BMW wins awards for the M2 and X1 from Car and Driver's 10Best awards.

• The BMW M2 and the BMW M240i win 10Best in the compact-sport sedan genre

The BMW X1 receives Car and Driver’s first-ever 10Best Truck and SUV for 2017 in the Subcompact Luxury SUV category. The BMW M2 and the BMW M240i make the annual Car and Driver’s 10Best list of the best automobiles for sale in the U.S. BMW will accept the awards at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, January 2017.

Although the 10Best award has been issued for over three decades, the 10Best Trucks and SUVs is a new addition to the yearly Car and Driver evaluation and BMW is pioneering in this first-ever category with the new BMW X1.

 

The 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine from BMW’s new family of modular engines with maximum output of 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, makes the new BMW X1 the most powerful entry model in the segment. 

An efficiency-optimized version of the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and newly developed chassis technology all help to enhance driving dynamics and ride comfort compared to the outgoing model. 

The all-new BMW X1 also showcases its exceptional versatility with increased cargo area and greater interior room with more headroom than before.

The interior offers harmonious balance between driver focus and elegance befitting the classic style of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle. 

The iDrive operating system’s Control Display comes in the form of a high resolution 6.5-inch or, optionally, 8.8-inch freestanding display screen. The interior trim and accent strip extend through the door panel trim, with the effect that occupants in all seats are surrounded by premium surfaces with a uniform material and color structure. 

Standard interior features include: Power front seats with driver-side memory, standard power tailgate, Anthracite headliner, storage package and multifunction sport leather steering wheel.

The optional 360-watt Harman Kardon HiFi system, complete with 12 loudspeakers, provide an outstanding audio experience. 

Innovative connectivity featuring a standard 6.5 inch infotainment system with optional enhanced USB and Bluetooth plus Smartphone integration, Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Driving Assistant including forward collision warning with automatic braking capability.

The BMW X1 is available at US dealers starting at $33,100 plus D&H.

The BMW M GmbH latest member of its product family, the first ever BMW M2, joins the M235i (2015; 2016) and M240i as Car and Driver 10Best winner, which makes the BMW 2 Series a 3 times consecutive victor. 

The vehicle combines top sporting prowess and classic rear-wheel drive with the precision and agility of a modern M automobile. Characteristic front and rear aprons optimize air flow and aerodynamics. 

With an output of 365 hp at 6,500 rpm and maximum revs of 7,000 rpm this all-new BMW M2 is more powerful than its predecessor: the iconic BMW 1 Series M Coupe. 

The 3.0-liter 6-cylinder inline engine’s peak torque also leads the way; a full 343 lb-ft is on tap between 1,400 and 5,560 rpm, with the overboost function raising this figure to 369 lb-ft, the M2 sends the torque to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 7-speed Dual Clutch transmission. 

The M developed chassis and suspension paired to the powerful M TwinPower Turbo technology engine ensure breathtaking performance.

The BMW M2 is available at selected US dealers starting at $51,700 plus D&H.

The M240i is a returning winner of Car and Driver 10Best with a totally new modular engine resulting in a 15 hp increase, honoring the 2 Series M Performance Automobile model 3 years in a row. 

The new 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine generates a maximum output of 335 hp and has an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque, 39 lb-ft more than before yielding a 0-60 mph time in as little as 4.2 seconds. 

A key element in the new engine’s ability to serve up thrillingly dynamic acceleration is the pulling power that comes on tap early and is maintained over a wide rev range.

USA SALES NOVEMBER - BMW GROUP - The group shows a slight gain on the month and YTD.

• BMW brand up 2 percent, YTD up 4.4 percent
• MINI brand sales decrease 3 percent, YTD up 8.1 percent
• BMW Motorcycle sales decrease 3 percent, YTD up 10.3 percent

Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 3.2 percent in November for a total of 32,003 compared to 31,019 vehicles sold in November, 2014. Year-to-date, BMW brand is up 4.4 percent from the same period last year with sales of 311,398 vehicles.

“There were fewer selling days in November, yet the demand for new vehicles is solid resulting in the ninth record sales month for BMW this year,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America.  “The all-new 7 Series did very well in its first full month of sales but there’s no question the trend is towards light trucks and the improving availability of our SAV’s gave a nice boost to our overall sales in November.”

Notable vehicle sales included the BMW X3 which increased 124.5 percent to 4,987, the BMW X6 increased 59.6 percent to 672 and the BMW 2 Series which increased 77.6 percent to 1,147 cars.

BMW Group Sales

In total, the BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported November sales of 36,447 vehicles, an increase of 1.2 percent from the 36,028 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, BMW Group sales are up 4.9 percent from the same period last year with 364,903 vehicles sold.

MINI Brand Sales

For November, MINI USA reports 4,444 automobiles sold, a decrease of 11.3 percent from the 5,009 sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, MINI USA sales are 53,505 vehicles, an 8.1 percent increase from the same period last year.

Table 1: New Vehicle Sales BMW of North America, LLC , November 2015

	Nov. 2015	Nov.  2014	%	YTD Nov. 2015	YTD Nov.  2014	%
BMW brand	32,003	31,019	3.2	311,398	298,212	4.4
BMW passenger cars	21,807	23,331	-6.5	221,949	220,923	0.5
BMW light trucks	10,196	7,688	32.6	89,449	77,289	15.7
MINI brand	4,444	5,009	-11.3	53,505	49,497	8.1
TOTAL Group	36,447	36,028	1.2	364,903	347,709	4.9

BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles

• In November, BMW Certified Pre-Owned sold 8,388 vehicles, down 4.9 percent from November 2014, with a year-to-date gain of 12.6 percent to 104,727 vehicles sold over the same period in 2014.
• Total BMW Pre-Owned sales continue to be challenged by low availability with 13,966 vehicles sold in November 2015, a 9.0 percent decrease from November
• The Total BMW Pre-Owned cars sold year-to-date were 167,830 a 6.7 percent decrease from the same period in 2014.

MINI Pre-Owned Vehicles

• In November, sales of MINI NEXT (certified pre-owned) set a November record with 812 vehicles, up 3.8 percent over November 2014, with a year-to-date gain of 24.2 percent to 10,640 cars over the same period in 2014.
• Total MINI Pre-Owned sales for November were 1,906 cars, an increase of 10.3 percent from November 2014.
• Total MINI Pre-Owned sales year-to-date were 24,499, an 8.0 percent increase from the same period in 2014.

BMW Motorrad Sales

With 764 retails, BMW motorcycle sales declined by 69 units or -8.3% compared to the 833 units sold in November 2014.

The S 1000 RR was the top performing model with 126 units (+186%) delivered, and in combination with the new S 1000 XR, helped grow S-Series model retails by 73% to 173 units compared to 100 in November last year.

With 15,120 sales after 11 months, BMW motorcycles stands 10.3% above November 2014, surpassing last year’s full year volume (14,945 units) in the process.

Table 2: Motorcycle Sales BMW of North America, LLC, November 2015

	Nov.  2015	Nov.  2014	%	YTD Nov. 2015	YTD Nov. 2014	%
BMW Motorcycles	764	833	-8.3	15,120	13,712	10.3

BMW boosts PHEV range with a host of new and improved models.

• BMW to offer five PHEV vehicles in the range
• BMW 7 Series line-up strengthened by six additional models
• M Sport arrives on the new BMW X1
• The BMW i3 offered with a sportier edge
• BMW scoops more awards

BMW to offer five PHEV vehicles in the range  

Launched earlier this year, the new BMW X5 xDrive40e Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) was the first such production car from the BMW core brand. Within the next 12 months BMW will offer an additional four PHEVs to broaden the opportunity to drive ultra low emission vehicles with all electric drive capability.

The four new PHEV models indebted to the BMW i brand for technology come in the shape of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer, BMW 330e Saloon, and the BMW 740e and 740Le xDrive from the marque’s flagship model. This means BMW will soon offer innovative PHEV technology in everything from compact models through to luxury-class cars.

Model	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO2 Emissions g/km	OTR Price
X5 xDrive40e	Petrol: 245 Electric: 113 Total system output: 313	Petrol: 350 Electric: 250 Combined:450	6.8	130mph (Electric only:75)	85.6	77	£51,845
225xe	Petrol: 136 Electric: 88 Total output: 224	Petrol: 220 Electric: 165 Combined: 385	6.7	126mph (Electric only: 78)	141.2	46	£35,005
330e	Petrol: 184 Electric: 88 Total system output: 252	Petrol: 290 Electric: 250 Combined: 252	6.1	140 (Electric only: 74.6)	148.7	44	£33,935
740e*	Petrol: TBC Electric: TBC Total system output: 326	Petrol: TBC Electric: TBC Combined: 500	5.6	149 (Electric only:75)	134.5	49	TBC
740Le xDrive*	Petrol: TBC Electric: TBC Total system output: 326	Petrol: TBC Electric: TBC Combined: 500	5.5	149 (Electric only: 75)	122.8	53	TBC

*Subject to confirmation.

Combining the versatility and luxury of the X5, along with the superb traction provided by the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, with BMW EfficientDynamics eDrive technology allows for outstanding efficiency too. With a total system output of 313hp generated by a four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and a synchronous electric motor, the BMW X5 xDrive40e achieves a combined fuel consumption 85.6mpg and CO₂ emissions of 78g/km.

With a standard equipment list that includes 18-inch alloy wheels, two-zone air conditioning, front and rear PDC, Dakota leather upholstery, Xenon headlights, heated front seats, BMW Professional Navigation, 40:20:40 split folding seats, Real Time Traffic information, pre-conditioning, BMW Emergency Call and eDrive services.

The BMW X5 XDrive40e went on sale this month with prices starting from £51,845 OTR for the X5 XDrive40e and £56,545 OTR for the X5 xDrive40e M Sport.

Joining this BMW X5 derivative from March 2016 will be the new 225xe Active Tourer PHEV. Offered in two trim levels, the Sport model will cost £35,005 OTR and the 225xe Luxury will be sold for £35,755 OTR. However, a government grant is currently available which will reduce the price for customers by £5,000 respectively.

The BMW 225xe – a BMW 2 Series Active Tourer variant with eDrive offers a combination of sporting ability, economy and everyday practicality unique in its segment. 

The PHEV model fuses BMW eDrive technology with a front mounted transverse three-cylinder petrol engine and a front-wheel-drive configuration for the first time; the electric motor powering the rear wheels makes for an electrified all-wheel-drive system that is unique in this segment.

Producing a total output of 224hp (a combination of the three-cylinder combustion engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, 136hp and an electric motor developing 88hp) and a peak torque of 385Nm. Its combined fuel consumption of 141.2mpg makes the 225xe PHEV one of the best in its class.

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is BMW’s biggest selling vehicle and has always been at the forefront of the EfficientDynamics programme of improving fuel consumption and lower emissions. So it is only right that the new PHEV BMW 330e Saloon is offered.

The 330e Saloon will offer a startling combined fuel consumption of 148.7mpg and CO₂ emissions from 44g/km when it joins the range in 2016. It can be specified in SE, Sport, Luxury or M Sport and all wheel sizes to still stay under the vital 49g/km CO₂ threshold.

The car’s state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid technology marries a 184hp 2.0-litre petrol engine with an 80kW electric motor. The combined output of 252hp and maximum torque of 420Nm gives the BMW 330e a zero to 62mph acceleration time of just 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 140mph. Yet the model is also capable of travelling up to approximately 25 miles in all-electric mode, and therefore emits zero local emissions when used in this manner.

The BMW 330e Saloon is eligible for congestion charge exemption and is expected to also be eligible for the Government’s Plug in Car Grant (PiCG) representing a significant saving on the purchase price. It is on sale now priced from £33,935 OTR with the first customers getting their cars in April 2016.

The final PHEVs to join the fold within the next year will be  for the luxury saloon segment: the BMW 740e and the BMW 740Le xDrive. 

The intelligently controlled interaction between a 2.0-litre petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric drive unit integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission endows the BMW 740e with dynamic acceleration yet very low consumption and emissions figures in everyday driving. 

While producing a total system output of 326hp, both cars return a combined fuel consumption of 134.5mpg and CO₂ emissions of just 49g/km.*

The BMW 740e and the BMW 740Le xDrive will go on sale Summer 2016. Prices to be announced at a later date.

BMW 7 Series line-up strengthened by six additional models

November 2015 sees the introduction of six new models to the BMW 7 Series range to underscore the sporting and luxurious nature of this multi-faceted vehicle.  

The new BMW 750i is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 443bhp. The 740d xDrive and 740Ld xDrive both use a 3.0-litre straight six, producing 315hp. With acceleration from zero to 62mph in 5.2 and 5.3 seconds respectively, the 650Nm torque ensures a smooth delivery of power. 

Emitting just 134g/m and 137g/m CO2and returning 55.4mpg for the 740d xDrive and 55.3mpg for the 740Ld xDrive. These impressive economy figures stem from BMW EfficientDynamics technology and the BMW EfficientLightweight concept. 

The BMW EfficientLightweight concept means that the models in the new BMW 7 Series line-up are up to 130kg lighter than their predecessors, despite boasting a significantly greater number of comfort and safety features.

These six new models are on sale from December. Prices start from £72,060 OTR.

Model	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO2 Emissions g/km	OTR Price
750i	449	650	4.7	155*	34.9	186	£76,320
750i M Sport	449	650	4.7	155*	34.9	186	£79,970
740d xDrive	320	680	5.2	155*	55.4	134	£72,060
740d xDrive M Sport	320	680	5.2	155*	55.4	134	£75,525
740Ld xDrive	320	680	5.3	155*	54.3	137	£75,825
740Ld xDrive M Sport	320	680	5.3	155*	54.3	137	£79,675

*Electronically limited.

M Sport arrives on the new BMW X1

The smallest member of the BMW X family, the X1, is the latest model to be enhanced with the addition of the popular M Sport specification. In addition to SE models, the M Sport offers 18-inch light alloy wheels (M Double-spoke style), LED headlights, M Sport Aerodynamic bodystyling, M Sports suspension, M Sport steering wheel finished in Nappa leather, Sports seats in Cloth/Alcantara, heated front seats and LED ambient lighting in door trim amongst other features.

Also arriving in November is the X1 xDrive18d model, this will be available in SE, Sport, xLine and M Sport trims with both manual and automatic transmission. The addition of xDrive doesn’t hamper the cars economy with it returning 60.1mpg and emitting 124g/m CO₂ on the combined cycle.

Prices for the new BMW X1 xDrive18d start from £28,280 OTR for a BMW X1 xDrive 18d SE derivative. M Sport specification costs £3,000 more than a standard car.

The BMW i3 offered with a sportier edge

A new Sport package is now available for the BMW i3 enabling further customisation of the car.  For those customers seeking a more unique look, a choice of 19-inch alloy wheels, sun protection glass, LED headlights and the Harman/Kardon Loudspeaker system can be specified– all for a total of £1,700. This represents a 26 per cent saving to the customer worth £610 compared to buying each option separately.

Customers also now have a choice of three new colours for the BMW i3; Fluid Black, Mineral Grey and Platinum Silver which all come with the BMW i Blue highlight. Fluid Black allows the i3 exterior to be specified in all black for the first timewith BMW i Blue highlight.

BMW scoops more awards

Research into more than 650,00 cars operated by the country’s biggest 50 leasing companies has found that once again, the BMW 3 Series range is the most reliable model in the 2015 FN50 survey, whilst BMW has also retained the title of the most reliable manufacturer.

The FN50 reliability survey, undertaken by Fleet News, asks contract hire companies to assess reliability according to warranty claims and the number of breakdowns per model on their fleet.  The majority of the vehicles surveyed are used for business and are subjected to higher than average mileage and are constantly used in all conditions.  This testing environment means that winning the FN50 is a true testament to the reliability of the BMW range and specifically the BMW 3 Series.

Richard Hudson, Sales Director at BMW UK, said: “BMW is renowned for producing award-winning cars, but when the sample size is a car parc of 650,000 vehicles and we come out on top it is especially satisfying.

“To be honoured as the most reliable car among contract hire companies and the most reliable brand in the overall survey is a fantastic result and underscores the expertise

of our renowned engineers in developing class-leading products.”

BMW Group has also been awarded the overall winner at the Engine of the Year Awards 2015 scooping up a total of four wins in the latest International Engine of the Year Awards. The drive unit in the BMW i8 earned two class wins as well as being declared overall winner, with a further class win being garnered by the engine of the BMW M3 and BMW M4. The International Engine of the Year Awards were launched in 1999 and consist of a panel of 65 motoring journalists from 31 countries.

The title of ‘Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year’ has been presented by Green Fleet magazine in recognition of the success of EfficientDynamics technologies in reducing emissions across the BMW range. The new 3 Series ED Plus Saloon was singled out for praise for its impressive fuel consumption of 74mpg. The category was said to be the most competitive category from the awards with manufactures such as Jaguar, Mercedes, Audi, Citroen and Ford also shortlisted.

Elsewhere, the all-electric BMW i3 scooped the award for Green Car of the Year, for the second consecutive year at the Auto Express New Car Awards 2015.  Praised for its cutting edge technology, value for money and affordable running costs, the BMW i3 remains the car of choice in the small electric car market. The Auto Express judges said “The i3 is easily one of the most user-friendly electric cars on sale today”.

Auto Express has also celebrated Britain’s best used cars and have awarded the new BMW 3 Series for the Best Compact Executive Car for 2015. It has been commended for its high quality interior and for its reputation in creating driving enjoyment.