July News in Brief from BMW Group UK.

BMW Group UK continues its strong summer momentum with a series of industry award wins and the market introduction of BMW Motorway Assistant, available first for the BMW iX3. Recent achievements include three category wins at the 2026 Auto Express New Car Awards, Best Electric Car for the BMW iX3 at the T3 Awards and BMW retaining its Best Manufacturer title following the Car Dealer Power Survey 2026.

BMW Motorway Assistant launches in the UK, enabling hands-free motorway driving.
The BMW Motorway Assistant makes its UK market debut, first available as an option for the BMW iX3. The technology supports hands-free Level 2 driving assistance up to the permitted speed limit, with a maximum speed of 81 mph. Automated lane changes can also be performed, once confirmed by a deliberate look in the relevant side mirror.

The BMW Motorway Assistant is compatible with all BMW iX3 models and can be added either retrospectively via a ConnectedDrive upgrade or selected as a factory-fitted option from July production onwards. The functionality will be available for future BMW models, including the forthcoming BMW i3 and BMW X5.

Triple victory for BMW at the Auto Express New Car Awards 2026.
BMW recently collected three category wins at the 2026 Auto Express New Car Awards, highlighting the strength of its current model lineup. The BMW iX3 secured two accolades: Premium Electric Car of the Year and Mid-size Premium SUV of the Year. Commenting on its success, Auto Express judges said: “The BMW iX3 is a game changer, combining clean-sheet electric architecture with a 500-mile range, ultra-rapid charging capability and the new Panoramic iDrive system”.

Meanwhile, the BMW 2 Series Coupé was awarded Coupé of the Year for the second consecutive year. Judges commended the 2 Series for its “rear-wheel-drive handling, engaging responses and a broad choice of potent engines… Whichever version customers choose, it delivers driving fun that is difficult to replicate in its rivals” the team concluded.

T3 crowns the BMW iX3 Best Electric Car at its annual awards.
Held annually, the T3 Awards recognise the most innovative and desirable products across a wide range of categories. At this year’s ceremony, the BMW iX3 claimed the top spot for Best Electric Car. T3 praised the Neue Klasse SAV for its sharp handling, ultra-fast charging capability, impressive range and advanced new Panoramic iDrive. Speaking on the victory, judges commented: “While BMW’s former electric models were very much top of their game, the new iX3 paints a very promising picture for what’s to come”. Its “an excellent electric SUV and a worthy winner,” they added.

BMW retains Best Manufacturer title at Car Dealer Power 2026.
The Car Dealer Power survey is one of the UK motor trade’s most respected benchmarks for retailer satisfaction across a variety of categories. Winners are decided by retailers nationwide after being evaluated on factors including communication, support, profitability and ease of doing business. The 2026 survey revealed BMW as Best Manufacturer for the second consecutive year.

Car Dealer Magazine Editor, James Baggott commented: “BMW should be rightly proud of their achievements here: winning Car Dealer Power two years running is no mean feat, with competition tougher than ever. Its dealers told us they love representing BMW, giving high scores across all 13 of our categories – from finance offers to return on investment. Forward planning was a particular highlight, with dealers appreciating the almost constant flow of new models from the brand – be them petrol, hybrid or EV. Clearly there’s some exciting times ahead for BMW and its dealers, so we’re by no means surprised it’s scored so highly.”

On receiving the award, Debbie McIntosh, BMW UK Sales Director said: “Winning this award for a second consecutive year is something we’re incredibly proud of because it is voted for by the retailer partners we work with every day and reflects the strength of the relationships we have built together.

“Over the past few years, we have focused on working as one team and being open and transparent in how we communicate. While this recognition is a fantastic achievement for everyone across BMW Group UK, we see it as encouragement to keep listening, keep improving and continue supporting our partners as the UK car market evolves.”

Ends


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