PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
September News in Brief.
Fri Sep 22 08:30:00 CEST 2017 Press Kit
• New models available within the BMW X3 range. • Updated BMW X1 xDrive20d engine now with Sport Automatic transmission as standard. • Midlands Air Ambulance Charity invests in new rapid response vehicles. • Double win for BMW at the 2018 Parkers New Car Awards. • BMW crowned Fleet Manufacturer of the Year for the seventh year at BusinessCar Awards 2017.
Press Contact.
Chris Overall
BMW Group
Tel: +44-1252-92-1809
send an e-mail
New models available within the BMW X3 range.
From December 2017, a new four-cylinder petrol engine will be
added to the BMW X3 portfolio. In addition to BMW TwinPower Turbo
technology, the 2-litre power unit also boasts a weight-optimised
design and a new engine encapsulation system for optimising acoustic
characteristics and warm-up behavior.
It comes as standard with the combination of an eight-speed
Steptronic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive technology,
BMW xDrive. The engine featured in the new BMW X3 xDrive20i delivers a
maximum power output of 184hp and a peak torque of 290Nm. The car’s
sporty characteristics are reflected in an acceleration of 8.3 seconds
from zero to 62mph, an exceptionally economical average fuel
consumption of 39.8 mpg and CO2 emission levels 163g/km.
Also from December, the first ever M Performance X3 will be
available. The new BMW X3 M40i sets new standards with its precise
handling and high driving stability on every surface. It includes a
number of model-specific features such as its M Performance exterior
design package, with aerodynamic design elements finished in Cerium Grey.
Other features include the flap-controlled M Sport exhaust
system with Black Chrome tailpipe embellishers, M Sport brakes, M
Sport suspension with M Performance- specific tuning, variable sport
steering and 20-inch cast light-alloy wheels.
Adaptive M suspension is available as an option, with an even
wider spread of comfort and sport set-ups on offer. The eight-speed
Steptronic Sport transmission comes with Launch Control. The
transmission is a perfect match for the engine’s dynamic
characteristics and can be operated using shift paddles on the
steering wheel. In addition, its xDrive all-wheel-drive system has a
far more pronounced rear bias than on the other model versions. The
Performance Control feature is integrated into the DSC system and,
acting on the rear wheels, is configured to produce the dynamism,
agility and traction for which M Performance models have made their name.
An extra dose of luxury can also be added to the new BMW X3’s
character via an extensive range of products offered by BMW
Individual. This includes the exclusive BMW Individual body colour
variant, Sunstone metallic and BMW Individual upgraded leather trim
Merino door sills bearing the BMW Individual lettering and BMW
Individual interior trim strips in a black piano gloss finish.
Model | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | 0 – 62mph (Seconds) | Top Speed (mph) | Combined (mpg) | CO2 Emissions (g/km) |
From |
BMW X3 xDrive 20i | 184 | 290 | 8.3 | 134 | 39.8 | 163 | £37,980 |
BMW X3 M40i | 360 | 500 | 4.8 | 155 | 34.5 | 188 | £50,530 |
Updated BMW X1 xDrive20d engine now with Sport Automatic
transmission as standard.
Starting November 2017, the 190hp four-cylinder engine in the
BMW X1 xDrive20d will come as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic
transmission, allowing the compact SAV to accelerate from a standstill
to 62mph in 7.8 seconds. Average combined fuel consumption of the BMW
X1 xDrive20d is 60.1mpg and CO2 emissions 123g/km (figures as per EU
test cycle, depending on selected tyre size).
Furthermore, the range of light alloy wheels optionally
available for the BMW X1 will be upgraded. The choice will comprise
five new variants ranging from 17-inch wheels with aerodynamically
optimised turbine styling to 19-inch M light alloy wheels in a
double-spoke design and bicolour optics.
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity invests in new rapid response vehicles.
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has recently acquired a fleet of
BMW X5 rapid response vehicles (RRVs) to complement operations in the
sky. Situated at the airbases the BMW X5 xDrive30d vehicles are
deployed if a helicopter is grounded, for example during the hours of
darkness or a period of particularly bad weather.
On average five
per cent of incidents Midlands Air Ambulance attends are via the RRVs,
enabling the aircrew to continue to offer early medical intervention
and save lives when the aircraft is not an option.
BMW Authority vehicles are specially equipped models only
offered to the emergency services. All non-essential options are
excluded from this special model whilst all safety and environmental
features are retained. Special capabilities include an auxiliary
battery system to power all emergency warning and communication
equipment and it is supplied with the BMW X Drive Four-Wheel-Drive
system enabling this vehicle to be operated in hard to reach
locations. This model has a zero to 62mph time of 6.8 seconds, a
maximum speed of 130mph and a combined efficiency of 40.9mpg.
To take full advantage of the space and maximise clinician’s
time efficiency at the incident scene, research went into the medical
setup within the vehicle. Utilising West Midlands Ambulance Service’s
communications equipment, the BMW vehicles included programmed
navigation, providing incident route information and a full radio set
up. There is room for the driver and two passengers, while the
remainder of the vehicle has been modified to carry lifesaving equipment.
Becky Steele, air operations manager for Midlands Air Ambulance
Charity, highlights the decision to invest in the BMW X5 series model:
“The X5 is a tried and tested rapid response vehicle for the emergency
services. Its large interior is perfect for a bespoke medical
equipment fit out, while the model’s advanced capability means it is a
reliable asset, ensuring our clinicians tend to incidents swiftly and
safely. Our medical crews are trained to the highest standard and
these high-tech vehicles complement our operations perfectly. Thanks
to their capability and the kit on board, they are already enabling us
to save even more lives across the region.”
Double win for BMW at the 2018 Parkers New Car Awards.
The BMW 3 Series iPerformance Saloon has once again trumped its
competition and has been named Best Company Car by Parkers. Based on
the buying habits of the website’s 2.9 million users actively involved
in the car buying process, the BMW 330e M Sport was commended for
offering sleek looks and a superb driving experience in a package that
offers drivers affordable running costs thanks to its plug-in hybrid technology.
Speaking of the win, Keith Adams the editor of Parkers , said:
‘The fact you see so many BMW 3 Series models with the subtle 330e
badging tells you all you need to know – this is a plug-in hybrid
that’s desirable enough to want without having to justify it.
Considering the 3 Series range is entering its twilight years, its
excellence is all the more remarkable.’
Not content with the one award, the BMW 5 Series Touring was
picked as the jewel of the range, taking home the accolade for Best
Large Family Car. Fighting off stiff competition from all areas of the
industry, the 2017 BMW 5 Series Touring took home the gong for its
versatility, in-car technology and class-leading driving experience.
In the Parkers review of the BMW 5 Series Touring, the team
concluded: ‘It handles beautifully, is comfortable, and has all the
engine and trim options you can shake a stick at. With all the
thoughtful improvements, a lot of small upgrades have resulted in a
very competent car. Is it the perfect large estate car? Pretty much’.
BMW crowned Fleet Manufacturer of the Year for the seventh
year at BusinessCar Awards 2017.
BMW UK has scooped three awards from one of the country’s
leading fleet publications including the headline accolade of
‘Manufacturer of the Year’, for the seventh year in a row, in
recognition of BMW’s diverse product portfolio and class-leading
running costs.
The BMW 5 Series was awarded Best Executive Car and New Company
Car of the Year, as voted by the readers. Debbie Wood, BusinessCar’s
editor, said: “The BMW 5 Series is one of the most celebrated and
popular company cars here in the UK and although the D-segment is, as
a whole, in decline, the 5 Series has bucked the trend and remained a
popular choice in the company car market.”
“Long regarded as the best car to drive in its sector, this
latest 5 Series also takes a step forward in terms of refinement and
comfort. Proving a big hit with the judges and BusinessCar readers,
the 5 Series remains the one to beat in the executive car class.”
The BusinessCar Awards were judged by a panel of industry
experts, while a selection of fleet managers helped to decide the
overall winners in the headline award categories. Well-known motoring
editors, experts in residual values and the chairmen of both ICFM and
ACFO also joined the panel.
ENDS
The BMW Group
With its three brands BMW, MINI
and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium
manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium
financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group
operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has
a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2015, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.247 million cars and
nearly 137,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the
financial year 2015 was approximately € 9.22 billion on revenues
amounting to € 92.18 billion. As of 31 December 2015, the BMW Group
had a workforce of 122,244 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based 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.
Facebook: BMW UK
Twitter: @BMW_UK
Instagram:
BMWUK
LinkedIn: BMW Group UK Limited
YouTube: BMW UK
For further information please contact:
Gavin Ward BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel: 01252 921261
Email: Gavin.Ward@bmw.co.uk
Lauren Prema BMW Media
Relations Executive
Tel: 07815 370746
Email: Lauren.Prema@bmw.co.uk
Piers Scott General
Manager, Product and Internal Communications
Tel: 01252 921265
Email: Piers.Scott@bmw.co.uk
Graham Biggs Corporate
Communications Director
Tel: 01252 921256
Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk