BMW August News in Brief

Two new additions to the BMW X3  range

The BMW X3 now has two new models in its range. Following on from the successful launch of the BMW X3 xDrive20d in 2010, the higher powered, higher specification X3 xDrive30d and X3 xDrive35d are now available.

Benefitting from an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, the class-leading 3.0-litre engine in the X3 xDrive30d produces 258hp and 560Nm of torque to accelerate from zero to 62mph in just 6.2 seconds before going on to a top speed of 130mph. However, this latest X3 produces CO2 emissions of just 159g/km whilst returning a combined fuel consumption of 47.1mpg.  

The new flagship BMW X3 xDrive35d produces an impressive 313hp and 630Nm of torque, taking it from zero to 62mph in just 5.8 seconds.  Thank to a suite of EfficientDynamics technologies the flagship X3 emits just 162g/km of CO2 whilst returning a combined fuel consumption of 46.3mpg.

These new X3 models not only come with greater performance and efficiency but also enhanced specifications complete with metallic paint, eight-speed automatic transmission and Dynamic Stability Control with extended features.  The enhanced DSC includes brake drying, brake fade compensation, brake pre-tensioning and hill-start assistant.  Additionally the X3 xDrive35d SE comes complete with 18-inch V-spoke light alloy wheels and a Sport leather steering wheel, while the M Sport model adds the Sport automatic transmission and M Leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles.

The X3 xDrive30d is available with prices starting from £37,600 OTR for the SE and £39,975 OTR for the M Sport, while the X3 xDrive35d SE cost from £40,205 OTR and from £42,225 OTR for the M Sport. 

Increased specification for BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is now being offered with enhanced standard specification, offering drivers superior luxury for up to £1,770 less.

Building on its luxury roots, all BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo models will now come generously equipped with BMW Professional Navigation System, BMW Assist, electrically adjustable front seats with driver memory, Voice control, Xenon headlights with headlight wash and remote tailgate operation as standard.  

September will also see the launch of M Sport models for the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo.  The models incorporate a host of additional equipment as standard, including

19-inch light alloy M V-spoke wheels, front Sports seats, door sill finishers with M designation, M aerodynamic bodystyling, M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel, M Sport suspension, high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, dark chrome tailpipes and Anthracite headlining.

BMW 6 Series Coupé prices announced

The new BMW 6 Series Coupé goes on sale 15 October, 2011 with prices for the 640i SE starting from £59,565, the 650i SE from £67,340 and the 640d SE at £62,080 OTR.    BMW’s latest Coupé comes with an enhanced specification as standard including an eight-speed Sport Automatic transmission, Dakota leather upholstery, Bluetooth telephone preparation, BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation System with new high-resolution 10.2-inch display and LED front foglights.

BMW 520d Touring pulls ahead of the pack at the Towcar Awards 2011

BMW has demonstrated impressive pulling power at the Towcar Awards 2011, with the Touring winning a top accolade. 

The frugal load-lugger was a firm favourite with the judges, impressing with its torquey 2.0-litre diesel engine, straight-line stability and practicality.  It proved to be the quickest and most economical and cleanest car in its class producing 139g/km CO2 and a combined fuel economy of 53.3mpg, which helped it to earn a full five star rating and take home the class win, in the 1,725 – 1,899kg category.

Expert judges from What Car?, Practical Caravan magazine and the Camping and Caravanning Club said: “It didn’t take long to decide the winner in this class.  The BMW 5 Series does it all.  Straight-line stability is beyond reproach.  Hill starts are a doddle. It is fast, stable, spacious and practical, the 5 Series impresses in every department.”

iPhone/Android app for BMW Approved Used Cars

From September BMW a new BMW Approved Used Car Mobile Phone Application will be launched for iPhone and Android smartphones.  With over 11.2 million smartphone users in the UK the app is an extension of the website, giving customers the opportunity to search for stock without constraints.

With the ability to search by model, price, location and colour, amongst other features,  this new app gives customers a convenient way to search for their perfect Approved Used BMWs wherever they are.  There is a built in finance calculator, car comparator and the ability to share finds with friends via email and Facebook, making finding the perfect Approved Used BMW even easier. 

BMW 3 Series sees double at the Auto Express New Car Honours 2011

The BMW 3 Series scooped the top honours of Best Convertible and Best Compact Executive Car, for the third consecutive year, at the Auto Express New Car Honours 2011.  Praised for being the best all-rounder with impressive fuel economy and lively performance, the BMW 3 Series remains an ever-popular choice since it was launched two years ago.

Auto Express’ Acting Editor, Graham Hope, said of the wins: “There’s simply no stopping the BMW 3 Series.  It reigns supreme in the compact executive class, after claiming its third consecutive win,­ no mean feat in such a closely fought sector of the market.  Although rivals come thick and fast, the 3 Series has the measure of them all.

“Nothing has been able to dislodge the superb BMW 3 Series Convertible since it took over at the summit of the drop top sector back in 2009.  With its slick folding metal hard-top, sharp handling and strong performance, the car mixes wind-in-the hair thrills with traditional 3 Series strengths of entertaining driving dynamics and peerless quality.”

BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon wins the 2011 Next Greencar Executive Car award

It’s not even officially on sale yet but the new BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon has already picked up its first award, taking the top prize in the Executive Car category at the 2011 Next Greencar awards.  Beating off stiff competition from Audi and Volvo, the BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon was praised for its uncompromised performance while still managing to deliver 62.8mpg and CO2 emissions of just 119g/km.

Next Greencar concluded: "As BMW's greenest 5-Series, the 520d EfficientDynamics Saloon continues to reign supreme in the executive class, combining low emissions with an impressive drive."

Ends

The BMW Group

With its three brands – BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce – the BMW Group is one of the world’s most successful premium manufacturers of cars and motorcycles. It operates internationally with 24 production sites in 13 countries and a global sales network with representation in more than 140 countries.

During the financial year 2010, the BMW Group sold 1.46 million cars and more than 110,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for 2010 was euro 4.8 billion on revenues amounting to euro 60.5 billion. At 31 December 2010, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 95,500 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last six years.

For further information please contact:

Krystyna Kozlowska            BMW Media Relations Assistant

Tel: 01344 480707             Email: Krystyna.Kozlowska@bmw.co.uk

Gavin Ward                           BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel:  01344 480829            Email: Gavin.Ward@bmw.co.uk

Wieland Bruch                      Product Communications Manager

Tel: 01344 480113             Email: Wieland.Bruch@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs                       Corporate Communications Director

Tel:  01344 480109            Email:  Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

Press office fax:                    01344 480306

Media website:                    www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/gb02.nsf
Customer website:              www.bmw.co.uk