First press day of the 2011 New York Auto Show is over and as usual, we spent quite amount of time at the BMW exhibit at the Javits Center.
From the first BMW electric vehicle, ActiveE, to the upcoming star, 1M, BMW showcased an impressive lined up of automobiles.
Let’s recap what we have seen today.
The M family: 1M, M3 Convertible, X5M and the M3 GT2. In the luxury segment, BMW placed on the show’s floor the 7 Series ActiveHybrid, 5 Series Sedan and GT. The X family was represented by the new BMW X3 and a Black Sapphire X6. Next year, we’re hoping to see the entry-level X1 joining the US lineup.
The newcomers 6 Series Convertible and Coupe, and Z4 with the new N20 engine, seem to grab the most attention from visitors, and well deserved in our opinion.
Once again, BMW focused primarily on efficiency and alternative powertrains and judging by the enthusiasm expressed by some of the BMW folks, the “i” and electric vehicles will play a crucial role in the expansion of the brand. The ActiveE joins the MINI E for a field trial that begins in the fall with an attractive lease: $499 a month with $2,250 downpayment.
While we hoped to see the 1M in Black Sapphire there, BMW brought out once again the Valencia Orange 1M, with the halogen lights seen on pre-production vehicles.
As always, BMWBLOG has an extensive photo gallery to show.
And one more thing, “The Ultimate Driving Machine” is back, not that it has ever gone away, but BMW proudly displayed a large banner above their exhibit.
