BMW at Auto Shanghai 2009

SHANGHAI, CHINA – April 9, 2009: Continuing the Company’s highly successful model initiative in the Chinese automobile market, introducing even more innovative concepts and future-oriented drive technologies – these are the highlights of BMW’s presentation at Auto Shanghai 2009. The 13th International Automobile & Manufacturing Technology Exhibition is the venue for two world debuts, with two further new models being presented for the first time in Asia. Making such a clear public statement, the German manufacturer of premium cars once again emphasises the great significance of Auto Shanghai 2009 as well as the leading role of the Chinese automobile market. Expanding its model range in China, BMW is further securing its position as a manufacturer of particularly thrilling and future-oriented cars standing out through superior fuel economy and emission-reducing technologies combined with exceptional driving pleasure. The world debut of the BMW 760Li sets a new benchmark for exclusivity and supremacy in a luxury saloon. The flagship in BMW’s model portfolio presented to the public for the first time in Shanghai is driven by a 6.0-litre, 400 kW/544 hp twelve-cylinder power unit. At the same time the new BMW 760Li is the first model to feature a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission.

Through its supreme refinement and drive power, superior motoring comfort and the luxurious, progressive ambience of the interior, the BMW 760Li is the new epitome of motoring refinement and prestige in its class.

The BMW X5 M likewise making its world debut at Auto Shanghai 2009 guarantees unparalleled driving dynamics in its segment. Boasting a newly developed V8 turbo engine delivering no less than 408 kW/555 hp and BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive technology including Dynamic Performance Control tailored specifically to the BMW M philosophy, the first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) from BMW M GmbH offers an absolutely unique combination of driving dynamics, traction, and driving stability unmatched the world over.

The second new model from BMW M GmbH, the BMW X6 M also making its Asian debut at Auto Shanghai 2009, features the same drivetrain and suspension technology and offers equally outstanding performance. As yet a further highlight, the public attending the Shanghai Show in China’s leading business centre will be able for the first time in Asia to admire the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo. Indeed, this concept car sets the foundation for a brand-new segment in the market, offering a unique combination of the elegance and spaciousness of a luxury performance saloon with versatility inside the vehicle so far only to be found in an SAV.

BMW’s outstanding presentation at Auto Shanghai 2009 is being rounded off by the Chinese debut of the BMW Z4 sDrive35i Roadster and the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid.

The expansion of BMW’s model range sets an important foundation for continuing the Company’s successful growth in the Chinese automobile market. In 2009 the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars is represented in China by various cars in all model series, the portfolio extending from the compact BMW 1 Series all the way to the long-wheelbase version of the BMW 7 Series and also embracing the BMW X Models so successful the world over as well as the high-performance sports cars from BMW M GmbH.

Other highlights also to be admired are the BMW 530Li, the BMW 525Li and the BMW 523Li developed exclusively for the Chinese automobile market. This special version of BMW’s Business Saloon developed at BMW’s Research and Development Centre in Munich and built at the Chinese Plant in Shenyang comes with a 140-millimetre (5.5”) longer wheelbase for extra space at the rear as well as an exclusive range of standard equipment.

The new BMW X5 Security is also being presented in Shanghai for the first time. This is indeed the first vehicle in its segment which, through its armed passenger cell including security glazing, complies with the official VR4 protection class. The BMW X5 Security therefore combines an all-round safety concept with space for up to five occupants and BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive technology for safe and superior mobility also off the beaten track.

BMW’s current models also meet the latest demands and requirements through their progressive drivetrain technologies. In all segments, therefore, the models marketed by BMW provide a particularly good balance of driving pleasure and fuel consumption in conjunction with low emissions.

This unique position in the market results from the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy offering outstanding fuel economy and emission management in all model series the world over. These technologies from BMW EfficientDynamics comprise features such as engines and transmission technology optimised for maximum efficiency, ancillaries controlled according to current demand, and optimised aerodynamics. These features are combined with one another in an appropriate manner for each model and come as standard on every new BMW the world over.

A good example of this modern, trendsetting philosophy is the introduction of the new BMW 318i in China, BMW’s new entry-level model combining the driving characteristics so typical of the BMW 3 Series with exemplary all-round economy. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder power unit of BMW 318i develops maximum output of 100 kW/136 hp, its spontaneous performance and superior efficiency resulting, among other things, from variable VALVETRONIC valve management proven the world over as well as BMW’s infinite VANOS camshaft adjustment.

Featuring a both sporting and efficient six-speed automatic transmission, the BMW 318i accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 10.8 seconds. Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 7.8 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 36.2 mpg imp, and the CO2 rating is 187 grams per kilometre. The new BMW Z4 offers an equally wide range of innovative drivetrain technologies. Indeed, BMW’s outstanding two-seater is characterised by classic roadster proportions, a retractable hardtop and a dynamic seating position near the rear axle, together with superior motoring refinement and a high level of efficiency ensured by all of BMW’s straight-six power units.

While the BMW Z4 sDrive23i and the BMW Z4 sDrive30i feature VALVETRONIC technology, the top-of-the-range BMW Z4 sDrive35i with its 225 kW/306 hp power unit being presented in China for the first time boasts a combination of Twin Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection. Further features are the innovative seven-speed Sports Automatic with double-clutch operation not only giving the car even faster acceleration, but also increasing the efficiency of BMW’s new roadster to an even higher level.

The BMW Z4 sDrive35i accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 9.4 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 30.0 mpg imp, and the car’s CO2 rating is 219 grams per kilometre. The combination of Twin Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection is the ideal concept not only on BMW’s straight-six power units to offer the highest level of economy and emission management. Indeed, both the BMW 750Li and the BMW X6 xDrive50i are powered by the world’s only V8 featuring two turbochargers arranged in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders. And here again, fuel is injected by High Precision Injection, with engine output reaching a peak of 300 kW/407 hp and torque going all the way to 600 Newton-metres/442 lb-ft. Clearly, this makes the V8 with Twin Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection the world’s most efficient engine in its class.

The configuration of the new twelve-cylinder featured in the BMW 760Li also being presented to the world public for the first time in Shanghai is equally unique and unprecedented. Here again, the V12 comes with two turbochargers and High Precision Injection featuring centrally arranged piezo-injectors. In terms of power and motoring refinement, BMW’s new twelve-cylinder once again sets the absolute benchmark in the area of engine development, the new V12 delivering 400 kW/544 hp and maximum torque of 750 Newton-metres/553 lb-ft at just 1,580 rpm.

While both of these figures are a substantial improvement over the former model, the new BMW 760Li offers significantly greater fuel economy. And, together with other standards, it naturally fulfils the particularly strict EU5 emission requirements in Europe and ULEV II in the USA.

Beyond all these outstanding achievements, BMW’s mastery of engine technology also comes out clearly in the development of drive power by BMW M GmbH focusing on maximum output and performance. The latest result of this clear-cut orientation is the new M turbo engine featured in the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M presented at Auto Shanghai 2009. Displacing 4.4 litres, the world’s first power unit with a joint exhaust gas manifold connecting both rows of cylinders and Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology develops maximum output of 408 kW/555 hp and 680 Newton-metres/ 501 lb-ft of mighty torque.

Patented by BMW, the principle of joint exhaust management flowing through a common unit connecting both rows of cylinders ensures an extremely spontaneous response and a long and steady power curve rising up consistently. A further point is that the new M turbo engine also comes with High Precision Injection – one of the reasons why the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M offer not only the highest level of dynamic performance, but also the best efficiency in their segments.

At Auto Shanghai 2009 BMW is also proud to inform the public of the Company’s medium-term concepts for progressive drive systems being developed in the context of EfficientDynamics. In particular, this includes BMW’s specific concept of Hybrid Technology which will be reaching production standard this year not only in the BMW 7 Series but also in another model.

The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid combines an eight-cylinder gasoline engine with a 15 kW/20 hp electric motor and a lithium-ion battery saving energy within the car. In this revolutionary vehicle the most advanced drivetrain technology incorporating hybrid components enhances dynamic driving qualities to an even higher standard and at the same time reduces fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 15 per cent in the EU test cycle versus the “base” model with a “regular” combustion engine.

Both this outlook at trendsetting vehicle and drive concepts as well as the choice of new models making their world or Asian debut at Auto Shanghai 2009 underline the great significance BMW gives to this Auto Show and, accordingly, to the Chinese automobile market. Precisely this is why the new BMW 760Li is making its world debut in China as the latest version of the German manufacturer’s most exclusive and prestigious model. Held every two years since 1985, Auto Shanghai has become one of the most significant shows in the international automotive industry. At the New International Exhibition Center in Shanghai more than 1,000 exhibitors from all over the world will be presenting their products from 22 – 28 April 2009.

BMW stands out for visitors to Auto Shanghai 2009 as a manufacturer of supreme automobiles which, through outstanding quality, culture of design and driving dynamics, offer truly fascinating appeal and at the same time reduce both fuel consumption and emissions consistently by way of BMW EfficientDynamics, thus making an important contribution to the ongoing continuity of individual mobility.

Given all these qualities, BMW is maintaining its clear focus on the progressive combination of sheer driving pleasure and the responsible use of natural resources also in the Chinese automobile market.