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BMW iX M60 takes BMW M into electric era

For the brands that sell high-performance cars, going electric has added challenges. They need to not only ensure that the electrically-powered cars offer the same sort of performance levels their customers expect from their brand but also new requirements like charging times and range. The latter especially was not so important before as customers are okay with high fuel consumption and can refuel as needed. With an electric car, you cannot ‘refuel’ as easily and at this time, it still takes a while to recharge battery packs (although that time is getting shorter),

For a company like BMW M, which has built up a reputation producing cars with superlative performance, going electric meant that they had also to be able to offer the same kind of performance. Drawing on the BMW Group’s expertise in the field, BMW M also had its own specialized skills to develop electric cars worthy of the M badge.

3.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h
The first BMW M automobile designed for purely electric mobility from the outset – the new iX M60 – should provide reassurance to fans of M. With an output of 455 kW/619 ps and maximum torque of up to 1.015 Nm, it has a claimed standstill to 100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds and can go over 250 km/h but is limited to that top speed. With a fully charged battery pack, factory tests have shown it to be able to travel up to 566 kms.

The 111.5-kWh battery pack can be recharged using a DC fast-charger and add 150 kms of range within 10 minutes. Leave it connected to the charger longer and after 35 minutes, the energy content can be up to 80% from 10%.

The suspension technology of the iX M60 includes a double-wishbone front axle, a 5-link rear axle and electric steering with Servotronic function and variable ratio. In addition, there’s adaptive dual- axle air suspension with electronically-controlled shock absorbers. The dual axle air suspension ensures the optimum vehicle height at any speed, regardless of the load. The air supply to the suspension is regulated individually for each wheel and can thus also compensate for uneven loading.

The damper forces are adaptively controlled with an M-specific characteristic via continuously adjustable valves, which take into account longitudinal and lateral acceleration, road speed and steering angle as well as body and wheel acceleration on the front axle in order to activate the required damper force within a few milliseconds.

BMW IconicSounds Electric
Like all BMW i models, the iX M60 will have BMW IconicSounds Electric with specific characteristics for its M exclusivity. The emotional soundtrack that the occupants will hear was created in a collaboration between film music composer and Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer and BMW Group Creative Director Sound Renzo Vitale.

Even pressing the START/STOP button is acknowledged with an inspiring acoustic signal. While driving, the BMW IconicSounds Electric provide authentic feedback to every movement of the accelerator pedal. The sound of the drive is characterized by a particularly energy-charged sound development. The sound characteristics are based on the setting selected with the Driving Experience Control Switch.

Milestone for BMW M
The debut of the iX M60 marks a milestone in the history of BMW M, 50 years old this year, as it enters the segment of electrified performance cars. Like all recent BMW fully electric models, the architecture is completely new and designed for electric powertrains. So the full benefits are exploited and performance can be optimized. The iX M60’s performance, efficiency and range also benefit from its optimized aerodynamics which give it a Cd of 0.26 (in Sport Mode).

Lightweight construction principles
The vehicle concept of the iX provides an ideal basis for an all-electric SAV with high-performance characteristics. Both the body structure and the design principle as well as suspension set-up are geared towards combining ride comfort with sporty handling characteristics. The aluminium spaceframe concept and the carbonfibre cage with carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the roof, side and rear sections are an intelligent mix of materials that combines increased rigidity with optimized weight.

The use of CFRP to reduce weight has a long tradition at BMW M. The particularly lightweight high-tech material already achieved great results in combining engine performance and weight in the M3 CSL which was introduced in 2003. In fact, BMW M pioneered the use of CFRP in large-scale automotive production and today uses it in numerous current models as part of the intelligent lightweight construction principle.

The high-voltage battery is located deep down in the underbody, lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity for agile handling as well as balanced axle load distribution. Like the other models, the iX M60 also has an extensive range of driver assistance systems. A new generation of sensors, a new software stack and a powerful computing platform also provide considerable potential for consistently advancing automated driving and parking functions – with level 3 functionality in the medium term.

Future modular system
The iX M60 combines its typical M performance characteristics with the exceptionally advanced technology of the BMW Group’s new future modular system in the areas of automated driving, operation, connectivity and digital services. This creates an experience of premium mobility that is unique in the competitive environment. The completely redeveloped interior architecture also contributes to this, creating an exceptionally generous feeling of space.

BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range

You can have a different colour for your BMW iX every day!

In the 1960s, James Bond’s Aston Martin had changing numberplates and in 2021, BMW’s iX Flow featuring E Ink has changing body colours. But just like the feature on James Bond’s car, don’t expect it to be offered on BMWs anytime soon. It is a demonstration of future technology for a model displayed this week at CES 2022 (the consumer electronics trade show in Las Vegas) to show how digitisation can be used to adapt the exterior of a vehicle to different situations and individual wishes.

The fluid colour changes are made possible by a specially developed body wrap that is tailored precisely to the contours of the all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle from BMW. When stimulated by electrical signals, the electrophoretic technology brings different colour pigments to the surface, causing the body skin to take on the desired colouration.

More sophisticated personalisation
The use of innovative E Ink technology opens completely new ways of changing the vehicle’s appearance in line with the driver’s aesthetic preferences, the environmental conditions or even functional requirements. The technology thus offers unprecedented potential for personalisation in the area of exterior design and the iX Flow demonstrates this potential to impressive effect.

Already today, the colour chosen for a car is an expression of the driver’s personality. The choice of exterior finishes available for current BMW models covers a wide colour spectrum. In this way, the longing for a wildly expressive, extravagant, or sporty appearance on the outside can be taken into account as well as the desire for an understated, subtle or elegant appearance.

Against this background, the BMW Group is driving the development of the technology so that a new form of personalisation can be experienced both on the outside and in the inside of future production vehicles. Apart from a greater degree of personalisation, a customer will also not have to settle for just one colour – he or she can have many more for different occasions!

“This gives the driver the freedom to express different facets of their personality or even their enjoyment of change outwardly, and to redefine this each time they sit into their car,” said Stella Clarke, Head of Project for the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink. “Similar to fashion or the status ads on social media channels, the vehicle then becomes an expression of different moods and circumstances in daily life.”

Increased efficiency too
A variable exterior colour can also contribute to wellness in the interior and to the efficiency of the vehicle. This is done by taking account of the different abilities of light and dark colours when it comes to reflecting sunlight and the associated absorption of thermal energy. A white surface reflects a lot more sunlight than a black one. By implication, heating of the vehicle and passenger compartment as a result of strong sunlight and high outside temperatures can be reduced by changing the exterior to a light colour. In cooler weather, a dark outer skin will help the vehicle to absorb noticeably more warmth from the sun.

In both cases, selective colour changes can help to cut the amount of cooling and heating required from the vehicle’s air conditioning. This reduces the amount of energy the vehicle electrical system needs and with it also the vehicle’s fuel or electricity consumption. In an all-electric car, changing the colour in line with the weather can therefore also help to increase the range. In the interior, the technology could, for example, prevent the dashboard from heating up too much.

E Ink technology itself is extremely energy efficient (though, at this time, it would be very expensive technology). Unlike displays or projectors, the electrophoretic technology needs absolutely no energy to keep the chosen colour state constant. Current only flows during the short colour changing phase.

Millions of paint capsules
Electrophoretic colouring is based on a technology developed by E Ink that is most well-known from the displays used in eReaders like Kindle. The surface coating of the iX Flow contains many millions of microcapsules, with a diameter equivalent to the thickness of a human hair. Each of these microcapsules contains negatively charged white pigments and positively charged black pigments. Depending on the chosen setting, stimulation by means of an electrical field causes either the white or the black pigments to collect at the surface of the microcapsule, giving the car body the desired shade.

Achieving this effect on a vehicle body involves the application of many precisely fitted ePaper segments. Generative design processes are implemented to ensure the segments reflect the characteristic contours of the vehicle and the resulting variations in light and shadow. The generative design algorithms enable the necessary formability and flexibility required to tailor the ePaper exactly to the design lines of the vehicle.

Laser cutting technologies are used to guarantee high precision in generating each segment. After the segments are applied and the power supply for stimulating the electrical field is connected, the entire body is warmed and sealed to guarantee optimum and uniform colour reproduction during every colour change.

“Digital experiences won’t just be limited to displays [inside the car] in the future. There will be more and more melding of the real and virtual. With the BMW iX Flow, we are bringing the car body to life,” said Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development.

New BMW i7 electric luxury flagship in final stages of testing, will launch later in 2022

It may seem like a fun job being a test-driver in a car company, driving prototypes of new models long before they are revealed to the world. While there may be some element of enjoyment at certain times, the work of a test-driver is largely planned and precisely run to verify performance as well as test many different parts and systems in a variety of conditions.

Every new vehicle must go through such demanding test programs and depending on the model, it might be in different parts of the world. The BMW i7, for example, is now entering its final phase of development work and is being tested in extreme road and weather conditions. It will be launched later this year, along with the new 7-Series.

During so-called hot-region testing on tracks and public roads all over the world, the development engineers primarily verify the performance and reliability of the electric motors, the all-wheel drive and the high-voltage battery when being exposed to maximum stress from high temperatures, unpaved roads, dust and large differences in altitude. They will travel over gravel tracks into deserts, into the mountains and on a whole series of highly dynamic routes, besides BMW’s own test courses.

The endurance test in the hot regions of various countries and continents serves in particular to test and safeguard all components of the electric drive system. The components of the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology developed for the i7 demonstrate their unrestricted functionality – even under the most adverse conditions when being used continuously in extremely high outside temperatures, permanent sunlight and dry conditions.

Within a firmly defined test programme for the prototypes, loads are simulated that correspond to the challenges faced by a series-production vehicle during a complete product life-cycle. Supported by sensitive on-board measurement technology, experienced test engineers register every reaction of the electric motors, the high-voltage battery, drive control and the integrated cooling system as well as the charging technology and energy management to weather and road-related influences.

The testing programme, which covers tens of thousands of kilometres, includes long-distance and high-speed driving as well as stop-and-go traffic in high temperatures. In addition, test sections with particularly large differences in altitude were selected at the hot-region test sites. In this way the temperature behaviour of the electric motors and the torque control of the all-electric BMW xDrive can be analysed during a particularly dynamic and long-lasting uphill drive.

To further increase the load on the drive system, the test programme also includes mountain driving in trailer mode. At the same time, the high-voltage battery shows how it able to continuously deliver peak power to supply the e-motors. As an extreme scenario and a particular challenge for energy management and power electronics, the test also involves driving downhill with a high-voltage storage system that is already fully charged at the start and can therefore no longer absorb any recuperation energy.

The gruelling hot-region test procedure is also used to put the performance of the air-conditioning and other on-board electronics, as well as the temperature resistance of the materials used in the interior, to a particularly tough test. This is all to ensure that the world’s only purely electrically powered luxury sedan will delivers reliable performance in any situation, anywhere in the world.

BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range

BMW Group Malaysia and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia offer support for flood-damaged vehicle repairs

Volkswagen offers discount, interest-free repayment
Owners of Volkswagen vehicles who have had their vehicles damaged by the floods will be pleased to know that if they use authorized Volkswagen service dealerships, they can get 30% off parts and labour for repair works. This offer is available from now until February 28, 2022. Owners are encouraged to download the new Volkswagen Cares app (Apple App Store/Google Play Store) to redeem the flood relief support voucher. Terms and conditions apply.

To further alleviate the financial burden that many may be facing, there is also an easy payment plan where owners have the option to spread out their bill over 6 or 12 months with no interest charged (terms and conditions apply).

“All of us at Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia are deeply saddened by the flash floods that struck Malaysia over the weekend. Our thoughts are with those who are impacted and are facing loss and damages in the aftermath. We hope that our assistance will help to relieve the burden of our owners during this difficult time,” said the company’s Managing Director, Erik Winter.

BMW Group Malaysia offers reductions and rebates
BMW Group Malaysia is also offering support to its customers with up to a 20% reduction on parts repair for BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad owners affected by the flood over the weekend. Authorized dealerships will also provide an RM300 rebate on the towing cost for affected owners. The reduction and rebates are valid until January 31, 2022.

“Following the flood cases that have been reported in various states in the country, we remain committed to deliver peace of mind for our customers throughout their ownership experience, even during this challenging time. To this end, BMW Group Malaysia and our network of dealers stand ready to provide our customers with the needed support when it comes to their vehicles,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

To obtain support, owners can contact their preferred authorized dealership or contact the BMW Roadside Assistance for more information. Alternatively, they may also contact the Customer Interaction Centre at 1 800 88 3000.

BMW Concept XM – preview of the most powerful BMW M car ever to go into volume production

At the Art Basel 2021 Miami Beach show in Florida this week, BMW M will present the Concept XM as a look ahead to the most powerful BMW M car ever to go into volume production. It also provides a first glimpse of the new front-end design for BMW’s forthcoming luxury-class models with its distinctive take on BMW X model design.

The new design language
The slim and iconic daytime driving lights (DRLs) and the contour lighting of the emotive kidney grille are the main focal points. The horizontal grille sits prominently between the headlights and tapers towards the outer edges, producing a near-octagonal outline that emphasizes the front end’s dynamic character. The black kidney grille elements are enclosed within an intricate surround and appear almost to be floating freely within a high-gloss black surface. M-style double bars within the grille add to the perception of width.

The boldly sculpted bonnet extends the contours of the kidney grille back in the form of two power domes. A pair of air intakes in the bonnet mimic the appearance of the LED searchlights in the roof and framing the statuesque body at its lower edge are the clean-cut black surfaces of the front apron. Triangular body-coloured blades at the outer edges accentuate the vertical air intakes while emphasizing the sporty and robust stance.

The visually expressive silhouette exudes presence with its size and the design language uses strikingly sculpted surfaces and extravagant lines. The two-tone paint finish further accentuates its distinctive lines, with the upper section in matt gold-bronze, while the lower section sports the Space Grey metallic shade.

Below the window graphic, a broad, High-gloss Black line – the ‘black belt’ – separates the two exterior colours. The signature M exterior mirrors give the car a clean-cut and technical, sporty edge. Throughout the side view, deliberately short character lines, which start off boldly before fading softly, accentuate the car’s agile, modern feel.

The expressive rear lights extend well into the car’s flanks and create an eye-catching transition into the rear. The black cladding typical of BMW X models above the wheels and on the sideskirts is very clearly defined and gives the body an elevated appearance.

The glasshouse of the Concept XM rises vertically and the colour of the roof contrasts with the black finish of the A-pillars. The windscreen seems to have an even heavier rake as a result, injecting modern dynamism into the front end. Slim LED searchlights have been incorporated into the roof above the A-pillars, adding to the SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) image.

At the back, the rear window is inserted almost seamlessly into the rear end. The fresh interpretation of the design can also be seen in the arrangement of the BMW logo, which is laser-etched into the window below each of the two rails. This is a stylistic reference to the BMW M1, to date the only example of a standalone model developed exclusively by BMW M (and that was back in 1978).

Lower down, dominating the rear apron, are the characteristic twin tailpipes of BMW M models. The dual-branch, twin-tailpipe exhaust system reduces backpressure for the engine and also generates the emotionally rich M-typical soundtrack accompanying the engine’s imposing power delivery. The vertical arrangement and hexagonal interpretation of the tailpipes are a new take for this classically iconic feature.

PHEV only
The production model will have only a plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV) and it will be BMW M’s first electrified high-performance model. In the Concept XM, the powertrain is a M Hybrid drive system which combines a V8 engine and a high-performance electric motor to develop maximum output of 750 ps and 1,000 Nm. More detailed technical information is not available at this time but there is a claim of up to 80 kms running on just electric power.

Driver-focused cockpit
Like other M models, the cabin of the Concept XM has a driver-focused cockpit design. The lines and surface design of the instrument panel, centre console, door trim and seats give the ambience in the front compartment a progressive feel with their powerful geometry and high-quality materials. A bold trim element provides clear visual separation between the driver’s area and the other sections of the car.

The new BMW Curved Display screen grouping positioned creates a neat balance between traditional driver focus and modern digitality. Red accents on the steering wheel and centre console are M-specific references, while a trio of vertical elements presented in the three colours of the BMW M brand logo form the heart of the centre console.

The M Lounge
The rear area is referred to as the ‘M Lounge’, with special materials and expressive details for the seats along with black-tinted rear side windows. The large rear seat bench with its deep seat recesses forms an inviting space to relax. Only the diamond-shaped area of the head restraints – which provides the supporting function familiar from BMW M Sport seats in other models – is leather-trimmed. The lower sections of the seats offer high comfort and an exclusive couch character with their luxurious velvet upholstery and diamond quilting.

Illuminated and sculptural headliner
The visual highlight of the cabin is its headliner with a 3-dimensional prism structure. A combination of indirect and direct lighting produces a relief-like structure which showcases the headliner as an exclusive work of art. Together with the ambient lighting, it highlights the Concept XM’s blend of luxury and comfort to extremely striking effect. The ambient lighting can be activated in the three BMW M colours.

Production from end of 2022
The production model – the BMW XM – will be built from the end of 2022 at BMW’s factory in the USA which was also where the company first SAV, the X5, was built in 1999. The US market is a big market for BMW SAVs and is expected to be the most important sales market for the new high-performance model.

The BMW M1 has so far been the only example of a standalone model developed exclusively by BMW M (in 1978). This picture shows one of the 453 cars built at the end of a race in Malaysia’s Batu Tiga circuit in the 1980s.

BMW iX3 SAV joins the BMW EV line-up in Malaysia; deliveries start in 2022

Following the launch of the new BMW iX in Malaysia two months ago, BMW Malaysia today announced the addition of the iX3. The iX3 is available in two versions with rather interesting names – Inspiring and Impressive – with pricing starting from at RM335,800 and RM354,800, respectively, without insurance. The prices include BMW Service & Repair Inclusive – a 5-year Extended Warranty and 6-year service package – as well as the Power Package which comes with the BMW i Wallbox and BMW Standard Charging Cable. Like the iX, the iX3 can be booked now but deliveries will only start in 2022.

Both versions have the M Sport package as standard which gives a more expressive appearance to the fully electric SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle). Besides M Sport specific items and High-Gloss Shadowline, the iX3 Inspiring has standard features like LED adaptive headlights with high beam assist and 19-inch alloy rims for the Inspiring version. The Impressive version has the more advanced BMW Laserlight and larger rims, along with a Head-Up Display, Harman Kardon 464W audio system with 16 speakers and the unique BMW IconicSounds Electric.

The 210 kW/400 Nm electric motor, located at the rear, is powered by an 80-kWh lithium-ion battery which is claimed to be able to provide a range of up to 461 kms. Like an internal combustion engine, range depends on how you drive and where you drive but even half that number would be sufficient for daily use. The range might be shorter if you constantly go from standstill to 100 km/h in the claimed 6.8 seconds or travel close to the top speed of 180 km/h (electronically limited).

When using DC fast charging at rates of up to 150 kW, 80% charge can be obtained within 32 minutes, while AC charging at up to 11 kW will require about 7.5 hours (typically overnight) for a 100% charge. The battery pack has a separate warranty of 8 years or maximum of 160,000 kms.

All the SAVs distributed by BMW Group Malaysia will have Vernasca leather upholstery and sports seats with various choices of colours and stitching as well as interior themes colour matched to the exterior finish. Different authorised dealerships will display different versions so if the one you see at the showroom is now what appeals to you, then you can go to BMW Shop Online to see the other choices available.

As with all BMWs, the safety systems are advanced with the Driving Assistant Professional suite as standard to help the driver avoid accidents. There’s also a Surround View Display and parking assistance systems to make parking easy and precise. Because an EV runs almost noiselessly, there are regulations in some countries that require some sort of noise to be generated to ensure pedestrians are aware. BMW has installed in its EVs an Audible Pedestrian Protection system which gives off a whining sound at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

“The arrival of the First-Ever BMW iX3 is made especially significant with these distinct variants that provide our loyal customers and fans of electric mobility in Malaysia the ‘Power of Choice’ – without compromising on power, performance or safety. Alongside our upcoming fleet of new BMW i vehicles, the First-Ever BMW iX3 is set to spur a new generation of Electric Vehicle owners in Malaysia, as the all-electric SAV presents a wealth of possibilities with its all-rounded qualities in innovation and design language to make the Electric Premium Ownership Experience even more enjoyable,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range

SpareXHub having ‘RM3 for 1’ campaign for BMW, Mini and Volkswagen genuine parts

It’s always good to use genuine parts when there is a need to replace the various parts of your vehicle. These are parts which are made specifically for your vehicle by the manufacturer of the vehicle, or by a supplier that is approved to make what are known as OEM parts (‘OEM’ stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer). They are reliable and should have the same quality as your vehicle as the quality standards are usually high.

Sourcing and acquiring genuine parts for your vehicle is usually done at authorised service centres. However, it is an open market and many of the same parts may also be available at other places. They may also cost less but there is the danger that they may not actually be genuine. There are lots of fake parts and motorists are often warned to avoid using them as they can cause damage due to poor quality – or even worse, cause an accident if they fail.

Genuine, with discounted prices
SpareXHub was started with the aim of addressing the issues of ensuring that parts are genuine and also at prices which may be lower. Having made a name for itself as an e-commerce platform for the marketing of discounted genuine auto spare parts, SpareXHub is now taking the discounted bit to the next level with a campaign where customers stand to save thousands of ringgit on genuine parts for BMW, Mini or Volkswagen models.

Celebrating their 3rd anniversary this year, they are going a step further by offering any single part or component for just RM3 under the ‘RM3 for 1’ campaign. The condition is that the customer must prove ownership of the vehicle the item is intended for.

“The average BMW, Mini and Volkswagen has approximately 15,000 individual part numbers. Components deteriorate over time. Here’s a chance to pick a genuine part that was originally designed for your car and any minimise any risk with fitting lower quality aftermarket parts,” explained Devindran Ramanathan, SpareXHub co-founder.

Only for genuine vehicle owners
As the campaign suggests, customers will be eligible to purchase any single item from SpareXHub’s vast inventory for the three marques at just RM3. The reason why they must prove they own the vehicle that the part is intended for is to prevent speculators and resellers from abusing the campaign.

“Furthermore, customers will also be eligible to purchase the next part at a 90% discount provided they like the SpareXHub Facebook page and share it with no less than 3 other friends,” added Devindran.

The campaign runs from October 25 2021 to November 5, 2021. During that period, customers can log onto SpareXHub’s website and click on the ‘RM3 for 1’ banner. This will lead them to a form to book an appointment slot to view the item at their storage facility. It is essential that an appointment is made due to social distancing requirements required by the health authorities.

Appointments can be made for 10 am – 5 pm (weekdays) or 10 am – 1 pm (Saturday). The SpareXHub facility is located at 12C, Hedgeford Innovation Park, Jalan Tandang, 46050, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. You may look up for Aramex Jalan Tandang on Google Maps or Waze.

For more information, visit www.sparexhub.com or contact Devindran Ramanathan personally at +6019-241 1471.

BMW iX Configurator allows customers to personalise their all-electric SAV easily

Those who are planning to buy the new BMW iX can personalise it with a configurator provided by BMW Malaysia, allowing them to include add-on packages. The wide range of packages are available to customers who have already pre-booked their cars as well as potential customers who are planning to book the iX xDrive40 before October 12, 2021.

Introducing the BMW iX Configurator, Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said: “Providing opportunities for unique configurations of our next-generation BMW i vehicles is synonymous with our vision for the BMW i. In offering a fleet of powerful vehicles that are fully electric to our traditionally fuel-powered portfolio, we are also giving our loyal customers the Power of Choice to personalise their BMW vehicles according to their ownership needs – be it additional comfort, elegant interior fittings, or more safety and driving features, their options are open for the upcoming First-Ever BMW iX xDrive40 and BMW iX xDrive40 Sport.”

There are 7 packages to choose from, each package is individually tailored to enhance specific aspects of the driving experience for the new all-electric Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs). The packages are the Power Package, Design Package, Luxury Package, Iconic Package, Technology Package, Interior Upholstery Package, the latter having 2 premium upholstery options. Package prices range from RM3,020 to RM33,490.

With the Iconic Package, customers will also get the BMW IconicSounds Electric feature which generates an engine sound to match the driving dynamics, enhancing the emotion of the sports driving experience. IconicSounds is delivered through the audio system, and is tailored to 3 driving modes: Personal, Efficient and Sport.

The Luxury Package includes a Panorama Glass Roof Sky Lounge which becomes opaque or transparent at the touch of a button. This special effect is achieved by the alignment of liquid crystals in a film on the glass roof.

Pre-booking of the iX xDrive40 and iX xDrive40 Sport can be made on the BMW Shop Online platform with a fee of RM5,000. Customers who purchase BMW i models will enjoy a battery warranty of up to 8 years or 160,000 kms, whichever comes first. Owners of any of the new iX models can opt to have a BMW 5-Year Extended Warranty and 6-Year Service package at a special rate of RM16,170.

To know more, visit any authorised BMW dealership or visit www.bmw.com.my.

BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although you may not show symptoms, you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

Regas Premium Auto has a BMW 700 Coupe in its showroom

BMW has long been associated with sporty cars and even its well known advertising line – The Ultimate Driving Machine – emphasises that. To give the young generation an idea of how sporty BMWs were like in its earlier years, Regas Premium Auto is displaying a BMW 700 Coupe at the new Heritage section in its flagship dealership in Kuching, Sarawak.

Powered by a motorcycle engine
The BMW 700 is a legacy of Wolfgang Denzel, an automotive engineer and a distributor for the brand in Austria. Denzel worked with Italian auto-stylist and designer Giovanni Michelotti to design the vehicle concept based on the chassis of a BMW 600 at the time. Carrying over the proven chassis and suspension from the BMW 600, the all-synchromesh 4-speed transmission, as well as the bevel gear differential were also carried over, along with the flat-twin power unit – originally used on BMW motorcycles – that was increased in size from 600 to 700 cc. The concept model was approved in October 1958, which led BMW to produce both a Coupe and a Sedan variant.

On June 9, 1959, BMW revealed the new 700 Coupe in Munich, Germany. It drew attention from enthusiasts for maintaining the top speed and acceleration as its legendary predecessor – and this was even with more space but not extra weight.

The following year, BMW delivered more than 35,000 vehicles, with the BMW 700 accounting for some 58% of the brand’s overall revenues. Deliveries of the model totalled 190,000 units by 1965. It was in production for just 6 years but in the years that followed, it would become an iconic model in BMW’s history.

A model that saved BMW
“The BMW 700 Coupe is a timeless classic from the history of the BMW Group, and we are thrilled to be able to showcase this remarkable vehicle here at Regas Premium Auto. Interestingly, the BMW 700 Coupé features the brand’s first monocoque construction, and it helped drive BMW out from near bankruptcy in 1959. In turn, this model created a legacy in the automotive world for small, sporty premium vehicles that continues to be well-loved by many BMW enthusiasts, even 50 years after it was last in production,” said Gavin Tay, Dealer Principal at Regas Premium Auto Kuching.

Kuching, incidentally, is where the first BMW (the first generation of the 3-Series) was assembled in Malaysia in the early 1980s. It was assembled at the Sarawak Motor Industries factory until 1988 when the distributor and importer changed to Sime Darby, which established Auto Bavaria to handle the German brand. The BMW 700 Coupe on display, if not imported privately, was probably sold by Asia Motors, which handled BMW at that time before taking on Peugeot and Mazda.

BMW Art Cars now available for viewing from anywhere in the world and with AR too

BMW i Vision Circular Concept demonstrates how the ‘circular economy’ can be used for automobiles

Scrapping cars at the end of their useful life has been a common practice for decades. The metal and plastic parts that can be extracted can be reused for other goods – but not necessarily cars again. BMW thinks that cars of the future should be made from nearly 100% recycled materials. This will support the idea of a ‘circular economy’, where materials are continually reused, rather than discarded at the end of a single product’s lifespan, as in the conventional linear economy.

To demonstrate how the circular economy can be applied by the auto industry, the carmaker built the i Vision Circular concept which is a compact EV that might be in use in 2040. Working with companies like BASF and the ALBA Group, materials like recycled plastics are identified as sustainable materials that go into the construction of the i Vision Circular concept.

The recycling approach applies to the all-solid-state battery pack which is also manufactured almost entirely using materials sourced from the recycling loop. It will achieve much higher energy density with significantly reduced use of the most valuable resources, especially rare earth materials.

BMW also used 3D printing for many interior components, which further helps reduce waste, the automaker noted. The process produces less scrap material, and whatever isn’t used can be fed back into the production cycle as raw material.

Circularity from design stage
“We gave thorough consideration to circularity from the outset during the design process for the BMW i Vision Circular. As a result, this Vision Vehicle is packed with innovative ideas for combining sustainability with a new, inspirational aesthetic – we call this approach ‘circular design’,” explained Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design.

The number of parts on the bodywork has been reduced as much as possible. Instead of having a chrome surround with bars, for example, the iconic kidney grille has been newly interpreted as a digital surface. Even the brand logo on the front end is engraved and the vehicle badge is laser-etched to avoid using extra add-on parts.

The surfaces below the windscreen are made from secondary aluminium. An additional sensor cluster between the two kidney elements groups together technological features, enabling simple disassembly within a single removable element. The bumper area further down is manufactured from recycled plastic with a sophisticated marbled surface.

Minimum parts and ease of disassembly
Having a small number of different mono-material groups with connections that can easily be undone is crucial for good recycling. For this reason, there are no bonded connections or composite materials and, instead, intelligent types of connection, such as cords, press studs and quick-release fasteners are used. A special socket wrench can separate the component parts joined by the fastener with a single rotation.

The tyres in ‘Vivid Blue Rubber’ are made from certified, sustainably cultivated natural rubber and have a slightly transparent appearance. Extra coloured, recycled rubber particles are added to the tyre compound for strengthening, creating an intriguing terrazzo effect and purposefully highlighting the reuse of materials.

The wheel rims are designed and manufactured with minimal materials use. Rim centres with maximum permeability provide brake cooling, while the more enclosed surfaces to the outer reaches of the wheels ensure the greatest possible aerodynamic efficiency. The wheels are fixed in place with a quick-release fastener at the centre of each wheel.

Only visible when looking from above, a narrow fin is integrated centrally in the rear section of the glass roof. It contains the communications and antenna technology, and provides information on the status of the vehicle (open/closed, charge level of the battery, etc.). It also integrates the high-mounted centre brake light.

Luxurious ambience with recycled materials
Inside, the i Vision Circular is also true to employing materials and production processes that are indicative of a responsible approach to the environment and its resources. But that does not mean it cannot have a luxurious ambience. For this, the interior designers carried out purposeful selection of materials. This involves using not just the right basic materials in the form of mono-materials but also clever new joining techniques for them which avoid the use of glue in order to ensure optimum suitability for dismantling and sorting at a later stage.

In order to minimise the amount of waste and offcuts, all components and materials will be manufactured to fit exactly using processes such as 3D printing. Any surplus material will be systematically fed back into the materials cycle.

The instrument panel is turned into a next-generation ‘phygital’ (a newly coined term that refers to turning digitality into a haptic experience) user interface. Here, it takes the form of a hovering, V-shaped sculpture that projects out into the cabin. At its heart is a 3D-printed, crystal body with nerve-like structures running through it, great visual depth and an enthralling lighting effect. This is where the vehicle’s “thinking” is visualised, allowing the user to see its intelligence at work.

The information area you would normally expect to find in a central information display is located above the instrument panel, at the bottom of the windscreen. This display area takes the Head-Up Display to a whole new level. All relevant information is projected onto the bottom area of the windscreen across its entire width. Driving displays for the driver can be found here together with communications functions and entertainment features for the passengers.

3D-printed steering wheel
The steering wheel forms a link between past and future at the same time as reducing the quantity of material and components. The rim has been 3D-printed from bio-based material, with the wood powder variant shown here giving the steering wheel a natural and warm feel. The unconventional, central positioning of the vertical spoke in gold-bronze adds a modern twist.

The display and operating surface below the windows visible on the outside of the car can be found on the inside too, forming a connecting element between interior and exterior. Here again, it extends back into the rear of the car and around the Hofmeister kink. Featuring the same crystal appearance as the instrument panel and ambient lighting, this element in the sidewall adds to the intriguing and mystical aura produced in the cabin.

BMW makes it clear that the i Vision Circular concept is not the basis or any future model. It has a range of next-generation EVs under development, referred to as ‘Neue Klasse’ (German for ‘New Class’) which may adopt some of the ideas from the sustainability-focused concept car.

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