BMW i3 comes back with more strength via the new model added to the range. The new variant will be offered next year and it will deliver to its future drivers more than 50% increased battery capacity. To go into details, the 2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah) has a capacity of 33 kilowatt hours (kWh). This is due to the higher energy density of the lithium ion cells.
But despite the increased energy range, the dimensions of the battery have remained the same. In fact, the team at BMW i has worked very hard to make this possible. As an example the brand says that if one drives the new Battery Electric BMW i3 in everyday conditions, in varying weather and with the air conditioning or heating turned on, the EV achieves a range of up to 114 miles combined (hwy/city).
In terms of performance however, nothing has been changed. The figures of the 170 hp AC synchronous electric motor remain almost the same. Precisely, the motor propels the BMW i3 from 0 to 60 mph in just over 7 seconds. The expected EPA electricity consumption is of 27 kWh/100mi.
What is more, the new i3 will feature also 94 Ah battery. If the driver needs additional range, then he or she can equip their BMW with the Range Extender, which switches the 2-cylinder gasoline engine once the battery is depleted to 6.5% state of charge. In addition, in this state it keeps the charge level of the battery constant while driving and delivers an additional range thanks to a 25% larger fuel tank (2.4 gallons).
At last, but not least, also new for the BMW I family is the introduction of the BMW Home Charger Connect. This is a residential charging station designed for comfortable and fast home charging with additional connected functions.
2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah) will be announced closer to its market launch.
BMW showed the new, 60-second commercial for its BMW i3. The short video will air during the first quarter of NBC’s broadcast of Super Bowl XLIX this Sunday, February 1, 2015.
After 4 years, the automaker is going to return to the big game with “Newfangled Idea.” The main stars will be Katie Couric, Bryant Gumbel and, of course, the all-electric i3. The idea of the spot is to draw parallels between the well-known 1994 Today Show clip of Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel where they are asking the question “what is the internet?” and a 2015 clip where Katie and Bryant are trying to figure out the newfangled perception of the ground-breaking BMW i3.
“In 1994, people had not yet grasped what the internet was, which is similar to how electric mobility is viewed today,” remarked Trudy Hardy, Vice President of Marketing, BMW of North America. “Electric mobility is at a tipping point. We are on the verge of something great and we hope that with this spot, we can educate audiences about the BMW i3 and e-mobility in a fun and engaging way.”
Just to refresh your memory, the electric vehicle is made primarily of carbon fiber. It is fitted a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor which produces 170 HP (125 kW). With the production of the forward-looking BMW i3, the automaker is trying to tackle many of the mobility problems in the big cities. Available in the U.S., this model has a starting price of $43,350 (Including $950 Destination and Handling), while the range-extender model costs $47,200 (Including $950 Destination and Handling).
Two automotive giants, BMW and Volkswagen, are teaming up to install a network of 100 high-speed charging stations by ChargePoint on the east and west coasts of the US. They will be open to all electric vehicles which are fitted with the standard SAE J1772 or CHAdeMO plug.
Addressing one of the biggest issues related to electric cars, precisely, the lack of enough chargers, the manufacturers mentioned above are in fact trying to fix the unpleasant current situation. Is this a subtle way, though, of promoting their electric models and making more customers buy them? Or is this just an idea born out of pure intentions concerned with the convenience of driving? It does not really matter when drivers are the ones who will benefit a lot thanks to the easier charging which will be provided.
BMW and Volkswagen are inspired by Tesla Motors since it has its own network of high-speed chargers in the Northeast corridor and in California. Still, its proprietary technology can be used by Tesla cars only which is quite inconvenient really, isn’t it?
Planning to build one charging point every 50 miles or so, Volkswagen and BMW will provide each station with two 50 kW DC or 24 kW DC fast chargers. Such machines are only available in 120 spots among the 20,000 ChargePoint locations across the country.
The successful implementation of this plan would bring easy access to fast, public charging points. As a result, traveling in an electric car, like the BMW i3 for instance, would be as pleasant and smooth as traveling in any other gas-powered vehicle.
The BMW i models are highly innovative, revolutionary and offer consumption and emission values of a compact car. Now, the BMW Group is preparing to add plug-in hybrid versions to its core-brand models. In relation to this, it will present a BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid prototype and a new generation of hybrid vehicle concepts incorporating technology already used in BMW i models in Miramas, France.
There is a highly efficient internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by an externally rechargeable high-voltage battery fitted into the plug-in hybrid models. The internal combustion engine is based on the award winning (International Engine of the Year) TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine. Precisely, the electric motor and power electronics are directly based on the BMW eDrive technology already used in the BMW i3 and BMW i8 models. Short-distance urban trips can be completed on electric power only. While traveling on longer journeys, though, the vehicle will work in “combined mode”, thus operating with both systems simultaneously.
The main focus of the Efficient Dynamics strategy by BMW is directed towards the electrification of the power train. The plug-in technology aims to bring high performance vehicles well below 100 g / km CO2, while still preserving the well-known excellent driving pleasure and driving dynamics of BMW.
Finally, according to BMW, this new plug-in hybrid technology is extremely flexible and it can be integrated in a great number of vehicle concepts.
BMW continues with innovations and this time the company has prepared for us an innovative street lighting with integrated charging station for electric vehicles. It might seem futuristic, but in fact we sincerely hope to see this genius technology applied in the near future. The pilot project is dubbed Light and Charge and was part of the Eurocities conference in Munich. The car company will cooperate with the City of Munich in order to create an infrastructure of public charging stations. The pilot project will begin in the spring of 2015.
The prototype combines the latest LED technology with a usable connection way to charge the high-voltage batteries of the electric vehicles. The technology is integrated in the ChargeNow network of the electric BMW i series. In other words Light and Charge is simple and innovative solution which naturally integrates a reliable network of charging stations in the city.
Another benefit from the Light and Charge street lighting is the energy efficiency as well as the LED module’s higher luminous efficiency. In fact, up to four modules are enough to illuminate the lanes of major roads at night. One or two modules provide a pleasant light in the side streets and residential areas.
The used LED technology is similar to this one utilized in vehicle’s headlights. This means that it enables a particularly targeting of light rays. The next advantage is that with the development of the Light and Charge system, BMW signals for the future development of a comprehensive network of charging stations for electric vehicles.
Light and Charge units have a standard connector for EV’s charging cable. The integrated control panel allows the driver to start the charging procedure with just one click. ChargeNow already offers customers of BMW i access to worldwide around 18,000 charging stations.
3DDesign and Studie Thailand have collaborated for a special project including the intricate BMW i3. Being more individual than ever, the tuned i3 has been created with the single aim to push the boundaries of the chassis. The personalization of the car began with the styling changes, which include a new exterior color, called Fire Orange, as well as some contrasting graphics in black.
Inside, the same fiery color theme has been used for the set of Recaro LX-F seats. They were wrapped in a combination of orange leather and suede. The dash is in the same fire Orange featured to add more harmony in the overall design.
Next, the right height of the car was lowered by 20 mm. There is also an option for the i3 to be even lower (30 mm) to the ground thanks to the specifically created by Studie suspension setup. In addition, 3D Design created for the BMW more pronounced front lip spoiler and a roof spoiler. The result of this is more balance and perfect addition to the black MAK wheels.
Take a look at the front grille. When I saw it for the first time it looked familiar. Then I immediately though of the F chassis ///M cars. This is where Studie took inspiration and built a custom front grill set with integrated blue LED’s.
Although the i3 is electric, the tuners have made it possible for the driver and occupants to enjoy the BMW active sound in the cabin. The system produces a programmed soundtrack of an inline-six, V8, V10 or even a mighty V12 engine.
At the on-going Plug-In 2014, a conference dedicated to the future of electric vehicles, BMW of North America unveiled the brand new i DC Fast Chargers that can charge the BMW i3 electric vehicle up to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. Speed is not the only advantage of the new BMW product – the i DC Fast Chargers are the first compact and affordable DC Combo chargers. In addition to this BMW also announced its new ChargeNow DC Fast program in cooperation with NRG eVgo, in which BMW i3 drivers in California can enjoy no cost unlimited 30 minute DC fast charging, at NRG eVgo Freedom Station sites equipped with DC Combo Fast Charging, through 2015.
Unlike regular DC fast chargers that are usually as large as a standard refrigerator the new BMW chargers measure just 31 x 19 x 12 inches and weigh approximately 100 pounds. This means that you can install your i DC Fast Charger on a wall, which is a first for electric car DC fast chargers. In addition the i DC Fast Charger will be significantly cheaper than other DC chargers selling for USD 6548 at select BMW dealers.
“This is a milestone in the development of the DC fast charging infrastructure. With more than five years of real world experience, we understand that a robust network of publicly available DC Combo Fast Chargers is a key part of the mobility of tomorrow,” said Robert Healey, EV Infrastructure Manager, at BMW of North America. “BMW is offering the BMW i DC Fast Charger at an appealing price point, and more manageable size, to make the convenience of DC fast charging more accessible for BMW i3 owners.”
The new BMW i DC Fast Charger comes with 24 kW of power and can feed the vehicle battery directly, which results in more efficient and faster charging. BMW i DC Fast Chargers use the SAE Combo 1 connector, the North American automotive industry standard for fast charging; feature a rugged aluminum IP54 enclosure; meet NEMA 3 requirements; and are designed to perform in extreme weather conditions, from -40°F (-40°C) to 185°F (85°C). Additionally, the BMW i DC Fast Charger is ChargePoint network-enabled, allowing electric vehicle drivers with the SAE Combo 1 inlet to access the BMW i DC Fast Charger using a ChargePoint or ChargeNow card.
The new ChargeNow program gives BMW i3 drivers access to unlimited 30-minute DC fast charging sessions with the ChargeNow DC Fast program. BMW i3 owners can sign up easily for ChargeNow DC Fast at chargenow.com/us. In order to receive the full benefits of the program, BMW i3 drivers must use the ChargeNow card, provided with their BMW i3, to charge the vehicle at least once by December 31, 2014, at a participating eVgo Freedom Station. By doing so, BMW i3 drivers will enjoy continued access to no cost DC charging sessions through the end of 2015. Eligible BMW i3 vehicles must be equipped with the DC Fast Charging option (SAE).
Behind the capitals CLR I the tuners at LUMMA Design have hidden two design studies, which are based on recently released BMW hybrid models. Precisely we are speaking here about the I8 Sports Car and I3 Electric Vehicle.
Although the production design of the models is pretty impressive already, what LUMMA has to offer is also worth reviewing. First of all, the LUMMA CLR I8 Concept is based on the BMW i8 and it is envisioned to include high-tech material carbon. It will be utilized for the front spoiler, side skirts and rear bumper with diffuser.
Completely different here, in comparison to the original I8, are the specially designed wheels and a tailor made stickers. They both feature accents in green that additionally underline the sporty character of the vehicle.
The second tuning program is prepared for the I3. LUMMA CLR I3 Concept comprises of a front spoiler lip, a specially designed hood and side skirts, which are all made of high-strength and ultra-light carbon. What rounds out the sporty appearance of the model is the wheel set in the design of the LUMMA CLR 22.
BMW US has announced the full details and pricing for the all-new 2014 i3 EV. It is like no other car the world has ever seen. It offers visionary design, a ground-breaking vehicle architecture, dynamic performance and innovative connectivity.
2014 BMW i3 US is expected to hit the market in the second quarter of the next year with pricing starting from $41,350 and $45,300 for the range-extender model. The prices are before any federal or state incentives, and before Destination & Handling fee.
The small city car boasts RWD and an electric motor producing 170HP (125 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. 0-50 km/h in 3.5 seconds and 0-100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to – 150 km/h (93 mph). Not bad performance for an all-electric vehicle. The range of the vehicle is 130 to 160 km (80 to 100 miles).
The dimensions of i3 Concept are 3845 mm in length, 1537 mm height and 2011 mm width. The wheelbase is just a bit smaller than 1-Series – 2570 mm. The kerb weight is just 1250 kg, so the vehicle will be easy to drive with good dynamics.
The BMW i3’s tires are a unique 155/70/19 size on 19” light-alloy wheels, but the contact patch is the same of that of a more conventional 16” tire. To improve efficiency, they have low rolling resistance, and the narrow section width is a key factor in the BMW i3’s super-tight turning radius.
Safety is a key criterion in the development of the BMW i models. A range of systems and measures have been implemented in the vehicle that ensure safety in normal operation and in the event of accidental fires. The high-voltage system is designed to cope with accidents beyond the legal requirements, with the high-voltage battery including features that ensure its safe reaction even in situations such as this.
The all-new BMW i3 will be featured at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November, 2013 and will arrive at BMW i centers in the US beginning in the second quarter of 2014.
BMW i3 Quick-Reference Highlights:
Pricing (before federal or local incentives) starts at $41,350; $45,200 for Range Extender model. Destination & Handling Fee not included.
On Sale: Q2 of 2014 in the USA.
Preliminary Dimensions (subject to change for US models):
Length: 157.4”
Width: 69.9”
Height: 62.1”
Wheelbase: 101.2”
Turning Circle: 32.4 feet
Curb Weight (DIN) 2,635 lbs. (2,899 lbs. for i3 with Range Extender)
BMW’s 360 Electric electro mobility services:
Home Charging
Public Charging
Assistance Services
Flexible Mobility.
BMW Navigation is standard.
Driving:
170-hp, 184 lb-ft hybrid-synchronous electric motor with max. revs of 11,400 rpm.
80-100 mile real-world EV range.
22-kWh lithium-ion battery, which weighs 450 lbs.
650cc gasoline powered Range Extender optional; holds charge, doesn’t power wheels.
0-30mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-60mph in approximately 7.2 seconds (preliminary).
Top speed of 93 mph, electronically limited to preserve efficiency.
Ultra-tight turning radius (32.3 ft), which is ideal for city driving.
Macpherson strut front and 5-link rear suspension set up.
Single Pedal Driving Concept with Brake Energy Regeneration, which feeds power back into battery.
3 drive modes: Comfort, ECO PRO and ECO PRO+.
3 hour 220 V @32 amps charging time.
Optional SAE DC Combo Fast Charging allows for 80% charge in 20mins; 100% in 30 mins.
Chassis and Body:
Purpose built construction. World’s first mass-produced CFRP-constructed electric vehicle.
Built on innovative LifeDrive architecture composed of two parts: Life Module and Drive Module.
Life Module is essentially the cabin, constructed from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).
Drive Module is where all of the powertrain components are housed.
Drive Module is made from 100% aluminum.
Magnesium cross-member for instrument panel saves 20% weight vs. steel.
BMW 1 Series external footprint with BMW 3 Series interior space.
LED headlights and taillights (standard in US market).
Weighs in at roughly 2,700 lbs.
No space-consuming transmission tunnel dividing car’s interior.
Pillar-less design with rear coach doors allow for easy entry and exit to rear seats.
Driver-oriented super-ergonomic controls.
Three vehicle Worlds (trim levels): Mega (standard in US), Giga, and Tera.
Standard 19-inch light alloy wheels with unique 155/70 all-season tires. 20-inch light alloy wheels optional.
No transmission tunnel and low console allows for Slide-through Experience, which benefits urban driving by the ability to exit from the passenger side.
Sustainability:
Made with sustainable, renewable materials.
Instrument panel surround and door trim use fibers from Kenaf plant.
Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof panel is made partially with recycled CFRP from manufacturing process of other components
25% of plastic used in interior comprised of recycled materials.
Dashboard wood trim crafted from responsibly-forested eucalyptus.
CFRP components are sustainably produced in Moses Lake, WA, USA, where the factory uses hydroelectric power.
The Leipzig, Germany assembly plant uses wind-generated electricity.
Olive-leaf extract is used to tan interior leather surfaces.
BMW US has announced the pricing of the all-new 2014 i3 electric vehicle. It starts from just $42,275, including a $925 destination charge.
“With this leading-edge vehicle and attractive price, we will provide customers with a compelling offer for electromobility,” commented Ian Robertson, member of the BMW board of management, sales and marketing, in a statement.
So, when the $7,500 federal tax credit is factored in, the BMW i3 starts at $34,775, which is a very good price and way below that we expected.
However, the i3 is priced above the 2013 Nissan Leaf and 2014 Fiat 500e ($29,650 and $32,600, respectively). The Fiat 500e is available only in California.
The BMW i3 is equipped with a 170HP (125 kW) electric motor and lithium-ion battery. The German EV has a range of 80-100 miles (around 160 km), according to the manufacturer.
BMW US has announced the pricing of the all-new 2014 i3 electric vehicle. It starts from just $42,275, including a $925 destination charge.
“With this leading-edge vehicle and attractive price, we will provide customers with a compelling offer for electromobility,” commented Ian Robertson, member of the BMW board of management, sales and marketing, in a statement.
So, when the $7,500 federal tax credit is factored in, the BMW i3 starts at $34,775, which is a very good price and way below that we expected.
However, the i3 is priced above the 2013 Nissan Leaf and 2014 Fiat 500e ($29,650 and $32,600, respectively). The Fiat 500e is available only in California.
The BMW i3 is equipped with a 170HP (125 kW) electric motor and lithium-ion battery. The German EV has a range of 80-100 miles (around 160 km), according to the manufacturer.
The exceptional BMW i8 Concept Spyder is an open-top two-seater, which can grab literally any heart! It has the entire necessary characteristic and in addition adds to them with sporting and emotional appearance.
This concept is purposefully built in order to meet the changing needs of customers and transform the understanding of personal mobility. It is equipped with intelligent technologies and definitely has an innovative design, however what is more is that now embraces a philosophy which adopts significant degree by sustainability throughout the value chain.
This is the third BMW i model, which is here to “inform” us what will be the future of cutting-edge and emotionally appealing mobility concepts. It is not only a mixture between sporting design with an open-top two-seater, but is also a combination of lightness, dynamic capability and efficiency with a very special aesthetic value.
What is worth mentioning as well is that it is a blend of intelligent lightweight design and state-of-the-art hybrid technology. This results in exciting sports car performance and driving pleasure combined with exceptional fuel-consumption unmatchable in this segment before.
BMW i8 Concept Spyder has the upward-swivelling, windowless doors and a range of purpose-oriented on-board equipment which features electric kickboards stowed under a transparent tailgate. The concept vehicle is built on the innovative LifeDrive architecture. The latter includes lightweight modular construction and the utilization of high-quality high-tech materials.
BMW i8 Concept Spyder
Furthermore, the BMW i8 Concept Spyder is a plug-in hybrid powered by an eDrive drivetrain. This drivetrain combines the excellent performance of the electric motor and petrol combustion engine, while the lithium-ion battery supplies the motor with power that can be recharged in an extremely short space of time from any domestic power socket. In addition, the car has significantly reduced weight, low centre of gravity and is precisely balance. Everything is combined with a system output of up to 260 kW (354 hp).
Like its Coupe sibling (2+2-seater BMW i8 Concept), the BMW i8 Concept Spyder blends intelligent lightweight design with the leading-edge drivetrain technology eDrive, which delivers extremely low fuel consumption and emissions.
The concept got compact dimensions and specific exterior paintwork. Additionally, it has the upward-swivelling, windowless doors and a transparent glass panel at the rear. How about the interior: a revised material is used and a colour concept provides an extra dose of sportiness.
Moreover BMW i8 Concept Spyder is built around the innovative modular LifeDrive architecture, which comprises of independent functional units. For instance, the carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) Life module gives the car an extremely lightweight passenger cell, while the Drive modules bring together all the car’s operational driving functions, such as the powertrain, chassis and safety structure. And thanks to the intelligent lightweight design and the use of innovative materials, the vehicle delivers great fuel-efficiency. In particular in the LifeDrive architecture the front and rear axle modules are connected by an “energy tunnel”, which houses the hybrid battery, this results in low centre of gravity and ideal balance.
The BMW i8 Concept Spyder’s includes emotion-led design as well which vividly spotlights the car’s qualities, with lightness, dynamic capability and efficiency highlighted to particularly prominent effect. The key elements which contribute for this sporty dynamic stance are the large body panels, a hunkered-down stance and numerous aerodynamic elements such as contact surfaces, spoiler lips, AirCurtains and aeroflaps.
What is more here is that the front end offers a revealing window into the open-top two-seater’s dynamic talent. In addition a spoiler lip on the windscreen frame guides the airflow over the heads of the passengers. Of course there is also featured a two-section folding roof.
Observed from side, the Spyder has short front and rear overhangs and a low-slung silhouette. Additionally, the alluring lines and forms generate a strong forward-surging stance even before the car powers off the line.
Compared to the front end, the rear also is positioned low to the road. Its headline feature is a transparent cover revealing the two folded electric kickboards accommodated below. A rear diffuser, three-dimensional air outlets and the U-shaped rear lights makes the BMW i8 Concept Spyder with extremely wide appearance and further emphasize its sportiness.
Going further, the interior of the BMW i8 Concept Spyder is defined by three levels. Each one has various functions. The interlocking of surfaces and lines for instance, is also one of the stand-out features of the interior design. On the other hand, the outer layer also frames the supporting structure, while the inner “comfort” layer includes seat surfaces and stowage compartments. The third layer is represented by the cockpit, and brings together the instrument panel, steering column and steering wheel with the instrument cluster, central information display and control elements. Of course, the car has a low drivers’ seating position. Moreover, an 8.8-inch (22.4 cm) screen displays the driving information in three-dimensional, high-resolution quality.
BMW i8 Concept Spyder Interior
Furthermore, the Spyder’s interior is a mixture of plastic, carbon and leather, with theoff-white of the outer layer and the bold orange tone of the naturally tanned leather generating a sporting atmosphere.
The BMW i8 Concept Spyder with eDrive means that it is a plug-in hybrid which combines two different power sources: electric motor and combustion engine. First, the electric motor produces 96 kW (131 hp) and it is on the front axle. It works in combination with a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine delivering 164 kW (223 hp) through the rear wheels. When combined, both units generate an aggregate system output of 260 kW (354 hp) and peak torque of 550 Nm.
And if you wonder about the acceleration data, well – here’s some: the Spyder accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just five seconds. It has a electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). It’s performance in other words is exceptional. However, despite these numbers, the two-seater burns just three litres of petrol per 100 kilometres!
Furthermore, the electric motor gets its energy from a lithium-ion battery which can be fully charged from a domestic power socket in less than two hours. The battery is located in the energy tunnel between the front and rear axle modules.
With its battery fully charged, the BMW i8 Concept Spyder can go up to 30 kilometres (19 miles) only on electric power. And if it is required, a high-voltage alternator hooked up to the combustion engine generates additional power, which is then stored in the hybrid battery.
Additionally, the concept vehicle has as wee the ability to send power through the front, rear or all four wheels at the same time. It has the intelligent control electronics, which ensure that the optimum drive configuration is available for the situation at hand. Next, the electronic systems ensure maximum energy recuperation under braking or when coasting.
BMW i is equipped with new generation of driver assistance systems such as the camera-based proactive Collision Warning system, Parking Assistant and Traffic Jam Assistant. Remote functions accessed via a smartphone are also included, such as the Last Mile Navigation function and the Intermodal Route Planning function.
Two large displays can be found inside the BMW i8 Concept Spyder. They make up the interface between the car, its passengers and the outside world. They are positioned next to the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. What is innovative here is that all the screens display their information in 3D.
On the other hand the instrument cluster displays important driving and it is positioned alongside the digital speedometer. For example, the efficiency display allows drivers to view how much energy they are currently using, and shows extra navigation details and information on the car’s range as well. If the driver switches to energy-saving ECO PRO mode, the display turns blue in colour to signal the shift in functional emphasis, and the ellipses now also vary in form. By the same token, moving into SPORT mode treats the driver to an emotional orange hue. As well as the changes in colour, the displays also provide information tailored to the driving mode selected and to assisting the driver as effectively as possible.
BMW i8 Concept Spyder Specifications
Length/Height/Width
L 4480 mm, H 1208 mm, W 1922 mm
Wheelbase
2650 mm
No. of seats
2
Kerb weightTop speed
Acceleration
1630 kg250 km/h (155 mph) electr. governed
0-100 km/h (62 mph) 5 s 80-120 km/h (50-75 mph) 4.0 s
System output TwinPower Turbo engineFuel consumption (EU cycle)
BMW is generating some hype before the 82nd Geneva Motor Show by listing all of its entries for this year. The lineup is a complex combination of European and World premiers that radiate innovation, quality, emotion and excitement. The i3 and i8 concepts will also participate in the form of BMW’s future vision of design and mobility. BMW‘s presentations won’t be on wheels only. With an array of original accessories and performance packages such as the “M performance”, the company will try to meet the needs of even the keenest BMW enthusiast. Three new engines for the 3-series sedan will also make an appearance with the prospect of even more to come this year. We do have more detailed articles on most of the vehicles in this list so feel free to browse around and find that which interests you.
World Premiere: the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe
BMW 6 Gran Coupe (2013)
The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is a response to the current rivals, the Audi A7 and the Mercedes-Benz CLS. It is a 4+1 Coupe that is supposed to combine the incomparable sporty spirit of the 6-series with the practicality of a sedan. When compared to a standard 6 series Coupe, the Gran Coupe is wider by 4.5 inches and longer by 4.4 – that makes it a big, big car. At the start of this Summer, the Gran Coupe will only be branded 640i because of its TwinPower Turbo, 6-cylinder engine. However, later this summer a V8 650i will also be offered as well as an xDrive 650i. The price of the 640i is the only one given yet – $76,895. Whether this blend of practicality and lunacy has the best of both worlds or the worst, only time will show.
World Premiere: The New 2013 BMW M6 Coupe
BMW M6 Coupe (2013)
Now entering a 3rd generation, theM6 Coupe is here to dominate the world of grand touring with more power, efficiency and dynamics. Thanks to its marvelous V8 M TwinPower Turbo engine and BMW‘s EfficientDynamics, burning rubber has never been that cheap. Torque is conveyed trough a 7-speed M-Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT) while an Active M Differential optimizes power transfer between the rear wheels. Needless to say that behind all that power and frugality, there is also the backbone of every car – the chassis. It has been tuned by M engineers and employs a Variable Damper Control (VDC) system, DSC, ABS, CBC and DBC. The M6 itself can come as a Convertible if you need wind in your hair and tan on your face.
World Premiere: BMW M Performance Automobiles
BMW M550d xDrive Sedan (2012)
The “M Performance” niche is a string of xDriven diesels that aims to set new standards. The BMW M550d xDrive, M550d xDrive Touring, X5 M50d and X6 M50d do not have the blistering performance of the more powerful M petrol line but they are out there – Under the hood in each and every one, hides a state-of-the-art TwinPower tri-turbo, common rail injected engine that feeds 280 kW/381 hp and 740 Newton meters (546 lb-ft) of power trough an 8-speed sports automatic transmission. And despite the lack of M wheel arches and numerous tail pipes, the M Performance BMWs have M tuned suspensions – subtle, discreet and serious. With that configuration, a BMW M550d accelerates in 4.7 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, while its average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers
Premiere: BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition
BMW 116d EfficienDynamics Edition (2013)
Porbably the most frugal car in the BMW lineup, the 116d EfficientDynamics Edition is powered by a 85 kW/116 hp TwinPower Turbo diesel engine that goes easy on the fuel (EU test cycle is 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers) thanks to the EfficientDynamics system which incorporates a Stop/Start system and braking energy storage.
World Premiere: The New Updated 2013 BMW X6.
BMW X6 (2013)
It’s an updated version of the most premium SUV out on the markets. It has poise, it has agility and it has comfort. This ultimate X model comes with xDrive (naturally), still makes use of the company’s Dynamic Performance Control and it utilizes TwinPower Turbo Tech in the form of two engine choices. Visually the 2013 X6 now has bigger kidney nostrils and a better place for its fog lights. At the back, the taillights are also restyled and if that’s not enough light for you, it can be ordered with optional LEDAdaptive headlights.
BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept
BMW i3 & i8 Concepts
Closer than ever to production, the i3 and i8Concepts are after all still be at the Geneva Show just to amaze the people there. They serve as an example of BMW‘s plan for a sustainable, electric future. Production of the “first electrically powered premium vehicle”, the i3, is expected to start early in 2013 while the plug-in performance hybrid, the i8 might be coming down in 2014.
Other highlights of the BMW booth include the arsenal of originally made accessories for that extra look and feel of the new 3-SeriesSedan – anything from unique 20 inch wheels to a fitted indoor/outdoor car cover. There will also be M Performance packages – Parts designed by the M division for the enhancement of standard BMW’s. We are talking about powertrain, suspension, aerodynamics and cockpit components that provide a tangible increase in driving dynamics by enhancing engine power, reducing weight and optimizing aerodynamic properties. Whether we have a 5-series or a-3 series or even the 1s, all parts are designed to belong.
BMW i3 comes back with more strength via the new model added to the range. The new variant will be offered next year and it will deliver to its future drivers more than 50% increased battery capacity. To go into details, the 2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah) has a capacity of 33 kilowatt hours (kWh). This is due to the higher energy density of the lithium ion cells.
Behind the capitals CLR I the tuners at 
BMW is generating some hype before the 82nd Geneva Motor Show by listing all of its entries for this year. The lineup is a complex combination of European and World premiers that radiate innovation, quality, emotion and excitement. The i3 and i8 concepts will also participate in the form of BMW’s future vision of design and mobility. BMW‘s presentations won’t be on wheels only. With an array of original accessories and performance packages such as the “M performance”, the company will try to meet the needs of even the keenest BMW enthusiast. Three new engines for the 3-series sedan will also make an appearance with the prospect of even more to come this year. We do have more detailed articles on most of the vehicles in this list so feel free to browse around and find that which interests you.
