In February of this year, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet embarked on a significant hot-weather testing endeavour in the United Arab Emirates, marking its first foray into such extreme conditions. Despite temperatures soaring to 45°C, challenging encounters with sand, dust, varying gradients, and fluctuating humidity levels, the car’s fuel cell drive system performed remarkably well.
The efficiency of the fuel cell system, two hydrogen tanks, electric motor, and power battery, alongside the central vehicle control unit, demonstrated exceptional performance. BMW’s development team in Munich rigorously evaluated the functionality of all electric systems under these extreme conditions and assessed the cooling power necessary to maintain peak vehicle performance. The fleet maintained the renowned BMW driving dynamics even under these challenging circumstances.
Units from the pilot fleet are currently operating in diverse regions worldwide, including Europe, Japan, Korea, China, the USA, and the Middle East. The primary objective is to underscore the practicality of hydrogen-powered vehicles in everyday use while gaining crucial insights for the potential development of a production model. The BMW Group is leveraging this pilot fleet to support the regional development of a refueling infrastructure compatible with 700-bar refueling technology, catering to various vehicle categories from passenger cars to heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Exploring synergies across applications is also crucial for establishing a robust hydrogen technology supplier network and cost reduction.
For both the brand-new 5 Series and i5 models, BMW has developed a variety of M Performance Parts, addressing the needs of consumers who want to improve the appearance of their executive cars.
The external options include a front spoiler lip, side skirts, a three-part rear diffuser, and a rear boot lid spoiler for cars with the M Sport or M Sport Pro package. These parts are made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), which makes them both light and strong. Also, available in CFRP material are optional extras like side mirror covers and an Aramid antenna cover.
In the 1950s, carmakers displayed futuristic concept cars with amazing features that were expected to be available eventually – and many of those features are commonplace today. With the BMW i Vision Dee concept, the German carmaker is also showing the sort of technological features that can be expected in its cars – as early as 2025 in the NEUE KLASSE models.
NEUE KLASSE is a brand new platform for fully electric models which will appear from 2025. It represents the third phase of the carmaker’s electrification strategy. The platform’s name is inspired by the ‘Neue Klasse’ of the 1960s, when a new range of models was introduced between 1962 and 1977. The 21st century NEUE KLASSE is, however, more than a vehicle platform as it encompasses new software architecture and promotes sustainability.
BMW Malaysia has started off the new year with the addition of another variant in the BMW iX range, this being the iX xDrive50 Sport. It joins the iX xDrive40 (available in two versions) which was launched last year.
According to Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, the additional variant exemplifies the brand’s commitment towards shaping the future of Electrified Mobility in Malaysia, not only in expanding the product offerings but also infrastructure to accommodate a thriving electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem.
“Our efforts to electrify the automotive landscape in Malaysia has always worked in tandem with the government’s agenda for electrification, and we are set to see further developments in this aspect with our many new industry partners as well,” he said.
With the government encouraging the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), we will be seeing more of these zero emission vehicles in use nationwide. As such, there will be a growing need for qualified personnel in the aftersales industry. However, because of the different nature of EVs, new skills are necessary as skills and experience with combustion engines are not so suitable.
As such, BMW Group Malaysia is cultivating highly skilled experts in the field through its internationally recognised BMW High Voltage Expert Certification programme. Conducted at the BMW Group Regional Training Centre in Malaysia, the programme offers training for the servicing and repair of the most advanced BMW i vehicles worldwide.
To qualify as a BMW High Voltage Expert, the prospect must already be an existing BMW High Voltage Technician, who must first undergo a pre-selection process which includes a knowledge assessment and an interview. The prospect would also need to obtain first aid certification and undergo a full body check-up. Next, they are put through 15 days of intensive training, with the requirement of passing 2 theory exams and four practical exams to proceed to the next stage. This is followed by a final theory exam and practical demonstration under live high voltage to secure the certification which is completed in another 10 days.
More than just selling EVs
BMW Group Malaysia’s initiative in this area is to be expected as the company has been selling an increasing number of EVs and electrified vehicles. And it has not only been selling them but also ensuring that proper supporting services are available for owners.
In addition to creating a bigger EV landscape in Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia is also working with partners to broaden the charging network. To ensure a fair and standardised experience for all EV owners in Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia has released an official pricing structure for BMW i Charging facilities across the country.
Supporting the electric future
“At the BMW Group, we have always believed that the future is Electric. Since BMW Group Malaysia first introduced BMW i to the country back in 2015, we have envisioned a Malaysia where electric mobility is fully embraced and have been working hard to that end. We understood the obstacles faced by Malaysians in adopting EVs, such as range anxiety, which we have been alleviating by rolling out EV infrastructure across the country. At the same time, service and repair are also important points of consideration, ensuring that BMW i owners have greater peace of mind when it comes to the ownership of their BMW electric vehicles,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
For BMW Group Malaysia, the BMW High Voltage Expert Certification is an important pillar in supporting the development of a mature ecosystem in Malaysia where EVs can thrive. As more BMW i vehicles are being introduced on Malaysian roads, greater accessibility to BMW certified experts ensures that the Premium Electric Ownership Experience is met at the highest standards for all owners of BMW i vehicles.
There was a while when it seemed that if you owned an electric vehicle (EV), you were free of having to buy petrol (or diesel) and all you had to do was plug in to a charging point and get the battery pack recharged. While electricity, wherever it is supplied, still costs something, it didn’t seem that way as no one really asked for money – at that time.
You can still charge ‘for nothing’ if you can install a charging station at your own home but with charging facilities now commercialised as the number of EVs goes up, getting the battery pack recharged will just be like buying liquid fuel – you have to pay for it.
As public usage of charging stations keeps growing, the charges will be adjusted according to demand. DC Fast Chargers, which shorten charging time (if the EV is able to accept such charging), are expensive to set up so the charges for using them will be higher.
Standardised prices
To ensure a fair and standardised experience for all EV owners in Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia has released an official pricing structure for BMW i Charging facilities across the country. The Pay-Per-Use pricing structure for charging at any authorised BMW dealership listed below is as follows:
BMW and MINI EV owners can also expect greater accessibility to charging facilities across the country as BMW Group Malaysia partners with multiple key EV charging providers such as JomCharge and Tenaga Nasional Berhad, in addition to chargEV. This strategy will ensure that owners of our BMW electrified vehicles will have access to the widest range of charging facilities no matter where they are in Malaysia. Customers and members of the public can therefore expect to see many more BMW i Charging facilities located in key areas.
Over 400 charging stations
In partnership with chargEV, BMW Group Malaysia has successfully provided access to a comprehensive network of over 400 charging facilities across Peninsular Malaysia, as well as in Sabah and Sarawak. The infrastructure network comprises of AC Chargers located strategically to enable peace-of-mind when travelling, whether intercity or out of state.
BMW EV owners who use chargEV-powered BMW i Charging facilities can register as a member at RM240 per annum to enjoy preferential Pay-Per-Use charging rates, as well as complimentary usage of all their AC Chargers nationwide. With the chargEV mobile application, users can also locate charging facilities at over 250 locations nationwide and are also able to reserve chargers, start and stop charging remotely, as well as view their vehicle’s charging status in real time.
Removing the worry of EV owners
“Our vision for an Electric Future spans beyond just the expansion of our EV portfolio and infrastructure here at BMW Group Malaysia. We have long been working on fostering a viable ecosystem that is future-ready and one that electrified mobility can thrive in, knowing that the main roadblock to EV adoption remains to be range anxiety and a worry that there may not be enough charging facilities in place across the country. Through our many partnerships with local tech and EV industry leaders over the past few years, we have been able to continuously grow our network of charging facilities where the needs are highest,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
“With an official pricing structure in place, we are taking the next step in the ever-maturing EV ecosystem in Malaysia, by endeavouring to provide fair and adequate access to these facilities for all EV users in Malaysia – regardless of make and model, as electrification remains a shared responsibility amongst automakers in solving climate change,” he added.
Starting its third model generation since being introduced in 2009, the BMW X1 range includes a battery electric (BEV) variant for the first time – the iX1. Other electrified models of the range have plug-in hybrid powertrains and there are also petrol and diesel engine choices.
The new iX1 xDrive30 is the BMW Group’s first premium compact model based on a flexible vehicle architecture to feature an all-electric drive system. It has one electric motor at the front axle and another at the rear to power all four wheels and deliver xDrive performance. Total system output is 313 ps with up to 494 Nm of torque.
Interaction between the two motors is enhanced by a unique drive torque control which is interlinked with the DSC and the AWD-specific version of the near-actuator wheel slip limitation function.
5th generation BME eDrive technology
The fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology uses a 64.7 kWh high-voltage battery pack positioned flat within the vehicle’s underbody. The battery’s high energy density and the drive system’s efficiency achieve combined power consumption of 18.4 – 17.3kWh per 100 kms and can cover a driving range claimed to be up to 438 kms.
Combined Charging Unit
The Combined Charging Unit in the iX1 enables single and 3-phase AC charging up to 11 kW, optionally increased to 22 kW. This allows the battery to be fully recharged from empty in 6.5 hours as standard, or 3 hours 45 minutes as an option. DC recharging at up to 130 kW is claimed to raise the energy level from 10% to 80% in 29 minutes, or increase range by 120 kms in 10 minutes.
An optimised cooling strategy for DC charging improves the durability of the battery. Alternating phases of full and partial cooling power are used to prevent cell temperatures dropping too low during fast charging, shortening charging times and reducing ageing.
BMW IconicSounds Electric
As with other BMW BEV models, there’s BMW IconicSounds Electric which treats drivers to soundscapes developed as part of a collaboration between the BMW Group and 2-time Academy Award-winning film score composer, Hans Zimmer. The character of the sound alters according to the vehicle setting. A drive sound emitted externally at low speeds helps to protect pedestrians by making them aware that the car is approaching.
Larger dimensions
The surface treatment, lines and exterior design details of the iX1 display its Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) identity more clearly than before. Distinctive design features include the stretched silhouette, almost square wheel arch contours and the signature BMW X model styling of the front and rear ends. When viewed from the rear, the slim tailgate window, horizontal lines, striking LED lights and flared wheel arches produce the typical SAV look.
At the centre of the new front end design stands the large, almost square BMW kidney grille, its contouring highlighted by the three-dimensional chrome surround. The grille bars are finished in Black high-gloss as standard. In the outer areas of the lower air intake, large chrome strips accentuate the classy design of the front end.
The X1 bodyshell is larger than its predecessor – by 53 mm in length to 4500mm, 24 mm in width to 1845 mm and 44 mm in height to 1642mm. The wheelbase of 2692 mm is 22 mm longer than before, while track widths have increased by 31 mm at the front and rear.
More space, optimised comfort
With the enlarged body, there are more generous amounts of space. Key features include the slender instrument panel, a stage for the BMW Curved Display, and a ‘floating’ armrest with integral controls. The raised seating position also provides the commanding view which is one of the reasons why many people like SAVs. The newly developed seats offer optimised comfort over long distances and extended functionality, with their prominent bolsters and adjustability of seat angle and depth.
The BMW Curved Display is framed by solid-looking trim pieces which extend out to the doors. Four interior trim variants, including the new open-pore fine eucalyptus wood and Aluminium Hexacube for the M Sport model, allow owners to individualise the design.
With a glass surface measuring around one square metre, the panoramic glass sunroof floods the interior of the iX1 with light and can also allow fresh air in. The roller blind cover for the glass roof now has a multi-layer design and is also electrically operated.
The fore-and-aft adjustment of the rear seat bench and triple-split backrest provides variability in the cabin configuration. The rear seat can be moved forward up to 13 cm, allowing boot capacity to expand from 540 litres to 1,600 litres.
The BMW i4, fourth model in the German carmaker’s electric BMW i sub-brand, can now be pre-booked in Malaysia. It was first shown in the country at NEXTGen Malaysia in January this year. The retail price starts from RM389,800 (without insurance) with an Extended Warranty & Service Package included. For those who use BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia’s financing plan, monthly instalments can start from RM4,306 (terms and conditions apply).
Customers can choose from Black Sapphire, Mineral White and Dravit Grey for exterior colours which will be supplemented with Sanremo Green, M Portimao Blue and M Brooklyn Grey later in the year. Interior upholstering is available in Black, Mocha and Tacora Red Leather Vernasca.
The new i4, which went on sale in Europe in late 2021, is part of a comprehensive product offensive by the BMW Group in the field of models with electrified drive. The company currently has the biggest range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models and by next year, it expects to have 25 models with electrified drive on sale.
Designed by a team led by Kai Langer, Head of BMW i Design, the i4 is the brand’s first Gran Coupe with electric drive in the classic rear-wheel drive layout. The smoothly contoured panels with a clear surfacing language incorporate aerodynamic details that are vital to keeping wind resistance low, particularly for a BEV.
The powertrain is a 5th generation BMW eDrive system which has an electric motor that can generate a maximum output of 250 kW (340 ps) with peak torque of 430 Nm. This gives it a capability of 0 to 100 km/h within a claimed 5.7 seconds.
The eDrive system has a Combined Charging Unit (CCU) with a built-in 4 kW voltage transformer for flexible battery charging. Recharging can be done a domestic power socket, a BMW i Wallbox or DC fast chargers. Depending on the power source, charging time can be 31 minutes (from 10% to 80%) or up to 8.25 hours. A fully charged lithium-ion battery pack will provide up to 590 kms of range, depending on driving conditions.
The version officially imported by BMW Group Malaysia is the i4 eDrive40 M Sport which is equipped with the M Sport package. This has the M Aerodynamics exterior with M High-gloss Shadow Line, 19-inch M Aerodynamic Wheels 860 M Bicolour with staggered widths, and M Sport brakes. Standard on the i4 are BMW Laserlights with Automatic High-beam Control.
The cabin, appointed with Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite Interior Trim, also has the BMW M treatment with the M Anthracite Headliner, M Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel, while the instrument panel is in Sensatec. Functional features include variable sports steering, electric seat adjuster with memory function, Interior and Exterior Mirror Package, as well as automatic air conditioning.
For entertainment, information and connectivity, the i4 eDrive40 M Sport has the BMW Live Cockpit Professional and BMW ConnectedDrive Services as standard. Additionally, there’s also BMW Connected Package Professional, Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, Smartphone Integration, and a 17-speaker Harman Kardon surround system.
“Sheer Electric Driving Pleasure with a modern, striking yet elegant silhouette – we are thrilled to bring to Malaysia the First-Ever BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport that retains the hallmark design characteristics of a contemporary four-door BMW Gran Coupe, while also exemplifying the exceptional sporting prowess and efficiency that the fifth-generation BMW eDrive is capable of delivering,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
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.
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.
