Munich. The most beautiful, exclusive and fastest vehicles of their respective eras are traditionally assembled at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. This year, the renowned classic car show in the north-east of the US state of Florida provided the perfect setting for the world premiere of particularly fascinating sports cars from the BMW model range. The new edition of the BMW 8 Series and the new BMW M8 models were presented to the public there for the first time. Visitors to the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 2022 also witnessed the launch of BMW M GmbH’s activities to mark its 50th anniversary.

For the new BMW 8 Series, the tradition-steeped event on the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and the neighbouring Golf Club of Amelia Island provided the perfect setting in which to showcase its precisely enhanced design and advanced features. The M sports package is now standard in all model variants of the BMW 8 Series Coupé, the BMW 8 Series Convertible and the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé. At the centre of the redesigned vehicle front section is the illuminated “Iconic Glow” BMW kidney grille. The 8-cylinder models also feature aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors in the style of the BMW M8 as standard.

In the interior of all models in the new BMW 8 Series, their equally dynamic and exclusive character is underscored with an extended range of standard equipment including multifunction seats, an M leather steering wheel and other M-specific design features. Optimised ease of use is ensured by the standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a Control Display that has now increased in size to 12.3 inches. “The luxury sports cars of the new BMW 8 Series occupy a prominent position in BMW’s model range. We are delighted to be able to debut these exceptional models at one of the most prestigious automotive events in America,” said Sebastian Mackensen, Head of BMW Group Region Americas and President & CEO BMW North America.

History and the future came together in the BMW M brand’s appearance at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 2022. BMW M GmbH showed pioneering models from its past along with the versions of its high-performance sports cars for the luxury segment that will be available from spring 2022. The models BMW M8 Competition Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 11.4 – 11.0 l/100 km according to WLTP, combined CO2 emissions: 260 – 251 g/km), the BMW M8 Competition Cabriolet (combined fuel consumption: 11.6 – 11.2 l/100 km according to WLTP, combined CO2 emissions: 264 – 255 g/km according to WLTP,) and the BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 11.6 – 11.2 l/100 km according to WLTP, combined CO2 emissions: 264 - 256 g/km) are now even more impressive with new exterior paint finishes and M light-alloy wheels, the M Shadow Line lights available for the first time and an additional interior trim variant. The operating system of the new BMW M8 models now also includes a 12.3-inch Control Display with touch function.

And the top models of the BMW M GmbH range not only offer fascinatingly vigorous power delivery with their 460 kW/625 hp V8 engine featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology and high-revving characteristics, they also come with an exceptionally extensive range of standard equipment. This includes a flap-controlled M sports exhaust system, BMW laser light headlights, the BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific display elements and a full Merino/Alcantara leather interior.

With the debut of its latest high-performance models for the luxury segment, BMW M GmbH makes a particularly impressive start to its anniversary year. The BMW Group subsidiary, founded in 1972 as BMW Motorsport GmbH, also contributed to the programme of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance 2022 with a fascinating look back into its history. A special exhibition showcased 50 milestones from BMW M GmbH’s 50-year model and racing history. This also included an early precursor of the current BMW M8. The prototype of a high-performance sports car with a V12 engine developed by BMW M GmbH in the early 1990s based on the then BMW 8 Series Coupé remained a one-off – and this was only the second time it has been put on show in the USA.

The selection of vehicles that were particularly influential in the development of BMW M GmbH also included a freshly restored example of the BMW M1 dating from 1980, which was the company’s first independently developed model, the BMW V12 LMR that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1999, and the all-electric BMW iX M60 that is about to be launched on the market (combined power consumption: 24.5 – 21.9 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km).

This unique exhibition of outstanding BMW M models from five decades also included numerous vehicles owned by members of the BMW Car Club of America and from BMW North America’s classic car collection. “The United States is the world’s largest market for BMW M vehicles and we are always amazed and delighted by the passion and dedication that many enthusiasts here invest in their cars, both old and new,” said Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH. “We feel privileged to be able to celebrate our anniversary in this wonderful place, surrounded by special people and exceptional cars.”

Munich. Increased efficiency through consistent electrification, optimised emissions and innovations in the areas of driver assistance and digital services are the focus of the model revision measures for numerous BMW model series that will take effect in autumn 2020. From November 2020, all models of the premium brand will meet the requirements of the currently strictest exhaust emission standard Euro 6d. In the BMW 5 Series, the range of plug-in hybrid models has been extended by three new variants. New inline 6-cylinder diesel engines and 48-volt mild hybrid technology lower fuel consumption and emissions of selected models in the BMW 3 Series and BMW 8 Series. In addition, further engines will supplement the drive portfolio of the BMW 1 Series and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé.

Active speed control with Stop&Go provides an added comfort and safety thanks to the new additional feature of traffic light recognition, which will be part of the Driving Assistant Professional option in numerous current models from November 2020.

The latest digital services for models equipped with BMW Operating System 7 increase driving pleasure even further. BMW News provides the driver with personalised audio news. New options when creating the driver profile make it easier to personalise the vehicle. The range of functions of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will also be expanded further. New body finishes and optional extras will be available for numerous models from November 2020.

Efficiency becomes more diverse: World premiere for five plug-in hybrid models in the BMW 5 Series.

The range of BMW models with electrified drive systems will also be consistently expanded in autumn 2020. The expanded range of the following electrified models is especially attractive: BMW 545e xDrive Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 2.3 – 2.2 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 16.3 – 15.8 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 53 – 49 g/km; electric range: 47 – 57 km), BMW 530e Touring (combined fuel consumption: 2.0 – 1.8 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 16.1 – 15.4 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 46 – 42 g/km; electric range: 52 – 57 km (WLTP)) and BMW 530e xDrive Touring (combined fuel consumption: 2.4 – 2.2 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 16.7 – 16.1 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 54 – 50 g/km; electric range: 48 – 53 km (WLTP)). The BMW 5 Series model range now already includes five plug-in hybrid variants. In the upper mid-size class, BMW offers the largest selection of models with electrified drive.

In the new BMW 545e xDrive Sedan, an inline 6-cylinder petrol engine and an electric drive integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic transmission deliver impressive driving dynamics in a particularly efficient manner. The power of the two drive units adds up to a maximum system output of 290 kW/394 hp and is distributed between the front and rear wheels as required by the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive. The brand’s hallmark combination of energy efficiency and sportiness also characterises the new Touring models, whose plug-in hybrid system consists of a 4-cylinder petrol engine and an electric drive system also integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. Together they generate a system output of up to 215 kW/292 hp in the XtraBoost mode when load requirements are particularly high.

Increased dynamic performance and reduced fuel consumption: New inline 6-cylinder diesel engines with 48-volt mild hybrid technology in the BMW 3 Series and BMW 8 Series.

With the introduction of 48-volt mild hybrid technology in additional models, BMW continues to consistently reduce fuel consumption and emissions in its current vehicle fleet. This is linked to the introduction of a new generation of inline 6-cylinder diesel engines. As of autumn 2020, four mid-size models of the BMW 3 Series and three luxury sports cars of the BMW 8 Series will offer noticeably more dynamic performance and increased efficiency.

This twofold and BMW typical progress is achieved through further advanced BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and additionally with the aid of a particularly powerful starter generator and an additional battery. The dynamic power delivery when starting off and accelerating is enhanced by the additional power of 8 kW/11 hp spontaneously provided by the 48-volt starter generator. In other load ranges the electric drive can relieve the combustion engine and thus increase its efficiency. The power required for this is generated by intensive recuperation in braking and thrust phases and stored in a 48-volt battery, which also supplies the vehicle’s electrical system.

The 48-volt mild hybrid technology will be used in four further BMW 3 Series models from November 2020. In the new BMW 330d Sedan (combined fuel consumption: 4.7 – 4.4 l/100 km*; combined CO₂ emissions: 125 – 116 g/km*) and the new BMW 330d Xdrive Sedan (combined fuel consumption: 5.0 – 4.7 l/100 km*; combined CO₂ emissions: 132 – 123 g/km*) and the new BMW 330d Touring (combined fuel consumption: 4.8 – 4.5 l/100 km*; combined CO₂ emissions: 128 – 119 g/km*) and the new BMW 330d Xdrive Touring (combined fuel consumption: 5.2 – 4.8 l/100 km*; combined CO₂ emissions: 136 – 127 g/km), it supports the new inline 6-cylinder diesel engine, which already provides additional driving pleasure with its maximum output increased by 15 kW/21 hp to 210 kW/286 hp. Thanks to a two-stage turbocharging system and an advanced common rail injection system whose piezo injectors now inject the fuel with up to ten injections per working cycle and a maximum pressure of 2 700 bar into the combustion chambers, engine response and efficiency of the 3.0 litre engine are optimised. The new diesel engine generates its maximum torque, which has been increased by 30 to 650 Nm, between 1 500 and 2 500 rpm. The increased power of the combustion engine and the additional electrical power noticeably improve the car’s sprint capacity. For example, the new BMW 330d Sedan improves its acceleration from zero to 100 km/h by 0.2 seconds to now 5.3 seconds.

In the BMW 8 Series, 48-volt mild hybrid technology is combined with an equally new and even more powerful 3.0-litre diesel engine. The BMW 840d xDrive Coupé models (fuel consumption combined: 5.8 – 5.6 l/100 km*; combined CO₂ emissions: 154 - 146 g/km), BMW 840d xDrive Convertible (fuel consumption combined: 6.0 – 5.7 l/100 km*; combined CO₂ emissions: 159 – 151 g/km) and BMW 840d xDrive Gran Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 5.9 – 5.6 l/100 km*; combined CO₂ emissions: 155 - 148 g/km) will be powered by a 250 kW/340 hp inline 6-cylinder engine in the future. The 15 kW/20 hp increase in top-level output also results from further advanced BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. It now includes a multi-stage turbocharger with variable turbine geometry for the high-pressure and low-pressure stages. The maximum torque of 700 Nm is generated alreadybetween 1 750 and 2 250 rpm. In the luxury sports car model range, the new drive technology enables the BMW 840d xDrive Coupé, for example, to improve its acceleration figure from a standing start to 100 km/h by 0.1 seconds to 4.8 seconds. The optimised performance characteristics of the diesel engine are accompanied by precisely adapted fine tuning of the chassis and its control systems.

The new diesel engines for the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 8 Series also represent the latest state of the art with regard to emissions. They feature exhaust gas treatment technology, whose engine-proximate components consist of a diesel oxidation catalytic converter and an SCR coating on the diesel particulate filter. In order to optimally reduce nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions, a second metering unit is additionally integrated at the outlet of the engine-proximate SCR system.

BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé: Additional engines and new optional extras.

New engines will be available from November 2020 for the BMW 1 Series and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé. The new BMW 116i (combined fuel consumption: 5.8 – 5.4 l/100 km*; combined CO₂ emissions: 133 – 124 g/km) is powered by a 3-cylinder petrol engine with an output of 80 kW/109 hp and a maximum torque of 190 Nm. It is equipped as standard with a manual 6-speed transmission and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds. A 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch is optionally available. In addition, the model range will be expanded to include the new BMW 120i (fuel consumption combined: 5.8 – 5.5 l/100 km*; combined CO₂ emissions: 134 – 126 g/km). Its 4-cylinder petrol engine generates a maximum output of 131 kW/178 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Nm and is combined as standard with a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch. The new BMW 120i accelerates from a standing start to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds.

Outstanding economy is the hallmark of the new entry-level diesel engine for the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé. The 3-cylinder diesel engine of the new BMW 216d Gran Coupé (fuel consumption combined: 4.1 – 3.8 l/100 km*; combined CO₂ emissions: 108 – 99 g/km) provides a maximum output of 85 kW/116 hp and a maximum torque of 270 Nm. It transmits its power to a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch as standard and enables acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds.

The range of optional equipment for the BMW 1 Series and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé is supplemented by the BMW Individual Shadow Line lights. With the black inserts at the upper edge of the headlamps they make the front view even more powerfully expressive.

Active speed control with Stop&Go: new with traffic light recognition: Increased comfort and optimised safety in urban traffic.

The comfort and safety gains that can be achieved by combined speed and distance control can be experienced from autumn 2020 in numerous current BMW models, including when driving in urban traffic. In combination with the optional Driving Assistant Professional and the optional BMW Head-Up Display, the BMW 3 Series, BMW 4 Series and BMW 5 Series Series, the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, the BMW 7 Series and 8 Series as well as the BMW iX3, BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7, BMW M3, BMW M4, BMW M5, BMW M8, BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M in Germany the function of active speed control with Stop&Go now also a traffic light recognition available. In addition to vehicles and traffic signs in front, the signals of light signals registered by the front camera are also taken into account.

In the case of simple traffic light systems, these are automatically transferred to the speed and distance control. If the traffic light shows a red light, the system delays the vehicle to a standstill, a green light signal leads to the continuation of the journey. In a more complex intersection situation, the driver is offered the traffic lights for manual transfer in the instrument combination.

The driver can now confirm the light signal shown and thus continue to use the automatic speed and distance control or take control of the speed himself. The start-up reminder provides additional comfort in city traffic. During a stop at simple traffic lights, the current traffic light phase is displayed in the instrument combo, and at the beginning of the green phase, the driver also receives a signal to restart.

The function of traffic light recognition can also be retrofitted into the vehicle via remote software upgrade. With the exception of the BMW 8 Series models, this option is available for vehicles of all mentioned series, which were produced from July 2020 and are equipped with the Driving Assistant Professional and Head Up Display. Vehicles of the BMW X5, BMW X6, BMW X7 series include this option from August 2020 production.

New digital services for more driving pleasure: BMW News, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with new functions, personal profile picture and simple log-in.

The latest generation of the display and control system makes it possible to use new digital services in numerous current BMW models. The BMW Operating System 7, which is available in conjunction with BMW Live Cockpit, BMW Live Cockpit Plus or BMW Live Cockpit Professional, allows the driver to customise what is displayed to a very high degree. From November 2020, audio content will also be tailored to the driver’s wishes and needs with BMW News. Based on the driver’s individual interests, current online news is selected from publisher offerings and broadcast in the form of naturally spoken language via the vehicle's audio system.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is one of the particularly innovative services that features in current models with BMW Operating System 7. The digital companion, which enables intuitive operation of numerous vehicle functions via voice control (“Hey, BMW”), is constantly gaining new capabilities. From autumn 2020, the operating modes MAX eDrive and AUTO eDrive or ELECTRIC and HYBRID can also be activated in the appropriately equipped plug-in hybrid models by means of a naturally spoken instruction. In addition, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will be able to play back the drive sounds of other BMW models via the audio system when asked a corresponding question such as ("What does a BMW M3 sound like?") in cars delivered to the German market.

Optimised options for creating a driver profile allow further customisation opportunities. From November 2020, the driver can no longer only login by entering the BMW ID manually, but also via the My BMW App as well, making the process very convenient. A QR code generated for this purpose can be displayed on the Control Display, which can be scanned using a smartphone. The personal driver profile data can then be transferred to the vehicle. Also new: The driver can add a photo of his choice to his individual profile.

BMW X1 and BMW X2: New headlamp variants and BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line with extended features.

Adaptive LED headlights will be available for the compact BMW X2 Sports Activity Coupé from November 2020. They optimise visibility when driving at night, among other things by means of a high beam matrix function. This feature is able to increase the range of vision while at the same time avoiding any dazzle effect on other road users. To achieve this, the high beam is divided into several LED segments that can be activated and deactivated independently of each other to adapt how the road is illuminated to the respective traffic situation.

In addition, the striking BMW Individual Shadow Line lights are available as a new option for the BMW X2 and the BMW X1. The sporty appearance of the BMW X2 can be further enhanced by the BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line with extended features. In addition to the high-gloss black side window surrounds, this option includes a black frame for the BMW kidney grille and tailpipe trims in chrome black.

New paint finishes allow for expressive individualisation.

New additions to the range of paint finishes for numerous models will be introduced in autumn 2020 allowing for even greater levels of individualisation. The new San Remo Green metallic paint finish will also be available for the new BMW 4 Series Coupé in future. For the BMW X5, BMW X6 and BMW X7, the colours Dravit Grey metallic and Sparkling Brown metallic have been added to the range. In addition, the BMW Individual special paintwork finishes Grigio Telesto metallic, Urban Green metallic, Frozen Black metallic, Petrol Mica metallic, Ruby Red metallic, Avus Blue metallic and British Racing Green metallic are also available for the large BMW X models. 

For the BMW i3 (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 13.1 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km) and BMW i3s (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.6 – 14.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km) new paint finishes will also be available from November 2020. The purely electrically driven models will be available with paint finishes in Cashmere Silver with accents in BMW i Blue and Galvanic Gold with accents in Frozen Grey metallic and Fluid Black with accents in Frozen Grey metallic.

* all new models available with start of production in November 2020

Munich/Miami Beach They are almost everywhere and yet not always easy to find. Large-format graffiti, also known as murals in their most artistic form, are an integral part of the street scene in Miami. The city in the south of the Sunshine State is regarded as the centre of Street Art. On the occasion of Art Basel Miami Beach (5 - 8 December 2019), BMW is accompanying artists Alexandre Arrechea and Spencer "MAR" Guilburt on a discovery tour to the most remarkable examples of modern mural painting in the metropolis on the Atlantic. The visual artist Arrechea and the street art specialist Guilburt will complete their Mural Tour in a vehicle that is also suitable for adding a visual touch to the streets of any urban conurbation. The elegant BMW M850i xDrive Convertible (fuel consumption combined: 10.2 - 10.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 231 - 228 g/km) is a prime example of advanced automotive engineering and offers a perfect unobstructed view of the bright blue sky, the spectacular architecture of Miami and the many facades of the city embellished by street artists.

As a long-standing global partner of the renowned Art Basel art fair, BMW is once again involved in Miami, for example with a VIP shuttle service and as part of the joint initiative BMW Art Journey and the BMW 8 Series Mural Tour. Alexandre Arrechea and Spencer "MAR" Guilburt cruise the city in the BMW M850i xDrive Convertible in search of the most fascinating murals. In their conversations they exchange artistic similarities and mutual inspiration for their work. In addition to the facades on which Guilburt has immortalised himself with his murals, one of the stops on their tour will be an excursion to an exhibition of Arrecha's works shown at Art Basel Miami Beach by the Nara Roesler gallery. Street art fans can follow their discovery tour on the artists’ social media channels (@this_means, @alexandrearrechea) and the BMW Group cultural engagement (@bmwgroupculture).

On the Mural Tour through Miami, the BMW M850i xDrive Convertible also shows off its impressive qualities. With its dynamic and elegant appearance, the open four-seater offers the most exclusive way to enjoy driving pleasure in a BMW 8 Series luxury sports car. 15 seconds are all it takes to open or close the classic textile soft top electrically. The luxurious ambience in the interior, the impressive sportiness of the drive and the advanced operating and networking technology form a unique combination, the charm of which is also immediately apparent to the two artists on their journey through the streets of Miami.

However, the performance characteristics of the open four-seater and its racing-inspired V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and 390 kW/530 hp, are only hinted at, for example by the sonorous sound of the standard sports exhaust system and a few short intermediate spurts. The extroverted Sonic Speed Blue metallic paintwork highlights the generous surface design and precise lines of the open-air sports car without any restrictions. Thus the BMW M850i xDrive Convertible turns into an attraction when relaxedly cruising from the Wynwood Art District via South Beach to the Midtown Design District, which, like Miami’s murals, attracts attention on almost every street corner.