Munich. Premium automobile manufacturer BMW is consistently moving ahead with the electrification of its drive portfolio and now presents its latest plug-in hybrid models at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. At the same time, BMW also announces the market launch of an additional sports activity vehicle (SAV) with electric drive. The globally popular BMW X3 will likewise be produced in a plug-in hybrid variant as of December 2019. This makes it the first model of the brand to be offered with both a conventional combustion engine and a plug-in hybrid system – with the addition of a purely electrically powered version in 2020.

Once again in 2018, the BMW Group further consolidated its status as a pioneer and market leader in the field of electrified automobiles (source: IHS Markit New Registrations 2018 Report 04. 01. 2019). With a market share of more than 9 per cent, the company leads the worldwide ranking of established premium providers of vehicles that are purely electrically powered or run on plug-in hybrid systems. In 2018 the BMW Group was the market leader in the premium segment of electrified vehicles in both Germany and in China. With a share of more than 16 per cent, the company also once again led the overall European market for electrified vehicles. BMW Group achieved a new worldwide sales record in 2018 with more than 140 000 units of electrical and plug-in hybrid vehicles sold – an increase of 38.4 per cent over the previous year. As one of the four future-oriented ACES topic areas (Autonomous, Connected, Electrified and Services/Shared), electromobility is one of the key elements of the company’s strategy NUMBER ONE > NEXT. The aim of the BMW Group is to have put more than half a million electrified vehicles of its brands on the road by the end of 2019.

With the purely electrically powered BMW i3 (BMW i3: combined power consumption: 13.1 kWh/100 km*; BMW i3s: combined power consumption: 14.6 – 14.0 kWh/100 km*), the BMW i8 Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 1.8 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions from fuel: 42 g/km*) and the BMW i8 Roadster (combined fuel consumption: 2.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions from fuel: 46 g/km*), the plug-in hybrid variants of the BMW X5 and the BMW X3, the BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series, the BMW X1 xDrive25Le produced in China for the local market, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (combined fuel consumption: 2.5 – 2.4 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 13.7 – 13.4 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 56 – 55 g/km*) and the purely electrically powered MINI, the BMW Group will have 12 electrically powered models in its programme by the end of 2019. Not only is the sheer number of vehicles available unique but also their variety – from the premium compact segment through to the mid-range, upper mid-range and luxury performance segment, and also including the sports car and sports activity vehicle categories. By 2025 the BMW Group will have increased the selection of its brands’ electrically powered vehicles to at least 25 models.

World premiere: the BMW X3 xDrive30e with plug-in hybrid drive.

BMW starts production of another SAV with plug-in hybrid drive in December 2019, thereby further expanding its range of electrically powered vehicles. Seeing its world premiere at the 2019 International Geneva Motor Show, the BMW X3 xDrive30e combines the versatile properties of a premium mid-range sports activity vehicle with cutting-edge BMW eDrive technology. Its robust characteristics, sporty driving performance figures and all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive – also active when running on electric power alone – are combined with outstandingly low levels of fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Due to the use of the very latest battery technology, the BMW X3 xDrive30e achieves an electrically powered range of up to 50 kilometres*. Thanks to BMW eDrive technology, its combined fuel consumption is reduced to up to 2.4 litres per 100 kilometres*, with CO₂ emissions of up to 56 grams per kilometre*.

The plug-in hybrid system in the BMW X3 xDrive30e consists of a 4-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and an electric motor. Both drive units put their power on the road – or unsurfaced terrain – via an 8-speed Steptronic transmission and the intelligent all-wheel drive system. Their joint system output of 185 kW/252 hp can be increased by up to 30 kW/41 hp by temporary use of the electric motor's peak output. The BMW X3 xDrive30e takes just 6.5 seconds (provisional figure) to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h.

The latest BMW plug-in hybrid model is fitted with a lithium-ion battery which is positioned under the rear seat in order to save space. With a luggage volume of 450 litres, the transport capacity of the BMW X3 xDrive30e is at the level of those model variants which are fitted with a conventional engine.

Other world premieres in Geneva: BMW 330e Sedan, BMW X5 xDrive45e and the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW 7 Series.

The leading role of the BMW Group in the area of electrification is also reflected in its current engine range. At the 2019 International Geneva Motor Show, BMW presents the second generation of plug-in hybrid models in as many as three vehicles segments.

The new BMW 330e Sedan is especially impressive due to an increase in electrically powered range as compared to its predecessor model of some 50 per cent to up to 60 kilometres*, a level of fuel consumption that has been reduced to up to 1.7 litres per 100 kilometres* and CO₂ emissions reduced to 39 grams per kilometre* – all combined with the sports sedan’s hallmark driving pleasure. The system output of its plug-in hybrid drive amounts to 185 kW/252 hp – with the possibility of a temporary increase by an additional 30 kW/41 hp using the standard XtraBoost. As a result, the new BMW 330e Sedan does the sprint from standing to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds (provisional figure).

Increased output, efficiency and electrically powered range are also offered by the latest version of the BMW X5 with plug-in hybrid drive. The new BMW X5 xDrive45e is now fitted with an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine adapted on a model-specific basis combined with an electric motor – with a system output that is now increased to 290 kW/394 hp. 5.6 seconds (provisional figure) is all it takes the sports activity vehicle to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h. Its electrically powered range is now approximately 80 kilometres*, almost three times that of its predecessor. As such, day-to-day commuter runs can easily be covered on electric power only, thereby reducing local emissions to zero. With its 69-litre fuel tank, the BMW X5 xDrive45e is also perfectly suited to use over long distances. Its progressive plug-in hybrid drive technology reduces combined fuel consumption to up to 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres* and CO₂emissions from fuel to up to 49 grams per kilometre*. The qualities of the BMW X5 xDrive45e as a travel vehicle are likewise borne out by its versatile luggage compartment: here the storage volume of 500 to 1 716 litres is only very slightly less than that offered by variants of the SAV that are powered by conventional means. The ground-breaking all-round properties of the BMW X5 xDrive45e are complemented with the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. This transfers the power of both drive units to all four wheels, providing sports-style driving pleasure on the road and supreme off-road performance over unsurfaced terrain.

In the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW 7 Series, the sporty flair, travel comfort and feel-good ambience of a luxury sedan are combined with the ability to enjoy locally emissions-free and virtually noiseless mobility. Their electrically powered range has been increased by almost 30 per cent as compared to the predecessor models, now at a distance of between 50 and 58 kilometres*. The model range comprises the BMW 745e (combined fuel consumption: 2.3 – 2.1 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 15.6 – 15.1 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 52 – 48 g/km*), the long version BMW 745Le (combined fuel consumption: 2.3 –2.2 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 15.7 – 15.6 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 53 – 50 g/km) and the BMW 745Le xDrive (combined fuel consumption: 2.6 – 2.3 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 16.3 – 15.8 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 59 – 52 g/km*) with extended wheelbase and intelligent all-wheel drive. Its drive system now comprises an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine adapted on a model-specific basis together with an electric motor. By setting the drive experience switch to SPORT mode, the driver can tap into a system output of 290 kW/394 hp. The new BMW 745e accelerates in 5.2 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, while the new BMW 745Le takes 5.3 seconds. Meanwhile the new BMW 745Le xDrive reaches the 100 km/h mark from standing in 5.1 seconds.

BMW 530e Sedan and BMW 225xe Active Tourer with further developed lithium-ion batteries and increased electrically powered range.

The latest progress in the field of battery cell technology has also led to an extension of the options for locally emissions-free driving in the plug-in hybrid models of the BMW 5 Series and BMW 2 Series. Although its dimensions remain unchanged, the new lithium-ion battery for the plug-in hybrid model of the BMW 5 Series Sedan now has a gross energy content that has been increased from 9.2 to 12.0 kWh. This means an increase in electrically powered range by more than 30 per cent to 64 kilometres*. The BMW 530e Sedan now achieves a combined fuel consumption of at least 1.7 litres per 100 kilometres* and CO₂ emissions of at least 38 grams per kilometre*. As an additional model variant, the all-wheel drive BMW 530e xDrive Sedan will also be included in the programme worldwide from July 2019 onwards. The latter achieves an electrically powered range of up to 57 kilometres*. Its combined fuel consumption is at least 1.9 litres per 100 kilometres*, while CO₂ emissions are at least 44 grams per kilometre*.

In the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, state-of-the-art battery cell technology paves the way to further reduced consumption figures as well as an increase in the electrically powered range of more than 25 per cent to up to 57 kilometres*. While retaining the same dimensions as before, its lithium-ion battery now has a gross energy content that has been increased from 7.7 to 9.7. The combined fuel consumption of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer is at least 1.9 litres per 100 kilometres*, its combined power consumption is at least 14.7 kWh per 100 kilometres and its CO₂ emissions level is at least 43 grams per kilometre*. The hybrid-specific all-wheel drive system contributes to the BMW 225xe Active Tourer's sporty and versatile driving properties. Its standard and optional fittings include numerous modern driver assistance systems as well as the current innovations in the field of intelligent connectivity and digital services – for increased convenience when charging the high-voltage battery and an even more intense electrical driving experience.

Cutting-edge battery technology, new operating system and innovative digital services for an optimised electric driving experience.

In addition to the very latest battery technology, the plug-in hybrid variants of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan, the new BMW X5 and the new BMW 7 Series also feature a new display and operating system as well as innovative digital services for an even more intense electric driving experience. Their standard fittings include the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with newly designed screens in the instrument panel and the Control Display, which also provide clearly laid-out details of the battery charge state, electrically powered range and operating mode of the plug-in hybrid system. The buttons used to select the drive mode are now integrated in the drive experience switch unit. Here, a press of the button is all that is needed to activate the modes SPORT for a particularly dynamic set-up and ADAPTIVE for a set-up that is geared towards the relevant driving style and situation, as well as the three operating modes HYBRID, ELECTRIC and BATTERY CONTROL. HYBRID mode serves as the standard setting that ensures a balanced set-up and optimised interaction between the combustion engine and electric motor. It also possible to select ELECTRIC mode as the standard setting via the iDrive menu. The HYBRID button is pressed twice to activate this operating mode in an efficiency-optimised version (HYBRID ECO PRO). The coasting function is one of the factors that contributes to a further reduction in fuel consumption.

The technology of the intelligent energy management system has likewise been further optimised. Since this is now linked to the navigation system, the interaction between combustion engine and electric motor can be adapted more precisely to the route and driving situation. In the new BMW 330e Sedan and the new BMW X5 xDrive45e, a control unit that draws on navigation and sensor data is also able to optimise brake energy recuperation efficiency in HYBRID ECO PRO mode. When approaching a junction or a vehicle driving ahead, for example, recuperation can be put to particularly intensive use for the purpose of deceleration.

During the charging process, the fully digital instrument panel provides graphically displayed information on the battery's current charge status and therefore the car’s potential electrically powered range. The graphic display – designed individually for each vehicle – also shows the amperage available at the charge station being used, as well as indicating when the battery is fully charged.

New digital services help make it more attractive and convenient to charge the high-voltage battery when out and about. For example, the navigation system shows the driver nearby hotels, restaurants, cafés and sights or cultural facilities when a public charging station is being selected. Customers are also given a forecast as to the occupation status of charging stations. In addition, BMW enables ChargeNow customers to reserve an enabled charging station for a limited period based on in-car activation.

A distinctive sound created especially for electrified BMW models is used for the purpose of acoustic pedestrian protection, emitted via a speaker system. The sound design in the low speed range radiates a vibrant acoustic presence, though without impairing the acoustic comfort of vehicle occupants.

Munich. BMW continues to consistently pursue the improvement of emissions in all combustion engines in summer 2018. As of July 2018, all petrol and plug-in hybrid models of the brand available in Germany will be fitted as standard with a petrol engine particulate filter and thus will already comply with the exhaust standard Euro 6d-TEMP. BluePerformance Technology including SCR catalytic converter with AdBlue injection has been a standard feature of all BMW diesel models since March 2018. This means they all offer highly efficient, multi-stage exhaust gas treatment consisting of NOx storage catalytic converter and SCR system (Selective Catalytic Reduction). Due to the particularly effective reduction of particulate emissions achieved, these comply with what will then be the most rigorous exhaust standard, namely Euro 6d-TEMP. In addition, another 39 diesel models will be going on the market with Euro 6d-TEMP rating.

Additional model variants of the BMW X3 and the BMW X4 will be available from August 2018 onwards. As early as July 2018 there will be an increase in the number of models in the BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 4 Series and BMW 5 Series which are fitted as standard with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission. Another newcomer to the model range is the BMW 1 Series Edition Metropolitan.

For the BMW 530e iPerformance Sedan (combined fuel consumption: 2.1 – 1.9 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.113.1 l/100 km*; combined CO2 emissions: 49 – 44 g/km), the optional equipment item BMW Wireless Charging will be available ex works from July 2018. The option BMW Connected eDrive Services available for the BMW i and BMW iPerformance automobiles will also include the BMW Digital Charging Service in future. What is more, an aerodynamics package is available for the BMW i8 Roadster (combined fuel consumption: 2.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption 14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 46 g/km).

BMW X3 and BMW X4: new model variations with in-line 6-cylinder engines.

With the premiere of the BMW X3 M40d (combined fuel consumption: 6.5 – 6.4 l/100 km; combined CO2emissions 172 – 169 g/km*), the number of engines available to choose from for the Sports Activity Vehicle in the premium mid-range segment increases to seven. What is more, this newcomer is now the second BMW M Performance model in the series. In the BMW X3 M40d, an in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine generates a peak output of 240 kW/326 hp and a maximum torque of 680 N m already available at 1 750 rpm thanks to multi-stage turbocharging and common rail direct injection with piezo injectors, accelerating the car from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

A second in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine will be offered for the Sports Activity Coupé as of August 2018. The power unit in the new BMW X4 xDrive30d (combined fuel consumption: 6.0 – 5.8 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 158 – 153 g/km*) generates a peak output of 195 kW/265 hp and a maximum torque of 620 Nm. It takes the car just 5.8 seconds to accelerate from standing to 100 km/h. All new model variants of the BMW X3 and the BMW X4 are fitted as standard with an 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission.

8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard in additional models.

Fast gearshifts, a high level of shift comfort and excellent efficiency are the benefits of the 8-speed Steptronic transmission, now to become a standard feature of numerous additional BMW models as of July 2018. In the premium compact segment, the BMW 120i 3 door and the BMW 120 i 5 door (combined fuel consumption: 6.1 – 5.9 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 139 – 134 g/km) will also feature automatic gear selection as standard in future. Meanwhile the further enhanced shift dynamics of the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission can be experienced as standard in the BMW M140i 3 door and the BMW M140i 5 door (combined fuel consumption: 7.4 – 7.4 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 169 – 168 g/km).

In the BMW 3 Series, eight additional models will be fitted with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard from July 2018 onwards. These are the BMW 320i Gran Turismo (combined fuel consumption: 6.3 – 6.2 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 143 – 141 g/km) and the BMW 320i xDrive Sedan (combined fuel consumption: 6.5 – 6.4 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 148 – 146 g/km), the BMW 320i xDrive Touring (combined fuel consumption: 6.7 – 6.6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 154 – 151 g/km) and the BMW 320i xDrive Gran Turismo (combined fuel consumption: 6.8 – 6.7 l/100 km; combined COCO2 emissions 156 – 152 g/km). The models BMW 330i Sedan (combined fuel consumption: 6.1 – 6.0 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 140 – 137 g/km) and BMW 330i Touring (combined fuel consumption: 6.3 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 145 g/km) and BMW 340i Sedan (combined fuel consumption: 7.4 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 168 g/km) and the BMW 340i xDrive Sedan (combined fuel consumption: 7.7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 174 g/km) will also include an automatic transmission as a standard fitting in the future.

Six model variants of the BMW 4 Series will benefit from the new standard engine-transmission combination, too: the BMW 420i Convertible (combined fuel consumption: 6.4 – 6.2 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 146 – 143 g/km), the BMW 420i xDrive Gran Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 6.6 – 6.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 151 – 148 g/km), the BMW 430i Convertible (combined fuel consumption: 6.5 – 6.3 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 148 – 144 g/km) and the BMW 430i Gran Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 6.1 – 6.0 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 140 – 137 g/km) and the BMW 440i Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 7.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 170 g/km) and the BMW 440i xDrive Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 7.7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 174 g/km).

The range of models fitted as standard with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission in future is rounded off with the BMW 520d Sedan (combined fuel consumption: 4.6 – 4.5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 121 – 117 g/km) and the BMW 520d Touring (combined fuel consumption: 4.9 – 4.7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 128 – 123 g/km).

Well equipped for the city: BMW 1 Series Edition Metropolitan.

Urban mobility in a premium compact model takes on an extra touch of style in the BMW 1 Series Edition Metropolitan. The Edition model, available as a BMW 1 Series 3 door and a BMW 1 Series 5, has numerous equipment features that are specifically designed to enhance comfort and driving pleasure in urban traffic. These include the navigation system Business, Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear of the vehicle, rear view camera, parking assistant, road sign detection, Speed Limit Info, Comfort Access and an instrument cluster with extended features. The Edition model is available in conjunction with the Urban Line model and all engine variants with the exception of the BMW M140i.

New paint finishes and interior design features for the BMW 5 Series and the BMW 6er Gran Turismo.

The selection of paint finishes for the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 5 Series Touring will be extended in summer 2018 to include the variant Frozen Dark Silver metallic, whose silken matt surface creates a particularly expressive look. This body finish will also be offered for the high-performance sedan BMW M5 (combined fuel consumption: 10.5 l/100km; combined CO2 emissions: 241 g/100km, provisional values), for which it is also possible to select the variant Frozen Marina Bay Blue metallic – likewise a new option.

From July 2018, the optionally available electroplating applications for selected controls will make for an exclusive sheen in the interior of the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the BMW 5 Series Touring and the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo. This high-quality surface refinement is applied to the steering wheel switches, the start/stop button, the volume control on the audio system, the air conditioning controls and the switch panels on the driver and front passenger doors.

BMW 7 Series: BMW Individual composition that can be combined with other exterior finishes.

The BMW Individual composition provides a highly exclusive ambience in the interior of the BMW 7 Series Sedan by means of exquisite materials and a subtly harmonised colour scheme. The option comprising BMW Individual full Merino fine-grain leather trim, BMW Individual interior trim finishers, a BMW Individual leather steering wheel and a BMW Individual roof liner can be combined with additional body finishes from July 2018 onwards. In future the selection will also include the variants Alpine White non-metallic, Sapphire Black metallic, Kashmir Silver metallic, Glacier Silver metallic, Imperial Blue Brilliant Effect metallic, Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect metallic, Mineral White metallic, Jatoba metallic, Magellan Grey metallic, Arctic Grey Brilliant Effect metallic and Atlas Cedar metallic.

Aerodynamics package for the BMW i8 Roadster.

The plug-in hybrid drive of the BMW i8 Roadster (combined fuel consumption 2,0 l/100 km; combined electricity consumption 14,5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 46 g/km) guarantees a particularly progressive combination of sporty dynamic performance and efficiency for open-top driving. The car's supreme driving properties can be further optimised by means of the new aerodynamics package. This is made up of a dual-section front splitter and a spoiler lip for the rear of the two-seater model.

Charging is simpler than fuelling: launch of BMW Wireless Charging.

The innovative option BMW Wireless Charging offers maximum comfort when charging the high-voltage battery of a plug-in hybrid model. BMW is the world's first automobile manufacturer to offer a system of inductive charging where a cable is no longer required to feed electric current into the vehicle's battery. From 2018, BMW Wireless Charging will be among the optional equipment items available for the BMW 530e iPerformance ex works: it comprises a "car pad" for the vehicle and an inductive charging station known as a "ground pad", which can be installed on the floor of a garage, for example.

The contactless transfer of energy is carried out via an electromagnetic field between the two components and can be initiated as soon as the vehicle has reached park position over the ground pad. This makes charging a high-voltage battery even easier than filling a fuel tank.

New for BMW i and BMW i Performance automobiles: BMW Connected eDrive Services with BMW Digital Charging Service.

In future, the option BMW Connected eDrive Services will cover all digital services that help optimise comfort, everyday practicality and efficiency in vehicles that are electrically powered. This new optional equipment feature will be available from July 2018 for the BMW i3 (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption 13.6 – 13.1 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 0 g/km) and the BMW i3s (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined power consumption: l/100 km; combined power consumption 14.3 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 0 g/km), the BMW i8 Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 1.8 l/100 km; combined power consumption 14.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 42 g/km) and the BMW i8 Roadster as well as for the BMW 225xe iPerformance (combined fuel consumption: 2.5 – 2.3 l/100 km; combined power consumption 13.7 – 13.4 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 57 – 52 g/km) and the BMW 530e iPerformance. It includes Remote Services, which allows the doors to be remotely locked and unlocked, and also eDrive Services complete with charging station search, as well as enabling the range and charge status to be displayed on a smartphone.

What is more, the BMW Digital Charging Service can be used in the first three years after the car has been newly registered. This enables intelligent charging with optimised cost efficiency and preferential use of self-generated solar power.

All model revision measures available from start of production in July resp. August 2018.

Consumption and Emission Data:

BMW 530e iPerformance Limousine: combined fuel consumption: 2,1 – 1,9 l/100 km; combined electricity consumption: 14,1 – 13,1 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 49 – 44 g/km

BMW i8 Roadster: combined fuel consumption: 2,0 l/100 km; combined electricity consumption:14,5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 46 g/km

BMW X3 M40d: combined fuel consumption: 6,5 – 6,4 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 172 – 169 g/km,provisional values

BMW X4 xDrive30d: combined fuel consumption: 6,0 – 5,8 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 158 – 153 g/km, provisional values

BMW 120i 3-Türer und 5-Türer: combined fuel consumption: 6,1 – 5,9 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions:139 – 134 g/km

BMW M140i 3-Türer und 5-Türer:combined fuel consumption: 7,4 – 7,4 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions:169 – 168 g/km

BMW 320i Gran Turismo: combined fuel consumption: 6,3 – 6,2 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions:143 – 141 g/km

BMW 320i xDrive Limousine: combined fuel consumption: 6,5 – 6,4 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions148 – 146 g/km

BMW 320i xDrive Touring: combined fuel consumption: 6,7 – 6,6 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions154 – 151 g/km

BMW 320i xDrive Gran Turismo: combined fuel consumption: 6,8 – 6,7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions156 – 152 g/km

BMW 330i Limousine: combined fuel consumption: 6,1 – 6,0 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions140 – 137 g/km

BMW 330i Touring: combined fuel consumption: 6,3 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 145 g/km

BMW 340i Limousine: combined fuel consumption: 7,4 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 168 g/km

BMW 340i xDrive Limousine: combined fuel consumption: 7,7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions174 g/km

BMW 420i Cabrio: combined fuel consumption: 6,4 – 6,2 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions146 – 143 g/km

BMW 420i xDrive Gran Coupé: combined fuel consumption: 6,6 – 6,5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions151 – 148 g/km

BMW 430i Cabrio: combined fuel consumption: 6,5 – 6,3 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions148 – 144 g/km

BMW 430i Gran Coupé: combined fuel consumption: 6,1 – 6,0 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions140 – 137 g/km

BMW 440i Coupé: combined fuel consumption: 7,5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 170 g/km

BMW 440i xDrive Coupé: combined fuel consumption: 7,7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 174 g/km

BMW 520d Limousine: combined fuel consumption: 4,6 – 4,5 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 121 – 117 g/km

BMW 520d Touring: combined fuel consumption: 4,9 – 4,7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 128 – 123 g/km

BMW M5: combined fuel consumption: 10,5l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 241 g/km, provisional values

BMW i3: combined fuel consumption: 0,0 l/100 km; combined electricity consumption: 13,6 – 13,1 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 0 g/km

BMW i3s: combined fuel consumption: 0,0 l/100 km; combined electricity consumption: 14,3 kWh/100 km; CO₂-combined CO2 emissions 0 g/km

BMW i8 Coupé: combined fuel consumption: 1,8 l/100 km; combined electricity consumption:14,0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 42 g/km

BMW 225xe iPerformance: combined fuel consumption:2,5 – 2,3 l/100 km; combined electricity consumption:13,7 – 13,4 kWh/100 km;combined CO2 emissions 57 – 52 g/km

Munich. BMW i will debut as the exclusive transportation partner at the Coachella Valley Music & Art Festival in 2017, providing VIP shuttle service and hospitality during the weekends of April 14-16 and 21-23. BMW’s sustainable, future-oriented brand will provide BMW i3 electric vehicles and BMW X5 40e iPerformance plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for transportation on and around the festival site.

A stand-out feature of the BMW i3 fleet at Coachella is a unique wrap that was created especially for the occasion, its design reflecting the creative and unconventional character of the event. BMW i8 plug-in hybrid electric sports cars with Coachella design will also take to the roads between Los Angeles and Palm Springs with a selected group of festival-bound celebrities and influencers on board.

Coachella is one of the world’s largest music festivals and provides an ideal stage for the BMW i brand: “The wealth of ideas the artists bring and the festival’s focus on sustainability create a unique atmosphere; Coachella is the birthplace for many trends, ideas and movements,” says Hildegard Wortmann, Senior Vice President Brand BMW. “BMW i is likewise a driver of pioneering innovations and the joy of sustainable mobility. We are positioning the sub-brand as open-minded, creative and inspiring – and Coachella provides an exceptional platform for this purpose, uniting creativity, passion and connectedness. We’re looking forward to an inspirational partnership.”

"Road to Coachella".

A social media campaign entitled “Road to Coachella” kicked-off the partnership on March 14. The campaign offers festival goers the chance to be entered into a drawing to win a festival pass by documenting their preparation for the festival and their own journey to Coachella Valley via social media using the hashtag #RoadToCoachella. 

Renowned composer and music producer Hans Zimmer (“Inception”, “Pearl Harbor”, “The Dark Knight” and “The Lion King”) has provided the soundtrack for a video promoting “Road to Coachella.

The three-minute piece, which debuted on April 9 on BMW’s YouTube Channel, is set to a Zimmer’s music and features the BMW i8 hybrid electric sports car, while providing a look at his preparations as he and his orchestra ready for their first-ever Coachella performance. Also featured in the video are fellow Coachella performers including Marshmello, Galantis, Ryan Rabin of Grouplove, Warpaint and Broods.

Furthermore, BMW i will invite visitors during the festival to visit the innovative BMW i Brand Lounge in the VIP Area, where they can experience up close the allure of BMW i and the unique Coachella design, co-developed with Garage Italia Customs.

About BMW i

BMW i is based around a wide-reaching concept designed to bring about sustainable and future-focused mobility. It is fuelled by visionary electric vehicles and mobility services, inspirational design and a new understanding of premium that is defined squarely in terms of sustainability and delights with innovative new vehicles. The design of the all-electric BMW i3 emission-free model for urban use is centred around sustainability, while the BMW i8 introduces us to the sports car of the future.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Editorial note: The prices of the BMW i3 models in Germany are:

• BMW i3 (60Ah): 34.950€ (BEV), 39.450€ (REX)
• BMW i3 (94Ah): 36.150€ (BEV) , 40.650€ (REX)

Donington , 25 August 2015. BMW will be lining up for the FIA Formula E Championship once again in 2015/16 . The second season of the race series gets underway in Beijing on 17 October 2015, and BMW will be on hand as the Official Vehicle Partner.

The futuristic BMW i8 sports car (fuel consumption combined: 2.1 l/100 km / 134.5 mpg imp; CO2 emissions combined: 49 g/km) will once again see action as the Safety Car in the trailblazing race series for electrically-powered formula machines. And the all-electric (and therefore emission-free) BMW i3 (energy consumption combined: 12.9 kWh; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km) will perform the role of Medical Car, as it did in the series’ inaugural season. Added to which, a pair of BMW C evolution electric scooters and a BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid (fuel consumption combined: 3.4–3.3 l/100 km / 83.1–85.6 mpg imp; CO2 emissions combined: 78–77 g/km; figures based on the EU test cycle, may vary depending on the tyre format specified) will be making their Formula E debuts, as models from other BMW Group brands join the BMW i cars in the eDrive family .

“BMW i and Formula E make a great match,” said Jörg Reimann, Vice President BMW Brand Experience. “The world governing body of motor sport, the FIA, is branching out in a new and extremely interesting direction with the FIA Formula E Championship – and we have been on board from the outset. The series got off to a highly successful start in its first year on the calendar, with its all-electric formula racing cars, tight street circuits running through the heart of major world cities and innovative ideas engaging fans via social networks. BMW has been involved in Formula E from the word go. It signed up as the Official Vehicle Partner to supply the BMW i8 Safety Car and BMW i3 Medical Car. And this commitment has given the company a platform on which to press its claim as a leader in electric mobility. We’ve succeeded in bringing the driving pleasure for which BMW is renowned to the attention of millions of people in major cities around the world. The ball is very much rolling now; in 2014 and 2015 we laid the foundations for a successful partnership, and it’s one which will continue into the second season of the championship in 2015/2016.”

Formula E will become an “open” championship in its second season. Compared with the inaugural edition of the series, in which all the cars were technically identical, eight of the ten teams will line up for the new season with their own technology. The technical changes will be concentrated on the powertrain – specifically the electric motor, the inverter, the transmission and the cooling system – and see the cars differing in terms of speeds, soundtrack and, above all, efficiency levels over the race distance.

The 2014/15 Formula E calendar featured e leven races in ten countries on three continents. Ten teams took their places on the grid for that opening season, each with two drivers at the wheel of standardised cars . Nelson Piquet Jr. wrapped up the title in the final race in London – and duly took his place in the history books as the first ever champion in this new series.

The new season will begin on 17 October 2015 and again take in eleven races in ten countries.

For further information on FIA Formula E go to: www.fiaformulae.com

Further information on official fuel consumption figures and specific CO2 emission values of new passenger cars is included in the following

guideline: “Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen” (Guideline for fuel

consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained free of charge from all

dealerships, from the 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.

The 2015/2016 season: Official FIA Formula E Vehicle Partner extends its line-up of models featuring new BMW eDrive technology.

The eDrive technology introduced through BMW i since 2013 will be carried over gradually into models from the core BMW brand. It will be included in the following vehicles as part of the Formula E race series.

BMW C evolution.

BMW Motorrad is supplying the FIA Formula E organisation with two BMW C evolution electric scooters for use as shuttles. The scooters enable zero-emission riding:

• Range in everyday use on battery-electric power only (EU):
  100 kilometres (62 miles)
• Maximum output: 35 kW (47.5 hp)
• Maximum torque: 72 Nm (53 lb-ft)
• Top speed: 120 km/h / 75 mph (electronically governed)
• 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph): 6.2 seconds; 0 – 50 km/h (31 mph): 2.7 seconds
• Innovations: reverse assist, Torque Control Assist, four riding modes, ABS, hybrid chassis, TFT colour display, LED daytime running light and sidelight, electrical safety to passenger car standard.

BMW X5 xDrive40e.

Available from autumn 2015, the BMW X5 xDrive40e plug-in hybrid will be deployed as the Official FIA Formula E Rescue Car over the course of the new Formula E season and has been adapted to the technical requirements of the FIA.

• Range on electric power only (EU): up to 31 kilometres (19 miles)
• Overall range: over 800 kilometres (497 miles)
• System output: 313 hp
• Maximum system torque: 450 Nm (332 lb-ft)
• Top speed: 210 km/h / 130 mph (120 km/h / 75 mph on electric power only)
• 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph): 6.8 seconds

Modifications to comply with FIA Formula E requirements:

• Bank of LED lights and stroboscope light
• FIA radio equipment and transponder integrated into the vehicle electronics
  
  

BMW i3.

The battery-electric BMW i3 will continue as the Official FIA Formula E Medical Car. Two BMW i3 cars will be supplied for the electric race series:

• Range on electric power only (EU): up to 160 kilometres (100 miles)
• Maximum output: 170 hp
• Maximum torque: 250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
• Top speed: 150 km/h / 93 mph (governed)
• 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph): 7.2 seconds

Modifications to comply with FIA Formula E requirements:

• Bank of LED lights, fire extinguisher, paintwork and decals
• FIA radio equipment and transponder integrated into the vehicle electronics
• Attachment points for medical equipment
  
  

BMW i8.

The BMW i8 is the most progressive sports car of our times and, by combining the performance and appeal of a sports car with small car fuel economy, created a new segment as the first sustainable sports car. It offers zero-emission driving in town (eDrive) and efficient sports car performance out of town, where a highly turbocharged and efficient 1.5-litre petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology also comes into play.

With its revolutionary vehicle concept – which brings together a carbon-fibre passenger cell, aluminium chassis and benchmark aerodynamics for its segment (Cd: 0.26) – the BMW i8 represents the company’s technological cutting edge.

The BMW i8 will continue as the Official FIA Formula E Qualcomm Safety Car through the second season of Formula E. The modifications to the two new Safety Cars are far more performance-oriented and they have been adapted to meet the FIA’s technical regulations ahead of the new season, which gets underway in Beijing on 17 October.

The new BMW i8 Safety Car is the world’s first vehicle equipped for inductive charging with 7.2 kilowatts of power using Qualcomm Halo™ prototype technology . This allows the high-voltage battery of the BMW i8 to be fully recharged in around one hour only.

• Range on electric power only (EU): up to 37 kilometres (23 miles)
• Overall range: over 600 kilometres (373 miles)
• System output of FIA Formula E Safety Car: approx. 380 hp
• Maximum system torque: > 570 Nm (420 lb-ft)
• Top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph (using electric power only: 120 km/h / 75 mph)
• 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph): < 4.4 seconds; 80 – 120 km/h (50 – 75 mph): 2.6 seconds

Modifications to comply with FIA Formula E requirements:

• Certified safety cell – bolted and bonded to load-bearing elements of the body. Use of patented tube joints.
• New bank of LED lights and stroboscope light
• FIA radio equipment and transponder integrated into the vehicle electronics
• 2 x additional 12V sockets with 25A fuse
• Carbon-fibre racing seats
• Carbon-fibre centre console
• Six-point safety belt
• Removal of interior trim and airbags
• Modified trim elements on safety cell
• Modified position of safety belts
• Official decals

Technical modifications to the new BMW i8 Safety Car over the standard production car:

Chassis

• Modified chassis mount points and upper wishbones
• Custom-made Bilstein springs / dampers
• 15 mm lowered chassis

Wheels / tyres

• 20” ATS racing rims: black, powder-coated
  (front: 245/ 35 R20, rear: 285/ 30 R20)
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport sports tyres

Brakes

• Motorsports brake discs and callipers (six-piston at the front, four-piston at the rear)
• Improved ventilation / cooling for the front discs
  Direct in-flow of air via the front spoiler and deflector plates
• Modification to the rear section of the underbody (additional air intakes, spoiler) and airflow to the brake discs via supply tube and deflector plates

Aerodynamics

• Kidney grille split at half height
  Modified front-end airflow
• 850-watt fan (front)
• Number of dynamic pressure flaps in fan shroud increased
• Modified bonnet outlet cover and airflow
• Modified air deflectors
• New air deflectors and air deflector plate on the underfloor of the car
• Rear window replaced by plastic cover with air outlets
• Sound absorption panelling for the engine removed
• Two additional fans in the engine compartment
• C-pillar ventilation removed
• Lower-mounted engine soundproofing removed
• New anti-roll bar bearings
• Extension of diffuser below the combustion engine (75 mm)
• Heat insulation for the exhaust system
• Additional carbon-fibre spoiler lips at the rear
• Additional diffusers on the underfloor of the car (front and rear)

High-voltage battery

• Battery cell modified for testing purposes, now has higher electric output (+ approx. 10 kW)

Modified roll cage

• Seamlessly drawn precision pipe (25 CrMo4)
• Yield strength: 640 Nm/mm²
• Tensile strength: 695 Nm/mm²
• Bolts quenched and tempered
• Roll cage weight: 48 kilograms
• First FIA-certified BMW i8 roll cage

New inductive prototype charging system (Qualcomm Halo™)

• BMW i8 FIA Formula E Qualcomm Safety Car is the world’s first vehicle to offer 7.2 kW inductive charging based on Qualcomm Halo™ prototype technology
• Tested under all extreme climatic conditions
• EMC-approved

Munich. Please notice: On 25 August 2015, 4 pm, a press release on the continuance of BMW’s partnership with FIA Formula E will be published in BMW Group Press Club. The official announcement will take place in Donington Park/ UK during official FIA Formula E tests.

Picture material will be produced in Donington Park on site to be published
at 04.00 pm CET in BMW Group press club as well.

NTU receives BMW i3 and BMW i8 as research platforms

Singapore. BMW Group and Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) today launched a new electromobility research programme, involving the all-electric BMW i3 and plug-in hybrid sports car BMW i8 that runs on electricity and petrol.

This new research programme will be conducted at the Future Mobility Research Lab located on the NTU campus, which is the BMW Group’s first joint lab in Southeast Asia.

Both parties will be injecting a combined S$1.3 million to drive the new research projects, on top of the initial S$5.5 million funding allocated to the joint lab in 2013.

The new research programme will focus on two new areas, Electromobility in Asia and also Smart Materials. This is in addition to the original three research topics that the joint lab is working on: Advanced Battery, Driver Enhancement and Intelligent Mobility.

At the launch ceremony today at NTU, the BMW Group announced that the BMW i3 and BMW i8 will be provided as research platforms to the Future Mobility Research Lab.

The ceremony was graced by Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State at Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry; Mr Volker Bouffier, Prime Minister of the Federal State of Hesse and President of the German Bundesrat; and His Excellency, Dr Michael Witter, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Singapore.

The scientists at the joint lab will use the two BMW i vehicles to conduct research on real-life driver behaviour and to collect in-depth data on vehicle performance. The two cars will also conduct on-road trials of new technologies such as a mobile application that can accurately predict traffic and estimated end-to-end travelling time.

Mr. Axel Pannes, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia said: “We are very satisfied with our partnership with NTU and the establishment of the Future Mobility Research Lab, thanks to the high level of competency from NTU’s research staff and interdisciplinary teams.”

“Through the relentless efforts of the dedicated researchers, we have already made some important findings through the earlier research topics in a short period of just two years. With the expanded research scope on Electromobility in Asia and Smart Materials, more invaluable knowledge will be gained by both parties. Further, the knowledge will also be transferred to Singapore’s academia and broaden their technical understanding of modern full-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. It will definitely forge a stronger technological partnership between the BMW Group and NTU,” added Mr. Pannes.

Professor Lam Khin Yong, NTU’s Chief of Staff and Vice President (Research), said the new research programme will build on the research successes of the NTU-BMW joint lab.

“The new research programme will further exploit the synergy between BMW Group’s leadership and expertise in automotive sciences and NTU’s leading research in sustainability and clean technologies. The NTU-BMW joint lab has already made important advancements in areas such as new battery materials that can extend the range of an electric vehicle and innovative driver assistive technologies to greatly enhance safety.”

“NTU is one of the eight top universities across the globe that BMW has established a strategic partnership with. The BMW i3 and i8 will be used by BMW and NTU scientists to develop and test innovative technologies in real-life conditions and this new research programme extends NTU’s efforts in developing future mobility solutions with global impact,” said Prof Lam.

Mr Volker Bouffier, Prime Minister of the Federal State of Hesse and President of the German Bundesrat, said: “The new electromobility research programme launched by NTU and BMW emphasises the strong and fruitful bilateral relations between Germany and Singapore in the fields of research. Certainly the programme will further strengthen the ties on each side. Thus, to study and develop key areas which relate to future transportation will be a crucial factor on our way to a modern globalised world based on sustainable development.”

Mr Tan Kong Hwee, Director, Transport Engineering, Singapore Economic Development Board, said: “BMW's partnership with NTU for the set-up of its Future Mobility Lab is testament to the increasing interest in urban mobility and Singapore’s attractiveness for the conduct of research and development in this area.”

Electromobility in Asia

The main goal of embarking on the Electromobility in Asia project is to find out how drivers interact with BMW i vehicles in real life, so as to better understand user behaviours and to improve electric and plug-in hybrid technology for the future.

By conducting the research in Singapore, a densely-populated, urban city state, it will enable researchers in the joint lab to gain insights on how electric vehicles can be made more relevant for global megacities. Other study topics include how emerging technologies like fast charging, wireless charging and smart assistant driving technologies will impact the consumer.

Smart Materials

With today’s proliferation of touchscreen interfaces being used increasingly in vehicles, there is a need to study how these touchscreen surfaces can be made more tactile.

Through research in various shape memory materials and dielectric polymers, scientists will look at developing technologies which can enable buttons to appear on interactive surfaces and touch screens when needed.

Mr Pannes added that Singapore is the perfect venue for the BMW Group to conduct research on electromobility.

“In Singapore, the second most densely populated country in the world, we anticipate that electric vehicles with its zero tailpipe emissions and exhaust fumes will be a key player in the transportation network of the future. The city-state also has high connectivity and a tech-savvy population, which makes it more receptive towards new cutting-edge technology. Further, we believe Singapore has the potential to become a R&D hub for electromobility, especially with its clearly expressed ambitions to become a Smart Nation. We want to play a contributive role in that,” said Mr Pannes.

Future Mobility Research Lab breakthroughs

The Future Mobility Research Lab, set up in April 2013, aims to research and develop key areas relating to future transportation, which includes Advanced Battery, Driver Enhancement, and Intelligent Mobility.

After two years of intensive research, the Future Mobility Research Lab has made some significant findings in the following areas:

• Advanced Battery

• New battery materials are being experimented on, such as high-voltage cathodes and anodes (the positive and negative poles of a battery), which can potentially double the energy density, which is important in extending the range of an electric car as well as enable faster charging times.

• Driver Enhancement

• Current sensor technologies are able to tell if a driver is sleepy or alert and if the vehicle is on a collision course with another vehicle, based on the speed and direction it is travelling. However, the sensor systems are independent of each other, and does not take into account the driver’s present condition and adjust to it.
• A driver enhancement system is now being developed to adapt to the driver’s condition, to either increase or decrease the number of assistance technologies deployed to help the driver. It is based on parameters such as whether the driver is alert or sleepy, if he/she is paying attention to the road, and if traffic conditions around the vehicle is congested or sparse.

• Intelligent Mobility

• A mobile application has been developed which can better predict the traffic conditions and accurately estimate arrival time at the destination. This app is based on an intelligent routing system that calculates individual driving style and current traffic situation based on real-time traffic information. It also has a parking search system that analyses the parking situation around the destination.

For media enquiries, please contact:

BMW Group Asia

Corporate Affairs Department

Sethipong Anutarasoti

Tel: +65 6838 9630

Email: Sethipong.anutarasoti@bmwasia.com

Daniel Chan

Tel: +65 6838 9639

Email: daniel.chan@bmwasia.com

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

Nanyang Technological University

Corporate Communications Office

Lester Kok

Tel: +65 67906804; Mobile: +65 97415593

Email: lesterkok@ntu.edu.sg

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2014, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.118 million cars and 123,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2014 was approximately € 8.71 billion on revenues amounting to € 80.40 billion. As of 31 December 2014, the BMW Group had a workforce of 116,324 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based 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.

www.bmwgroup.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Munich. With the BMW i Wallbox Pro – the second home charging station in the BMW i 360º ELECTRIC portfolio for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles – zero-emission electric mobility is set to become an even more attractive option. The BMW i Wallbox Pro offers a faster charging rate than the BMW i Wallbox Pure and even more user-friendly operation, as well as innovative options for vehicle charging with home-generated electricity and smart home integration. The BMW i Wallbox Pro is available as an Original BMW i Accessory. Optionally an installation service is also provided, which offers fitting and connection of the BMW Wallbox Pro in the customer’s home or garage by qualified experts.

With a charging rate of up to 7.4 kW, the BMW i Wallbox Pro supports very fast charging of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. In this case the high-voltage battery of the BMW i3 takes less than three hours for an 80% charge. The BMW i Wallbox Pro is also compatible with other makes of vehicle equipped with the European Type 2 standard connector.

The BMW i Wallbox features the familiar BMW i design and aesthetics. The front of the high-quality plastic housing has an anthracite special-effect finish with black detailing and chrome along with highlights in BMW i blue. Reflecting the sustainable ethos of the BMW i brand, the BMW i Wallbox Pro is produced from environmentally friendly materials.

The BMW i Wallbox Pro is operated using a 7-inch colour touchscreen display, which offers optimised control and monitoring of the charging process and allows users to choose their own individual settings. The screen can show how much charge has been delivered to the vehicle so far, along with details of previous charging cycles. LED fibre-optic strips at the sides of the wallbox indicate the current charge status and are visible from a considerable distance. Information about the charging status can also be remotely accessed from a smartphone or tablet by using the BMW i Wallbox Remote app.

The BMW i Wallbox Pro provides an administrator function that can keep a charging history for different users. Up to three user profiles can be set up, e.g. for accounting or billing purposes. For example, private and business-related electricity use can be recorded separately. Details of electricity consumption for a particular user account can also be forwarded by email if desired.

A proximity sensor activates the BMW i Wallbox Pro when motion is detected. The charging plug can be picked up and connected to the vehicle socket using just one hand. Further user-friendly features include the 3.5-metre charging cable. The cable’s entry point towards the top of the wallbox protects it from contamination and makes it unnecessary to coil the cable.

The BMW i Wallbox Pro’s integrated load management system delivers the maximum available current when charging. At the same time, overloading is prevented by reducing the charging rate as necessary during peaks in household power consumption. A clear readout on the touchscreen shows how much power is being drawn from the household electrical system at any given time.

Assisted by its intelligent charging functions and the optional energy meter, the BMW i Wallbox Pro is unique among home charging stations in the extent to which home-generated electricity can be integrated in the charging process – for example electricity from a home solar system. This option is used whenever possible. The intelligently integrated wallbox detects the availability of solar power and immediately uses it for charging. If no home-generated energy is available, power from the grid is used instead.

If the BMW i Wallbox Pro is integrated with a smart home system, the efficient charging functionality can be extended even further to reduce peak loads on the household electrical system and optimise the use of home-generated electricity. Via the touchscreen it is possible, for example, to connect the wallbox to the smart home system myGEKKO. Up to eight smart home functions can then be controlled from the wallbox display, including activation of outdoor lighting. It is also possible to display a weather report on the touchscreen, showing current temperatures, daily maximum and minimum temperatures, frost warnings and forecasts for the coming days.

The BMW i Wallbox Pro is an Original BMW i Accessory and is available in all European markets. At the end of the year it will also go on sale in markets in Asia, Africa, the American continent and the Middle East. The BMW i Wallbox Pro can be installed both in closed garages and in covered outdoor areas.

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)

Additional investment of 200 million US dollars

Medium-term capacity of 9,000 tons per year
Moses Lake to become the world’s largest carbon fiber plant

Workforce in Moses Lake to be stepped up to 200

Munich / Wiesbaden / Moses Lake. Due to the high demand for carbon fiber in automotive production, SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers is going to triple the capacity of the carbon fiber plant in Moses Lake, WA (USA). This has been announced today by the joint venture partners, SGL Group and BMW Group, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the planned site expansion. The expansion will be funded by an investment of 200 million US dollars, in addition to the previously invested 100 million US dollars. The site expansion, scheduled to be completed by early 2015, will make the plant in Moses Lake the world’s largest carbon fiber plant. With the anticipated creation of 120 new jobs, the headcount at the joint venture in Moses Lake is going to rise from currently 80 to about 200 people. Due to the automated production processes, the expansion of the site in Moses Lake will make it possible for the BMW Group to apply carbon fiber material also in other model series in the future, at competitive costs and in large quantities.

At present, the Moses Lake plant operates two production lines, exclusively for BMW i, with an annual output of approx. 3,000 tons of carbon fiber. Already this summer, SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers will commission a third and fourth production line in Moses Lake, which are currently being built, thus doubling the plant’s capacity to 6,000 tons per year. Today’s groundbreaking ceremony for a fifth and sixth production line has been the first step toward tripling capacities to 9,000 tons annually in the medium term. The energy needed for the carbon fiber production is fully generated from hydropower.  

“With its highly automated carbon fiber production and stringent quality standards, Moses Lake is setting new standards in the industry. At present, the site is the world’s fastest growing carbon fiber producer. Together with the BMW Group, we are doing pioneering work to establish CFRP as a material in large-series automotive production.   In a mix of materials, CFRP offers new opportunities in lightweight construction for an eco-friendly mobility,” explained Dr. Jürgen Köhler, CEO of SGL Group.

Dr. Klaus Draeger, Board Member Purchasing and Supplier Network at BMW AG: “CFRP is a key material for the automotive industry of the 21st century. In our endeavor to identify increasingly lightweight materials in order to reduce a vehicle’s weight and thus its fuel consumption and carbon emissions, this material plays a crucial role. As part of an intelligent mix of materials, we will apply carbon also beyond our BMW i and BMW M models in the future. Thanks to the pooling of the SGL Group’s expertise and our knowledge in large-series production of CFRP components, we will be able to produce the ultra-lightweight high-tech material also for other model series, at competitive costs and in large quantities.”

The carbon fiber plant in Moses Lake is a key element in the strategy pursued by the two companies, which anticipates the industrialized large-series production of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) for the application in future vehicle concepts. Up to now, carbon fiber produced in Moses Lake is exclusively used for the BMW i models. Since the start of the year, the Leipzig plant has built over 5,000 BMW i3 vehicles. At present, the production output stands at 100 units a day. Furthermore, the BMW Group has been applying the ultra-lightweight high-tech material also in its BMW M models for the past ten years.

Andreas Wüllner, CEO of SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers: “In the course of only four years, SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers has managed to become the world’s largest carbon fiber production site. The automotive industry will increasingly turn to CFRP because it is a material of the future.”

Availability of renewable energy crucial in the decision for the location in Moses Lake
As part of their joint venture agreement, the BMW Group and the SGL Group invested an initial 100 million dollars at their Moses Lake site by 2013, creating 80 new jobs. Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington State: “Congratulations to the BMW Group and the SGL Group on the groundbreaking of their fifth and sixth production line at the Moses Lake Plant. Washington State is proud to partner with BMW. The game-changing technology of carbon fiber is driving a surge in U.S. manufacturing, and with this production plant Washington State is at the forefront of that surge.”

The production of carbon fiber requires a great amount of energy. Accordingly, decisive factors for the set up of the carbon fiber plant in Moses Lake included the availability of renewable hydropower as well as competitive energy costs in Washington State. The availability of skilled workers also had an influence on the decision in favor of the location, which was taken in April 2010. The groundbreaking ceremony for the plant was in July 2010, the opening of the production site in September 2011. Dr. Jörg Pohlman, CEO of SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers: “We received great support from the regional authorities in Grant County and Moses Lake, a decisive element in making this rapid development of the past few years possible. With the site expansion, we are reaching an important milestone in safeguarding the site’s future.”

Production of carbon fiber composites

The production of carbon fiber composites for automotive manufacturing requires several process steps: The necessary precursor, which is based on polyacrylnitrile fiber, is made by a joint venture between SGL Group and the Japanese company Mitsubishi Rayon in Otake, Japan. In a next step, polyacrylnitrile fiber is turned into the actual carbon fiber in Moses Lake. This material is then processed at the second joint venture site in Wackersdorf, Germany, and turned into textile carbon fiber layers, the starting point for the production of CFRP body parts at the BMW plants in Landshut and Leipzig. In the BMW i models, CFRP already holds a significant share in the mix of materials, a first at this scope and in series production. The joint venture gives the BMW Group access to this innovative key material in the long term. The SGL Group provides their expertise in high-performance materials and their experience with carbon fiber-based materials.

SGL Group – The Carbon Company

SGL Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of carbon-based products and materials. It has a comprehensive portfolio ranging from carbon and graphite products to carbon fibers and composites. Products from SGL Group are used predominantly in the steel, aluminum, automotive and chemical industries as well as in the semiconductor, solar and LED sectors and in lithium-ion batteries. Carbon-based materials and products are also being used increasingly in the wind power, aerospace and defense industries.

With 44 production sites in Europe, North America and Asia as well as a service network covering more than 100 countries, SGL Group is a company with a global presence. In 2013, the Company’s workforce of around 6,300 employees generated sales of €1,477 million. The Company’s head office is located in Wiesbaden.

SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers

SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers (ACF), a joint venture between the BMW Group and SGL Group was founded in 2009 for the exclusive supply of carbon fiber materials to the BMW Group. SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers is setting new standards with their sustainable and cost-effective production and positioning the BMW Group to be the first automotive manufacturer to use carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in series production. The carbon fiber materials, which are used in the passenger compartment of the BMW i models, will allow an entirely new vehicle designs. SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers expertise means that the vehicles will be significantly lighter while ensuring the highest safety. SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers has two production sites. In Moses Lake, WA/ USA carbon fibers spools are produced that are processed into fabrics at the second production site in Wackersdorf/ Germany. Moses Lake has a workforce of 80 employees and Wackersdorf a workforce of 150 employees.

www.sglacf.com

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 2013, the BMW Group sold approximately 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2013 was € 7.91 billion on revenues amounting to approximately € 76.06 billion. As of 31 December 2013, the BMW Group had a workforce of 110,351 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based 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.

www.bmwgroup.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup

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

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

Your contact at SGL Group:

Tino Fritsch, SGL Group, Corporate Communications
Phone: +49-611-6029105, Fax:  +49-611-6029101, Mobile: +49-170-5402667
tino.fritsch@sglgroup.com

Internet: www.sglgroup.com

Your contacts at BMW Group:

Andreas Klugescheid, BMW Group, Head of Communications Production Network
Phone: +49-89-382-54459, Mobile: +49-151-6030-3254
andreas.klugescheid@bmw.de

Saskia Eßbauer, BMW Group, Communications Production Network

Phone: +49-89-382-18364, Mobile: +49-151-601-18364
saskia.essbauer@bmw.de

Nikolai Glies, Head of Business, Finance and Sustainability Communications
Phone: +49-89-382-24544, Mobile: +49-151-601-24544,
nikolai.glies@bmwgroup.com

Frank Wienstroth, Business and Finance Communications

Phone: +49 89 382-23021, Mobile: +49-179-1028106,
frank.wienstroth@bmw.de                                                         

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

Email: presse@bmw.de

Important note:
This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on the information currently available to us and on our current projections and assumptions. By nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, as a consequence of which actual developments and results can deviate significantly from these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not to be understood as guarantees. Rather, future developments and results depend on a number of factors; they entail various risks and unanticipated circumstances and are based on assumptions which may prove to be inaccurate. These risks and uncertainties include, for example, unforeseeable changes in political, economic, legal, and business conditions, particularly relating to our main customer industries, such as electric steel production, to the competitive environment, to interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations, to technological developments, and to other risks and unanticipated circumstances. Other risks that in our opinion may arise include price developments, unexpected developments connected with acquisitions and subsidiaries, and unforeseen risks associated with ongoing cost savings programs. SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers does not intend or assume any responsibility to revise or otherwise update these forward-looking statements.

The BMW i8 Production.

Contents.

1. The BMW i production concept.

2. Life module: full integration of CFRP production in the manufacturing process.

3. Lightweight and robust: the thermoplastic outer skin.

4. Drive module: lightweight construction for the chassis structure parts, electric motor and high-voltage battery.

5. Assembly.

Monaco. Under the theme of “Energy efficiency and its contribution to sustainable economic growth”, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Johnson Controls and The Climate Group held the fourth Euro-Mediterranean Energy Efficiency Forum (EEF) on 24 and 25 March 2014. The forum was launched in 2009 by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Johnson Controls, to be joined in 2010 by its third partner, The Climate Group. The Euro-Mediterranean event takes its lead from the well-known Energy Efficiency Forum North America, which has been held annually in the USA since 1990. At this year’s EEF event in Monaco, decision-makers from politics, business and society demonstrated options and opportunities for securing a sustainable future for the environment and the economy. The organisers invited BMW i executives as guest speakers to apprise the forum of forward-looking mobility solutions by the BMW Group. Dr Julian Weber, Head of Innovation Projects E-Mobility for the BMW Group, provided insights into BMW i. The brand BMW i stands for visionary vehicles and mobility services, inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly guided by sustainability.

In parallel with the Energy Efficiency Forum, Olivier Dufieux, BMW i Aftersales Manager & Charging Infrastructure, BMW Group France, presented the first two production vehicles from the BMW i brand at Europe’s largest e-mobility fair, the EVER Monaco, held concurrently at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco conference and congress centre. From 25 to 27 March 2014, experts on eco-friendly vehicles, renewable energy and sustainable developments meet there for an exchange of views.

BMW i supports the 10th anniversary of The Climate Group, a longstanding partner of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

On the evening of 25 March, more than 150 international guests from politics, business, sport and music were invited by The Climate Group and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to attend an exclusive fundraising gala dinner in the celebrated Empire ballroom of the Hôtel de Paris. The evening began with a cocktail reception in the palace, for which a fleet of BMW i3 cars provided the shuttle service for guests. HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco took the opportunity to join Dr Nicolas Peter, Head of Sales Region Europe BMW Group, in driving the sporty BMW i8 plug-in hybrid to the Hôtel de Paris: “I was thrilled about the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the BMW i8. In Monaco we support the driving of low emission vehicles and I hope that we will see more of these cars on our roads,” commented the ruling prince.

BMW i: visionary mobility solutions for a sustainable future.

With its BMW i brand, the BMW Group is rigorously pursuing its corporate strategy and culture. As far back as 1973, the BMW Group was the very first company in the motoring sector to appoint an environmental officer. Ever since then, the Group has reaped numerous accolades in recognition of its commitment to sustainability. The BMW i brand espouses a holistic approach: with its tailor-made vehicle concepts, sustainability throughout the value added chain and complementary mobility services, BMW i redefines the concept of individual mobility.

“BMW i combines in the most concentrated form what the BMW Group stands for: long-term thinking and responsible action,” said Dr Julian Weber. “That is why we are particularly delighted to be taking part in the Energy Efficiency Forum and the supporting events in Monaco from 25 to 27 March. The very enthusiastic feedback we are getting here confirms that with our two premium vehicles – the all-electric BMW i3 and the sporty BMW i8 plug-in hybrid – we have caught the pulse of the times. At the same time, it is an incentive to continue to pioneer sustainable and tailor-made mobility solutions going into the future as well.”

Further information and picture material on the first two production models from the BMW i brand can be found using the following links:
BMW i3
BMW i8