Spring News in Brief from BMW Group UK.

BMW Group UK strengthens its industry-leading in-car entertainment experience this spring with the integration of popular streaming platform, ITVX, directly into operating system of BMW and MINI vehicles. Meanwhile, the critically acclaimed BMW iX3 was named Best SUV by Top Gear at the title’s 2026 Electric Awards, before securing a further title at the Great British Fleet Awards. Also celebrate by Fleet World, was the BMW 7 Series, which retains its status as Best Fleet Luxury Car for a second year. A further gong was received by MINI, as the MINI John Cooper Works was crowned Piston Hot Hatch of the Year by automotive YouTube channel, Buckle Up.

ITVX now available to stream in over 250,000 BMW and MINI vehicles.
BMW Group today expands its comprehensive portfolio of third-party applications available via the built-in BMW and MINI app stores with the integration of the popular streaming platform, ITVX.

Launching first in BMW and MINI vehicles, the new ITVX in-car app will enable over 250,000 BMW and MINI owners to tune in to their favourite ITV dramas, entertainment series and blockbusters from the comfort of their car¹ via the built-in infotainment system². Compatible models include the trailblazing BMW iX3 and the newly announced BMW 7 Series, where passengers benefit from an unparallelled on-the-move entertainment experience via the first-ever BMW Passenger Display and the enhanced rear BMW Theatre Screen, now with DOLBY ATMOS for the ultimate cinematic spectacle.

BMW iX3 named Best SUV at Top Gear’s Electric Awards 2026. 
Since its unveiling last year, the trailblazing BMW iX3 has garnered widespread industry acclaim, including being selected as Top Gear’s 2026 Car of the Year. Continuing its winning streak, the first Neue Klasse model impressed Top Gear judges yet again, securing the top spot as Best SUV at the title’s Electric Awards.

The accolade comes following a stunt by the Top Gear team, who drove the BMW iX3 across the full width of England – from Lowestoft to Land’s End – on a single charge, arriving at the country’s most westerly point with miles in reserve. Commenting on the win, Top Gear said: “BMW’s big investment has paid off. The iX3 is a bona fide range champ. We ran out of England before it ran out of charge.”

Designed specifically for the Neue Klasse, the BMW iX3 was the first model to premiere BMW Group’s sixth-generation eDrive technology, which comprises highly efficient electric motors, new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, and 800-volt technology to set new benchmarks in efficiency and long-distance capability. In the case of the BMW iX3 50 xDrive, the result is an impressive single-charge range of up to 500 miles (WLTP³).

Double success for BMW UK at the Fleet Awards.
Now in its seventh year, the Great British Fleet Awards celebrate innovation across the fleet industry, recognising cutting‑edge innovation as well as products and services that help operators run safer, greener and more cost‑effective fleets.

At this year’s ceremony, the BMW iX3 was named Best EV Large SUV, with judges praising its “latest battery cell technology, weight saving construction” and BMW’s “intense focus on improving energy efficiency.” With this latest recognition, the first Neue Klasse model adds a fifth accolade to its 2026 tally.

Also acknowledged on the night was the BMW 7 Series, which retains its title as Best Fleet Luxury Car for the second consecutive year. Reinforcing the 7 Series’ status as the ultimate luxury saloon, judges commended the model for “redefining the flagship experience” through its combination of “unparalleled rear-seat luxury” and a “sophisticated approach to electrification.” The 750e xDrive derivative received additional praise, as the jury named it “the standout choice,” thanks to its impressive all-electric range and “competitive benefit in-kind rating.” In summary, Fleet World describe the 7 Series as “a technological tour de force beyond the tax advantages.”

MINI John Cooper Works awarded Piston Hot Hatch of the Year by Buckle Up.
The MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) recently added another trophy to its cabinet, after it collected Buckle Up’s Piston Hot Hatch of the Year award.

Handing over the trophy, Buckle Up said: “In an era where hot hatches are disappearing, the MINI JCW continues to deliver genuine fun, sharp handling, and character in a compact package. It remains one of the last great internal combustion hot hatches.”

The MINI JCW is part of the MINI JCW model family, which successfully delivers high-performance thrills across a variety of body styles and with the choice of combustion or all-electric powertrains. Regardless of the chosen drive train, all MINI JCW models offer signature go-kart handling alongside exclusive, aerodynamically optimised design features.


Ends


1. Drivers can enjoy ITVX content via the central infotainment display when their vehicle is safely parked. Passengers can tune in on the move when the vehicle is specified with either the BMW Passenger Display or the rear BMW Theatre Screen.
2. Data required for streaming ITVX content is included as part of the connectivity provided by a BMW Digital Premium or MINI Connected Package subscription.
3. WLTP energy consumption combined: 17.9 - 15.1 kWh/100 km; WLTP CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km; CO2-class: A; WLTP electric range:  421 – 500 miles.


The BMW Group

With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to € 133,5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products – from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life. 

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For further information please contact:

Sam Buckingham
Press Officer, MINI
Tel: 07815 362 262
Samuel.Buckingham@mini.co.uk

Tom Evans
Senior Press Officer, BMW
Tel: 07815 371 705
Email: Tom.Evans@bmw.co.uk

James Morrison
Head of Product Communications
Tel: 07815 372 646
Email: James.Morrison@bmw.co.uk

Christina Burnham-Hepe
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 371 206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk