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Press Release

M Performance Parts for your BMW X5

Want to add some style to your BMW X5?  BMW is releasing a full set of M Performance Parts to help personalize your vehicle.  Many people think that BMW has diluted that “M” so it now stands for marketing instead of motorsports.   People often forget though that BMW is in the business to sell cars and if they have to make some performance “inspired” parts for all their vehicles to sell some more cars… so be it.  Development of the full range of M Performance Parts has always drawn on the extensive motor racing expertise of BMW M GmbH. All components are perfectly matched – both with each other and with the specific properties of each model. In this way, they not only give the vehicle concerned a more striking, dynamic appearance but also serve a functional purpose. The features have a positive impact on the vehicle’s aerodynamic properties, for instance, or contribute additionally to the intelligent lightweight concept. 

The M Performance exterior components in carbon fibre are especially effective in creating a particularly striking look in the BMW X5 that is clearly inspired by motor racing. They are all characterised by the honeycomb structure that is so typical of carbon fibre reinforced plastic. Finished by hand and sealed with a clear finish, the components are given a final high-gloss polish for an impressive depth effect. For example, the air intake trim element for the standard bumper and the front winglets not only visually enhance the front section, they also highlight the breadth of the SAV model. At the rear, the same applies to the rear winglets and the rear diffuser. 

For the first time ever, BMW M is offering all-terrain tires on the X5. 
For customers who prefer to highlight and make use of the off-road capabilities, there are now 20” M light alloy wheel Star Spoke 748 M with all-terrain tires is now available for the fourth generation of the BMW X5. 
The specific rim design combined with the striking tread design of the all-terrain tire reflects both robustness and stability.  Optional 22-inch tires are also available for customers, that include a set of wheels from the M Performance Parts range. The 22″ M Performance light alloy wheel Start Spoke 749 M with rolled rim well (flow forming) is about one kilogram lighter than a comparable wheel of the same size due to the special manufacturing technique used. All in all, the unsprung masses are reduced by approx. four kilograms as a result, which impacts positively on driving dynamics and turn-in response. 

Press Release

The First-Ever 2019 BMW X7 Sports Activity Vehicle

Today, BMW launches the first-ever BMW X7, the pinnacle of BMW’s X Sport Activity Vehicle lineup. The BMW X7 builds on the class-leading comfort, handling, safety and technology of all the previous BMW X Sport Activity Vehicle model lines that have been produced at Plant Spartanburg since 1999.

The 2019 BMW X7 offers standard three-row seating for 7 with optional Second-row Captain’s Chairs offering a more exclusive seating arrangement for 6. Standard two-axle air suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels and advanced driver assistance systems ensure that the new BMW X7 lives up to expectations of style, driver engagement, passenger comfort and all-weather and all-terrain capability.

The expansive exterior dimensions of the BMW X7 take luxury to a new level. At 203.3 inches in length, 78.7 inches wide and 71.1 inches tall, and with a wheelbase of 122.2 inches, the X7 displays harmonious proportions and establishes itself as the new head of the BMW X model family. A new use of forms, dominated by clearly structured surfaces and precise lines, lends the BMW X7 its modern aura. The largest kidney grill ever designed for a BMW model features very prominently at the front of the new BMW X7. Together with the slim twin headlights extending up to the grill, it emphasizes the width of the car and creates a presence. When viewed from the side, the large windows and long, flowing roofline of the new BMW X7 hint at a spacious interior bathed in light. The rear doors are longer than the front doors, emphasizing the spaciousness of the SAV’s rear compartment and easing entry and exit for second and third-row seat occupants. Clearly structured surfaces and the eye-catching character line rising up to the rear are hallmarks of the brand’s new design language. The versatile functionality of the new BMW X7 is highlighted by its 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The new 2019 BMW X7 launches with a choice of two updated gasoline engines. Heading up the range is the BMW X7 xDrive50i, with an extensively updated 4.4-liter V8 engine.  A 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, found under the hood of the new BMW X7 xDrive40i rounds out the model line-up. All engines channel their power through an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is on hand to ensure that power is transferred into secure progress – on or off road.

The eight-cylinder engine in the BMW X7 xDrive50i serves up an intoxicating blend of power delivery and signature V8 soundtrack. The two turbochargers’ positioning in the “V” between the banks of cylinders is just one of the standout features of the 4.4-liter unit. Newly designed heat plates ensure very effective thermal shielding for the crankcase and cylinder head. A new ignition system allows the engine to be restarted even more smoothly and swiftly when the Auto Start Stop function is activated. The new engine’s peak torque of 479 lb-ft is available over a broad rev range from 1,500 to 4,750 rpm, while its maximum output of 456 hp is on tap between 5,250 and 6,000 rpm. This formidable pulling power is available early and doesn’t let up, resulting in a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.2 seconds.

The power unit fitted in the new BMW X7 xDrive40i boasts the free-revving ability inherent in all inline six-cylinder engines from BMW, plus a wonderfully eager response. The 3.0-liter engine employs a single twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection technology whose maximum pressure of 5,076 psi ensures the fuel is delivered in extremely precise doses. The straight-six generates its maximum output of 335 hp between 5,500 and 6,500 rpm, while the peak torque 330 lb-ft is available from 1,500 – 5,200 rpm. The new BMW X7 xDrive40i accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.

Both engine variants of the new BMW X7 are linked to an improved version of the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, whose wider ratio spread and new control electronics help to increase the powertrain’s overall efficiency. New torsion dampers reduce rotational forces and converter slip for improved shift comfort.

The list of optional equipment available for the new 2019 BMW X7 is designed to further tailor BMW’s latest premium Sports Activity Vehicle to reflect the personality and requirements of the owner.

  • Remote Engine Start, 22 inch alloy wheels and a factory installed tow hitch, rated for 7,500 lbs. are just some of the notable individual options available for the BMW X7.
  • 5-Zone Automatic Climate Control is available as part of the Cold Weather Package, which also includes Front and Rear Heated Seats and Heated Front Seat Armrests and Steering Wheel.
  • The Premium Package includes Remote Engine Start, Soft-Close automatic doors, rear electric side window shades, Heated and Cooled Cup Holders, Heads-Up Display, Harman Kardon Surround Sound Audio (standard on the X7 xDrive50i) and Gesture Control.
  • The Executive Package for the X7 xDrive50i includes the Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof. Glass Controls and BMW Laserlight headlights.
  • The Panorama Sky Lounge LED Roof, generates a very special and exclusive aura when darkness falls, with LED light spreading evenly across the glass surfaces to illuminate more than 15,000 graphic patterns and generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky. The color scheme of this atmospheric light show can be adapted as desired.

Both X7 models come with Adaptive Full LED lights with Automatic High Beams as standard equipment. BMW Laserlights are available on the X7 xDrive50i with the optional Executive Package, which also includes Panoramic Sly Lounge LED Roof and Glass Controls.


Events, Information

BMW To Unveil World Premiere Concept Car at the Monterey Car Week 2017

After an eighteen year hiatus, the ‘8 Series’ name returns to the BMW portfolio with the BMW Concept 8 Series shown on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this year. The BMW Concept 8 Series serves as a preview of a forthcoming BMW model – the new BMW 8 Series Coupe, slated for launch in 2018.

“The number 8 and cars like the Z8 Roadster and i8 have represented the pinnacle of sports performance and exclusivity at BMW,” explains Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG Harald Krüger. “The forthcoming BMW 8 Series Coupe will demonstrate that razor-sharp dynamics and modern luxury can go hand-in-hand. This will be the next model in the expansion of our luxury-car offering and will raise the benchmark for coupes in the segment. In the process, we will strengthen our claim to leadership in the luxury class.”

The BMW Concept 8 Series reveals much of what is yet to come. “The BMW Concept 8 Series is our take on a full-blooded high-end driving machine,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “It is a luxurious sports car which embodies both unadulterated dynamics and modern luxury like arguably no other. For me, it’s a slice of pure automotive fascination.” The BMW Concept 8 Series makes its North American debut after being first shown at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in late May. The BMW Concept 8 Series will be shown publicly at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering on Friday August 18th and on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday August 20th.

The aforementioned World Premiere BMW Concept vehicle also previews a new model that will come to market in 2018. The World Premiere BMW Concept will have its only North American public showing on the Concept Lawn of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday August 20th.

BMW will again participate in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion this year campaigning two historic cars driven by notable drivers. The famous 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL #25 will, one last time, be driven by former BMW of North America President Ludwig Willisch while the 1972 ALPINA 2002ti will be driven by none other than Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group Head of Design.