BMW i7 Rolls Out of Chennai: India Joins Germany in Luxury EV Manufacturing

BMW has begun local production of its flagship i7 electric sedan at the Chennai plant, making India the only country outside Germany to manufacture the model. The locally built i7 eDrive50 xDrive M Sport is priced at ₹1.95 crore, while the performance‑focused i7 M70 xDrive remains an import at ₹2.65 crore, with deliveries starting October 2026.

With this decision of BMW elevates India from a consumption market to a manufacturing hub for high‑end EVs. In global production footprint, this mirrors BMW’s strategy in Hungary (Debrecen plant producing iX3), now extended to its most luxurious EV.

Notably, BMW faces margin pressures due to cooling demand in China and geopolitical tensions, making localized production in India a hedge against volatility.

BMW’s Strategic Leap

BMW's commenced local production of the i7 electric sedan at its Chennai plant, positioning India as the only country outside Germany to manufacture this flagship EV. This milestone underscores BMW’s confidence in India’s luxury EV market and its ambition to integrate the country into its global supply chain.

Model Lineup & Pricing

• i7 eDrive50 xDrive M Sport
  - Locally assembled in Chennai
  - 455 hp, 660 Nm torque
  - 728 km WLTP range
  - Priced at ₹1.95 crore
  
• i7 M70 xDrive
  - Imported from Germany
  - 680 hp, 1,100 Nm torque
  - 686 km WLTP range
  - 0–100 km/h in 3.8 seconds
  - Priced at ₹2.65 crore
  

Deliveries for both models begin in October 2026.

Charging & Technology

• Fast charging: DC charging up to 250 kW (10–80% in 28 minutes)
• Home charging: Complimentary 22 kW BMW Wallbox (≈6 hours full charge)
• Battery: 112.5 kWh pack with advanced thermal management

Why India Matters

• EV manufacturing hub: India’s inclusion in BMW’s global EV roadmap elevates its role beyond consumption to high‑end production
• Luxury EV market: Local assembly reduces import duties, making premium EVs more accessible
• Global footprint: Chennai joins Germany as a production site for BMW’s most advanced electric sedan

Challenges Ahead

• BMW’s move comes amid cooling demand in China and global margin pressures
• By localizing production in India, BMW hedges against volatility while competing with rivals like Mercedes EQS and Audi e‑tron GT. 

Other Luxury Cars Brands in India 

Besides BMW, several other global luxury carmakers have established local production in India, including Mercedes‑Benz, Audi, Jaguar Land Rover, and Porsche (via VW Group). These brands assemble or manufacture select models at facilities in Pune, Chennai, and other hubs to reduce import duties and expand their footprint in India’s fast‑growing premium market.

Mercedes‑BenzOperates a major plant in Chakan, Pune, and produces models like the E‑Class long wheelbase, GLC, GLE, and Maybach variants. India is one of Mercedes’ largest CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly markets.

Audi, as part of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, assembles select models in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. It focus on assembling SUVs like Q3, Q5, Q7, and performance sedans.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) operates a plant in Pune. It produces models such as the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque for the Indian market.

Porsche (via VW Group) imports most of the Porsche cars' models, though VW Group’s India operations in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, do support assembly of its select premium models.

Škoda & Volkswagen operate plants in Aurangabad and Pune, producing premium sedans and SUVs.Brands under the group include Škoda, Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche.

Editorial Takeaway

BMW’s Chennai production of the i7 is more than a manufacturing milestone — it’s a statement of intent. India is no longer just a market for luxury EVs; it is now a strategic production hub shaping the future of premium electric mobility.

Local assembly reduces import duties, making premium EVs more accessible to Indian buyers.

BMW’s move to produce the i7 in Chennai is both symbolic and strategic: it cements India’s place in the global EV map, offers Indian buyers cutting‑edge luxury mobility at competitive pricing, and strengthens BMW’s resilience against global market uncertainties.

India’s luxury EV market is heating up with rivals like Mercedes EQS and Audi e‑tron GT, positioning the i7 as a direct competitor

BMW and Tata Technologies Launch New JV 'BMW TechWorks India'

BMW Group and Tata Technologies have launched a new Joint Venture (JV) — BMW TechWorks India. This new global hub is focused on Al, automotive software, and business processes.

BMW Group and Tata Technologies each hold a 50% share in this joint venture. The JV will have offices in strategic talent hubs in Pune, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

The Joint Venture (JV) will innovate automotive software, including software-defined vehicles (SDV) and digital transformation solutions for business IT.

The newly formed organisation will leverage resources from BMW Group’s India and Munich operations as well as Tata Technologies, TCS and Tata Elxsi to not only develop software and new innovations for in-car systems, but also manage business and manufacturing processes for BMW Group across the world.

BMW TechWorks India will work on software-defined vehicles (SDV), automated driving, Al applications, next-gen infotainment systems, and business IT solutions.

The joint venture will start with 100 employees and rapidly scale to a four-digit workforce by the end of 2025. This collaboration aims to drive digital innovation in the automotive industry and strengthen BMW's global strategy by leveraging top-tier Indian talent.

India’s exceptional engineering and IT talent will play a pivotal role in developing strategic software solutions for SDVs, automated driving, digital infotainment, and automotive digital services. In addition to automotive software, the joint venture will provide digital innovations for the BMW Group’s Business IT.

Consequently, BMW TechWorks India will expedite the digital transformation of the car manufacturer’s global production network as well as strengthen its digital customer journey and sales processes. Another key area of focus will be the development of AI applications and platforms, which will increase the speed and efficiency of all core business processes.

The management team of BMW TechWorks India is comprised of seasoned executives from both partner companies. Representing Tata Technologies are Aditya Khera as CEO and Sweta Girinatham as CFO of this JV. From the BMW Group, Stefan Flader serves as COO of Enterprise IT, and Oliver Scheickl holds the position of COO of Automotive Software in this new JV.

Apart from the recent joint venture with Tata Technologies, BMW has engaged in several other collaborations with Indian companies. BMW and an another Tata Group company, Tata Motors, have a long-standing partnership, including the production of the BMW X1 and BMW X3 models in India.

BMW and Bajaj Auto have collaborated on the development of the BMW K1600 B motorcycle, which is designed and manufactured in India.

BMW has also partnered with Mahindra & Mahindra for various projects, including the development of electric vehicles and mobility solutions.

Tata Technologies and BMW Forming JV for Developing Auto Software Including Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV)

The BMW Group and Tata Technologies, a global product engineering and digital services company have announced that they have signed an agreement to form a Joint Venture (JV) with the aim to establish an automotive software and IT development hub in Pune, Bengaluru and Chennai, India. The execution of the JV agreement is subject to review and approval by the relevant authorities.

The main development and operations activities shall be established at Bengaluru and Pune. In Chennai, the focus shall be on business IT solutions.

Embodying the ethos of ‘engineer in India for the world’, the JV will leverage Tata Technologies’ digital engineering expertise and talent pool in India to contribute to the BMW Group’s strategic expansion of software coding capabilities across global IT hubs and 24/7 operations.

The JV will focus on strategic software development, including solutions for software-defined vehicles (SDV). In automotive software, the focus will be on automated driving, infotainment, and digital services. In business IT, the emphasis will be on digitalization and automation of product development, production and sales. From the inception of this JV, 100 trained and experienced Tata Technologies professionals will ensure robust and immediate contributions to software projects. The JV is likely to grow quickly to a four-digit number in the following years.

Of late, the automotive industry has seen various collaborations aimed at enhancing technological advancements and business strategies. For instance, collaborations often focus on key areas such as software development for autonomous driving, infotainment systems, and digital services. These partnerships leverage the strengths of different companies to accelerate innovation and meet the rapidly evolving demands of the market.

One notable example is the collaboration between General Motors and LG Electronics, where they have joined forces to develop electric vehicles. Another example is the alliance between Ford and Google, aiming to reinvent the connected vehicle experience through Team Upshift, which focuses on data-driven opportunities.

Commenting on the BMW-Tata collaboration, Warren Harris, CEO and MD of Tata Technologies, said, “Our collaboration with the BMW Group demonstrates our commitment to providing top-tier solutions in automotive software and digital engineering to customers across the world. Aligned with our vision of engineering a better world, we’re excited to bring our expertise to the forefront, aiding BMW Group in engineering premium products, delivering great digital experiences for their customers and propelling its digital transformation journey in Business IT.”

Nachiket Paranjpe, President of Automotive Sales, at Tata Technologies, commented “In the evolving automotive landscape, the journey towards software-defined vehicle represents a pivotal shift in automotive software and vehicle development methodologies. We will leverage our deep domain knowledge and SDV expertise to collaborate with the BMW Group towards engineering vehicles that are not just technologically advanced but deliver exceptional experiences to consumers around the globe.”

Christoph Grote, Senior Vice President of Software and E/E Architecture commented: “Our collaboration with Tata Technologies will accelerate our progress in the field of the software-defined vehicle. In international comparison, India boasts a large number of talents with outstanding software skills, who can contribute to our software competence. Developing vehicle software for the BMW Group means working with top-class processes and tools, which in turn gives Indian software engineers the chance to shape state-of-the-art, premium automotive experiences in future fields such as highly automated driving and artificial intelligence.”

“The expansion of international DevOps hubs has clearly proved to be a successful model for the BMW Group. I am therefore extremely pleased that we have found a strong and valued technology partner with Tata Technologies and are now also expanding our footprint in India,” said Alexander Buresch, CIO, and Senior Vice President of BMW Group IT.

First Fully Electric BMW iX1 Launched in India

German luxury auto major BMW's Indian subsidiary, BMW India, has just launched the first fully electric BMW iX1 in India today. With this, the most successful BMW luxury sports activity vehicle - the X1 - becomes the first in its segment to offer a new electric avatar in addition to the petrol and diesel drivetrains.

Bookings for the first fully electric SUV were opened exclusively online and was sold out within a few hours. The car was launched as a completely built-up unit (CBU) at an ex-showroom price of Rs 66,90,000/-

Launched as a completely built-up unit, the first fully electric BMW iX1 can be exclusively booked online at shop.bmw.in. Deliveries start from October onwards.

The iX1 can be charged from 10 – 80% in just 29 minutes using a 130 kW DC fast charger. The iX1 comes with a BMW 11 kW wall box charger which takes 6.3 hours to fully charge the battery. The iX1 gets regenerative braking with other features such as ECO PRO mode, electric power steering, drive experience control and my modes.

The exteriors of the iX1 looks similar to the ICE X1 except for a few minor changes. It gets a large BMW kidney grille with distinct ‘I’ identification. It also gets sleek adaptive LED headlights with chrome highlights on the grille. The silhouette and side remain the same and it features 18-inch M light alloy wheels wrapped up in EV-specific tyres. Moving rear, it gets L-shaped LED taillights with an integrated spoiler and a skid plate below.

In the interiors, the dashboard layout remains the same as the ICE X1. In terms of features, it gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ambient lighting, Harmon Kardon 12 speaker sound system, massaging seats, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, connected car tech, digital key, wireless charging, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and more.

Safety features include ABS with Brake Assist, 6 airbags, electronic stability control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX mounting for child seats, and advanced driver assistance systems.
 

BMW Launches India’s Longest Range EV BMW i4 with 590 Kms Range

First electric mid-size sedan debuts in India.

Introductory offer: Complimentary BMW Wallbox charger with installation.

German luxury automobile maker BMW has launched its i4 range of electric sedan cars in India. The BMW i4 is a battery electric compact executive car produced by the company since 2021. With a range of 590 kms in single charge, the company claims that i4 is India’s longest range electric vehicle.

The electric sedan is available in exciting metallic paintworks - Mineral White, Black Sapphire and Skyscraper Grey. Perforated Sensatec upholstery comes in Canberra Beige and Cognac color schemes.

The electric car has extremely slim (110 mm) and high-voltage lithium-ion battery which is integrated in the floor and has a capacity of 80.7 kWh providing a range of up to 590 kms. The company claims that i4 instantly accelerates from 0 to 100 kms/hr in 5.7 seconds with an output of 340 hp.

The BMW i4 will come with a complimentary BMW Wallbox charger with installation — as an introductory offer from BMW . It can be integrated at home to enable safe and convenient charging up to 11kW.

For BMW, the i4 is its third electric car and rounds off the company’s EV portfolio which already consists of a premium electric hatchback – the Mini Cooper SE and the iX SUV.The BMW i4 eDrive40 Sport has an introductory ex- showroom price of - INR 69,90,000. Notably,most luxury electric sedans that's too under 500 km-range mark, are above INR 1 Crore.

Further, the car comes with standard two-year warranty for unlimited kilometres. Repair Inclusive can extend warranty benefits from third year of operation to maximum fifth year without any mileage limitation. The batteries are covered by a warranty valid for eight years or up to 160,000 kilometres.

The company says that BMW i4 ensures fast and hassle-free charging, with charging time as -

• 205 kW DC Charger: 10%-80% in 31 min / 164 kms added range in 10 min*
• 50 kW DC Charger:10%-80% in 83 min / 100 kms added range in 18 min
• 11 kW AC Charger: 0%-100% in about 8.25 hrs

Infotainment & Display -

BMW i4 has Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 17 speakers conjures an engrossing treat for the ears. Parking Assistant with reverse camera makes parking in tight spots easier.

The Reversing Assistant of BMW i4 provides unmatched support in reversing out of a parking spot or narrow driveways. It records the last 50 metres driven and assists by taking over the steering

The car has digital information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch Control Display with Navigation. The new generation iDrive display and control / operation system with new BMW Operating System 8 that extends the interaction between driver and vehicle.

Occupants in the i4 can operate a number of functions simply by speaking to their BMW Virtual Assistant. The smartphone holder integrated into the centre console allows inductive, Wireless Charging. Wireless Apple CarPlay® / Android Auto ensure seamless smartphone connection with the car to access several functions.

The BMW i4 can be booked online at shop.bmw.in. Deliveries will start by the beginning of July 2022.

BMW India Bolsters Its Dealer Network, Sets-up a New State-of-the-Art Showroom in Chennai

• KUN Exclusive’s 4^th facility in Chennai based on BMW Facility NEXT framework.
• Explore latest BMW Lifestyle and Accessories. 

 
BMW India announced the opening of KUN Exclusive’s new showroom at Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai. Based on the BMW Facility NEXT concept, the new showroom offers immersive brand experience along with showcase of latest BMW Lifestyle and Accessories collection. The facility is located at survey No. 155, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Sholinganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600119. The dealership is headed by Ms. Vasanthi Bhupati, Dealer Principal, KUN Exclusive.
 
BMW Facility NEXT heralds a new era of customer experience. Designed to stimulate an emotional connect with consumers, this concept reflects the ethos of BMW Group brands’ distinct attributes using modern architecture, appealing design and engaging new-age technologies.
 
Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, said, “As the most aspirational automotive luxury brand in India, BMW Group India is committed to offer innovative channels of customer engagements with facilities based on the BMW Facility NEXT framework. Chennai is an important market for us and we are further strengthening our presence with yet another ultra-modern showroom with our long standing partner – KUN Exclusive. The showroom will play an instrumental role in offering customers a personalised, emotional and premium brand experience.”
 
Ms. Vasanthi Bhupati, Dealer Principal, KUN Exclusive said, “We are delighted to strengthen our presence in Tamil Nadu with yet another state-of-the-art showroom. The BMW Facility NEXT concept based facility sets a new benchmark in overall brand experience and will continue the tradition of offering ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ across the entire ownership period. Situated at a prime location and equipped with the latest technologies, this facility will play an instrumental role in creating an unrivalled experience for our discerning customers.”
 
The new facility is spread across approximately 6,500 sq. ft. and comprises of – a six car vehicle display area, BMW Lifestyle and Accessories section. An interactive Virtual Product Presentation (VPP) along with a car configurator helps customers to evaluate and select their dream car as per their choice. The customer lounge offers a relaxed ambience for customers to enjoy a cup of the finest coffee and discuss various aspects of owning a BMW vehicle with sales consultants.
 
The latest range of BMW Lifestyle Collection is showcased for automotive enthusiasts. It includes numerous inspiring products and exciting styles such as the new BMW M Collection, BMW Motorsport Heritage Collection, BMW i Collection, BMW Golfsport Collection, Montblanc for BMW Special Edition, BMW Bike Collection and the BMW Iconic Collection.
 
A range of individual and attractive financing options are available through BMW India Financial Services. A dedicated team of finance and insurance consultants offer personalised advice and provide suitable financing options as per customers’ needs and future plans. Customers can choose a trade-in offer for a fair exchange value, hasslefree documentation and evaluation of vehicle at their doorsteps. The facility diligently follows comprehensive sanitisation process of its premises, display vehicles and work stations.

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#2Irresistible: The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 'Black Shadow' Edition Launched in India

• Experience the ‘M’ Performance spirit with expressive design and outstanding driving dynamics.
• Limited to 24 units available only on BMW online shop from 7 December 2020 onwards. 

BMW Group India launched the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé ‘Black Shadow’ edition today. Locally produced at BMW Plant Chennai, the exclusive edition is available at shop.bmw.in from 7 December 2020 onwards.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “The first-ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé perfectly blends the comfort of a sedan and the sportiness of a coupé. The new ‘Black Shadow’ edition with BMW ‘M’ Performance parts offers an excellent athletic edge which further enhances the sporty character of the car in all aspects. Designed with a focus on dynamics, it demonstrates powerful uniqueness tailored to suit the requirements of motorsport enthusiastic customers. Available in limited units, the ‘Black Shadow’ edition offers our discerning customers an exclusive opportunity to own the latest BMW four-door coupé.”

New design elements enhance the exterior of the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé to give it even more dynamic looks. The ‘M’ Performance parts are not only visually attractive, but also integral elements of the light-weight construction concept. All components are perfectly matched to the specific character of the car and meet the highest requirements with regard to performance, production quality and design.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé ‘Black Shadow’ edition will be available in M Sport design scheme at a special price -

The BMW 220d M Sport ‘Black Shadow’ edition: INR 42,30,000

Price prevailing at the time of invoicing will be applicable. Ex-showroom prices inclusive of GST (incl. compensation cess) as applicable but exclude Road Tax, Tax Collected at Source (TCS), RTO statutory taxes/fees, other local tax cess levies and insurance. Price / options are subject to change without prior notice.  For further information, contact an authorised BMW dealer. The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé ‘Black Shadow’ edition is available in two exciting colours - Alpine White (non-metallic) and Black Sapphire (metallic). The upholstery available is Sensatec Oyster | Black.
                 
What sets the special ‘Black Shadow’ edition apart is the special individualization content from the BMW Individual high-gloss shadow line package along with BMW ‘M’ Performance parts worth INR 2,50,000. The first 24 customers can avail the special ‘Black Shadow’ edition kit at an exclusive price.
 
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé ‘Black Shadow’ edition
Enhanced exterior of the new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé ‘Black Shadow’ edition provides a distinctive visual appeal with its BMW Individual high-gloss shadow line package along with BMW ‘M’ Performance parts. The high-gloss black mesh-style M front grille lends a highly dynamic front look. The black exterior mirror caps add discreet yet distinctive details to the side view with an impressive depth effect. The BMW ‘M’ Performance rear spoiler in high-gloss black adds an attractive touch of visual flair and optimizes air stream around the car to reduce lift. The black chrome tail pipe finishers enhance the sporty rear view of the car. The 18-inch M Performance Y-Spoke Styling 554 M forged wheels in Jet Black Matt add to the sporty visual appeal of the car. The BMW Floating hub cap features the BMW logo which remains leveled at all times.
 
The interior is designed to accentuate cabin spaciousness with the driver-focused cockpit with exquisite materials and a large panorama glass sunroof. The newly designed Sport Seats with electrical memory function and generous cabin space offer rear passengers an ample kneeroom for greater long-distance comfort. The large 430 litres luggage compartment can be expanded by folding down the 40/20/40 split rear seat backrest. The illuminated trim, a segment-first, functions as decorative lighting element with a space-shaping effect in the dark. Ambient Lighting with six dimmable designs creates an atmosphere for every mood.
 
The car has front-wheel-drive architecture offers uncompromising driving dynamics. ARB technology (actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation system) works in combination with DSC (Driving Stability Control) to reduce understeering. The BMW Performance Control system increases the stability of the car by targeted braking of the wheels.
 
The BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel engine melds maximum power with exemplary efficiency and offers spontaneous responsiveness even at low engine speeds. The two-litre four-cylinder diesel engine produces an output of 190 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm at 1,750 - 2,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 km / hr in just 7.5 seconds. The eight speed steptronic sport automatic transmission performs smooth, almost imperceptible gearshifts. For even greater driving pleasure, it comes with Launch Control, steering wheel paddle shifters and cruise control with braking function. The Driving Experience Control switch offers different driving modes to suit individual driving styles - ECO PRO, Comfort and Sport.
 
A host of BMW ConnectedDrive technologies continue to break the innovation barrier in automotive industry. Modern cockpit concept BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes 3D Navigation, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 10.25-inch Control Display. The occupants can operate car functions simply by speaking to their BMW Virtual Assistant. Hands do the talking with BMW Gesture Control that recognizes six pre-defined hand movements for control of a number of functions. The smartphone holder integrated into the centre console allows inductive, Wireless Charging for mobile phones. Parking Assistant with Rear View Camera makes parking in tight spots easier. The Reversing Assistant provides unmatched support in reversing out of a parking spot or through narrow driveways. Wireless Apple CarPlay^® ensures seamless smartphone connection with the car to access several functions.
 
BMW Safety technologies include six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, ARB technology (actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation system), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounting and integrated emergency spare wheel under the load floor. 

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Smartphone-based Car keys with Alexa: BMW gives Early Glimpse of its Digital Services 'myBMW'

The BMW Group #NEXTGen event provided exclusive background information on what the future holds for the myBMW digital ecosystem. All BMW Group and NOW services, along with mobility services and products, will be pooled together under this name. Products and services will be split into My Car, My Life and My Journey categories, presenting customers with a single gateway into an all-encompassing portfolio of personal mobility-enhancing offerings. The BMW Group will reveal further details on myBMW at the IAA Cars 2019 motor show in Frankfurt on 12 – 22 September.

“Hey BMW, what’s your favourite colour?”. Chatting away with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Since March 2019 the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has been available in a large number of models fitted with BMW Operating System 7.0. Responding to the prompt “Hey BMW”, the intelligent, digital character helps the driver, learns their preferences, knows their favoured settings and is an expert on everything to do with the vehicle. Thanks to the regular Remote Software Upgrades supplied over the air for seamless installation directly into the vehicle, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant acquires new skills all the time, enhancing and expanding his capabilities. The next upgrade will make it possible to enjoy casual chats with him and engage in brief, entertaining exchanges.

Amazon Alexa in BMW and MINI models.

[caption id="attachment_131490" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] BMW Intelligent Personal Asisstant in the BMW 1 Series[/caption]

Seamless integration of Amazon Alexa is now available for a host of BMW and MINI models, enabling customers to access many of the Alexa functions they already use at home while out and about in their car. They can ask Alexa questions, get weather forecasts and traffic information, catch up on sporting events, listen to tracks from Amazon Music or TuneIn, or check out audio books from Audible. Appointments and to-do lists or shopping lists can likewise be managed simply by speaking. Added to which, the Control Display in the BMW or MINI also provides visual feedback for the selected content. And Alexa even makes it possible for customers to operate compatible smart-home devices, such as lamps, thermostats and automatic garage doors, from their car.

The BMW Digital Key turns smartphones into car keys.

The Digital Key dispenses with the need for a conventional car key. Employing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, it allows the new BMW 8 Series Coupe and other models in the BMW range to be locked and unlocked from a smartphone. Holding the smartphone up to the door handle opens the car. Once inside, the engine can be started as soon as the phone has been placed in the wireless charging or smartphone tray. Accessed via BMW Connected, the Digital Key can optionally be shared with up to five other people. The BMW Digital Key is currently available for all NFC-capable Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 8.0 and above.

Digital charging services for electric cars.

The charging services from BMW put an end to the stress of searching for an available charging station. Customers can check the probable availability of a specific station along the selected route before they begin their journey. Once they are within 20 minutes’ drive of the intended charging station, they can also reserve a space directly from their car. And if that car happens to be a BMW plug-in hybrid, they will additionally earn valuable iMILES bonus points for any sections of electric driving recorded within the BMW eDrive Zones. These can then be exchanged for extra charging credit at all ChargeNow stations.

~ Published unedited (except headline) via Business Wire India feed. Images - press.bmwgroup.com

BMW unveils 'Vision M NEXT' Its Electric Autonomous Car

In future, drivers will be able to choose whether they wish to be driven or do the driving themselves. With the BMW Vision M NEXT, the BMW Group is revealing its take on how driving pleasure might look in future for those who enjoy taking the wheel themselves. It offers a foretaste of the BMW M brand’s electrified future by placing the focus squarely on the actively engaged driver. Intelligent technologies on board provide comprehensive yet carefully targeted assistance to turn them into the ultimate driver.

Hosting the exclusive world premiere of the BMW Vision M NEXT is the new #NEXTGen infotainment platform at BMW Welt. This standalone event concentrating on personal mobility solutions “made by the BMW Group” adds another regular fixture to the calendar of car shows / technology & future-focused trade events around the world which the company already attends. The Group’s latest technological advances in the fields of design, autonomous driving, connectivity, electrification and services will be showcased here, alongside spectacular world premieres such as that of the BMW Vision M NEXT.

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“The BMW Vision M NEXT provides a glimpse into the future of sporty driving,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “Where the BMW Vision iNEXT illustrated how autonomous driving is set to transform life on board our vehicles, the BMW Vision M NEXT demonstrates how state-of-the-art technology can also make the experience of driving yourself purer and more emotionally engaging. In both models, the focus is firmly on the people inside. Design and technology make the ‘EASE’ and ‘BOOST’ experiences more natural and more intense.”

The EASE and BOOST experience concepts.



The BMW Vision iNEXT and BMW Vision M NEXT Vision Vehicles represent prototype versions of BMW’s future experience concepts “EASE” and “BOOST”. EASE encompasses all the experiences during a journey when the vehicle assumes the task of driving. Here, the vehicle is transformed into a living space on four wheels, where the passengers can feel safe and secure. From rest and relaxation, via talking, interacting and enjoying in-car entertainment, all the way to maximum concentration – the experiences on offer with the EASE concept are as varied as the occupants’ needs. BOOST, meanwhile, stands for the ultimate active driving experience. The EASE and BOOST concepts are underpinned in equal measure by the building blocks for the BMW Group’s future, comprising the innovation areas of Autonomous driving, Connectivity, Electrification and Services (ACES). The Design lends these areas visual expression and makes the underlying technology something you can engage with (D+ACES).

Exterior exudes BMW sports-car DNA.



“The BMW Vision M NEXT is a progressive hybrid sports car that makes a very clear and confident statement, in terms of both appearance and interaction,” says Domagoj Dukec, Vice President BMW Design. The emotion-stirring exterior design clearly announces the BMW Vision Vehicle’s performance potential, borrowing styling cues from both classic and contemporary BMW sports cars in the process. The BMW Vision M NEXT draws its inspiration from the iconic BMW Turbo and groundbreaking BMW i8 plug-in hybrid and adopts a future-focused interpretation of design elements such as the low-slung, wedge-shaped silhouette, gullwing doors and striking colour scheme. The unmistakable sports-car proportions are composed of surfaces characterised by clarity and pared-down styling. The front and rear ends are finished in the matt-neon shade Thrilling Orange, producing a vivid contrast against the exterior’s otherwise silk-matt Cast Silver metallic paintwork. This use of colour blocking gives the Vision Vehicle an added air of modernity and emphasises its inherent dynamism.

The actual driving experience in the BMW Vision M NEXT is every bit as captivating as its exterior looks. The Power PHEV drive system in offers the choice between electric all-wheel drive and pure rear-wheel drive, with either all-electric propulsion or the power of a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. System output of 441 kW (600 hp) produces a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) and enables the BMW Vision M NEXT to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just three seconds. There is also a BOOST+ mode that puts extra power on tap at the push of a button. The maximum range when driving in all-electric mode is 100 km (62 miles) – more than enough to complete the majority of journeys purely on electric power. This means the BMW Vision M NEXT is a sports car that would also be suitable for use in city centres where zero-emissions zones may come into force in the future.

Incorporating a modern take on classic design icons: the front end.



The expressive front-end design serves up a confident and modern interpretation of classic BMW icons. The signature BMW kidney grille is flanked on either side by triangular elements in Thrilling Orange, which serve to accentuate the air intakes at the sides and the integral headlights. These elements combine with the blade-shaped air intake below the kidney grille to create a cutting-edge racing aesthetic.

The soft outer curves of the kidney grille openings are reminiscent of a turbine’s air intake and give the front end added dynamic impact, while the colour gradient used for the inside of the two kidney elements creates a sense of depth. The grille openings are each blanked off by a transparent layer with a laser-etched, illuminated pattern that seems to be floating inside – a highly sophisticated touch that gives added emphasis to this section of the car.

The BMW Vision M NEXT headlights are positioned on the outer edges of the front end, higher up than the kidney grille. Arranged one above the other rather than side by side, their constituent elements represent a highly distinctive interpretation of BMW’s classic four-eyed front end. The headlights hand a debut to Laser Wire lighting technology, whereby glass fibres coated with phosphorous are used to produce headlight elements with a new, super-slim and extremely precise form. All of which further underscores the Vision Vehicle’s future-focused character.

Trailblazing dynamism: the flanks.
The low-slung, wedge-shaped sports-car silhouette of the BMW Vision M NEXT, the reward climb of its flank lines and the diagonal splash of contrasting orange colour endow it with dramatic forward-surging intent, even when standing still. The black side skirts made from recycled carbon fibre make the car look even lower on the road. The sports-car silhouette frames a small number of crisp lines running along the clearly sculpted surfaces. The lines of the powerfully contoured shoulders are also used to create the effect of the iconic Hofmeister kink, instead of incorporating it into the window graphic in the usual BMW fashion. The design is broken up by a gill-like aperture that narrows as it sweeps back from the window surface towards the tail, giving the car a more elongated appearance. A second look reveals another highlight in the form of the Air Flow. This opening located just in front of the rear wheels is designed to carefully channel the onrushing air towards the rear end in a way that further improves aerodynamics.

Precisely engineered gaps in the wheels’ intricate, three-dimensional multi-spoke design result in low weight, maximum rigidity and reduced drag and so optimise the transfer of power to the road. The spokes’ open, three-dimensional architecture maximises cooling of the large brake discs at the front, while inserts optimise aero efficiency at the rear. The rear wheels on the BMW Vision M NEXT measure 22 inches in diameter, making them one inch larger than the front wheels (21 inches) and further emphasising the car’s wedge-shaped appearance.

Low-slung, broad and extremely dynamic: the rear end.

The broad, low-slung rear end makes a stylistic statement with its distinctly sporty tone. Its colour scheme divides the car’s sculptural tail into two sections. The top section in Thrilling Orange creates a visual link between the coloured areas of the flanks, further adding to the impression of width. The area below it is made from recycled carbon fibre and incorporates an aerodynamically optimised diffuser. The design of the rear window takes its cue from the BMW M1. The three-piece louvres are made from glass and emphasise the horizontal focus of the rear-end styling.

The rear lights feature the same Laser Wire technology used for the headlights. Their glass lenses frame the rear end in a sweeping flourish on either side, bringing its width and sporting presence to the fore. Inside each light unit, a single wafer-thin glass fibre produces an abstract ECG trace of a heartbeat fashioned with pin-sharp precision. The two-dimensional reinterpretation of the distinctive pair of BMW roundels from the BMW Turbo and BMW M1 – a gift to BMW aficionados – gives them the impression of floating in the rear lights’ transparent lenses.

Focusing on the driver: the interior.



Facial recognition technology allows the car to unlock automatically as the driver approaches. Pressing the touch sensor on the gullwing doors prompts them to swing open, revealing a cabin that merges the driver and vehicle into one. The classy, minimalist interior revolves entirely around the actively engaged driver, both stylistically and technologically. The interior appears as if cut from a single mould, with functional elements such as the air vents integrated almost out of sight. Its geometry is deliberately restrained in nature so the driver can devote their attention entirely to the driving experience. The seat shells form part of a seat sculpture with a flowing design. They are upholstered in a foam material with shape memory properties that moulds itself to, cushions and supports the body to optimum effect. The head restraints seem to hover above both seat shells, increasing the sense of lightness. The extremely comfortable seating position immerses the driver in the driving experience.

Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel: the BOOST Pod.



“The entire interior is focused on the BOOST Pod. The geometry has a deliberately low-key feel so that the driver can concentrate fully on the driving experience,” explains Domagoj Dukec. Taking pride of place in the interior, the BOOST Pod forms the interface between driver and vehicle. It brings together all the control options and information across three distinct visual tiers in the driver’s direct field of view. The first plane is formed by the horizontally arranged steering wheel featuring two small displays. Following this in the driver’s line of sight is a Curved Glass Display, a new addition whose transparent surface stretches around the steering wheel like a visor. The full-surface Augmented Reality Head-Up Display in the windscreen constitutes the third plane. Everything therefore happens directly in the driver’s line of sight. The driving settings can be modified on the steering wheel, while information such as revs, road speed, energy management, the driver’s heart rate and availability of BOOST+ mode is spread among a total of five clusters in the Curved Glass Display behind. BOOST+ mode can be engaged at the touch of a button to release extra power. The car alerts the driver when the ideal moment arrives to activate BOOST+.

Taking driver focus to the next level: focus logic.

“In the BMW Vision M NEXT, intelligent technologies help the driver and deliver the right content at the right time. Operation is clear and intuitive, with all information presented in the driver’s direct field of view. This is a deliberate counterpoint to the BMW Vision iNEXT, which focused on multimodal operation from every seat,” continues Dukec.

The BMW Vision M NEXT therefore shows the way ahead for BMW’s fabled driver focus. The cabin’s geometry and technology have both been devised to help focus attention on the task of driving and prevent distractions. To this end, the information displayed is adapted to the current speed – based on the principles of focus logic. As the vehicle speeds up, the information centres increasingly on driving-related data and moves into the driver’s eye-line. It is possible to communicate with the Intelligent Personal Assistant at all times while driving – if drivers wish to book the visionary Valet Parking Service for their destination, for instance. Here, a concierge is on hand when they arrive to take the vehicle, park it and bring it back again at the desired time. All done simply and seamlessly using the MyBMW App.

Innovative materials for a luxurious ambience and optimum performance.



“We have designed a modern and luxurious interior with the help of innovative materials. Whereas its geometry is clear and restrained, individual details are showcased like top-class accessories,” says Dukec. The pioneering mix of materials employed in the BMW Vision M NEXT, including woven synthetic fibres, anodised titanium and painted surfaces, has never been seen before in a vehicle in this form, which is why it brings out the car’s character to such stunning effect. Use of leather has been kept deliberately to a minimum, which is why it only adorns the design details that the driver’s and passenger’s hands touch directly, such as the steering wheel and door pull handles. Instead, the interior is dominated by a Midnight Blue microfibre fabric whose look and feel are akin to leather, but is also highly distinctive. Judicious use of Thrilling Orange contrasts injects additional sporting flair.

A particularly striking touch here is the accent line in the driver’s area that runs forwards from the seat over the BOOST Pod, indicating the ideal line of sight over the road. A light element in the BOOST Pod further strengthens this line.

The metallic surfaces in Titanium Bronze have a warm, shimmering tone, adding to the exclusive ambience in the car’s interior. Neat design touches such as the barely visible pockets in the door and centre console allow everyday essentials to remain securely stowed away even when cornering at high speed. The gyroscopic cupholder is able to compensate for strong lateral and longitudinal dynamic forces. A glance upwards reveals both the visible roof structure made from recycled carbon fibre and the headliner, whose tone-in-tone paint finish with mild sheen effect blends in perfectly with the rest of the interior’s colour scheme.

The past and future of dynamic driving.

With its enthralling blend of design and driving experience, the BMW Vision M NEXT fuses BMW’s sporting heritage with the possibilities of tomorrow’s world, and illustrates how the D+ACES building blocks for the future will be able to enhance how the driver experiences a car’s dynamics.

~ Business Wire India feed (Images & video from www.press.bmwgroup.com )