BMW will take to the stage at the traditional Geneva International Motor Show from 5 – 15 March 2015 with two world premieres: the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer, which offers seating for up to seven people, and the new compact BMW 1 Series. The BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car, meanwhile, demonstrates how engine output can be boosted efficiently using an innovative water injection system – leading to lower fuel consumption and exhaust emissions under full load. And then there are a raft of innovative supplementary services connected with every aspect of the BMW i models, as well as “myKIDIO”, a new in-car entertainment concept for children.
The new BMW 1 Series model range
The BMW 1 Series – almost two million units of which have been sold worldwide to date – cuts an even more striking, sporty and efficient figure in its latest incarnation, complete with its extensively modified front- and rear-end design in both 3‑ and 5-door guise. The new line-up of latest-generation petrol and diesel engines, boasting additional measures designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions (fuel consumption combined: 8.0 – 3.4 litres per 100 kilometres [35.3 – 83.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 188 – 89 g/km)*, ensure the new BMW 1 Series can offer customers a fresh, efficient source of power. The BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, powered by a 85 kW/116 hp three-cylinder engine, posts average fuel consumption of 3.4 litres/100 kilometres (83.1 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 89 g/km in the EU test cycle*, making it the efficiency king of the BMW model range.
The new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer
The BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer sees BMW once again creating a new vehicle segment. Its signature feature is the impressive amount of space within its compact dimensions. This is the first model in the premium compact class that can accommodate up to seven people across three rows of seats – in addition to a generously sized and variable-use luggage compartment. All of which allows the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer to meet the mobility requirements of young families and offer – thanks to the five newly developed turbocharged engines producing from 85 kW/116 hp to 141 kW/192 hp (fuel consumption combined: 6.4 – 3.9 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 149 – 104 g/km)* and the BMW EfficientDynamics package – sporting dynamics combined with outstanding efficiency and the lowest CO2 emissions in the segment.
BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car: innovative water injection system boosts power.
The BMW M4 Coupe will once again lead the Safety Car fleet through the 2015 MotoGP season. In so doing, BMW M GmbH’s high-performance coupe will also blaze a trail for technology and innovation thanks to an innovative water injection system designed to give the engine a noticeable boost in performance. This pioneering technology also enables excellent levels of efficiency even under full load with real benefits when it comes to fuel economy and exhaust emissions. The water injection system once again underlines the many years of experience BMW M GmbH can look back on in motor racing and its vast well of expertise in the development of powerful engines. At the same time, the car offers a very clear taster of an M Automobile that promises to set a new benchmark in performance, exclusivity and individuality not too far from now.
Mobility of the future: BMW i rolls out additional services for the BMW i3 and BMW i8 as part of its 360° ELECTRIC programme.
Following the successful launch of the electric-powered BMW i3 and the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, BMW i is now extending its range of services focusing on every aspect of electric mobility and rolling them out internationally. With the BMW i3 and BMW i8, BMW i offers customers not only a choice of electric vehicles but also, as part of its 360° ELECTRIC programme, far-reaching complementary products to ensure the cars provide long-term service. ChargeNow, for example, is a charging and payment service which is enjoying steady expansion – thanks to the addition of new fast-charging stations – and which supports international roaming. BMW i drivers who are reliant on a permanent parking space with a charging facility will find a suitable solution in ParkNow LongTerm, while the ParkNow web- and app-based service helps drivers to find a space as and when they need while out and about. ParkNow offers parking spaces in hundreds of cities across North America and can filter the results of searches according to price, distance and the availability of services such as charging stations and car washes. DriveNow offers car-sharing options for more than 390,000 registered customers in the USA and Europe at the latest count, and another international rollout is now in the pipeline. And finally, “second-life” projects in the USA, Germany and China allow lithium-ion batteries from BMW i vehicles to be used as stationary energy storage devices after their service life on the road has come to an end.
The exclusive character of the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car will be further highlighted in March 2015 with an extended range of standard equipment and new options for the interior look. Standard specification for the BMW i8 now includes the Pure Impulse Experience programme, comprising exclusive lifestyle options in the areas of culture, design, travel and gastronomy in keeping with the progressive and sustainable “next premium” approach of the BMW i brand.
BMW ConnectedDrive integrates “myKIDIO” app into the car: clever entertainment programme for rear-seat passengers.
Longer journeys now also promise to be a pleasure rather than a chore for children thanks to the new “myKIDIO” app (initially only available in Germany). The application is available in fully integrated form for the first time in the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer and provides access to content such as TV series, movies, audio books and audio plays on tablet computers (such as the Apple iPad). It can be operated conveniently and safely via the iDrive Controller and Control Display once the mobile device is linked up with the car. Then the “myKIDIO” app allows adult occupants to navigate through age-appropriate programmes, and approve and monitor them on the linked tablet computers. It makes long journeys an entertaining experience for children as well. Adults can see what the kids are tuned into at any one time on the Control Display, while the youngsters in the rear can access information on the journey (such as arrival time, range and outside temperature) at any time in a fun and easy way via the “BMW Kids Cockpit” journey monitor.
