[Actualité] Groupe BMW

BMW is showcasing two world and two US premieres at this year’s New York International Auto Show (NYIAS),
thereby underlining the high prominence of this event, which is being staged for the 114th time on 18-27 April 2014.
Not only does the New York show date back longer than any other motor exhibition in North America, it is also the
car show that attracts the greatest public interest in the USA, with around one million visitors every year.

New York marks the world premiere of both the new BMW X4 (fuel consumption combined: 8.3–5.0 l/100 km;
CO emissions combined: 193–131 g/km), the BMW M4 Convertible (fuel consumption combined: 9.1–8.7 l/100 km;
CO2 emissions combined: 213–203 g/km.
These are joined by a trio of models making their US debut: the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
(fuel consumption combined: 8.1–4.5 l/100 km [34.9–62.8 mpg imp]; CO 2 emissions combined: 189–119 g/km),
the new BMW X3 (fuel consumption combined: 8.3–4.7 l/100 km; CO 2 emissions combined: 193–124 g/km) and
an innovation-packed concept study in the form of the BMW Concept X5 eDrive.

Celebrating their Asian premiere at Auto China in Beijing are the new BMW X4, the first Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) in the premium mid-size range;
the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, a totally new compact-class vehicle majoring on  functionality of space;
and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, a new four-door Coupe in the mid-size segment.

Likewise marking their Asian premiere are the new BMW M3 Sedan and the BMW M4 Coupe.

The BMW 7 Series Horse Edition sets some stylish accents in the Chinese Year of the Horse.

Making their first appearance in China are the BMW i production models: the innovative BMW i3 and the
progressive BMW i8 sports car .

With these vehicles, the BMW Group is highlighting its future focus and the versatile range of BMW i on the Chinese
market as well.

BMW Group a vendu 212.908 unités BMW, MINI et Rolls-Royce en mars,
ce qui constitue un résultat mensuel historique pour la société.
Il s’agit d’une augmentation significative de 11,3% par rapport au précédent record
mensuel enregistré en mars de l’année dernière (191.269 unités).
Le premier trimestre de l’exercice a également donné lieu à un nouveau record,
avec un total de 487.024 unités livrées au cours des trois premiers mois de 2014
(exercice précédent : 448.200, +8,7%).

BMW Vision Future Luxury: modern luxury driven by design and innovation.
The BMW Vision Future Luxury epitomises the notion of modern luxury for the BMW brand.
It stands for a forward-looking fusion of exclusivity and innovation, for a driving experience
that is at once emotional and exclusive. All this is conveyed through the outstanding exterior
and interior design of the BMW Vision Future Luxury along with its innovative technology,
intelligent lightweight engineering and advanced user interface. The precise design of the
BMW Vision Future Luxury allows its cutting-edge features – such as BMW Laserlights and
organic LEDs (OLEDs), seamlessly integrated BMW ConnectedDrive functions, innovative
aerodynamics and sophisticated lightweight engineering – to be experienced at an emotional level.


BMW X4: a powerful presence.

The BMW X4 marks the introduction of a new vehicle segment in the premium mid-range that combines hallmark
features of the BMW X models with the sporting elegance of a classical coupe and room for five people.
The new BMW X4 accentuates its dynamic character with large air intakes in the front apron, a coupe-like sloping roofline,
muscular rear wheel arches and a rear end featuring diffuser-look styling.
Standard equipment includes xDrive all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, variable sport steering,
Performance Control and a sports leather steering wheel with shift paddles.


BMW 2 Series Active Tourer: dynamics and functionality of space.
The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer ushers in a whole new class of car, combining comfort and functionality of
space with the hallmark BMW strengths of dynamism, style and elegance in the premium compact class.
The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer follows in the tyre tracks of the Coupe as the second member of the new BMW
2 Series line-up and impresses from every angle with its sporty presence and harmonious proportions.
New turbocharged engines with three and four cylinders, an extensive package of BMW EfficientDynamics technology
and wide-reaching connectivity courtesy of BMW ConnectedDrive illustrate a driving experience defined by sports performance
and exemplary efficiency. In order to meet the particular requirements of the compact class in terms of variability and functionality,
BMW has given the 2 Series Active Tourer a cutting-edge front-wheel-drive set-up. And it has honed its responses to fully satisfy
the dynamic expectations of a model wearing the BMW badge.


BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe: a new yardstick for elegance and extravagance.
With its premium mid-size four-door Coupe, BMW demonstrates its commitment to expanding its model range.
Following the BMW 4 Series Coupe  and Convertible, the Gran Coupe is the third member of the new BMW 4 Series family and –
with its well-balanced proportions – is longer, wider and more dynamic than any mid-size model series before it.
The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe merges the stylistic qualities of the two-door Coupe with the functionality of four doors and generous
levels of space behind the high-opening tailgate.


BMW 2 Series Coupe: a new dimension in dynamics.
The BMW 2 Series Coupe can be distinguished from the BMW 1 Series line-up by its standalone design, significantly larger dimensions,
an engine range and suspension set-up geared squarely to sports performance, and more extensive standard equipment.
The four-seater BMW 2 Series Coupe, with its two-door body, brings hallmark elements of BMW Coupes to the compact segment.
Sophisticated suspension technology, virtually 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive ensure the presence of signature
BMW handling properties.

BMW M3 Sedan, BMW M4 Coupe: innovative engine technology and a commitment to lightweight design.
With the new BMW M3 Sedan and the new BMW M4 Coupe, BMW M GmbH showcases its new take on the high-performance sports car.
The all-new, high-revving, six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology delivers maximum output of 317 kW (431 hp)
and peak torque of 550 Newton metres (406 lb-ft), the latter figure exceeding that of the previous BMW M3 by almost 40 per cent.
Fuel consumption and emissions have been cut by around 25 per cent. Both the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe
(with optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission) cover the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds.


BMW 7 Series Horse Edition: Exclusive, luxurious, distinctive.
The luxurious and dynamic BMW 7 Series Horse Edition makes its appearance on the Chinese market in the newly welcomed
Year of the Horse. The long-wheelbase version of this luxury Sedan comes with exclusive BMW Individual paint finishes and
sporty M equipment packages augmented by high-class interior details.


BMW i market launch in China: electric motoring courtesy of the BMW i3 and BMW i8.
With the joint presentation of its first volume-produced vehicle powered purely by an electric drive system and a sports car
currently holding the status of the world’s most progressive, the BMW i brand is highlighting the broad spread of its future-oriented
vehicle concepts. The two models represent a new, strongly sustainability-focused interpretation of the premium experience.
The electric motors and lithium-ion high-voltage batteries of the two models were developed by the BMW Group in model-specific versions.
Another special ingredient conceived exclusively for BMW i is the LifeDrive architecture with passenger cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced
plastic (CFRP), which plays a major role in minimising the weight of the cars.
And a world first in a series-produced car comes in the form of the optional laser headlights available for the BMW i8.
Developed by BMW, they offer three times the intensity and twice the high-beam range of conventional systems,
as well as extremely low energy consumption.

Munich (DE), 25th April 2014.

BMW Motorsport put on a spectacular show as it launched the programme for the 2014 season in front of employees at
BMW Plant Munich (DE) and fans at BMW Welt. One week ahead of the opening DTM race of the season in Hockenheim,
BMW Motorsport used the event to present all eight BMW M4 DTMs and their drivers to the public. Employees and fans
were also treated to appearances by the BMW Z4 GT3 and the new BMW M235i Racing.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the driving displays, put on by the BMW drivers in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Martin Tomczyk (DE) completed a number of demo laps in the BMW M4 DTM, much to the delight of the fans, while Dirk Werner
demonstrated the power of the BMW Z4 GT3. Andy Priaulx (GB) and BMW Junior, Alexander Mies (DE), put their foot down in
the BMW M235i Racing.

“It is fantastic to see so many fans at our 2014 BMW Motorsport Launch,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.
“We were delighted by the positive response from the fans when we staged this event for the first time last year.
I got the impression there were even more fans this time than there were last year. That pleases us greatly, as the fans
are a key part of our motorsport activities.”

The programme kicked off in the morning at the BMW plant, where thousands of BMW employees enjoyed the opportunity
to meet the BMW racing cars and their drivers in person. The BMW M4 DTM, BMW Z4 GT3, BMW M235i Racing and the
BMW M4 Coupé DTM Safety Car completed their first laps of the day in the grounds of the plant.

“It was important to put on a very special show for our employees at the BMW plant, and to basically transform the grounds
into a racetrack,” said Marquardt. “It is the work they put in every day that lays the foundations for all our BMW Motorsport
activities. That applies in particular to the BMW M4 DTM, the production version of which is built at the main plant in Munich.
You can see that motorsport is definitely a joint project within BMW.”

BMW Plant Manager, Hermann Bohrer, agreed: “As members of the BMW family, our employees obviously follow the performances
of our racing cars on the circuits of the world with great interest. We are all very proud when the racing versions of the cars we
built are successful on the motorsport scene. After all, it is also confirmation of our fine work in laying the foundations for these cars.
Therefore, we wish all the drivers and teams all the best for the coming months, which promise to be very exciting.”

From the BMW plant, the BMW racing cars and drivers took to the public roads as they headed to BMW Welt, where fans were waiting
excitedly. After more spectacular demo laps in front of BMW Welt, they moved inside for the remainder of the show, the highlight of
which was the presentation of the eight BMW M4 DTMs and their drivers. Afterwards, all eight drivers were on hand to sign autographs
and pose for photos with their fans.

“Being this close to the fans is always a real highlight for me as a racing driver,” said Martin Tomczyk. “After putting on this fantastic
show with the BMW M4 DTM in action, and seeing the fans’ eyes light up, my excitement level ahead of the start of the season has
gone through the roof.”

For BMW newcomer António Félix da Costa (PT), this was the first public launch in BMW Welt – and he was impressed with the
atmosphere. “That was the first time I have experienced at first hand just how many fans BMW Motorsport and the DTM have,”
said the Portuguese driver. “That kind of euphoric response to the cars and us drivers is a fantastic source of motivation to give
everything to ensure BMW Motorsport is successful out on the track – starting next weekend.”