The new BMW i sub-brand focused on developing sustainable mobility solutions has been launched. In the first move, two models are  going to be launched under the new sub-brand from 2013 – the BMW i3 and BMW i8. The BMW Group will also significantly expand its selection of mobility services through the years ahead. To achieve this, a Venture Capital company was founded in N.Y.C., BMW i Ventures, with an investment totalling up to 100 million US dollars.

“BMW i offers visionary cars and services, inspiring design, and an entirely new idea of premium mobility – by using an emphasis on sustainability”, explained Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW. The BMW i brand comprises vehicles and services developed since 2007 included in project i, a BMW Group think tank exploring sustainable mobility solutions. It is the BMW Group’s response to changing customer needs, including increasing demand for alternative drive trains, such as electric drive systems and hybrids. 
“With BMW i, we are building about the success and strength of our core brand,” emphasised Robertson. The BMW i3- previously known as the Megacity Vehicle – will be the BMW Group’s first series-produced car for cities to be driven by electrical power alone. The BMW i8, meanwhile, is dependant on the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept study. Its plug-in hybrid drive blends the sporting ability of a high-performance machine using the fuel consumption and emissions of the small car. Until the release in 2013 you might want to bridge the waiting time with a used BMW.

Both models are based on an innovative construction concept referred to as LifeDrive architecture. An aluminium chassis houses the powertrain, and the passenger cell includes high-strength but extremely lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). “Both cars happen to be designed especially for their respective alternative drive systems. We used the innovative architecture and CFRP to cancel out practically all the additional weight added through the batteries. For the customers this means superior driving dynamics coupled with significantly increased range using electric power,” explains Klaus Draeger, BMW Board member responsible for development.

An additional selection of mobility services – which can also be used independently from the cars – will be an integral component of BMW i. This will permit the creation of a new, profitable section of business in the long run and attract new clients to the company’s brands.

“Mobility requirements are changing in rapidly expanding megacities” adds Ian Robertson. “Our commitment to car-enabled mobility services, like BMW ConnectedDrive, is going to be significantly expanded under BMW i. We’ll also grow our car-related premium mobility services. What’s truly groundbreaking is that we’ll begin offering car-independent premium mobility services. BMW i aims to supply customized mobility solutions across a seamless network of premium products and premium services.” The main focus is on solutions which will improve using existing parking spaces, in addition to intelligent navigation systems with local information, intermodal route planning, and premium car-sharing.

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As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium vehicles, the German carmaker BMW is presenting in addition to the latest products in its model range a number of groundbreaking concepts for individual mobility of the future.

A premium class business sedan with the dynamic qualities of a high-performance sports car: This highly traditional concept is being reinterpreted with the world premiere of the BMW Concept M5. The fascinating concept car demonstrates how athletic design and the racing-inspired character of a BMW M automobile can be combined with the aesthetic and functional features of a sedan of the upper midrange segment.

The BMW Concept M5 possesses expressive and unmistakeable design features that hint at the awesomely dynamic potential of the sedan. Under the bonnet, a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology generates the power output required for outstanding performance.

World premiere: the BMW 6 Series Coupe.

The Auto Shanghai 2011 is the scene of the world premiere of a new dream car. The new BMW 6 Series Coupe fascinates with a unique combination of aesthetics, luxury and innovative technology. The body design, which was inspired by flowing waves, and an exclusive interior give the 2+2-seater an impressive appearance. Powerful engines and state-of-the-art suspension technology set benchmarks for sportiness and motoring comfort. Thanks to Adaptive LED headlights, the latest generation of the BMW Head-Up Display and the Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System, the BMW 6 Series Coupe provides additional accents for innovation and unsurpassed driving pleasure.

Asian premiere: the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive.

With the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive concept car being presented at the Auto Shanghai 2011, BMW is offering a glance into the future of intelligent networking between driver, vehicle and environment. Expressive design and innovative technology reflect the vision of BMW ConnectedDrive and the potential that can be unleashed through a targeted exchange of information for optimising comfort, safety and Infotainment inside an automobile. Using typical BMW design vocabulary, the two-seater roadster prototype epitomises the focus on driving pleasure. Captivating light effects symbolise the flow of information permitting the use of innovative BMW ConnectedDrive functions. With groundbreaking driver assistance systems, a novel display and operating concept as well as innovative technical solutions for connecting with the world of Infotainment, the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive offers a glance into a future driving experience that has been further intensified thanks to intelligent networking.

Asian premiere: the BMW ActiveE.

BMW has taken the next step on the way to emission-free mobility. With the BMW ActiveE the premium carmaker is underlining its consistent development work in the field of electric mobility within the framework of project i. The knowledge gained from field tests with the BMW ActiveE will be fed into the further development of the BMW Group’s future Megacity Vehicle, which will be ready for series production in the year 2013. The BMW ActiveE is powered by a 125 kW/170 bhp electric motor. The intelligent arrangement of drive components and energy storage systems inside the vehicle create the ideal preconditions for typical BMW driving dynamics and enhanced functionality. The vehicle, which is based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe, offers four fully-fledged seats, a 200-litre luggage compartment, rear-wheel drive and a range of around 200 kilometres in everyday driving conditions.

Asian premiere: the new BMW 1 Series Coupe.

Unsurpassed driving pleasure in the compact segment is now even more attractive. With targeted design modifications optimising not only the sporty and elegant appearance but also the aerodynamic characteristics, the new BMW 1 Series Coupe and the new BMW 1 Series Convertiblearebeing presentedto the Asian public for the first time at the Auto Shanghai. Both models are being sold on the Chinese automotive market with a powerful and efficient four-cylinder engine featuring VALVETRONIC. Exemplary fuel consumption and emission levels, rear-wheel drive, high-end suspension technology, innovative equipment features and premium quality have helped these cars establish an exceptional position within the competitive environment. The new BMW 1 Series Coupe is probably the only car on this list that will be available as a used BMW this year.

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Amidst an impressive start on the international automotive markets, the new BMW X3 has rapidly become the shooting star in its segment. Winning the title of “Four-Wheel Drive Car of the Year 2011” awarded through the specialist car magazine “Auto Bild Allrad” is current proof of the new BMW X3’s exceptionally high degree of popularity. The success within the reader survey conducted by Europe’s biggest-selling specialist journal for four-wheel drive cars is already the BMW X3’s second title victory this year. Just a few weeks ago, readers of the magazine “Off Road” voted the Game Vehicle “Off-road Vehicle of the season 2011”. With this particular double success, the brand new BMW X3 is quick in following the traces of its predecessor, which, in 2006 and 2007, was able to secure the readers’ vote of both periodicals twice in succession.

For the eleventh time now, readers of “Auto Bild Allrad” were asked to mention their favourite models from those on the German car market. In nine categories, there have been more than 130 four-wheel drive vehicles to choose from. The new BMW X3 promptly secured first place in the category “Off-road vehicles and SUVs which range from 25,000 to 40,000 Euros”. The associated title of “Four-Wheel Drive Car of the Year 2011” was awarded during a festive ceremony in Frankfurt on 24 March 2011.

Having a captivating design, a unique mixture of sportiness and efficiency along with the largest and many variable luggage compartment within the competitive environment, the BMW X3, that has been on sale in Germany since November 2010, all over again sets standards in driving pleasure, versatility and premium quality. Compared to the predecessor model, that BMW established the concept of the Sports Activity Vehicle in this segment, it provides a visible increase in space, even more efficient engines, optimum motoring comfort and a widened choice of innovative equipment features. Both at the front and at the trunk the brand new BMW X3 convinces through outstanding travel comfort along with a high-class ambience. Having a 550-litre loading capacity, which can be increased to at least one,600 litres, and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, the vehicle’s carrying capacities also set new benchmarks for that segment.

In the spring of 2011, the engine portfolio for the new BMW X3 will comprise two petrol engines and 2 diesel engines with a power output which range from 135 kW/184 bhp to 225 kW/306 bhp. Depending on the engine variant, the brand new BMW X3 features an eight-speed automatic transmission either as standard or being an option. The still unique, intelligent four-wheel drive system xDrive has been optimised even more. Electronically controlled power distribution ensures not only supreme traction and maximum road stability on slippery surfaces, but also superior dynamics on the road, thus providing that unmistakable driving pleasure that’s so typical of BMW. Moreover, the new BMW X3 shoots way ahead of competition because of a comprehensive choice of innovative equipment features, driving assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive. For example, the new BMW X3 is the only model in its class to become optionally fitted having a Head-Up Display and provide in-car Internet access.

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The motorcycle road racing world championship – or MotoGP – ranks among the world’s most popular and spectacular sporting events. The involvement of BMW M GmbH in motorcycle racing’s top-echelon event now enters its 13th year. To ensure the safety of the practice runs and the race itself, BMW M GmbH is providing the official Safety Car along with a raft of other high-performance vehicles for use by the Dorna Sports management team and IRTA officials.

At the curtain raiser on 19th March, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe will for the first time be deployed as the official Safety Car for the MotoGP events – in advance of its market launch late in April. The BMW Safety Car is a one-off built by BMW M GmbH specifically for this race series. Only the 250 kW/340 hp straight-six M TwinPower Turbo engine and the entire drivetrain were taken over unchanged from the production model.

In the interests of weight optimisation, the BMW Safety Car comes with a carbon fibre-reinforced bonnet featuring additional large air vents, as well as polycarbonate side and rear windows. A special lightweight titanium race exhaust system not only saves weight but also delivers a captivating sound for the benefit of the spectators. Complementing the discreet spoiler lip on the boot lid there is now an adjustable rear wing to provide the requisite downforce. On the Safety Car the aerodynamically honed front apron with its precisely defined air ducting, including Air Curtains, features an additional splitter integrated on the underside of the apron.

The interior of the BMW Safety Car is a model of uncompromising purism. A rollover cage bolted behind the B-pillar, the absence of rear seats, two racing bucket seats with 6-point safety belts, an M steering wheel in alcantara and a fire extinguisher are all standard in the Safety Car.

The suspension technology of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe was specially adapted for the Safety Car. Its high-performance suspension system boasts an adjustable race track set-up that includes a sports-tuned chassis in which the dampers are independently adjustable for bump and rebound. The BMW Safety Car runs on 19-inch mixed tyres measuring 255/35 at the front and 285/30 at the rear. Vehicle height is variably selectable and the camber of the front and rear axle can be altered to suit the circuit topography. The braking system of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, already designed for extremely high demands, is replaced in the Safety Car with a six-piston fixed-calliper racing brake system.

The deployment of the brand-new BMW 1 Series M Coupe Safety Car marks the continuation of BMW M GmbH’s successful partnership – begun in 1999 – with Dorna Sports, the organisers of the MotoGP World Championship. With a fleet of eight vehicles, BMW is supporting the safe running of the motorcycle world championship in the current race season. As well as the official BMW 1 Series M Coupe Safety Car, this year sees two further reserve Safety Cars from BMW M GmbH present at the track: a BMW X6 M and a BMW M3. In addition, the organising team has been given a BMW X5 M for the Safety Officer and a BMW ActiveHybrid X6 for the stewards. On call this season as a Medical Car is a BMW 535i Touring. There will also be two Safety Bikes contributing to the safe running of race weekends: a BMW S 1000 RR and a BMW HP2 Sport. The ceremonial handover of the vehicles took place at BMW M in Garching-Hochbrück on 28th February 2011. It was on this occasion that Dr Kay Segler, Director of BMW M GmbH, and Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO Dorna Sports, made an advance announcement that the successful partnership would be extended until 2016, before sealing the agreement in a signing ceremony.

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Up until now, verification of vehicle safety has been obtained by means of crash tests in which structural integrity and restraint systems were tested in a non-braked situation. However, thanks to modern electronics such as those also featured in the new BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series, protective systems that warn the driver in advance of an accident and prepare the driver and the vehicle for impact in the event of an unavoidable collision, are becoming more and more widely accepted.

Future testing procedures will have to make allowances for the effect of preventive protection systems. In a recent world premiere, the BMW 530d successfully passed a crash test involving brake intervention at the facility of the Deutscher Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungs-Verein (DEKRA) in Neumünster near Hamburg.

Every motorist is familiar with the situation: The end of a tailback suddenly appears behind a motorway bend. If a motorist is inattentive or visibility is impaired, a rear-end collision is imminent. after all, this is the cause of around 40 percent of all motorway accidents involving injured persons.

In order to defuse this kind of hazardous situation, some premium segment vehicles such as the 2011 BMW 5 Series are already equipped with anticipatory assistance systems that help reduce the risk of such accidents. BMW’s successful upper mid-range model, which was just recently brought to market, features – combined with Active Cruise Control – an optional rear-end collision warning system incorporating a braking function that activates an alarm scenario in two stages.

In the event of a potential collision with the vehicle in front, the driver is first given a preliminary warning by means of an illuminated red vehicle symbol on the instrument panel and on the Head-up Display. At the same time, the braking system is prefilled and the minimum triggering level of the hydraulic brake assistant lowered. This ensures that in an emergency brake pressure is built up faster when the driver applies the brakes, therefore significantly reducing the stopping distance.

If the danger of collision is acutely imminent, the second stage of the collision warning commences. In situations demanding particularly rapid intervention by the driver, the system activates an acoustic signal in addition to the visual warning. Should the driver still not react to the request to apply the brakes, a time-limited delay procedure is activated: The car brakes for 1.2 seconds with reduced deceleration, whereby speed is already reduced before the driver can apply the pre-tensioned brakes.

Based on the information supplied by the radar sensor of the Active Cruise Control system (ACC Stop &Go) featured in the new BMW 5 Series, the system detects when a collision can no longer be avoided by the driver’s reaction. In this case, an automatically activated emergency brake application function ensures that collision speed is, nevertheless, significantly reduced.

Based on a conventional EuroNCAP test with the car approaching an offset obstacle at 64 km/h, a so-called offset crash, the vehicle used in the DEKRA test incorporating advanced brake intervention likewise initially accelerated to 64 km/h. However, immediately before impact the BMW 530d braked hard – as stipulated by the system – and collided with the offset block at a reduced speed of just 40 km/h.

Due to full brake application immediately prior to impact and the car’s pitching movement resulting from this, the vehicle changes its position, particularly when the front bumper hits the block. The vehicle collides with the obstacle in a slightly “lower” position than in the case of a crash occurring without prior application of the brakes.

Concerning the deceleration, occupants also assume a position further forward. More important, however: In the event of a crash incorporating prior brake application, the severity of impact is reduced considerably, thereby significantly lessening the strain on all occupants.

Previous testing facilities have not permitted verification of the effect of anticipatory occupant protection systems in crash tests. The demonstrative test implemented by BMW in collaboration with DEKRA is the first step in testing future pre-crash scenarios, as in the years ahead innovations in active safety will be found in an increasing number of vehicles, with BMW playing a leading role.

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The history of BMW M3 motor sport has been enriched by a further fascinating chapter as the BMW M3 GTS celebrates its debut on the racetrack and on the road. In terms of performance and safety, the most powerful version of the high-performance BMW M3 Coupe featuring a 331 kW/450 bhp engine offers the ideal preconditions for use at club sport events, whilst at the same time being officially road-legal. In addition to a larger and more powerful V8 engine, exclusive tuning of the 7-speed M Dual Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic and modified suspension technology, the car, which is designed for club sport use, has also been specifically optimised with regard to aerodynamics and lightweight construction.

The supreme sporting potential of the BMW M3 GTS is underlined, inter alia, by a power-to-weight ratio that has been lowered to 3.4 kg per hp. Featuring a transmission and suspension configuration which has been optimised for the racetrack, the BMW M3 GTS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.4 seconds. The car reaches the 1000 metre mark from a standstill in just 22.5 seconds. Top speed is 305 km/h.

High-revving V8 engine technology at its best: Larger displacement, higher performance and higher torque.

The power required for high performance in motor sports is delivered by an 8-cylinder engine featuring a high-revving concept. With its unparalleled enormous pulling force, which is constantly available over a very wide engine speed range, the V8 engine developed exclusively for the BMW M3 by the BMW M GmbH features refined performance characteristics that are closely oriented towards the requirements of motor sports. A version of this power unit with further increased displacement, power output and maximum torque was exclusively conceived for the BMW M3 GTS.

The increase in displacement from 3,999 to 4,361 cc is achieved by a cylinder stroke that has been extended from 75,2 to 82 mm. In the enlarged combustion chamber, a maximum power output of 331 kW/450 bhp (BMW M3: 309 kW/420 bhp) is delivered at 8,300 rpm. Maximum torque has been increased by 40 Nm to 440 Nm and is available at an engine speed of 3,750 rpm.

Characteristic constructional features derived from motor sports, which include, inter alia, the crankcase designed as a bedplate construction and made of a special aluminium-silicon alloy, individual throttles, knock sensors featuring ionic-current technology and a dynamically optimised wet-sump oil supply have been adopted from the original power unit. The lightweight sports exhaust system developed for the BMW M3 GTS with model-specific primary catalytic converters and titanium rear silencers ensure optimum exhaust flow.

Transmission of power is effected by means of the M Dual Clutch Drivelogic gearbox developed for the BMW M3. This 7-speed transmission operates according to a principle also developed for motor sports and permits gear shifting without interruption of traction for extremely dynamic acceleration. Its gear shift characteristics have been exclusively tuned to the modified engine featured by the BMW M3 GTS.

High-performance suspension with adjustable racetrack set-up.

The car’s suspension technology also derived from motor racing is based on the front and rear axle construction featured by the BMW M3 Coupe. Contrary to that, the BMW M3 GTS features a rigid rear-axle support as well as a coilover suspension, the dampers of which are independently variable in the traction and compression travel. Moreover, camber on the front and rear axles and vehicle height are variable for motor racing purposes. The car is lowered by 16 mm at the front and 12 mm at the rear.

The high-performance brake system featured on the BMW M3 GTS has been designed as a fixed-calliper construction and comprises six pistons on each of the front wheels and four pistons on each rear wheel. Compared to the BMW M3, the brake discs are 18 mm larger in diameter at the front and 30 mm larger in diameter at the rear. Furthermore, steel-armoured hoses are used.

Specific tuning of the stability control function DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), including ABS and the M Dynamic Mode (MDM), make allowances for the increased dynamic potential of the BMW M3 GTS. Optimum transfer not only of acceleration torque but also of the brake torque is also guaranteed by mixed tyres on matt black, 19-inch M light alloy wheels featuring a Y-spoke design.

Aerodynamics: Optimised components with variable adjustment.

In order to optimise air stream and for on-demand adaptation of downforce characteristics, the BMW M3 GTS is fitted with motor racing-oriented front apron and rear wing elements. They offer the possibility to adapt the car’s aerodynamic characteristics according to the racetrack profile and other basic club motor sport requirements. The air duct elements in the front apron are also variable, as is the position of the rear wing. The tail assembly is based on the corresponding component featured by the BMW 320si in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).

The BMW M3 GTS can be recognised from the outside by its bright orange single-coloured body. Additional model-specific features are the matt black exterior components such as the BMW kidney grille, roof trims and alloy wheels as well as the side gill elements made of dark anodised chrome. In addition to the standard CFRP roof on the BMW M3 and titanium rear silencers, an exceptionally light construction of the centre console and door panels, the use of polycarbonate side windows at the rear and a polycarbonate rear window, dispensing with seats in the rear compartment and acoustic insulation configured specifically for the vehicle all serve to guarantee weight optimisation. The unloaded weight of the BMW M3 GTS according to DIN is 1,530 kg including roll bar and M Dual Clutch Drivelogic transmission (BMW M3: 1,600 kg). Automatic climate control and audio system supplied as standard comfort features in the BMW M3 can be fitted if the customer desires.

The interior of the BMW M3 GTS reflects a predominant focus on optimum performance and the highest level of safety on the racetrack. The range of equipment includes thoroughbred racing bucket sets, carbon interior trims and an Alcantara M steering wheel. Door and sidewall linings in the rear compartment are also made of Alcantara®. The BMW M3 GTS is equipped as standard with a roll bar fitted behind the B-pillars. Furthermore, the car body offers fastening points for six-point safety seat belts and an optional extension for the roll cage. The car is fitted with three-point automatic seatbelts for road use. Additionally supplied six-point safety seat belts for driver and front seat passenger and a fire extinguisher complete the range of equipment.

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With an exclusive Design Night on the evening of the first press day at Auto China in Beijing (April 23rd to May 2nd 2010), BMW provides an in-depth insight into its design philosophy and development strategy. The program of the BMW Design Night is modular in structure and presents extensive background information on the premium automobile manufacturer’s innovative design culture. In addition to highlighting the long versions of the BMW 5 Series developed specially for the Chinese market, the main focus is on an elegant 4-door vehicle with striking dynamic proportions: the BMW Concept Gran Coupé.

The concept study on display symbolises the outstanding design expertise of BMW. The BMW Concept Gran Coupé concentrates the fundamental values of the brand. Its body design authentically captures a sense of superior dynamic performance and high-quality elegance. The shaping style, which follows a coherent pattern down to the last detail, convincingly visualises BMW’s philosophy as an automobile manufacturer. As with the Concept CS 2007, BMW once again sets new benchmarks in the design of 4-door coupes with a distinctive sporty character.

Based on a powerful tradition in this segment, the BMW Concept Gran Coupé carries the essence of brand values and the genes of BMW design into the future. The concept shows the classic features of all BMW coupes: the long wheelbase, the vaulted bonnet with forward-pointing lines, the set-back greenhouse, the flat silhouette, the coupe-style roof line and the short front overhang reflect the dynamic potential of the vehicle. The surface structures and the fact that the design quality is geared towards perfection illustrate the aspiration of the brand BMW to build 4-door high-performance coupes with the sportiest proportions and the most elegant design.

In the BMW Concept Gran Coupé, BMW presents the vision of a 4-door vehicle which combines the exclusivity of a Gran Turismo with the fascination of a high-performance sports car. The design of the concept study underscores the expertise of the brand BMW in the development of vehicles with a distinctive sporty character which offer space for more than two occupants. This reflects the particular quality of the BMW Group design philosophy, which consists in precisely and authentically translating the specific values of product substance into an aesthetically convincing shaping style.  The design process is set through with a passion for aesthetic appeal and dynamic performance, precision and perfection. This is how the uncompromising premium aspiration of a BMW Group product, the unmistakable style of the brand BMW and the precisely defined character of each model are given concrete form.

The body design of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé expresses sporty flair in its ultimate form. The 4-door vehicle clearly signals the very highest level of dynamic performance with its extremely elegant, flat and coupe-like proportions. Stretching the entire length of the vehicle and therefore measuring almost 5 metres, flowing lines dominate the design, giving rise to outstanding aerodynamic levels, just as the low centre of gravity reflects an agile driving response.

The front section is defined by the BMW kidney grille characteristic of the brand – an icon of body design which is not just central but also a dominating element of front design. The kidney grille of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé has a flat appearance, with an asymmetrical side view which emphasises the close attention to detail. The central section with the kidney grille is formally separated from other BMW icons such as the headlights and air inlets. The clarity of the LED front lights highlights the vehicle’s precision and premium aspirations. The air inlet runs back an extremely long way into the side section, making the front section appear particularly wide. All elements of the front section appear to merge to form a single, elegantly curved movement.

The sporty, flat silhouette provides an impressive body height of just under 1.40 metres. This makes the BMW Concept Gran Coupé up to 100 millimetres flatter than the BMW 5 Series or the BMW 7 Series Sedan. The roof line tapers off gently into the rear, thereby elongating the vehicle’s proportions. The forward-tilted shark nose visually extends the bonnet and creates characteristic BMW proportions with its forward-pointing dynamism. This stretched character is also highlighted by the side lines, where there is a deliberate avoidance of the typical sill line. The flat proportions make the window graphics appear extremely narrow and dynamic at the same time. Another BMW design icon, the Hofmeister kink, is especially strikingly formed – additionally emphasising the exclusive character of the vehicle. The frameless doors give the BMW Concept Gran Coupé a modern character since the glass surfaces appear to merge seamlessly without being interrupted by columns.

At the rear, only design elements such as the lights and tailpipe trim appear to be visible at first sight. The entire rear section appears slimmer and lighter at the centre, though still exuding power and dynamic performance since the volume is reinforced towards the sides. The L-shaped light banks feature a slight, almost subtle curve and the entire design of the lines and surfaces highlights the vehicle’s elegant overall appearance. The third brake light, positioned in the rear window, is also fitted with LED technology. It takes up the kink in the roof and illuminates the entire width of the rear window. The powerfully flared wheel arches above the rear axle highlight the particularly sporty character of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé.

Another highly sporty and also elegant feature is the rim concept in which the individual spokes extend deep into the centre of the rim towards the hub, giving the rim a striking three-dimensional quality. The spokes themselves are not solid but relief-milled, giving them a visual lightness.

The sculptural shaping style characteristic of the entire body design of the BMW Concept Gran Coupé permits a unique interaction between concave and convex surfaces. It also enables the light to be selectively reflected and channelled. Thus the exterior mirrors integrated in the window shaft appear very light, blending harmoniously into the side view since their shape assimilates the entire line styling. The BMW Concept Gran Coupé is a further development of the classic design of a notchback sedan in which the individual body sections merge harmoniously into a flat, elongated and at the same time dynamic overall image. The effect of this 4-door vehicle derives not just from specific highlights but from its overall appearance, which authentically reflects its character. The car’s dynamic potential is embodied in its proportions and lines, signalling power but also elegance and forward thrust.

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World premiere of the new long-wheelbase BMW 5 Series Sedan: Developed and built exclusively for the Chinese car market, this truly exclusive sedan sets new standards in aesthetics, driving pleasure and comfort in the premium business sedan segment. Through its sporting but elegant design, the new long-wheelbase BMW 5 Series Sedan is truly impressive from every angle, pampering particularly the passengers at the rear with luxury class space and innovative features also typical of the luxury class.

New straight-six power units and a wide range of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies ensure superior sportiness combined with trendsetting efficiency. Sophisticated suspension technology ensures significant progress both in driving comfort and dynamic handling. The new long-wheelbase BMW 5 Series Sedan is built at BMW’s plant in Shenyang in cooperation with a large number of regional partners.

Design: sporting elegance in individual style.

The highly expressive front end, the elegantly stretched silhouette and the powerfully chiselled rear end give the new long-wheelbase BMW 5 Series Sedan a truly unmistakable look. Individual design features along the roofline and the side view of the car ensure that the long-wheelbase version with its wheelbase up by 14 centimetres or 5.5” again offers the right balance of proportions. The long side windows, for example, give the C-pillar a particularly slender and dynamic appearance, the coupé-like, flowing roofline comes out even more convincingly through the sheer length of the car. The characteristic daytime driving lights generated by LED light rings in conjunction with the optional xenon headlights, as well as the L-shaped rear lights with their homogeneous rows of lights, again contribute to that very special look so characteristic of BMW.

Interior: clear orientation towards the driver at the front, luxurious grand touring comfort at the rear.

The interior of the new long-wheelbase BMW 5 Series Sedan combines the driver-oriented cockpit and the high-tech instrument cluster in Black Panel technology with a truly luxurious ambience, lots of space at the rear, and exclusive model features. The new long-wheelbase sedan comes with a high-comfort rear seat bench developed specifically for this model. Supreme grand touring comfort is ensured, among other things, by options such as four-zone automatic air conditioning, rear-seat entertainment, a cooling box as well as electrically adjustable sunblinds on the rear side windows and a folding table integrated in the backrest of the front passenger’s seat, unique features unparalleled by the competition.

Driving experience: superior sportiness, supreme comfort.

Benefiting from the most advanced drivetrain and suspension technology, the new model offers significantly greater sportiness and comfort over its predecessor. The range of engines comprises three straight-six power units developing between 150 kW/204 hp and 225 kW/306 hp maximum output. A unique feature in this segment is the combination of a double wishbone front axle and the integral rear axle tailored to each individual model. And on the top-of-the-range BMW 535Li, Dynamic Drive Control allows an individual set-up of the car.

BMW EfficientDynamics for outstanding fuel economy and emission management.

All versions of the new long-wheelbase BMW 5 Series Sedan come as standard with eight-speed automatic transmission making an additional contribution to the car’s efficiency just like EPS Electric Power Steering. The highlights of BMW EfficientDynamics on board the car include Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand control of ancillary units, and active air flap control. Fuel consumption and CO2 are down versus the previous models by up to 18 per cent.

Innovative driver assistance systems from BMW ConnectedDrive.

BMW ConnectedDrive offers features such as BMW Night Vision able to detect individual persons, the BMW Parking Assistant and Lane Departure Warning, that is driver assistance technologies of the highest standard. Another option exclusive to BMW in this segment is the Head-Up Display.

Developed exclusively for China, built at BMW Plant Shenyang.

The new long-wheelbase BMW 5 Series Sedan has been developed exclusively for the Chinese automobile market. In its features and qualities, it specifically follows the requirements made of a truly outstanding business sedan in the premium segment. Production at BMW Plant Shenyang, on the other hand, follows the high, worldwide standards of the BMW Group in terms of quality, safety, and sustainability. Significant investments were made for production of the new model in the expansion and modernisation of production facilities, and additional, specially trained employees have been hired to build the car. Close and intense cooperation with local production partners and suppliers, finally, convinces BMW that Plant Shenyang offers significant input for the intelligent creation of values.

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