The present and future of driving pleasure converge in the new models presented by the BMW and BMW i brands at the International Motor Show (IAA) 2013 in Frankfurt am Main. One of the highlights of the world’s most important car show, which takes place from 12 – 22 September this year, is the premiere of the BMW i3.
With its passenger cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and BMW eDrive technology designed to deliver zero-emission driving, the first series-produced model from the BMW i brand heralds a new era in mobility.
A new chapter in the history of elegantly sporty, two-door BMWs, meanwhile, begins with the world premiere of the BMW 4 Series Coupe at the IAA 2013. The new model embodies the ultimate in aesthetic appeal and driving pleasure in the premium mid-size segment. Likewise setting the pace in its class is the BMW X5, the third generation of which takes to the stage in Frankfurt alongside the new BMW 5 Series models and new BMW X5 M50d, BMW M550d xDrive Sedan and BMW M550d xDrive Touring M Performance Automobiles. BMW is also presenting two concept studies to underline its expertise and creativity – both in the area of drive system technology and in its push into new vehicle segments. The BMW Concept X5 eDrive combines the typical driving characteristics of a Sports Activity Vehicle with the efficiency benefits of a plug-in hybrid drive system. The BMW Concept Active Tourer Outdoor, meanwhile, demonstrates how a premium compact model’s ability to adapt to the varying requirements of sports and leisure activities can be maximised through a well-devised use of space and clever detail solutions.
Also on show at the IAA 2013 are the latest innovations developed under the Efficient Dynamics banner, attractive new Original BMW Accessories and the most recent additions to the BMW ConnectedDrive line-up. The selection of driver assistance systems and mobility services underpinned by intelligent connectivity is now even richer in variety. A number of services tailored specifically to the demands of electric mobility and urban driving have been developed for the BMW i3. Added to which, a restructuring of the BMW ConnectedDrive range brings even greater flexibility and convenience to the business of meeting individual customer requirements.
The new products and services can be found at the combined BMW, BMW i, MINI and Rolls-Royce stand in Hall 11, which is located next to the exhibition centre’s main entrance. There will also be an opportunity to experience the cars in action, allowing visitors to sample BMW’s hallmark driving pleasure up close and in depth for the duration of the motor show.
The BMW i3: zero-emission mobility, customary BMW driving pleasure.
The BMW i3 is the world’s first premium car conceived from the ground up to provide all-electric mobility. Its electric motor develops output of 125 kW/170 hp using power supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack mounted in a low, central position in the car’s underbody. Like the extraordinarily light yet extremely rigid CFRP passenger cell, the electric drive system and battery were also developed and produced by the BMW Group. The BMW i3 weighs just 1,195 kilograms (DIN kerb weight) and offers a range of 130 – 160 kilometres (approx. 80 – 100 miles) in everyday driving. This can be increased to a maximum 300 kilometres (approx. 180 miles) if the two-cylinder range extender combustion engine is specified.
The BMW i3 is based on a new kind of vehicle architecture. The LifeDrive concept underpins the car’s visionary form, which is defined by a standalone design language and generous levels of space for all four seats. A signature theme of the BMW i brand is the thread of sustainability running throughout the value chain. For example, the carbon fibres for the passenger cell are manufactured at Moses Lake in the USA using hydro power alone, while the energy required for production of BMW i cars at BMW Plant Leipzig is generated 100 per cent by purpose-built wind turbines.
BMW 4 Series Coupe: the perfect balance of aesthetic appeal and dynamic capability.
Perfectly balanced proportions, a low centre of gravity and powerful engines enable the BMW 4 Series Coupe to raise the bar in its segment in terms of aesthetics and dynamics. The individual identity of the two-door model – underlined by the “4” in its nameplate – is reflected both in its design and in its top-quality equipment features. BMW 4 Series Coupe customers can choose from one six-cylinder and two four-cylinder engines at launch, and the Sport Line, Modern Line, Luxury Line and M Sport packages are also available as alternatives to standard specification.
The new BMW X5: the quintessential Sports Activity Vehicle is more luxurious and innovative than ever.
The BMW X5 was the world’s first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and remains the most successful to this day. The launch of the third-generation model sets a new agenda in its class in terms of driving pleasure, variability and luxury. Among the stand-out characteristics of the new BMW X5 are its enhanced sports performance and reduced fuel consumption, an eye-catching and aerodynamically optimised design, a weight saving of up to 90 kg over a comparably equipped corresponding model from the previous series and a wealth of innovations from BMW ConnectedDrive.
BMW Concept X5 eDrive: intelligent all-wheel drive meets innovative hybrid technology.
BMW is also using the IAA 2013 to present a new way of further reducing the fuel consumption and emissions of an SAV. The BMW Concept X5 eDrive combines the familiar brand of driving pleasure provided by the intelligent all-wheel-drive system xDrive and a luxurious ambience with a plug-in hybrid drive concept that delivers familiar BMW sporting attributes, the ability to hit speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph) on electric power alone and average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres (74.3 mpg imp). The study car’s drive system comprises a four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo combustion engine and a 70 kW/95 hp electric motor, likewise developed by the BMW Group.
BMW Concept Active Tourer Outdoor: clever solutions for driving pleasure and leisure activities.
Compact exterior dimensions, impressive interior space and clever solutions aimed at enhancing sports and leisure-related functionality define the character of the BMW Concept Active Tourer Outdoor. BMW is using this vehicle concept to introduce the brand’s hallmark driving pleasure into a new segment. A bicycle carrier fully integrated into the interior serves the cause of optimum space utilisation. And also breaking new ground is the BMW Concept Active Tourer Outdoor’s plug-in hybrid drive technology.
The new BMW 5 Series: fresh impetus on the road to global success.
The BMW 5 Series, the world’s best-selling car at the premium end of the executive segment, continues along its successful path with modifications to various design details, additional drive system variants and a host of innovations from BMW ConnectedDrive. The new BMW 518d – available in Sedan and Touring form – now marks the entry point to BMW 5 Series ownership, and the BMW 520d xDrive has been added to the line-up of all-wheel-drive models. Elsewhere, the new rear-end design of the luxurious and versatile BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo injects extra elegance into the car’s lines and expands its boot capacity by 60 litres.
