BMW eDrive meets BMW xDrive – an innovative combination designed to deliver efficient driving pleasure: The BMW Concept5 X5 eDrive.

The new BMW X5 raises efficiency to another new level in the world of the luxurious Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). BMW is using the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) to present the logical next step towards landmark efficiency in the SAV segment. The BMW Concept X5 eDrive combines the brand of driving pleasure for which the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system is renowned and a luxurious ambience within the variable-use interior with a plug-in hybrid drive concept. Its innovative BMW eDrive technology guarantees the hallmark sporting ability of a BMW, while at the same time opening the door to speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph), a maximum range of 30 kilometres (19 miles) 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 concept study’s BMW eDrive system consists of a four-cylinder combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor which is also the work of the BMW Group. The 70 kW/95 hp motor sources its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. It can be charged from any domestic power socket and has sufficient capacity to enable the car to travel up to 30 kilometres (19 miles) solely on electric power, generating zero local emissions in the process. The high-voltage battery developed for the BMW Concept X5 eDrive is mounted in a particularly crash-safe position underneath the load area, whose capacity remains virtually unchanged as a result. There is a choice of three driving modes, depending on requirements and situation – the intelligent hybrid drive option for an optimum balance between sportiness and efficiency; pure electric and therefore emission-free driving; or Safe Battery mode to maintain the current battery charge.

The groundbreaking character of the BMW Concept X5 eDrive is highlighted by understated but precisely arranged design accents. For example, the kidney grille slats, air intake bars and the inlay in the rear bumper – all in the BMW i Blue colour developed for the BMW i brand – present an appealing contrast to the Silverflake metallic exterior paintwork. The BMW Concept X5 eDrive also comes with specially designed roof rails, a connector for the charging cable that lights up during charging, and 21-inch light-alloy wheels in an exclusive, aerodynamically optimised design.


BMW eDrive in a Sports Activity Vehicle: intelligent hybrid technology delivers outstanding efficiency and characteristic driving pleasure.

Electrification of the powertrain allows BMW to unlock impressive potential for reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The BMW eDrive technology developed by the BMW Group to this end comes in various forms, each tailored precisely to the vehicle concept at hand. The BMW Group’s first purely electrically powered vehicle to go into series production – the BMW i3 – celebrates its world premiere at the IAA 2013. And taking to the stage alongside the i3 will be the BMW Concept X5 eDrive, which follows in the tyre tracks of the BMW Concept Active Tourer unveiled in 2012 as the second plug-in hybrid vehicle to feature BMW eDrive.

BMW eDrive technology hooks up with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive for the first time in the BMW Concept X5 eDrive. The new study vehicle offers superior driving characteristics underpinned by the electronically controlled and fully variable distribution of drive between its front and rear wheels. Regardless of the driving mode selected, the power generated by the electric motor, combustion engine or the two units together is channelled quickly and precisely to the wheels where it can be converted most effectively into propulsion. This allows the BMW Concept X5 eDrive to demonstrate the typical qualities of an SAV – assured traction and optimised stability in all weather and road conditions, coupled with increased agility through dynamically taken corners – in outstandingly efficient fashion. The versatile and sporty driving attributes of the BMW Concept X5 eDrive are complemented by average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres (74.3 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of under 90 grams per kilometre.



The electric motor in the BMW Concept X5 eDrive generates maximum output of 70 kW/95 hp and – thanks to impressive torque available from the word go – demonstrates the instantaneous power delivery that has become a hallmark of electric drive systems. All of which elevates driving pleasure and efficiency to another level. The synchronous electric motor developed by the BMW Group also maintains a steady flow of power into the upper reaches of its load range and keeps weight low. The motor alone can propel the BMW Concept X5 eDrive to a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). As part of the boost function, it can also be used to give the combustion engine a noticeable hit of extra energy during acceleration and during dynamic mid-range sprints. The BMW Concept X5 eDrive can complete the sprint from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 7.0 seconds.


ECO PRO mode and all-electric driving: efficiency on demand.

Like members of the current series-produced BMW line-up, the BMW Concept X5 eDrive also offers ECO PRO mode, which is activated using the Driving Experience Control switch and encourages a particularly efficient driving style. This default mode is engaged when the car is started and offers intelligent hybrid functionality, whereby the energy management system tailors the interplay of combustion engine and electric drive system to most efficient effect. Drivers can also enjoy the services of the hybrid-specific Proactive Driving Assistant, which teams up with the navigation system to incorporate factors such as route profile, speed restrictions and the traffic situation into the driving mode selection.

Drivers can also switch to the all-electric driving mode. With the battery fully charged, the car can cover up to 30 kilometres (19 miles) on electric power alone and therefore with zero local emissions. Another option is the Safe Battery mode, which allows the battery’s energy capacity to be maintained – for example, if the driver wants to cover the final stretch of a longer journey through town on purely electric power.



Everyday usability: flexible charging scenarios and viability.

In order to allow the extra efficiency of its electric powertrain to be utilised as widely as possible, the BMW Concept X5 eDrive is designed as a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Its high-voltage battery can be recharged from any domestic power socket, a Wallbox designed to offer stronger currents or a public charging station. The impressive degree of flexibility drivers can look forward to when choosing a charging point is enhanced by the charging cable stored in the load area below the flat storage compartment. The battery unit is located a level lower still, which means the car’s overall load-carrying capacity is only slightly reduced. The boot offers space for two large suitcases or four 46-inch golf bags, and the SAV’s high level of variability – thanks in part to its 40 : 20 : 40 split/folding rear seat backrest – is retained, as are the generous levels of space and comfort over long journeys that it offers in all five seats.




Intelligent connectivity for greater efficiency.

Innovative functions from BMW ConnectedDrive help drivers to maximise the number of journeys they complete on electric power alone. For example, in the BMW Concept X5 eDrive, the electric range available is shown as a numerical value. The car’s dynamic range display uses intelligent connectivity to keep a constant eye on all the factors affecting range, such as traffic conditions, route profile and driving style.

When the route guidance function is activated, the location of public charging stations is added to the points of interest shown on the navigation map. Drivers can call up stations located along their route or at their destination, and the system also tells them how much charging time is required to fully top up the battery once again.

All information concerning battery charge and electric range can also be viewed on the driver’s Smartphone. A Remote app from BMW ConnectedDrive developed specially to meet the requirements of electric mobility enables owners to control the charging process from their phone. It also allows the vehicle to be pre-programmed while it is connected to an electricity source. For example, the heating and climate control system can be activated remotely to ensure a pleasant temperature inside the car before the driver sets off.

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Labels: BMW Concept

BMW Concept M4 Coupe – the true essence of BMW M.

On 15 August, surrounded by both current and historic BMW models, BMW M tonight offered a first outlook on a high-performance sports car of tomorrow – the BMW Concept M4 Coupe. The car was unveiled at the BMW opening media reception for the iconic annual Pebble Beach/Monterey automobile weekend.

 “The BMW Concept M4 Coupe reflects the BMW M philosophy in ideal form: It combines motor racing genes and unrestricted everyday suitability in a highly emotional overall concept. For four generations, the BMW M3 has put motor racing on the road and the BMW Concept M4 Coupe consistently continues to pursue this fundamental idea. The new model designation “M4” refers – like all other BMW M automobiles – to the series on which this concept car is based,” explains Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, President BMW M Division.


THE DESIGN OF THE NEW BMW CONCEPT M4 COUPE. 

TheBMW Concept M4 Coupe, finished in the colour “Aurum Dust” exclusively developed for this model, continues with BMW M’s design language – strong in character, emotional and extremely dynamic. From every perspective it is the embodiment of agility, dynamism and superior performance. Large air inlets in the dynamic front, a swift design language in the side and a sporty, low rear give clear visual indication of the car’s tremendous dynamic potential. CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastics) elements such as the front splitter, the roof, or the rear diffuser underline the optimized lightweight concept down to the smallest detail.

 “At BMW M, design is above all an expression of function. Each design element is based on the underlying technical demands of the BMW M high performance concept. Thanks to this authenticity, the design provides a taste of what can be experienced with each model: Power, precise control and superior handling – an unforgettable driving experience on the racetrack as well as on the road” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.


THE FRONT END. 

Faceted surfaces, precise contours and distinctive visual depth shape the powerfully expressive front end of the BMW Concept M4 Coupe. The classic “BMW face” with its double kidney and a modern interpretation of the twin round headlamps featuring LED technology provides the car with a distinctive identity, making it recognizable as a BMW M automobile at very first glance.  The bonnet with its characteristic power dome symbolises the immense power of the engine that lies beneath it. This dynamic element is further emphasized by a distinctive contour. A further striking feature on the front of the new BMW Concept M4 Coupe is the BMW M double bar kidney grille: The black kidney grille bars imitate the characteristic M double spoke design of the BMW M wheels, the M4 emblem on the kidney grille adding an exclusive accent to the front end

The powerfully shaped front apron sporting the carbon fibre front splitter immediately catches the eye. The three large air intakes supply the high performance power unit with sufficient cooling air. At the same time, the interplay of surfaces, contours and volume authentically express the car’s supreme potential. The sharply outlined vertical air vents located in the outer section of the side air intakes, the so-called Air Curtain is a design statement of its own. Together with the Air Breather, this feature ensures the aerodynamic closure of the wheel arches and consequently, improved air flow and fuel consumption.


THE SIDE.

Viewed from the side, the dynamic impression conveyed by the front end continues. A streamlined, flat silhouette and an athletic body design characterize the BMW Concept M4 Coupe. Typical BMW proportions – a long bonnet, long wheelbase, set-back greenhouse and a short front overhang – create an exceptionally dynamic appearance even when the car is at a standstill.

Muscular wheel arches and the powerfully expressive surface language reveal the BMW Concept M4 Coupe’s supreme performance capabilities at very first glance.

The flowing roofline enhances the BMW Concept M4 Coupe’s sporty design with elegant finesse. As a visible high-tech lightweight element, the contoured CFRP roof characterizes the BMW Concept M4 Coupe’s technically innovative design. The CFRP roof reduces weight and ensures a lower centre of gravity, thus facilitating an even sportier driving experience.  Here, form and functionality are optimally combined in typical BMW M fashion.

 The coupe-like roofline flows into the muscularly designed rear end, which then adopts the contour of the roof.  A rear spoiler lip is integrated into the trunk lid for optimum downforce. Thanks to this feature, the BMW Concept M4 Coupe not only has better downforce values, but when viewed from the side, also gains in volume and length, in athletic presence. Below it, the boldly shaped, muscular sill emphasizes the car’s sportive stance on the road.

A conspicuous detail on the car’s side panels is the redesigned M gill. This characteristic M design element constitutes a both sporty and functional statement. On the Concept M4 Coupe, the M gills incorporate the Air Breather, which together with the Air Curtain within the front apron serves to ventilate the wheel arches and facilitate better airflow values. Exclusively designed, bicoloured 20” M light alloys boasting the typical M double spoke design complete the sportive design of the car’s sides. The five filigree double-spokes rims with polished outer surfaces reveal M Carbon ceramic brakes.


THE REAR. 

The muscular rear end of the BMW Concept M4 Coupe gives visual indication of the car’s supreme power. The entire tail section boasts a sculptural and broad appearance.  The large shaded areas beneath the spoiler give the rear end an even flatter and athletic appearance. At the same time, the flat taillights located far to the outside, the wide track and the powerfully flared wheel arches underscore the car’s stable stance on the road. Horizontal lines accentuate the car’s width, lowering the visual centre of gravity even further. 

Within the tail section of the BMW Concept M4 Coupe, the design feature of the front apron comprising faceted surfaces is formally replicated and continued further. The interplay of surfaces and precise contours around the optical air vents further accentuates the rear end’s dynamic design. Twin tailpipes are a characteristic M feature on the rear end. The two pairs of carbon fibre tailpipes are encompassed by the sculptural rear apron. A carbon fibre rear diffuser completes the overall aerodynamics package.


The BMW M GmbH.

The BMW M GmbH is a one hundred percent subsidiary of the BMW AG. With products and services in the five business areas BMW M Automobiles, BMW M Performance Automobiles, BMW Individual, M Sport Packages and Options, BMW Group Driving Experience as well as security, emergency and special purpose vehicles, it addresses customers with particularly high demands on the performance, exclusivity and individuality of their automobile. The Munich-based company was founded in 1972 as the BMW Motorsport GmbH. Since then, the letter M has been internationally synonymous with success in motor sports and with the fascination of high-performance sports cars for use in everyday road traffic. The BMW M GmbH possesses the status of an independently operating automobile manufacturer. In the business year 2012, the BMW M GmbH achieved worldwide sales of just under 27,000 vehicles.

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Specialist Cars and Harpenden Rugby Club. A Star Line Up.

BMW UK and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) announced a ground breaking four year partnership to help develop the next generation of English rugby talent.

Following this exciting news Specialist Cars and Harpenden Rugby Club have formed a partnership to provide support to local players.

Specialist Cars is a BMW and MINI dealership group with dealerships in Stevenage, Luton and Tring. Specialist Cars as an active sponsor will demonstrate its passion for the sport and supporting the local community.

“Here at Specialist Cars we are very proud to work with Harpenden Rugby Club as a new partnership. We are looking forward to supporting the clubs events throughout the year and support the development of players of our future” Clive Fletcher and Michael Donovan, Owners of Specialist Cars.

To keep up to date with activities with this exciting partnership you can follow both Specialist Cars and Harpenden Rugby Club on our Facebook pages plus visit our websites.

Click here to visit Harpenden Rugby Club Website

Click here to visit Harpenden Rugby Club Facebook Page 

Revolutionary BMW i3 welcomed by UK Government Minister and Mayor of London

The all-new electric BMW i3 was revealed today in London to over 250 representatives from a wide range of European bodies and organisations responsible for shaping the future of sustainable urban mobility and creating the framework conditions for the take-up of electric vehicles. Guest of honour, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin MP, reinforced the commitment of the UK Government to support industry in its efforts to develop and deploy a growing range of innovative low-carbon vehicles and mobility services that will help to decarbonise the transport sector and make urban mobility increasingly sustainable.

Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management, Sales and Marketing BMW, unveiled the BMW i3 to an audience that included government policy officials, representatives from London borough councils, energy companies and infrastructure providers, financial analysts, investment advisors and non-governmental organisations. Participants from France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden were among the attendees at an international event that explored the important contributions being made by car manufacturers, policy-makers, academic institutions and many other organisations to accelerate the transition to a low carbon future.

Robertson said: ‘The BMW i3 heralds the dawn of a new era for individual mobility and for the BMW Group. True to a genuine BMW, the BMW i3 has strong emotional appeal, outstanding product substance and a guarantee of sheer driving pleasure. Working together with governments, city mayors and other key partners, we are confident that this exciting new solution for urban mobility will provide customers with an attractive offer for electromobility and successfully address the environmental challenges facing a growing number of megacities around the world.’

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: ‘It is fantastic to see a great brand like BMW introducing such a striking electric vehicle to the mainstream market. This shows that, like Government, industry is serious about this technology. We have just announced an extra £500m to drive the growing market for ultra-low emission vehicles. That announcement underscores our ambitions for this sector and will help to create a stable and buoyant industry to support it.  This is some of the most long-sighted and comprehensive support for these vehicles anywhere in the world and will put Britain in the vanguard of this growing market.’

London is leading the way in electric car use in the UK. With funding from the UK Government, in 2011, the Mayor of London launched ‘Source London’, the UK’s first city-wide electric vehicle charging point network and membership scheme, as part of his on-going commitment to increase electric car use in the capital in order to improve air quality and reduce carbon.  He also has plans to introduce the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone in central London from 2020 which would see dramatic benefits in air quality and provide a major spur for the further development and mass take-up of zero and low emission vehicles in the capital. 

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “We have to get the conditions right to ensure motorists can comfortably take up the option of electric vehicle motoring and this latest innovation should help to make zero-emission vehicles a more common choice for consumers. In the capital we’ve also introduced Source London, a city-wide public charging network, to make the transition to electric even easier, helping to drive down pollution and improve quality of life.”

A panel discussion involving experts from five different European countries looked at the effectiveness of tax incentives, the growing charging infrastructure network, the introduction of innovative car-sharing schemes and the use of renewable energy to power electric vehicles as key factors in determining the future success of electromobility.

The all-new BMW i3 will be delivered to UK customers in November 2013. It is the world’s first premium electric vehicle designed from the ground up to be powered by an electric drive system. It is also a world first by virtue of bringing together visionary design, pioneering technology and an innovative vehicle concept that includes a passenger cell made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

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Labels: BMW i3