful weekend in the Ardennes, the German-Italian pairing climbed to second place in the drivers’ standings and now trails the championship leaders by just 30 points.

BMW M Motorsport customer teams also had plenty to celebrate in the Pro-Am category on both race days. On Saturday, Victor Bouveng and Joakim Walde (both SWE) of Schubert Motorsport secured their second class victory of the season, finishing ahead of fellow BMW drivers Bati Yildirim and Yagiz Gedik (both TUR) from Borusan Otomotiv Motorsport. The Swedish duo further extended their lead in the Pro-Am drivers’ standings. On Sunday, Daniel Drexel (AUT) and Christopher Salkeld (GBR) in the #70 BMW M4 GT4 EVO entered by Razoon – more than racing proved unbeatable in the Pro-Am class. Drexel and Salkeld now occupy second place in the class standings behind Walde and Bouveng.

Three questions for: Thomi Rackl.

Thomi, congratulations on your first two victories in the GT4 European Series. How would you sum up your weekend at Spa-Francorchamps?

Thomi Rackl: “It's simply incredible to celebrate my first victory. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, and it was a tough fight, but we’ve finally made it – and to do it with a double victory makes it even more special. A huge thank you to everyone who made this possible, especially my team and BMW M Motorsport.”

How emotional was it after taking your maiden victory in Saturday’s race?

Rackl: “It was incredibly emotional. It was the most important race of my career so far. My family is here, and on Saturday someone had already started cutting onions. We really enjoyed every moment, and I’m already looking forward to the next race weekend.”

Which lessons from the BMW M Racing Academy helped you the most on your journey to your first victory?

Rackl: “The biggest factor is mental strength. We worked on that over several days with the experts from Formula Medicine. I think what really defines a racing driver is being mentally strong and able to perform under pressure. I owe a great deal to the BMW M Racing Academy in that regard.”

All results at a glance

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NLS (20th June): Schubert Motorsport claims podium finish on the Nordschleife.

The BMW M4 GT3 EVO's run of success on the Nürburgring Nordschleife (GER) continued even after the season highlight, the 24-hour race. In the sixth round of the 2026 Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS), Schubert Motorsport followed up its NLS3 victory with another podium finish. NLS6, the ADAC Eifel Trophy, was contested over four hours. BMW M works drivers Jens Klingmann (GER) and Robin Frijns (NED) guided the #77 BMW M4 GT3 EVO to second place overall, while also finishing second in the SP9 Pro class.

The BMW M4 GT3 EVO also secured a podium finish in the SP9 Pro-Am category. Antal Zsigo (SVK), Moritz Kranz and David Jahn (both GER) finished third in class with the #23 BMW M4 GT3 EVO entered by Gamota Racing. In the SP10 class, the #177 BMW M4 GT4 EVO of AV Racing by Black Falcon claimed third place. BMW M Motorsport customer teams also celebrated five additional class victories across other categories.

All results at a glance

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M News compact: More victories and podium finishes.

IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (5th-7th June & 25th-27zh June): Two IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) events were held in June. In the four-hour race at Mid-Ohio (USA) at the beginning of the month, BMW M Motorsport customer teams celebrated a double podium finish. Dillon Machavern and Luca Mars (both USA) finished second in the #95 BMW M4 GT4 EVO entered by Turner Motorsport. Close behind in third place were Sean McAlister and Jeff Westphal (both USA) in the #39 BMW M4 GT4 EVO. At the Watkins Glen (USA) event at the end of June, the BMW M4 GT4 EVOs were also running in podium contention before a dramatic race ultimately left them empty-handed.

All results at a glance 

GT3 Legends (25th-27th June): As part of the support programme at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL), the GT3 Legends races featured, among others, the popular BMW Z4 GT3s. Marcus and Christoph von Oeynhausen (both GER) claimed victory in the second race with their “Zetti” entered by Team Classic & Speed. The pair had already finished on the podium in the opening race, taking third place.

All results at a glance

Italian GT Championship (19th-21st June): BMW Italia Ceccato Racing enjoyed a successful weekend in the endurance race at Monza (ITA). The #7 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, shared by William Alatalo (FIN), Alfred Nilsson (SWE) and Filip Ugran (ROM), finished third overall and also claimed third place in the GT3 Pro class. The #8 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, driven by the Italian trio of Filippo Barberi, Jacopo Cimenes and Riccardo Cirelli, finished second in the GT3 Am class.

All results at a glance

GT4 America (12th-14th June): BMW M Motorsport customer teams collected another impressive haul of trophies at Road Atlanta (USA). Francis Selldorf and Kevin Boehm (both USA) secured third place overall and two second-place finishes in the Silver class with the #51 BMW M4 GT4 EVO entered by Auto Technic Racing. Sam Craven and Kenton Koch (both USA) achieved one third-place finish and two runner-up results in the Pro-Am class with the #94 BMW M4 GT4 EVO of Random Vandals Racing. Their teammates Josh Green and Bruno Colombo (both USA) added a third-place finish in the Silver category. In the Am class, Michael Garcia and Alex Garcia (both USA) swept both victories in the #21 BMW M4 GT4 EVO entered by ACI Motorsport. The BimmerWorld pairing of James Walker Jr. and James Clay (both USA) finished second in class in both races, while Judson Holt and Denny Stripling (both USA / Random Vandals Racing) claimed one third-place finish.

All results at a glance

GT America (12th-14th June): At Road Atlanta (USA), Craig Lumsden (USA) added another podium finish for BMW M Motorsport, taking second place in the GT4 class in Race 2 with the #413 BMW M4 GT4 EVO entered by Colorado Motorsport by Flying Lizard.

All results at a glance

GT4 Australia (12th-14th June): Peter Lawrence (AUS) secured a third-place finish in the Am class with the #33 BMW M4 GT4 EVO of Randall Racing during the race weekend at Queensland Raceway (AUS).

All results at a glance

International GT Open (5th-7th June): Hubert Darmetko and Fabian Dybionka (both POL) claimed a podium finish at Misano (ITA). The PTT Racing duo finished third in the Pro-Am class in Race 1 with the #7 BMW M4 GT3 EVO.

All results at a glance

GT Cup Series (5th-7th June): Antal Zsigo (SVK), Moritz Kranz and David Jahn (both GER) won in the three-hour endurance race at Slovakia Ring (SVK) with the #500 BMW M4 GT3 entered by Gamota Racing.

All results at a glance

BTCC (5th-7th June): Charles Rainford (GBR) and WSR celebrated victory in race three of the BTCC weekend at Oulton Park (GBR). Rainford competes in the #99 BMW 330i M Sport.

All results at a glance

Munich. As of today, all non-voting preferred shares of BMW AG will be converted into voting ordinary shares at a ratio of 1:1. The amendment to the Articles of Association, approved by a large majority at the Annual General Meeting on May 13, 2026, to convert nearly 55 million preferred shares into voting ordinary shares, has become effective upon its entry in the commercial register today.

The custodial and stock exchange conversion of the former preferred shares will take place automatically, without any action required by shareholders, between July 1 and July 3, 2026. Trading and listing of preferred shares (ISIN DE0005190037 / WKN 519003) will cease at the end of June 30, 2026. Holders of the former 54,675,505 preferred shares will thus automatically become holders of ordinary shares (ISIN DE000519003 / WKN 519000), which are entitled to dividends as of January 1, 2026.

The share capital of BMW AG, amounting to approximately €616 million, will then consist exclusively of ordinary shares, compared to the previous structure of 91% ordinary shares and 9% preferred shares. The unification into a single class of voting shares reflects the internationally recognized corporate governance principle of “one share, one vote”. In addition, the conversion increases the free float of BMW AG ordinary shares by approximately 19%.

This month marks the 100th anniversary of BMW on the stock exchange: in June 1926, Bayerische Motorenwerke Aktiengesellschaft was first listed on the Munich and Berlin stock exchanges. The shares had a nominal value of 1,000 Reichsmarks.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Dr Britta Ullrich, Finance Communications

Telephone: +49 89 382-18364

Email: britta.ullrich@bmwgroup.com

Max-Morten Borgmann, head of Communications BMW Group, Finance, Sales

Telephone: +49 89 382-24118

Email: Max-Morten.Borgmann@bmwgroup.com

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

Email: presse@bmwgroup.com

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.

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Watkins Glen. Laguna Seca, Detroit (both USA), Spa-Francorchamps (BEL), and Le Mans (FRA): four times in a row, BMW M Team WRT made it onto the podium with the BMW M Hybrid V8. The success streak has now come to an end at the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA Series) six-hour race at Watkins Glen (USA). Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) and Dries Vanthoor (BEL) fought for third place in the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 until shortly before the finish, but ultimately had to settle for fourth. In contrast, Connor De Phillippi and Neil Verhagen (both USA) were able to celebrate on the podium after taking second place in the GTD-PRO clas s with the #1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO from Paul Miller Racing.

BMW M Team WRT experienced a challenging weekend after their recent successes. Neither car was able to find the optimal set-up for the demanding Watkins Glen circuit. Nevertheless, car #24 managed to qualify in sixth place and even moved up into the top three during the race. Only a few minutes before the end, van der Linde lost the battle for third place and crossed the finish line in fourth. Philipp Eng (AUT) and Marco Wittmann (GER) struggled even more with balance and were further set back by a tyre puncture and a drive-through penalty. They finished ninth.

There was reason to celebrate in the GTD-PRO class. Connor De Phillippi and Neil Verhagen started third in their class and finished second after six hours. As a result, the Paul Miller Racing duo now leads the IMSA standings in their class. In the GTD class, Turner Motorsport with Robby Foley, Patrick Gallagher, and Francis Selldorff (all USA) led at times, but dropped back to seventh place after a late pit stop.

Comments after the race:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “Unfortunately, our podium streak with the BMW M Hybrid V8 has come to an end after four races. That’s a shame, but the fact that we’re disappointed with a fourth place says a lot about the generally very positive trend of our LMDh project. At Watkins Glen, we weren’t able to find the optimal set-up for our two cars. Nevertheless, the team and drivers fought hard. Many thanks to everyone for their efforts! In just two weeks, we’ll have the chance to do better at the FIA WEC race in São Paulo. Congratulations to Paul Miller Racing, Connor De Phillippi, and Neil Verhagen on their well-deserved podium in the GTD-PRO class!”

Dries Vanthoor (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8, BMW M Team WRT, 4th place GTP): “It’s a pity that we lost the podium in the last ten minutes, but to be honest, a podium finish would have been a bonus today. We didn’t have the pace in the race to really fight at the front. Hats off to Sheldon. He drove a great race. Thanks also to the team, who made no mistakes at all. It was a smooth race, but our package just wasn’t fast enough here.”

Philipp Eng (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8, BMW M Team WRT, 9th place GTP): “The whole weekend wasn’t easy for us. We had major problems with the car’s balance. Still, we went into the race aiming for a good result. Unfortunately, we then had the tyre puncture and the penalty. On a day like this, everything comes together. The team still did a great job, and together we tried everything to understand the problems. I’m sorry that the sister car lost third place shortly before the end, but you can’t always be on the podium. We’ve managed it so many times in a row now, and I’m sure we’ll be back up there soon.”

Connor De Phillippi (#1 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Paul Miller Racing, 2nd place GTD PRO): “We got the maximum out of today. The strategy was spot on, and we executed our plan perfectly. We knew we didn’t have the fastest car, but we also knew that with a smart strategy and fuel efficiency, we could stay at the front. In the end, it worked out, and we’re leaving Watkins Glen with the championship lead. I’m very happy about that.”

Robby Foley (#96 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Turner Motorsport, 7th place GTD): “It looked pretty good for a while, but we were on a different strategy to our competitors and knew we’d need a yellow flag to make it work. That did come, but unfortunately too late for us. We didn’t have the pace to run right at the front, so we took a bit of a gamble. Unfortunately, it didn’t pay off, but we still scored important points for the championship.”

Spa-Francorchamps. An exceptionally demanding edition of the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) concluded with a Gold Cup victory for the BMW M4 GT3 EVO. BMW M works drivers Ugo de Wilde (BEL), Tim Tramnitz and Jens Klingmann (both GER) won their class in the #998 ROWE Racing BMW M4 GT3 EVO by an impressive six-lap margin, finishing 11th overall. Additional podium finishes came courtesy of Team WRT and Paradine Competition in the Silver Cup and Bronze Cup. The fight for the overall victory proved disappointing for BMW M Motorsport however. Although all drivers and teams delivered near-flawless performances in extreme heat, it was not enough to challenge for the very top positions. The highest-finishing BMW M4 GT3 EVO overall was the #46 Team WRT entry, with Dan Harper (GBR), Max Hesse (GER) and Valentino Rossi (ITA) taking sixth place.

Following a difficult qualifying session, in which none of the BMW M4 GT3 EVOs managed to secure the anticipated positions towards the front of the grid, the cars embarked on a 24-hour charge through the field under scorching temperatures on Saturday afternoon. Starting from 20th on the grid, the #46 car steadily worked its way forward. During the early morning hours, Harper, Hesse and Rossi even led the race, curtesy of a very good strategy. They, however, ultimately lacked the performance to maintain that position over the remainder of the race and crossed the finish line in sixth place.

Starting from 24th, the #998 car climbed as high as eighth overall before losing ground on Sunday, partly due to an unfortunate Safety Car period. Nevertheless, the Gold Cup victory for de Wilde, Tramnitz and Klingmann was never in doubt.

The #32 Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 EVO, driven by Kelvin van der Linde, Jordan Pepper (both RSA) and Charles Weerts (BEL), as well as the #98 ROWE Racing entry with Augusto Farfus (BRA), Jake Dennis (GBR) and Raffaele Marciello (SUI), were also among the pre-race favourites for overall victory. Farfus, Dennis and Marciello ultimately finished ninth after suffering two tyre punctures that dropped them down the order. They fought back impressively, but a higher finishing position was out of reach. The #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO sustained left-side damage in heavy traffic at the race start, losing significant ground early on. From as far back as 42nd place, van der Linde, Pepper and Weerts recovered to ninth before a mechanical issue forced their retirement shortly before the finish. They were classified 12th overall.

In the Silver Cup, Team WRT secured second place with the #30 BMW M4 GT3 EVO. Ignacio Montenegro (ARG), Matisse Lismont, Amaury Cordeel and Mathieu Detry (all BEL) finished just 11 seconds shy of class victory. Paradine Competition's #991 BMW M4 GT3 EVO also claimed second place in the Bronze Cup, with James Kellett, Darren Leung, David Pittard (all GBR) and Leyton Fourie (RSA) sharing driving duties.

The #992 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Paradine Competition's second Bronze Cup entry, saw its race end on the opening lap. Starting driver Christian Hahn (BRA) was caught up in a multi-car incident through no fault of his own and was pushed into the barriers. Meanwhile, the #42 Oman Racing by Century Motorsport entry retired during the night following contact.

Reactions after the 24h Spa. 

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “We are leaving Spa with mixed feelings. We travelled to the 24-hour race with the ambition of having a say in the fight for overall victory. As record winners, that is our expectation. Therefore, it is very disappointing for BMW M Motorsport that we were unable to achieve that in the overall ranking with these strong drivers, teams, and the BMW M4 GT3 EVO, which has already proven itself multiple times as a successful endurance racing car. Many thanks to ROWE Racing and Team WRT, who did a great job in terms of strategy and pit stops. From our side, all the ingredients were there to challenge for overall victory. Unfortunately, the performance was not sufficient to be able to play a role in the battle for the win. I am delighted for Jens Klingmann, Ugo de Wilde, and Tim Tramnitz, who secured the Gold Cup class victory in the Gen M car. Many thanks to ROWE Racing for the outstanding performance. Congratulations also to Team WRT and Paradine Competition on their podium finishes in the Silver and Bronze Cup. I would like to extend my huge thanks to the entire team and everyone involved.”

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal, Team WRT): “Everyone involved put an incredible amount of effort into preparing for this race, so we arrived exceptionally well prepared. The drivers and the team did an outstanding job, and the car felt really good but apparently, we just weren't meant to be part of the party.”

Hans-Peter Naundorf (Team Principal, ROWE Racing): “It was a hot event in every sense of the word. A huge thank you goes to our entire team and our partners at BMW M Motorsport and ROWE. The fact that all of our cars made it to the finish in these record-breaking temperatures is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the team's spirit and the commitment of every single team member. What makes it even more special is that we took the Gold Cup victory with our Gold entry – something we honestly hadn't expected beforehand. It was Tim Tramnitz's first-ever 24-hour race and only his third GT race overall, so to celebrate a Gold Cup win straight away is an outstanding achievement. I'm proud that, as a team, we made virtually no mistakes. I feel incredibly sorry for the #98 crew as well. They delivered an equally flawless performance but were taken out of contention by two tyre punctures through no fault of their own, which meant they could no longer put on the performance they deserved. That's really the only disappointment we take away from this weekend. Apart from that, Spa was a race of the century, and I hope we'll get slightly milder temperatures next year.”

Valentino Rossi (#46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT, 6th place overall): “I'm happy because we did a great job. It was a race that was close to perfection. We had every reason to dream of a great result. When I woke up this morning, we were leading the race, and that was fantastic. But afterwards, it was a real shame that, in normal dry conditions, we simply didn't have the pace to fight for the win or even for a podium. That was disappointing. Still, the team and my teammates did a great job, and I really enjoyed it.”

Augusto Farfus (#98 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, ROWE Racing, 9th place overall): “We actually drove a perfect race. Unfortunately, we suffered two punctures, which was obviously extremely unlucky. It's a shame because they dropped us down the order. We definitely could have finished much higher, but in the end, that was out of our hands. I'm satisfied with the job we did, and now we'll keep working.”

Tim Tramnitz (#998 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, ROWE Racing, 1st place Gold Cup): “I’m incredibly happy – it feels fantastic. Given where we started, we certainly didn’t expect to win, especially not by such a large margin. But everyone did an amazing job. We got through the race very cleanly, had a great set-up, and the car worked beautifully. It felt excellent throughout the race and remained very consistent during the night.”

Charles Weerts (#32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT, 12th place overall): “The disappointment couldn’t be much higher. I felt that today could finally be our day. I truly believed it was possible. We definitely had the team and the car. Everything was in place. Unfortunately, throughout the entire week we just didn't have the pace, so we never really had the chance to fight at the front. Retiring with two laps to go hurts a lot. On the other hand, we weren’t in a position to challenge for the lead anyway. That’s disappointing, because after all the work put in by the mechanics, the engineers and BMW M Motorsport, we at least deserved to make it to the finish. But that's racing. Life goes on, and we'll look ahead.”

Matisse Lismont (#30 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT, 2nd place Silver Cup): “I am very satisfied with the result. Of course, the class victory was also possible, but considering we started from 14th place, we can be very happy with our performance. We had no penalties, no accidents, and no pit stops due to damage to the car. The strategy was also spot on. I am very happy with the work of the team and the mechanics, and my teammates also did a great job.”

Darren Leung (#991 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Paradine Competition, 2nd place Bronze Cup): “Overall, we executed a really good race. I am super proud of the team and the drivers. They all did an incredible job. To come away with P2 has been fantastic. It has been really nice that we survived this year because in the last two years we were super strong and we had been drawn from the lead through no fault of us own so we are really looking forward to next year now.”

Munich/Spartanburg, USA. BMW Group intensifies the usage of digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in production. With so-called Physical AI, which connects digital AI with real machines and robots, intelligent systems such as humanoid robots can be integrated into real production processes. Following a successful deployment with the humanoid robot Figure 02 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA, the further-developed successor, Figure 03, will now start at Spartanburg, working on complex sequencing applications in logistics.

“Plant Spartanburg is the birthplace of humanoid robotics in BMW Manufacturing’s operational day-to-day activities. Having already successfully completed a pilot with Figure 02 in our body shop, we are now looking forward to deploying Figure 03 for a sequencing use case in logistics,” says Ulrich Wieland, Vice President of Production Control and Logistics, BMW Manufacturing.

“Our 11-month deployment of Figure 02 proved that humanoids are no longer lab experiments - they can be a valuable asset in establishing a flexible, reliable manufacturing workforce,” says Brett Adcock, Founder & CEO of Figure AI. “We are excited to continue our work in Spartanburg as Figure tackles the complexity of the assembly and logistics hall.”

The BMW Group already gained important experience with humanoid robotics at Plant Spartanburg in 2025. In collaboration with the technology company Figure AI, the Figure 02 robot supported the production of more than 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles over ten months. In the body shop, the robot inserted sheet-metal parts for the welding process - a task that demands high speed and accuracy and can be physically demanding.

The collaboration demonstrated that humanoid robots can safely perform precise, repeatable work steps under real production conditions.

Next step with the next-generation Figure 03 robot

The findings gained from this project form the basis for the next step with the successor model, Figure 03. “The robot introduces several new features for expanded applications. These include soft components designed for enhanced safety, wireless charging designed for higher availability and audio functions for speech-to-speech communication, along with improved hands with tactile sensors and palm cameras designed to increase precision and dexterity,” explains Adcock.

In the new sequencing use case application, delivered components initially arrive in larger containers, unsorted. Figure 03 will pick them up and sort them into a sequencing trolley. The trolley will then be taken to a defined collection point for onward transport. An automated tugger train or a Smart Transport Robot will then transport the parts to the installation location, where they will be provided to assembly employees “just in sequence”. This use case occurs frequently in automotive production logistics and offers potential for further development and scalability.

The use of humanoid robots is part of the BMW Group’s broader strategy to expand its automation portfolio with Physical AI. Humanoid robotics is a value-adding complement to existing automation. Its potential lies particularly in monotonous, ergonomically demanding, or safety-critical activities. The aim is to protect and most effectively utilize employees while further improving workplaces.

BMW iFACTORY applications in Plant Spartanburg Assembly Hall

The new project is closely linked to the digital transformation of production at Plant Spartanburg. Hall 52, where variants of the BMW X3 and, in the future, the electrified BMW iX5 will be assembled, has been extensively expanded and updated. Digital applications were already used during planning and continue to be implemented in the BMW iFACTORY approach in daily production operations. Before components arrive at the production line, virtual 3D simulations help optimize processes and enable error-free implementation from the outset.

The BMW Virtual Factory makes complexity manageable and supports employees by simulating human movement sequences. This tool refines manual processes from planning through to the production line. A key objective is to optimize employee ergonomics.

Artificial Intelligence is also being used in quality assurance. With AIQX (Artificial Intelligence Quality Next), Plant Spartanburg uses AIQX for visual and acoustic quality inspection to ensure consistent quality in a dynamic production environment. BMW has established AIQX as a standard and is assessing options to make the system available to suppliers as well. It uses camera systems and sensors during line operations and provides line employees with immediate feedback via smart devices.

Munich. After last year’s successful debut BMW is continuing its viral innovation campaign. Once again, five new, creative social-media films combine technological ingenuity with entertaining storytelling. The benefits of innovative technology are showcased with an unfailing eye for detail. Presented and available for the first time in the first Neue Klasse model, the BMW iX3, as well as the electric top model, the BMW i7.

“In this new instalment of our innovation campaign, we show how intelligent technology enriches our customers’ daily lives. Far more than merely functional, our product features become genuine companions – and that is the thrust of our tongue-in-cheek vignettes,” says Bernd Körber, Senior Vice President BMW Brand and Product Management.

BMW Symbiotic Drive: Next-level enjoyment of assisted driving.
Two of the films focus on BMW Symbiotic Drive in the BMW iX3. This assistance technology was introduced with the first Neue Klasse model. What makes it special is that in the interaction of human and artificial intelligence, the person behind the wheel always remains involved. This allows the driver to make acceleration, steering or braking inputs even when driver assistance is engaged, without instantly causing the assistance system to be deactivated. The clear operating logic and displays of the BMW Panoramic iDrive ensure that assisted driving is intuitive and open to human intervention at any time. This symbiotic partnership of driver and vehicle can also be experienced with active safety features such as Lane Departure Warning.

Just how pleasant this can be is shown in a film titled “Co-Driver”, where an over-eager front passenger constantly bombards the driver with warnings and advice. With BMW Symbiotic Drive, this kind of unwanted interference is a thing of the past. It makes every drive more pleasant and less strenuous than ever before – and not just because the driver in the video finally tells the passenger to get out.

BMW Symbiotic Drive also has a starring role in the “Coffee-Brake” video, where systems interact so harmoniously that even the cup of coffee accidentally left on top of the roof of the BMW iX3 arrives unharmed.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant: A new level of AI-assisted voice interaction.
Just like BMW Symbiotic Drive, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with AI support made its debut in the BMW iX3. Newly added Amazon Alexa+ AI technology adds even more functions. The integration of Amazon Alexa+ into the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant marks a technological quantum leap focused on even greater customer value. This includes having conversations about all sorts of topics and linking them directly with vehicle functions. The clip “Rome” shows a driver and, next to her in the front passenger seat, her husband, who in the throes of a mid-life crisis has dressed up as a Roman soldier. When the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant starts the navigation to the Italian restaurant “Casa di Roma”, the husband comments, “All roads lead to Rome,” attributing the quote to Cicero. His long-suffering wife immediately corrects his error with the help of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Charging the BMW iX3: A break barely long enough for a relaxed meal.
The Neue Klasse models are remarkable for their charging performance. The battery of the BMW iX3 can be charged at up to 400 kW. This makes for considerably shorter charging times. A 10-minute stop at a suitable High-Power Charging (HPC) station will extend the range of the BMW iX3 by up to 372 kilometres. Long recharging breaks used to be a frequent topic of conversation in the past, but now charging times are barely long enough to have a relaxed meal. This is the subject of “Pit-Stop”, another video from the innovation campaign. The kitchen team are aware that no BMW has ever charged as quickly as the BMW iX3. As a result, they get going as soon as the restaurant manager spots the guest arriving. The cutting, cooking, plating and serving happens at record speed to enable the guest to finish their meal in peace before the BMW iX3 is ready to go again.

Good entertainment instead of tedious small talk.
Compared to the above, time in the “Clips” film seems to move at a snail’s pace. A manager has offered a ride to a team member who proceeds to hold forth on his favourite subject: paper clips. Once inside the vehicle, the manager successfully distracts the team member by turning on the BMW Passenger Screen included as standard in the BMW i7. From tedious facts about paper clips to watching films and series on the 14.6-inch Passenger Screen: this is how the driver and front passenger can both enjoy their journey in the luxury sedan.

The BMW innovation campaign was launched on 6 May. All films have now been released. Click here to view the videos, complete with a supercut of all the clips available.

Munich. BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team are looking ahead with confidence to the next round of the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Donington Park (GBR). The team is expected to field both of its regular riders once again. Both riders have been sidelined by injuries in recent weeks. Following Miguel Oliveira’s (POR) return to the team at Misano, team-mate Danilo Petrucci (ITA) is now also ready to make his comeback. A test aboard the BMW M 1000 RR at Donington Park delivered encouraging results.

The team has endured a challenging period. Oliveira sustained serious shoulder injuries during the races at Hungary’s Balaton Park Circuit in early May, while Petrucci suffered several injuries at Most in the Czech Republic, including a fractured coccyx. Michael van der Mark (NED) stepped in as a replacement rider for three events, while Hannes Soomer (EST) also competed as a substitute at MotorLand Aragón (ESP). Oliveira was able to return to racing at the last round at Misano (ITA), but Petrucci’s home event came just a little too soon for him.

Petrucci’s recovery has now progressed to the point where he is ready to return to competitive action. He is expected to be back on the bike for the races at Donington Park from 10th to 12th July. His test aboard the BMW M 1000 RR at the venue confirmed the positive progress of his rehabilitation. A final decision will be made following a medical assessment during the race weekend.

Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport: “Welcome back, Danilo. We are delighted that Petrux is on the verge of returning to racing after his injury. The past few weeks have been exceptionally challenging for all of us. That makes it even more pleasing that we are planning to compete at Donington Park with both of our regular riders again. Danilo tested at Donington Park, and his feedback gives us every reason to be optimistic. Miguel already delivered an impressive performance during his comeback weekend at Misano. Both riders still have some time before the race weekend in mid-July to continue working on their fitness. We would like to thank all the medical staff who have supported our riders throughout the past weeks. We also extend our thanks to Mickey and Hannes, who did an excellent job as replacement riders.”

Shaun Muir, Team Principal, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It was great to see Danilo back on the BMW M 1000 RR. Considering everything he has been through over the past few weeks, his performance during the test was really impressive. What impressed me most wasn’t just the lap time, it was the way he approached the test. He was positive from the first run onwards, clearly enjoying being back on the bike and fully committed throughout the day. That gave the whole team an extra boost. At the same time, it was very encouraging to have Miguel and Danilo back on track together. Both riders completed their test programmes successfully and carried out important work in preparation for the race weekend. After the challenges of recent weeks, this test was an important step forward for the entire team. We leave Donington feeling very positive and are looking forward to returning here in two weeks’ time with both of our regular riders.”

Danilo Petrucci, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “I’m very happy because, before the test, I wasn’t completely sure about my physical condition. It was therefore great to see that I could ride again and feel comfortable on the bike. Most of all, I was delighted to be working with my crew again. We worked well together, made progress with the setup, and I was able to ride at a good pace. The most important thing for me, however, was simply having fun on the bike again – that’s what I missed the most. I would like to thank the entire BMW team for giving me this opportunity, and I can’t wait to go racing again at Donington.”

Munich. The fine-dining restaurant THE CLOUD by Käfer at BMW Welt has been awarded with two Michelin stars by the “Michelin Guide”. Just one year after opening, this prestigious accolade celebrates the culinary signature of chef de cuisine Jens Madsen, restaurant manager Mona Röthig, sommelier Luigi Pecchia and the entire team. With its concept of “CULINARY NOMADISM”, THE CLOUD by Käfer brings together international influences, meticulous craftsmanship and an exclusive dining experience under the roof of BMW Welt.

“The Michelin Guide” defines a two-star restaurant as “Table excellente, mérite un détour”; in English: “excellent cooking, worth a detour”. This definition now also officially applies to THE CLOUD by Käfer at BMW Welt. Also winning the “Opening Of The Year” award, the fine-dining restaurant demonstrates that its concept has struck exactly the right note: “CULINARY NOMADISM” – a culinary journey.

“The two Michelin stars are a great honour for our entire team. We are delighted by this recognition, yet we remain focused on what matters most to us every day: working creatively and with concentration, treating high-quality products with respect, and creating a special experience for our guests,” commented Jens Madsen, chef de cuisine of THE CLOUD by Käfer, following the announcement.

“We warmly congratulate Jens Madsen, Luigi Pecchia, Mona Röthig and the entire team at THE CLOUD by Käfer on this very special honour. The two Michelin stars recognise the team's outstanding culinary achievement and confirms the high standards that have shaped an exceptional fine-dining experience at BMW Welt in collaboration with Käfer and Designworks. We are really looking forward to Season II, as THE CLOUD by Käfer continues its culinary journey,” added Sandra Wittemer, head of BMW Welt.

From 8 July 2026, THE CLOUD by Käfer at BMW Welt will embark on its second culinary journey, entitled “SEASON II – WHISPERS OF THE RAINFOREST”. The new menu draws inspiration from a journey supported by the BMW Group, during which chef de cuisine Jens Madsen travelled deep into the Amazon region. There, he immersed himself in ancestral techniques, indigenous produce and a deeply respectful approach to resources. At THE CLOUD by Käfer, he translates these impressions into a distinctive culinary signature – characterised by local ingredients, masterful execution and a profound respect for origins and context.

The fine-dining experience at THE CLOUD by Käfer is complemented by exclusive services offered by BMW Welt – the so-called “BMW Welt Signatures”. These include a private shuttle service in a BMW 7 Series across the Munich area, valet parking and the opportunity to book an exclusive guided tour of BMW Welt.

The team at THE CLOUD by Käfer has already received several distinctions this year. Jens Madsen was recognised for his vision by German-language restaurant guide “Der Große Guide” as Best Newcomer. Culinary magazine “DER FEINSCHMECKER” also named sommelier Luigi Pecchia among Germany’s most promising young talents in its "Top 30 Under 30” special. THE CLOUD by Käfer at BMW Welt also featured in the “Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2026” as part of a highly international and creative selection of restaurants.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Lisa Meindl
Spokesperson BMW Museum and BMW Welt
Telephone: +49-89-382-31668
Email: lisa.meindl@bmw.de

Simone Bauer-Linster, Communications BMW Welt

Telephone: +49 151 601 414 52

Email: Simone.Bauer-Linster@bmw.de

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

E-Mail: presse@bmwgroup.com

About Käfer

In October 2012, the world of Käfer arrived at BMW Welt, where it operates the CooperS bistro, the Biker’s Lodge café, the Bavarie restaurant, and the fine-dining restaurant THE CLOUD by Käfer. Käfer developed a bespoke culinary concept for this new partnership, designed to cater to the diverse visitor groups frequenting Bavaria’s most popular attraction. From BMW Welt staff and customers collecting their new cars to Munich families, international tourists, and discerning gourmets, the various dining venues offer a wide range of options to suit every taste. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that regional and international elements—befitting the Munich-based brands BMW and Käfer—go hand in hand to create a unified concept rooted in sustainability.

About BMW Welt

With its iconic, award-winning architecture, BMW Welt is one of Bavaria’s most visited attractions and symbolizes the BMW Group’s innovative strength. Since its opening in 2007, it has welcomed over 2 million visitors annually. Together with the BMW Museum and BMW Group Classic, it forms an important part of the brand experience in Munich.

BMW Welt unites all BMW Group brands – BMW, BMW M, MINI, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and BMW Motorrad – under one roof. Visitors will find exhibitions and brand presentations and can pick up new vehicles in a unique setting. Since its opening, more than 280,000 vehicles have been delivered.

The event program includes a year-round program of cultural, artistic, sporting, and entertainment events. BMW Welt’s spaces are also available for external events. The offerings are complemented by guided tours, product consultations, and the educational program at THE CAMPUS for children and families. Several restaurants, including the fine-dining restaurant THE CLOUD by Käfer, provide culinary options.

Facebook: facebook.com/bmw.welt 
Instagram: instagram.com/bmwwelt/ 
Newsletter: www.bmw-welt.com/de/footer/metanavigation/newsletter.html 
Website: www.bmw-welt.com 

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

Munich. With the new BMW X5, the BMW Group is systematically extending its holistic approach to sustainability to additional vehicle derivatives. The aim is to further optimise the entire vehicle lifecycle and minimise its carbon footprint – from the supply chain and production, through to the use phase and, ultimately, recycling.

Supply chain decarbonisation as key lever
Targeted decarbonisation throughout the supply chain is a key lever for reducing CO₂e emissions. The BMW Group is focusing in particular on renewable energy and secondary materials, as well as product and process innovations. Its holistic approach to sustainability is being applied across all X5 drivetrain variants.
The impact of this approach is reflected in the CO₂e reductions achieved: during the product development process, CO₂e emissions of the BMW X5 were reduced by around 40 percent.[1][2]
A further advance is the increased use of CO₂e-reduced flat steel for the body. Around 50 percent of the flat steel used in the BMW X5 is electric arc furnace steel (EAF steel) with a high proportion of secondary material, produced using renewable energy. The high share of CO₂e-reduced flat steel is the result of close, long-standing collaboration with local suppliers in North America.

Systematic use of secondary materials
The new BMW X5 achieves a high proportion of secondary raw materials, even in heavy-duty components. These include aluminium suspension components such as wheel rims, swivel bearings, wheel supports, rear axle supports and brake callipers, which are manufactured using renewable energy for both electrolysis and production. The aluminium used for the doors of the new BMW X5 contains 35 percent recycled and closed-loop material from BMW Spartanburg’s press shop. The base material used for the yarn of the headliner fabric is made from 100 percent recycled PET. In the battery-electric BMW iX5 60 xDrive, around one third of the total vehicle is made up of secondary raw materials, equivalent to a weight of 940 kilograms.[3]

Gen6 battery cells with reduced carbon footprint
The Gen6 battery cells used in the BMW iX5’s high-voltage battery include a high proportion of secondary materials in the cobalt, lithium and nickel content. Renewable energy is also used in the production of anode and cathode materials, as well as in cell manufacturing. Compared with the Gen5 cell used in the BMW iX, CO₂e emissions have been reduced by around 28 percent per watt-hour.

Efficiency during use phase
With its EfficientDynamics technology package, the BMW Group optimises vehicle efficiency across all relevant subsystems during the use phase. This includes aerodynamics, lightweight construction, low rolling resistance wheels and tyres, and overall energy management. EfficientDynamics has been used by the BMW Group across all drive technologies since 2007. The new fully electric BMW iX5 also features the familiar “Heart of Joy” from the BMW iX3 and BMW i3, with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control driving stack developed entirely in-house. With effortless, confident drivability and a particularly smooth stopping experience, the system also enhances efficiency: during deceleration, more energy is recovered through recuperation in significantly more driving situations, right down to a standstill.

CO₂e advantage achievable after approximately one to two years of use
Comprehensive decarbonisation measures across the supply chain, production and use phase result in an early breakeven point. Depending on the drivetrain variant, annual mileage and source of the electricity used for charging, the new BMW iX5 60 xDrive achieves a CO₂e advantage over a comparable model with an internal combustion engine after approximately one to two years of use.

Production at largest BMW Group plant
The BMW Group’s holistic approach to sustainability also extends to vehicle manufacturing at its largest production site, Plant Spartanburg. All external power required for production at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg comes from renewable sources.
Between 2006 and 2025, energy consumption per produced vehicle decreased by 66 percent. The volume of waste sent to landfills was also reduced by 88 percent over the same period. The newly built high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff, which is connected to the main plant, runs entirely without fossil fuels in normal operation.

TÜV-validated Product Carbon Footprint publicly available
The BMW Group will publish the Product Carbon Footprint for the BMW X5, validated by the German Technical Inspection Association (TÜV), to accompany the series launch. The report, including the underlying calculation methodology, will be publicly available. In this way, the BMW Group provides transparency regarding the raw materials used and CO₂e emissions across the vehicle’s entire lifecycle.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Dr. Cornelia Bovensiepen, Head of Communications Product Sustainability

Telephone: +49 151 601 94935

Email: Cornelia.Bovensiepen@bmw.de

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

Email: presse@bmwgroup.com

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. 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

Contents:

• 37th edition.
• EAGLES FOR EDUCATION.
• Long drive event “Launch Control”.
• Prize money.
• Player field.
• Statement Stephan Jäger.
• Pro-Am tournament with celebrities.
• TV times.
• Video screen & tournament podcast.
• Hole-in-One Award.
• Getting there by public transport – free shuttle bus service.
• Getting there by car & parking.
• Ticket shop.
• Partners.
• Tournament history facts & figures.

37th edition.

BMW has been the organiser of the BMW International Open since 1989. No other tournament on the DP World Tour has been held for so long under the same name and with the same partner. The BMW International Open was also BMW’s first involvement in professional golf. The roots of the BMW Golf Cup, which has long since established itself as the largest international tournament series for amateur golfers, stretch back as far as 1982.

EAGLES FOR EDUCATION.

The BMW Group will support Philipp Lahm Foundation for Sport and Education by donating € 1,000 per eagle at the BMW International Open. Like last year, the 2026 organisation of choice is once again the. The shared goal is to provide children and young people with expertise in the fields of exercise, nutrition and personal development. In 2025, the BMW international Open raised € 73,000 for the Philipp Lahm Foundation.

The BMW Group views itself as part of the community and wishes to contribute to overcoming the challenges of today and tomorrow. With this in mind, the BMW Group is running “Eagles for Education” at BMW title tournaments around the world, in order to help ensure that all young people have access to an education.

‘Launch Control’ featuring with two world champions.

Once again this year, visitors can look forward to monster drives and an electrifying atmosphere as the grandstands at the 18th green are transformed into a long drive arena as ‘Launch Control’ is back. On Saturday afternoon (July 4), after the conclusion of the third round (around 5:30 p.m.), a spectacular showdown will take place when the 2022 Long Drive World Champion, Germany’s Martin Borgmeier, faces off against the 2025 World Champion, Zack Holton from the USA. In addition, surprise guests will contribute to a spectacular golf event of a different kind – an experience not to be missed.

Admission is free from 4 p.m. on this day, allowing sports fans to enjoy both ‘Launch Control’ and the final stages of the third round at no cost.

Prize money.

This year, the total prize fund stands at three million US dollars for the first time, of which 510,000 US dollars go to the winner.

Top international players in the field (as of 23rd June 2026).

Byeong-Hun An (KOR), Abraham Ancer (MEX), Josele Ballester (ESP), Rafa Cabrero Bello (ESP), Dan Brown (ENG, defending champion), Martin Couvra (FRA), Ewen Ferguson (SCO), Sergio García (ESP), Pablo Larrazábal (ESP), Thriston Lawrence (RSA), Sebastián Muñoz (COL), Joaquín Niemann (CHI), Carlos Ortitz (MEX), Marco Penge (ENG), Patrick Reed (USA), Jayden Schaper (RSA), Bernd Wiesberger (AUT), Danny Willett (ENG)

German players in the field (as of 23rd June 2026).

Martin Kamyer, Matti Schmid, Freddy Schott, Nicolai von Dellingshausen, Marcel Siem, Marcel Schneider, Max Kieffer, Dominic Foos, Finn Kölle (AM), Thomas Georg Schmidt (AM)

Former winners in the field (as of 23rd June 2026).

Martin Kaymer (2008), Pablo Larrazábal (ESP, 2011, 2015), Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR, 2014), Thriston Lawrence (RSA, 2023), Ewen Ferguson (SCO, 2024), Dan Brown (ENG, 2025)

Current DP World Tour Entry List:
https://www.europeantour.com/dpworld-tour/bmw-international-open-2026/entry-list

Statement Stephan Jäger.

Unfortunately, Stephan Jäger has withdrawn from the BMW International Open. The 37-year-old says: “Unfortunately, my results on the PGA TOUR this season have not been as good as I would have hoped. So, it is with a heavy heart that I have decided not to come to Munich and instead to keep working on my PGA TOUR eligibility. I would like to apologise to golf fans in Germany and wish them and tournament organiser BMW an amazing BMW International Open.”

European debut for Brad Dalke.

His golf videos on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have been viewed millions of times worldwide. Now, at the 2026 BMW International Open, he can be seen live when American Brad Dalke will tee off in Munich with a wild card. Dalke should not be underestimated as an athlete. In 2016, he reached the final of the U.S. Amateur Championship and earned a spot at the 2017 Masters. Also in 2017, he played a key role in helping the University of Oklahoma’s college team win the NCAA National Championship. Dalke’s steadily growing fan base in Germany can look forward to witnessing the 28-year-old’s first appearance at a professional golf event in Europe.

Pro-Am tournament.

The Pro-Am tournament takes place on Wednesday 1st July and features a number of big-name athletes from other sports as well as celebrities from the world of showbiz. Admission is free. Play starts at 08:00 in the morning and 13:30 in the afternoon (both shotgun starts).

Celebrities.

Football: Philipp Lahm, Oliver Bierhoff, Jonas Hofmann, Patrick Herrman, Martin Harnik

Winter sports: Johannes Lochner, Tobias Wendl, Tobias Arlt

NHL ice hockey: Moritz Seider, Tim Stützle

Basketball: Andreas Obst, Johannes Voigtmann, Danilo Barthel

Motorsport: BMW M works driver Jordan Pepper

Tennis: Philipp Kohlschreiber

Track and field: Lars Riedel (Olympic discus champion)

Golf (long drive): Martin Borgmeier

Film and TV: Kai Wiesinger, Kostja Ullmann, Florian Gallenberger

TV times in Germany.

This year, MagentaSport will be broadcasting the BMW International Open for the first time and will also be producing a one-hour preshow programme live from Golfclub München Eichenried. The entertaining programme will be available for anyone to view for free on Thursday and Friday, even without a Magenta TV subscription.

Thursday and Friday (no subscription necessary)

11:30-12:30: Preshow programme

12:30-18:00: Round 1 and 2 live

Saturday and Sunday (Pay TV)

12:00-13:00: Preshow programme

13:00-18:00: Round 3 and 4 live

Video screen with live data.

At the heart of the Tournament Village is the large video screen, which is visible from the beer garden and a large lawn area – the perfect place to refuel without missing any of the action. As well as live coverage, a second screen also continuously shows comprehensive live statistics, data and animations. AI algorithms and a high-definition 3D model of the golf course create data-rich stories. The result is a golfing experience with a depth of detail you will struggle to find elsewhere. Furthermore, the makers of “Tee Time”, the official BMW International Open podcast (https://tee-time.golf), will also interview fascinating guests in front of the video screen each day.

Hole-in-One Award.

The traditional Hole-in-One Car that will be presented to pro golfers who manage to get an ace on the 17th hole (par 3) is a very special model this year; it will be announced and revealed during the tournament week.

Electrified shuttle fleet.

A fully electrified BMW shuttle fleet will be in operation at the BMW International Open. The on-site charging stations are fed with 100 percent green electricity and were installed by BMW in collaboration with Golfclub München Eichenried. Outside of the tournament, they are available at all times to club members and guests.

Getting there on public transport – free shuttle bus service.

From Thursday to Sunday during the tournament week, a free shuttle bus service will run from Ismaning S-Bahn station between 07:00 and 20:00. The buses will run regularly and continuously during these hours. However, there are no parking spaces at Ismaning S-Bahn station – this service can only be used by S-Bahn passengers. A valid S-Bahn ticket must be shown when boarding the bus.

Getting there by car.

The BMW International Open can be reached from the A9 motorway (Munich to Nuremberg) by taking the Garching-Süd exit and following the B 471 towards Ismaning. Continue on the B388 towards Erding. Please make sure you follow local road signposting.

Navigation address.

Goldacher Straße, 85452 Moosinning, Germany

Parking.

Weather permitting, parking is available at the tournament site. Parking is free for all visitors in officially designated car parks. A parking space is not guaranteed.

Ticket shop.

Tickets for the BMW International Open are available at:

www.bmw-golfsport.com/tickets

Discounted tickets are available for young people (15-17 years), students and people with disabilities. The ticket price includes a free shuttle bus service between Ismaning S-Bahn station and the golf club from Thursday to Sunday, as well as free parking at the tournament site, subject to availability. Admission to the Pro-Am tournament (Wednesday, 1 July 2026) is generally free. Children and young people up to and including the age of 14 also have free admission on all other days. For the first time, the BMW International Open 2026 will offer an after-work ticket for Thursday or Friday, which is valid from 3 pm and is available at half the price of a day ticket.

Partners.

The BMW International Open would not exist without them: our partner family. Tournament organiser BMW is very grateful to have a whole host of renowned companies and brands at its side, actively supporting the hosting of the tournament. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our main partners Buffalo Trace, Commercetools, HCL Tech, Emirates, Puma and Rolex, corporate partners Antenne Bayern, Husqvarna and Telekom, and all our supplier partners.

Facts and records from the history of the tournament.

Most wins (2).

Paul Azinger (1990 and 1992), Thomas Bjørn (2000 and 2002),

Pablo Larrazábal (2011 and 2015), Henrik Stenson (2006 and 2016)

Youngest winner.

Martin Kaymer (23 years and 177 days, 2008)

Oldest winner.

Ernie Els (43 years and 248 days, 2013)

Lowest 18-hole score.

Thorbjørn Olesen (61 shots, -11, 2018)

Lowest 72-hole score.

John Daly (261 shots, -27, 2001)

Lowest final round by a winner.

Peter Fowler (63 shots, 9 under par, 1993)

Wire-to-wire winners.

David Feherty (1989), Sandy Lyle (1991), Ernie Els (2013), Li Haotong (2022)

Largest winning margin (5 shots).

Mark McNulty (1994), Frank Nobilo (1995), David Horsey (2010), Fabrizio Zanotti (2014), Pablo Larrazábal (2015)

Play-offs.

1990: Paul Azinger beat David Feherty

1992: Paul Azinger beat Glen Day, Anders Forsbrand, Mark James and Bernhard Langer

1997: Robert Karlsson beat Carl Watts

2006: Henrik Stenson beat Retief Goosen and Padraig Harrington

2011: Pablo Larrazábal beat Sergio Garcia

2012: Danny Willett beat Marcus Fraser

2014: Fabrizio Zanotti beat Rafael Cabrera-Bello, Grégory Havret and Henrik Stenson

2019: Andrea Pavan beat Matt Wallace

2022: Li Haotong beat Thomas Pieters

Holes-in-one (27) and Hole-in-One Cars won (8).

Jay Townsend (12th hole, round 4, 1991), BMW 325i Cabrio

Steen Tinning (8th hole, round 4, 1992)

Domingo Hospital (8th hole, round 2, 1994)

Florian Bruhns (AM) (8th hole, round 1, 1995)

Gary Evans (3rd hole, round 3, 1995)

Alex Cejka (8th hole, round 1, 1997

Domingo Hospital (2nd hole, round 3, 1997)

Thomas Bjørn (2nd hole, round 2, 1999)

John Daly (12th hole, round 1, 2001)

Raphaël Jacquelin (17th hole, round 2, 2001), BMW Z8

Andrew Coltart (2nd hole, round 2, 2003)

Colin Montgomerie (8. Loch, 3. Runde, 2009)

Jean-François Lucquin (17th hole, round 4, 2010), BMW 535i

Alexander Knappe (2nd hole, round 2, 2011)

Andrew Marshall (16th hole, round 2, 2012), BMW 640i Gran Coupé

James Heath (16th hole, round 4, 2014), BMW i8

Richie Ramsay (16th hole, round 1, 2016), BMW M760Li xDrive

Sergio Garcia (11th hole, round 2, 2016)

Andres Romero (2nd hole, round 1, 2017)

Paul Peterson (2nd hole, round 1, 2017)

Aaron Rai (16th hole, round 2, 2018), BMW i8 Roadster

Gaganjeet Bhullar (17th hole, round 2, 2019), BMW M8 Competition Coupé

Vincent Normann (16th hole, round 3, 2021)

Takumi Kanaya (12th hole, round 1, 2023)

Joost Luiten (8th hole, round 2, 2023)

Connor Syme (2nd hole, round 3, 2023)

Matthis Besard (12th hole, round 1, 2024)

Albatrosses (4).

José Maria Olazábal (11th hole, round 2, 2001)

Rafa Echenique (18th hole, round 4, 2009)

Vincent Normann (16th hole, round 3, 2021)

Max Kieffer (11th hole, round 1, 2022)

Low cut.

139 shots (-5), 1992 and 1997

High cut.

148 shots (+4), 1990 and 2018

Venues.

Golfclub München Eichenried (1989-1993, 1997-2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, since 2019)

St. Eurach Land- und Golfclub (1994-1996)

Golf Club Gut Lärchenhof (2012, 2014, 2016, 2018)

All winners.

2025: Dan Brown (ENG)

2024: Ewen Ferguson (SCO)

2023: Thriston Lawrence (RSA)

2022: Li Haotong (CHN)

2021: Viktor Hovland (NOR)

2020: No tournament due to COVID-19 pandemic

2019: Andrea Pavan (ITA)

2018: Matt Wallace (ENG)

2017: Andrés Romero (ARG)

2016: Henrik Stenson (SWE)

2015: Pablo Larrazábal (ESP)

2014: Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR)

2013: Ernie Els (RSA)

2012: Danny Willett (ENG)

2011: Pablo Larrazábal (ESP)

2010: David Horsey (ENG)

2009: Nick Dougherty (ENG)

2008: Martin Kaymer (GER)

2007: Niclas Fasth (SWE)

2006: Henrik Stenson (SWE)

2005: David Howell (ENG)

2004: Miguel Angel Jiménez (ESP)

2003: Lee Westwood (ENG)

2002: Thomas Bjørn (DEN)

2001: John Daly (USA)

2000: Thomas Bjørn (DEN)

1999: Colin Montgomerie (SCO)

1998: Russell Claydon (ENG)

1997: Robert Karlsson (SWE)

1996: Marc Farry (FRA)

1995: Frank Nobilo (NZL)

1994: Mark McNulty (ZIM)

1993: Peter Fowler (AUS)

1992: Paul Azinger (USA)

1991: Sandy Lyle (SCO)

1990: Paul Azinger (USA)

1989: David Feherty (NIR)

Munich. Following a GTP podium and a GTD Pro class victory at the 24h Daytona (USA), third place at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring (GER), and a runner-up finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA), BMW M Motorsport now turns its attention to the next endurance racing classic. Next weekend (25th to 28th June), BMW will be aiming for its 26th overall victory at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL). A total of eight BMW M4 GT3 EVOs will compete in the world's largest GT3 race. In the Pro and Gold Cup categories, ROWE Racing and Team WRT will field four cars with a total of 12 BMW M works drivers, as they have done in every round of the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup. In addition, four more BMW M4 GT3 EVOs entered by customer teams will compete in the Silver and Bronze classes. The race at Spa-Francorchamps counts towards both the GT World Challenge Europe and the Intercontinental GT Challenge championships.

BMW’s most recent overall victory at the Ardennes classic came in 2023, when ROWE Racing secured the win for the record-winning manufacturer. This season, the team has already claimed third place at the 24h Nürburgring. At Spa-Francorchamps, ROWE Racing will field two BMW M4 GT3 EVOs. In the top Pro Cup category, Augusto Farfus (BRA), Jake Dennis (GBR), and Raffaele Marciello (SUI) will share the #98 car. The team will also enter the #998 BMW M4 GT3 EVO in the Gold Cup, where young BMW M works drivers Ugo de Wilde (BEL) and Tim Tramnitz (GER) will team up with experienced colleague Jens Klingmann (GER).

The Belgian Team WRT arrives at its home race at Spa-Francorchamps carrying strong momentum after major successes with the BMW M Hybrid V8 at the 24h Daytona and in the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC). In May, the team achieved not only its first FIA WEC victory at Spa-Francorchamps, but also a one-two finish. More recently, it secured pole position and second overall place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The team's objective is now to continue this successful run with the BMW M4 GT3 EVO. Team WRT will enter two cars in the Pro Cup. Kelvin van der Linde, Jordan Pepper (both RSA), and Charles Weerts (BEL) will share the #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, while Dan Harper (GBR), Max Hesse (GER), and Valentino Rossi (ITA) will compete in the #46 car.

A further four BMW M4 GT3 EVOs will be entered by customer teams. Paradine Competition will field two cars in the Silver Cup and Bronze Cup categories. Team WRT will also compete with an additional car in the Silver Cup, while Oman Racing by Century Motorsport will enter a car in the Bronze Cup.

Race week at Spa-Francorchamps begins with a private test on Tuesday, 23rd June. On Wednesday evening, the traditional parade from the circuit into the city centre of Spa will take place. In addition to the BMW M4 GT3 EVOs, the BMW M3 Touring 24H will also participate. The car became a fan favourite during the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, where it achieved an outstanding fourth-place overall finish. It will also be displayed in the paddock throughout the race weekend. Qualifying and the Superpole sessions will be held on Thursday and Friday, with the race itself starting at 16:30 local time on Saturday.

Quotes ahead of the 24h Spa.

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “The 2026 season has already been a strong one for us, with successes at the major 24-hour races: a GTP podium and class victory at Daytona, as well as podium finishes at Nürburgring and Le Mans. Naturally, this gives us great momentum heading into Spa-Francorchamps. BMW has already achieved 25 victories there, most recently in 2023. We are looking forward to fighting for another overall win with our four factory-supported cars from ROWE Racing and Team WRT, while also aiming to extend our success in the other classes.”

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal, Team WRT): “Our goal for Spa-Francorchamps is to deliver a performance with the BMW M4 GT3 EVO that is every bit as strong as our race at Le Mans with the BMW M Hybrid V8. We want to be in contention for victory with a strong and competitive car.”

Hans-Peter Naundorf (Team Principal, ROWE Racing): “Few races are as closely associated with success for ROWE Racing as the 24 Hours of Spa. Three victories and two runner-up finishes over the past ten years speak for themselves and demonstrate that we know what it takes to succeed there. At the same time, the last two editions have shown us just how fine the margins can be in this race. On both occasions, we came close to another top result, and on both occasions, only a small detail prevented us from achieving it. Following our podium finish in the Intercontinental GT race at the Nürburgring, we head to Spa with confidence. Our objective is clear: we want both cars to be running at the front and fighting for podium positions.”

The driver line-ups at a glance:

#32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT – Pro Cup:

Kelvin van der Linde (RSA)

Jordan Pepper (RSA)

Charles Weerts (BEL)

#46 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT – Pro Cup:

Dan Harper (GBR)

Max Hesse (GER)

Valentino Rossi (ITA)

#98 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, ROWE Racing – Pro Cup:

Augusto Farfus (BRA)

Jake Dennis (GBR)

Raffaele Marciello (SUI)

#998 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, ROWE Racing – Gold Cup:

Ugo de Wilde (BEL)

Tim Tramnitz (GER)

Jens Klingmann (GER)

#30 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Team WRT – Silver Cup:

Ignacio Montenegro (ARG)

Matisse Lismont (BEL)

Amaury Cordeel (BEL)

Mathieu Detry (BEL)

#992 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Paradine Competition – Silver Cup:

Christian Hahn (BRA)

Josh Rowledge (GBR)

Jop Rappange (NED)

Ian Aguilera (MEX)

#42 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Oman Racing by Century Motorsport – Bronze Cup:

Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA)

Javier Sagrera (ESP)

Calan Williams (AUS)

Pedro Ebrahim (BRA)

#991 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Paradine Competition – Bronze Cup:

James Kellett (GBR)

Darren Leung (GBR)

David Pittard (GBR)

Leyton Fourie (RSA)

Munich/Oxford. One MINI, one mission – and now a milestone: on 20 June 2026, a MINI Cooper D reached the 1,000,000 kilometres mark at Plant Oxford.

For the owner, Peter Kirchoff, this number is far more than just a statistic. It represents passion, commitment, and an extraordinary bond between him and his MINI.

Peter Kirchoff configured the car exactly to his personal preferences – precisely 30 years after his very first driving lesson. “Even though the vehicle was mainly intended for long-distance journeys, as a MINI fan there was never any other option for me.” Peter’s decision proved right: over the course of twelve years, the MINI became an exceptionally reliable companion both in everyday life and on long journeys across Europe.

From dream specification to long-distance legend.
The vehicle impressed with a remarkable combination of efficiency and durability. Speaking on the durability of his MINI, Peter stated, “My MINI has never let me down: the original engine, no major repairs, no accidents – and sensationally low fuel consumption of 2.56 litres. Qualities other long-distance drivers can only dream of.”

“Nemo” – a name with character.
The MINI was given a name early on - Nemo. The reason is as personal as it is easy to understand for anyone who sees the car. Peter had chosen Volcanic Orange paint with white bonnet stripes., Peter Kirchoff covered hundreds of thousands of kilometres with Nemo & has travelled through 25 countries, whilst turning the vehicle into the centerpiece of an extraordinary project.

The Project one M.
The concept of reaching one million was no coincidence, but part of a clear plan. The “The Project one M” began when the vehicle was delivered by Autohaus Schmidt in Hamm. It was designed to run over twelve years – and was pursued with consistency. Anyone following Peter’s Facebook profile can see the precision behind the project: driving data has been continuously documented, analysed, and shared transparently. The result is a milestone that was not only driven, but systematically achieved.

Oxford – the emotional destination.
The choice of destination to hit 1,000,000 km was deliberate: Oxford is the birthplace of the modern MINI and remains the heart of its production to this day. The first modern MINI rolled off the production line there on 26 April 2001.

Markus Grüneisl, Head of Plants Oxford and Swindon, said: “Oxford has been part of the MINI story since the first classic Minis rolled off the line here in 1959. As we celebrate 25 years of modern MINI production, this milestone is a fitting tribute to the expertise and dedication of our team, and we’re delighted to welcome Peter and his MINI to the plant. We are proud that a MINI built here can reach 1,000,000 kilometres with ease and still look this good.”

From one goal to the next stage.
Reaching a million kilometers does not mark the end of the journey – Peter is already looking ahead. “Completing the Project one M is at the same time the start of the One Million Miles Project.” An ambitious goal – and one that perfectly matches the story of this British MINI.

And if Nemo should one day weaken?
That question has also crossed Peter’s mind – even if only in theory: “In the unlikely event that I do not make it to 1,000,000 miles, I will probably buy an Aceman JCW E.” A clear commitment to the evolution of the MINI brand.

A MINI for eternity.
Nemo’s story is an impressive demonstration of what MINI stands for: character, efficiency, and driving fun – even across extreme distances. We wish Peter Kirchoff all the best for the next steps and believe his MINI is more than capable of many more hundreds of thousands of kilometers.

Corporate Communications
Franziska Liebert, Spokesperson MINI
Phone: +49-176-601-28030
E-mail: Franziska.Liebert@mini.com

Micaela Sandstede, Head of Communications MINI
Phone: +49-176-601-61611
E-mail: micaela.sandstede@bmw.de

Lausitzring. Schubert Motorsport achieved top-ten results at the third race weekend of the DTM season at the Lausitzring (GER), securing valuable points in the championship. Marco Wittmann (GER) finished fifth and eighth in the #11 Schaeffler BMW M4 GT3 EVO in the two races, while Kelvin van der Linde (RSA) took tenth place on Saturday and ninth place on Sunday in the #3 Shell BMW M4 GT3 EVO. The BMW M2 Cup celebrated its debut in the Lausitz with a double victory for Michael Schrey (GER). In the ADAC GT Masters, brothers Juliano and Sandro Holzem (both GER) won their first race, and Leyton Fourie (RSA) and Tim Zimmermann (GER) took the overall lead.

The two DTM races were hard work for Team Schubert. This time, the pace wasn’t enough for top starting positions, but once again Wittmann and his crew managed to stage a major comeback on Saturday. After a rain shower, Wittmann gambled on slicks as the track dried and was rewarded with a charge from 18th on the grid to fifth place. On Sunday, he finished eighth. Ahead of his home races at the Norisring (GER) in two weeks, Wittmann sits fourth in the drivers’ standings with 71 points. Kelvin van der Linde also gained several positions in both races, finishing tenth and ninth. He is eighth overall with 54 points. Thanks to four top-ten results, Schubert Motorsport has taken the lead in the team standings with 119 points.

BMW M2 Cup: Double victory at the debut.
BMW M Motorsport veteran Michael Schrey (GER) was the man of the weekend at the BMW M2 Cup’s debut as part of the DTM support programme. In the #2 BMW M2 Racing car from Hofor Racing by Bonk Motorsport, he drove from pole position to victory in both races. The other podium places went to the young guns. On Saturday, Moritz Groneck (GER) from Team ME Motorsport finished second ahead of Niklas Hirsch (GER, Hofor Racing by Bonk Motorsport). On Sunday, second and third places went to Christopher Holst (SUI, ME Motorsport) and Tatu Siipola (FIN, FK Performance Motorsport). The remaining season events will take place at the Norisring, Nürburgring, Sachsenring, and Hockenheimring (all GER).

ADAC GT Masters: First victory for the Holzem brothers.
In the ADAC GT Masters, the BMW M4 GT3 EVO won both races at the Lausitzring. On Saturday, Juliano and Sandro Holzem celebrated their first victory with the #56 BMW M4 GT3 EVO from Schubert Motorsport. Leyton Fourie and Tim Zimmermann completed the BMW M Motorsport one-two finish in the #11 BMW M4 GT3 EVO from FK Performance Motorsport. In Sunday’s race, the German-South African duo went one better and celebrated the win, which also meant taking the lead in the drivers’ standings. At the halfway point of the season, FK Performance Motorsport leads the team standings.

Quotes after the race weekend:

Björn Lellmann (Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport): “From BMW M Motorsport’s perspective, the weekend at the Lausitzring had a lot to offer. In the DTM, we struggled with pace, but thanks to great strategy and strong pit stops from Team Schubert, we still achieved solid results. Things went fantastically in the ADAC GT Masters. Congratulations to FK Performance Motorsport and Schubert Motorsport for their victories in both races – amazing! Last but not least, our BMW M2 Cup celebrated a great debut. Congratulations to Michael Schrey, who deservedly won both races with his experience. Behind him, we saw entertaining racing from the youngsters – it was a lot of fun! I am convinced that we will have a very good first season. Many thanks to the ADAC for the organisation!”

Torsten Schubert (Team Principal, Schubert Motorsport): “I think we made the best of the opportunities we had here at the Lausitzring. We scored solid points with both cars in both races, and as a result, we have even taken the lead in the team standings. We also remain within striking distance of the top in the drivers’ standings. On Sunday, Kelvin van der Linde had much fresher tyres than Marco Wittmann at the end and was therefore able to get past him. It’s unfortunate that he received a five-second penalty afterwards. A special congratulations this weekend goes to Sandro and Juliano Holzem, who won their first race in the ADAC GT Masters in our car on Saturday.”

Marco Wittmann (#11 Schaeffler BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Race 1: 5th place, Race 2: 8th place): “The summary of the weekend is mixed. Our weakness this season remains qualifying, where we can’t get as much out of the car as our competitors. That means we have to take more risks in the races. On Saturday, the gamble with slicks on a drying track worked perfectly. Fifth place was a great result. On Sunday, we really suffered with the older tyres in the heat. I think we got almost the maximum out of this weekend, but the goal is always the podium.”

Kelvin van der Linde (#3 Shell BMW M4 GT3 EVO, Race 1: 10th place, Race 2: 9th place): “It was a tough weekend. Our pace in both races wasn’t where it was at the Red Bull Ring and Zandvoort. The heat made the races even harder but we fought and scored important points in both races. That was the main thing this time. Now I’m looking forward to the Norisring – another track I have to learn with the BMW M4 GT3 EVO.”

Munich. Next weekend, the BMW M2 Cup will celebrate its premiere as a new one-make cup at the Lausitzring (GER) as part of the DTM programme. Its goal is to give young talents the opportunity to showcase their skills on the big stage. As part of the “Road to DTM,” ADAC offers an extensive support package, while BMW M provides the new BMW M2 Racing as the ideal entry-level car. At the end of the season, the best female or male driver will receive a special prize: a participation in the selection process for the BMW M Racing Academy .

The BMW M2 Cup continues the tradition of successful one-make cups with BMW M race cars which have already paved the way for numerous young talents from around the world to advance to higher classes of motorsport. With the new cup, the DTM support programme now gains an entry-level series alongside the ADAC GT Masters (GT3 cars) and ADAC GT4 Germany (GT4 cars).

Participants in the BMW M2 Cup can look forward to extensive support. This includes the ADAC’s “Road to DTM” support package, which assists the cup winner in moving up to ADAC GT4 Germany, as well as broad support from BMW M Motorsport. This support features driver coaching with works drivers, media training, test drives in the BMW M4 GT4 EVO for the top three, and the participation in the selection process for the BMW M Racing Academy, BMW M Motorsport’s talent promotion programme for customer racing, for the 2027 season. The BMW M2 Cup prize pool totals 170,000 euros.

Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH, says: “We are very pleased that ADAC is organising the BMW M2 Cup in the 2026 season. The one-make cup has always delivered spectacular racing action in the past, and we can’t wait for it to be revived with our new entry-level vehicle. With the BMW M2 Racing, we are continuing a proud tradition. Like its predecessors, it will redefine the entry-level segment. It is affordable, powerful, easy to maintain, and cost-efficient, with typical M precision and drivability – ideal conditions for the BMW M2 Cup.”

ADAC Motorsport Director Thomas Voss adds: “The BMW M2 Cup is the optimal series for motorsport beginners and, on the DTM platform, a springboard to higher classes. We are delighted to offer young drivers the opportunity to start their motorsport careers in a sporty and attractive series with an appealing race car.”

The new BMW M2 Racing delivers 230 kW / 313 hp on the racetrack and reaches a top speed of over 270 km/h. The basis is the chassis of the current M2 generation, which is equipped with numerous racing components. The car is fielded in the BMW M2 Cup by established BMW M Motorsport customer teams such as FK Performance Motorsport, Hofor Racing by Bonk Motorsport, ME Motorsport, and Riller & Schnauck powered by Cerny Motorsport. New to the platform is the family team MK Motorsport. Razoon – more than Racing from Austria also plans to participate in the new one-make cup.

“The BMW M2 Cup combines several aspects of our customer racing commitment: our new entry-level car BMW M2 Racing, the strong connection to our teams, and our commitment to talent promotion,” said Björn Lellmann, Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport. “I am very pleased that some of our long-standing partners are participating in the BMW M2 Cup and are taking the opportunity to help very young talents take their first steps in motorsport. Many thanks to ADAC, all participating teams, and all colleagues at BMW M Motorsport who contribute to the success of this project!”

The focus of the BMW M2 Cup is on young drivers from the age of 15, but there is no upper age limit. As an attraction for spectators, there will be a VIP car with changing celebrity drivers at each event. At the Lausitzring, five-time German Rally Championship champion Marijan Griebel (GER) will be taking part. The races will be held on Saturday at 16:55 and Sunday at 10:35 CEST.

For more information about the new BMW M2 Cup, please contact ADAC: www.adac-motorsport.de/bmw-m2-cup/

BMW M2 Cup 2026 Race Calendar:

19th-21st June: Lausitzring (GER)
3rd-5th July: Norisring (GER)
14th-16th August: Nürburgring (GER)
11th-13th September: Sachsenring (GER)
9th-11th October: Hockenheim (GER)

• Negative development in China and impact of Conflict in Middle East
• Structural and Efficiency Measures are being intensified
• Strong Product Momentum in the coming years

Munich. The Board of Management of BMW AG today adjusted the full-year guidance for the 2026 financial year. The key drivers for this being the evolving environment weighing on operating business results and a one-time effect resulting from intensified and accelerated structural and efficiency measures.

The negative development in the Chinese automotive market accelerated further in the second quarter—particularly for non-electric vehicles. In light of this, the China Passenger Car Association has repeatedly revised its market forecast downward for the full year, once again on Monday this week. This situation has resulted in intensified competition in China and across the Asia-Pacific region. The BMW Group cannot operate in isolation of this market development. Positive sales volume development in Europe and the U.S. cannot offset the decline in sales in China and the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition, the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on our global business extends beyond our original assumptions. On the one hand, energy prices remain elevated and weigh on the cost structures in the company. On the other hand, the lack of stability due to the conflict is negatively impacting consumer sentiment across markets around the world.

The effects outlined above will contribute to a significant decline in profit and free cashflow in the second quarter versus previous year.

In addition to the pressures on its operating business, the BMW Group will intensify and accelerate its ongoing cost reduction initiatives through further structural and efficiency measures, the effects of which will be visible in the coming years. These measures will carry a one-time negative impact on earnings in the second half of 2026.

“We have strong product momentum: With the NEUE KLASSE, we will put the strongest BMW portfolio in history on the roads over the next two years,” said Milan Nedeljković, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “At the same time, we will adapt our current structures and processes to the drastic downturn in market conditions. It is our entrepreneurial responsibility, therefore, to significantly intensify and accelerate our ongoing measures. It’s all about speed and efficiency.”

In light of the developments described above, the BMW Group is adjusting its outlook for the 2026 financial year as follows:

• Deliveries Automotive Segment: slight decrease versus previous year
  (before: at previous year’s level)
• EBIT Margin Automotive Segment: in the corridor 1-3%
  (before: in the corridor 4-6%)
• ROCE Automotive Segment: in the corridor 1-5%
  (before: in the corridor 6-10%)
• Group Profit before Tax: significant decrease versus previous year
  (before: moderate decrease)
• CO₂e-emissions Scope 3: at previous year’s level
  (before: slight increase)

The BMW Group expects the Automotive Free Cashflow to be above €2.5 billion. The dividend payout ratio of 30-40% of net income attributable to BMW AG shareholders and the ongoing share buyback program both remain unchanged.

The ramp up of the NEUE KLASSE begins in 2026

The company continues to implement its product strategy at a rapid pace, rolling out the technologies of the NEUE KLASSE across its entire portfolio: more than 40 new and updated models will be introduced by 2027. The all-electric BMW iX3 has enjoyed exceptionally strong demand since its world premiere at the IAA in September 2025. Around one in three of the all-electric BMW vehicles ordered in Europe has been a BMW iX3. Given the high demand, the plant in Debrecen (Hungary) is already operating on a two-shift schedule ahead of plans. The all-electric BMW i3 – the second NEUE KLASSE model - celebrated its design premiere in Munich in March. This model is also receiving excellent feedback.

In April, the new long-wheelbase BMW iX3, the new long-wheelbase BMW i3, and the new BMW 7 Series featuring NEUE KLASSE technologies celebrated their world premieres in Beijing. With this, the BMW Group passed another important milestone in the largest future-oriented project in its history: The new BMW 7 Series demonstrates how the company is scaling its new NEUE KLASSE technology clusters and new design language in the existing product portfolio.

The half-year report will be published as scheduled on July 30, 2026. The definitions of the key figures used can be found in the glossary of the BMW Group Report 2025 on pages 429 through 431.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Britta Ullrich, Communications BMW Group, Finance

Telephone: +49 89 382-18364

Email: britta.ullrich@bmwgroup.com

Martina Hatzel, Communications BMW Group

Telephone: +49 89 382-11966

Email: martina.hatzel@bmwgroup.com

Max-Morten Borgmann, Head of Communications BMW Group, Finance, Sales

Telephone: +49 89 382-24118

Email: max-morten.borgmann@bmwgroup.com

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

Email: presse@bmwgroup.com

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

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• Final calibration drives before production starts
• First fully electric BMW iX5 with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology
• Largest high-voltage battery fitted in a BMW model
• Range of models now even broader: BMW X5 available with five drive system technologies for the first time
• Heart of Joy delivers pure driving pleasure: next-generation driver assistance systems

Munich/Spartanburg (USA). The new BMW X5 has entered the finishing straight in its development programme. The fifth generation of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is now completing final calibration drives around its production base at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA. The new BMW X5 will be the first BMW production model to be introduced onto the market with a choice of five different drive system technologies. The first fully electric BMW iX5 will be making its debut, and this will be followed in 2028 by the arrival of the first ever hydrogen-powered BMW to go into series production – the BMW iX5 Hydrogen. Also available will be petrol and diesel variants with 48V mild hybrid technology, and plug‑in hybrid models. Media representatives from various countries took the chance to sample the BMW X5 40 xDrive (294 kW/400 hp), BMW X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid (360 kW/490 hp) and BMW iX5 60 xDrive (425 kW/578 hp) in the concluding test drives before the start of production.

The fully electric BMW iX5: world premiere with new Gen6 eDrive technology.

The first battery-electric BMW iX5 is based on the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, which features a new high-voltage battery concept with cylindrical cells and 800V technology. With its usable energy content of 144 kWh in the USA and 141 kWh in the EU (net), the BMW iX5 60 xDrive boasts the largest high-voltage battery to be fitted in an all-electric BMW model to date. Propulsive power is provided by one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear, working in tandem with BMW xDrive electric all-wheel drive.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen: hydrogen-powered production model from BMW due in 2028 with innovative Flat Storage system.
The first ever hydrogen-powered BMW production model, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, will hit the roads in 2028. Its powertrain comprises a fuel cell system, the new BMW Hydrogen Flat Storage system and an innovative high-voltage battery. The third generation of the fuel cell system forms the basis for a particularly compact design as well as high power and efficiency. The flat tank system consists of seven high-pressure tanks made of a carbon-fibre reinforced composite, which are connected with one another in parallel. These are integrated into a robust metal frame. This layout makes exceptionally efficient use of the space the system takes up in the vehicle; no room is lost inside the cabin. Another benefit is that models with fuel cell technology can be built on the same production line as other drive system types.

Pure driving pleasure thanks to the Heart of Joy.
The new BMW X5 will offer a new-dimension driving experience courtesy of technology from the Neue Klasse – the Heart of Joy featuring the BMW Dynamic Performance Control driving stack developed fully in-house. This high-performance control unit acts ten times faster than previous systems, meaning it is able to make adjustments to the powertrain, brakes, steering sub-functions, charging and recuperation in a matter of milliseconds. The result is remarkable agility, poise and precision. In the BMW iX5 and BMW iX5 Hydrogen, this technology also impresses with extremely smooth stopping manoeuvres while also increasing efficiency by recovering more energy under deceleration with regenerative braking. In combustion-engined or plug-in hybrid models, the latest digital and highly interconnected driving dynamics systems ensure the car always makes optimum use of the available traction and delivers composed handling at all times. These systems include the standard-fitted tenth-generation transverse dynamics management system and near-actuator wheel slip limitation, both supported by precisely tuned chassis components.

The wheels – larger rims with diameters of up to 23 inches can now be specified – and the standard mixed-size tyres further enhance comfort, stability and dynamism. The new BMW X5 comes as standard with adaptive suspension whose dampers are controlled electronically for each individual wheel, plus almost 50:50 weight distribution. The dampers can be continuously adjusted, enabling everything from a very comfortable ride through to sporty, dynamic handling. Adaptive Chassis Control Professional, which is available as an option for the all‑electric BMW iX5 and the plug-in hybrid models, maximises dynamic prowess. It includes two-axle air suspension with electronically controlled dampers, Integral Active Steering and active roll stabilisation.

Next-generation driver assistance systems.
The new BMW X5 features innovative SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems and active safety functions from the Neue Klasse technology clusters. Customers can therefore look forward to significant upgrades and extended functionality, as well as BMW Symbiotic Drive. One example of these innovations is the optional Motorway and City Assistant, which includes Entry-2-Exit assistance on motorways and Address‑2‑Address assistance in urban areas. The advanced Level 2 driver assistance systems from BMW are meticulously designed for seamless interaction between assistance tech and human driving habits. The aim here is not to attain the highest possible level of automation in every situation, but to provide a safe driver assistance experience that offers maximum benefit and remains controllable at all times. As a result, the driver always stays involved as human and artificial intelligence interact. With driver assistance systems active, this means the driver can accelerate, steer and brake as required, without instantly deactivating the assistance system in the process. The straightforward operating logic and clear displays of BMW Panoramic iDrive ensure that assisted driving is intuitive and controllable at all times, enabling safe use of the highest SAE Level 2 automation.

The symbiotic interaction between driver and vehicle can also be experienced with active safety functions that work unobtrusively in the background as silent companions. A good example is the Lane Keeping Assistant, which detects t. The driver’s intention based on steering behaviour and where they are looking. The system only assists with warnings and steering inputs when the driver really is drifting out of their lane unintentionally or an impending collision is detected. Other safety functions include automated evasive manoeuvring within the car’s own lane, Lane Change Warning, Side Collision Warning with steering intervention when there is a risk of a lateral collision, plus Crossing Traffic Warning and automatic braking when turning into a road or exiting a parking space.

* As this is a development-phase prototype, the figures given are provisional. Energy consumption information as per WLTP is not yet available.

+++ Joaquín Niemann (CHI) joins the strong field at the BMW International Open (1-5 July 2026) +++ Byeong-Hun An (KOR), Marco Penge (ENG), Abraham Ancer (MEX), Sebastián Muñoz (COL) and Josele Ballester (ESP) also tee off at GC München Eichenried +++ Finn Kölle and Thomas Georg Schmidt (both GER) start as amateurs +++

Munich. A good two weeks before the start of the BMW International Open (1^-5 July), tournament organiser BMW is pleased to confirm more top golfers, who will be hoping to join the battle for the iconic title at Golfclub München Eichenried. Visitors should definitely keep an eye on Joaquín Niemann. There is no shortage of experts who see the 27-year-old golfer from Chile, who is making his BMW International Open debut, as a future major winner.

Niemann spent 44 weeks at the top of the amateur world rankings, before winning 21 tournaments as a pro, including two on the PGA TOUR and one on the DP World Tour. He also represented Chile at the Olympic Games in 2020 and 2024, finishing in the top ten on both occasions. Niemann finished in a tie for 18^th place at last month’s PGA Championship, underlining his place in the world elite. He will now be keen to show German golf fans what he is capable of for the first time.

Byeong-Hun An can also look back on an extremely successful amateur career, including being crowned US Amateur Champion in 2009 at the age of just 17. However, the South Korean has the upper hand over Niemann in one regard: he knows what it feels like to lift a BMW trophy. In 2015, he won the flagship tournament on the DP World Tour, the BMW PGA Championship, with the lowest winning score in the history of the tournament (-21) and by a massive six shots. ‘Ben An’, as he is known, is yet to triumph on the PGA TOUR, but the 34-year-old has narrowly missed out in a play-off on three occasions.

Visitors to the GC München Eichenried can also look forward to seeing a pro who, with three wins on the DP World Tour, was one of the best players of the previous season: Marco Penge from England. In fact, it was only a certain Rory McIlroy (NIR) who managed to finish ahead of the 28-year-old in the 2025 season rankings. Penge has established himself in the top 50 of the world rankings and is among the favourites to win the tournament in Munich this year.

The entry list for the 37^th BMW International Open includes another two top players, who have both tasted victory on the PGA TOUR: Mexican Abraham Ancer and Sebastián Muñoz from Columbia. The Munich crowd can also look forward to Spaniard José Luis “Josele” Ballester. The 20-year-old is predicted to enjoy a dazzling future on the golf scene. Like Ben An, Ballester also won the US Amateur Championship (2024), as well as the Spanish (2020) and European (2023) amateur championships.

Two promising, talented German players will also tee off in Munich. Amateurs Finn Kölle and Thomas Georg Schmidt will make their BMW International Open debut. For emphatic proof of what is possible in this role, they need look no further than Tim Wiedemeyer, who last year thrilled the crowd in Munich with a fine 17^th place.

Tickets for the BMW International Open are available at:
www.bmw-golfsport.com/tickets

Discounted tickets are available for young people (15-17 years), students and people with disabilities. The ticket price includes a free shuttle bus service between Ismaning S-Bahn station and the golf club from Thursday to Sunday, as well as free parking at the tournament site, subject to availability. Admission to the Pro-Am tournament (Wednesday, 1 July 2026) is generally free. Children and young people up to and including the age of 14 also have free admission on all other days. For the first time, the BMW International Open 2026 will offer an after-work ticket for Thursday or Friday, which is valid from 3 pm and is available at half the price of a day ticket.

Munich/Dresden.
Following the announcement of their expanded collaboration in the field of smart energy and home charging solutions on May 18^th this year, BMW and SOLARWATT are now presenting their joint offering.

For BMW, the integration of the vehicle into the home energy system is a key component in the further development of electric mobility. With the electric drive technology of the Neue Klasse, the electric vehicle becomes an active part of the home energy network and thus takes on a new role – going beyond mere mobility.

It serves as an additional energy storage unit and is seamlessly integrated into the SOLARWATT home energy management system (HEMS) – the SOLARWATT Manager – via the BMW Wallbox Professional.

With the launch at The smarter E / Intersolar Europe 2026 from 23 to 25 June 2026 at Messe München (Hall C5, Stand 640), BMW and SOLARWATT are detailing the technical and commercial aspects of their offering, scheduled for late 2026, for the German, Austrian and Dutch markets. The exhibition is one of the world’s leading trade fairs for the solar industry and energy management.

More than Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): 
HEMS integration optimises energy flows throughout the entire home.

With integration into SOLARWATT’s home energy management system, bidirectional charging with V2H becomes even more convenient and efficient for customers. Whilst V2H already enables the use of energy stored in the vehicle within the home via the BMW Wallbox Professional, integration into the HEMS expands the overall system.

The photovoltaic system (PV system), home battery, electric vehicle and other consumers are intelligently coordinated and controlled as a whole. The HEMS optimises all energy flows proactively and in line with individual usage patterns.

SOLARWATT offers such a HEMS via the SOLARWATT Manager. This automatically controls when a stationary home storage system is charged as a priority and when the electric vehicle is integrated as additional storage.

In addition, solar forecasts can be used to plan available energy even more proactively. If there is insufficient solar power at times – for example during the winter months – dynamic electricity tariffs can also be incorporated to charge the home storage system or vehicle specifically during low-cost periods and subsequently supply the household in a cost-optimised manner.

This not only increases the self-consumption of solar power but also significantly reduces the energy costs of the entire household – unlike Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), the electricity is used within the household and not fed back into the public grid.

For customers, this means more self-generated solar power, less manual control effort, and an energy system that operates intelligently and automatically in the background as part of everyday life. Another advantage is that the SOLARWATT Manager can be connected to a wide range of components from various manufacturers, thereby enhancing existing home installations—including PV systems and home storage units—with intelligent, flexible energy management.

Neue Klasse vehicle, BMW Wallbox Professional & SOLARWATT Manager as prerequisites for the enhanced optimisation of the home energy system

The collaboration between BMW and SOLARWATT has resulted in a solution that integrates seamlessly into existing home installations whilst combining the strengths of both partners. The technical requirements for HEMS integration with V2H are Neue Klasse vehicle models, the bidirectional BMW Wallbox Professional, and the SOLARWATT Manager as the HEMS.

Homeowners can configure their settings via the My BMW App and the SOLARWATT Home app. In the My BMW App, in addition to the current vehicle and Wallbox settings, users can set a charging target and a departure time, which are always prioritized.

In the SOLARWATT Home app, customers can define household priorities – for example, for appliances and storage systems. This ensures that energy is distributed intelligently, reduces the need for manual control, and makes the best possible use of solar power.

Market launch: Orders open from The smarter E / Intersolar Europe 2026

The BMW Wallbox Professional can also be ordered via SOLARWATT – delivery is scheduled from Q4 2026. In existing installations, the SOLARWATT Manager can also be retrofitted. Customers receive an integrated package comprising various components, which is centrally coordinated by SOLARWATT.

At the same time, this package remains flexible, allowing individual components to be combined as required. Furthermore, the offer will be promoted via BMW’s digital channels.

Cooperation since 2013 in the field of electromobility and home storage.

The collaboration between BMW and SOLARWATT in the field of electromobility has been in place since 2013. With the concrete details of the offering now presented, both companies are expanding this cooperation to include a further building block for a connected home energy ecosystem. The experts from BMW and SOLARWATT look forward to welcoming you at the exhibition in Hall C5, Stand 640. The joint presentation, featuring the specific product details, at a press talk on 23 June at 3 pm underscores this next step in development. The trade fair will take place from 23 to 25 June 2026 at Messe München.

Le Mans. On its third attempt, BMW M Team WRT celebrated its long-awaited first major success at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA). In an exciting race, Robin Frijns (NED), René Rast (GER), and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) secured second place in the #20 Shell BMW M Hybrid V8. It was the first overall podium at Le Mans for BMW M Motorsport since its victory with the BMW V12 LMR in 1999. A repeat of the historic triumph was within reach, but in the end, final driver Frijns was 10.9 seconds short of the winning Toyota .

The historic Le Mans weekend began as early as Thursday, when the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8, with drivers Kevin Magnussen (DEN), Raffaele Marciello (SUI), and Dries Vanthoor (BEL) claimed the first pole position for BMW M Motorsport and BMW M Team WRT at Le Mans. In the race, the #20 crew, starting from fourth on the grid, took the lead early on and led the field at times. A safety car period about six hours before the finish brought the field back together and set the stage for a thrilling showdown right up to the final lap. While car #20 celebrated at the end with a podium finish, car #15 retired early. After an unavoidable collision and a puncture, a technical defect ultimately forced the crew to retire the car.

In the LMGT3 class, things looked promising after qualifying with starting positions five and six at the beginning of the race. However, over the course of the 24 hours, the two BMW M4 GT3 EVOs were unable to keep up with the pace at the front. Augusto Farfus (BRA), Sean Gelael (INA), and Darren Leung (GBR) finished in seventh place. Their teammates Dan Harper (GBR), Parker Thompson (CAN), and Anthony McIntosh (USA) retired with gearbox problems.

Quotes after the 24 Hours of Le Mans:

Franciscus van Meel (CEO of BMW M GmbH): “It was an incredibly emotional weekend with the world premiere of our BMW M Concept Neue Klasse and a thrilling, nerve-wracking 24-hour race at Le Mans. Second place, the first podium for BMW M Motorsport in 27 years, just ten seconds behind the winner after a perfect performance – it could hardly have gone better. A huge thank you to everyone at BMW M, BMW M Motorsport, and BMW M Team WRT who contributed to this great success. You have all shown what can be achieved when you work tirelessly to make a project like the BMW M Hybrid V8 a success. Congratulations!”

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “What a magnificent and historic result! Pole position and second place on the podium – incredible! I’m absolutely delighted for the drivers Robin Frijns, René Rast, and Sheldon van der Linde. But it was a gigantic achievement by everyone: the drivers, the team, and all the colleagues at BMW M Motorsport. We can be very proud of this – thank you all! We have worked for years to be successful at Le Mans again, and now we have reaped the reward with second place. It was an incredibly exciting race. For us, it was a rollercoaster ride, but in the end, to finish second just ten seconds behind is a fantastic achievement. Pit stops, strategy – everything worked perfectly. Congratulations to Toyota on a well-deserved victory! It’s a shame that car #15 retired and we had hoped for a much better result in the LMGT3 class. We will analyzey that, but for now, the joy prevails.”

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal, BMW M Team WRT): “That was one of the strongest races we have ever had as a team with the BMW M Hybrid V8. Absolutely flawless. No penalties, no bad pit stops – nothing. Congratulations to everyone in my team and at BMW M Motorsport! We are one unit, we are making progress, and we deserved this podium. I’m not disappointed at all that we didn’t win. Toyota deserved it – congratulations! I feel sorry for the crew of car #15. On the LMGT3 side, we have to admit that we simply had no chance. That is very disappointing. Many thanks to the team and drivers for their great effort. They gave everything, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough this time.”

Robin Frijns (BMW M Team WRT, #20 Shell BMW M Hybrid V8, 2nd place): “I honestly don’t quite know what to say yet. Second place at Le Mans is a fantastic achievement, but seeing the victory so close does hurt a bit. The last safety car brought the Toyotas, who had problems just before, back into the game. That was tough for us, as they had a bit more pace than we did. We led for long stretches of the race, but in the end, second place was the maximum we could achieve after the safety car.”

René Rast (BMW M Team WRT, #20 Shell BMW M Hybrid V8, 2nd place): “It’s a bittersweet podium. On the one hand, it’s a great achievement to be on the podium at Le Mans. The team and we as drivers did everything right, I would say. But unfortunately, Le Mans didn’t choose us as winners this time. We led for long phases of the race, but the last safety car threw our strategy off a bit and when you’re so close to victory, of course you want to win.”

Sheldon van der Linde (BMW M Team WRT, #20 Shell BMW M Hybrid V8, 2nd place): “At first, I don’t really know whether to laugh or cry. When you finish just ten seconds behind the winner after 24 hours, it’s not easy to accept at first. But if we look at the past two years and see the huge progress we’ve made, we can be very proud. The team gave everything to put us in this position. Of course, you never know if you’ll get another chance to win Le Mans, but we’ll definitely try again.”

Kevin Magnussen (BMW M Team WRT, #15 BMW M Hybrid V8, DNF): “It just wasn’t our race. A few things went wrong, but that’s also Le Mans. Luckily, our sister car made up for our bad luck and scored a fantastic podium. That’s ultimately a great success for all of us. As for us in car #15: We’ll come back stronger.”

Augusto Farfus (Team WRT, #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, 7th place LMGT3): “First of all, congratulations to the Hypercar crew on the podium. It was a great fight and a deserved result. Our race was tough. We did everything right, had no technical problems, and nailed every pit stop. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough to fight for the podium. We simply didn’t have the pace. Still, it’s always a great honour to be on the grid here at Le Mans.”

Dan Harper (Team WRT, #69 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, DNF): “I had imagined my first Le Mans, just like Parker and Anthony, differently. But you also have to see it this way: I was here for the first time at this very special event, and it was an honor to be part of it. Hopefully, there will be many more Le Mans appearances to come! This time, unfortunately, we didn’t have the pace to run at the front. Then came the gearbox problem. Nevertheless, we can be proud of what we achieved.”

Misano. The seventh round of the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Misano (ITA) proved to be a challenge – one that BMW Motorrad Motorsport, the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, and its riders mastered with flying colours. Leading the charge was Miguel Oliveira (POR), who returned to the saddle of his BMW M 1000 RR after a serious shoulder injury, showcasing remarkable fighting spirit and unwavering determination. All-rounder Michael van der Mark (NED) once again impressed in his role as substitute rider, while the injured Danilo Petrucci (ITA) provided valuable support to the team from the garage during his home event.

At the beginning of May, Oliveira suffered serious shoulder injuries in an unavoidable accident at the Balaton Park Circuit (HUN). Following an intensive rehabilitation programme and final medical assessments on site at Misano, he was finally given the green light to return to racing. For the Portuguese rider, the priority was to regain his race rhythm and gradually rebuild his feeling and confidence on the bike. In doing so, he battled through considerable adversity, including ongoing pain and the intense summer heat. In Saturday’s race one, he fought his way from 11th on the grid to an impressive eighth-place finish. He improved even further in Sunday morning’s Superpole race, claiming sixth place to the applause of the team. However, in Sunday afternoon’s second feature race, he was forced to acknowledge his remaining physical limitations and returned to the pits before the finish.

Van der Mark once again demonstrated his versatility at Misano. In recent weeks, he had stepped in for Oliveira at the WorldSBK rounds at Most (CZE) and MotorLand Aragón (ESP). Last weekend, he celebrated a fantastic victory with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team at the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) race in Spa-Francorchamps (BEL). Just a few days later, he returned to the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, this time filling in on Petrucci’s side of the garage. A technical issue forced him to retire early from race one. On Sunday, starting from 16th on the grid, he first secured 11th place in the Superpole race before making up seven positions in race two and defending an excellent ninth place all the way to the chequered flag.

Petrucci followed the action from the garage. During the Most (CZE) round, he sustained several injuries, including a fractured coccyx, and is currently working towards his return to competition. The target is for him be able to line up at the next WorldSBK event at Donington Park (GBR / 10th to 12th July).

Reactions after the Misano round.

Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport: “We have to give Miguel the utmost respect this weekend. What he achieved was truly outstanding. We did not expect him to be able to set those lap times, to finish inside the top ten, and even almost challenge for a top-five result. He was still suffering significant pain and was far from being 100 percent fit, yet under those circumstances he extracted more than the maximum. Retiring from the final race was the right decision. There simply was no point in taking any further risks. We are also very proud of Mickey. He did a fantastic job and completed a strong weekend with ninth place. Once again, the testing work he carried out was extremely valuable for us. Mickey can now head into the next Endurance World Championship race at Suzuka at the beginning of July with great confidence. For the next WorldSBK round at Donington, we expect to be back with both of our regular riders. It was difficult for Danilo not to be racing here, but it was the right decision, and it was great to have him on site supporting the team. We will now make intensive use of the four-week break to continue working on the riders’ fitness. Then we will be ready for Donington!”

Christian Gonschor, Technical Director BMW Motorrad Motorsport: “We look back on Misano with great satisfaction. It was wonderful to see Miguel back on the #88 bike. His qualifying performance was already very strong, and his race on Saturday was particularly impressive given his physical limitations. The Superpole race was absolutely outstanding, with a sensational sixth-place finish despite being in significant pain. Even though he was forced to retire from the second race, we were able to see the potential of both the bike and the rider. Once Miguel has fully recovered, we will be fighting for podium finishes again. Mickey once again demonstrated the potential of both himself and the motorcycle by finishing ninth in Sunday’s final race while standing in as a substitute rider. Thanks to him, we were able to complete very important testing work throughout the weekend. This was a major benefit for our project. Several setup changes introduced for Sunday proved to be positive, allowing Mickey to gather valuable insights and important championship points while substituting for Danilo. At the same time, he was able to log plenty of race mileage under competitive conditions as preparation for the FIM EWC race at Suzuka and provide valuable feedback. Overall, it was a challenging weekend, but unquestionably a successful one. We scored many important points and are now turning our focus to the coming weeks. Hopefully, Danilo will be back for Donington, and Miguel will be even stronger. Before that, however, we have the Suzuka endurance race ahead of us. We are looking forward to the next races!”

Miguel Oliveira, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It was a comeback weekend. The most surprising thing was the fact that I could do yesterday’s race with good pace. This morning I woke up even more sore and in more pain. The Superpole race was good and it was actually was a big surprise, even for myself to me. But then during race two, I felt I couldn’t push through the pain because the limitation was so big, and I was not really in control of the bike. But I want to leave a message to the team: they supported me the whole weekend and also this entire recovery process. To be here after five weeks is already a big achievement, and to do it in a solid way and perform as we did, I think we should all be proud. Even with me not being 100%, and not having tested here like all the other guys, we should be happy with what we’ve got, and we move forward from here.”

Michael van der Mark, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It definitely hasn’t been an easy weekend coming back to WorldSBK, but I’ve enjoyed it. We also tried a lot of things to develop the bike. Honestly, in Superpole, it was again my fastest lap ever, and it felt so close. Starting P16 isn’t ideal, but I’m still happy with the lap time. Yesterday in race one, unfortunately, we had a technical issue while we were running in the points, so that was a bummer. This morning in the Superpole race, it was nice to fight with some guys, and it’s a shame to finish just outside the top nine. Still, it gave me confidence for the afternoon. In the second race, I had a good start, good battles, and I was in the right spots early on, so I could maintain a good pace. Sam Lowes was behind me and pushed me a lot all the way to the finish. But it’s nice to end the weekend with a top ten. And honestly, all respect to Miguel. Not many people see how much pain he’s been in, and to deliver like that yesterday and this morning – he did a fantastic job.”

Danilo Petrucci, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “Honestly, it’s a weird feeling to be here and not racing. I really struggled during the first two weeks after the accident. I was in a lot of pain, and it was really hard – especially to sleep, to recover, and to get any rest. It was tough, but once I was able to stand up, walk, and go cycling, I did my best every day to be as fit as possible to be here. Still, I probably needed one more week, and we decided to sit out this race. There are still some issues – not one big problem, but a few small ones – especially in my knees and my left leg. I need a bit of time to be fully fit. I hope to come back as soon as I can, and I hope to join the team again from the next round, fully fit.  Anyway, I’m really happy to be back with them and everyone working with me. I tried to help as best as I can.”

Facts and figures.

Superpole.

Air temperature: 26°, track temperature: 44°, humidity: 52%, conditions: dry.

* New all-time lap record

Race 1.

Air temperature: 30°, track temperature: 52°, humidity: 38%, conditions: dry, laps: 21.

Fastest race lap: Nicolò Bulega, lap 5, 1:32.552 (new record)

Superpole Race.

Air temperature: 26°, track temperature: 45°, humidity: 50%, conditions: dry, laps: 10.

Fastest race lap: Nicolò Bulega, lap 4, 1:31.945 (new record)

Race 2.

Air temperature: 33°, track temperature: 52°, humidity: 29%, conditions: dry, laps: 21.

Fastest race lap: Nicolò Bulega, lap 5, 1:32.735

Current riders’ classification (R07/12, after 21 of 36 races).

Current manufacturers’ classification (R07/12, after 21 of 36 races).

Munich. The BMW M Concept Neue Klasse celebrates its world premiere at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It showcases the new BMW M design language and sets a clear signal for the brand’s all-electric future. The future BMW M product portfolio combines expressive design, high performance and innovative materials.

The vehicle builds a bridge between its history and motorsport.
It is instantly recognisable as a high-performance automobile. BMW M thus remains true to its guiding principle: “Born on the racetrack. Made for the streets.”

“The new BMW M design language forms the expressive spearhead of the Neue Klasse – determined and purposeful,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of Design BMW Compact Class, Neue Klasse and BMW M. “At BMW M, form consistently follows function. Every detail serves performance. This project is truly special to me because it carries the BMW M character into a new era.”

Form, function and motorsport references in the exterior design.

Powerful proportions, precise lines and a muscular shoulder section with wide wheel arches define the unmistakable BMW M character.

Numerous M-specific design measures optimise aerodynamics – including the reinterpreted M aero exterior mirrors in the colours of BMW M.

A distinctive air outlet shapes the V-shaped front bonnet. It supports the cooling of the electric drivetrain.

A forward-facing shark nose and a light signature with depth effect characterise the front end. Headlights and kidney grille form a single unit. The new M Yellow Lights create a focused view of the road. The yellow light icons are set to become a new signature feature of future BMW M automobiles and reference GT racing cars as well as the BMW M Hybrid V8.

The front apron of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse adopts a trimaran-style bumper, inspired by the form of high-speed sailing boats. The three-part design underlines the vehicle’s technical appearance. It also provides structural support for the front splitter – an aerodynamic element at the lower edge of the front end.

Another new lighting accent for future BMW M automobiles are the three-dimensional Track Lights located in the outer sections of the front apron.

Track Lights and trimaran design also shape the rear apron of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse. The Track Lights frame the trimaran element above the floating diffuser. A striking ducktail spoiler improves aerodynamics, increases downforce at the rear axle and at the same time sets a striking accent within the clean surface design of the rear end.

Natural fibre elements are used in both the exterior and interior of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse – for example in the front splitter, the bonnet air outlet and the diffuser. For the first time, natural fibre is not only used in its pure form but also in a refined finish with M branding in the roof graphic.

The newly developed Monza Red metallic paint finish and the red-and-blue coded centre-lock wheels strengthen the visual link to BMW M and motorsport.

Driver-focused cockpit for an intense BMW M experience.

The interior of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse is reduced and consistently geared towards the driving experience in a next-generation all-electric BMW M.

Four newly developed bucket seats provide secure support even in highly dynamic driving situations and integrate structural elements made from natural fibre materials. The seat upholstery in Bathurst Blue and Berry Red picks up the BMW M colours in a two-tone Merino leather finish. Red five-point belts emphasise the sporty character.

For the first time in a BMW M vehicle, high-quality black nubuck leather is used. It can be found on the steering wheel, the door panels and the roll bar.

The floating dashboard is finished in black knit material and features M-specific hexagonal backlighting.

Red accents on the M gear selector, the shift paddles on the M steering wheel and in the digital displays add targeted sporty highlights in the cockpit and put performance centre stage.

High performance and BMW M driving experience in a new dimension.

The BMW M Concept Neue Klasse represents the next chapter in the M-typical blend of dynamics, agility and precision. The innovative BMW M eDrive drive concept with four electric motors and BMW M Dynamic Performance Control elevates driving experience and racetrack capability to a new level.

“Even in the new all-electric era, we continue the M-typical tradition of transferring both technological innovations and defining design features directly from motorsport into series production,” says Franciscus van Meel, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW M GmbH.

BMW M eDrive is based on the Neue Klasse’s Gen6 technology and was developed specifically for all-electric BMW M automobiles. The drivetrain concept combines four electric motors with the central control software BMW M Dynamic Performance Control in the high-performance computer Heart of Joy. Thanks to the integrated, wheel-specific control of the drivetrain and braking systems, BMW M eDrive opens up new potential for driving dynamics and driving safety. It enables high recuperation performance, optimal traction right up to the limit and particularly direct response.

The 800-volt technology and the high-voltage battery with an energy content of more than 100 kWh create the conditions for long-range capability. A BMW M-specific optimised version of sixth-generation cylindrical cells provides particularly high output when delivering energy to the electric motors and during charging. The housing of the high-voltage battery is structurally integrated with both the front and rear axle, thereby additionally contributing to driving dynamics.

Le Mans. Fantastic qualifying for the 24 Hours of Le Mans (FRA)! Dries Vanthoor (BEL), driving the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 for BMW M Team WRT, secured the very first pole position ever for BMW M Motorsport at Le Mans. With a time of 3:22.564 minutes, Vanthoor was initially second by the tiniest margin of 0.005 seconds, but the fastest lap of the Cadillac ahead of him was cancelled. In the #20 Shell BMW M Hybrid V8, Robin Frijns (NED) completed the excellent team result in the Hypercar class by finishing fourth.

Both WRT cars also made it into Hyperpole 2 in the LMGT3 class. There, Sean Gelael (INA) and Parker Thompson (CAN) put the two BMW M4 GT3 EVOs into the fifth and sixth starting positions. The 24 Hours of Le Mans will begin on Saturday at 16:00 CEST.

Quotes after qualifying for the 24 Hours of Le Mans:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “A fantastic qualifying session for the 24 Hours of Le Mans – it couldn’t have gone any better. Just getting all four cars into Hyperpole 2 was a huge success in itself, but to have now secured BMW M Motorsport’s first ever pole position at Le Mans is simply fantastic! Congratulations to Dries Vanthoor on a brilliant lap and many thanks to everyone who has worked on this project over the years. This is a fantastic reward for their efforts. We’ll relish seeing our BMW M Hybrid V8 right at the front of the grid on Saturday, but now we’re focusing fully on race preparation.”

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal, BMW M Team WRT): “That is a great surprise! I am very happy to be on pole position for the first time in Hypercar. I take that, of course, but at the same time congratulations to Cadillac and Jack Aitken for putting on a great show! Overall, we at WRT can be extremely happy with the qualifying results. Now let’s focus on the race.”

Dries Vanthoor (BMW M Team WRT, #15 BMW M Hybrid V8, Pole position): “I’m super happy to be on pole at Le Mans! This is such a great event, and now being on pole here and giving everyone in the team what they deserve, is awesome. At the same time our goal is to win the race, so we need to keep it clean over 24 hours to be right there on Sunday.”

Robin Frijns (BMW M Team WRT, #20 Shell BMW M Hybrid V8, 4th place): “It was the goal to be in the top-five, and in the end we are in P4. That means we are a bit out of the jungle at the start, which is good. My laptimes were pretty far off. I wasn’t so happy with my runs in Hyperpole 2. I’m not where I should be, so we need to see where we can improve for the race.”

Sean Gelael (Team WRT, #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, 5th place LMGT3): “It‘s probably one of the best positions to start the big 24-hour race from. Third row, the slip stream in front of us – that’s good! We are happy, and we are where we want to be for the start of the race.”

Parker Thompson (Team WRT, #69 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, 6th place LMGT3): “Overall a very nice job by both sides of the garage at Team WRT. Starting P5 and P6 is a great result for the team and a fantastic place to start the race from. We are out of the areas of chaos at the back. Great job by everybody!”