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.

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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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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.

Munich/Cernobbio. Revealed at the 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the Vision BMW ALPINA is a design study that heralds a new chapter for a brand defined by extreme capability, sophistication, and the mastery of both performance and comfort.

“Alpina has always represented a very specific idea of performance and re finement—where speed and comfort are complementary ambitions. Our role as the new custodians of this brand is to preserve this distinctiveness and shape it for a contemporary context,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “Vision BMW ALPINA shows how these qualities can be expressed with discipline and modernity, suggesting what our direction is for this brand as we move it into the future.”

DESIGN AND FORM: THE SHAPE OF SPEED
The Vision BMW ALPINA is a respectful interpretation of the brand’s heritage, shaped by the most contemporary creative instincts. At 5,200 mm in length, its presence is substantial: wide, low, and confident. The coupé roofline is long and raked, its form immediately signals both speed and the ability to ac commodate four adults in genuine comfort. A V8 powertrain drives the experi ence, tuned to produce the characteristic notes of the Alpina exhaust: rich and deep at low speed, sonorous at high revs.

“In Vision BMW ALPINA, we distil every element of the brand to its essence and apply it in a deeply modern and sophisticated way,” says Maximilian Mis soni, head of BMW Design Midsize & Luxury Cars and BMW ALPINA. “Every detail reflects substance: in engineering, in materials, and in the story it tells. The statements it makes are subtle and revealed only on a closer read. This interplay between purity and richness defines our approach to BMW ALPINA design.”

The front end is defined by powerful volumes and a forward-leaning stance that promises speed without overstatement. The shark nose reinterprets BMW’s kidney grille as a three-dimensional sculpture that leads the car’s form and frames the brand emblem with quiet confidence.

From this shark nose, the exterior is organized around a single visual axis: the speed feature line. Rising from the lower front corners at a six-degree inclina tion, it runs along the side of the body and wraps around the rear—assertive enough to suggest motion, controlled enough to remain refined.

HALLMARKS AND PRINCIPLES: “SECOND READ” SOPHISTICATION
Subtle secondary details reward attention without demanding it. This “Sec ond Read” principle runs throughout the Vision BMW ALPINA.

Deco-lines have been part of Alpina’s language since 1974. For the Vision BMW ALPINA, the modernized deco-lines are distilled and painted on the side of the body beneath the clear coat—a quiet gesture that reflects how the brand’s defining details can be adapted to what comes next.

Inward-facing return surfaces are treated with particular care, finished in a dark metallic tone that rewards a closer read. This approach is inspired by the BMW 507, which uses chrome only on the inside of its kidney grilles.

The shark nose captures the same “Second Read” sophistication: the inner surfaces feature a finely scaled signature Deco-line graphic, while a con cealed, softly backlit perimeter reveals it only when active.

A warm white tone characterizes the daytime running lights and traces the kidney surrounds, inspired by the first light over the Bavarian Alps. Clear-cut illuminated crystals add a precise highlight within the slender lamps.

The elliptical four-pipe exhaust remains, as does the “ALPINA” lettering—re interpreted as a machined, polished metal element on the lower front apron. The 22-inch front and 23-inch rear wheels feature the 20-spokes design that has been a constant at Alpina since 1971.

INTERIOR AND DETAILS: ARCHITECTURAL CLARITY
The cabin is generous in every sense: space, material quality, and the care with which technology has been integrated. Architectural volumes define the layout, with each element designed as a standalone form, not absorbed into a homogeneous interior.

The six-degree speed feature line continues through the interior, dividing the darker upper segment and the lighter lower segment. Full-grain leather— sourced from producers across the Alpine region—pairs with stitching inspired by the Deco-lines.

Craft details are restrained but well considered: a bridge stitch inspired by his toric steering wheel hand-stitching appears sparingly in heritage blue and green colors, while a watchmaking-inspired beveling technique was used for the metal components, combining satin and polished finishes. Clear-cut crys tal is reserved for the controls that shape how the automobile drives, under lining the value BMW ALPINA places on the driving experience itself.

Behind the rear console, a glass water bottle sits beside BMW ALPINA crystal glasses that rise on a self-deploying mechanism. Each glass is engraved with 20 deco-lines and features a six-degree rim profile, held by concealed mag nets and softly lit against the open-grain center console.

A COMFORTABLE DRIVER IS A FASTER DRIVER
Burkard Bovensiepen understood something much of the automotive world has forgotten: a comfortable driver is a faster driver. That belief remains cen tral to the Vision BMW ALPINA. Alpina offers Comfort+, a setting beyond the standard BMW comfort calibration that delivers a more supple, refined char acter, and it is retained here.

BMW Panoramic iDrive, including the new passenger screen, spans the dash board with a digital user interface language crafted specifically for BMW AL PINA. Heritage blue and green are introduced with discipline, intensifying as the driver moves from Comfort+ to Speed mode within the BMW Panoramic Vision head-up display. The background imagery is equally considered. The Alpine landscape depicted is an exact rendering of the mountain range visible when looking south from Buchloe.

ROOTED IN THE BRAND’S ORIGINS
The Alpina story began in 1965 in Buchloe, Germany, a small Bavarian town in the shadow of the Alps. Burkard Bovensiepen—destined for a career in typewriter manufacturing—chose instead high-performance tuning, founding Alpina and then refining BMW road and racing cars. From the outset, his phi losophy was clear: speed and comfort were complementary, not competing ambitions.

In endurance racing, while rivals stripped weight, Burkard added extra pad ding to the driver’s seat: he understood that a more comfortable driver is a faster driver. That insight carried over to the road cars that followed, cele brated for composure and sophistication at high speed over long distances.

ALPINA B7 COUPÉ: A POINT OF MATURITY
The Alpina B7 coupé of the late 1970s marked a turning point: Alpina’s phi losophy was applied to a luxury car, and every model that followed was rec ognized as luxurious. Based on the BMW E24 6 Series, its long bonnet, wide stance, and shark nose looked fast even at rest, while the cabin could com fortably carry four people across a continent. The Vision BMW ALPINA is the next chapter of that story.

BMW ALPINA—AN EXCLUSIVE BRAND WITHIN THE BMW GROUP
BMW ALPINA became an exclusive brand within the BMW Group in 2026, bringing proven stewardship and a clear responsibility: to understand what Alpina means to those who cherish it and to honor that in what follows.

"BMW ALPINA fills a gap in our portfolio between BMW and Rolls-Royce as we see even more potential in the high-end segment. With Alpina we have a strong legacy and a global community, which we want to build on, while pre serving the essence of what the brand stands for—speed, comfort and sophis tication,“ says Oliver Viellechner, head of BMW ALPINA.

Next year, customers will be able to experience the first model of the BMW ALPINA brand—inspired by the BMW 7 Series, but unmistakably BMW ALPINA.

Munich/Milan. Presenting A Garden of Curiosity – an immersive installation cocreated by MINI and Paul Smith for the Salone del Mobile. Set in the historic Palazzo Borromeo d’Adda in Milan, A Garden of Curiosity adds yet another highlight to the rich history the collaborators already share. Connected by their British heritage and iconic designs, the two design houses come together to celebrate optimism, curiosity and innovative spirit. The installation combines Paul Smith’s signature use of colour with the eye for detail for which MINI is renowned and invites visitors to explore and enjoy the playful world of design. 

“Paul Smith and MINI complement one another perfectly, as our collaboration for this project demonstrates once again. We are united by the joy of design, and our shared enthusiasm for craftsmanship, innovation and individuality makes A Garden of Curiosity an experience full of colour, sound and expression,” said Holger Hampf, Head of MINI Design.

Visitors immerse themselves in colour and sound: an experience for all the senses

Set amid the enchanted garden of the Palazzo Borromeo d’Adda, the installation is accessed via a wooden footbridge that takes visitors across the courtyard and through a red door. The door represents a symbolic invitation to look and see. On the other side is the green space created by MINI and Paul Smith. It consists of pathways that are lined with plants and grasses and lead to open platforms and cubic installations. The iconic Paul Smith Signature Stripe runs discreetly through the garden as a recurring design element. Architecture, textures, colour and sound converge to create sensory experiences. 

Interactive theme rooms

The Colour Theory Room acts as a visual intersection between Paul Smith’s signature colour palette and the colours of the new MINI Paul Smith Edition. Visitors can arrange colour samples on an interactive wall, the overall picture changing constantly throughout the day with each new personal design. In keeping with the philosophy of Sir Paul, the wall also gives visitors the opportunity to experiment with colour combinations.  

The Listening Room builds on this experience with Sir Paul’s voice recordings, highlighting the importance of colour theory. Another open platform invites visitors to experience the space with all their senses, allowing them to consciously enjoy a moment away from the hustle and bustle of Milan.

Adding the joy of discovery to the installation, the new MINI Cooper Convertible Paul Smith Edition is waiting to be found and invites visitors to take a closer look. Its appearance and details not only reflect Paul Smith’s distinctive style, but also capture the brand’s playful, optimistic and independent spirit. This exclusive highlight of the installation merges into the charming overall scene.

“I’ve always adored my visits to Milan for Salone del Mobile and I’m delighted to be back in the city to introduce the world of design to my new MINI. I look forward to sharing this special project with you all,” said Sir Paul Smith.

Heritage meets curiosity

Walking through the courtyard to the installation, visitors are immersed in the history of MINI and Paul Smith. Here, they can explore three cars from the collaboration between the two companies, which stretches back to 1998: the Paul Smith 40th Anniversary Mini, the MINI STRIP by Paul Smith and another MINI Cooper from the latest Edition. The specially created colour Nottingham Green adds stylish accents to the Edition’s mirror caps, octagonal radiator grille and wheel hub covers with Paul Smith lettering. A selection of others details also reflect the distinctive style of Paul Smith and ensure this MINI Edition captures the essence of ‘classic with a twist’. 

The Paul Smith 40th Anniversary Mini: A one-off car from 1999, whose bodywork morphed into a living work of art with 86 stripes in 26 colours. The interior also contained surprising use of colour (e.g. the lime green glove compartment) and highlighted Paul Smith’s playful style.

The MINI STRIP by Paul Smith: Another one-of-a-kind creation, the MINI STRIP of 2021 – based on the MINI Cooper  – was reduced to the essentials, as per the principle of ‘less is more’. The minimalist design put the focus on construction and function, with the aim of showcasing a new-at-the-time, responsible approach to design.

A Garden of Curiosity will be open on 21 – 26 April 2026 as part of the Salone del Mobile in Milan. It can be visited in the House of MINI at Via A. Manzoni 41 each day between 10.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m.

Munich/Cernobbio. At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2025, the renowned celebration of historic vehicles on the shores of Lake Como in Italy, the BMW Group is presenting an exclusive new concept car that will subsequently be made available for purchase in a small series. 

The BMW Concept Speedtop reimagines the sporty Touring, blending the elegance of a shooting brake with unique proportions.

"A true BMW exudes dynamism and elegance even when it’s standing still," says Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. "And that’s also the case with our new concept car. The ##BMW Concept Speedtop## is characterised first of all by its profile. It is very unique in the automotive industry. In this way, we have created an exclamation mark for our entire lineup of vehicles, especially for the Touring models."

The generous interior invites for weekend getaways for two. High-quality materials, the focus on every detail, and the stylistic connection between exterior and interior are a testament for its true craftsmanship.

The ##BMW Concept Speedtop## shares its eye-catching form language with the BMW Skytop and will be offered to collectors and connoisseurs in a strictly limited small series.

Unique profile, dynamic proportions

The pronounced V-shape of the front end, with its shark-nose design, the slim front lights and the illuminated kidney grille give the BMW Concept Speedtop an unmistakable presence. The continuation of the central spline from the bonnet over the roof to the rear spoiler gives the car a dynamic Touring profile. The colour gradient on the roof, moving from “Floating Sunstone Maroon” to “Floating Sundown Silver”, accentuates this shape. The athletic design is enhanced by the car’s broad shoulders. Its elegance is underscored by two-tone, 14-spoke wheels, which have been designed specifically for the BMW Concept Speedtop.

Luxurious craftsmanship

The interior of the BMW Concept Speedtop was designed with a strong focus to even the smallest detail. Skillfully crafted, traditional brogue-style details accentuate the leather-trimmed surfaces and emphasise the manufactory-level craftmanship on display.

The two-tone colour and material concept creates a connection between the exterior and interior. The sparkling brown tone of the “Floating Sunstone Maroon” exterior paint is carried over into the interior. Here, the brown "Sundown Maroon" world harmonises with the light "Moonstone White" of the seats. The two-tone leather upholstery divides the dynamic and functional areas of the interior. The visually striking roof spline in the exterior is mirrored as a light beam in the two-tone leather headliner, providing an atmospheric, indirect illumination. The trunk is also leather-covered and refined with brogue-style perforations.

A light beam illuminates the luggage compartment, which is divided into two sections. This allows large items of luggage to be stowed inside for multi-day trips.
The elaborate craftsmanship in the exterior and interior was realised with the expertise of the Manufactory workshop at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing.

The virtuosity in the design of the BMW Concept Speedtop is further enhanced through the collaboration with the traditional Italian manufacturer Schedoni. Known for the production of exclusive and high-quality leather goods by hand, especially in the automotive sector, Schedoni has always stood for highest quality and customisation. Two storage areas with leather straps behind the seats provide space for two of Schedoni’s made-to-measure bags. The bags were designed exclusively for the Concept to fit in with its colour and material concept. A matching weekend bag can also be accommodated in the trunk.

Most powerful V8 in the portfolio and limited-run small series

The concept car’s engine ensures it scales the heights not only in terms of design, but also performance. It is fitted with the most powerful V8 engine currently offered by BMW.  

"Last year, the presentation of the BMW Concept Skytop at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on Lake Como generated great enthusiasm among connoisseurs and automotive enthusiasts," says Bernd Körber, Senior Vice President BMW Brand and Product Management. "This led to a strictly limited production run of 50 units. Thanks to this positive response, this year we have decided to also offer the BMW Concept Speedtop in a limited production series of 70 units. This extraordinary vehicle is now available for order. We are pleased to be able to offer collectors and enthusiasts another exclusive model."

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Laura Kanamüller
Press spokesperson, BMW Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-51110
Email: Laura.Kanamueller@bmw.com

Steven Wörns

Press spokesperson, BMW Group Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-16992
Email: Steven.Woerns@bmw.com

Cypselus von Frankenberg
Press spokesperson, Product Communication BMW Automobiles
Telephone: +49-89-382-30641
E-Mail: Cypselus.von-Frankenberg@bmw.de

Munich. The BMW Group sees design as a transformative force that contributes to dialogue and enables new forms of cooperation. The motto of this year’s munich creative business week (mcbw) “How to design a vibrant community” reflects this view. In these times of increasing polarisation, design plays a key role in encouraging community and developing innovative solutions. Claudia Fräßdorf, Head of BMW Group Color & Material Design, artist Morag Myerscough, and sociologist Prof. Dr. Armin Nassehi will use the New Modes VI Talk to highlight the role of design in social structures. Since the first mcbw in 2012, the BMW Group has been a dedicated partner of the event, underscoring its ongoing commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future. The 14th edition of mcbw – taking place on 10 – 18 May 2025 – will see creatives, companies and students of design, architecture and business meet up in Munich to share ideas on current issues. “Design brings people together and creates innovative ways for us to interact with one other,” emphasises Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. “It opens up a wide variety of perspectives and crafts sustainable solutions.”

New Modes VI / “Me in a bigger We”

BMW Group Design is teaming up with Die Neue Sammlung – The Design Museum to host the sixth New Modes event, which explores the unifying quality of design. The members of this year’s panel for “Me in a bigger We” – Claudia Fräßdorf, Head of BMW Group Colour & Material Design, artist Morag Myerscough and sociologist Prof. Dr. Armin Nassehi – will examine the role of the individual within the collective and the transformative power of design. The event will take place on 18 May 2025 in the X-D-E-P-O-T space at the Pinakothek der Moderne (a contemporary art, architecture and design venue in Munich) and provide a platform for discussing innovative design approaches. The talk will be chaired by Sonja Pham, freelance journalist and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of creative publication Grafikmagazin.

Panel members:

Prof. Dr. Armin Nassehi: The renowned sociologist is Chairman of the Senate at LMU München and Deputy Chairman of the University Council, and has been a Member of the Bavarian Ethics Council since October 2024. His work focuses on analysis of societal transformation processes and the idea of a “society of the present”.

Morag Myerscough: With her boldly colourful installations, the London-based artist creates places where people can meet and feel a sense of belonging. On 26 June, her project FLUX will open up a “third place” in Munich’s Kunstareal cultural hub. Running for five years, FLUX will offer visitors an interactive public space “where your imagination can run wild, filling your heart with joy” – and provide an inviting location for people to gather together.

Claudia Fräßdorf: As Head of BMW Group Colour & Material Design, Claudia Fräßdorf uses a holistic approach to develop tailored design concepts that bring together innovative materials, pioneering technologies and sustainable values. In this way, she shapes the tactile and aesthetic identity of the brand’s models with a keen sense for our constantly changing world.

BMW Group x munich creative business week

mcbw will be staging a multitude of events focusing on the challenges and possibilities of contemporary design. The BMW Group is using this platform to share its vision of a sustainable and inclusive future and to showcase innovative approaches to design.

You can find further information on the event programme and registration at www.mcbw.de/en/.

In the event of enquiries please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Laura-Marie Kremser, Spokesperson BMW Group Designworks, UI/UX Design

Telephone: +49-89-382-98114

E-mail: laura-marie.kremser@bmwgroup.com

Steven Woerns, Spokesperson BMW Group Design

Telephone: +49 151 601 169 92

E-mail: steven.woerns@bmw.com

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

E-mail: presse@bmw.de

Munich/Milan. BMW Group Design will present the installation “Vibrant Transitions” at the Salone del Mobile design fair on 8 – 13 April 2025. Visitors to the event venue in the historic Palazzo Borromeo d'Adda in the heart of Milan will be invited to explore thematic worlds from BMW and MINI illustrating the variety and scope of individual design.

Shaping the future with positivity

Openness and individualisation are the focal points of the BMW Group’s presence at this year’s Salone del Mobile. The designers are looking to the future with an optimistic eye and with an open mind to crossovers between disciplines and brands. For the first time at this prestigious event, the design team is interpreting technology and mobility solutions across different brands. The atmospheric presentation of the installation shines a spotlight on current analogue and digital design aspects of the BMW and MINI brands – first and foremost customisable driving experiences. Material and colour worlds, light and sound experiences have been created to generate the desired effect. “Our mobility design is becoming ever broader in scope,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. “Colours, materials, light, sound, geometry and digital experiences are brought together over the course of each project to create exciting and emotional customer experiences. With this in mind, our ‘Vibrant Transitions’ installation provides visitors to the Salone del Mobile with some inspirational insights.”

Seeing, hearing, feeling: as they enter the Palazzo Borromeo d'Adda, visitors can decide for themselves which route they would like to follow. Colour- accentuated corridors lead to the individual thematic areas and use translucent lamella structures to create distinctive visual perspectives both outwards and inwards. “Vibrant Transitions” explores light, colour, geometry and permeability. The installation shows how the BMW Group is channelling the spirit of openness and the allure of design as it enters a new era. The creative blueprint for the installation was to make transitions something visitors could experience. This is made possible by spatial flows, the interplay of day and night, and the fusion of materiality and digitality. Its execution delves into the intriguing contrasts between the MINI and BMW brands.

Individualisation as an expression of our personalities

Occupying centre stage in the installation’s three design worlds are the all-new BMW Panoramic iDrive (the revolutionary display and operating concept for the Neue Klasse), the BMW X3 “Designer's Choice” curated specially for the Salone del Mobile and the BMW CE 02 by MINI Design – a fresh and stylish, colour-rich version of the fully electric scooter. The perspectives generated through this spatial dialogue emphasise the vibrancy and positivity with which BMW Group Design is approaching the changing demands placed on future-oriented vehicle design. Everything is linked together, things can no longer be viewed separately from one another. It is about the blending of material, colour, form, digitality, sound and light. And behind it all is the newly created, cross-brand design team who have developed the creative concept in collaboration with Designworks, subsidiary of the BMW Group

The all-new BMW Panoramic iDrive represents the ideal symbiosis of technologies at the cutting edge of innovation and intuitive design. It has been designed with pixel precision to provide a holistic experience, customisable yet always with a clear BMW identity. In Milan, it is presented in an arcade created from a variety of materials, textures, light and sound accents which visitors wander through intuitively.

The BMW X3 “Designer's Choice” in the courtyard shows how individualisation through colour and material design can be used to maximise the expression of personality. Top-quality materials and appointments generate a new level of exclusivity in the interior, e.g. through the interplay of hard and soft surfaces. The exterior colour FROZEN TANZANITE BLUE lends the car an incomparable presence and brings sporting dynamism together with timeless elegance. The matte finish underscores the clear lines and contours. The dark blue shade subtly absorbs the light and creates a mysterious, luxurious look.

The MINI Neon Garden City invites visitors to linger for a while in the open air. Here, the BMW Group is showcasing its vision for urban spaces and its commitment to electric mobility – with the MINI Cooper Electric and the fully electric BMW CE 02 by MINI Design, whose colour concept was developed by the MINI Design studio specifically for the event in Milan. MINI stands out with its intelligent integration of characteristic design elements that give its

vehicles their unmistakable appearance. From unique colour accents to meticulously selected textiles – every detail of a MINI is defined by a certain personality. With their well-chosen graphical design elements in green, the two exhibits celebrate city living – appropriately so, given the setting for the Salone del Mobile in Milan. Agile, compact and electric, a healthy dose of driving/riding fun is guaranteed.

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“Vibrant Transitions” in the new House of BMW will open its doors on 8 – 13 April as part of the Salone del Mobile in Milan. Visiting times in the Palazzo Borromeo d’Adda, Via A. Manzoni 41, are: 

Tuesday, 8 April, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and

Wednesday, 9 April – Sunday, 13 April, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

In the event of enquiries please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Michaela Martinus, Spokesperson BMW Group Design

Telephone: +49-160-963-13773

E-mail: Michaela.Martinus@bmw.de

Steven Wörns, Spokesperson BMW Group Design

Telephone: +49-151-601-16992

E-mail: Steven.Woerns@bmw.de

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

E-mail: presse@bmw.de

Paris. Parallel to the market launch of the new BMW 1 Series, the new BMW X3 and the new BMW M5, the BMW Group will present the next steps in its unchanged product strategy at the Mondial de l'Auto Paris 2024. The focus is on the world premieres of the first all-electric MINI John Cooper Works models and the first joint motor show appearance of the latest concept studies of the BMW Neue Klasse, which will go into series production in 2025.

“The BMW Group is demonstrating its pioneering role in electric mobility at the Mondial de l'Auto Paris with a cross-segment range of electrified vehicles. Thanks to our attractive BEV product portfolio, we are able to grow our all-electric sales even in a demanding market environment. In the European market, we were even able to gain market share with the BMW brand,” says Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Customers, Brands, Sales.

What BMW M is to BMW, JCW is to MINI. 
The new all-electric MINI John Cooper Works models.
With the world premiere of the all-electric MINI John Cooper Works Electric and the MINI John Cooper Works Aceman, the brand's long racing history is transferred to the here and now with innovative power. The two models effortlessly transfer motorsport expertise from the race track to the road. In addition to the exclusive, sporty design

and optimised aerodynamic driving characteristics, MINI fans can also look forward to the brand's hallmark agile handling. Click [here] for more information.

The roll-out of electrification to the John Cooper Works brand within MINI transmits another strong signal on how the BMW Group is committed to electric driving as a strategic direction.

At the same time, the Mondial de l'Auto Paris 2024 marks the ideal starting point for intensified communication in the further ramp up for BMW Neue Klasse, due for launch in 2025.

First joint appearance of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse and BMW Vision Neue Klasse X.
BMW is showing two Neue Klasse Vision Vehicles in Paris, which provide an outlook on the wide range of BMW's future model portfolio.
The BMW Vision New Class is a sporty electric sedan for the premium mid-range. The BMW Vision New Class X transfers the philosophy and technology of the future generation of vehicles to the Sports Activity Vehicle segment.

"With the two vision cars for Neue Klasse we are showing how we are going to change the look & feel of the BMW brand. Many aspects of our cars will be completely new and yet we believe that the Neue Klasse will reflect the very essence of the BMW brand", says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.

Both vehicles are characterized by a clear, reduced design language. In the interior, the next generation of BMW iDrive enables intuitive interaction between driver and vehicle. The combination of BMW Panoramic Vision, 3D Head-Up Display, Central Display and the new multifunction steering wheel redefine the BMW driver orientation. Click [here] for more information.

The new BMW iX2 features in-car entertainment highlight UNO® Car Party! And Paramount+.
With UNO® Car Party! in the BMW iX2, the BMW Group is showing the next in-car gaming highlight. Since the end of August 2024, the game has already been available in over 500,000 BMW and MINI vehicles via the AirConsole platform. In addition, it was only at the beginning of October that the BMW Group brought the popular subscription streaming service Paramount+ into the vehicle, offering subscribers access to a wide range of blockbusters, new originals and hit series such as Star Trek Discovery. Customers have access to in-car entertainment highlights in their vehicles with BMW and MINI Operating System 9 in conjunction with BMW Digital Premium or the MINI Connected Package*.

*Paramount+ subscription is not part of BMW Digital Premium/MINI Connected Package.

In addition to the outlook for the BMW Neue Klasse and new digital services, also hydrogen technology is key topic at the Mondial de l'Auto Paris 2024, as a further expression of the BMW Group's open technology drive strategy.

BMW will launch its first hydrogen-powered production model in 2028. 
After successfully testing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet worldwide, the BMW Group is now preparing for series production of vehicles with hydrogen drive systems in 2028. The series production models will be integrated into BMW’s existing portfolio. Hydrogen is recognized as a promising future energy carrier of the future, actingas an effective storage medium for renewable energy sources, helping to balance supply and demand and enabling a more stable and reliable integration of renewables into the energy grid.

Click [here] for more information.

The BMW Group is also showing the complete all-electric BMW and MINI product portfolio at Mondial de l'Auto Paris 2024. It now consists of more than 15 models, which cover all major market segments.

The motor show presentation is rounded off with the electric two-wheelers from BMW Motorrad for urban areas. Click [here] for more information.

The BMW Group stand at Mondial de l'Automobile Paris 2024 covers an area of 1,300 square metres. The fair is open to trade visitors on 14 October and to the general public from 15 to 20 October 2024.

Munich. The BMW Group is completely reorganising its Design division under the leadership of Adrian van Hooydonk. Like the NEUE KLASSE, which represents the redefinition of the BMW brand with its “electric, digital, circular” philosophy, a new cross-brand design team will be launched on 1 October 2024 to meet changing demands for future-oriented vehicle design.

The new organisation, focused on the transformation of the company, will remain the industry benchmark. For example, Colour and Material Design will be consolidated across all brands, while the BMW brand team will be divided into two studios and the future topic of “Advanced Design” strengthened.

“Technology and customer preferences are currently changing faster than ever,” says van Hooydonk. “Automotive design has become more diverse. Designing digital experiences and sound also plays an increasingly important role, along with sustainable and recycled materials. The design showcases all the innovative potential of our products and brands,” van Hooydonk continues. “That’s why, more than ever, every single detail matters, as well as the holistic and harmonious integration of the various elements.”

Van Hooydonk is bringing Maximilian Missoni into the BMW Group Design team to oversee the design of upper mid-size and luxury class BMW models, as well as BMW Alpina. After holding various managerial positions at Volkswagen and Volvo Cars, Missoni was most recently Head of Design at Polestar.

Oliver Heilmer, previously Head of MINI Design, will be responsible for the design of all compact and mid-size BMW models going forward, as well as BMW M.

Claudia Braun will head the newly created cross-brand department for Colour and Material Design for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. She has already been managing colour and materials for the BMW brand since April 2024, bringing experience from Porsche AG, Daimler AG and Volvo Cars.

Domagoj Dukec, formerly Head of the BMW Design Studio, will now assume responsibility for Rolls-Royce Design, including Bespoke and Coachbuild.

Anders Warming, previously Head of Design Rolls-Royce, will oversee all Advanced Design topics, as well as the BMW Group Designworks subsidiary.

Holger Hampf, Head of BMW Group Designworks, will now be in charge of design for the MINI brand.

Christian Bauer will continue to lead the digital customer experience into a new era across all brands.

Adrian van Hooydonk: “I am delighted to continue driving the design and further development of our vehicles and brands forward, together with a first-class team of highly qualified design professionals.”

Michigan, USA. At an award ceremony at the 2024 Center for Automotive Research Seminar, Altair presented the BMW Group with this year’s prestigious Enlighten Award in the Sustainable Process category, celebrating the premium manufacturer’s progress in innovation. The annual award recognizes innovative lightweight construction and sustainability solutions across the global automotive industry that reduce carbon emissions, minimize water and energy consumption, and promote materials reuse and recycling.

The BMW Group received the award for the BMW M Visionary Materials Seat on the grounds that the research project is a precursor of future product development: Standout achievements were the sustainable seat design and the focus on the entire product lifecycle, making it one of the most innovative and visionary sustainable developments in the global automotive sector.

In addition to BMW M GmbH as the project owner, BMW Group Designworks was responsible for the design, color and material concept of the seat in collaboration with the BMW design team. The project was realized in close cooperation with several partners: Automotive Management Consulting GmbH, Bcomp Ltd, Gradel Lightweight Sàrl and Lasso Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH.

Key themes: design for circularity, lightweight construction and attractive product

As a platform for research on the development of future materials, the award-winning seat focuses on the following key themes: 

First, driving the use of plant-based materials and, as part of design for circularity, raising the share of secondary raw materials and increasing recyclability at the end of the lifecycle.

In addition, the team aimed to develop an attractive product in terms of its appearance, quality, lightweight construction and functionality. The minimalist design leaves the lightweight seat structure visible, highlighting its status as a core component. Intensive lifecycle assessments (LCA) complemented the design at each stage of development.

Falco Hollmann, Innovation Manager Lightweight Design & Sustainability at BMW M GmbH, accepted the award: “We are showing today what will be possible tomorrow with existing technologies and materials in order to take our efforts to reduce emissions and conserve resources to the next level. This is about more than just substituting materials; it is above all about designing for circularity.”

Use of natural materials

The core premise of the project was to make the leap to the future while working within today’s framework. The evaluation of available material classes with a high SQR (secondary raw material quota) showed that natural materials are the ideal complement. For example, the seat features natural fibers, fiber composites, leather alternatives and algae-based polymers.

Carbon footprint reduced by 90 percent

The seat’s CO₂e footprint is 90 percent lower than a BMW M carbon bucket seat made today, thanks to the use of ultra-light, robotically-wound fiber composite seat support structures and materials of natural origin as well as the high recycling rate. In addition, lower module complexity and the use of materials grouped by type make it easier to recycle the seat at the end of its lifecycle. The additive manufacturing processes used are also groundbreaking: A new technology made it possible to completely eliminate support structures, chemical post-treatment and finishing from the M BMW Visionary Materials Seat. Other priorities included a flat value creation chain and a minimum of finishing steps to save energy and conserve resources.

Lessons learned for future processes 

“One of our biggest lessons was the balancing, in other words, how to model our process chain to generate missing primary data,” explains Roberto Rossetti, Head of Development Total Vehicle-Lifecycle at the BMW Group. “The data obtained provides new insights, both in terms of today’s negative contributing factors and the design of tomorrow’s processes. This experience provides a solid foundation for continuously improving sustainability and developing innovative solutions for forward-thinking mobility.”

Munich/Cernobbio. With its BMW Concept Skytop design study, the BMW Group is once again bringing an exceptionally elegant, one-of-a-kind vehicle to this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the annual beauty contest for historic cars and motorcycles held on the shores of Lake Como. The open two-seater resembles a meticulously crafted vehicle sculpture, with a flowing, sporty elegance that complements its athletic, muscular stance.The interior and exterior of the concept car feature warm monochromatic colours, blending exclusive materials with traditional craftsmanship.

“The BMW Concept Skytop is a truly unique and exotic design, in the tradition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “It offers a combination of driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level, comparable to its historic ancestors, like the BMW Z8 or BMW 503.”

Athletic proportions, organic body.
The clean exterior of the BMW Concept Skytop is designed to inspire a desire to travel. Its taut, muscular surfaces are defined by a few precise lines that direct the vehicle's volume towards the rear. Winglets discreetly integrated into the door shoulders replace conventional door handles. Light-alloy wheels with precise lamellas further enhance its unique appearance.

From a bird's eye perspective, the prominent, sweeping bonnet, the iconic BMW shark-nose design with illuminated kidney grille and retracted rear section, all catch the eye. References to the legendary BMW Z8 roadster were carefully chosen. Particularly striking is the pronounced spline that extends from the bonnet, through the interior, to an aluminium trim positioned on the tailgate, emphasising the dynamic flow of the silhouette.

The harmonious design of the headlights blends highly complex details into the overall concept. The LED units, positioned on milled aluminium carriers, were custom developed for the BMW Concept Skytop, utilising the latest technology and design for automotive headlights with the slimmest profile currently available. The clean, purist design allows all lighting functions to be consolidated in a single installation space. The flat and defined shape of the rear lights complements the BMW Concept Skytop’s overall appearance.

The leather-finished roll-over bar behind the BMW Concept Skytop’s two seats is combined with side fins on the B-pillar and a fully retractable rear window. The two removable roof parts, also finished in leather, can be stored in a special compartment in the luggage space.

The colour scheme ensures a smooth transition from interior to exterior, regardless of whether the roof is open or closed. In the rear section, the reddish-brown tone of the roof flows into the muted silver with chrome shadow effect of the exterior paintwork. The technically elaborate colour gradient was crafted by an experienced master painter at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing.

Brogue-style leather surfaces characterize the interior.
The leather seats in the interior feature brogue-style accents. The reddish-brown tone of the surfaces creates a consistent colour scheme that gives the whole interior a sense of luxury and spaciousness.Crystal applications are artfully embedded in the cockpit, adding to the overall impression. The interior surfaces of the BMW Concept Skytop were crafted in the traditional saddlery of the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing.

There are also similarities in engine variants with the BMW Z8. Like the legendary roadster, the BMW Concept Skytop also comes with the most powerful V8 engine in the BMW drive train portfolio.


BMW Group Corporate Communications

Laura Kanamüller
Press spokesperson, BMW Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-51110
Email: Laura.Kanamueller@bmw.com

Steven Wörns
Press spokesperson, BMW Group Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-16992
Email: Steven.Woerns@bmw.com

Munich. Nature-driven design approaches are the main focus of this year’s munich creative business week (mcbw). “The theme of ‘How to co-create with nature’ is so interesting because it doesn’t view nature, technology and people separately, but focuses on the correlations between them,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. “It fosters new types of living and working in a community, and the array of possibilities will change both the design of products and society’s interaction with them.”

New Modes IV / “New Relations with Nature”

For the BMW Group, sustainability is not only a matter of electrifying vehicles, but also moving towards a consistent circular economy. This approach is about using resources more efficiently, closing material cycles and adapting design processes accordingly. This is why the BMW Group Design Team, in partnership with Die Neue Sammlung – The Design Museum, is dedicating this fourth event in the New Modes series to the topic of “New Relations with Nature”. At the panel discussion, the interdisciplinary experts Anna Goldhofer, Martina Maier and Johanna Seelemann will talk about how a new kind of relationship to nature can open up new perspectives for design and technological progress. A circular economy expert at the BMW Group, Anna Goldhofer has been working on the topic from the perspective of different purchasing and development units for the past six years. Johanna Seelemann heads a design studio that researches material cultures related to everyday objects. Architect Martina Maier serves as the Sustainability Specialist at Snøhetta, a transdisciplinary studio, and is responsible for implementing sustainable strategies in architecture and design.

“I Am Nature”. Designing with nature in mind

An experimental event hosted at the Munich office of Designworks, the BMW Group’s innovation studio, will explore what it means for designers to see themselves as part of nature. Titled “I Am Nature”, the event will tackle questions such as how to express principles of nature in design and new aesthetic trends that arise as creatives apply a “nature mindset”.

Those who prefer to explore circular economy topics hands-on are invited to the RE:BMW Circular Lab workshops at BMW Welt.

Conversations with BMW Group experts

As part of the BMW Group’s continued involvement in mcbw, the 2024 speaker roster comprises numerous experts from the company who will share their knowledge at different events:

Daniela Bohlinger, Senior Expert Innovation Management of the BMW Group, will be a keynote speaker at the mcbw design summit. Corinna Exner, Specialist in User Interface and User Experience Design, is one of the experts from leading companies on the DDX ’24 Munich Speaker Board – Innovation & UX Conference; her topic at the event: “The customisation of your driving experience”. Holger Hampf, Head of BMW Group Designworks, will be part of a live event, DESIGNBUS: Mobility, and will show his favourite places around Munich while sharing what inspires him as he co-creates the future.

At the 13^th rendition of Germany’s biggest design event, the munich creative business week brings together experts, companies and students of design, architecture and business to engage in a cross-disciplinary debate of current trends. The BMW Group has been a dedicated cooperation partner of mcbw since its launch in 2012. This year’s event is scheduled for 11 to 19 May.

For further programme information and to register for individual events, please see the enclosed list or go to https://www.mcbw.de/en/program.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Press and Public Relations

Michaela Martinus, Spokesperson BMW Group Design

Phone: +49-160-963-13773

Email: Michaela.Martinus@bmw.de

Steven Wörns, Spokesperson BMW Group Design

Phone: +49-151-601-16992

Email: Steven.Woerns@bmw.de

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

Email: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

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

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

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

www.bmwgroup.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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

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

Milan. “FUTURE OF JOY” is the name of the exhibition that BMW Group Design is presenting at the Salone del Mobile 2024 in Milan. The focus is on the Neue Klasse and what it means for the design of the BMW brand.

“The Neue Klasse represents the next generation of BMW vehicles with its core characteristics ‘electric, digital, circular’”, says Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. “It is a game changer for the entire company. This change is particularly evident in the design. Whether through the fusion of analogue and digital, new bio-based materials or the monolithic design language reduced to the essentials.”

“FUTURE OF JOY” by BMW Design presents working environments in which BMW designers are developing these pioneering solutions for the electric, digital and circular mobility of tomorrow. Visitors will gain insights into the new design strategy and the development process of the two Vision vehicles and will be able to see, hear, feel, taste and smell the Neue Klasse.

The dawn of a new design era.

The aspiration to create technologically excellent products and, at the same time, emotional experiences that put people at the centre is consistently reflected in the exhibition. The entrance portal, which welcomes visitors with a friendly floral design, already forms the gateway to a new world. From the street, the portico already provides a glimpse of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse. With a subtle sound and fragrance experience, the portal immediately gives visitors the feeling of an optimistic and inspiring future. This is made tangible by the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, which presents itself to the public in the new design language of BMW – clear, elegant and timeless – in the centre of the courtyard. The atrium sees itself as a place of encounter, inspiration and reflection.

With the transition into the interior of the exhibition “FUTURE OF JOY” by BMW Design, the visitor enters a warmer world of colours with yellow and orange tones. On a journey through the different design disciplines, interior and exterior, colour and trim design, as well as user interface and sound design, they discover how formerly separate categories merge into one another and together create a holistic user experience. A light show plays with the colour concepts of the two vision vehicles: yellow for the BMW Vision Neue Klasse and orange for the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X. The matt silver ceiling of the room creates a feeling of endless space as a result of reflection and stands for harmony between people and technology. Sustainable colour and material samples, artwork from the work and design process and multimedia presentations of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse and BMW Vision Neue Klasse X enable the audience to immerse itself in the feeling of positive lightness of the Neue Klasse.

“FUTURE OF JOY” by BMW Design is opening as part of the Salone del Mobile from 16 to 21 April 2024 and can be visited between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the House of BMW in Via Monte Napoleone 12 in Milan.

Salone del Mobile – a place for creative exchange.

For the BMW Group design team, the Milan Design Week is one of the essential sources of inspiration and platforms for exchanging ideas with other designers and creative minds from the fields of fashion, art and architecture. Holger Hampf, Head of BMW Group Designworks, together with Alice Rawsthorn, design critic and co-founder of Design Emergency, discussed the topic “Design as Accelerator for Change” at the opening of the Salone del Mobile in the House of BMW. A recording of the talk on the role of design and how it accelerates positive change can be seen at 
www.designboom.com

Munich. A new BMW Group Vision Vehicle provides a first glimpse of the Neue Klasse as an SAV: The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X brings the aesthetics, technology, sustainability, and philosophy of the Neue Klasse to the Sports Activity Vehicles sector. The first fully-electric raised derivative on the new architecture will go into series production at Plant Debrecen (Hungary) in 2025.

“Together with the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X showcases the breadth of our future BMW model line-up. The Neue Klasse reflects the variety of all the models that customers want today and in the future – from sporty sedan, with all its derivatives, to modern SAV family,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “In this way, we are underlining that the Neue Klasse is much more than just a car or a specific concept; it is redefining the BMW brand – and, at the same time, will be more BMW than ever.”

The company presented a clear picture of the brand's future as a sedan with the BMW Vision Neue Klasse at IAA 2023. The latest Vision Vehicle now illustrates how BMW sees the future of its X models. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X stands for an active lifestyle, efficient dynamics and a confident stance. Its design combines a clear exterior design language with a bright and spacious interior. Special lighting and sound effects enabled by the next generation of BMW iDrive enhance the intuitive digital user experience. The three main characteristics of the Neue Klasse – electric, digital and circular – are expanded here to include a fourth dimension. The driving pleasure that forms the core of the BMW brand is taken to the next level with drive and chassis control developed specially for the Neue Klasse and with the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology. Its sustainability concept also ensures responsible production, operations, disassembly and recycling.

Innovative drive and chassis control: more dynamic performance, more precision, more efficiency.
A new type of drive and chassis control delivers a superior driving experience that is tailored to individual needs. It is based on a new software stack developed in-house by the BMW Group that will help the vehicles of the Neue Klasse guarantee a smooth drive at all times. Two out of four new super-brains will take the driving experience in the Neue Klasse to a new dimension.

“Neue Klasse means BMW driving at an even higher level,” explains Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “The BMW of the future will have four totally new super-brains: high-performance computers working smartly together on what, up until now, was processed separately. We developed the first super-brain completely in-house. It integrates the entire powertrain and driving dynamics with up to ten times more computing power. The second super-brain will enable the next quantum leap in automated driving,” Weber continues. “Going forward, we will combine four key control units in a single high-performance computer. The result will be more dynamic performance, more precision, more efficiency and even more fun to drive.”

Design: BMW X models reimagined with strong characters.
In combination with the two-box design of a BMW X model, the pared-down design language developed for the Neue Klasse also represents a major leap forward in both exterior and interior design. With its increased ground clearance, the fully-electric vehicle architecture offers new possibilities for an even more spacious interior. It allows for a long wheelbase, short overhangs and classic BMW proportions. Large window areas and the panoramic glass roof flood the interior with natural light, creating an airy spaciousness that is complemented by textiles in warm colours.

“The BMW Vision Neue Klasse X provides a look ahead to the X models of the Neue Klasse. The same principles apply to our Sport Activity Vehicles: electric, digital and circular,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.
“The X models will always remain strong in character: monolithic, clean and with a very distinctive vertical interpretation of the BMW light signature.”

The new brand look for the BMW X models also contributes to the Vision Vehicle’s strong presence. Vertically aligned LED units offer a fresh interpretation of BMW’s hallmark light signature. Front and centre is the BMW kidney grille, reimagined as a three-dimensional sculpture with vertically aligned and backlit contours. Together, the headlights and kidney grille create a lighting effect that is activated as the driver approaches the vehicle and continues in the interior.

The rear section is powerful and athletic. Rear lights that reach far into the centre provide a horizontal interpretation of the familiar BMW L shape. Its 3D-printed elements are individually controlled with variable light intensity to convey a particularly expressive depth effect.

Flush glass surfaces and the bright “Coral Silver” exterior paintwork give the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X a certain lightness. In the rear portion of the side windows, the brand’s signature Hofmeister kink is realised not through chrome edging, but with a “reflective print” that forms a transparent or reflective surface, depending on the viewing angle.

Custom user experience with BMW Panoramic Vision and HYPERSONX WHEEL personalised sound experience.
The slightly elevated seating position ensures a confident driving experience. The redesigned steering wheel with multifunction buttons, Central Display with intuitive touch control functionality and BMW Panoramic Vision, together with the advanced voice control of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, serve as the effortless and intuitive interfaces for human-car interaction. BMW Panoramic Vision projects key information across the full width of the windscreen. It will be complemented in production models of the Neue Klasse by the enhanced BMW 3D Head-Up Display.

In the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X, the Central Display is elegantly integrated into the instrument panel, providing both front passengers with optimal access to all infotainment functions. The colours shown are not only transferred to the ambient light, but also to the backlit textile surfaces of the instrument panel.

The Personal Sound Experience, presented for the first time with the new HYPERSONX WHEEL, opens up further possibilities. With this digital function, car occupants can enjoy their favourite sound on any trip. The sound, generated in real time and adjusted with the tap of a finger on the HYPERSONX WHEEL, is an innovative contribution to the immersive and holistic user experience that transforms the interior of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X into a personal experience space.

BMW eDrive technology: Sixth generation more efficient than ever.
In the Neue Klasse, overall vehicle efficiency reaches a new level. The latest, sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology is key to this. In addition to improved e-drive units, it also features new and now round lithium-ion battery cells, with a volumetric energy density more than 20 percent higher than that of the prismatic cells previously used. In combination with the transition to an 800-volt system, this will improve charging speed by up to 30 percent – allowing vehicles to charge enough for a 300-kilometre range in just ten minutes. The sixth generation of BMW eDrive also delivers up to 30 percent more range. When it comes to aerodynamics, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X boasts an impressive new top figure: with drag reduced by 20 percent to a comparable model in the current line-up. New tyre designs and a special brake system for fully-electric vehicles help increase overall vehicle efficiency by up to 25 percent.

Reduced CO₂ footprint through more resource-efficient production and supply chain.
A completely plant-based, mineral-based and petroleum-free surface material “Verdana” was developed for the interior. It will be used in the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X in the lower portion of the door panelling and in the centre console. Maritime plastics are also being utilised for the first time for injection-moulded parts. In selected components, this secondary raw material, which is obtained, for example, from discarded fishing nets, already accounts for 30 percent.

The choice of materials and construction method enable easier disassembly of components and improved recyclability. The side skirts and front and rear apron attachments are also produced from recycled mono-materials. In this, the new design concept follows the principle of the BMW i Vision Circular presented in 2021, which relied extensively on mono-materials to optimise recyclability.

The Neue Klasse also heralds a new chapter in production history. BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary was planned and developed as an iFACTORY.


BMW Group Corporate Communications

Steven Wörns
Press spokesperson, BMW Group Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-16992
Email: Steven.Woerns@bmw.com

Almut Stollberg
Head of Communications Innovation, Design, Technology, Digital Car
Telephone: +49-151-601-96543
Email: Almut.Stollberg@bmw.com

Media website: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en
Email: presse@bmw.de

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Steven Woerns
Press spokesperson, BMW Group Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-16992
Email: Steven.Woerns@bmw.com

Prof. Dr. Thomas Girst
Head of BMW Group Cultural Engagement
Telephone: +49-89-382-24753
Email: Thomas.Girst@bmwgroup.com

Munich/Shanghai. The BMW Group’s Designworks innovation studio has a new location in the West Bund district of China’s economic hub of Shanghai. In West Bund, the city’s flourishing arts, culture and business district, the design team has their finger on the pulse, enabling them to develop new design ideas for both the BMW Group and other clients.

Studio opening accompanied by Art & Design talk with Cao Fei and Jessica Zhang.
The official inauguration of the new studio will take place during the West Bund Art & Design Fair Shanghai, which runs from 9-12 November 2023. As a long-standing partner, BMW Group will present the talk “Art & Design: Co-Creation x Technology". Participants will include multimedia artist Cao Fei, director of the Today Art Museum Beijing, Jessica Zhang, and head of Designworks, Holger Hampf. During the panel discussion, emerging talents Liu Xin and Fei Jun will also present their BMW inspired collaboration evolving around hyper-emotive technology experiences.

The BMW Group talk is part of the official West Bund Art & Design debate series and will take place on Friday, 10 November 2023, from 5-6 p.m. in the West Bund Dome.

Impactful collaboration and global idea-sharing at R&D centre
At the new site in West Bund, which is surrounded by countless cultural institutions, about 50 creatives find an exceptionally creative working environment. At the same time, they are in constant contact with the BMW Group design team at corporate headquarters and the other Designworks studios in Munich and Los Angeles. “With the Designworks studio in Shanghai, we are turning the eyes and ears of the BMW Group towards Asia,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “Here, we can create ground-breaking innovations that are not only important for the Chinese market, but also benefit products in the global market as a whole.” The aim is to create human-centred design innovations to meet the specific needs of customers in China and across the wider Asian region. The new Designworks studio is an integral part of the BMW Group’s Research and Development Centre in Shanghai. Pooling design and development expertise at one location speeds up and improves interdisciplinary exchange throughout the entire product creation process: from the early phases of design, all the way to production.

Insights into culture, tradition and customer wants in China.
Through Designworks Shanghai, the BMW Group gains valuable knowledge of the country’s culture and tradition. The studio provides assessments of the latest social, design-relevant phenomena and people’s changing needs, with regard to aesthetics, lifestyle and technology. “The market for car design in China has been growing disproportionately and at a breathtaking pace for several years. We are positioning ourselves to reflect this: Our Designworks team in Asia has also developed rapidly over the past ten years,” said Holger Hampf, head of Designworks. “Together with the studios in Munich and Los Angeles, Designworks is in an ideal position to constantly inspire the BMW Group and our external clients with innovative new ideas,” Hampf continued.

Design innovations for China and the BMW Group worldwide.
The influence of the design studio in China is also recognisable in the model variant of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan developed exclusively for the Chinese market. For the first time, the new BMW 5 Series for China not only comes with a longer wheelbase, creating a more spacious rear compartment, but also with proportions that are specifically designed with Chinese customers in mind. Its profile is reminiscent of a Gran Coupé. Exclusive design elements also give the vehicle a luxurious, thoroughly modern character and a strong presence. Key design elements will also be developed locally at Designworks for the future models of the NEUE KLASSE in China.

The question of how future customers define premium quality is of particular significance to the BMW Group. The “Designworkers” are gaining specific insights into the Asian region and translating them into concrete product ideas. In the field of colour and material design, the team is combining traditional craftsmanship with visionary materials to create a new and sustainable interpretation of quality at the highest level. For example, in cooperation with BMW Group Design and local Chinese tech startups, Designworks is reinterpreting traditional Chinese handicrafts such as ZhangRong velvet, Song brocade and lacquer with contemporary aesthetics for possible use in series production. Sustainable processes paired with natural and recycled materials are creating a new sense of wellbeing due to novel optical and haptic impressions.

Creative output from Designworks Shanghai is also valuable for the BMW Group’s digital experience: from visualisation of BMW IPA (Intelligent Personal Assistant), to the creation of the all new MINI digital companion, “SPIKE” and special Festival Modes– artistic animations played on the Control Display of current BMW models to celebrate special occasions.

Inspiration through cross-industry partnerships.
As at other Designworks locations, the creative minds at the Shanghai studio do not work exclusively for the BMW Group and its brands. They are also commissioned, in parallel, by a large number of clients from other industries. This gives Designworks a unique outside-in perspective that enables it to enrich BMW Group design time and again with inspiring and innovative design ideas.

In collaboration with CRRC, the world’s largest rolling stock manufacturer, the Designworks team in Shanghai designed both the exterior and interior of a new generation of high-speed trains. Designworks also recently developed the future positioning and product design for Chinese e-bike manufacturer Yadea. For luxury kitchen manufacturer Fotile, the team created an end-to-end customer experience for their smart-home household appliances.

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Michaela Martinus
Press spokesperson, Designworks
Telephone: +49-160-96 31 3773
Email: Michaela.Martinus@bmwgroup.com

Steven Woerns
Press spokesperson, BMW Group Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-16992
Email: Steven.Woerns@bmw.com

Prof Thomas Girst
Head of Cultural Engagement
Telephone: +49-89 382 24753
Email: Thomas.Girst@bmwgroup.com

Media website: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en
Email: presse@bmw.de


About Designworks

Designworks is the BMW Group's innovation studio and a global creative consultancy at the intersection of design, technology and innovation. The "Architects of Future" focus on mobility, product and digital life design, as well as strategic design consulting.

The formerly independent creative studio was taken over by the BMW Group in 1995. Designworks acts as a driving force for all brands of the parent company and as an innovation driver for a large number of clients from a wide range of industries, such as IT and consumer electronics, aviation technology, the medical and environmental sectors, and the lifestyle and sports industries. The studio was founded in 1972 in Malibu, California by Chuck Pelly. Holger Hampf has been at the helm of the consulting agency since 2017.


BMW Group Cultural Engagement

Why culture? Why not! Culture is knowledge, a sanctuary of beauty and depth, of meaning and peace. An inspiring escape. Tranquil at best, even unsettling sometimes. As a corporate citizen, the BMW Group takes social responsibility seriously, as part of which it has been involved in hundreds of cultural initiatives worldwide for over half a century, both in the arts, music & sound, architecture, as well as in design. As a long-term partner, creative freedom is key – and as essential for groundbreaking works as it is for major innovations within a business enterprise like ours.

The BMW Group's Cultural Engagement, with exclusive updates and deeper insights into its global initiatives can be followed on Instagram at @BMWGroupCulture.

Further information: www.bmwgroup.com/culture and www.bmwgroup.com/overview
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@BMWGroupCulture
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#drivenbydiversity

The BMW Group

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

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

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

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Munich. Designworks, the innovation studio of the BMW Group, has been tapped by real estate developer Magnom Properties to partner in creating an emotionally engaging design for the façade of the new Forbes International Tower in Egypt. The tower is to become a milestone in sustainable urban development in the Middle East. The idea behind architects Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill's concept for the 230-metre (755-foot)-tall building was to create a uniquely modern symbiosis between architecture and the environment. In keeping with this concept, the Designworks team will integrate such features as reflection, illumination, and digital interactivity into their design to create a harmonious sense of interrelatedness between the building, the environment, and the building’s occupants and visitors.

Designworks will also be taking on the design of a continuous user journey across all physical and digital touchpoints of the EV charging park. For this project, the team will draw on the BMW Group’s experience design process, which is focused on the needs of the customer. Magnom Properties CEO Maged Marie comments: “The collaboration with Designworks aligns perfectly with our vision of creating an absolutely exceptional experience – one that integrates innovative technologies to give visitors an entirely new sense of the building, from both the outside and the inside.”

The 55-story business tower, planned in partnership with Forbes, will be part of Cairo’s new administrative and financial district. With a total space of more than 100,000 m² (328,000 sq. ft.), it will set a new benchmark for sustainable architecture. The overarching goal is to minimize the building’s carbon footprint and achieve the highest certifications for ecological construction.

"The BMW Group was the world's first car manufacturer to have its own environmental protection officer and today, sustainability is at the heart of the company´s focus – far beyond the automobile," remarks Holger Hampf, head of Designworks. "As a BMW Group subsidiary, we are proud to be involved in the design for the Forbes International Tower. It is our firm belief that high-quality design can contribute to changing customer mindsets and behavior, promoting more responsible action."

The Forbes International Tower in Egypt is scheduled to be completed in 2027. Additional commercial towers of this type are being planned in the United Arab Emirates and in Saudi Arabia.



If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Michaela Martinus
Spokesperson Designworks
Telephone: +49-160-963-13773
Email: Michaela.Martinus@bmw.com

Steven Wörns
Spokesperson BMW Group Design
Telephone: +49-151-601-16992
Email: Steven.Woerns@bmw.com

Media Website: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en
Email: presse@bmw.de


About Designworks

Designworks is the BMW Group's innovation studio and a global creative consultancy at the intersection of design, technology and innovation. The "Architects of Future" focus on mobility, product and digital life design, as well as strategic design consulting. The formerly independent creative studio was taken over by the BMW Group in 1995. Designworks acts as a driving force for all brands of the parent company and as an innovation driver for a large number of clients from a wide range of industries, such as IT and consumer electronics, aviation technology, the medical and environmental sectors, and the lifestyle and sports industries.
The studio was founded in 1972 in Malibu, California by Chuck Pelly. Holger Hampf has been at the helm of the consulting agency since 2017.

www.bmwgroupdesignworks.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 and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

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

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

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

Munich. The BMW stand at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 in Tokyo centres on the latest innovations and trailblazing visions in the focus areas of electrification and digitalisation. Formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show, this trade fair provides the stage for the world premiere of the new BMW X2. The compact Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) is also being offered in an all-electric version for the first time in the guise of the BMW iX2 and boasts a wealth of digital innovations. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse will also be making its first appearance on the Asian continent, just a few weeks after its global debut at the IAA Mobility show in Munich. This Vision Vehicle offers a look ahead to the driving and user experience of the future – set to become reality from 2025 with the arrival of the Neue Klasse models.

From 26 October – 5 November 2023, BMW will be presenting a broad selection of its latest new models and innovations to visitors gathering at Tokyo’s Big Sight international exhibition centre. Digital technologies and the ways they can be applied to enhance the user experience are a key point of focus. The upgraded BMW iDrive control/operation system with QuickSelect in the new BMW X2 paves the way for a much wider offering of digital content for information and entertainment. The new BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades give customers access to innovative offerings in areas such as in-car gaming and video & audio streaming (availability varies according to model, specification and country).

The featured highlight of the next-generation BMW iDrive in the BMW Vision Neue Klasse is BMW Panoramic Vision. From 2025, customers will be able to experience information being projected across the entire width of the windscreen in the Neue Klasse production models.

The BMW press conference at the opening of the Japan Mobility Show 2023 will be broadcast as an on-demand webcast that can be streamed from 8:00 a.m. (CEST) on 25 October 2023 at www.live.bmwgroup.com/.

Ongoing expansion of fully electric model line-up.

With its launch of the BMW iX2, BMW is forging ahead with the ramp-up of electric mobility and the introduction of locally emission-free driving pleasure into new target groups. The brand has at least one fully electric representative in all relevant model segments. Other members of its wide-ranging electric mobility line-up alongside the BMW iX2 are also on display at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 – from the BMW iX1 compact Sports Activity Vehicle to the BMW i4 and BMW i5, the BMW iX and the BMW i7 luxury sedan. At the same time, BMW is clearly demonstrating how electrified drive systems are becoming increasingly important in the luxury segment too. In Tokyo, the brand is exhibiting the BMW i7 M70 xDrive* – the most powerful all-electric BMW yet – as well as the BMW XM Label Red* with M HYBRID drive system and the BMW X7, which employs 48V mild hybrid technology to accelerate the power delivery and boost the efficiency of its internal combustion engines.

World premiere: the all-new BMW X2 and the first-ever BMW iX2.

It was the BMW X2 that first introduced the concept of a Sports Activity Coupé for the premium compact segment. The second-generation model is now even more distinctive and forward-looking and, for the first time, also comes in an all-electric version with the arrival of the first-ever BMW iX2. All details of the new edition of the compact SAC will be released when communications officially get underway on 11 October 2023. The all-new BMW X2 and the first-ever BMW iX2 will make their first public appearance not long afterwards at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 in Tokyo.

Asian premiere: the BMW Vision Neue Klasse.

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse provides a window into the electric, digital and circular future of the BMW brand. The new Vision Vehicle’s design showcases styling elements that will have a formative influence on the various Neue Klasse models. A clear design language pared back to the essentials brings the signature BMW styling features – such as the BMW kidney grille and the Hofmeister kink – even more prominently to the fore.

The user experience presented as part of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse is no less futuristic. The next-generation BMW iDrive merges the real and virtual worlds, while expanding the interaction between user and car. Developed for the Neue Klasse, BMW Panoramic Vision projects information across the entire width of the windscreen. And the central display, the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel and the enhanced voice control via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant enrich the multisensory user experience offered by the next-generation BMW iDrive.

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse also encompasses major advances in drive technology. Thanks to the sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology on board, efficiency will be increased by 25 per cent, range will be 30 per cent longer and charging will be 30 per cent quicker. The increased use of secondary raw materials as well as resource-efficient production will also have the effect of shrinking the lifecycle carbon footprint of Neue Klasse models.

Driving innovation: the BMW iX5 Hydrogen*.

BMW is also rigorously driving forward the development of hydrogen fuel-cell drive technology as it progresses towards mobility with zero local emissions. The exhibits at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 include the BMW iX5 Hydrogen. Built as a pilot series, the iX5 Hydrogen is currently in use with various target groups around the world for demonstration and test purposes. Developed on the basis of the BMW X5 and manufactured at the pilot plant of the BMW Group’s Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) in Munich, this Sports Activity Vehicle combines locally emission-free driving pleasure with a long range and markedly short refuelling stops. Its highly integrated drive unit featuring the latest, fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology draws its energy from a high-performance battery that was specially developed for the hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. The fuel-cell system and high-performance battery combine to generate maximum output of 295 kW/401 hp. Two tanks made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) together hold six kilograms of gaseous hydrogen and can be filled in three to four minutes. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen achieves a range of 504 kilometres (313 miles) in the WLTP cycle without having to refuel.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is further evidence of the BMW Group’s broad-based development expertise and “technology-open” approach in the field of drive systems. The highly efficient fuel-cell systems fitted in the pilot fleet of BMW iX5 Hydrogen models were made at the BMW Group’s competence centre for hydrogen in Munich. The company sources the requisite fuel cells from the Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan. The strategic partnership between the two carmakers – now a decade old – is key to the rapid development of hydrogen technologies and their successful integration into a sustainable powertrain portfolio.

Munich. Alexander Buckan will take over from Edgar Heinrich as the new head of BMW Motorrad Design, effective 1 January 2024. Buckan will be responsible for the design of all BMW Group two-wheeled vehicles, rider's equipment and accessories. Edgar Heinrich, who has been BMW Motorrad’s head of Design since 2012, is retiring after 35 years at the BMW Group.

“We are delighted to be able to present our experienced colleague and motorcycle enthusiast Alexander Buckan as the new head of BMW Motorrad Design,” declared Dr Markus Schramm, head of BMW Motorrad. “Alexander has already contributed a great deal to our motorcycle design as the manager of our design team – making him the ideal choice to lead and bring new impetus to BMW Motorrad Design,” added Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.

Long-serving employee and motorcycle enthusiast Alexander Buckan takes the helm of design team.
Buckan began his career at BMW Motorrad as a transportation designer back in 2003. Since then, he has been responsible for a variety of different models, including the BMW F 800 GS, BMW G 450 X, BMW R 1200 GS LC and BMW R 1200 GS Adventure LC.

In April 2015, Buckan was promoted to head of BMW Motorrad Vehicle Design. As design manager, he worked with Edgar Heinrich on the design of the BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100. The design of the BMW CE 04 and BMW CE 02 e-scooters was also Buckan’s responsibility, as well as the design of the new BMW R 1300 GS, which will celebrate its world premiere on 28 September 2023 at BMW Motorrad Welt in Berlin.

Edgar Heinrich: 35 years of passion for BMW Motorrad.
“We would like to thank Edgar Heinrich for his many years of outstanding service,” said Markus Schramm. “His enthusiasm for riding pleasure on two wheels has inspired countless fans around the world.”

Adrian van Hooydonk: “With his creativity and passion for BMW Motorrad, Edgar Heinrich has shaped the brand like no one else. Under his leadership, BMW Motorrad design has been significantly broadened, modernised and, above all, made more emotional.”

Edgar Heinrich began his career at BMW Motorrad in 1985 and was elevated to senior designer in 1992. In 2005, he was appointed head of BMW Motorrad Vehicle Design and, seven years later, assumed overall responsibility as head of BMW Motorrad Design. During this time, Heinrich shaped the brand’s design language and developed motorcycles that set the benchmark for their segments. Models like the BMW R 1100 S sports boxer, the BMW K 1200 R naked bike and the touring enduro icon, the BMW R 1200 GS, were all created under his leadership. Heinrich was also involved in developing HP models, rally motorcycles, electric scooters and the ground-breaking BMW Motorrad VISION NEXT 100 design concept.

Munich. The world premiere of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse marks a new beginning for the BMW brand, one characterised by a completely fresh way of thinking and approach. THE NEUE NEW is the title of the multi-channel campaign accompanying the Bavarian premium carmaker’s ongoing process of transformation. The campaign’s storytelling captures the central areas of action contained within this transformation and brings an unusual angle to the idea of “the new”.

The campaign THE NEUE NEW – developed and implemented by the agency THE GAME created specially for the BMW Group and the BMW brand – explains in an authentic and accessible way what underpins the “NEU” of the forthcoming NEUE KLASSE. The use of the German word for “new” references the name of this new-generation model series and has an effective and memorable impact in non-German-speaking markets around the world as well as at home. At the same time, the campaign shines the spotlight on the brand promise “Freude forever.” and opens a window to BMW as a future-facing brand focused on meeting peoples’ needs.

“THE NEUE NEW represents our journey into a completely new era of mobility, in which we are putting people front and centre. And its visual implementation is likewise very authentic, accessible and human,” says Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President Customer and BMW Brand. “The campaign provides an initial example of how we are also employing innovative communication approaches to drive forward the transformation process BMW is currently navigating.”

THE NEUE NEW tells the story of the transformation alongside the key future-focused fields the BMW Group has set itself: the ideal of a circular economy as a progressive mindset geared towards preserving resources; digitalisation focused on identifying and meeting peoples’ needs; and a commitment to electrification with the aim of making the driving pleasure for which the brand is renowned something future generations can also experience.

As a central hub in which these three elements converge, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse embodies a fresh departure fuelled by optimism for the future. Recalling the “mk1” Neue Klasse, which revolutionised the brand’s product range in the 1960s, the storytelling approach is deliberately playing on the German “Neue” in non-German-speaking markets as well as at home and, in so doing, redefining the idea of “the new” itself.

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse shows us here and now how Sheer Driving Pleasure will be interpreted in the years ahead. At its heart is the design language of “intelligent reduction to the essentials”. Meanwhile, the latest generation of BMW iDrive delivers a digital, immersive user experience in which the driver takes centre stage. Every aspect of the development process took sustainability and efficiency as the guiding themes.

THE NEUE NEW: 360-degree campaign follows a “social first” approach.

The campaign strategically orchestrated by THE GAME feeds all the main touchpoints of the various target groups. Alongside various influencer collaborations, the campaign focuses primarily on the brand’s social media channels. A filter for Instagram and Snapchat developed specially for the campaign also allows the BMW Vision Neue Klasse to inspire its audience within an augmented reality experience.

The 360-degree approach of THE NEUE NEW allows it to make a mark with out-of-home activities and double-page spreads in print media, too. The campaign is supported by other measures on BMW channels such as the My BMW App, the brand’s homepage and FREUDE.FOREVER magazine. THE MARCOM ENGINE was responsible for the media planning across all channels and touchpoints.

During the IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, the campaign also becomes a physical experience. The concept behind the show stand for the BMW Group’s Open Space at Max-Joseph-Platz was the work of creative consultancy Meiré and Meiré. The installation for the BMW Vision Neue Klasse followed THE NEUE NEW campaign approach and was accompanied by communications input from Cologne-based creative agency Elastique, and the key opinion leader & talent agency Pacific took care of the on-site support programme.

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1LTr6frDS4

Munich. With its latest design concept, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, the BMW Group is showcasing what the next generation of vehicles from its core BMW brand will look like. “The BMW Vision Neue Klasse combines our ability to innovate in the core areas of electrification, digitalisation and circularity,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “In this way, we are always able to stay two steps ahead of the future: The Neue Klasse is already bringing the mobility of the next decade to the roads in 2025 – and leading BMW into a new era.”

The Vision Vehicle, which will be unveiled for the first time in public at the IAA Mobility 2023 International Motor Show in Munich, embodies a clear design language, with expansive surfaces and just a few distinctive lines, that has been pared down to the essentials. This approach accentuates signature features like the BMW kidney grille and the Hofmeister kink of the side window graphic, giving the design even more of a BMW feel. In the interior, the next generation of BMW iDrive guarantees a unique digital user experience that merges real and virtual worlds. Increased use of secondary raw materials, resource-efficient production and a fully-electric drive train with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology reduces the carbon footprint of the Neue Klasse across the vehicle lifecycle.

“30 percent more range, 30 percent faster charging, 25 percent more efficiency – the Neue Klasse represents a major technological leap that will take EfficientDynamics to new heights. The same applies to its design – which could not be any more futuristic,” says Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “With the Neue Klasse, we have embarked on the biggest investment in the company’s history. We are not just writing the next chapter of BMW; we’re writing a whole new book. That’s why the Neue Klasse will certainly impact all model generations.”

New BMW design language: clear, elegant, timeless.
The exterior showcases design elements that will define the different Neue Klasse models. It is clear, elegant, timeless. The new, fully-electric vehicle architecture also opens up new possibilities for the interior design. “The design of the Neue Klasse is typically BMW and so progressive it looks like we skipped a model generation,” explains Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.

Powerful wheel arches, the retracted greenhouse and steeply forward-slanting “shark nose” front-end are all characteristic BMW features. 21-inch aerodynamic wheels pay tribute to the classic cross-spoke design inspired by motorsports. At the same time, the almost monolithic vehicle body, with strong indentations at the front and rear, as well as large window areas, create a new aesthetic.

The luminous exterior paintwork in “Joyous bright”, with its subtle yellow hue, underscores the friendly, future-oriented personality of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse. Contrast is provided by black side skirts and bumpers. With a higher percentage of secondary raw materials and significantly reduced material variety, targeted improvements have been made to enhance circularity. An improved dismantling concept will also help optimise recycling of the vehicles of the Neue Klasse.

A fresh interpretation of the brand's signature design elements, like the BMW kidney grille and double headlights, transform the vehicle’s front-end into a single interaction area. A lighting effect with precise three-dimensional animation initiates intuitive interaction between the human and their vehicle as soon as they approach the car. E Ink elements in the lower portion of the side windows also feature in the exterior welcome scenario, directing attention to the sensor area that activates automatic door opening. Innovative technology similarly defines the design of the rear lights, with 3D-printed light elements that extend over several levels and are controlled in a targeted manner to create a unique impression of depth.

Providing vision: Next generation of BMW iDrive.
Analogue operating controls have been reduced to a minimum in the BMW Vision Neue Klasse. Human-car interaction takes place through the BMW Panoramic Vision, the Central Display and multifunction buttons on the steering wheel. The user experience is rounded out by the tried-and-tested voice control of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. In this way, the next generation of BMW iDrive offers a modern interpretation of the driver orientation typical of the brand.

As it did with the introduction of the BMW iDrive controller in the centre console and the BMW Head-Up Display, the brand is once again leading the world with BMW Panoramic Vision, which will be available for the first time in the Neue Klasse. Information is projected at the ideal height into the driver's line of sight and, for the first time, across the entire width of the windscreen. This innovation will complement the enhanced BMW Head-Up Display in the production models of the Neue Klasse.

In the next generation of BMW iDrive, both the driver and front passenger are able to interact with information displayed on BMW Panoramic Vision, creating a shared user experience. Drivers can move content shown on the Central Display to the BMW Panoramic Vision with a simple gesture.

A coordinated choreography between the ambient lighting and graphic elements of the Central Display and BMW Panoramic Vision enriches the user experience – which can also be customised using My Modes. In My Mode ‘Sport’, specific displays are set against a yellow background to support dynamic driving. The new BMW iDrive is based on a highly integrated software architecture that consolidates data related to the driving experience and infotainment with data from the vehicle's electronics and electrical system and the BMW cloud. Interaction between human and vehicle can thus be tailored even more closely to the driving situation and individual needs, enabling a totally new perception of mobility.

Bright cord fabrics create a comfortable atmosphere inside the BMW Vision Neue Klasse. The light-coloured instrument panel supports the steering wheel, which is flattened at the top and bottom, as well as the Central Display with Matrix-Backlight in the outline of a parallelogram. A smartphone charging cradle and the glassy selector lever space on the centre console. The front seats are attached to the floor by a single bracket, freeing up additional legroom in the rear compartment, where passengers can enjoy the spaciousness created by having two individual seats. The design of the interior, which is completely free of decorative chrome or leather, helps optimise the carbon footprint of the production process.

CO2-reduced production, sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology.
Manufactured at the new plant in Debrecen largely without fossil fuels and with much wider use of raw and secondary materials produced with reduced CO₂, the Neue Klasse will also provide significant impetus for resource-efficient individual mobility. High energy efficiency during the vehicle use phase will be ensured by optimising weight, air and rolling resistance, as well as through intelligent heat management, especially for the electric drive train, using sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology.

In addition to highly efficient electric motors, major advances in the new BMW eDrive technology include newly-developed round battery cells, with more than 20 percent higher energy density than that of the prismatic cells previously used. The sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology will improve the charging speed for Neue Klasse models by up to 30 percent, in addition to boosting their range by up to 30 percent. As a result of all these measures, overall vehicle efficiency will increase by up to 25 percent.

Innovations guarantee signature BMW driving pleasure for future generations.
Electrification, digitalisation and circularity are the core elements of the transformation that is being actively shaped by the BMW Group and began with the electrified models of the BMW i brand. The BMW i Vision Circular highlights the tremendous potential that can be leveraged by systematic implementing a circular economy that reduces consumption of raw materials and lowers CO₂ emissions. BMW i Vision Dee, on the other hand, shows how digital, human-centric technology can enrich the user experience.

All these topics are now coming together in the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, a vehicle that represents the whole range of technological innovations through which the BMW Group is demonstrating its future sustainability. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse signals the start of a new era of individual mobility that is rich in digital experiences, locally emission-free and circular in the long term – guaranteeing typical BMW driving pleasure for generations to come.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Munich/Santa Monica. Designworks is opening a new studio in Santa Monica, CA, close to one of the most important and complex mobility hubs in the world, and in the heart of “Silicon Beach” – the trendsetting design, media, and technology hotspot of Southern California.  With a mission to shape the future of mobility, Designworks’ new studio will draw inspiration from this environment in its work on behalf of the BMW Group, and with clients from numerous other industries ranging from mobility and transportation to consumer electronics, charging infrastructure and interior spaces.  As both a design studio and creative think tank Designworks identifies global trends and provides inspiration in the fields of innovation, design, and sustainability.

New location gears up Designworks LA for the future.
Over the past 50 years, Designworks’ capabilities and business have expanded: from initially creating classic clay models for vehicle design to developing holistic mobility solutions that serve the whole ecosystem of urban spaces.

“Santa Monica is a test bed for the innovative and sustainable mobility solutions of tomorrow,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President, BMW Group Design and a former Head of Designworks. “Designworks will generate valuable impetus, inspiration, and new ideas for the design of the BMW Group brands right here.”

The new studio, covering an area of about 16,500 square feet, is the largest of the three global Designworks studios including locations in Munich and Shanghai. The structure and equipment of the each of these facilities support the transformation from physical to digital design and development.

“Our new studio allows us to fully exploit the freedoms digitalization gives us,” said the Head of Designworks, Holger Hampf. “Personal interaction remains a focal point, but we do work differently in Santa Monica: In this new workspace, our processes are geared towards virtual communication, and we are able to bring the results of our work to life for clients in an entirely new way.

Integrating art and design to shape the future.
The official opening of the new Designworks studio will coincide with Frieze Los Angeles, the art show which the BMW Group has supported as a partner for years. From February 16-19, creatives and art lovers from around the world will gather at the exhibition space at Santa Monica Airport. The combination of art and design has traditionally played a major role in BMW Group Design's creative work. “Artists and designers alike are forward thinkers who question the status quo, speed up the transformation and shape the future,” says van Hooydonk, “– like the artist Thomas Demand: He and I both share an intense interest in social and cultural developments that helps us assess how relevant our work is for the future.”

The extent to which art and design can be mutually inspiring was exemplified in the run-up to the presentation of the BMW Vision M NEXT in 2019. Adrian van Hooydonk invited German artist and university lecturer Prof. Thomas Demand to photograph the Vision Vehicle well in advance of the official unveiling. Demand built parts of the car in paper that captured the central ideas of the vehicle in an artistic manner. He photographed them without revealing the full design and these became the first images of the car that were revealed by BMW. 

Designworks as the BMW Group's creative think tank.
As a BMW Group subsidiary, Designworks is involved in many internal design projects within the company. Further, the sharing of ideas and expertise developed through the studio’s work with external clients from other sectors provides an “outside-in” perspective which helps to inform and enrich the development of the company’s user centric approach.  In this way, Designworks developed two innovative seat studies for the BMW brand that combine sustainability with visionary design. In cooperation with start-ups, it is also experimenting with completely new production methods and environmentally compatible, recyclable materials, such as bacteria-based, plastic-free and non-animal textiles that give surfaces a high-quality look and feel and provide high durability.

The BMW M Hybrid V8 race car, which recently debuted at the 24 Hours of Daytona originated from Designworks. Its design combines traditional details with the technology required for efficient performance on the racetrack. The paintwork recalls the colours of classic race cars and brings elements of five decades of motorsports history into the present day.

For the most recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Designworks created a special app to accompany the presentation of the BMW i Vision Dee, a future-focused vision vehicle featuring color changing E Ink technology. The app enables users to create a “digital twin” of the vehicle in any color or pattern with their smartphone, and project it virtually onto any background, demonstrating how the concept could live in the real and the virtual worlds. 

München. Designworks, the innovation studio of the BMW Group, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The consulting agency for design and innovation was instrumental in the design development of the BMW X model range, played a driving role in the design concept for the BMW i electric brand and is behind many of the BMW Group's visionary vehicles, such as the GINA Light Visionary Model.

With locations in Los Angeles, Munich and Shanghai and clients from various industries, the studios provide important impulses on global, design-relevant phenomena to the company headquarters. Designworks was founded in 1972 by US industrial designer Chuck Pelly in a garage in Malibu, California. It has been a wholly owned subsidiary of the BMW Group since 1995. The 130 creatives that make up the Designworks team see themselves as "Architects of future".

The BMW Group’s recipe for success: the independent profit center completes about half of its nearly 300 projects a year for the BMW Group, while the other half consists of collaborations with selected external digital and mobility clients. This model gives the BMW Group an outside-in perspective that is unique in the industry. No other automobile manufacturer has a design studio that is in any way comparable.

Well positioned for the future: “Excellent chance of being successful”.

The biggest challenge in the coming years will be the transformation of the
BMW Group and the entire automotive industry towards electrification, digitalization and sustainability. Designworks will be alongside this transformation and fuel it with strong, creative and innovative ideas. Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, is optimistic about the future: “This change affects the entire industry. We will need all our creativity and advanced thinking to find the best solutions. The set-up we have with Designworks gives us an excellent chance of being successful.”

From design shaping to new business potential.

Designworks is involved in many of the BMW Group's internal tasks - from shape design and strategy development to identifying new business potential. Holger Hampf, Head of Designworks, says: “We work on solutions for complex ecosystems at the intersection of design, mobility and technology. Our job is to present the unexpected approach to a solution. We have to challenge the BMW Group in a positive way, develop ideas and, in the best case, answer questions that haven’t even been asked yet.”

Working for a wide variety of industries, Designworks has been involved in the design concepts of seating furniture, aircraft, underground rail, bicycles, boats, sporting goods, air taxis (eVTOLs), agricultural and forestry machinery, a hyperloop and more. The knowledge and creativity transfer also works in the opposite direction: Gaining knowledge from diverse projects with the parent company, Designworks is able to open up new design horizons for its external partners. The understanding of premium mobility, brand differentiation under one corporate umbrella and the knowledge of challenges in the innovation process in large companies are strong arguments for external clients to work with the BMW Group subsidiary.

Antennas to the world.

Designworks is seen by the BMW Group as a valuable link to people, their wishes and expectations far beyond the automotive context. As an important innovation driver, the BMW Group involves its creative “think tank” in many challenging future projects.

To make sure, the teams never run out of innovative ideas, Designworks nourishes a culture of creative friction. By accepting friction as part of the creative process, the teams consciously invite creative tension that must be explored, examined and ultimately resolved. This process yields more refined creative output than one with a more harmonious beginning. The designers are convinced: In a complex world, better and more meaningful solutions for the future emerge from opposing views and positive tensions in the creative process.

Advanced Design: Answers to previously unasked questions.

In the BMW Group's Advanced Design, it is the task of the innovation subsidiary to raise and explore questions about the future of mobility that have not been asked. In doing so, the teams are to develop innovative approaches to topics and problems that the BMW Group is not yet actively addressing. The intention is to be provocative – and to think mobility off the beaten path. "Designworks is able to do this because it constantly has its "eyes and ears" on the pulse of the times at three locations, as Adrian van Hooydonk puts it. “Advanced Design gives us the creative energy we need to be really competitive.”

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Michaela Martinus, Spokesperson BMW Group Design

Telephone: +49 (0)89 3822 1163

Email:Michaela.Martinus@bmwgroup.com

Almut Stollberg, Head of Communication Innovation, Design, Technology, Digital Car

Telephone:  +49 (0)89 3829 6543

Email:Almut.Stollberg@bmwgroup.com

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

Email: presse@bmwgroup.com

Designworks

Designworks is the BMW Group's innovation studio and a global creative consultancy at the

intersection of design, technology and innovation. The "Architects of Future" focus on mobility, product and digital life design as well as strategic design consulting. The formerly independent creative studio was taken over by the BMW Group in 1995. Designworks acts as driving force for all brands of the parent company and as an innovation driver for a large number of clients from a wide range of industries, such as IT and consumer electronics, aviation technology, the medical and environmental sectors, and the lifestyle and sports industries.

The studio was founded in 1972 in Malibu, California by Chuck Pelly and employs more than 130 people. Holger Hampf has been at the helm of the consulting agency since 2017.

www.bmwgroupdesignworks.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 and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2021, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 194,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2021 was € 16.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 111.2 billion. As of 31 December 2021, the BMW Group had a workforce of 118,909 employees.

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

www.bmwgroup.com

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

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• Innovation as the key to sustainable mobility.
• Newly-developed BMW round cells optimised for NEUE KLASSE architecture
• Costs for whole high-voltage battery up to 50% lower than for current generation
• CO2-reduced production – through green power and secondary material
• Development head Weber: “Huge leap in technology for energy density, charging speed and range”
• Purchasing head Post: “We will be building battery cell factories with our partners, each with an annual capacity of up to 20 GWh, at six locations in USMCA, Europe and China”
• BMW EfficientDynamics is currently delivering practical consumption and range data and offers potential for the NEUE KLASSE from 2025
• Sustainability in vehicle production through innovative bio-based materials to replace raw materials of animal origin.
• Replacing leather reduces CO2e emissions by 85 percent.
• Unique recycling process creates a recycled plastic material from ocean waste.
• CO2 emissions are reduced by 25 percent compared to conventionally manufactured components.
• Ocean plastics used to make floor mats in the BMW iX and the BMW X1.
• The BMW Group aims to use thermoplastics made from 40 percent recycled material in its new vehicles by 2030.
• Seat design concepts for BMW and MINI: Visionary aesthetics, sustainable materials, reduced CO₂ emissions.
• Digital network for sustainable vehicle development:
  First applications for Catena-X.
• Generative design: Efficient and resource-saving design processes with intelligent algorithms – up to 50 percent less weight, breakthrough in the NEUE KLASSE.
• Visionary concepts and concrete solutions for intelligent traffic management and electric ecosystems in the city.
• Electric single-track vehicles: BMW CE 04, BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02, BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY and BMW i Vision AMBY.

Sustainability through Innovation.
Continuously enhancing driving pleasure and ambitious sustainability targets define the work of the BMW Group in shaping the individual mobility of the future. The company firmly believes that innovation is the key to progress in both areas. With more than 100 years of experience and extensive technological expertise, the BMW Group is rising to the challenge of developing attractive mobility solutions in harmony with climate protection, resource conservation, quality of life in urban environments and social responsibility. As part of the “Sustainability through Innovation 2022” event, the company is presenting a wide range of groundbreaking technologies, concepts and strategies that illustrate how innovative strength and visionary thinking can generate momentum for sustainable mobility.

New battery cell for the NEUE KLASSE models.

With the models of the NEUE KLASSE due to make their début in 2025, the BMW Group is poised to enter a new era in electromobility and for the first time use round battery cells, which are optimally adapted to the new architecture centred around all-electric drive systems. The innovative lithium-ion batteries for what will be the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology will increase range by 30 percent and charging speed by around 20 percent. There will also be a reduction in CO₂ emissions in the production of the battery cells, while manufacturing costs for the entire high-voltage battery will be up to 50 percent lower compared with the current, fifth generation.

The new round cells measure 46 millimetres in diameter and will be manufactured in two different lengths. Depending on the model, they can be flexibly integrated into the available installation space in the vehicle underbody. To meet demand for battery cells for the NEUE KLASSE, the BMW Group will build two new battery cell factories with partners in Europe, China and the USMCA region.

BMW EfficientDynamics supports the transformation to electromobility.

More driving pleasure, lower emissions – this is the principle behind BMW EfficientDynamics, which has been driving progress in sustainability through continuous innovation since 2007. Along with the drive system, the technology package includes intelligent lightweight construction, reduced rolling resistance and optimised aerodynamics, all of which play a part in the transformation to electromobility. Current BMW models featuring pure electric drivetrains have been impressing media representatives in test drives, delivering outstanding energy consumption and range values and even undercutting or exceeding the official WLTP or EPA figures in some cases.

The NEUE KLASSE models will also benefit from BMW EfficientDynamics. This integrated approach to maximum efficiency influences development of the new vehicles and platforms from the very outset, not just in the drivetrain configuration, but also in the areas of design and material selection.

On the road to a circular economy and vegan interiors.

At the BMW Group, designers, material scientists and experts from other disciplines are working together on sustainable solutions for designing vehicle interiors and exteriors. The focus is on responsible procurement and processing of raw materials that is as CO₂-free as possible, continuously increasing the proportion of secondary materials with the aim of achieving a complete circular economy, new recycling processes, increased use of natural fibres and the replacement of raw materials of animal origin.

The BMW Group plans to launch its first vehicles featuring completely vegan interiors in 2023. This is being made possible primarily through the development of innovative materials with leather-like properties. Replacing leather reduces the CO₂ emissions along the value chain for the respective interior components by around 85 percent.

Recycled fishing nets as a raw material for interior and exterior components.

In a first for the automotive industry, the models of the NEUE KLASSE due to be launched from 2025 onwards will feature trim parts made of plastic whose raw material contains around 30 percent recycled fishing nets and ropes. These waste materials from the maritime industry are proactively sourced at ports all around the world to ensure that they don’t end up being discarded in the sea. For numerous other materials – from steel and aluminium to plastic and glass, all the way to high-voltage batteries – new recycling processes are being developed and established in line with the principles of a circular economy. Through its work in the area of circular design, the BMW Group aims to ensure that end-of-life vehicles are available for use as a source of raw materials for new vehicles.

Sustainable materials, new aesthetic: Visionary seat design concepts.

The BMW Group is also presenting visionary seat design concepts for future BMW and MINI models at the event. The materials used are characterised by environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, full recyclability, groundbreaking aesthetics and uncompromising premium quality with an exceptional look and feel.

Digital tools for greater sustainability.

Digitalisation and the associated innovations are also making a significant contribution to continuously increasing sustainability in the supply chain and in the construction of BMW Group vehicles. This is evident in the cross-industry data network Catena-X and in generative design with new computer-assisted methods for the development of vehicle components.

BMW AG is one of the initiators of the Catena-X partner network, which, through the establishment of a networked database, is also laying the groundwork for the creation a circular economy and the consistent reduction of CO₂ emissions in the supply chain. Around a year after its launch, the alliance for the secure exchange of data across companies in the automotive industry is now presenting its first applications ready for testing in practice.

Breakthrough in the NEUE KLASSE: Generative design.

Within the BMW Group, digitalisation in the form of generative design is playing an increasingly important role in the efficient and resource-saving design of vehicle components. Using computer algorithms, designers and engineers can create complex component geometries that enable a significant reduction in material usage and weight that would not be possible with conventional methods.

Diverse concepts for sustainable urban mobility.

To increase sustainability in the use phase of its vehicles and at the same time promote the attractiveness of cities as living spaces for their residents, the BMW Group is examining the entire urban mobility ecosystem. In addition to the development of locally emission-free vehicles, this includes diverse concepts for sustainable mobility in urban areas.

Innovative round battery cells for NEUE KLASSE from 2025.

More performance, CO2-reduced production, significantly lower costs: BMW Group to use innovative round BMW battery cells in NEUE KLASSE from 2025.

The BMW Group is convinced that powerful, innovative, sustainably-produced battery cells will be key to the success of individual electromobility in the future. The company is set to launch a new era of e-mobility from 2025 with the models of its NEUE KLASSE – using newly-developed round battery cells optimised for the new architecture for the first time.

 “The newly-developed sixth generation of our lithium-ion cells will bring a huge leap in technology that will increase energy density by more than 20 percent, improve charging speed by up to 30 percent and enhance range by up to 30 percent,” according to Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “We are also reducing CO₂ emissions from cell production by up to 60 percent. These are big steps for sustainability and customer benefits.”

“To meet our long-term needs, we will be building battery cell factories with our partners, each with an annual capacity of up to 20 GWh, at six locations in key markets for us: two in China, two in Europe and two in USMCA,” added Joachim Post, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. “We have also reached agreement with our partners that they will use a percentage of secondary material for the raw materials lithium, cobalt and nickel, as well as utilising green power for production, to ensure CO₂-reduced manufacturing.”

The BMW Group has already awarded contracts in the two-digit billion-euro range for production of the new BMW battery cells. By leveraging the comprehensive in-house expertise of the company’s own Battery Cell Competence Centre, the team from development, production and purchasing has been able to significantly reduce costs for the high-voltage battery, thanks to the new battery cell and new integration concept for battery technology developed by BMW.Based on current market assumptions, costs can be reduced by up to 50 percent, compared to the current fifth generation. The BMW Group has set itself the goal of bringing manufacturing costs for fully-electric models down to the same level as vehicles with state-of-the-art combustion-engine technology.

Technological advances: new cell format and enhanced cell chemistry

The battery cell is responsible for electric vehicles’ core properties of range, driving performance and charging time. For the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology used in the NEUE KLASSE, the company has fundamentally refined the cell format and cell chemistry. With the new BMW round cell specially designed for the electric architecture of the NEUE KLASSE models, it will be possible to significantly increase the range of the highest-range model by up to 30 percent (according to WLTP).

The new BMW round cells come with a standard diameter of 46 millimetres and two different heights. Compared to the prismatic cells of the fifth BMW battery cell generation, the nickel content in the sixth-generation BMW round cells is higher on the cathode side, while the cobalt content is reduced. On the anode side, the silicon content will be increased. As a result, the cell’s volumetric energy density will improve by more than 20 percent.

The battery system plays a key role in the body structure of the NEUE KLASSE. Depending on the model, it can be flexibly integrated into the installation space to save space (“pack to open body”). The cell module level is thus eliminated.

The battery, drive train and charging technology in the NEUE KLASSE will also have a higher voltage of 800 volts. Among other things, this will optimise how energy is supplied to direct current high-power charging stations, which can achieve a much higher charging capacity with a current of up to 500 amperes – thus reducing the time it takes to charge the vehicle from 10 to 80 percent by up to 30 percent.

Battery cell factories in China, Europe and USMCA – each with total capacity of up to 20 GWh per year

To supply the battery cells needed for the NEUE KLASSE, the BMW Group has already awarded contracts in the two-digit billion-euro range for construction of battery cell factories to CATL and EVE Energy. Both partners will build two gigafactories in China and Europe. Each of the battery cell factories will have a total annual capacity of up to 20 GWh. Plans call for two more battery cell factories to be built in the North American free trade zone,
USMCA, for which the partners have not yet been nominated.

The three regions where the battery cell factories will be built will also benefit economically from the creation of new supply chains, new networks for subcontractors and new jobs.

CO₂-reduced production using green power and secondary material

The BMW Group is particularly focused on keeping the carbon footprint and consumption of resources for production as low as possible, starting in the supply chain. Cell manufacturers will use cobalt, lithium and nickel that include a percentage of secondary material, i.e. raw materials that are not newly mined, but already in the loop, in production of battery cells. Combined with the commitment to use only green power from renewable energies for production of battery cells, the BMW Group will reduce the carbon footprint of battery cell production by up to 60 percent, compared to the current generation of battery cells.

Reuse of raw materials will be one of the success factors for e-mobility in the future. Circular loops reduce the need for new raw materials, lower the risk of infringing environmental and social standards in the supply chain and generally result in significantly lower CO₂ emissions. That is why the long-term goal of the BMW Group is to use fully recyclable battery cells. In China, the company is currently creating a closed loop for reuse of the raw materials nickel, lithium and cobalt from high-voltage batteries, thus laying the cornerstone of a ground-breaking material cycle.

The cobalt and lithium used as raw materials for the new generation of BMW battery cells will be sourced from certified mines. This means the company retains full transparency over extraction methods and, in this way, can ensure responsible mining. The sourcing of both raw materials from certified mines takes place either directly through the BMW Group or via the battery cell manufacturer.

The BMW Group has been actively involved for many years in initiatives to develop standards for responsible raw material extraction and promote compliance with environmental and social standards for raw material extraction through certification of mines. In this way, the company is also making itself less technologically, geographically and geopolitically dependent on individual resources and suppliers.

Development of future BMW battery cells at in-house competence centres

The BMW Group is constantly working to further develop energy storage systems. For instance, its sixth-generation battery technology also offers the option of using cathodes made of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) for the first time. This means the critical raw materials cobalt and nickel can then be avoided entirely in the cathode material. In parallel, the BMW Group is also pushing forward with development of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). The company aims to have high-voltage batteries of this type ready for series introduction by the end of the decade. The BMW Group will present a demonstrator vehicle with this technology on board well before 2025.

The BMW Group has been systematically building expertise in the field of battery cell technology since 2008. Since 2019, this know-how has been concentrated at the BMW Group’s Battery Cell Competence Centre (BCCC) in Munich. The BCCC spans the entire value chain – from research and development to battery cell design to manufacturability.

To ensure innovations in battery cell technology are put into practice quickly and efficiently, the BMW Group relies on a network of around 300 partners, with cooperation between established companies, startups and colleges, among others.

The knowledge gained in this way will be validated at the new Cell Manufacturing Competence Centre (CMCC) in Parsdorf, near Munich, which will begin commissioning near-standard production of samples in late 2022 for the future BMW battery cell generation to be used in the NEUE KLASSE from 2025 onwards.

The pilot line at the competence centre will make it possible to analyse and fully understand the cell production process under near-standard conditions. This will help enable future suppliers produce cells to specifications and according to their own expertise – thus further optimising battery cell production with regard to quality, output and costs.

NEUE KLASSE will make major contribution to sales volumes

With a fast-growing product lineup and high demand, the BMW Group aims to have more than two million fully-electric vehicles on the roads by the end of 2025.

The all-electric NEUE KLASSE will make a significant contribution to BMW Group sales volumes from mid-decade. The NEUE KLASSE has the potential to further accelerate the market penetration of e-mobility: This means 50 percent of the BMW Group’s global sales could already come from fully-electric vehicles before 2030.

The MINI brand will have an exclusively all-electric product range by the early 2030s, while Rolls-Royce will also be an all-electric brand from 2030. All future new models from BMW Motorrad in the field of urban mobility will likewise be fully electric.

BMW Efficient Dynamics.

A new dimension in tangible efficiency.

With the introduction of its EfficientDynamics technology package back in 2007, the BMW Group presented a concept that remains unrivalled in the automotive industry to this day. It centred on consistently reducing fuel consumption – and thereby CO₂ emissions – on the one hand, while steadily increasing driving pleasure on the other.

With BMW EfficientDynamics, every aspect of vehicle development is measured in terms of how it can contribute to optimising sustainability. In addition to all aspects of the drive system, it applies to energy and heat management, aerodynamics, optimisation of rolling resistance and weight reduction through intelligent lightweight construction.

With this continuously evolving technology package, the company succeeded in reducing the CO₂ emissions of its brands’ vehicle fleets by 53 percent between 1995 and 2020. The BMW Group has now set itself the target of cutting CO₂ emissions per kilometre driven for its vehicles in the use phase by a further 50 percent by 2030.

The company’s meticulous efforts are now paying off, especially in the transformation to electric drivetrains.

“The real ranges that the BMW i4 and BMW iX achieve compared to their rivals show that while others focus on brochure values, BMW delivers. This clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of our EfficientDynamics strategy: maximum efficiency that is tangible for our customers,” says Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management, Development.

When determining the range and energy consumption values for the models in its electric fleet, the BMW Group focuses on realistic, customer-representative vehicle configurations and achieves impressive values through maximum efficiency.

By consistently focusing on the customer, the BMW Group – unlike many of its competitors – designs its vehicles for ranges that correspond to real-world use cases as opposed to just looking good on paper. This is also confirmed in independent tests conducted with the BMW i4 and BMW iX under real conditions by various trade publications.

Battery electric vehicles from the BMW Group perform exceptionally well in long-term tests conducted by trade media, delivering impressive ranges that in some cases even exceed the official values determined in the WLTP test cycle. In the test conducted by US trade magazine Edmunds, the BMW iX xDrive50 exceeded the official EPA range estimate by almost 100 kilometres (energy consumption (combined): 21.1 – 20.7 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions (combined): 0 g/km according to WLTP; NEDC values: – ). It also set a new range record for electric vehicles in the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment tested by the magazine.

The BMW i4 M50 also performed well (energy consumption (combined): 22.5 – 18.0 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions (combined): 0 g/km according to WLTP; NEDC values: – ) on the Edmunds test track, delivering a real-world range that exceeded the EPA value by more than 65 kilometres.

Everyday consumption data from realistic use cases and test vehicle configurations.

When designing new vehicle models, the developers at the BMW Group focus on the actual usage behaviour of customers. These use cases include dynamic driving situations, long-distance journeys, driving in extreme temperatures and towing a trailer.

When it comes to reducing vehicle consumption, the BMW Group places a very high focus on optimizing additional vehicle options and equipment. This not only results in small spreads with different configurations of optional equipment. It also enables vehicles with customer-representative equipment (so-called “BestFit”) to stand out in the competitive environment with very good energy consumption
figures.

“Efficiency is the true achievement.”

Recent test reports in national and international publications confirm the effectiveness of this approach. Focus online magazine measured average energy consumption of 21.2 kWh per 100 kilometres for the BMW iX xDrive50 for urban, interurban and motorway driving with a dynamic driving style, 0.1 kWh below the official range measured in the WLTP test cycle. In its Ecotest, ADAC recorded average energy consumption of just 20.4 kWh per 100 kilometres. The range of 610 kilometres achieved by the testers also exceeded the maximum value from the WLTP test cycle. The independent experts attribute this primarily to the high efficiency of the electric motors and the intelligent energy management, which, among other things, enables adaptive recuperation: “The enormous range achieved by the BMW iX in the ADAC Ecotest is thanks to the efficiency of the drive system.”

The fact that the BMW iX xDrive50 manages the energy stored in its high-voltage battery so efficiently, even under demanding test conditions, also impressed the authors from UK consumer website Which?. They described it as “the only car we’ve tested since 2017 to deliver its official WLTP range” in practice. The highly integrated drive units, intelligent lightweight construction and optimised aerodynamics are decisive factors in this regard. As a result, the BMW iX xDrive50 has the lowest energy consumption of all vehicles in its segment that Which? has tested. The testers conclude: “Efficiency, not range, is BMW’s true achievement.”

The NEUE KLASSE will benefit from BMW EfficientDynamics.

The BMW EfficientDynamics strategy will continue to influence all aspects of new models in the future, optimising efficiency from the ground up during the use phase. This process begins in the early development stages for new vehicles or platforms such as the all-electric architecture of the NEUE KLASSE.

In addition to a new, highly efficient modular drive system from what will be the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, aerodynamics optimised for the battery platform will not only increase the efficiency of the NEUE KLASSE models, but also serve as an enabler for a distinctive new BMW design. Other important factors are the weight savings achieved through intelligent lightweight construction using new materials, an energy-efficient vehicle electrical system, a specific braking system for electric vehicles and the reduction of rolling resistance through improved wheel bearings, as well as close cooperation with tyre developers to achieve the best possible Class A+ tyres.

Circularity and materials.

Priority for secondary raw materials and natural fibres, BMW to offer vegan vehicle interiors for the first time in 2023. 

What is a car made of? The BMW Group is finding innovative answers to this question through fundamental research, detailed development and a clear focus on sustainability. The emphasis is on raw materials that can be procured and processed as CO₂-free as possible, continuously increasing the proportion of secondary materials with the aim of achieving a complete circular economy, new recycling processes, increased use of natural fibres and the replacement of raw materials of animal origin.

At IAA Mobility 2021, the BMW Group presented the BMW i Vision Circular, a look ahead to a car that is designed according to circular economy principles across the board and defines sustainability and luxury for the year 2040. Together, designers, material scientists and experts from other disciplines are looking to the long-term future, developing innovative ideas that combine sustainability with the highest functional quality and an inspiring new aesthetic. Along with the material properties, aspects such as raw material procurement and production methods are of essential importance in the design process.

On the market from 2023: BMW and MINI models with vegan interiors.

The BMW Group plans to launch its first vehicles featuring completely vegan interiors in 2023. This is being made possible primarily through the development of innovative materials with leather-like properties. It will also be possible to use these materials for steering wheel surfaces, which must fulfil demanding criteria when it comes to feel, premium appearance and wear resistance. Fully vegan interiors will be available for both BMW and MINI models for the first time from 2023. The BMW Group is thus serving the demand for vegan and leather-free interiors, which is set to increase further in the near future, especially in the US, China and Europe.

The reduction of CO₂ emissions over the entire life cycle of a vehicle is the central goal of the BMW Group on the road to climate neutrality, which is to be achieved by 2050 at the latest. Material selection has a key role to play in achieving this goal. Replacing raw materials of animal origin makes a significant contribution to increasing sustainability in vehicle production. The introduction of a new surface material for steering wheels will see the proportion of vehicle components that contain traces of raw materials of animal origin fall to less than one percent in the respective BMW and MINI vehicles. As a result, these materials will now only be found in areas that are not visible to the customer, for example in various waxy substances such as gelatine used in protective coatings, lanolin in paints, tallow as an additive in elastomers and beeswax as a flux for paints.

The BMW Group has for a long time been offering various fabric alternatives to leather. Now, for the first time, it is possible to offer a suitable substitute for leather for the most important interface between driver and vehicle. The steering wheel surfaces must fulfil demanding criteria when it comes to appearance, wear resistance and durability. “With a steering wheel made from a high-quality vegan surface material, we are fulfilling the wishes of our customers who do not want to make any compromises in terms of look, feel and functionality. The innovative material withstands wear and tear caused by abrasion, perspiration and moisture and has all the desirable properties of leather,” says Uwe Köhler, Head of Development Body, Exterior Trim, Interior at the BMW Group. The only distinguishing feature of the new material will be a new grain effect on the steering wheel rim.

Leather-free surfaces reduce CO₂e emissions by 85 percent.

The fact that there is now a high-quality vegan surface material with equivalent properties to the real leather previously used in the production of steering wheels represents another major step towards CO₂ reduction. The new steering wheel surface material reduces CO₂e emissions along the value chain by around 85 percent compared to leather. Up to now, most of the emissions produced, around 80 percent, were in the form of methane gas from cattle rearing. The remaining 20 percent was accounted for by processing of the cowhide, which is highly energy- and water-intensive.

Climate neutrality and a circular economy are the top priorities.

To achieve the goal of climate neutrality, the BMW Group is relying on the use of green electricity in production and in the supply chain, a consistently increased proportion of secondary materials and natural raw materials, highly efficient electric motors and combustion engines and a high recycling rate in line with the principles of a circular economy.

It’s all in the detail: The floor mats for various models are made from mono-material, thus avoiding material mixes that are difficult to recycle. As a result, the BMW Group saves around 23,000 tonnes of CO₂ and an additional 1,600 tonnes of waste every year, since the recycled floor mats and waste material are also reused within the production process.

Research and development in the field of secondary raw materials and sustainable materials are a top priority. Future vehicle generations will offer other attractive alternatives to leather. The BMW Group is working with start-up companies to develop innovative bio-based materials. Compared to the synthetic leathers previously used, these result in around 45 percent lower CO₂ emissions. Mirum^TM, which is 100 percent bio-based and petroleum-free, has the potential to mimic all the properties of traditional leather. Another new material, Deserttex^TM, is made from pulverised cactus fibres with a bio-based polyurethane matrix. With these materials, replacing raw materials of animal origin can be combined with a significant reduction in CO₂.

New materials, new aesthetic: Visionary seat design concepts.

With visionary seat concepts, BMW Group Design presents ideas for concrete applications using other innovative materials and production methods that contribute to lower CO₂ emissions and increased use of secondary materials, while at the same time establishing a new, high-quality interior aesthetic for the cars of the future. Two seat concepts each for vehicles from the MINI and BMW brands are featured.

Seat surfaces are a central element in the design of a vehicle interior and are of significant importance when it comes to the customer's perception of the ambience. The design process therefore considers the look and feel, aesthetic impact and consistently high quality and tries to balance these aspects with resource-saving production and maximum recyclability of the material. Exciting colour combinations and surprising surface textures are ushering in a new lifestyle and luxury experience that is strongly influenced by an awareness of sustainability. In addition, efforts to conserve resources and reduce CO₂ emissions are driving innovation in the areas of design and material selection.

MINI is consistently focusing on vegan interiors for its next model generation. New materials and processing techniques make it possible to combine the premium character of the brand and its customers with significantly increased sustainability. With the So Soft seat concept, designers demonstrate how high-quality, colourful and comfortable a leather alternative can be. The velour used for the surfaces has a pleasant feel and offers exceptional comfort. The extremely durable material also comes in a wide range of colours, thus contributing to the interior personalisation options that MINI typically offers. Along with a significantly reduced carbon footprint, the development goal is complete recyclability of the material used. The raw material is recycled fibres, which are processed to create a mono-material for the entire seat surface and can therefore be recycled separately.

A mono-material that is fully recyclable is also used for the surfaces of the 3D Knit seat concept. A special manufacturing process also contributes to the sustainable character of the concept. The surface material is created using a resource-saving 3D knitting method that generates almost no production waste and is less time-consuming than conventional manufacturing processes. It is also produced in one piece, lending it a high-quality appearance with no seams. The fabric created using the 3D knitting method offers a high level of comfort and a particularly modern aesthetic.

With the seat concepts created for BMW cars, BMW Group Design presents several innovative materials used side by side, which can thus be analysed together and compared. The Infinite Loop seat concept is characterised by the consistent use of recycled material. Textile waste, which is processed into a synthetic yarn, is used to produce the material for the seat surfaces. This manufacturing process uses around 98 percent less water than when using cotton and reduces CO₂ emissions by around 80 percent compared to the conventional processing of polyester.

The solid backrest elements of the Infinite Loop seat concept can be made from leftover materials from the plastics industry or, as part of a complete circular economy, from the seating foam from end-of-life vehicles. In addition, composite materials made from dust and polystyrene waste can be used for resource-saving production of the seat backrests.

The Grown Innovation seat concept combines synthetic textiles made from 100 percent recycled material with natural fibres and a new type of biomaterial obtained from bacterial nanocellulose. The biomaterial, which is created in a laboratory process over the course of several weeks, forms the basis for a plastic-free, non-animal textile material with a high-quality surface finish and long service life. Another component of the surfaces developed for the Grown Innovation seat concept consists of a synthetic textile material produced using a 3D printing process. The additive manufacturing process does not generate any production waste and offers designers almost unlimited freedom when it comes to designing shapes and colours for vehicle interiors.

The upper section of the seat backrest – a possible alternative to the wood surfaces conventionally used in cars – consists of a composite material made from fast-growing plant fibres, which are characterised by a particularly favourable carbon footprint from cultivation to processing, and a protein-based binding agent. The material can be processed efficiently and in a variety of geometries and has a high-quality grain.

Renewable raw materials and natural fibres: Reduced weight, negative carbon footprint.

The BMW Group is already using renewable raw materials, natural fibres and other bio-based materials in its vehicles – for example in door trim panels or in the substructure of the centre armrest for the new BMW 7 Series. The use of natural raw materials such as hemp, kenaf and flax minimises the use of materials and reduces weight by up to 50 percent compared to conventional materials. Natural materials also come into the CO₂ calculation with a negative value, since the plants used can absorb CO₂ and release oxygen during the growth phase.

The BMW i3, launched in 2013, demonstrated how much the use of natural materials contributes to a holistic concept for sustainability along with electromobility, intelligent lightweight construction and the use of recycled raw materials. The natural, environmentally friendly materials used in its interior also meet the highest quality standards expected for a premium car in the long term. Based on this experience, the BMW Group continues to work on the development of other possible applications for natural materials and a wide range of uses in production vehicles. The door trim panels of the BMW i3 are made from kenaf fibres harvested from malva plants, which retain their distinctive natural structure when processed. Eucalyptus wood from certified plantations in Europe is used as the raw material for parts of the instrument panel. The leather in the interior of the BMW i3 is naturally tanned using an extract of olive leaves. The natural materials also contribute to the BMW i3’s excellent eco-balance, and their use in visible areas of the interior is a progressive design feature.

Components constructed from renewable plant fibres have also proven their worth in motorsport. Swiss cleantech company Bcomp produced a flax cooling shaft for the BMW iFE.20 driven in Formula E. Some carbon components in BMW M Motorsport touring cars are being replaced by reinforcement solutions made from natural fibre composites. BMW i Ventures, the venture capital firm of the BMW Group, has invested in Bcomp and agreed on a development collaboration.

Revolution in the car industry: Parts made from recycled fishing nets.

In a first for the automotive industry, the models of the New Class due to be launched from 2025 onwards will feature trim parts made of plastic whose raw material contains around 30 percent recycled fishing nets and ropes. This raw material is proactively sourced at ports all around the world to ensure that it doesn’t end up being discarded in the sea.

In an exclusive recycling process, waste material from the maritime industry is used to produce trim parts suitable for the exterior and interior of future vehicles. The resulting components have an approximately 25 percent lower carbon footprint than their counterparts made from conventionally manufactured plastics.

Conserving resources, reducing the carbon footprint, avoiding ocean pollution.

The BMW Group is working with different approaches to use plastic waste from the maritime industry as a raw material for vehicle components in order to conserve valuable resources and reduce CO₂ emissions. This form of recycling makes it possible to reduce the need for petroleum-based primary plastics and at the same time counteract ocean pollution.

Recycled nylon waste forms the basis for a synthetic yarn from which the floor mats in the BMW iX and the new BMW X1, for example, are made. This material, known as ECONYL, is made from fishing nets recovered from the ocean as well as worn floor coverings and residual waste from plastics production.

Only at the BMW Group: Maritime plastic waste used to produce visible trim parts.

In a new initiative, the BMW Group is taking the recycling of maritime plastic waste a step further. After separation, fishing nets and ropes undergo an innovative process that produces plastic granules. While recycled maritime plastic has so far only been used in the automotive industry in the form of fibres for new vehicle components, this recycled material is now also suitable for the injection moulding process for the first time. The raw material for the components manufactured in this way can consist of around 30 percent maritime plastic waste.

This creates additional application possibilities for recycled plastics. The components manufactured using the injection moulding process are trim parts that will be used in both non-visible and visible areas of the exterior and interior of the New Class models from 2025. Overall, the BMW Group has set itself the target of increasing the proportion of secondary materials in the thermoplastics used in new vehicles from currently around 20 percent to an average of 40 percent by 2030.

Design as a starting point for CO₂ reduction and circularity.

The BMW Group currently manufactures its vehicles using almost 30 percent recycled and reusable materials. The “secondary first” approach aims to gradually increase this figure to 50 percent. In this context, it is crucial that the quality, safety and reliability of the materials comply with the same high standards as those existing for primary materials. The BMW Group takes a holistic view of sustainability and evaluates the carbon footprint of each individual material used in the interior and exterior.

The BMW i Vision Circular shows how a car can be designed with a consistent focus on the principles of the circular economy. It clearly illustrates how resource conservation begins with vehicle design. The overriding design aim for this Vision Vehicle was to optimise it for closed-loop material cycles. This involves consistently reducing the number of components, material groups and surface finishes. In addition to bio-based raw materials, the BMW i Vision Circular primarily uses materials that have already gone through a product life cycle and are 100 percent recyclable.

Closed-loop recycling: The vehicle as a source of raw materials.

Circular design aims to ensure that end-of-life vehicles are available for use as a source of raw materials for new vehicles. Recyclability is optimised primarily through a reduced variety of materials. The use of mono-materials contributes significantly to simplified recycling and improved purity of secondary raw materials. This applies to textiles as well as to plastics and metal alloys.

The BMW Group has been a pioneer in the field of vehicle dismantling and recycling processes for around two decades. The company is committed to establishing a circular economy within the automotive industry, especially for steel, aluminium, glass and plastics, and is working on concepts for automated sorting of raw materials and efficient dismantling processes. In a pilot project with chemical company BASF and recycling and environmental services provider ALBA, the BMW Group is exploring possible conditions and recycling technologies for the establishment of a material cycle for plastics that would enable an end to the use of crude oil as a raw material.

A circular economy for vehicle windows is also to be created by 2030. Consistent dismantling, sorting and reuse of automotive glass could reduce CO₂ emissions in window production by up to 30 percent compared to using new material.

Plastics: Increased use of recycled materials and bio-based raw materials.

New BMW and MINI vehicles contain around 300 kilogrammes of plastic. Around 95 percent of these plastics come from components that are sourced from suppliers and assembled at BMW Group plants.

Depending on the model, recycled material currently accounts for up to 20 percent of the thermoplastics used in a new vehicle. The BMW Group has set itself the target of increasing the proportion of recycled material to an average of 40 percent by 2030. Some plastic components are already made from 100 percent secondary material. The increased use of secondary raw materials not only leads directly to the conservation of resources, but also makes a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions in the supply chain. Switching from primary to secondary materials reduces CO₂ emissions in the manufacture of thermoplastic components by 50 to 80 percent. Another way to reduce the carbon footprint in the supply chain is to use bio-based plastics and plastics reinforced with natural fibres such as cellulose, hemp, wood or bamboo.

Steel and aluminium: Low-CO₂ production, increased use of secondary raw materials.

For the manufacture of steel and aluminium components, the aim is to continuously reduce CO₂ emissions in the production of materials and make greater use of secondary materials. From 2025 onwards, the BMW Group will source steel from a Swedish manufacturer that uses hydrogen and electricity from renewable sources for production. Agreement has also been reached with another supplier for the procurement of steel from CO₂-reduced production, which means that from 2025, more than 40 percent of requirements for vehicle production at the European BMW Group plants can be covered in this way. As a result, CO₂ emissions can be reduced by around 400,000 tonnes annually. CO₂-reduced production processes are also being agreed with steel suppliers in the US and China.

At the same time, the proportion of secondary raw materials in steel components is to be gradually increased from the current average of around 25 percent. Depending on the alloy, between 50 and 80 percent of the CO₂ emissions in the production process could be avoided in this way.

The BMW Group has been sourcing aluminium produced using electricity generated from solar energy since February 2021. The light metal produced with the help of solar power comes from the United Arab Emirates. A long-term increase in deliveries of aluminium produced using green electricity is planned, with the aim of reducing CO₂ emissions in this area by a total of around 2.5 million tonnes by 2030. From 2024 onwards, all cast aluminium wheels sourced by the BMW Group will be produced using only green electricity. Regeneratively generated energy is used both in the energy-intensive electrolysis when producing aluminium and when casting the wheels.

Some aluminium components already contain up to 50 percent secondary raw materials, with the figure set to rise to 70 percent in the cast aluminium wheels for the future generation of the MINI Countryman. The use of secondary aluminium instead of the primary raw material will lead to a reduction of 75 to 85 percent in CO₂ emissions associated with production.

CO₂-free production, second use and recycling of high-voltage batteries.

With the ramp-up of electromobility, resource-saving production of high-voltage batteries is increasingly coming into focus. The BMW Group has committed all suppliers of battery cells for the current fifth and future sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology to using 100 percent green electricity.

The second use and recycling of high-voltage batteries from electric vehicles were included in the holistic concept for sustainability at an early stage. The BMW Group has been involved in various initiator projects for the further use and recycling of high-voltage batteries since 2013. Prominent examples include the battery storage systems at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig and at the ferry terminal in Hamburg. The reusability of high-voltage batteries after a long car life as stationary power storage devices and as a means of keeping the public energy grid stable was first demonstrated with the début of the BMW i3 in 2013.

At the same time, the BMW Group is working with various partners to promote recycling and the establishment of closed-loop material cycles (circularity) for battery cells. By the time substantial numbers of end-of-life vehicles have been returned, the most suitable process will have been industrialised. There is still no significant number of old high-voltage batteries available, since the the BMW Group designs these for the life of the vehicle and the oldest of them are only nine years old.

The proportion of secondary raw materials used in current BMW high-voltage batteries is increasing. Going forward, the mix of recycling and further use will also depend on raw material prices for battery cells. It is not yet foreseeable how the situation will evolve, which is why the BMW Group is pursuing both strands.Together with German recycling specialist Duesenfeld, the BMW Group has developed a process that aims to achieve a recycling rate of more than 95 percent – including graphite and electrolytes. In China, the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture (BBA) has established a closed loop for reuse of the raw materials nickel, lithium and cobalt from high-voltage batteries. The raw materials obtained in this way are used in production of new battery cells for the BMW Group. The closed-loop material cycle conserves resources and reduces CO₂ emissions by around 70 percent compared to using newly extracted primary material.

Digital tools for greater sustainability in design, development and production.

Catena-X and generative design. 

The cross-industry data network Catena-X and generative design with new computer-assisted method for the development of vehicle components show how digitalisation can accelerate progress towards sustainable mobility. Digital tools and the associated innovations are also making a significant contribution to continuously increasing sustainability in the supply chain and in the design of BMW Group vehicles.

BMW AG is one of the initiators of the Catena-X partner network, which, through the establishment of a networked database, is also laying the groundwork for the creation a circular economy and the consistent reduction of CO₂ emissions in the supply chain. Around a year after its launch, the alliance for the secure exchange of data across companies in the automotive industry is now presenting its first applications ready for testing in practice. Within the BMW Group, digitalisation in the form of generative design is playing an increasingly important role in the efficient and resource-saving design of vehicle components. Using computer algorithms, designers and engineers can create complex component geometries that enable a significant reduction in material usage and weight, and in some cases even deliver improved or completely new functionality that would not be possible with conventional methods.

Go-ahead for the first practical applications: Catena-X.

Catena-X enables the secure and anonymous exchange of data between automotive manufacturers, suppliers and IT companies. More than 1,000 companies and institutions are now part of the network – including automotive manufacturers, software companies, suppliers, equipment manufacturers, dealer associations, universities and research institutes. Small and medium-sized companies can also join Catena-X. All participants benefit from standardised access to information and data, which optimises efficiency in industry-specific cooperation and accelerates company processes. Digital images of vehicles that can be retrieved on the digital platform can help to develop innovative business processes and service offerings more quickly and efficiently.

In addition to the benefits of greater efficiency in the supply chain, Catena-X participants can expect more efficient quality and logistics management as well as greater transparency in terms of sustainably reduced CO₂ emissions at all stages of the value chain. Alongside the ramp-up of electromobility, progress in reducing CO₂ emissions and conserving resources in the supply chain is the decisive factor in achieving the ambitious sustainability targets that the BMW Group has set itself. The network enables the companies involved in Catena-X to manage their carbon footprint just as precisely as conventional business figures relating to purchasing volumes, production capacities, sales data, revenue and profits. A common set of rules and standardised calculation methods coordinated with relevant NGOs lay the foundation that will allow the product carbon footprint (PCF) of each individual component to be specified with real data instead of average values in the future. This results in credible and transparent reporting on the achievement of sustainability goals in the supply chain and in vehicle production.

Catena-X also enables vehicle components to be tracked throughout their entire product life cycle – from raw material procurement to recycling. With this data, the recycling of components can be planned much more precisely. Which raw materials are required? What secondary materials are available? With Catena-X, it will be possible to answer these kinds of questions in real time in the future, thus facilitating the transformation of supply chains into material cycles. In addition to the environmental benefits, the economic benefits of a circular economy can also be precisely quantified. Along with financial savings potential, the databases will also provide information about improvements in the carbon footprint associated with the use of secondary materials.

Breakthrough in the NEUE KLASSE: Generative design.

Digital processes are increasing energy, resource and cost efficiency in the development and production of vehicle components. Generative design is rapidly gaining importance at the BMW Group as a method for the automated development of vehicle components. The design of components using computer algorithms is expected to be established as a standard method by 2025. Around 20 percent of all vehicle components could potentially be developed and designed using this digital technology. For the models of the NEUE KLASSE, generative methods will be employed for the first time to develop structural components such as the substructure of the rear seat system, for example.

Generative design enables the construction of components with complex geometries and optimal use of materials. Their weight is up to 50 percent lower than conventionally developed components. Algorithms from the fields of quantum computing and artificial intelligence can be used for particularly demanding tasks, thereby significantly accelerating the design of components.

The BMW i8 Roadster launched in 2017 was the first production vehicle to use a component developed with the aid of generative design. The aluminium mountings for connecting the convertible top to the body of the open plug-in hybrid sports car were designed using this method and then produced in a 3D printing process.

Urban mobility.

Diverse concepts for sustainable mobility in the city.

As part of its holistic approach to sustainability across the entire value chain, the BMW Group is developing not only locally emission-free vehicles, but also diverse concepts for future-oriented mobility in urban areas. To increase sustainability in the use phase and at the same time promote the attractiveness of cities as living spaces for their residents, the company is examining the entire urban mobility ecosystem. The aim is to promote acceptance of sustainable mobility solutions and to improve the transport infrastructure. This affects all areas of individual mobility and especially urban areas, where the changes in mobility originate and where they are particularly necessary.

Cities worldwide are faced with the task of counteracting the increasing densification of living and transport areas. The BMW Group is convinced that these challenges can be met with the help of innovations that offer concrete solutions against pollutant and noise emissions, traffic jams and the shortage of public space. These innovative solutions help cities to meet the mobility needs of their residents in an efficient, attractive and sustainable way, while ensuring quality of life in the urban environment.

For three decades, the BMW Group has been working with cities, universities, companies, associations, politicians and society in general on solutions for the transformation of urban mobility towards more sustainability. In cooperation with these partners, studies for the analysis of mobility needs, visions for the city of the future, concrete concepts and collaborative projects for the transformation of urban mobility area are being created. The aim is to ensure an efficient and safe flow of traffic for road users such as commuters and at the same time to guarantee a high quality of life and recreational spaces in the urban area.

Four lighthouse cities and numerous other partnerships.

In the four lighthouse cities of Munich, Rotterdam, Beijing and Los Angeles, as well as in Berlin and Hamburg, urban test laboratories for innovation in the fields of electromobility and charging infrastructure, multimodal transport, autonomous driving and digital solutions for optimising road safety and traffic flow are being created. There, concepts for locally emission-free, safe and efficient mobility come to maturity, which are practically implemented, tested and scaled in pilot projects in order to then be transferred to other cities.

The BMW Group is also involved in intelligent traffic management initiatives to reduce CO₂ emissions. The New Mobility Berlin project initiated by the BMW Group has been developing solutions since 2016 to achieve balance between the shortage of space, changing space requirements and mobility needs in a growing city. The project, executed in cooperation with the city administration, TU Berlin and the local community, creates convenient, sustainable options for inner-city mobility and is continuously being developed.

The expansion of the digital mobility-as-a-service platform FREE NOW into a multimobility app promotes the linking of different modes of transport. FREE NOW provides access to almost 180,000 vehicles in more than 150 European cities – including eScooters, car sharing, taxis and private hire vehicles – and supports the increasing integration of local public transport.

Convenient charging solutions and digital services: Promotion of electromobility requires an attractive ecosystem.

To promote locally emission-free mobility in urban areas, the BMW Group is involved not only in the development of attractive vehicles with electrified drives, but also in the field of public infrastructure for e-mobility. Acceptance of electromobility is being actively promoted through a large number of projects intended to make this infrastructure more efficient and transparent and its use more convenient and attractive. With the public charging offering from BMW Charging and MINI Charging, users register just once to gain access to more than 375,000 public charge points from around 1,000 charging infrastructure operators in Europe alone at attractive rates. Throughout Europe, all BMW Charging and MINI Charging customers charge with 100% green electricity. The BMW Group also has a stake in Digital Charging Solutions GmbH, which develops digital charging solutions for automotive manufacturers and fleet operators. The integration of these charging solutions into the vehicle’s operating system makes it particularly easy and convenient to use public charging stations.

The Charge & Repark project supports the efficient use of public charging stations. The project, initiated by the BMW Group in Rotterdam, includes a digital app that notifies customers as soon as charging is complete, motivating them to move their vehicle.

The BMW eDrive Zones digital service ensures that plug-in hybrid models automatically switch to all-electric driving mode upon entering “Umweltzonen” (environment zones) and other defined areas of a city. This service also helps local authorities to achieve sustainability targets. It was created as a pilot project in Rotterdam, one of the four lighthouse cities, and after a successful test phase was continuously rolled out to other urban areas. BMW eDrive Zones are now available in 148 European and three US cities.

CO₂-free, space-saving, quiet and emotive: Electric single-track vehicles for sustainable urban mobility.

The BMW Group has more than 30 years of experience in the field of urban mobility concepts as well as outstanding development expertise in the field of electromobility.

With electric single-track vehicles, the company offers an ideal solution for locally emission-free, versatile and emotive mobility in inner cities. With significantly lower energy consumption compared to electric cars, they represent a highly efficient mobility solution. Their use reduces not only CO₂ and noise emissions, but also the need for traffic and parking spaces in urban areas.

BMW CE 04: The new electric star for the city.

TheBMW CE 04 has quickly become a symbol of progressive urban mobility. The purely electrically powered scooter from BMW Motorrad combines a future-oriented design with the latest drive technology and clever functionality. “The new electric star for the city,” as Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW AG, describes it, is leading a silent revolution in urban two-wheeled mobility with an emission-free drive.

With a maximum output of 31 kW/42 hp, the BMW CE 04 has a powerful motor. From a standing start, it can sprint to 50 km/h in just 2.6 seconds. Its high-quality battery and charging technology supports a range of around 130 kilometres and quick replenishment of the energy supply. This enables day-to-day emission-free riding in the city, in an urban setting and for smaller-scale fun tours after work or at the weekend – with complete peace of mind. The standard equipment of the BMW CE 04 includes a cockpit featuring a 10.25 -inch colour screen with comprehensive connectivity functions.

BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02: A breath of fresh air for urban electromobility.

Like the BMW CE 04, all new BMW Motorrad models specifically designed for urban mobility will in future be powered purely by electricity. The BMW Group is working on extremely diverse creative approaches for the urban single-track vehicles of the future. The BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02 is a new and highly emotive mobility offering. With an innovative design language, new proportions and modern forms, the concept expresses a new facet of the brand character of BMW Motorrad. Thanks to the flat vehicle body, the centre of gravity of the BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02 is low and favourable when it comes to driving dynamics. At the same time, the large disc wheels and low seat height make it look inviting and confidence-inspiring.

The design and vehicle concept of the BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02 are based on the needs of a new target group: young people aged 16 and over who want to discover the joy of urban two-wheeled mobility for themselves for the first time. As a lightweight e-vehicle weighing about 120 kilogrammes, the BMW Motorrad Concept CE 02 is ideal for urban use, offering a high fun factor. The 11 kW of output and all the drive torque available directly from a standstill allow for fast acceleration at traffic lights and a top speed of 90 km/h.

Concept innovation in two forms: BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY and BMW i Vision AMBY.

Further proof of the broad range of creative solutions of the BMW Group for sustainable urban mobility is provided by a concept between bicycle and motorbike, which is presented in two versions. The BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY and BMW i Vision AMBY concepts interpret the fundamental idea of sustainable and at the same time emotive mobility in an urban setting based on two different facets. Both vehicles have an electric drive. While the BMW i Vision AMBY, a high-speed pedelec, requires constant pedalling in order to benefit from the assistance of the electric drive, the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY is accelerated using the throttle grip and has footrests instead of pedals, as is typical of a motorcycle.

The word AMBY stands for “Adaptive Mobility”. The electric drive of both vehicles supports CO₂-free riding with three speed levels for different types of roads. Its top speed is 25 km/h on cycle paths, 45 km/h on inner-city roads and 60 km/h on multi-lane roads and out of town.

Manual selection of the speed level is conceivable, as is detection of the road currently being travelled by means of geofencing technology, thereby allowing automatic adjustment of the top speed. As there is currently no legal basis for such a vehicle with an adaptive and modular speed concept, the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY and BMW i Vision AMBY also set out to prompt the introduction of such legislation with the aim of paving the way for practical implementation of this innovative concept for sustainable urban mobility.

Munich. At Art Basel’s 2021 Miami Beach show, BMW M GmbH is presenting an expressive new vehicle concept on the global stage for the first time. The BMW Concept XM looks ahead to the most powerful BMW M car ever to go into series production, which is set to begin at the end of next year. At the same time, the BMW Concept XM shines the spotlight on standout aspects of the M brand. Electrification underpins an extraordinary driving experience which allows the driver to both glide along in near silence and enjoy the time-honoured pleasure of high performance, M-style. The BMW Concept XM provides a first glimpse of the new front-end design for BMW’s forthcoming luxury-class models. It will also introduce its audience to a highly progressive and distinctive take on BMW X model design and an all-new form of luxury and sense of space for the interior.

The series-production model – the BMW XM – will be built from the end of 2022 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA, the most important sales market for the new high-performance car. BMW M will therefore be introducing its first standalone vehicle since the legendary BMW M1 in the year it celebrates its 50^th anniversary.  The BMW XM will be available in plug-in hybrid form only and exclusively as an M model.

The bold exterior styling of the Concept XM reflects the car’s exceptional performance attributes: dynamism, agility and precision, plus an all-electric range of up to 80 km. The newly developed M Hybrid drive system in the BMW Concept XM brings together a V8 engine and a high-performance electric motor to develop maximum output of 550 kW/750 hp and peak torque of 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft). The first electrified vehicle from BMW M GmbH in the high-performance segment is therefore pointing the way for the future of the brand.

“The BMW Concept XM represents a complete re-imagining of the high-performance car segment,” says Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “It underlines the ability of BMW M GmbH to break with established conventions and push boundaries in order to offer fans of the brand the ultimate driving experience. The series-production car – the first pure BMW M model since the legendary BMW M1 – also shows how we are approaching the step-by-step electrification of our brand.”

BMW M goes its own way in the luxury segment.
The BMW Concept XM sees BMW M GmbH forging a distinctive path in the luxury segment. The car’s exterior majors on presence and extrovert appeal. Inside the car, a special take on the driver-focused cockpit for which M models are renowned meets an all-new rear compartment design: with its high-comfort seats and illuminated, sculptural headliner, the M Lounge offers passengers a luxurious retreat.

“The design of the BMW Concept XM is an extravagant statement by BMW M in the heart of the luxury segment,” says Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design. “It has a unique identity and embodies an expressive lifestyle like no other model in the BMW line-up.”

The front end: progressive design for maximum presence.
The BMW Concept XM debuts the new, progressive front-end design for BMW’s luxury-class models, a version of which will be seen for the first time in 2022 as part of the BMW model offensive in the luxury segment. The headlights have been split into two separate modules, a new design feature which creates a visually arresting appearance. The daytime driving light signature in the sharply styled, slim upper module is particularly eye-catching. The horizontal kidney grille sits boldly between the headlights and tapers towards the outer edges, producing a near-octagonal outline that emphasises the front end’s dynamic character. The black kidney grille elements are enclosed within an intricate surround and appear almost to be floating freely within a High-gloss Black surface. M-style double bars within the grille add to the perception of width. Eye-catching contour lighting sets off the grille to fine effect, ensuring the striking composition of kidneys and daytime driving lights is immediately recognisable in the dark as well. The new XM logo in the kidney grille and the large air intakes hint at the power of the V8 engine, which teams up with the electric motor to form the M Hybrid system.

M-specific details point to compromise-free performance.
The glasshouse of the BMW Concept XM rises up vertically, accentuating the front end’s strong, imposing feel. The colour of the roof contrasts with the black finish of the A-pillars. The windscreen seems to have an even heavier rake as a result, injecting modern dynamism into the front end. Slim LED searchlights have been incorporated into the roof above the A-pillars. The boldly sculpted bonnet extends the contours of the kidney grille back in the form of two power domes. A pair of air intakes in the bonnet mimic the appearance of the LED searchlights in the roof and add extra dynamic flair. Framing the statuesque body at its lower edge are the clean-cut black surfaces of the front apron. Triangular body-coloured blades at the outer edges accentuate the vertical air intakes while emphasising the sporty and robust stance of the BMW Concept XM.

The side view: an expression of unbridled dynamism.
The powerful and heavily contoured proportions of the BMW Concept XM highlight the car’s resolutely standalone identity and draw the eye to the coupé-like character of the body. The visually striking front end, long bonnet and stretched, sloping roofline present a characterful two-box design with a distinctive outline. The window graphic narrows significantly as it approaches the rear, enriching the dynamism of the side view.

The two-tone paint finish of the BMW Concept XM further accentuates its distinctive lines: the upper section is in matt gold-bronze, while the lower section sports the Space Grey metallic shade. Below the window graphic, a broad, High-gloss Black line – the “black belt” – separates the two exterior colours. The signature M exterior mirrors give the car a clean-cut and technical, sporty edge. The charging flap rearwards of the front-left wheel is a reminder of the M Hybrid drive system at work.

Throughout the side view, deliberately short character lines, which start off boldly before fading softly, accentuate the car’s agile, modern feel. The expressive rear lights extend well into the car’s flanks and create an eye-catching transition into the rear. The black cladding typical of BMW X models above the wheels and on the side skirts is very clearly defined and gives the body an elevated appearance. The elongated body sits on 23-inch light-alloy wheels, which bring extra power and solidity to the side view.

The rear : powerful stature and newly interpreted design.
The design of the rear end likewise accentuates the car’s powerful stature, and the BMW Concept XM cuts a low and sporty figure from this angle. The rear window is inserted almost seamlessly into the rear end. The fresh interpretation of the design can also be seen in the arrangement of the BMW logo, which is laser-etched into the window below each of the two cant rails. This is a stylistic reference to the BMW M1, to date the only example of a standalone model developed exclusively by BMW M GmbH.

Lower down at the rear end, prominently flared wheel arches draw attention to the car’s powerful stance on the road. Extremely slim and boldly L-shaped rear lights extending across almost the entire width of the rear add to the effect. The lights themselves have a dark appearance when not active, giving way to a precise and uniform shade of red when switched on. Dominating the rear apron are the characteristic twin tailpipes of BMW M models. The dual-branch, twin-tailpipe exhaust system employed here reduces backpressure for the V8 engine and also generates the emotionally rich M-typical soundtrack accompanying the engine’s imposing power delivery. The vertical arrangement and hexagonal interpretation of the tailpipes breathe new life into this classically iconic feature.

The interior design – high performance and extrovert luxury.
Inside the BMW Concept XM, the driver will find a distinctive M interpretation of driver-focused cockpit design. The lines and surface design of the instrument panel, centre console, door trim and seats give the ambience in the front compartment a progressive feel with their powerful geometry and high-quality materials. Brown, vintage-look leather, copper and carbon fibre create a bridge between luxury and motor sport. A bold trim element provides clear visual separation between the driver’s area and the other sections of the car.

Inside the cockpit area, a decorative surface made from carbon fibre with interwoven copper thread creates a sporty and exclusive base for displays, air vents and control/operating elements. The new BMW Curved Display screen grouping positioned above it creates a neat balance between traditional driver focus and modern digitality. Red accents on the steering wheel and centre console are M-specific references to the car’s sporting prowess. A trio of vertical elements presented in the three colours of the BMW M brand logo form the heart of the centre console.

Spacious and luxurious: the M Lounge.
The unwavering driver focus of the front compartment contrasts with the extravagant and luxurious lounge-like ambience in the rear of the BMW Concept XM. Special materials, visually powerful surfaces and expressive details turn the rear seats into the unique M Lounge, black-tinted rear side windows underscoring the abiding sense of privacy here. While warm brown leather dominates the cockpit, the rear is decked out in the rich colour shade Petrol. The large rear seat bench with its deep seat recesses forms an inviting space to relax. Only the diamond-shaped area of the head restraints – which provides the supporting function familiar from BMW M Sport seats in other models – is leather-trimmed. The lower sections of the seats offer high comfort and an exclusive couch character with their luxurious velvet upholstery and diamond quilting. Deep-pile carpeting with a diamond pattern adds to the exclusive impression.

Illuminated and sculptural: the headliner .
The visual highlight of the cabin is its headliner with a three-dimensional prism structure. A combination of indirect and direct lighting produces a relief-like structure which showcases the headliner as an exclusive work of art. Together with the ambient lighting, it highlights the BMW Concept XM’s blend of luxury and comfort to extremely striking effect. The ambient lighting can be activated in the three BMW M colours.

BMW Curved Display with M-specific user interface.
Based on the latest generation of BMW iDrive, the M-specific version of the control/operation system translates the high-performance character of the BMW Concept XM into the digital world. Showcased in the familiar three M colours, the user interface lends itself perfectly to a sporty driving experience. It visualises the modes of the hybrid drive system as well as the pure-electric driving mode with captivating aesthetic appeal. The BMW Curved Display provides the perfect stage for showing off this bespoke design and previews the user interface that will bring extra intensity to the driving experience in all future BMW M models.

Overview

• The BMW Concept XM embodies an expressive new vehicle concept: a zero-compromise BMW M with striking BMW X design language.

• The new, progressive front-end design of BMW’s forthcoming luxury-class models can be seen for the first time on the BMW Concept XM. The slim and iconic daytime driving lights and the eye-catching contour lighting of the kidney grille are the main focal points.

• The series-production model – the BMW XM – will be produced from the end of 2022 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA, the most important sales market for the new high-performance model.

• BMW M GmbH will therefore be presenting the first standalone M model since the legendary BMW M1 in the year it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

• The BMW XM will be the first electrified high-performance model in the BMW M portfolio. It will be available as an M Hybrid only.

• The newly developed M Hybrid drive system combines a V8 engine with a high-performance electric motor. It generates maximum output of 550 kW/750 hp and peak torque of 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft).

• The drivetrain enables an all-electric range of up to 80 km. The first electrified vehicle from BMW M GmbH for the high-performance segment therefore points the way for the future of the M brand.

• Vehicle design: Bold, robust and new – the expressive design of the BMW Concept XM represents an emotionally potent statement beyond all norms and conventions.

• Exterior design: The impactful exterior design forms a visually expressive silhouette that exudes presence. The strikingly sculpted surfaces and extravagant lines create a unique design language.

• Interior: With its exclusive materials and the luxurious M Lounge in the rear, the cabin reflects the groundbreaking character of the BMW Concept XM. The sculptural, illuminated headliner is a special highlight that gives the spacious rear compartment a sense of extravagance.

Munich. With the BMW i Vision Circular, the BMW Group is looking ahead to a compact BMW for the year 2040 that is focused squarely on sustainability and luxury. The four-seater is fully electrically powered and offers a generous amount of interior space within its around four-metre-long footprint. It has furthermore been designed according to circular economy principles across the board and therefore symbolises the BMW Group’s ambitious plan to become the world’s most sustainable manufacturer in the individual premium mobility space.

The Vision Vehicle is one of five different concept vehicles with which the BMW Group is presenting how it envisages individual urban mobility at the IAA Mobility 2021 event. Under a single umbrella spanning electric mobility, digitalisation and sustainability, the five pioneering concepts create a versatile mobility mix on two and four wheels fuelled by sustainable thinking, which comprehensively addresses an extremely wide range of mobility needs in the face of fast-changing requirements and growing challenges.

Circular economy and secondary materials cut CO2 emissions.
The BMW Group’s overriding aim as it strives to achieve climate neutrality is to reduce CO2 emissions throughout a vehicle’s entire life cycle. Besides electrifying the product portfolio and switching to renewable energy for manufacturing, the company is focusing particularly on circular economy principles and the use of secondary materials. These materials, such as secondary aluminium and secondary steel, can be obtained by recycling waste material and then reused. The process for supplying secondary materials is far less harmful to the environment and carbon intensive compared to the extraction and manufacture of primary material. This can bring about a major improvement in a vehicle’s carbon footprint, especially on the supply chain side. At present, vehicles from the BMW Group are manufactured using nearly 30 per cent recycled and reused material on average. The ‘secondary first’ approach is intended to gradually increase this figure to 50 per cent.

“The BMW i Vision Circular illustrates our all-encompassing, meticulous way of thinking when it comes to sustainable mobility. It symbolises our ambition to be a pioneering force in the development of a circular economy,” explains Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “We lead the way for resource efficiency in production and we are seeking to extend this status to all stages of the vehicle life cycle. This is a question of economic sustainability too, as the current trend in commodity prices clearly shows the financial consequences in store for any industry that is reliant on finite resources.” He adds, “We will take the next big step towards achieving this with the ‘Neue Klasse’ models. We appreciate there are many BMW fans longing for a first foretaste of the ‘Neue Klasse’, but the BMW i Vision Circular isn’t it. I can promise, however, that, on a sustainability level, the ‘Neue Klasse’ is being developed with the same mindset applied for the BMW i Vision Circular.”

The overriding design aim for the BMW i Vision Circular was to create a vehicle that is optimised for closed materials cycles and achieves 100% use of recycled materials / 100% recyclability. This involves making particular use of materials that have already completed a product life cycle – or secondary materials as they are known – alongside certified bio-based raw materials. The same applies to the energy storage device: the all-solid-state battery in the BMW i Vision Circular is 100 per cent recyclable and manufactured almost entirely using materials sourced from the recycling loop. It will achieve much higher energy density with significantly reduced use of the most valuable resources.

Circular design – a new approach.
“We gave thorough consideration to circularity from the outset during the design process for the BMW i Vision Circular. As a result, this Vision Vehicle is packed with innovative ideas for combining sustainability with a new, inspirational aesthetic – we call this approach ‘circular design’,” explains Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design. Circular design embraces the four principles of RE:THINK, RE:DUCE, RE:USE and RE:CYCLE.

RE:THINK. Circular product design begins by thinking about things differently. For the BMW i Vision Circular this meant scrutinising processes and manufacturing technologies and thinking differently. The function performed by each component part up to now was examined, after which the part was removed without replacement or cleverly repackaged where appropriate and then designed to enable closed materials cycles.

RE:DUCE. “I do more with less” has long been an integral part of the BMW i philosophy. The BMW i Vision Circular demonstrates this through the rigorously applied reduction in the number of component parts, material groups and surface finishes, dispensing completely with exterior paintwork, leather and chrome, for instance. Materials from bio-based raw materials also help to minimise environmental impact and contribute to a smaller carbon footprint. As far as the digitalisation features are concerned, smart control panels reduce both complexity and the use of materials. In addition to this, digital surface treatments enable a reduction in the number of hardware variants at the same time as opening up whole new possibilities for design.

RE:USE. Ideally, a sustainable product will have a long lifespan, with a rich and enjoyable product experience making people a lot more enthusiastic about using the product – and using it for longer. One way of ensuring this happens is by incorporating digitality to create new experiences. The display options via digital display surfaces in the exterior and interior of a car and the availability of “option as a service” allow users to constantly bring something new to the vehicle. Constant updates over the air and cloud computing keep the product technically up to date for longer. And the vehicle’s life cycle can also be extended by refurbishing and re-design. Easily detachable connections make it far simpler for users to replace individual materials and component parts, allowing them to keep restyling the vehicle.

RE:CYCLE. When it comes to the materials used, the focus with the BMW i Vision Circular is on recycled materials (“secondary first” approach) which are intended to be reused again at the end of the product life cycle. Having a small number of different mono-material groups with connections that can easily be undone is crucial for good recycling. For this reason, the BMW i Vision Circular avoids bonded connections or composite materials and uses intelligent types of connection, such as cords, press studs and quick-release fasteners, instead. It showcases a purpose-developed, aesthetically appealing quick-release fastener for the wheels, seats and instrument panel that creates a ‘joyful fusion’. The laser-etched graphic in the centre of the quick-release fastener is made up of the letters of the word “circular” arranged in the form of a circle. A special socket wrench separates the component parts joined by the fastener with a single rotation. The ‘joyful fusion’ fastener creates a theft-proof and stable connection and, at the same time, allows many component parts of the vehicle to be dismantled with just a single tool.

“BMW has always known how to resolve apparent contradictions in its products,” explains Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design. “With the BMW i Vision Circular, we have set ourselves the challenge of designing a 100% circular vehicle, while at the same time meeting – and in some respects exceeding – our customers’ self-evident expectations when it comes to lifestyle and luxury.”

Re-interpreting classical icons – the front end.
The puristic front end clearly conveys the aesthetic power of circular design. In keeping with the principles of “RE:THINK” and “RE:USE”, the number of parts here has been reduced to the max. Instead of having a chrome surround with bars, the kidney grille has been newly interpreted as a digital surface. The kidney surfaces extend across the entire width of the front end, merging the headlights and grille into an unmistakable “double-icon” that will continue to be a clear BMW identifier. At the same time, the kidney surfaces are turned into a graphic interface. In the future, digital design could make geometric variations in lights and bumpers redundant, helping to reduce the quantity of materials and tools required.

A discreet line graphic on the kidney surfaces constitutes the sole decorative element in the front end. Using a process of intelligent surface refinement, it brings a new and artistic twist to the familiar parallel kidney bar look. This line graphic forms a recurring theme that is also found in the windows, the rear end, the roof, wheels and floor coverings. The BMW i Vision Circular has no other additive trim elements or badging of the sort currently used to signify quality. The brand logo on the front end is engraved and the vehicle badge is laser-etched to avoid using extra add-on parts.

The surfaces below the windscreen are made from secondary aluminium. An additional sensor cluster between the two kidney elements groups together technological features, enabling simple disassembly within a single removable element. The bumper area further down is manufactured from recycled plastic with a sophisticated marbled surface.

A new silhouette for BMW – the side view.
The circular design approach exudes puristic clarity when viewing the car in profile too. The BMW i Vision Circular has a clear mono-volume design made up of just a small number of parts, with the array of different materials used reduced to a minimum. The design language here is clear and accessible. The proportions, meanwhile, take BMW in a new direction. The vehicle extends in an unbroken volume from the front to rear axle, offering a generous breadth of interior usability within a small footprint. Even at a standstill, the rising roofline and a cowl panel pushed well forward give the compact silhouette the appearance of surging dynamically down the road. The wheels form almost the outer limits of the vehicle, combining with the prominently flared wheel arches to produce a hunkered-down, sporty stance. Together with its electrified architecture, the Vision Vehicle offers a luxury-class interior on a small car footprint.

The large-surfaced, flush-glazed passenger compartment lends a sense of modernity and lightness to the flanks. Instead of using a chrome trim strip as a surround for the window graphic, there is a slim digital surface extending like a ribbon around the Hofmeister kink. This is not only a stylistic element, but also a display and control/operation surface. It can be used to show information about the vehicle status and guide users to the door opener using light as they approach the car. When the door opener is touched, the two portal doors open in opposite directions, making it easy for the driver and passengers to climb aboard and opening up the generously sized interior.

Refined surfaces rather than paintwork.
The BMW i Vision Circular deliberately avoids the use of paint for the exterior, and instead features a main body made from secondary aluminium with a light-gold anodised finish. The calmer feel of this Anodized Mystic Bronze shade contrasts with the more “animated” and richly coloured surface at the rear made from heat-treated steel. The heat treatment process creates the colour Temper Blue Steel, an alluring interplay of bluish purple surfaces whose cloud-like aspect would lend a highly individual touch to any vehicle. The refinement processes employed for the individual surfaces give them significant visual impact, while preserving the raw materiality of the two metals for optimal reusability. This shows how it will be possible to refine surfaces using innovative processes in future without the need for paint finishes.

Innovative details in the wheel area.
The tyres in “Vivid Blue Rubber” are made from certified, sustainably cultivated natural rubber and have a slightly transparent appearance. Extra coloured, recycled rubber particles are added to the tyre compound for strengthening, creating an intriguing terrazzo effect and purposefully highlighting the reuse of materials. The wheel rims are designed and manufactured with minimal materials use. Rim centres with maximum permeability provide brake cooling, while the more enclosed surfaces to the outer reaches of the wheels ensure the greatest possible aerodynamic efficiency. The wheels are fixed in place using the “joyful fusion” quick-release fastener that adorns the centre of the wheel, forming a sophisticated visual highlight. Only visible when looking from above, a narrow fin is integrated centrally in the rear section of the glass roof. It contains the communications and antenna technology, and provides information on the status of the vehicle (open/closed, charge level of the battery, etc.). It also integrates the high-mounted centre brake light.

Monolithic and modern – the rear end.
The rear end also has a puristic, clear appearance. All the display surfaces and light functions are integrated invisibly into the dark glass tailgate, replicating the approach taken at the front end. When the car is switched off, only the two-dimensional BMW logo in the dark glass surface is visible. Switching the car on activates both the functional light elements and the line graphic at the front end. Below the tailgate, a clearly sculpted surface made from secondary steel creates a striking horizontal movement. A slight uptick here injects the rear end with dynamic flair and provides a high-class border. Moving further down, the perfectly minimalised and aerodynamically optimised black bumper – likewise made from visibly recycled plastic – rounds off the rear-end design at its point lowest to the road.

Visibly sustainable luxury - the interior design.
Inside, the BMW i Vision Circular seeks to create a luxurious ambience, employing materials and production processes that are indicative of a responsible approach to the environment and its resources. The interior of the BMW i Vision Circular thereby highlights what will be possible in the future when it comes to circularity and purposeful selection of materials – and the kind of intriguing aesthetics that might emerge as a result. This involves using not just the right basic materials in the form of mono-materials but also clever new joining techniques for them which avoid the use of glue in order to ensure optimum suitability for dismantling and sorting at a later stage. In order to minimise the amount of waste and offcuts, all components and materials will be manufactured to fit exactly using processes such as 3D printing. Any surplus material will be systematically fed back into the materials cycle.

The interior – modern, light and supremely sustainable.
The two outer-hinged portal doors swing wide open to reveal a light and airy interior. The basic colour scheme for the cabin is composed of taupe with elements of grey and the light mint green shade (“MONOchrome Mint”) used for the floor and side trim panels. This coordinates perfectly with the taupe/violet “MONOchrome Taupe” finish for the front and rear seats to create a modern and homely atmosphere. Gold-bronze metal accents in the same Anodized Mystic Bronze shade used for the exterior add a warm and sophisticated contrast.

The interior greets the driver and front passenger with a high degree of transparency and an open sense of space. The glass roof with pronounced rearward placement of the windscreen header gives those in the front the impression they are sitting in the open air while also maximising the feeling of spaciousness experienced within a small footprint. The four seats have been intentionally designed to look more look like pieces of furniture. In the front, two separate lounge seats with integral head restraints create an exclusive ambience. Their velvet-like upholstery is made from recycled plastic and is held within a light-gold aluminium frame. The seats rest on a slender mono-post base with fore/aft adjustment. Together with the accompanying omission of a centre console, this design has the effect of creating vast amounts of legroom for passengers in the second row. The back of the slim front seat shells is made of recycled plastics with a terrazzo-look finish. Another circular ‘joyful fusion’ quick-release fastener for simple dismantling can be found here, allowing the metal and fabric to be easily separated and sorted, and then reused.

Re-interpreted instrument panel.
The global user experience in the BMW i Vision Circular, like its material qualities, deliberately showcases a more distant future with greater in-car intelligence and more sensors that react to the user. Reducing the number of components while also grouping functions together creates a ‘phygital experience’. This newly coined term refers to turning digitality into a haptic experience. Depending on the use case, this involves either implementing the underlying technology in a highly integrated, virtually invisible manner as an extension of the ‘shy tech’ approach or – as demonstrated by the instrument panel – deliberately showcasing it and bringing it to life as an artistic icon.

The classical instrument panel is turned into a next-generation phygital user interface. Here, it takes the form of a hovering, V-shaped sculpture that projects out into the cabin. At its heart is a 3D-printed, crystal body with nerve-like structures running through it, great visual depth and an enthralling lighting effect. This is where the vehicle’s “thinking” is visualised, allowing the user to see its intelligence at work. The instrument panel also serves as an area for interaction though, giving form to the fundamental idea of creating experiences that extend far beyond displays and buttons. The crystal body is bordered on both sides by naturally treated wood that has been responsibly sourced and externally certified, as is the case with all bio-based raw materials. Gold-bronze elements made from anodised secondary aluminium connect the instrument panel to the A-pillars. The metallic side sections once again feature the ‘joyful fusion’ quick-release fasteners for straightforward dismantling.

Displays reimagined.
The information area you would normally expect to find in a central information display is located above the instrument panel at the bottom of the windscreen. This display area takes the Head-Up Display as first brought out by BMW to a whole new level. All relevant information is projected onto the bottom area of the windscreen across its entire width. Driving displays for the driver can be found here together with communications functions and entertainment features for the passengers. Information can be moved directly into the user’s field of vision or hidden, as desired. Intelligent use of technologies therefore transforms the existing windscreen into an information source, eliminating the need for any other displays in the interior at the same time, and is another example application of shy tech at work. The projected content is controlled by means of interaction pads in the steering wheel, while passengers can easily connect their mobile devices to the vehicle and then call up individual content in the windscreen’s front passenger section or activate the personal speakers for a seamless infotainment offering. From the outside, a graduated black printed surface with a gold-bronze pattern gives added effect to the display area of the windscreen.

3D-printed steering wheel.
The steering wheel forms a link between past and future at the same time as reducing the quantity of material and components. The rim has been 3D-printed from bio-based material, with the wood powder variant shown here giving the steering wheel a natural and warm feel. The unconventional, central positioning of the vertical spoke in gold-bronze adds a modern twist. It incorporates another crystal interface area featuring backlighting and displays similar to those of the instrument panel. To the left and right of the steering wheel’s centre, in the vicinity of the driver’s thumbs, are pads that are activated by the thumbs moving towards or touching them and operated by thumb movements (similar to today’s multifunction steering wheels). These pads are phygital touchpoints that reinforce the principle of “hands on the wheel, eyes on the road” and control the content shown in the windscreen’s information area.

Display surface connects the exterior with the interior
The display and operating surface below the windows visible on the outside of the car can be found on the inside too, forming a connecting element between interior and exterior. Here again, it extends back into the rear of the car and around the Hofmeister kink. Featuring the same crystal appearance as the instrument panel and ambient lighting, this element in the sidewall adds to the intriguing and mystical aura produced in the cabin. It additionally incorporates a number of functions, including the power window switches, door openers and the controls for the sunshade in the roof. This means it forms the only electronic component in the doors, and it can be simply removed as a module when dismantling the vehicle and then separated and sorted.

Inviting rear compartment.
The pronounced rearward placement of the windscreen header provides passengers in the rear with a separate glass roof featuring a mechanical shading function. This function comprises two glass panels with a pattern of parallel lines that can be pushed together to vary the degree of shading between 50% and 100%. The use of two panels for the shading function results in a very slim design that does not add to the height. Here, intelligent graphic design has led to an innovation which does not require any additional technology or electronics yet still achieves the maximum effect.

In addition to this, the rear of the cabin has been shaped into a large, slightly raised bench seat, which offers an inviting space for two with its amply proportioned, softly padded side bolsters. The head restraints look like cushions placed on a supporting structure, further emphasising the soft, cosy character. The audio speakers are located beneath the head restraint cushions. Each seat has its own dedicated sound zone, meaning that individual audio content can be enjoyed anywhere in the vehicle without acoustic interference. Direct sound control reduces the number of parts required and simplifies removal of the system. This is just one example of the possible ways in which modern technical features can be subtly integrated into an interior setting that has the appearance of a comfortable apartment.

Sophisticated details in the rear.
The fabric upholstery for the seats in MONOchrome Taupe is made entirely from recycled material, but has been woven here into an elaborate Jacquard design. The lavish upholstery is further enhanced by precise quilting and is held in place by press studs for easier dismantling, as on the front seats. The rear bench seat is bordered by an anodised aluminium frame in gold-bronze. The method for joining the seat upholstery to the frame is another noteworthy detail here, as the fabric is interwoven with the frame by means of a cord. The connection can be undone again manually when it is time to dismantle the seat. The deep-pile carpet in MONOchrome Mint creates a pleasant atmosphere throughout the vehicle. It has the characteristic pattern of lines familiar from the exterior printed into it and is manufactured from 100 per cent recycled plastic. In the C-pillar, a glass iDrive Controller from a BMW iX enjoys a second life with a new function as a lamp – a very smart touch that illustrates the principle of “RE:USE”.

The sound design of the BMW i Vision Circular.
The composer Hans Zimmer and Renzo Vitale, Creative Director Sound BMW Group, came up with an exclusive sound design for the BMW i Vision Circular that makes its circularity audible. “The idea was to combine different samples to keep injecting new life into the sounds inside the vehicle, in the same way its materials get a new lease of life,” explains Hans Zimmer. “The concept of objects potentially having an almost infinite lifespan inspired us to also use samples from physical instruments from a bygone age, such as a famous old cello that still works in modern times thanks to the wonders of digital circularity.” Taking the materials used in the vehicle as a starting point, the duo also experimented with samples and loops of sound elements, enabling them to discover a spectrum of sounds produced by the materials in the car. Each and every tone featured here captures the movements of the exterior structures, the interior areas, the materials, the lights and the visual animations.

Vehicle-to-grid opens up new possible uses.
Alongside all its material and design innovations, the BMW i Vision Circular also offers the possibility of usage in a bidirectional charging scenario. Here, the vehicle would act as a mobile energy storage device and feed power to its surroundings, e.g. buildings and infrastructure. It can even be fed back into the power grid to help absorb peaks in demand.

Data-based smart mobility for maximum efficiency in urban traffic.
Another key measure in the drive towards sustainable urban mobility extends beyond the actual vehicle: making intelligent use of the available real-time and long-term traffic data for maximum mobility efficiency. To date, the BMW Group has manufactured far in excess of 14 million connected vehicles that are now on the world’s roads. What’s more, the degree of connectivity and the precision of the sensor technology used are constantly improving. The information gathered by each vehicle isn’t just used to support its own functions though. With the user’s consent, it is shared with the entire connected fleet, allowing all vehicles to benefit from this swarm intelligence. Speed recommendations could be optimised to make better use of traffic light phases (“green wave”), traffic flows forecasted more accurately and periods of congestion minimised as a result of vehicles communicating with each other and their environment. CO₂ emissions caused by stop-start traffic or even searching for a parking spot could be reduced significantly across a large number of users.

Further insights with the BMW i Insight Vision App.
The BMW i Insight Vision App offers a novel new way of experiencing and exploring the BMW i Vision Circular interactively. The app uses a wealth of different examples to visualise the four basic principles of circular economy – RE:THINK, RE:DUCE, RE:USE and RE:CYCLE. All aspects of the Vision Vehicle can be discovered in an entertaining way with the help of augmented reality. Additional information, background details and facts have been added to enrich the user experience and offer a wide variety of insights into both the design process and the materials and technologies used. The app’s design has been modelled on the My BMW App. The BMW i Insight Vision App experience is available exclusively on the show stand.

RE:BMW Circular Lab – RE:THINK, RE:DUCE, RE:USE and RE:CYCLE.
The BMW Group is staging a RE:BMW Circular Lab as part of the IAA event to provide further information on the topic of circular economy. The BMW Group intends to win the public over to the circular economy approach with this hybrid experience and communications platform. Under the umbrella of the four fundamental principles of circular design the RE:BMW Circular Lab invites visitors to the IAA to gain a first-hand experience of what circular economy and circular design mean during workshops. “Circular Heroes”, as they have been named, will offer their users an easy, fun and artistic way of familiarising themselves with the principles of circular design that is also factually correct.

Munich. With five new collection lines ranging from Motorsport Heritage, Motorsport BMW, Golfsport and Yachtsport to Active, BMW Lifestyle has unveiled the perfect accompaniments for a sporty, active lifestyle brimming with energy and action – in keeping with the arrival of spring 2017.

Urban athleisure with BMW Active.

No longer will the head-turning impact of the camouflage worn by BMW pre-production vehicles be confined to the road. Their distinctive camo pattern brings a special design highlight to all of the items in the sporty and urban BMW Active. Blue and Olive shades, plus yellow design elements and reflectors, bring a modern flavour to the colour palette.

As well as an urban athleisure look, the Active collection also stands out with its lightweight, quick-drying and breathable materials – ideal for sporting excursions and outdoor activities. Handy features, including the jersey-lined drawstring hood and raised scarf collar of the BMW Active Sweatshirt, ensure the wearer enjoys unbeatable comfort and maximum freedom of movement.

In another neat twist, the collection contains not only useful outdoor accessories like the BMW Active Functional Towel and a hard-wearing luggage range, but also well-chosen canine accessories such as the BMW Active Dog Leash. So our four-legged friends can also embark on new adventures equipped with the right kit for the job at hand.

From history books to present day – the BMW Motorsport Heritage and BMW Motorsport Collection.

Inspired by the zeitgeist of the 1970s, the BMW Motorsport Heritage Collection stylishly reflects BMW’s long tradition in motor sport. The BMW Motorsport Leather Jacket in high-quality lamb’s leather is a genuine cult item and channels the spirit of the racing original.

The other items in the Heritage Collection likewise boast the original seventies BMW Motorsport logo, striking graphic lines and an eye-catching colour scheme. And they, too, exude a must-have appeal both for BMW Motorsport fans who have been there since the beginning and those with a soft spot for seventies culture and BMW classics.

Motor sport enthusiasts of the present day will be keen to explore the newly released BMW Motorsport Collection, which offers numerous styles – think striking BMW Motorsport stripes, dynamic styles and high-quality materials – designed to recreate that time-honoured BMW race feeling. A highlight of the collection is the BMW Motorsport Paper Jacket. Made from innovative, paper-like Tyvekâ material, this jacket can be written on with waterproof markers. Which makes it an essential wardrobe addition for trackside autograph hunters.

BMW Golfsport Collection – on the green in Navy and Fire.

For those who prefer to wind down by hitting a golf ball or two, the BMW Golfsport Collection offers an exclusive selection of sporty, elegant outfits such as the BMW Golfsport Polo Shirt or the BMW Golf Functional Jacket and functionally adept equipment replete with clever features.

For example, the ultra-lightweight BMW Golfsport Carry Bag doesn’t just impress with its intelligently structured outer and inner pockets and seven club compartments, it also has lightweight aluminium legs (with a manual activator mechanism) that provide optimal ground contact. Aqua technology from OGIO, a removable, shape-retaining rain cover and waterproof zips and stitching team up to keep all of your golf gear dry, whatever the weather.

The smart Navy/Fire colour scheme of the collection will bring extra stylistic potency to any player’s swing, regardless of handicap.

The BMW Golfsport Gift Set will be equally well received by golf pros and fledgling members of the handicap ranks alike. Flip open the large, golf-ball-style gift box and you will find two high-qualify Pro V1 golf balls from expert partner Titleist, a pitch fork and a BMW Golfsport Cap. The cap has a handy magnet holder on its peak so you can keep the two ball markers with BMW logo (also included in the set) within easy reach at all times.

BMW Yachtsport Collection

BMW Lifestyle continues to blow a refreshing breeze into the world of yachting as well. The successful BMW Yachtsport Collection contains items of baggage, accessories and apparel which impress with a sporty, elegant design and high quality. While wind- and water-repellent materials respond to the specific demands of yachting, casual styles and sophisticated details provide unbeatable comfort. The collection’s accessories also combine expertly functional materials and chic maritime design elements.

The BMW Sport Collections are available from April 2017 at shop.bmw.com as well as from selected BMW Centres and dealers.

Manufacturer’s recommended retail prices:

BMW Active Sweatshirts, woman and men: EUR 89.00                   

BMW Active Functional Towel: EUR 24.90

BMW Active Dog Leash: EUR 39.90

BMW Motorsport Heritage Leather Jacket, men: EUR 590.00

BMW Motorsport Paper Jacket. men: EUR 49.00

BMW Golfsport Polo Shirt, woman and men: EUR 65.00

BMW Golfsport Functional Jacket, woman and men: EUR 130.00

BMW Golfsport Carry Bag: EUR 280.00

BMW Golfsport Gift Set: EUR 55.00

Munich/ Paris . The BMW Group has chosen the Paris Motor Show 2016 to present the BMW Concept X2. This new addition to the compact segment has a distinctive design that stands apart from that of the other X models and also draws on the BMW Group’s history of coupe-making. The result is a compact concept exuding urban sporting appeal.

“The BMW Concept X2 is a vehicle for active people looking for a combination of enjoyment and practicality,” explains Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The concept displays a new and exciting facet of the BMW brand within the compact segment.”

The design – a successful blend of dynamic appeal and solidity.
The design of the BMW Concept X2 fuses apparent contradictions into a single coherent statement. “The BMW Concept X2 combines the fast-moving body language and low-slung proportions of a coupe with the robust construction of an X model. This is a sporty vehicle with a bold character, and it allows us to open up some fascinating new design possibilities for the BMW brand,” says Karim Habib, Head of BMW Design.

The distinctive character of the BMW Concept X2 already shines through in the car’s proportions. While its large wheels and familiar two-box design underline its functional X model character, a long wheelbase, stretched roofline, short overhangs and heavily forward-slanting C-pillar give the body a sporty, low-to-the-road feel. The interplay of the darker cladding surfaces and striking Luminous Red body colour make the Concept X2 look even slimmer from the side.

Two facets to a singular character – the side view.
The upper section of the car’s flanks is dominated by sporty design elements. The elongated roofline and slim window graphic create a stretched feel. The glasshouse tapers towards the rear, forming an athletic shoulder section. The window graphic surrounds and integrated two-piece mirror bases (both made from brushed aluminium) add an extra touch of class. The thickness of the aluminium profile plays a contrasting role here. The window graphic is rounded off by a dynamic interpretation of the hallmark BMW Hofmeister kink. Like the logo on the C-pillar – a classically sporty coupe design cue straight out of the BMW history books – this represents a singularly unmistakeable detail. The large, air-channelling roof spoiler in body colour lies flat over the blackened rear window. Extending from the C-pillars, it gives the rear of the BMW Concept X2 its sporty contours.

Lower down the sides of the car, customary X-model features hog the limelight. Muscular surfaces, large wheel arches and stylistic underfloor protection around the door sills form an intriguing contrast with the dynamic elements further up. Focusing for a moment on more detailed features, the surfaces of the car’s flanks bring together large, smoothly modelled sections with precise edges, showcasing the car’s athletic presence. The dramatic surfacing also emphasises the almost squared-off wheel arches familiar from the car’s BMW X stablemates. In them sit large, 21-inch light-alloy wheels, whose striking, double-spoke, bi-colour design with a strong sense of three-dimensionality continues the contrast between dynamic appeal and solidity into the car’s details. Tyres with chunky treads point to the potential for fun off the beaten track, while door sills in body colour with integral hexagonal elements set the seal on the robust appearance of the car’s sides at their lowest point.

Dynamism and presence – the front end.
The front-end design of the BMW Concept X2 likewise fuses dynamic elements with a robust use of forms. Clearly contoured volumes and subtle edges create a front-end impression with presence and sporting appeal in abundance. The heavily raked windscreen appears to extend seamlessly into the dark panoramic roof and teams up with the newly interpreted double kidney grille and large air intakes to give the front end a slow-slung look. The kidneys are sited a little lower than the headlights, and the central air intake is closer to the road than the two outer intakes. This makes the centre of the car appear lower, underlining the dynamic verve of the front-end design.

The kidneys turn the familiar trapezoidal shape of BMW grilles on its head and instead widen from top to bottom. This clear statement therefore accentuates the standalone nature of the BMW Concept X2, as well as the width of the front and the car’s solid stance. Graphically modelled and heavily angled bars within the kidney grille create an undeniable “shark nose” effect, bringing additional depth and sculptural richness to this area of the car.

The flat contours of the headlight tubes help to give the classical BMW twin circular look a more hexagonal form. The laser light technology used by the headlights enables very slim light graphics, while the blue X in the centre of the hexagonal tubes adds a further technical accent.

The front apron is dominated by the large central air intake below the kidney grille, which helps to quench the Concept X2’s thirst for cooling air. The smaller, triangular air intakes on either side highlight the car’s broad stance. The robust, horizontal slats of the air intakes provide a solid counterpoint to the dynamic design of the front apron and add further detailed emphasis of the front-end’s traditional X-model character.

A powerful statement – the rear end.
The rear of the BMW Concept X2 rounds off the exterior design in distinctive style. Width-accentuating elements such as the slim rear window and horizontal lines reduce the perceived height of the BMW Concept X2 and underscore its sporting pretentions. From this angle you can also see how the rear window emerges elegantly from below the air-channelling spoiler and underlines the car’s sporting character. The prominent tapering of the glasshouse along the sides of the Concept X2 also catches the eye. It forms a powerful shoulder area, allowing it to highlight the car’s broad, muscular stance. Below the glasshouse, the sharply drawn rear lights radiate dynamic intent. The fresh interpretation of the lights’ familiar “L” shape frames the LED element as an illuminating three-dimensional sculpture that projects from the rear to eye-catching effect.

Located between the rear lights is the BMW logo. Below, the almost uninterrupted transition from tailgate to rear apron creates a cohesive overall picture which spotlights the car’s crisp surface language with particular clarity. The dark cladding below the rear apron lifts the whole rear end visually, while at the same time giving its upper section a slimmer look. The body-colour rear apron provides a dynamic flourish to round off the lower reaches of the rear. A large tailpipe at either outer extreme emphasises the car’s broad stance, while the surrounding surfaces reference the three-way split and overall form of the front air intakes.

Munich. More than 80 technologies in 11 categories were entered in the “Car Connectivity Award” readers’ survey conducted by German motoring journal auto motor und sport and computer magazine CHIP. The BMW 7 Series was crowned the vehicle with the best connectivity in the “Connected Cars” category. This was the third time that the magazines had asked readers and users for their choices. 32,495 votes were submitted, with 27.9 per cent cast in favour of the BMW 7 Series. The result underlines once again BMW’s leading status in the link-up of the driver, vehicle and outside world. Added to which, the BMW M2 Coupe was voted the “Best new design of 2016” in the compact cars category of the “autonis” poll conducted by “auto motor und sport”.

Readers recognise the exceptional levels of connectivity provided by the BMW 7 Series.
The BMW 7 Series performed impressively in the readers’ poll carried out by auto motor und sport and CHIP thanks to a wealth of newly developed assistance systems such as Remote Control Parking. The BMW 7 Series is the world’s first series-produced car that can be manoeuvred into and back out of perpendicular parking spaces or garages without a driver at the wheel. This function is activated by the driver outside using the newly developed BMW Display Key and carried out semi-automatically by the car. Another example of the link-up between different systems is the Steering and lane control assistant including Traffic jam assistant, which controls the car’s speed down to a standstill and eases the stress on the driver in traffic congestion, in particular.

Likewise showcasing exceptional connectivity are the services from BMW ConnectedDrive in the BMW 7 Series. They include Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI), Online Entertainment and Intelligent Emergency Call with accident severity detection. For all BMW ConnectedDrive services, the SIM card embedded as standard in the car establishes the connection with the mobile phone network.

BMW M2 Coupe wins “autonis” readers’ poll.
With its high-performance six-cylinder in-line engine developing 272 kW/370 hp (fuel consumption, combined: 8.5 l/100 km [33.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions, combined: 199 g/km)*, rear-wheel-drive agility and lightweight aluminium M Sport suspension, the BMW M2 Coupe represents a case study in top-class sporting ability and dynamic excellence. Inspired by models from BMW’s history in motor racing, the BMW M2 Coupe also sends out a visual statement of its remarkable performance potential. Particularly impressive here are its low front apron with large air intakes, muscular flanks with hallmark M gills, 19-inch alloy wheels in familiar M double-spoke design and a low, wide rear end with M-specific twin exhaust tailpipes. And now the “autonis” readers’ poll by “auto motor und sport” has provided further evidence of how this eye-catching design flair has captured the imagination of the public. The BMW M2 Coupe took the title of “Best new design of 2016” in the compact car category, accounting for 34.3 per cent of the votes cast. BMW can therefore celebrate back-to-back victories, the BMW 1 Series having topped last year’s “autonis” poll in the same class.

18,229 readers took part in the “autonis” survey, which was held for the 16th time this year. Readers were presented with a choice of 115 vehicles presented over the past 12 months. The models were split into 10 categories and votes could be submitted from 9 June – 24 July. Each reader could cast four votes in each category: two for the models they considered to be particularly successful designs and two for those they liked the least. The winners were calculated from the difference between the results.

* Fuel consumption figures based on the EU test cycle, may vary depending on the tyre format specified.

Munich/New York. With its all-electric BMW i3, the BMW Group has successfully brought to market the world’s first premium automobile conceived from the ground up for zero-emission mobility. Against the backdrop of the New York International Auto Show, the BMW i3 earned two of the most prestigious international awards soon after its market launch: the World Car Design of the Year Award 2014 and the World Green Car Award 2014.

“Right from the development stage, the BMW i3 is a thoroughly sustainable vehicle designed for the requirements of the 21st century,” said Dr Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing BMW. “Our designers created a car that, through its design and use of sustainable materials, is an expression of the future.”

This year saw 28 contenders lining up for the World Car Design of the Year competition. A high-calibre panel of design experts ultimately presented a short list of three finalists to the 69-strong overall jury. Of these, the BMW i3 emerged as the winner. The jury said of its choice: “In its design the BMW i3 suggests both roominess and efficiency – yet it is at first glance a genuine BMW. The interior is surprising and attractive, almost like a modern living room. This represents a radical leap in interior design. Beyond this, the BMW designers have succeeded in imbuing the new sub-brand with its very own character.”

In addition to this prestigious design award, the BMW i3 also earned the accolade World Green Car 2014. Out of 14 contestants, three made it to the final. The judges explained their winning choice as follows: “The BMW i3 is one of very few clean-sheet-of-paper cars designed from the ground up with efficiency in mind. Radical in looks, construction and powertrain, it is purpose-built with the world’s megacities in mind. The BMW i3 pushes boundaries on many fronts.” 

The BMW Group already won the World Green Car of the Year award in 2008 For its BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy in the BMW 118d.

Los Angeles/ Munich/ Shanghai. BMW Group DesignworksUSA, a creative consultancy and subsidiary of BMW Group, is the recipient of eight GOOD DESIGN™ Awards for design excellence. The Award program is organized by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design in cooperation with the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies. In 2013 thousands of entries from over 38 countries around the world were submitted. DesignworksUSA was honoured with the Good Design Award for diverse design programs mirrowing the studio`s broad client portfolio. Each one of the winning designs pulled from the company´s core design principles such as cross-fertilization, future thinking, global context, and brand acumen. 

“It’s very rewarding for our team to see our core principle of cross-fertilization reflected in the list of winning entries,” said Laurenz Schaffer, President, BMW Group DesignworksUSA. “We have the fortunate opportunity to take insights and learnings from a multitude of industries and markets to solve challenges with products and services spanning areas like medical and mobility, consumer goods and entertainment.”

Awarded design programs by Designworks USA:

ASRock M8 mini gaming PC: The ultra compact gaming PC speaks the language of strength and ultimate performance demonstrating extreme efficiency and big emotion. With magnetic side panels and an array of innovative features the PC is designed for maximum customization.

BMW i Wallbox: The premium charging device for residential use is part of a comprehensive  BMW E-mobility experience.  Its holistic, innovative charging concept provides for a new dimension of electric mobility.

Dacor Discovery 30” Wall Oven user interface:  Thegraphic user interface (GUI) is extremely easy to use and functionally intelligent.  With the Discovery IQ Controller, home chefs can expect the latest technological advances for the kitchen.

Hello ® oral care line:  It is theworld's first line of seriously friendly™ oral care products with a distinctive product design, developed to elevate the everyday.

Mercury Marine Electronic Remote Control:  A cable-less variant of a shift and throttle control for the Mercury engines, provides precise shift, throttle and trim response. Designed based on an ergonomic approach to surfacing, allowing for the creation of fluid and comfortable touch points.  

Premec Chalk Pen:  The promotional pen with its innovative design defines the horizon of possibilities within the cornerstones of simplicity and quality and translates these into a sustainable product. The chalk pen will be one of the lightest pens on the market.

PRIMA Cinema player:  The Prima Cinema player is a brand-centric and luxury offering that provides an engaging and fulfilling high-end home theatre experience.

Varian Edge™ Radiosurgery System:  The comprehensive radiosurgery system, designed for radiosurgical ablation, is a dedicated, end-to-end system for performing non-invasive cancer procedures anywhere in the body - wherever radiation is indicated.

A complete list of this year’s winners can be found on the following website: www.chi-athenaeum.org

In the event of inquiries please contact:

BMW Group DesignworksUSA

Jackie Jones, Manager, Marketing & Communications

BMW Group DesignworksUSA

Tel.: (805) 376-6253, Fax: (805) 499-9650

E-Mail: jackie.jones@designworksusa.com

Sophie Seidenath, BMW Group Design and Lifestyle Communication

Tel.: +49-89-382-24743, Fax: +49-89-382-20626

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

E-Mail: presse@bmw.de

BMW Group DesignworksUSA

BMW Group DesignworksUSA is a creative consultancy that’s been driving innovation for forty years. Acquired by BMW Group in 1995, DesignworksUSA enables its parent company as well as internationally-renowned clients outside the automotive industry to grow their businesses through design and a portfolio of creative consulting services. With clients including Coca Cola, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, HEAD, HP, Intermarine, John Deere, Microsoft, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Siemens and Varian Medical Systems, DesignworksUSA is deeply immersed in a broad cross-section of industries. Combining cross-fertilized knowledge with strategic long-term perspectives and global context provided by studios in Los Angeles, Munich, and Shanghai, DesignworksUSA draws upon its unique and vibrant resources to create the future. 

Website:  www.designworksusa.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BMWDesignworks

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/BMW-Group-DesignworksUSA

Vimeo:  http://vimeo.com/BMWGroupDesignworksUSA

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.  

In 2012, the BMW Group sold about 1.85 million cars and more than 117,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2012 was euro 7.82 billion on revenues amounting to euro 76.85 billion. At 31 December 2012, the BMW Group had a workforce of 105,876 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last eight years.

www.bmwgroup.com

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

Google+: http://googleplus.bmwgroup.com

Munich .BMW is “rocking” the slopes this winter with an exceptional ski design. Agility, manoeuvrability and smartness – these are the qualities of the red fox that elegantly extends as a central motif over the entire length of the rocker ski. The sporty sliders were designed by DesignworksUSA, a BMW Group subsidiary, in collaboration with the ski and sports equipment supplier K2. “The design combines the characteristics of the automobile and the world of winter sports,” says Laurenz Schaffer, President of BMW Group DesignworksUSA. “Dynamics and emotion have been newly interpreted in the design.”

Ski design that tells a story.

The spectacular colours, material, shapes and graphics featured on the ski surface all tell their own stories. The central theme deals with the parallels between the world of the BMW X1 and that of K2. As a design icon, the fox represents the metaphor of the compact Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and, combined with distinctive x-shaped lines and the two brand logos, underscores the commonalities of the two companies. As a deliberate contrast to the discreet basic colour, the colour red is reminiscent of the BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride show car, which celebrated its world premiere at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. A further element was taken from the automotive world: The running surface of the ski bears an illustration of a tyre track. 

Power and precision.

Just like the BMW X1, the K2 ski is at home on varied terrain. Thanks to the new baseline technology, a 90-mm waistline and a metal laminate Hybritech construction, it guarantees the highest possible degree of control and an exceptional experience in all snow and slope conditions. The ski, which was developed by K2 Sports, combines the advantages of traditional camber with the versatility and dynamics of a “rocker” ski. The construction has a slightly raised shovel for optimum performance in varying snow conditions and offers a high level of precision, edge grip and control on hard and icy slopes. Thanks to its construction and the progressive sidecut, the K2 ski is ideally suited to all levels of skiing ability and permits the highest degree of perfection and power both on the slopes and on off-slope terrain.

The creative exchange between the BMW and K2 brands also influenced, in addition to the concept study shown in Los Angeles, a limited special edition of the new BMW X1. It boasts exclusive design and equipment features as well as the intelligent four-wheel drive system xDrive and is only available this winter.

The BMW X1 Edition Powder Ride is out and about as an ambassador for the cooperation with the ski manufacturer K2 and is accompanying winter sports activities at 24 renowned ski and snowboard locations. The edition model’s equipment comprises the xLine features, aluminium, satin finished roof rails as well as a storage space package, including an armrest at the front. For the first time, optimum winter accessories are available as standard: The roof box 460 (incl. BMW base support) as well as the ski and snowboard bag sporting a design conceived exclusively for the special edition, all-weather foot mats and the luggage compartment mat complete this edition model. A particular highlight is the fact that anyone who buys the edition model receives a pair of K2 LTD BMW Powder Ride limited edition skis – available only in conjunction with the BMW X1 Edition Powder Ride.

The compact Sports Activity Vehicle has all BMW xLine design and equipment features. The edition model is available in the versions BMW X1 xDrive20i, BMW X1 xDrive28i, BMW X1 xDrive18d, BMW X1 xDrive20d and BMW X1 xDrive25d. The additional price for the Edition Powder Ride is Euros 3,450 Euros (in Germany).

K2 Ski: K2 LTD BMW Powder Ride

Length: 167cm, 174cm, 181cm

Dimensions: 132/90/115 (tip/middle/tail)

Radius: 20m@181cm

Baseline®: All Terrain Rocker TM

Construction: Metal laminate / Hybritech sidewalls

Details: Progressive sidecut • All-Terrain Rocker • Espe / Paulownia core • Boreholes in shovel and tail for skin attachment

Munich. BMW makes its debut as the exclusive partner of the annual awards presented by the renowned Art Directors Guild (ADG) in the USA. These awards recognise outstanding figures in production and set design from the international television and film industry. The prize presentation will take place on 2 February 2013 as part of a festive occasion at the venerable Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. The leading designer Herman F. Zimmerman will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in the shape of a trophy created by DesignworksUSA, a 100-percent subsidiary of the BMW Group. As part of this extensive collaboration, BMW will also provide the VIP shuttle service and present two of its latest models – the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and the BMW i8 Concept Spyder.

Stylishly showcased in front of the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is unmatched by any other BMW in uniting extraordinary dynamics and the aesthetics of a classical BMW Coupe with luxurious appeal. With its low height and flat roofline that sweeps into the rear, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe sets a new benchmark for automotive aesthetics. A further highlight is the BMW i8 Concept Spyder, representing the BMW i sub-brand. Its combination of intelligent lightweight construction and state-of-the-art hybrid technology helps the BMW i8 Concept Spyder achieve genuine sports car performance. Its sporty, emotional design lends it lightness, dynamics and efficiency coupled with unusual looks.

The BMW Group and the ADG Awards share a common passion for inspiring design. This is also reflected in the Lifetime Achievement Award trophy created by DesignworksUSA and to be presented to the renowned art director and production designer Herman F. Zimmerman. He made his mark, among other things, as the production designer for the cult sci-fi series Star Trek, and also put his futuristic design stamp firmly on The Next Generation series. The award will be presented by Alec Bernstein, Global Director, Creative Consulting & Strategic Partnering, BMW Group DesignworksUSA. The design of the “Electrified” trophy pays tribute to the achievements of Herman F. Zimmerman: “Our designers were inspired by the metaphor of a flying spark that ignites creative vision. This energy is, metaphorically speaking, electrifying. It prompted our designers to recreate this fusion of technology and art in the form of the trophy,” explains Bernstein.

The award ceremony will be hosted in the ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel –also familiar from the Golden Globes – by stand-up comedian Paula Poundstone. The Art Directors Guild Awards on 2 February 2013 will recognize outstanding designers from the TV and film industry.

For more than five decades now, the BMW Group has been supporting film and television as part of its commitment to the creative and cultural scene. Its involvement on this front embraces product placement, promoting film academies and sponsoring numerous events within the sector, ranging from high-calibre film festivals to small-scale, aspiring “film days”. Since 2010, for example, BMW has been a main partner of the Berlinale, the International Film Festival in Berlin. BMW also supports the Bayerischer Filmpreis, the renowned Landshut Short Film Festival and the Regensburg Short Film Week, among other events. It also promotes short films at international level, such as the “BMW Shorties” film project in Malaysia.

Host: I guess we could start by addressing the evolutionary process in design. You’re constantly involved in design. Where is your starting point?

Olga Polizzi: It’s always quite difficult when you’re starting a new hotel. We’ve got hotels from Manchester to Abu Dhabi. Our philosophy of hotels is that every hotel has to feel right in its place. So if you’re in Munich, you should wake up and feel as if you’re in Munich; if you’re in Sicily, wake up and feel as if you’re in Sicily. None of our hotels are the same. Each one is really thought through. For us, to do a hotel in Berlin, we’ll go and have a look; we will read things up. We’d look at a lot. I’ll wander around the city trying to understand what is Berlin. Well, the most important thing is also what sort of building are we in? Is it an old building? So we respect the building as well as the place. Here in Sicily, it’s a very harsh environment, very, very strong sun, strong winds; when it rains, it rains very hard. The waves are strong. You can’t do something pretty-pretty. It has to be harsh in itself. So we’ve got concrete floors. Very simple decoration. But the first thing, obviously, is to look at the contours of the land, which way you want to face. People always think of design as sort of pretty curtains and pretty carpets, but it’s a lot more than that.

Adrian van Hooydonk: Wow – strong winds and waves! Those can be a source of inspiration for us as well, but there are other things that come into play in car design. And that gives us inspiration. There’s the history of our company, of course. The cars that this company has made have always had a special character, a sporty character. They were always made for people who enjoy driving, and still find that a pleasant activity. Those are things we want to express in the design. So we don’t just want to create a beautiful object to look at. We want to have people begin to imagine what it would be like driving this car or using it. At the beginning of each project, we actually sit together among designers and some other experts and we talk about the character of the vehicle. We try to describe it in terms of a human being. Because we see our line of cars as a product family. So there has to be a family resemblance that also has something to do with our history and our heritage. But then each product, each car has a character of its own. Like in a real-life family, there are different characters. Those are then based on what people can experience when they use these products.

Host: Could you expand on that, Adrian? The new model, what kind of character is it?

Adrian van Hooydonk: Of course, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is one of the top models in the range. And it is meant for travel. You could travel fast or you could travel far, and then arrive in style, I would say. You can use it as a business tool but also enjoy some very nice holiday trips to places like this.

Host: Let’s have a look at the premium aspect. What role does it play in upholding the luxury statement, both in your hotels and in designing a new BMW?

Olga Polizzi: It’s difficult. Luxury sort of changes. Ten years ago, a 30-square-metre room was quite luxurious with a decent-sized bathroom. Now, we’re all more and more spoiled. We go to more and more places, luxury now means a 45-square-metre room, separate showers as well as baths. You have separate dressing areas. It’s continually evolving. You have to keep moving just to keep slightly ahead of the game. I thought quite a lot about what is similar about hotel design and car design. It’s actually amazing how much there is in common. Design – it’s like business. There are so many strands that are very much like each other. A luxury car has to feel luxurious. When you slam the door, it has to have that clunk that you know it’s strong and that it’s expensive. Obviously a lot of hotel luxury has to do with service, because you can have the most beautiful hotel in the world and you walk in –Wow! It looks marvellous, everyone is happy – and then you have rotten service and you don’t want to go back again. It’s the same with the car. It can look absolutely amazing, and if it stops in the middle of a lane, miles away from anywhere, you really don’t want that car. Someone can take it as far as you’re concerned. So we do have that in common.

Adrian van Hooydonk: I also believe luxury is changing. It’s actually diverging. There are very different expressions or experiences of luxury, I think, around the world now. So as such, it may be harder to do or to design. In some ways luxury, I think, can be very minimalist. But it then really comes down to the details, to the materials. And then in other ways it’s more about personal space. A car, of course, is not as big as the hotel rooms that you mentioned, but for car design, luxury can also happen in a small space. MINI, for example, offers that. But it is very much about personal space. It is, in a way, for many people that lead busy lives, a case of when they get in their car, this is their personal cocoon. It can also be quite relaxing, and at the same time, if you like driving, you can really get involved in that. So more and more, it’s about every little detail. It goes deeper and deeper. If we look at the headlamp today, it consists of 60 pieces, all of them designed. That’s a design object in and of itself. As I said, I think colour and material are playing a bigger role now.

Host: What materials or maybe what favourite thing – an object, a special item – has to be in the car, in the hotel room, that kind of changes the atmosphere?

Olga Polizzi: In a hotel, I think there always has to be something unexpected. It’s always rather nice to come in and think there’s something that you haven’t seen somewhere else. Something that makes you smile. Something either very luxurious or unusual.

Adrian van Hooydonk: I’d agree with that. Because when you enter a hotel room with your luggage, first of all you want to find the main things, how to operate these things. Where is the light switch? Where is the bathroom? In car design, we like to create a design that people can understand, let’s say, from a distance. But we like to do design that draws people in, involves them. Because owning a car, when everything goes well, should happen over a period of time, over years. And then, in our design, we also like to add some elements that people will only discover later. Second read or third read. And on the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe there are some lines on the roof or on the C-pillar that I think you won’t notice right away. The main design theme on the exterior of the car is only two lines. So it’s not overly complicated. What happens between the lines is very complicated but you only realise this over time when you live with the car, or sometimes when you park the car, you walk away, you press the key, you look over your shoulder, a certain light falls on the car, you then probably see some things that you haven’t seen before. The idea is that you make the customer fall in love all over again with this object. And that, I think, then creates modern luxury or something that holds its value for a longer period of time.

Host: How important is quality these days, now that we’ve experienced so much that we feel, well, we know something about it? Is quality even more important today than in the past?

Adrian van Hooydonk: Functionality is, let’s say, the entry ticket these days into the world of luxury. And then, also design. Design is a word that maybe 15-20 years ago not many people used. Today it’s used a lot. So nowadays, I think when you’re a designer doing these types of projects, you have to make sure that you fill the word ‘design’ with meaning. And in our view, it’s about detail. Because it’s down to every little detail. Because it can fall apart if the big picture looks good and then you look at the detail and it doesn’t work. Then, I think, customers are all-too aware that it’s not a good design. Okay, obviously in the car that we’ve presented here, we tried to look into every little corner. We even have stitching in the interior in a contrast colour and you can only do that, you can only highlight that if you’re pretty sure about how the lines run. And then you can actually add this detail because it focuses the customer’s eye. So I think quality is extremely important, but it’s much more than functionality these days.

Olga Polizzi: Yes, I think in hotels the main thing is comfort. You’ve got to have a very comfortable bed, you’ve got to have comfortable chairs, you’ve got to have good lighting. I think luxury has a lot to do with that. That everything works well and is really comfortable and is in the right place. And there’s that in many other aspects of design. I mean, every chair is checked: Does it work with each table that one uses? Is it the right height? The air conditioning, where are the outlets and how are they working? So it’s a myriad of details.

Host: So it’s a certain feeling you convey in your rooms and in your cars. What makes driving nowadays an exclusive experience?

Adrian van Hooydonk: We sell cars all over the world and very few countries have autobahns. Most countries have speed limits and many countries have urban areas with a lot of traffic. And still we sell cars there. So I can say that already today, a BMW is more than just a car that you can drive fast. It is, actually, a very complex object that you can control or operate really, really well. Everything functions extremely precisely, whether it’s the switches on the dashboard or how you open and close a door. So already today our products are about more than just the driving. But I’ve lived in the US as well and there’s a speed limit there that I tried to adhere to, and sometimes you only need an off-ramp on a highway to experience why our car is different from others. So it’s not only about top speed. You can have this driving fun in many different situations. But today, it’s already about more than just that. It’s also about attention to detail and about precision in every detail.

Host: What makes a hotel room something special? A very special experience, or is it about the entire surroundings?

Olga Polizzi: We always use a lot of local materials or products. Let’s take this hotel. The stone is local to here, and we’ve used it a lot. Then we had some old Sicilian tiles and, again, they were a lot made from hundreds of years ago to recently. We had an 18th-century tile and we took that as our main point of reference. And we’ve used it in lampshades, on walls, actually as tiles, as pitches. So it has that feel that goes all the way through the hotel, gives it a sort of unity. The nice thing is if somebody actually writes to you and asks, ‘Where did you get this?’ or ‘Where did you get the other?’. In the old days, the last thing anyone wanted was for their house to look like a hotel. Nowadays, a lot of people copy their houses from hotels. So we have changed, we’ve moved on. And perhaps it’s us copying homes. We like having books in the rooms. It’s the little things that people notice, amazingly. It’s not sometimes the larger picture.

Host: Adrian, when you enter a hotel room, what do you look for first?

Adrian van Hooydonk: First, I look for a place to put my bag down and for the switches. The basics. Because that can be daunting. I’m typically in a hurry or late for something. So I like to find out how the room works before the next morning. Then, of course, I like to look around, the view and so on. Certainly here, this was fantastic already coming into the room last night with the view over the sea. That was really great! Great views are something you can never get enough of. Also this morning, it was beautiful. And then, yes, I’m a designer, so I look at every little detail. I look at a lot of interesting objects. I try to figure out who makes this chair, what is this lamp? So I like travelling these days because I think hotels have changed, as Olga said, a lot. A business hotel is also very different today. If travelling is a big part of your life, then a hotel becomes more and more important, even as a business hotel.

Host: Olga, what do you look for and what do you expect of an ideal car and what makes driving interesting to you?

Olga Polizzi: I’m not really a car person, which is a bad thing to say here. But obviously, I like the look of a car. And then I really just want a car that keeps going. So for me it’s really functionality and the look. I don’t really go into the great details and I never read the manual. I just sort of turn the key and hope it’s all going to work.

Host: Adrian, there are many items you took up in the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, but could you explain how you did it?

Adrian van Hooydonk: We’re going to make things even more easy. In our cars, you don’t have to turn the key. You push the button and it works. So yes, we are aware that the car absolutely has to work. And then when you drive it for longer, it can involve you a lot more. We know that not all of our customers are driving at the limit all the time. Today, with modern technology, we can cater to all of that. You have the Driving Experience button where you can go from comfort to sport. So according to your mood, even, you can make the car do different things. That’s something that’s very easy to operate. We know that for a lot of customers, when they’re thinking about something else, they leave the gears in automatic. There are eight speeds. The car will select them for you. Where does it go from here? I think this technology has now really allowed us to make the cars cater even better to the needs of the individual customer. You can drive the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe in a really sporty way or in a very comfortable way. It happens really easily at the push of one button. So now, finally, we are reaching a point where the technology actually makes life easier and more enjoyable, not necessarily more complex. And the same is true for the internet connection. All our cars have this. It means that, while you’re travelling, you can book hotels from the car or find out information about places you don’t know yet. So it can actually bring something to you without you ever having to read a book, read a manual or study the place you’re going to. 

The interior design of a BMW vehicle is a continuation of what the exterior promises: Sheer Driving Pleasure. Beyond the familiar focus on the driver, BMW places key emphasis on an emotional surface language that resonates between the two poles of a lively yet calm design. Dynamic, fluid forms lend expression to the character of the vehicles, creating an organic surface design distinguished by smooth, harmonious transitions.

Clear focus: driver-centric design.

A hallmark of BMW interior design is the systematic driver-centric layout in which the cabin is ergonomically configured with the driver firmly in mind. Important operating and control elements in the instrument panel and the asymmetrically designed centre console are visibly angled towards the driving seat and are thus within the driver’s direct reach. The precise configuration varies according to the model, allowing each car to develop its own individual character in this regard as well. The optimal integration of the control elements and their carefully coordinated positioning reflect the perfection of the interior design and stand for the premium quality and exclusivity associated with BMW.

Emotional flow of lines: horizontality.

Stretched, horizontal lines accentuate the airiness and size of the interior, creating a generous sense of space that has a restful effect on the eye. The horizontal layout of the instrument panel counterpoints the vertically configured centre console with its technical features. The front aspect of the interior appears large and airy; this spaciousness perceived by the driver and passengers combines with the maximum possible range of technical features to form a perfect composition. The horizontal alignment of the interior design not only creates breadth but, thanks to the airy ambience, evokes a sense of agility as well. A deliberately suggested, subtle flow of lines is open to interpretation by the observer.

Play with light and shade: surface design.

The sensitive design of the interior surfaces likewise subtly addresses the subliminal level of perception among the car’s occupants, while a delicate play of light and shade engenders a lively formal language. By analogy with the human anatomy, a BMW interior is virtually devoid of flat surfaces.

Instead, individual surfaces come together in a flowing, organic motion before breaking free from each other again. Clear lines define the individual surfaces and demarcate them from one another. This emotional surface language – a hallmark BMW feature – demonstrates a consummate sense of form and perfect design.

Airiness at every level: layering.

The individual character of a BMW is expressed in the interior through a special interplay of surfaces and lines that follows the layering principle. This refers to levels made up of different materials which are visually “stacked” on top of one another and assigned various functions, in this way bringing the surfaces and dynamics alive. For the interior design of BMW automobiles, this layering concept marks the inception of a new, modern interior aesthetic while simultaneously creating a visual buoyancy.

Love of detail: perfectionism.

BMW devotes meticulous attention to the design of interior details. Indeed, they play a crucial part in ensuring that a BMW continues to spark pleasure and passion in customers years down the line.

Every detail, such as the control buttons, is specifically designed for each individual model. Keys and buttons are seamlessly integrated into the design of the interior and take up the surrounding flow of lines. In colour and intensity, their illumination adheres to a uniform BMW colour code that spans the entire model family. The gearshift lever boasts a sporty-dynamic style as the embodiment of the core of BMW interior design. A central operating element is the iDrive Controller, which gives the driver sensory feedback for much more relaxed and therefore safer control of functions such as the navigation system or automatic climate control.

“When designing the interior of a BMW, the overall impression is crucial. We always pay attention to the impact of the interplay of features, but also to the potential contribution of each individual detail. Size, movement and dynamics are very palpable in the design, but aspects such as safety and functionality naturally also play a key role when it comes to designing the interior. Above everything, though, stands form and aesthetics. That’s the benchmark we all follow.” Marc Girard, Head of BMW Interior Design.

Munich. BMW Group Design celebrated an exceptional accolade at today’s presentation of the 2012 iF Design Awards, held as part of Munich Creative Business Week. The jury conferred the iF Gold Award – the prestigious special prize of the International Forum Design – on the new BMW 6 Series Coupe and the John Deere 944K wheel loader created by BMW Group DesignworksUSA. Beyond these honours, too, the evening was dominated by BMW: providing not just a worthy architectural setting for the presentation ceremony was BMW Welt, with Frauke Ludowig hosting the evening event in the auditorium. In addition to the BMW 6 Series Coupe, the BMW 1 Series, BMW 1 Series M Coupe, BMW 6 Series Convertible and the BMW G 650 GS motorcycle were also recipients oft the iF Product Design Award, while DesignworksUSA added another feather to their cap with a prize for their interior design of the new Falcon 2000S business jet.

Over the past 60 years or so, the iF Design Award of the International Forum Design has emerged as one of the highest seals of approval for outstanding design achievements. This year once again, manufacturers and designers from 48 countries submitted a total of 4,322 entries for the coveted award. The panel of judges, made up of internationally recognised design experts, deemed 1,218 submissions worthy of an award.

The iF Gold Award-winning BMW 6 Series Coupe is an aesthetically consummate fusion of pleasure in luxury with pioneering technology, and sporty dynamics with exclusive travel comfort. Adaptive LED Headlights usher in innovative lighting technology and mark their debut in this segment, while the hallmark twin round headlight configuration presents a new rendition of BMW’s iconic design cue.

The 944K is the biggest wheel loader in John Deere’s construction vehicle division. With this machine, DesignworksUSA has succeeded in designing an extraordinarily striking product that accentuates its family kinship. “Construction machinery by John Deere stands for strength, durability and reliability, which are among the core values of the brand,” comments DesignworksUSA President Laurenz Schaffer. “The design translates these values into a highly distinctive product character.”

BMW Group Design also won the jury over with the design features of five further products:

The new BMW 1 Series, too, stands for unmistakable design thanks to proportions that imbue it with stretched, sporty contours, eloquently sculpted surfaces and a youthful, vivacious overall impression. Complementary design features deftly underline the mature character and premium status of this car.

The new BMW 1 Series M Coupe cuts a persuasive figure with its athletic appeal and M-specific interior design. Its optimised track width at the front and rear, an expansive front apron and widely flared wheel arches lend the BMW 1 Series M Coupe a particularly powerful stance, while the two chromed twin tailpipes positioned at the outer edges of the rear make for the customary symmetrical look of M styling.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible combines a stretched bonnet, set-back passenger compartment, long wheelbase and flat waistline with a classic soft-top in characteristic “fin” design. Powerfully sculpted surfaces and dynamic, forward-surging lines reflect the car’s supreme handling.

With its lean, wiry off-road physique, the BMW G 650 GS motorcycle evokes a lightweight and adventure-hungry impression. Its typical enduro design and its colour concept are entirely in keeping with the style of the BMW GS family and round off the general sporty look. The bike sets itself apart from the competition with its quality, specification and comfort, combined with relatively low weight and a low seat height.

The interior of the Falcon 2000S jet by Dassault Aviation conveys an intimate ambience rooted in classical yet at the same time modern, elegant design elements. The cabin impresses with its clean, calm lines and stylish handcraftsmanship. DesignworksUSA has already been honoured with the prestigious Good Design Award for its contribution to the new business jet.

With these latest distinctions, BMW Group Design continues a success story that has been recognised for some years by the high-calibre jury of the iF Product Design Award. For Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design, the 2012 award haul is both an affirmation and an incentive: “We are delighted to receive these awards right here in Munich. They confirm our high standards and provide an incentive for the future.” Between 2007 and 2011, a string of prizes were won by BMW Group Design. In 2008, for example, awards went to the BMW 3 Series Convertible and the BMW G 650 Xcountry motorcycle; 2010 saw the BMW F 800 R honoured; and in 2011, prizes were bestowed on the BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW 5 Series Touring.

The award presentation ceremony staged at BMW Welt adds a further highlight to the BMW Group’s involvement in Munich Creative Business Week. This newly initiated series of events is committed to a clear-cut goal: to encourage high-calibre, in-depth debate on design issues and concepts. To this end, the planned annual MCBW aims to stimulate an interdisciplinary design discourse and bring together creative and business professionals from around the world in the Bavarian capital. This year’s MCBW programme comprises more than 90 events, which will be ongoing across the entire Munich metropolitan area until 12 February. Here BMW Welt assumes a special role in more ways than one: as the location of the MCBW press office it is a central hub of information on all aspects of the design event, while also serving as the location partner for various MCBW events. In addition to hosting the presentation of the iF Design Awards, BMW Welt was also the venue for the MCBW launch ceremony.