Munich. In today’s automobiles, the wheels and their
aerodynamic flow influence the overall vehicle efficiency by up to
30%. That is why a further developed technology of the BMW Aerodynamic
Wheel is making its debut together with the BMW iX3, whose market
launch is planned for 2020: The new combination of aluminum base wheel
and individually designed inserts complements the efficient basic
alignment of the BMW Group’s first purely electric Sport Activity
Vehicle (SAV) effectively.
While reducing drag for about 5% compared to a conventionally powered
BMW X3 the new Aerodynamic Wheels are not only more efficient but also
lighter than previous ones: Thanks to optimum airflow around the wheel
arches, the wheels are 15% lighter than the aerodynamic wheels
previously fitted by BMW.
Their benefits in terms of aerodynamics
and weight have the overall effect of lowering power consumption for
the BMW iX3 by another 2% in the European WLTP test cycle – equating
to 0.4 kWh/100 km – and thereby extending the vehicle range by 10
kilometres. The wheels’ appearance can be varied in numerous different
ways, enabling a vast variety of possibilities for the design of
wheels on future models. The new Aerodynamic Wheels will also feature
on the BMW iNext and BMW i4, which are going to be introduced in 2021.
___________________
The Aerodynamic Wheels on the BMW iX3 blend lightweight
construction and reduced air resistance with the sporting elegance of
a V‑spoke aluminium wheel in a whole new way. The dimensions of the
base wheel ensure the wheel living up to all the structural challenges
involved in transmitting dynamic driving forces. Inserts with a
high-class finish are responsible for achieving the necessary
aerodynamic impact. This new division of tasks heralds a substantial
weight saving over previous aerodynamic wheels from
BMW.
Furthermore, the new base wheel is made using less material
than its precursor adding up to the reduction of unsprung mass by
lightweight inserts. This enhances both, driving dynamics and
efficiency. Additionally, the mix of materials is benefitting a
resource-efficient manufacture, as there is no need for further tools
to produce special wheel options with optimised aerodynamics.
To
fit the lightweight base wheel, the inserts are precision-moulded and
integrated into the outside of the wheel between the spokes. Thus,
they are highly effective in reducing wheel-arch air turbulence – and
therefore aerodynamic drag. As a result, the Aerodynamic Wheels form a
key element of the overall package developed for optimum efficiency of
the BMW iX3.
Design variants enable maximum individualisation.
The BMW Group is the first automobile manufacturer to combine cast
aluminum wheels with inserts consisting of a plastic carrier and an
aluminum visible surface.
The high-quality material used for the inserts and their precise
integration into the wheel design with no visible gaps reinforce the
premium character of the rims. The patented process for optimising
aerodynamic properties while minimising weight opens an unprecedented
scope for vehicle customisation.
The Aerodynamic Wheels can be
painted in different colours while the customer can also choose
between matt or polished finish, just as known from conventional
wheels. All versions of the base wheel can be fitted with inserts
whose appearance can vary in endless ways according to the sheen,
polish and pattern specified. This means that, for example colour
accents from the body design can be incorporated into the inserts’
styling. Furthermore, inserts can also be combined with different
surface designs within a single wheel. The end result is a multitude
of aerodynamically optimised wheel possibilities, each with a design
that matches the vehicle’s character, the equipment line selected and
the customer’s individual preferences.