BMW at the 79th International Geneva Motor Show 2009
Introducing progressive new models offering that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of the brand and at the same time allowing conscientious use of natural resources, BMW is making a significant statement at the 79th International Geneva Motor Show 2009.
The range of technologies upgraded to production standard as part of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy is indeed greater than ever before, helping to reduce both fuel consumption and emissions and enhance the driving experience to an even higher level. At the same time the public in Geneva will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of technical innovations and new features in BMW's current model portfolio at the Motor Show from 5–15 March 2009.
The 2009 Geneva Motor Show marks the European debut of the new BMW Z4. As a modern interpretation of the classic roadster, this unique car combines its dynamic driving potential not only with sporting and elegant lines as well as supreme driving comfort, but also with the impressive economy of its six-cylinder power units.
The new BMW 730Ld also making its public debut in Geneva sets a new standard for efficiency in the luxury class. Yet a further highlight is the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid offering an outlook at the first hybrid model based on the BMW 7 Series, which will reach production level in the course of 2009.
A further outstanding achievement in the context of BMW EfficientDynamics is the development of particularly fuel-efficient diesel engines reducing emissions to a minimum. The most fuel-efficient and lowest-emission model within BMW's portfolio presented in Geneva is the new BMW 116d powered by a 85 kW/115 hp four-cylinder diesel engine and consuming an average of just 4.4 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 64.2 mpg imp, in the EU test cycle. The CO2 emission rating of the new BMW 116d is equally impressive at 118 grams per kilometre.
Offering optional BMW BluePerformance technology, the BMW 330d is the only car in the premium segment to already fulfil the EU6 emission standard today.
A further outstanding achievement is that entering spring 2009 BMW offers no less than 49 models fulfilling the EU5 emission standard, ranging all the way from the BMW 1 Series to the BMW 7 Series.
European debut of the new BMW Z4: even more dynamic, extra-comfortable and for the first time with a retractable hardtop.
The new BMW Z4 offers a particularly modern rendition of the traditional open two-seater concept so rich in tradition, combining the classic proportions of a genuine roadster and the seats moved far to the back with a high standard of elegance and all-round comfort.
This is the first BMW Roadster to boast a retractable hardtop, the two-piece lightweight aluminium shell roof structure opening and, respectively, closing fully automatically within just 20 seconds. The ambience within the passenger compartment is characterised by the driver-oriented design of the cockpit and top-quality materials, with optimimum all-round visibility ensured even with the roof closed by the extra-large windows.
The new BMW Z4 is entering the market from the start with a choice of no less than three straight-six power units ranging in output from 150 kW/204 hp in the BMW Z4 sDrive23i through 190 kW/258 hp in the BMW Z4 sDrive30i all the way to 225 kW/306 hp in the BMW Z4 sDrive35i.
Depending on the model variant, the engines come with fully variable VALVETRONIC valve management or Twin Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection.
As an alternative to the six-gear manual gearbox, the top model is available with sports automatic featuring seven gears and double-clutch technology. A standard feature on the new BMW Z4 is Dynamic Drive Control enabling the driver at the touch of a button to adjust the car's set-up in three stages according to his individual preferences. And as an option the customer also has the choice of an Adaptive M Suspension complete with electronic damper adjustment.
Fleet consumption down by more than 25 per cent: BMW Group over-fulfils the self-imposed ACEA standard.
BMW EfficientDynamics has become the epitome of up-to-date automotive technology the world over. Thanks to EfficientDynamics featured as standard, BMW sells more cars with fuel-saving and CO2-reducing technologies each month than other car makers in an entire year. And through the consistent use of such efficiency-promoting technologies, BMW's current models offer an unparalleled, extra-favourable balance of fuel economy and performance throughout all model series and performance classes.
Such progress in efficiency achieved with each and every new model naturally has an exceptionally positive effect on the overall balance of fuel economy and emission management offered by BMW Group cars. Precisely this is why the fleet economy of the BMW and MINI brands has improved from 1995 to the end of 2008 by more than 25 per cent in the member states of the European Union alone. Hence, the BMW Group has over-fulfilled the pledge made by the Association of European Car Manufacturers through BMW EfficientDynamics and the technologies offered with this philosophy. And in the 2009 model year the number of particularly economical, low emission models from BMW will be increasing even further.
BMW EfficientDynamics: more driving pleasure, lower emissions also in the luxury class.
The new BMW 7 Series now establishes trendsetting momentum for the effective reduction of both fuel consumption and exhaust emissions also in the luxury performance class, consistent use of numerous
BMW EfficientDynamics guaranteeing an outstanding driving experience combined with all-round economy quite unique in this segment. So in a nutshell BMW is using its innovative power to overcome the conventional contradiction of luxury and efficiency.
Perhaps the best example of this unique symbiosis is the BMW 730d powered by a 180 kW/245 hp straight-six diesel. This outstanding luxury performance automobile accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds, averages fuel consumption of 7.2 litres on 100 kilometres (equal to 39.2 mpg imp) and restricts CO2 emissions to just 192 grams per kilometre.
Now the benefits of BMW's newly developed diesel drive may be combined perfectly with the exclusive grand touring comfort of the long-wheelbase BMW 7 Series with an extra 14 centimetres/5.5" legroom at the rear: The new BMW 730Ld accelerating to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and offering average fuel economy of 7.3 litres/100 kilometres or 38.7 mpg imp, with a CO2 rating of 194 grams/kilometre, again setting a new standard in the process, is making its debut at the International Geneva Motor Show in 2009.
BMW 116d and BMW 116i: lower fuel consumption and more driving pleasure with the new entry-level models in the BMW 1 Series.
The new BMW 116d is entering the market in spring 2009 as BMW's entry-level diesel available with both five and three doors. The drive unit – a further variant of BMW's four-cylinder diesel with turbocharging and common-rail direct fuel injection lauded everywhere for outstanding efficiency – develops 85 kW/115 hp and offers peak torque of 260 Newton-metres/192 lb-ft.
With average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 4.4 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 64.2 mpg imp) and a CO2 emission rating of 118 grams per kilometre, the BMW 116d comes right at the top on the list of BMW's particularly fuel-efficient, low-emission models.
The entry-level petrol model, the BMW 116i likewise available with both five and three doors, also offers an even better balance of sporting performance and efficient fuel economy. The 90 kW/122 hp four-cylinder power unit with direct gasoline injection (High Precision Injection) featured in the BMW 116i now displaces 2.0 litres and offers an increase in torque by 25 Newton-metres to 185 Newton-metres/136 lb-ft.
Optimisation of this kind clearly enhances the performance of the BMW 116i, the five-door model accelerating to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds (three-door: 9.8 seconds) and reaching a top speed of 204 km/h or 126 mph. Fuel consumption nevertheless remains remarkably low at 6.2 litres/100 kilometres or 45.6 mpg imp in the EU test cycle, as does the car's CO2 emission rating of 143 grams per kilometre. As a result, the BMW 116i now also complies with the EU5 emission standard.
Three other engine variants of the BMW 1 Series – the BMW 123d, the BMW 120i, and the BMW 118i – now also meet the EU5 emission standard, the 150 kW/204 hp four-cylinder diesel with Variable Twin Turbo Technology available in the five-door, three-door, coupe and convertible versions of the BMW 1 Series again proving its outstanding strengths versus the competition. Offering the most powerful diesel engine and three four-cylinder petrol engines, BMW has no less than 19 models with EU5 in the 1 Series alone.
Pointing into the future: BMW ActiveHybrid and BMW BluePerformance.
Yet another version of BMW EfficientDynamics, featured this time in the BMW 7 Series, will be reaching production standard this year: At the Geneva Motor Show BMW is proudly presenting the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid shown to the public for the first time a few months ago – a breakthrough in technology combining an eight-cylinder petrol engine with a 15 kW/20 hp electric motor and a lithium-ion battery.
Integrating hybrid components, this unique vehicle with its ultra-modern drivetrain technology offers yet a further improvement of driving dynamics in that typical BMW style, combined with a reduction of fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 15 per cent in the EU test cycle versus the "basic" model with its conventional combustion engine.
Entering the year 2009, BMW is also increasing its worldwide leadership in the development of particularly clean, low-emission diesel engines. The new BMW 330d with optional BMW Blue Performance technology was already launched in autumn 2008 as the first car in its class to fulfil the EU6 emission standard even today thanks to a significant reduction of nitric oxides (NOX).
Innovations for more driving pleasure, comfort, and safety.
At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show BMW is also informing the public on a wide range of innovations further expanding the diversity of BMW's model range and enhancing the appeal of BMW models throughout all series. One outstanding example is the innovative services offered by BMW ConnectedDrive in the interest of extra safety and comfort, also to beadmired at the Geneva Motor Show.
BMW ConnectedDrive offers features truly unique the world over in networking the car with its surroundings. And now the range of functions available from BMW ConnectedDrive is even greater than before, efficient exchange of information making the process of driving a BMW not only more pleasant, but also safer.
A particular highlight in this context is the BMW Enhanced Emergency Call Function which, in the event of a collision, not only sends an alarm to the rescue services, but also gives them data in advance allowing them to appreciate the type and intensity of the collision.
The other new services offered by BMW ConnectedDrive help to promote the carefree and comfortable joy of motoring, innovative networking of the car with its environment giving the customer a significant increase in comfort, infotainment, and safety.
As an example, BMW is the world's first car maker to offer unrestricted use of the internet in the car. Innovative route planning likewise offered by BMW ConnectedDrive provides attractive options in using the navigation system, allowing the driver and passengers to configure particularly attractive tours right from the start on their PC and download the route chosen directly through the BMW Online Portal into the car. And last but not least, the new remote control functions provided by BMW ConnectedDrive offer the possibility, as just one further example, to lock and unlock the car from a BMW Call Center.
The wide range of optional extras and Original BMW Accessories available throughout virtually all model series is likewise being enlarged in spring 2009. The new BMW 7 Series, for example, is available with additional, particularly exclusive paintwork options, light-alloy rims as well as upholstery and trim options from BMW Individual. The BMW 3 Series and 1 Series as well as the BMW X3, in turn, may be retrofitted with two new portable navigation systems, BMW Navigation Portable Plus and BMW Navigation Portable Pro reflecting the high standards of the BMW Group in their design and technology. Using these sophisticated systems, the driver is able to reach his destination safely and reliably also in cars not equipped with a built-in navigation system fitted from the start.
As yet another highlight, the BMW Performance Range presented last year in the BMW 1 Series has been updated and supplemented by further features and highlights in the new BMW 3 Series. Retrofittable options for the drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics and the cockpit available specifically for the new BMW 3 Series Saloon and the new BMW 3 Series Touring, for example, convey know-how gained in motorsport directly to the road.
Yet a further feature available for the first time in spring 2009 is a BMW Performance Power Kit for the top models in the BMW 1 and 3 Series. This unique kit offers an increase in power and torque on the 3.0-litre straight-six with Twin Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection effective under all driving conditions. The kit is therefore a perfect match for the respective models, the BMW 135i Coupe, the BMW 135i Convertible, the BMW 335i Saloon, the BMW 335i Touring, the BMW 335i Coupe, and the BMW 335i Convertible.