BMW Group is announcing a series of BMW updates as the world waits for the launch of the all electric BMW iX and BMW i4. The sales launch of those two will begin in November 2021 marks the beginning of a new era for the brand. In addition to being fully electric, the two new models also offer new versions BMW’s driver assistance systems and, with the new generation of the BMW iDrive operating system, represent the future of what we’ll see across the rest of the range.
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The model range of the new BMW 4 Series Convertible will be expanded by three new drive variants from November 2021. In future, an 8-speed Steptronic transmission will be standard equipment for one additional model variant each of the BMW X1 and the BMW X2. New paint finishes are available for the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, BMW X2, BMW X3 and BMW X4 models. The functional scope of the My BMW App is complemented by further digital services. The BMW i brand is not only setting trends with its two new models. The pioneer of all-electric premium mobility, the BMW i3, will be offered in a limited Unique Forever Edition from November 2021. And in the BMW iX3, a predictive battery heat management system will optimise the way in which DC fast charging stations will be used in the future.
BMW 4 Series Convertible: Two additional BMW M automobiles and a further all-wheel drive model.
The combination of sporty performance and open-air pleasure in a BMW 4 Series model will be enriched even further in autumn 2021. In the new BMW M 440i Convertible (combined fuel consumption: 8.3 – 7.7 l/100 km according to WLTP; combined CO2emissions: 190 – 175 g/km according to WLTP), a 275 kW/374 hp inline 6-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology ensures particularly purist driving pleasure by transferring its power to the rear wheels. An 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission and an M sports differential in the final drive also contribute to the thrilling driving dynamics as standard. This is reflected, among other things, by accerlation from 0 – 100 km/h from standstill in 5.2 seconds.
An inline 6-cylinder diesel engine and the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system make the second new BMW M automobile a thrilling open-top drive. With a peak output of 250 kW/340 hp, a maximum torque of 700 Nm and 48-volt mild hybrid technology, the new BMW M440d xDrive Convertible (combined fuel consumption: 6.6 – 6.0 l/100 km according to WLTP; combined CO2 emissions: 172 – 157 g/km according to WLTP) has impressive pulling power. 5.0 seconds are sufficient for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. An 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission and an M sports differential are also standard equipment in this model variant.
In addition, the model range for the open-top four-seater in the premium mid-size segment is expanded to include the new BMW 430i xDrive Convertible (combined fuel consumption: 8.1 – 7.3 l/100 km according to WLTP; combined CO2 emissions: 183 – 166 g/km according to WLTP). With its 180 kW/245 hp 4-cylinder petrol engine, an 8-speed Steptronic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive, it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. The 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission and the M sports differential are optionally available for this model.
New paint finishes for numerous model series.
New paint finishes for numerous current BMW models allow for additional customisation opportunities. The Skyscraper Grey metallic variant will be available for the BMW 1 Series, the BMW X2 and the BMW X3 from November 2021. Also new to the range are the BMW Individual paint finishes Frozen Pure Grey metallic for the BMW 1 Series and the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, as well as Aventurine Red metallic for the BMW X3 and the BMW X4.
My BMW App with extended range of functions.
Planning travel routes and transferring them to the car, receiving information about the car’ status and live images from its surroundings, arranging service appointments or receiving news from the brand – the My BMW app makes all this possible on the customer’s smartphone. It serves as a universal interface for communication between car and customer, the BMW brand and the BMW dealer. The range of functions of the My BMW App will be expanded again in autumn 2021. In future, for example, the images transmitted by the Remote 3D View service will be stored in a gallery, including information about the location and time of the shots. The status of the vehicle’s air conditioning and ventilation is now also clearly displayed in the My BMW app.
In addition, the My BMW app now also provides drivers with comprehensive information on the condition of the vehicle’s tyres on their smartphone. This new feature helps to minimise the risk of breakdowns and is available for the BMW 1 Series, BMW 3 Series and BMW 4 Series models, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, the BMW Z4 as well as the BMW X5, BMW X6 and BMW X7. The My BMW app displays the wheel-specific values as measured by the tyre pressure system. In addition, the digital tyre diagnosis, which is unique in the competitive environment, can also transmit information about a defect or wear of the tyres via the My BMW app. In the BMW backend, the data from the tyre pressure control system is processed together with the values for temperature and wheel speeds to create a forecast of the remaining life of the tyres. As a supplement to tyre pressure control, indications of tyre damage are also registered.
Intelligent battery heat management for the BMW iX3.
To ensure the fastest and most efficient power feed at DC fast-charging stations, regardless of operating and outside temperatures, the BMW iX3 (combined power consumption: 19.0 – 18.6 kWh/100 km according to WLTP, 17.8 – 17.5 kWh/100 km according to NEDC) will be equipped with intelligent thermal management for the high-voltage battery as in the BMW i4 / BMW iX from November 2021. As soon as the active route guidance of the navigation system foresees a stopover at a High Power Charging Station, it already ensures that the battery is automatically preconditioned before arrival.
The appropriate heating or cooling ensures that the high-voltage battery is at the ideal temperature for charging at maximum power on arrival. The thermal management takes into account, among other things, the battery temperature, the remaining range, the predicted charging power and the planned scope of the charging process as part of the overall route calculation.
BMW i3 and BMW i3s in the Unique Forever Edition.
From November 2021, the BMW i3 models (combined electricity consumption: 16.3 – 15.3 kWh/100 km according to WLTP, 13.1 kWh/100 km according to NEDC and BMW i3s (combined electricity consumption: 16.6 – 16.3 kWh/100 km according to WLTP, 14.6 – 14.0 kWh/100 km according to NEDC) in the Unique Forever Edition. The naming of the new special edition refers to the unique character of the world’s first premium automobile designed from the outset for purely electric mobility. The BMW i3 represents a holistic understanding of sustainability not only with its drive system, but also with its particularly lightweight passenger cell made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and extensive use of natural and recycled materials in its interior. Eight years after being launched on the market, it is still a globally recognised symbol of locally emission-free urban mobility.
The edition vehicles are characterised by particularly high-grade and exclusive design and equipment features. The two BMW Individual paint finishes, available for the first time for the BMW i3, ensure a stylish appearance. The Aventurine Red metallic variant is combined with an accent in Frozen Grey metallic and the Storm Bay metallic paint finish with an accent in Frozen E-Copper. The interior surfaces of the BMW grille are also finished in the respective accent colour. Other special features include the omission of the trim strip and model lettering on the luggage compartment lid and a black insert for the rear bumper. In the interior of the edition vehicles, the contents of the Suite equipment world – including the Vernasca Dark Truffle leather combination, the leather instrument panel, the fine wood surface in dark matt oak, the leather steering wheel, the Carum grey roof lining and the ambient lighting – are supplemented by specific design elements. The front headrests are embroidered with the words “Unique Forever”, the door trim panels in the area of the exterior mirrors bear the inscription “One of 2,000“.
The Unique Forever Edition models are produced in a limited edition of 2,000 units at the BMW plant in Leipzig. Only electricity generated by the wind turbines on the factory premises is used. 350 of the sustainably manufactured edition vehicles are available for the German market.