Munich / Los Angeles. BMW has a pageant of highlights
in store for the Los Angeles Auto Show 2018, with world premieres for
three new production models plus a Vision Vehicle that blazes a trail
in more ways than one. The international motor show in the US state of
California is hosting the first public reveal of the BMW X7 and
BMW 8 Series Convertible. These two models represent the logical next
step in the Munich-based premium carmaker’s ongoing model offensive in
the luxury segment. Another car making its global debut is the
BMW M340i xDrive Sedan (fuel consumption combined: 7.5 l/100 km;
CO2 emissions combined: 172 g/km*). And the BMW stand at
the Los Angeles Convention Center also provides a glimpse into the
future of personal mobility. The BMW Vision iNext will be introduced
to the public for the first time and give visitors to the show (which
runs from 30 November – 9 December 2018) an enthralling insight into
all-electric, fully connected and highly automated driving.
The BMW Vision iNext marks the dawn of a new era in driving pleasure.
This is the first time the strategic innovation fields of Automated
Driving, Connectivity, Electrification and Services have been fully
integrated in a single vehicle, which lends them visual expression
with its future-focused design (D+ACES). The areas of action the BMW
Group has identified – as part of its NUMBER ONE NEXT strategy –
to ensure the company’s sustained growth also include an increased
presence in the luxury segment. The current offensive in this vehicle
class is clearly evidenced by the BMW X7 and BMW 8 Series Convertible,
which are taking to the stage for the first time at the Los Angeles
Auto Show 2018. Other new models from the brand on display in Los
Angeles include the new BMW X5, new BMW 8 Series Coupe and new BMW Z4.
Setting its sights on the future of driving pleasure: the BMW
Vision iNext.
The BMW Vision iNEXT showcases the
possibilities offered by autonomous mobility in the not too distant
future and demonstrates solutions designed first and foremost to
inject fresh energy, all while taking a clearly human-centric
approach. The production model based on the BMW Vision iNext will
serve as the company’s new technological flagship, with the first
examples rolling off the assembly line at BMW Plant Dingolfing in 2021.
Adopting the dimensions and proportions of a modern BMW Sports
Activity Vehicle (SAV), the BMW Vision iNEXT presents an authoritative
figure. Its pioneering character shines through in its clearly
sculpted forms and surfaces. The car’s front end is dominated by the
large BMW kidney grille at its centre. With no combustion engine to
require cooling, the grille is blanked off and serves as an
“intelligence panel” housing various sensors. Slim headlights provide
a modern take on BMW’s signature four-eyed front-end graphic. The BMW
Vision iNEXT displays the powerful, robust stance of a modern BMW SAV
when viewed from the side, while its functional two-box proportions
and long roofline hint at the ample space inside. Its long wheelbase
and short overhangs, meanwhile, give the car’s outline a dynamic edge.
Two large opposing doors and the absence of B-pillars ensure supreme
ease of access to the car’s interior, which takes the form of a snug
and fashionably furnished “living space” on wheels.
One of the interior’s characteristic features is an unusually
distinct separation between the driver’s area and rear compartment. A
generously sized, continuous seating area gives the rear seats a
relaxing lounge character. The cockpit is composed of digital display
panels, a flat instrument panel and the steering wheel, with the
various elements assuming different states depending on the driving
mode selected. In Boost mode, the steering wheel and displays are
clearly positioned towards the driver. When Ease mode is engaged, the
driver’s immediate environment changes, the steering wheel retracting
slightly and the accelerator pulling away to create a more open sense
of space. The BMW Vision iNext therefore provides an answer to the
question: “What does a vehicle look like that no longer needs to be
driven by a person, but can be if desired?”. The innovative technology
of the other display and control elements is likewise designed to
adapt to the needs of the driver and passengers. In order to preserve
the classy but homely character of the rear compartment, this
technology is integrated out of sight, and only becomes visible and
operable when it is required by the driver or passengers.
A new dimension in luxury: the BMW X7.
The
addition of the BMW X7 to the Bavarian premium carmaker’s model
portfolio opens up a brand new dimension in luxurious driving
pleasure. The newest and also largest representative of the BMW X
family blends lavish presence, functionality and room-comfort with the
agile and supremely assured driving properties customers would expect
from a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). BMW’s new design language brings
the modern elegance characteristic of the brand’s luxury-segment
models to the exterior of the BMW X7, while also giving it a
distinctly self-assured air. Up to three seat-rows or as a six-seater
with comfort seats offer remarkable levels of space, sophisticated
design and exclusive equipment features combine to give the cabin a
truly luxurious feel.
The line-up of engines for the brand’s first luxury SAV comprises a
petrol V8 (not available in Europe), a six-cylinder in-line petrol
unit and a pair of six-cylinder in-line diesels. All engines team up
with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and the BMW xDrive
intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The BMW X7 comes equipped as
standard with two-axle air suspension and Adaptive suspension with
electronically controlled dampers. Depending on the engine variant,
customers also have the option of an M Sport differential and an
Off-Road package, not to mention the Executive Drive Pro chassis
system with active roll stabilisation. The BMW X7 sticks to the
formula of off-road ability combined with impressive driving comfort
and agile road handling for which its SAV models are renowned,
courtesy of advanced powertrain and chassis technology.
The progressive luxury epitomised by the BMW X7 is further underlined
by the broad spread of cutting-edge driver assistance systems on
offer. The Driving Assistant Professional package (including the
Steering and lane control assistant) and the Parking Assistant with
Reversing Assistant most vividly embody the latest advances towards
automated driving. Also to be found on the list of standard equipment
is the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, comprising a fully digital
instrument cluster and Control Display each with a screen diagonal of
12.3 inches. Plus, the new BMW Operating System 7.0 enables optimised
multimodal operation using the iDrive Controller, the touchscreen
display, the steering wheel buttons, or voice and gesture control.
Dynamism, luxury, pure open-air pleasure: the BMW 8 Series
Convertible.
The second new luxury-segment arrival on
show in Los Angeles adds a new breed of vehicle to the BMW line-up –
one that allows the brand’s renowned sporting prowess to be
experienced in a luxury open-top four-seater for the first time. The
BMW 8 Series Convertible fuses exhilarating driving qualities with a
design of matchless elegance and a superbly exclusive setting in which
to experience driving pleasure and the delights of open-top motoring
at their finest.
Dynamically stretched lines and a classical soft-top roof set the
tone for the distinctive appearance of the BMW 8 Series Convertible.
The electrically powered roof can be opened or closed fully
automatically in 15 seconds, even when moving at speeds of up to
50 km/h (31 mph). When closed, the soft-top emphasises the car’s
low-slung, sporty lines. But with the roof down it is the two-seater’s
elongated elegance that really stands out. Enjoyment of the driving
experience is also assisted by a sophisticated interior design
majoring in high-precision detail. Opening the roof reveals the
seamless harmony of exterior and interior. The instrument panel, door
shoulders, areas around the rear passengers’ shoulders and the
soft-top compartment cover sweep around the four occupants in a
continuous flowing line. The BMW 8 Series Convertible comes as
standard with a rollover protection system and a wind deflector, while
neck warmers incorporated into the front head restraints and a Winter
Comfort package (including a heated steering wheel) are both available
as optional extras.
The BMW 8 Series Convertible will be launched with a choice of petrol
V8 or six-cylinder in-line diesel engine, with power directed to the
road in both cases via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and BMW
xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. The powertrain and chassis
technology developed for the BMW 8 Series range was tested and
fine-tuned on the race track as well as the road. The result is
breathtaking performance combined with supreme poise and excellent
ride comfort. The latest driver assistance systems are also on hand in
the new BMW 8 Series Convertible to further enhance comfort and
safety. The BMW Head-Up Display forms part of standard specification,
as does the BMW Live Cockpit Professional – which comprises a digital
instrument cluster behind the steering wheel with a screen diagonal of
12.3 inches and a 10.25-inch Control Display.
M
aking a sporting statement: the BMW M340i xDrive
Sedan.
Also celebrating its world premiere at the Los
Angeles Auto Show 2018 is the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan, which sets new
sporting standards in the premium mid-size segment. The most
dynamically potent variant of the new sports sedan is powered by a
newly developed six-cylinder in-line engine delivering maximum output
of 275 kW/374 hp and peak torque of 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). This
impressive engine power enjoys dramatic acoustic accompaniment from
the M Sport exhaust system – and combines with an eight-speed
Steptronic Sport transmission, M-specific chassis technology and
intelligent all-wheel drive with a rear-biased set-up to create an
outstanding performance profile. The BMW M340i xDrive Sedan completes
the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 4.4 seconds.
As well as lowering the ride height by ten millimetres, the M Sport
suspension included as standard on the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan adds new
lift-related dampers, while customers can also specify the optional
Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. Variable
sport steering is part of both variants. Standard specification for
the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan also features the M Sport differential
(with electronically controlled locking function for the rear
differential) and M Sport brakes.
A number of design and equipment features specific to this model
convey the superior performance abilities of the BMW M340i xDrive
Sedan. The large cooling air intakes in the front apron, mesh-design
BMW kidney grille and body-coloured rear spoiler, plus a Cerium Grey
metallic finish for the exterior mirror caps, air intake bars, the
fronts of the BMW kidney grille slats, the grille surround, the
exhaust tailpipes and the model badge all help to create this
exclusive look.
The range of optional extras available for all variants of the new
BMW 3 Series Sedan offers further scope for both customising the car
and enhancing comfort. As well as a wide choice of driver assistance
systems, customers can also choose from the most recent innovations in
the field of intelligent connectivity. The optional BMW Live Cockpit
Professional, for instance, brings the BMW Intelligent Personal
Assistant into play. This digital companion – also due to be rolled
out across BMW’s other new models – can be activated with the voice
prompt “Hey BMW” and helps the driver to use various vehicle
functions. What’s more, it will acquire new capabilities all the time
thanks to updates transmitted seamlessly via the Remote Software
Upgrade function.
* The fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power
consumption figures were determined according to the European
Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable. The figures refer
to a vehicle with basic configuration in Germany. The range shown
considers the different sizes of the selected wheels/tyres and the
selected items of optional equipment, and may vary during configuration.
The values are based on the new WLTP test cycle and are translated
back into NEDC-equivalent values in order to ensure comparability
between the vehicles. With respect to these vehicles, for
vehicle-related taxes or other duties based (at least inter alia) on
CO2 emissions, the CO2 values may differ from
the values stated here (depending on national legislation).
Further information on official fuel consumption figures and specific
CO2 emission values of new passenger cars is included in
the following guideline: ‘Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch, die
CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer
Personenkraftwagen’ (Guide to the fuel economy, CO2
emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which
can be obtained free of charge from all dealerships, from Deutsche
Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760
Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.