BMW has always been synonymous with driving pleasure in all vehicle classes. The fact that customers and fans also agree with this summation is once again confirmed by the readers’ poll conducted by German motoring magazine “sport auto”. Cars from the BMW Group received the top scores in four classes. The BMW 335i was voted the best sedan car up to € 50,000 for the third time in three years. The BMW M3 Sedan was the favorite among readers for the second year in a row in the sedans/estates up to € 100,000 class.

Also for the second time in a row, the BMW M235i took pole position in the category for coupés up to € 50,000. In the compact cars class, the BMW M135i easily succeeded in fighting off the competition. As in the previous year, the BMW M550d xDrive took second place in the diesel class, once again underlining the leading role of the BMW Group as a supplier of vehicles that combine sporty performance with maximum efficiency.

Double victory for M Performance automobiles.
In the compact class and in the coupés up to € 50,000, the BMW M135i (26.7 percent of the votes cast) and the BMW M235i Coupé (38.3 percent of the votes cast) once again beat off the competition. Both vehicles have a six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower turbo technology, ensuring spontaneous responsiveness, an exceptional thirst for revs and outstanding refinement (fuel consumption combined BMW M235i: 8.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 189 g/km; BMW M135i: 8.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 188 g/km*).

Triple win for the BMW 335i Sedan.
For the third time in a row, the readers of “sport auto” put the BMW 335i in top place in the sedans up to € 50,000 category. The key factor for the continuing success of the sports sedan is its in-line six-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower turbo technology. The 225 kW/306 hp in-line six-cylinder engine makes particularly impressive play with the typical BMW virtues of instantaneous responses, an exceptional thirst for revs and outstanding refinement. The combination of a turbocharger that operates according to the twin scroll principle with direct high precision injection and VALVETRONIC guarantees an unbeatably efficient balance between driving pleasure and fuel consumption (fuel consumption combined BMW 335i: 7.9 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 186 g/km*).

The defending title-holder BMW M3.

Garnering 39.4% of reader votes, the BMW M3 had no difficulty defending its title as best sedan up to € 100,000, actually managing to increase its share of the vote in its second year on the market. The fifth generation of the BMW M3 (fuel consumption combined: 8.8 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 204 g/km*) is powered by a newly developed six-cylinder in-line engine. The high-revving unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology offers maximum output of 317 kW/431 hp. Peak torque of 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) is available across a broad rev band and exceeds the maximum offered by the previous BMW M3 by almost 40 percent. A rigorously applied lightweight design concept has brought about a weight reduction of around 80 kilograms. Fuel consumption and emissions are down by 25 percent. The BMW M3 Sedan takes just 4.1 seconds to sprint from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) – when fitted with the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission – and also catches the eye as a strong performer out on the track as well as in everyday use.

The “sport auto Award” has been presented by German motoring magazine “sport auto” since 1980. It is one of the leading German awards for sporting cars and is highly coveted by manufacturers. In 2015 a total of 230 models were nominated in 30 series-production categories and a further 10 tuning classes. In this, the 23rd year of the awards, 13,601 readers took part in the poll via survey postcard, online survey or one of the “sport auto” digital channels.

Placings at a glance:

Winner – Compact Cars: BMW M135i.

Winner – Coupés up to € 50,000: BMW M235i Coupé.

Winner – Sedans/Estates up to € 50,000: BMW 335i.

Winner – Sedans/Estates up to € 100,000: BMW M3.

Second place – Diesel Cars: BMW M550d xDrive.

Second place – Convertibles up to € 50,000: BMW M235i Convertible

Second place – Convertibles up to € 100,000: BMW M4 Convertible

Second place – Coupés up to € 100,000: BMW M3 Coupé

Third place – Sedans up to € 100,000: BMW M5 30 Years

Please find attached the specifications of the BMW 3 Series Sedan 316d, valid from March 2015.

Munich. Coinciding with the market launch of new models in the spring of 2015, BMW will guarantee enhanced diversity and driving pleasure through the deployment of additional engines and equipment options in already familiar series. Across the BMW 2 Series, the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 4 Series, the number of models featuring power units with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology from the new family of BMW Group engines will improve the efficiency edge even further. Above all, the new BMW 214d Active Tourer, the new BMW 316d Sedan and the new BMW 316d Touring, the new BMW 418d Coupe as well as the models BMW 218i Coupe and BMW 218i Convertible score particularly well thanks to the exceptionally low fuel consumption and emission levels achieved by their three and four-cylinder engines.

Moreover, March 2015 will see the launch of the BMW 5 Series Edition Sport. At the same time, the models Advantage, Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport will be available for the BMW 2 Series Coupe as alternatives to the basic version. Furthermore, the latest generation of the navigation system Professional will be offered henceforth as an option for the compact two-door car. Thanks to an extended range of BMW Individual options, it will be possible to configure the exterior and interior of the BMW M3 Sedan, BMW M4 Coupe and BMW M4 Convertible in a particularly exclusive way. The standard equipment options for the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car will be supplemented by the Pure Impulse Experience programme.

BMW 2 Series Coupe, BMW 2 Series Convertible: New model diversity for enhanced driving pleasure and optimised efficiency.

All model variants being introduced in the spring of 2015 will feature power units of the latest generation with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology that ensure a further optimised relation between driving pleasure and fuel consumption. The models BMW 218i Coupe and BMW 218i Convertible feature a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with a maximum power output of 100 kW/136 hp and a maximum torque of 220 Nm. The new engine can be optionally combined with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission. The BMW 218i Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds (automatic: 8.9 seconds), the BMW 218i Convertible in 9.4 seconds (automatic: 9.6 seconds). Fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels are 5.6 to 5.1 litres/100 km and 130 to 119 grams per km (automatic: 5.5 – 5.1 litres/100 km, 129 – 118 g/km) for the Coupe and 6.0 to 5.5 litres/100 km and 139 to 129 g/km (5.8 – 5.3 litres/100 km, 134 – 124 g/km) for the Convertible respectively (figures as per EU test cycle depending on selected tyre size).

Furthermore, from March 2015, the BMW 220d Coupe powered by a 140 kW/190 hp, four-cylinder diesel engine can also be equipped with the intelligent four-wheel drive system xDrive. The BMW 220d xDrive Coupe comes as standard with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission and accelerates from 0-100/km in 6.9 seconds. Average fuel consumption is between 4.7 and 4.3 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions between 124 and 113 g/km (figures as per EU test cycle depending on selected tyre size).

In addition to the extended engine portfolio, new equipment lines create further possibilities for individualization of the BMW 2 Series Coupe. The equipment range available as an alternative to the basic version will in future comprise – analogous to the BMW 2 Series Convertible – the model Advantage as well as the models Luxury Line, Sport Line and M Sport. Thanks to their precisely aligned design and equipment features, they offer additional comfort and accentuate the vehicle’s high quality and elegance or its sporting character respectively.

As from March 2015, new light alloy wheels will be available both for the closed and the open versions of the two-door car. The latest generation of the navigation system Professional, which excels through an optimised graphic display and offers, among other features, the possibility to update maps via a mobile phone connection, is now also available for the BMW 2 Series Coupe. For this version and the navigation system Business, both models feature an 8.8/6.5-inch control display respectively with a new exceptionally high-quality, narrow surround. The onboard monitor of the BMW 2 Series Coupe now features the sport indicator, which provides information on current engine performance and torque. Moreover, the instrument cluster in both models will be supplemented by a “current fuel consumption” display function.

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer with new entry-level diesel engine and extended range of equipment.

Starting March 2015, the model range for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer will be supplemented by a new entry-level diesel power unit. The new BMW 214d Active Tourer is powered by a 70 kW/95 hp, three-cylinder engine with a maximum torque of 220 Nm and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 12.9 seconds. Average fuel consumption is between 3.9 and 3.8 litres/100 km and CO2 emission levels are between 104 and 99 g/ km (figures as per EU test cycle depending on selected tyre size).

The Travel Package is a supplement within the range of optional equipment available for the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and is ideally suited to the vehicle’s character. It comprises longitudinal rear seat adjustment, roof rails, tables attached to the backrests of driver seat and front-seat passenger seat as well as a luggage compartment net.

Generation change under the bonnet of the BMW 316d.

The BMW 316d Sedan and the BMW 316d Touring will be powered in future by a four-cylinder diesel power unit from the current BMW Group engine family. The generation change comes with an increase in power and efficiency. The new 2-litre engine delivers a maximum output of 85 kW/116 hp, a 10 Nm increase in maximum torque to 270 Nm and can be optionally combined with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. This engine allows the Sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds (automatic: 10.6 seconds) and the Touring model in 11.2 seconds (11.1 seconds). In conjunction with the manual transmission or the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, fuel consumption and emission levels have been lowered to between 4.3 and 3.9 litres per 100 km and between 113 and 102 g/km for the BMW 316d Sedan and to between 4.6 and 4.1 litres/100 km and 120 to 109 grams per km for the BMW 316d Touring respectively (figures as per EU test cycle depending on selected tyre size).

Premiere of the BMW 418d Coupe, greater power and efficiency for the BMW 420d Coupe and the BMW 420d Gran Coupe.

The introduction of additional engines of the latest generation brings added driving pleasure and further optimised efficiency also to the BMW 4 Series. March 2015 will witness the market launch of the entry-level version of the BMW 418d Coupe, the four-cylinder engine of which will be the fifth diesel power plant to be offered for the BMW 4 Series. The 2-litre engine delivers a maximum power output of 110 kW/150 hp and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. The new BMW 418d Coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds with either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 8-speed transmission. In spite of the car’s sporty character, average fuel consumption is between 4.5 and 4.2 litres/100 km (automatic: 4.4 – 4.1 litres/100 km) and CO2 emission levels range from 118 to 110 g/km (117 – 109 g/km; figures as per EU test cycle depending on selected tyre size).

A further new 2-litre diesel engine with more power and optimised efficiency will in future drive the models BMW 420d Coupe, BMW 420d xDrive Coupe, BMW 420d Gran Coupe and BMW 420d xDrive Gran Coupe. It generates an output of 140 kW/190 hp, an increase of 5 kW, delivers a maximum torque of 400 Nm (+20 Nm) and can be optionally combined with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. As a result, the relation between sportiness and efficiency reaches an even higher level. The BMW 420d Coupe sprints from a standstill to 100 km in 7.3 seconds (automatic: 7.1 seconds), the BMW 420d xDrive Coupe in just 7.4 seconds (7.2 seconds). Fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels are now between 4.5 and 4.2 litres/100 km and between 119 and 111 g/km for the BMW 420d Coupe (automatic: 4.3 – 4.0 litres/100 km, 114 – 106 g/km) and between 4.7 and 4.4 litres/100 km and between 125 and 117 grams per km for the BMW 420d xDrive Coupe (automatic: 4.7 – 4.4 litres/100 km, 125 – 117 g/km; figures as per EU test cycle depending on selected tyre size).

The BMW 420d Gran Coupe now accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds (automatic: 7.3 seconds). In conjunction with the intelligent four-wheel drive system xDrive this figure is 7.6 seconds (7.4 seconds). Resulting from the new engine’s optimised level of efficiency, the BMW 420d Gran Coupe has an average fuel consumption of 4.5 to 4.2 litres/100 km (automatic: 4.3 – 4.0 litres/100 km) and CO2 emissions ranging from 119 to 111 g/km (114 – 106 g/km). The corresponding values for the BMW 420d xDrive Gran Coupe are 4.9 to 4.6 litres/100 km (automatic: 4.8 – 4.5 litres/100 km) and 129 to 121 g/km (126 – 118 g/km; figures as per EU test cycle depending on selected tyre size).

In addition to the revised engines, new exhaust systems featuring redesigned tailpipes are also being introduced to the BMW 4 Series. The cross section of the exhaust tailpipe for the BMW 418d Coupe is 75 mm. The models of the BMW 4 Series are powered by a 140 kW/190 hp diesel engine and are equipped with twin-flow tailpipes, each with a diameter of 70 mm.

BMW 5 Series: Edition Sport provides new accents in terms of dynamics.

Consistent optimisation has led to a further increase in the efficiency of BMW 5 Series models featuring a four-cylinder diesel engine of the latest generation and xDrive. The combination of a 140 kW/190 hp power unit, the standard 8-speed Steptronic transmission and the intelligent four-wheel drive system available for the BMW 520d xDrive Sedan and the BMW 520d xDrive Touring ensures ultimate driving pleasure and fuel consumption levels of between 4.9 and 4.5 litres (Sedan) and 5.2 to 4.8 litres (Touring) per 100 km respectively. Corresponding CO2 emission levels are between 129 and 119 g/km for the Sedan and 137 to 127 g/km for the Touring model.

From March 2015, the Edition Sport will be available as an attractive supplement for the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 5 Series Touring. It comprises selected exterior and interior options, which effectively underscore the dynamic character of the upper midrange bestseller. The Edition Sport is available for all model variants, excluding the BMW M Performance automobiles BMW M550d xDrive Sedan and BMW M550d xDrive Touring, and includes a leather-covered sports steering wheel, LED fog lamps, the BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line as well as redesigned 18-inch, double spoke light alloy wheels.

The range of optional exterior colours available for the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 5 Series Touring will now include the variants Mediterranean Blue metallic and Mineral Grey metallic. These can also be chosen in combination with the M Sport Package. In future, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo will also be available in Kashmir Silver metallic

New BMW Individual options for the BMW M3 Sedan, the BMW M4 Coupe and the BMW M4 Convertible.

The extended range of BMW Individual equipment options available ex factory offers additional possibilities of combining the outstanding performance of the BMW M3 Sedan, BMW M4 Coupe and BMW M4 Convertible with a particularly exclusive charisma. From March 2015, there will be a choice of new BMW Individual body colours that emphasise these models’ athletically modelled body surfaces in a particularly intensive way with a matt de luxe shimmer. The range of matt colours, which are applied in an elaborate process, comprises the variants Frozen Black metallic, Frozen Silver metallic, Frozen Red metallic and Frozen Brilliant White metallic.

Moreover, the range of model-specific equipment for the BMW M4 Coupe is being complemented by exceptionally high-quality options for the interior. For example, in future, the Coupe will also be available with enhanced BMW Individual leather upholstery Merino fine grain in the colours Opal White, Amaro Brown, Golden Brown, Cohiba Brown and Nutmeg as well as with BMW Individual all-leather black upholstery with contrasting seam in Sakhir Orange, Yellow, Blue or Silverstone. Furthermore, this model can now also be ordered with a colour-matched leather-covered BMW Individual instrument panel.

BMW i8 with extended range of standard equipment and new options.

Starting in March 2015, the exclusive character of the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car will be underlined by an extended range of standard equipment and new interior design options. The Pure Impulse Experience programme is now included in the range of features available for the BMW i8. It comprises lifestyle products in the areas of culture, design, travel and gastronomy, which are aligned to the progressive and sustainable “next-premium” orientation of the BMW i brand.

As from March 2015, the Carpo Carum Grey interior design impresses with innovative aesthetics and a high-quality appearance. Natural leather elements are combined with partially perforated leather surfaces in the light colour Carum Grey and specific BMW i Blue accents, such as those on the seatbelt straps or the double stitching on the seats and floor mats. Amido metallic surfaces on the instrument panel, centre console and doors round off the overall look. Further special equipment options available in future are a leather engine cover and black-painted brake callipers.

Further information on official fuel consumption figures, specific CO2 emission values and the electric power consumption of new passenger cars are included in the following guideline: "Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen" (Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained from all dealerships, from the Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/angebote/verlagsprodukte/leitfaden-kraftstoffverbrauch.html. LeitfadenCO2 (Guideline CO2) (PDF ‒ 2.7 MB)

Munich. BMW combines high performance with a time-honoured brand of driving pleasure and consummate everyday usability – that was the confirmation provided once again by the readers’ poll conducted by German motoring magazine “sport auto”. Five class wins and a second place represented an outstanding return for the BMW Group’s brands in the “sport auto Award 2014”. The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe were among the biggest voter favourites, with the two BMW M Division models asserting their superiority in the classes for “Saloons/Estates up to €100,000” and “Coupés up to €100,000” respectively. The winners in the “Coupés up to €50,000” and “Compact Cars” categories also carry an “M” in their model designation – the BMW M235i Coupe and BMW M135i. Elsewhere in the competition, the BMW 335i held sway in the “Saloons/Estates up to €50,000” class, reprising its success from the previous year in impressive style. And second place for the BMW M550d xDrive in the “Diesel Cars” class highlights the BMW Group’s leading status across all classes as a maker of sporting cars boasting exceptional efficiency.

Placings at a glance:
Winner – Compact Cars                                        BMW M135i
Winner – Saloons/Estates up to €50,000              BMW 335i
Winner – Saloons/Estates up to €100,000            BMW M3 Sedan
Winner – Coupés up to €50,000                            BMW M235i Coupe
Winner – Coupés up to €100,000                          BMW M4 Coupe
Second place – Diesel Cars                                  BMW M550d xDrive

BMW M3 and BMW M4 reinforce their elite status.
From the moment they went on sale, the BMW M3 (37.1 percent of the vote) and BMW M4 (18.5 percent) have put forward a persuasive case for themselves – and just a few months after their launch both were voted top of their class by respondents in the “sport auto Award 2014” readers’ survey. The result underlines in resounding fashion the stand-out status of the two new models. Like its predecessors, the fifth-generation BMW M3 encapsulates the combination of motor sport genes and unrestricted everyday usability within an emotionally rich overall concept. The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe embody a new take on the high-performance sports car theme and uphold the commitment to implementing the BMW M philosophy espoused by their predecessors. The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe (fuel consumption combined for both models: 8.8 l/100 km [32.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 204 g/km)* are powered by a newly developed six-cylinder in-line engine. The high-revving unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology offers maximum output of 317 kW/431 hp. Peak torque of 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) is available across a broad rev band and exceeds the maximum offered by the previous BMW M3 by almost 40 percent. A rigorously applied lightweight design concept has brought about a weight reduction of around 80 kilograms, giving the BMW M4 Coupe a DIN kerb weight of 1,497 kilograms and ensuring top-class driving dynamics and excellent efficiency. Fuel consumption and emissions, meanwhile, are down by 25 percent. The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe need just 4.1 seconds to sprint from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) – when fitted with the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission – and also catch the eye as strong performers out on the track.

A good showing for M Performance Automobiles
The BMW M235i Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 8.1 l/100 km [34.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 189 g/km)* with 240 kW/326 hp – likewise launched this year – also impressed the readers. A 36.5 percent share of the vote and first place in the category for coupés up to €50,000 represented a dream start for the new model series. The BMW M135i rounded off an excellent showing by the M Performance Automobiles with victory in the “Compact Cars” class (27.1 percent of the votes). Like the BMW M235i, the BMW M135i (fuel consumption combined: 8.0 l/100 km [35.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 188 g/km)* is also powered by a six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that displays instantaneous responses, an exceptional thirst for revs and outstanding refinement.

The BMW 335i staged a repeat of its success from last year in the class for saloons/estates up to €50,000. This year 31.7 percent of readers voted the 335i top of the pile, allowing it to continue the tradition established by its predecessor – which was voted the most sporting car in its class three years in succession.

The “sport auto Award” is presented annually by German motoring magazine “sport auto”. It is one of the leading German awards for sporting cars and is highly coveted by manufacturers. 2014 marked the 34th year that the magazine’s readers have been called on to vote, with 234 models nominated in 15 series-production categories and 10 tuning classes. A total of 15,551 readers took part in the poll (which ran from 17 April to 18 July) via survey postcard, online survey or one of the “sport auto” digital channels.

Further information on official fuel consumption figures, specific CO2 emission values and the electric power consumption of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: “Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2 emissions und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen” (Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html. LeitfadenCO2 (GuidelineCO2) (PDF ‒ 2.7 MB)

Munich. BMW combines high performance with a time-honoured brand of driving pleasure and consummate everyday usability – that was the confirmation provided once again by the readers’ poll conducted by German motoring magazine “sport auto”. Five class wins and a second place represented an outstanding return for the BMW Group’s brands in the “sport auto Award 2014”. The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe were among the biggest voter favourites, with the two BMW M Division models asserting their superiority in the classes for “Saloons/Estates up to €100,000” and “Coupés up to €100,000” respectively. The winners in the “Coupés up to €50,000” and “Compact Cars” categories also carry an “M” in their model designation – the BMW M235i Coupe and BMW M135i. Elsewhere in the competition, the BMW 335i held sway in the “Saloons/Estates up to €50,000” class, reprising its success from the previous year in impressive style. And second place for the BMW M550d xDrive in the “Diesel Cars” class highlights the BMW Group’s leading status across all classes as a maker of sporting cars boasting exceptional efficiency.

Placings at a glance:
Winner – Compact Cars: BMW M135i
Winner – Saloons/Estates up to €50,000: BMW 335i
Winner – Saloons/Estates up to €100,000: BMW M3 Sedan
Winner – Coupés up to €50,000: BMW M235i Coupe
Winner – Coupés up to €100,000: BMW M4 Coupe
Second place – Diesel Cars: BMW M550d xDrive

BMW M3 and BMW M4 reinforce their elite status.
From the moment they went on sale, the BMW M3 (37.1 percent of the vote) and BMW M4 (18.5 percent) have put forward a persuasive case for themselves – and just a few months after their launch both were voted top of their class by respondents in the “sport auto Award 2014” readers’ survey. The result underlines in resounding fashion the stand-out status of the two new models. Like its predecessors, the fifth-generation BMW M3 encapsulates the combination of motor sport genes and unrestricted everyday usability within an emotionally rich overall concept. The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe embody a new take on the high-performance sports car theme and uphold the commitment to implementing the BMW M philosophy espoused by their predecessors. The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe (fuel consumption combined for both models: 8.8 l/100 km [32.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 204 g/km)* are powered by a newly developed six-cylinder in-line engine. The high-revving unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology offers maximum output of 317 kW/431 hp. Peak torque of 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) is available across a broad rev band and exceeds the maximum offered by the previous BMW M3 by almost 40 percent. A rigorously applied lightweight design concept has brought about a weight reduction of around 80 kilograms, giving the BMW M4 Coupe a DIN kerb weight of 1,497 kilograms and ensuring top-class driving dynamics and excellent efficiency. Fuel consumption and emissions, meanwhile, are down by 25 percent. The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe need just 4.1 seconds to sprint from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) – when fitted with the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission – and also catch the eye as strong performers out on the track.

A good showing for M Performance Automobiles
The BMW M235i Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 8.1 l/100 km [34.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 189 g/km)* with 240 kW/326 hp – likewise launched this year – also impressed the readers. A 36.5 percent share of the vote and first place in the category for coupés up to €50,000 represented a dream start for the new model series. The BMW M135i rounded off an excellent showing by the M Performance Automobiles with victory in the “Compact Cars” class (27.1 percent of the votes). Like the BMW M235i, the BMW M135i (fuel consumption combined: 8.0 l/100 km [35.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 188 g/km)* is also powered by a six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that displays instantaneous responses, an exceptional thirst for revs and outstanding refinement.

The BMW 335i staged a repeat of its success from last year in the class for saloons/estates up to €50,000. This year 31.7 percent of readers voted the 335i top of the pile, allowing it to continue the tradition established by its predecessor – which was voted the most sporting car in its class three years in succession.

The “sport auto Award” is presented annually by German motoring magazine “sport auto”. It is one of the leading German awards for sporting cars and is highly coveted by manufacturers. 2014 marked the 34th year that the magazine’s readers have been called on to vote, with 234 models nominated in 15 series-production categories and 10 tuning classes. A total of 15,551 readers took part in the poll (which ran from 17 April to 18 July) via survey postcard, online survey or one of the “sport auto” digital channels.

Further information on official fuel consumption figures, specific CO2 emission values and the electric power consumption of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: “Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2 emissions und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen” (Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html. LeitfadenCO2 (GuidelineCO2) (PDF ‒ 2.7 MB)

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

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

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

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

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

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