1. The new BMW iDrive.
Natural interaction
between driver and vehicle.
The new BMW iDrive represents a rethinking of the entire
operating, information and experience concept for BMW vehicles,
specifically designed for touch and voice control. The new BMW
Curved Display serves as a fully digital display cluster with
modern graphic displays and an intuitive menu structure. The BMW
Intelligent Personal Assistant also has expanded capabilities. The
new My Modes enable an emotionally rich driving experience
combined with a world of digital discovery. The new BMW iDrive
also creates an integrated system for digital products and
services that connect the vehicle with the customer’s everyday
digital life.
Embedded in a puristic interior: The display and operating system.
The high-quality, puristic interior embodies the philosophy of
the new BMW iDrive. Creating a clearly structured system that is
easy and intuitive to use was a priority. This is achieved through
optimal combination of voice and touch control, with functions
available at the push of a button. Digital technologies and
features create a new level of human-centred interaction between
the driver and the vehicle.
In addition to setting new standards for intuitive and convenient
operation, the new BMW iDrive also helps make every drive a
mobility experience, thanks to a wide range of helpful features
and new display concepts.
The following core elements characterise the new generation of
the BMW iDrive display and operating system:
- Up to 50-percent reduction in the number of haptic buttons and
switches, compared to the previous generation based on BMW
Operating System 7. - Operation optimised for voice and touch control.
- “Floating” BMW Curved Display as a fully digital display
cluster. Driver-oriented design and customisable display content. - All displays consistently oriented towards the driver. All
information can be grasped at a glance, without distraction –
ensuring a high level of safety. - My Modes (PERSONAL, SPORT and EFFICIENT), available at the
push of a button; up to ten different control levers can be
adjusted at the same time to create an emotional driving
experience combined with a world of digital discovery. - BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with new capabilities. This
personal voice assistant is always available, attentive and
ready to help. Serves as a digital companion that makes driving
safer and more enjoyable.
Connecting the vehicle to the customer’s digital ecosystem.
The new BMW iDrive system integrates many digital products and
services that intelligently connect the vehicle with the
customer’s everyday digital life.
As our technology flagship, the BMW iX offers the widest range of
innovations in the field of digital services and features:
- BMW Digital Key Plus is now safer and more convenient than
ever, thanks to ultra-wideband (UWB) technology: The car can be
unlocked and started without having to [nl1] your Apple iPhone. - More ways to personalise your vehicle with BMW ID: Personal
settings for seat and steering-wheel position, side mirrors,
navigation, driver assistance functions, display layouts, short
cuts, favourites and infotainment-system settings with
associated key or digital key are immediately available and can
be transferred between compatible BMW vehicles with Operating
System 7 and Operating System 8. - First production vehicle to offer 5G connectivity and personal
eSIM – transforming the car into a fully-connected device like a
smartwatch. Customers benefit from significantly improved
telephone service and high-speed internet through their own
mobile phone plan, as well as a WiFi hotspot for all passengers
(expected to be available by the end of 2021. Availability may
vary, depending on the customer’s market and mobile network operator). - BMW Maps: Cloud-based learning navigation system with
ultra-precise, charging-optimised route guidance for electric
vehicles, including availability of charging stations and range
visualisation, as well as over 120 million points of interest. - BMW Maps integrates navigation guidance with augmented
reality: The live image from the front camera shown in the
control display is enriched with turn-by-turn and lane
navigation, as well as POI information. - Interior camera with features that deliver value for
customers: Did you leave your wallet, mobile phone or other
important items in the car? The My BMW app lets you take a quick
peak inside the vehicle. Push notification via My BMW app sends
a picture from the inside if the vehicle is broken into;
snapshot feature for taking pictures of passengers in special moments. - Seamless integration of third-party apps, such as Spotify and
Alexa. Deep integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into
the overall display cluster. - Greater variety and flexibility for activating functions on
demand over the air: Buy permanently, book for three years, 12
months or even just for a month: BMW iX customers will be able
to choose from a wide range of optional equipment in the areas
of driver assistance, convenience and infotainment. - Remote Software Upgrade has been standard in BMW vehicles
since Operating System 7 was introduced in 2018. New, improved
and expanded functions can be transferred to the vehicle quickly
and conveniently over the air; in June 2021, functions were
transferred to a total of 1.3 million vehicles in this way.
The BMW Group’s new BMW iDrive sets the benchmark for display and
operating systems, vehicle connectivity and comprehensive digital
products and services.
The new BMW iDrive can be experienced in the BMW Group’s
technology flagship, the BMW iX, which will be available soon.
Other models with the new BMW iDrive and BMW Operating System 8
will follow, including the BMW i4.
2.The BMW Concept iX5 Hydrogen Protection
VR6.
World’s first certified security vehicle with
hydrogen fuel cell drive train.
Maximum protection and zero emissions: The BMW Group is unveiling
the first certified security vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel
cell drive train – for pure-electric, locally emission-free
driving. The BMW Concept iX5 Hydrogen Protection VR6 meets the
needs of private individuals and those who require special
protection, while setting new standards for sustainability in its
vehicle segment. With this concept car, the BMW Group underlines
both the importance of hydrogen fuel cell technology for the
locally CO2-free mobility of tomorrow and its ability
to master completely new challenges in the development of safety
vehicles – while still pursuing sustainable solutions.
The BMW Group has a more than 40-year tradition of developing and
building security vehicles with different levels of protection.
The basic vehicle for the new concept is the BMW X5 Protection VR6
[fuel consumption combined: 14.4 l/100 km (WLTP), 12.8 l/100 km
(NEDC); CO2 emissions combined: 329 g/km (WLTP), 295
g/km (NEDC)], the world’s best-selling security vehicle in the
luxury class segment for Sports Activity Vehicles.
With its integrated safety concept, it meets the requirements of
the VR6 resistance class, in accordance with the internationally
recognised official test criteria of the Association of Test
Centres for Attack-Resistant Materials and Structures (VPAM). Its
armoured passenger compartment provides protection against attacks
with firearms or explosive charges. BMW’s hallmark superior
dynamic performance, which facilitates escape from potentially
critical situations, and its discreet appearance are further key
factors in ensuring a particularly high level of safety.
With an armoured passenger compartment featuring moulded parts
made of high-strength steel, protective glass that is around 30
millimetres thick and tight protective sealing of gaps in
sensitive areas, such as doors and the body, as well as an
armoured luggage compartment partition, the vehicle can withstand
fire from the world’s most widely used weapon, the AK-47, and
prevent penetration of splinters from attacks involving HG 85 hand
grenades. The armoured passenger compartment can also withstand
lateral blasts with up to 15 kilograms of TNT equivalent from a
distance of four metres. So-called post-blast protection
technology for the protective glass is particularly effective at
protecting against secondary attacks. Even after a blast, all
windows remain in their construction position, so no openings can
occur between the glass and the body.
The BMW Concept iX5 Hydrogen Protection VR6 implements a holistic
safety concept that combines proven occupant protection with the
special requirements of a sustainable hydrogen fuel cell drive
train. A new vehicle underbody was developed specifically to
protect against hand-grenade attacks. The focus was on shielding
the hydrogen tanks, including their valve systems, by means of a
non-magnetic underbody protection, which weighs as little as
possible and ensures maximum ground clearance. Armouring was
developed for this purpose with an innovative layer structure that
guarantees protection from blasts, while maintaining high bending rigidity.
A blast impact test was conducted under the supervision of the
government test centre for firearms and the deformation of the
underbody protection measured and compared with the results of
previous simulations. Computer tomography was then used to examine
the tanks and underbody protection plate for cracks, delamination,
hidden breaks or any splinters that might have penetrated the
structures. The hydrogen tanks also underwent burst and leakage
tests. Certification took place after a second blast impact test,
which was also conducted under official supervision. This
officially confirms the effectiveness of all aspects of the safety
measures for the model-specific underbody protection, similar to
those in the passenger compartment.
With certification of the safety measures in accordance with
uniform criteria, the BMW Concept iX5 Hydrogen Protection VR6 is
proof that comprehensive safety for people with increased
protection needs is compatible with locally emission-free hydrogen
fuel cell technology. The concept car is therefore the world’s
first locally emission-free security vehicle produced by an OEM
with certification in the VR6 protection class.
3.CUBE Concept DYNAMIC CARGO inspired by BMW and SoFlow
Concept CLEVER COMMUTE inspired by BMW.
New
micromobility concepts for enhanced sustainability in urban traffic.
The CUBE Concept DYNAMIC CARGO inspired by BMW is an electrified
“pick-up trike” combining agility with particularly safe driving
characteristics and flexible usage options. As a re-imagining of
the e-scooter, the SoFlow Concept CLEVER COMMUTE inspired by BMW
is ideal for short trips and for the so-called “last mile”. Both
micromobility concepts have the potential to make urban traffic
more sustainable in an innovative way. As the next step in this
direction, the BMW Group is issuing licences to partner companies
CUBE and SoFlow.
The CUBE Concept DYNAMIC CARGO inspired by BMW: Ideal
combination of driving pleasure, versatility and safety.
The CUBE Concept DYNAMIC CARGO inspired by BMW is an entirely new
way of thinking about cargo bikes for use in city centres. The
innovative design principle combines driving pleasure with high
versatility and maximum safety.
The base of the three-wheeler is formed by the front main frame,
which leans into corners and is connected to the rear end via a
pivoting axle. This pivoting axle connection keeps the rear end
stable, without tilting, even when going round corners. The
vehicle is powered by the two rear wheels using an electrified
drive train that is solely controlled by how hard the rider is
pedalling. This combination of design and drive concept ensures
the vehicle rides like a normal bicycle. In addition to
significantly increasing riding stability in all weather
conditions, compared to two-wheeler concepts, the two non-tilting
wheels of the CUBE Concept DYNAMIC CARGO inspired by BMW are
rigidly mounted on the rear axle, enabling a versatile,
pick-up-like loading platform, which can be fitted with different
attachments to suit requirements.
Another advantage of the non-tilting loading platform concept is
that the rider barely notices any additional weight and all loads
can be transported safely and reliably.
The SoFlow Concept CLEVER COMMUTE inspired by BMW:
Flexible e-scooter for multimodal mobility.
The BMW Group is rethinking the idea of the privately-owned
e-scooter with the SoFlow Concept CLEVER COMMUTE inspired by BMW.
This innovative new concept enables zero-emission multimodal
mobility in urban settings, as well as for the so-called “last
mile”. The concept impresses with its compact size, without
compromising robustness or riding stability. A clever folding
mechanism means the SoFlow Concept CLEVER COMMUTE inspired by BMW
can easily be transported in a car’s luggage compartment or
carried on public transport.
In so-called “public transport mode”, the footboard of the SoFlow
Concept CLEVER COMMUTE inspired by BMW folds up at the sides and
the rear wheel pivots into the resulting opening from below. This
mechanism shortens the wheelbase of the e-scooter substantially,
so it can even be carried on an escalator without difficulty. It
can also be rolled along on both wheels, like a carry-on suitcase.
The front wheel’s integral hub motor provides an electric impulse
that makes it easier to push the e-scooter up ramps in this mode.
The SoFlow Concept CLEVER COMMUTE inspired by BMW can be folded
up to a size that easily fits into a car’s luggage compartment.
Without having to fold down the rear backrest, it can be carried
crossways in a MINI luggage compartment or lengthways in a BMW 3
Series Sedan, for instance. This also means larger vehicles are
able to accommodate several SoFlow Concept CLEVER COMMUTE inspired
by BMW e-scooters at once for family outings.
4.New BMW Group Driving Simulation
Centre.
Most advanced, most versatile facility of
its kind in the automotive industry.
The new BMW Group Driving Simulation Centre is currently being
built on the grounds of the Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ)
north of Munich. With 14 simulators and usability labs covering an
area of 11,400 square metres, it is the most advanced, most
versatile facility of its kind in the automotive industry
worldwide. Construction began in mid-August 2018. Despite massive
worldwide restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the building
was completed on schedule in May 2020. Since then, installation of
the simulators has been in full swing. Commissioning will take
place by the end of the year.
Individual simulators, such as the Vega Vector dynamic simulator,
are already operational and undergoing final testing. This dynamic
simulator uses an LED wall with a 220-degree field of view and
around 13,000,000 LED units.
“This is one of five simulators with an LED wall for visualising
the virtual world. During the planning phase, we studied this LED
technology very closely, enabled it for simulation and are now the
first automotive manufacturer to use it. The LED walls produce a
very bright image that is rich in colour and contrast and
therefore offer significantly better immersion than the usual
projection systems. They also enable realistic night and dazzle
scenarios,” according to Martin Peller, head of the Driving
Simulation Centre.
The two impressive High-Fidelity Simulator Sapphire Space and
High-Dynamic Simulator Diamond Space simulators are already
undergoing final testing.
The real-life driving process is mapped in unique detail in the
High-Fidelity Simulator: Braking and acceleration in corners,
driving around roundabouts or a rapid succession of turns can be
simulated with a high degree of precision on the system’s almost
400-square-metre field of motion. Complex inner-city traffic
situations, which pose a particularly diverse set of challenges
for automated driving systems, can also be recreated under
laboratory conditions for the first time.
The High-Fidelity Simulator Sapphire Space in detail:
- Development focus: Functionality of systems in demanding
situations, such as inner-city driving. - Simultaneous longitudinal, lateral and rotary movements possible.
- Acceleration of up to 0.65 g – almost comparable with the
acceleration of a BMW M3 Sedan (353 kW/480 hp, fuel consumption
combined: 10.2-10.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined:
231-227 g/km WLTP); from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. - Movement area of almost 400 square metres.
- System height of over 10 metres.
- Around 83 tonnes of moving mass.
- Required peak electrical power: up to 6.5 MW.
The new High-Dynamic Simulator is able to generate longitudinal
and lateral acceleration of up to 1.0 g. In testing new systems
and functions, it is used to map highly dynamic evasive
manoeuvres, full braking and intensive acceleration.
The High-Dynamic Simulator Diamond Space in detail:
- Development focus: Functionality of systems in highly dynamic
driving situations. - Highly dynamic longitudinal and lateral acceleration of up to
1.0 g – almost comparable with the acceleration of a BMW iFE.20
in Formula E: from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds. - Slide length of 21 metres.
- System height of over 9 metres.
- Around 23 tonnes of moving mass.
- Required peak electrical power: up to 3.0 MW.
“This allows us to focus on the virtual world in a development
phase that still has about two years to go until the series launch
of a new model and which only used real prototypes in the past. We
are relying on a smart combination of test benches, simulation,
real-vehicle testing and driving simulators,” explains Martin
Wahle, head of Virtualisation and Driving Simulator.
5.BMW Startup Garage recognises innovations to enhance
sustainability.
Live at IAA Mobility 2021: The
Sustainability Challenge final.
Together with young tech companies from all over the world, the
BMW Group is stepping up development of innovative solutions for
enhanced sustainability. The BMW Startup Garage, founded in 2015
as the world’s first venture client unit, plays a key role in
this. Since then, more than 100 young companies have gone through
its programme. The BMW Startup Garage will present its activities
to a broad audience for the first time at the IAA Mobility 2021.
At the IAA Summit on the Munich exhibition grounds from 7-12
September 2021, visitors will be able to learn more about startups
from the venture client programme that are already helping enhance sustainability.
This year, with the Open Call 360° Sustainability Challenge, the
BMW Startup Garage has focused specifically on technologies for
building the sustainable mobility of tomorrow. Young companies
from around the world were invited to submit innovations in the
areas of recyclable materials, sustainable supply chain,
energy-efficient production, mobile intelligence, intelligent
building management, customer-centric mobility and future-oriented
technologies as part of their application to the BMW Group’s
venture client programme. More than 250 startups from almost 50
countries took part in the Open Call 360° Sustainability Challenge.
Six finalists in live pitch event.
Following a multi-stage selection process, a live pitch event
marking the end of the Challenge will be held for finalists at the
BMW Startup Garage Hub at the IAA Summit on 9 September 2021.
During a one-hour show, the startups selected will present their
outstanding technologies for sustainability. The BMW Group will
honour six winners, whose innovations range from energy-saving
technologies for green batteries and cooling systems to
sustainable materials made from recycled or natural resources, to
solutions for material circularity and traceability throughout the
supply chain. The presentation begins at 5:00 p.m. and can be
followed on site at the IAA Summit or via livestream at www.bmwstartupgarage.com/opencall-sustainability .
Long-term collaboration, extensive network.
The BMW Startup Garage shares ideas with more than 1,000 startups
in about 30 countries every year, seeking out innovations that
deliver real benefits for the BMW Group’s products, services,
systems and processes. This secures the company early access to
innovations that can be customised before they are ready to
market. The startups gain valuable insights into the processes of
a premium automotive manufacturer and are able to build a network
within the company. They also receive assistance in refining their
business plan. The aim of the programme is to evaluate and enable
startups as suppliers and long-term partners for the BMW Group.
The BMW Startup Garage is one of four pillars on which the BMW
Group has built its collaboration with startups around the world.
Through its BMW i Ventures unit, the BMW Group invests in
fast-growing technology startups – with a focus on digital vehicle
technologies, autonomous driving and on-demand mobility. Startups
that operate sustainably also receive support from the BMW
Foundation Herbert Quandt. In conjunction with the UnternehmerTUM
platform founded at the Technical University of Munich, the
foundation has launched the accelerator programme RESPOND, which
promotes responsible leadership and sustainable business models.
Since 2016, the startup accelerator URBAN-X launched by MINI has
also focused specifically on urban living. In the meantime, more
than 70 startups from numerous countries have already completed
the URBAN-X programme, with innovations in the areas of mobility,
infrastructure, energy and recycling.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Technology and innovation communication
Christophe Koenig, Spokesperson Automated driving
Phone: +49 151 601 56097, Christophe.Koenig@bmw.de
Dieter Falkensteiner, Spokesperson Vehicle dynamics
Phone: +49 151 601 16992, Dieter.Falkensteiner@bmw.de
Martin Tholund, Spokesperson Digital Car, BMW iDrive
Phone: +49-151-601-77126, Martin.Tholund@bmwgroup.com
Torsten Julich, Spokesperson Digital Car, Connectivity
Phone: +49 151 601 28405, Torsten.Julich@bmw.de
Carolin Seidel, Spokesperson Hydrogen fuel cell technology
Phone: + 49 151 601 90340, Carolin.Seidel@.bmw.de
Julia Jung, Spokesperson BMW Startup Garage
Phone: + 49 151 601 10347, Julia.Jung@bmw.de
Benedikt Torka, Spokesperson BMW Micro Mobility
Phone: + 49 151 601 32455, Benedikt.Torka@bmwgroup.com
Internet: www.press.bmwgroup.com/deutschland
E-mail: presse@bmwgroup.com