BMW Archives

Sime Darby Motors offers multiple brands under corporate programme

Sime Darby Motors has a wide range of brands in its retail and distribution portfolio for the Malaysian market. These Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Hyundai, BMW, MINI, Motorrad and Volvo. To cater to the needs of corporate clients, the company is having an ‘Unbelievable Deals’ campaign. a corporate programme providing special privileges with very attractive cost of ownership and exceptional benefits.

This campaign is applicable across all the brands to suit different requirements. “This programme is specially curated to reward our loyal customers across Sime Darby Motors Malaysia. As exhilarating as it is rewarding, we aim to offer our customers with irresistible deals whilst ensuring their sales and aftersales needs are cared for by our passionate professionals who are dedicated in providing world-class services that exceed expectations,” said Jeffrey Gan, MD of Retail & Distribution, Malaysia.

Ford showroom — *The different brands represented by Sime Darby Motors offer a variety of vehicle types from Ford pick-ups to premium sedans like the Jaguar XF (below)*

“The automotive industry is moving towards a more digital environment to fit with the needs of our consumers. Our operating units are continuously innovating to find new ways of digitalising the car-buying process; from digital showrooms and door-step test drives to contactless servicing and eventually delivering customers’ cars to their doorsteps. The digital transformation in the automotive industry is certainly opening up new opportunities for us,” he explained.

On the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Gan said the company takes the current situation very seriously. “We stand guided by the government’s policy, with the safety and health of our employees, customers and business partners being our utmost priority,” he explained.

More information on the corporate programme is available at the individual websites of the respective brands.

BMW Group Malaysia extends BMW and MINI PHEV battery pack warranties

BMW Group Malaysia has been a driving force in electrified vehicles for many years. This mirrors its global electrification initiatives not just in products but also in related activities such as battery pack manufacturing. It’s therefore not surprising that many of the BMWs on the roads are electrified, with plug-in hybrid powertrains.

The cost of battery packs replacement has been a concern of many owners who buy hybrids and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Though designed to last a long time, the battery packs might have problems and the cost of replacement can be high as they are specialised and sophisticated units, not like the common small lead-acid battery in the engine bay.

*BMW battery pack is sophisticated and advanced energy storage system, which is why it costs a lot to replace.*

To provide peace of mind to owners, the BMW and MINI brands in Malaysia now offer an extended PHEV battery warranty programme. This new programme extends – by an additional 2 years or 60,000 kms – the existing programme to 8 years or a maximum of 160,000 kms.

*BMW 740LE XDrive – one of the electrified PHEV models in Malaysia*

The New Battery Warranty Programme is also available as an extension via the BMW and MINI Aftersales Upgrade Programmes for the BMW 330e, BMW X5 xDrive 40e, BMW 530e and MINI Countryman PHEV at RM2,200 as well as for the BMW 740Le at RM7,600.

However, this PHEV Battery Warranty Programme is available only from now until December 31, 2020.

Production of High-Voltage Batteries for BMW Hybrid Vehicles underway in Thailand

First look at the new updated BMW 5-Series

First introduced in 1972, with worldwide sales of the current generation reaching 600,000 units since 2016.

Sales launch of new updated 5-Series in Europe from July 2020.

Newly designed BMW kidney grille with slimmer LED headlights. Adaptive LED Matrix technology and BMW Laserlight also available.

Three-dimensional sculpted rear lights, all variants now have trapezoidal exhaust tailpipe finishers.

Light-alloy wheels in 18 to 20-inch sizes; 20-inch BMW Individual Air Performance Wheels available as an option for the first time.

Dashboard now has optional 12.3-inch Control Display (10.25-inch Control Display now standard). Seventh generation iDrive system.

Sensatec perforated trim variant for the seat surfaces and High-Gloss Black for controls on centre console.

Introduction of new 48V mild hybrid technology for all 4 and 6-cylinder engines; 48V starter-generator with 8 kW/11 bhp power spike to both lighten the combustion engine’s workload and boost power.

Further developed BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in 4 and 6-cylinder petrol engines with optimised petrol injection. All diesel engines now with two-stage turbocharging.

Optional Integral Active Steering offers greater assistance in low-speed manoeuvring, new version of chassis system now also available for plug-in hybrid models.

New driver assistance systems and extended functions. Optional Driving Assistant Professional now includes Active Navigation with the help of the Lane Change Assistant, automatic formation of emergency lane and junction warning (now with city braking) functions. 3D visualisation of the surrounding area shows traffic situations and possible interventions by the driver assistance systems in the instrument cluster.

New BMW Drive Recorder records up to 40 seconds of video footage from points around the vehicle.

BMW Operating System 7 opens up a host of potential new applications and connectivity options, as well as extended personalisation.

VARIANTS AVAILABLE (depending on market)

BMW 530e Sedan (BMW 530e xDrive Sedan)
4-cylinder petrol engine, plug-in hybrid. 1998 cc, 184 bhp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm, 300 Nm at 1,350 – 4,000 rpm. Combined system output: 292 bhp/420 Nm,8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive)

BMW 530e Touring (BMW 530e xDrive Touring)
4-cylinder petrol engine, plug-in hybrid. 1998 cc, 184 bhp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm, 300 Nm at 1,350 – 4,000 rpm. Combined system output: 292 bhp/420 Nm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive)

BMW 545e xDrive Sedan
6-cylinder in-line petrol engine, plug-in hybrid system. 2998 cc, 210 kW/286 hp at 5,000 – 6,000 rpm, 450 Nm at 1,500 – 3 500 rpm. Combined system output: 394 hp/600 Nm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, BMW xDrive.

BMW 520i Sedan
4-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid technology. 1998 cc, 184 bhp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm, 290 Nm at 1,350 – 4 250 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission

BMW 520i Touring
4-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid technology. 1998 cc, 184 bhp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm, 290 Nm at 1,350 – 4 250 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission

BMW 530i Sedan (BMW 530i xDrive Sedan)
4-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid technology. 1998 cc, 252 bhp at 5,200 – 6,500 rpm, 350 Nm at 1,450 – 4,800 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive)

BMW 530i Touring (BMW 530i xDrive Touring)
4-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid technology. 1998 cc, 252 bhp at 5,200 – 6,500 rpm, 350 Nm at 1,450 – 4,800 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission (BMW xDrive)

BMW 540i Sedan (BMW 540i xDrive Sedan)
6-cylinder in-line petrol engine with mild hybrid technology. 2998 cc, 333 bhp at 5,500 – 6,250 rpm, 450 Nm at 1,600 – 4,800 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission (BMW xDrive)

BMW 540i xDrive Touring
6-cylinder in-line petrol engine with mild hybrid technology, 2998 cc, 333 bhp at 5,500 – 6,250 rpm, 450 Nm at 1,600 – 4,800 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission (BMW xDrive)

BMW M550i xDrive Sedan
V8 petrol engine. 4395 cc, 530 bhp at 5,500 – 6,000 rpm, 750 Nm at 1 800 – 4 600 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, BMW xDrive.

BMW 520d Sedan (BMW 520d xDrive Sedan)
4-cylinder diesel engine with mild hybrid technology. 1995 cc, 190 bhp at 4,000 rpm, 400 Nm at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive).

BMW 520d Touring (BMW 520d xDrive Touring)
4-cylinder diesel engine with mild hybrid technology. 1995 cc, 190 bhp at 4,000 rpm, 400 Nm at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive).

BMW 530d Sedan (BMW 530d xDrive Sedan)
6-cylinder in-line diesel engine with mild hybrid technology. 2993 cc, 286 bhp at 4,000 rpm, 650 Nm at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive).

BMW 530d Touring (BMW 530d xDrive Touring)
6-cylinder in-line diesel engine with mild hybrid technology. 2993 cc, 286 bhp at 4,000 rpm, 650 Nm at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive).

BMW 540d xDrive Sedan
6-cylinder in-line diesel engine with mild hybrid technology. 2993 cc, 340 bhp at 4,000 rpm, 700 Nm at 1,750 – 2,250 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive).

BMW 540d xDrive Touring
6-cylinder in-line diesel engine with mild hybrid technology. 2993 cc, 340 bhp at 4,000 rpm, 700 Nm at 1,750 – 2,250 rpm, 8-speed Steptronic transmission, (BMW xDrive).

Click here for other news and articles about BMW.

BMW Shop Online and BMW Engage digitalise premium ownership experience

Along with MINI Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia has also introduced new online platforms – the BMW Shop Online and BMW Engage – as a way to digitalise the premium ownership experience for customers in Malaysia. This is particularly useful at this time with the Movement Control Order (MCO) restricting customers from visiting showrooms.

BMW Engage, a first-of-its-kind online financing platform introduced by BMW Credit (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., complements the BMW Shop Online. It provides a contactless experience, enabling customers to apply and get pre-approval for their financing requirements from the comfort of their home via a simple and seamless application process.

With the new online touchpoints, the company is also driving its ‘Unplug & Play’ campaign with online-exclusive offers for the BMW 530e Sport and BMW 530e M Sport. This campaign aims to increase the uptake of electrified vehicles in the country.

The ‘Unplug & Play’ online-exclusives for the 530e can also be found on BMW Shop Online with cash rebates from RM10,000 and RM20,000 for the 530e Sport and 530e M Sport, respectively. Additionally, there is an interest rate of 0% for both models. New owners will also receive a complimentary BMW i Wallbox when booking the 530e Sport online. Customers taking up the offer will be in the running to drive home an i8 Coupe.

Online booking of both the models gets new owners a BMW ChargeNow card, that grants straightforward access to partner charging stations like ChargEV by Malaysian Green Technology Corporation. With the, owners can enjoy 24/7 support and access to all charging locations in ChargEV’s growing network which now offers more than 270 charging facilities nationwide. New owners of the BMW 530e M Sport will also receive the BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable.

*Customers who make online bookings for the 530e Sport and 530e M Sport have a chance to win one BMW i8 Coupe.*

The online-exclusive offer is available from now until June 30 2020. Customers can make bookings for the 530e Sport and 530e M Sport with just RM1,000 via the BMW Shop Online. For financing pre-approval before shopping, they can visit BMW Engage.

2020 BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport arrives in Malaysia – online

2020 BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport arrives in Malaysia – online

For the first time in Malaysia, BMW has unveiled its latest model online via its new BMW Shop Online portal. The model to have this honour is the latest BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport which is the third generation of the pioneering Sports Activity Coupe (SAC).

As with its predecessor, the new X6 has a bold, expressive design language which gives it a dominant presence on the road. It has grown in overall length (+ 26mm), width (+15 mm) and wheelbase (+42 mm) but the roofline is now 6 mm closer to the road.

A key element of the front design is the large kidney grille with ‘Iconic Glow’ illumination, with both halves framed by a common surround. The characteristic, slim twin BMW Laserlights with high-beam assistant and LED foglights underscore the vehicle’s width and road presence. The wheelarches are shaped in a slightly hexagonal shape.

The version officially imported to Malaysia has the stylish BMW Individual Exterieur Line in aluminium satinated and roof rails in aluminium satinated. At the rear, full-LED 3-dimensional taillights are formed in the familiar BMW L-shape, along with Air Breathers as well.

The M Sport package consists of a M Sport exhaust system, M Sport brake, Adaptive M Suspension and 21-inch M light alloy wheels in Y-spoke style 741 M Bicolour with mixed and runflat tyres.

The driver of the new X6 has 340 bhp/450 Nm available from the formidable 3-litre 6-cylinder powerplant under the long bonnet. This gives a 0 to 100 km/h time claimed to be 5.5 seconds and if not for a limiter, the top speed can be above 250 km/h. Power delivery to all four wheels starts from an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and flows through the BMW xDrive system.

As a SAC, the X6 possesses superior driving dynamics on and also off-road (if the owner chooses to detour from the highway). The double-wishbone front suspension, and 5-link rear suspension have Dynamic Damper Control as standard, while the Driving Experience Control system provides a choice of a sporty or comfort-focused set-up.

The interior has been reconfigured and represents a modern reinterpretation of the classic, driver-focused BMW cockpit. Superlative workmanship and premium materials are evident throughout with Vernasca leather upholstery included as standard. The M leather-wrapped steering wheel is also standard, along with sports front seats. Rear passengers get moulded single-seats with automatic air-conditioning and 4-zone control ensuring that everyone will be comfortable.

The two-part panoramic glass roof, now 83% larger, giving a more spacious ambience. The rear backrest has a 40/20/40-split folding function so there’s flexibility in carrying people or cargo, with the possibility of expanding boot volume from 580 litres to 1,530 litres.

BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional is standard too and, combined with the Head-Up Display, Gesture Control and Intelligent Personal Assistant, the driver has comprehensive and efficient communication with the car.

BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes a 12.3-inch Instrument Display, customisable instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen Control Display. Rear passengers also get two 10-inch touchscreen displays.

Other standard features of the new X6 include the BMW Display Key, Wireless Charging, along with the BMW Connected Package Professional with Teleservices, Intelligent Emergency Call and Apple CarPlay.

Finally, there’s a choice of 6 exterior colours (Manhattan, Artic Grey, Riverside Blue, Carbon Black, Mineral White and Flamenco Red), paired with design-perforated BMW Leather ‘Vernasca’ in either Black (for all pairings) or Tacora Red (not available for Manhattan and Riverside Blue pairings).

Now available at the BMW Shop Online for RM729,800 (without insurance), the new X6 can be booked for RM5,000. Those who take financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia can choose monthly instalment plans starting from RM 8,328.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure).

Moving to the next chapter of the BMW Efficient Dynamics story

Moving to the next chapter of the BMW Efficient Dynamics story

BMW Efficient Dynamics technology was initiated in 2007 with the objective of consistently reducing fuel consumption – and thereby CO2 emissions – on the one hand, while steadily enhancing driving dynamics on the other. Generally, when pursuing lower fuel consumption goals, the trade-off has been in performance but that would not be acceptable to BMW engineers.

As a result, Efficient Dynamics is now a fundamental link in the DNA of all BMW models and one of the key reasons why the BMW Group will be able to meet the European Union’s CO2 targets in full.

Technical measures covering every area
The Efficient Dynamics approach systematically optimizes every aspect of the vehicle, not just the powertrain. On the aerodynamics side, active air flap control is now in its third generation, while the new iX3 (due to be launched by the end of 2020) will be fitted with the latest generation of BMW aerodynamic wheels.

The technology behind the new wheels has been further refined, resulting in a 5% reduction in drag coefficient compared to conventional X3 wheels plus a 15% weight saving over the previous BMW aerodynamic wheel type.

Such significant steps forward have been achieved thanks to heavy investment in the necessary aerodynamics R&D infrastructure over recent years. The most aerodynamically efficient current model overall, the new 3-Series Sedan, has a Cd of just 0.23, earning it the title of ‘best in segment’.

Intelligent lightweight design has also led to some major efficiency-boosting advances. This has made it possible to reduce the weight of models from one generation to the next, despite increases in size and safety enhancements. Optimizing structures and employing the ideal materials in every area of a vehicle are key to attaining the goals that have been set.

The wide range of powertrain systems on offer also plays a fundamental role in the Efficient Dynamics concept. From highly efficient combustion engines with 48V electrical systems to plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles – all are underpinned by the basic principle of Efficient Dynamics: minimize the input while maximizing the output.

The advent of 48V mild hybrid technology greatly expands the possible uses of Brake Energy Regeneration. This technology made its debut in the four variants of the 520d last year and are now being extended to the 3-Series, X3 and X4 ranges.

Hydrogen fuel cells in future
The BMW i Hydrogen NEXT – unveiled to the public at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show as a technology demonstrator – represents a potential fourth pillar in the company’s powertrain portfolio. The BMW Group has been working with the Toyota Motor Corporation on fuel cell technology since 2013. The underlying conditions for supplying ‘green’ hydrogen are not yet in place, however, meaning it will still be some time before the BMW Group brings out a production vehicle with this technology on board.

Systematic roll-out with clear benefits
As a result of the continuously evolving package of technological measures, fleet consumption and CO2 emissions have been cut by more than 40% over the last 13 years. What is more, the BMW Group will comply in full with the European Union’s CO2 targets, thanks in part to the rigorous deployment of BMW Efficient Dynamics innovations as standard across all model series. With ongoing electrification of the range, CO2 emissions in 2020 will be 20% lower again thant the figure for 2019.

First look at the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain being developed by BMW and Toyota

First look at the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain being developed by BMW and Toyota

Besides collaborating on the BMWZ4 and Toyota Supra, the BMW Group and Toyota have been working together on fuel cell technology. As Toyota has already commercialised a fuel cell vehicle (the Mirai), it can offer a good deal of knowledge and information to developing the alternative powertrain technology.

“We are convinced that various alternative powertrain systems will exist alongside one another in future, as there is no single solution that addresses the full spectrum of customers’ mobility requirements worldwide. The hydrogen fuel cell technology could quite feasibly become the fourth pillar of our powertrain portfolio in the long term. The upper-end models in our extremely popular X family would make particularly suitable candidates here,” said Klaus Frohlich, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Research and Development.

The BMW Group has been working with Toyota on fuel cell technology since 2013. Now it can offer the first virtual insights into the powertrain system for the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT.

Future prospects
Although the BMW Group has no doubt as to the long-term potential of fuel cell powertrain systems, it will be some time before the company offers its customers a production car powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology. This is primarily due to the fact that the right framework conditions are not yet in place.

“In our view, hydrogen as energy carrier must first be produced in sufficient quantities at a competitive price using green electricity. Hydrogen will then be used primarily in applications that cannot be directly electrified, such as long-distance heavy-duty transport,” said Frohlich.

The requisite infrastructure, such as an extensive Europe-wide network of hydrogen filling stations, is also lacking at present. However, the BMW Group is pressing ahead with its development work in the field of hydrogen fuel cell technology. The company is using the time until the infrastructure and sustainably produced hydrogen supply are in place to substantially reduce the cost of manufacturing the powertrain system.

Initial technical details
The fuel cell system for the powertrain for the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT generates up to 125 kW (170 bhp) of electric energy from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen from the ambient air. The vehicle emits nothing but water vapour. The electric converter located underneath the fuel cell adapts the voltage level to that of both the electric powertrain and the peak power battery, which is fed by brake energy as well as the energy from the fuel cell.

BMW Toyota hydrogen fuel cell technology — *The two high-pressure tanks to store hydrogen can be filled up within a few minutes.*

The vehicle also accommodates a pair of tanks that can together hold 6 kgs of hydrogen. Refuelling only takes 3 to 4 minutes and the capacity of the tanks gives a long range of travel.

The fifth-generation eDrive unit set to make its debut in the BMW iX3 is also fully integrated into the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT. This hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain will go through a pilot run in a small batch of SUVs based on the current BMW X5 that the BMW Group plans to present in 2022. However, volume production with hydrogen fuel cell technology will only start in the second half of this decade, at the earliest. That too will depend on the global market conditions and requirements.

Toyota Mirai FCV — *Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell system already in use in the Mirai.*

Toyota Mirai — *The Mirai FCV has been on sale since 2014 in selected markets. A second generation has already been developed and will be launched at the end of this year.*

Collaboration with Toyota
Besides partnering with the Japanese carmaker on the development and industrialisation of fuel cell technology for the mass market, the two companies are also founding members of the Hydrogen Council. A wealth of other leading companies in the energy, transport and industrial sectors have joined the Hydrogen Council since 2017, swelling its ranks to over 80 members. The BMW Group’s participation in the research project BRYSON (a German acronym for ‘space-efficient hydrogen storage tanks with optimised usability’) underlines its faith in the future viability and potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Toyota to start selling second generation of Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle in late 2020

BMW brand logo modernised with visual style of today to suit digital age

After more than 20 years, the BMW brand has a new corporate identity for online and offline communication purposes. The BMW, BMW i and BMW M communication logos have been completely reworked, with a new logotype and new design principles. According to the company, it has ‘the visual style of today and is better-suited to the digital age’.

The new design is described as an expression of the revised brand identity, which places the customer at the centre of all activities. More minimalist in a sense and two-dimensional, it conveys openness and clarity. The additional transparent version of the logo is a more open invitation than ever for customers to join the world of BMW. The change reflects BMW’s transition from centering purely on the automotive world to being about technology and connections.

The redesigned logotype expresses openness and strength of character to ensure a contemporary, future-proof presence both online and offline.

History of the BMW logo. Its design has always been linked to an aircraft propeller although this origin is a myth (and even BMW admits it).

The origins of the ‘BMW propeller’ design
The fundamental elements of the BMW logo are its colours: white and blue, which are the colours of the state of Bavaria in Germany, home of BMW. The myth of the ‘BMW propeller’ actually began 91 years ago with aA BMW ad showing an airplane with the BMW logo in the rotating propeller. At the beginning of the global economic crisis, the ad was trying to promote a new aircraft engine that BMW was building under licence from Pratt & Whitney. The propeller interpretation fit very well into the advertising image of the young company, as it underlined the company’s roots and its expertise in aircraft construction.

Then, in 1942, BMW itself linked the propeller to its company symbol. An article appeared in a BMW publication called ‘Flugmotoren-Nachrichten‘ (Aircraft Engine News) which backed up the story of the BMW badge as a spinning propeller. The story was illustrated with a photo of the BMW logo overlaid on a rotating propeller.

“For a long time, BMW made little effort to correct the myth that the BMW badge is a propeller,” explained Fred Jakobs of BMW Group Classic. So according to the expert, sticking to the story that the BMW emblem is a propeller would not be entirely wrong. It’s not strictly true that there is a propeller in BMW’s company logo, though. Constant repetition has made this explanation a self-propagating urban myth. “This interpretation has been commonplace for 90 years, so in the meantime, it has acquired a certain justification,” Jakobs said.

New logo stands for openness and clarity
“BMW is becoming a relationship brand. The new communication logo stands for openness and clarity,” explained Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice-President for Customer and Brand BMW. “We want to use this new transparent version to invite our customers, more than ever, to become part of the world of BMW. In addition, our new brand design is geared to the challenges and opportunities of digitalization for brands. With visual restraint and graphic flexibility, we are equipping ourselves for the vast variety of touchpoints in communication at which BMW will be present, online and offline, in the future. This additional communication logo symbolizes the brand’s significance and relevance for mobility and driving pleasure in the future.”

The global launch of the new brand design starts this month and progressively up to May 31, 2021, it will begin to appear in all communications, on and offline, and for international trade fairs and events.

2020 BMW Concept i4 — *The new logo is intended for media communications and not for use on vehicles or dealership facilities, but it can be seen on the BMW Concept i4 unveiled recently.*

BMW clarifies that the new logo is a new media branding and will be used in addition to the existing logo. It won’t be used on the vehicles or feature on the exterior and interior of dealerships. However, it seems that concept cars may use it, as evident in the BMW Concept i4 unveiled recently.

Volkswagen unveils a new logo and brand design for new era

Auto Bavaria introduces i-Service for BMW customers in Klang Valley

Authorised BMW dealership Auto Bavaria has launched a new service for customers which gives them the convenience of having their BMW vehicles at their doorstep. Said to be the first of its kind, the Auto Bavaria i-Service service can be requested through the company’s mobile application.

Additionally, using the app, owners can book service appointments, check their vehicle service history, view the service progress, and make payments. It also has a special ‘track & chat’ feature to track the location of the i-Service vehicle and chat with technicians to monitor the progress of their vehicle being serviced.

Customers can direct the i-Service vehicle to a location closest to them – be it at home or at the workplace within a 40-km radius from Auto Bavaria dealerships – to perform scheduled maintenance services. Such services include oil change, brake pad change, tyre change, and tyre balancing and battery change, saving them a trip to the service centre.

Every i-service vehicle is equipped with the latest tools and equipment and manned by experienced and qualified technicians. They carry BMW genuine parts which are needed as well.

Prior to any work commencing, customers receive cost estimates, including itemised costs for parts and labour beforehand. This ensures price transparency so that customers can make informed decisions about the maintenance of their vehicles.

Initially, there will be three i-Service vehicles catering to prime areas in the Klang Valley, with plans for expansion in the near future. The service is available from Mondays to Saturdays (except public holidays) during normal working hours.

“Quality, efficiency and innovation are the three cornerstones of our vision in providing first-class and uncompromising aftersales service to our customers. Auto Bavaria i-Service is a testament to our commitment in delivering greater convenience, innovative solutions and peace of mind when it comes to caring for the needs of our customers, and in preparing ourselves for the future of automotive ownership experience,” said the MD of Auto Bavaria, Vi Thim Juan.

Click here for other news and articles about BMW.

BMW Concept i4 previews all-electric model to go on sale in 2021 (w/VIDEO)

The BMW Concept i4, one of the many models that were to be unveiled at the now-cancelled Geneva International Motor Show, provides a look ahead to the new i4 model to be launched in 2021. It will be the BMW Group’s first all-electric model in the premium midsize class.

“The BMW Concept i4 brings electrification to the core of the BMW brand,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice-President, BMW Group Design. “The design is dynamic, clean and elegant. In short: a perfect BMW that happens to be zero emission.”

“The design of the BMW Concept i4 shows fantastic proportions, a powerfully expressive character and, of course, a lot of attention to detail,” added Domagoj Dukec, Head of BMW Design. “With the Curved Display, we have redefined BMW’s signature driver focus in an extremely elegant way. At the same time, the BMW Concept i4 transports a feeling of sustainable driving pleasure.”

As part of the package, the Concept i4 includes several exterior and interior design elements which will be incorporated in both the i4 and other electrically-powered production vehicles.

Electrifying aesthetics
The long wheelbase, fastback roofline and short overhangs form a basic profile for a Gran Coupe. With its four doors, the Concept i4 offers not only a high level of everyday usability and practicality, but also a much larger interior than the car’s modern and dynamic proportions would immediately suggest.

Crisp, smooth lines and taut volumes merge into a rich, smoothly contoured sculpture and create a clear surfacing language. The modern exterior paint shade known as ‘Frozen Light Copper’ mirrors that on the BMW Vision iNEXT and showcases the interplay of surfaces to visually stunning effect.

Blue elements in the front end, flanks and rear end point to the car’s BMW i origins. They shine a spotlight on the signature BMW i icons and bring the technology below the surface to the fore – for example, the kidneys in their role as an intelligence panel, the mouldings in the side skirts concealing the battery technology, and the diffuser elements in the rear end, which fill the design space vacated by exhaust tailpipes and enhance aerodynamic efficiency.

A host of aerodynamic measures help maximise the car’s electric range. The blanked-off kidney grille and clear aero lips provide detail examples of sophisticated airflow engineering at work.

Another distinctive area of the car are the wheel rims. These have been designed exclusively for the Concept i4 and blend aerodynamic and lightweight design; smooth – and therefore aerodynamically optimised – surfaces contrast with ultra-low-weight, high-strength spokes.

The front-end treatment presents the familiar BMW icons in a new look, lending a visually powerful face to the electric age at BMW. The prominent, closed-off kidney grille provides a tangible connection between the past and future of BMW.

The BMW icon also gains new functionality: With no combustion engine to require cooling, the grille now serves primarily as an ‘intelligence panel’ housing various sensors. The headlights likewise provide a bridge between the past and the future; the classical 4-eyed front end has a very modern and pared-back interpretation.

Innovation meets minimalism
The interior of the Concept i4 focuses on those times when the driver chooses to pilot the car themselves. To this end, every element in the front of the cabin is trained on the driver. The new Curved Display teams up with the steering wheel to reveal a new take on driver orientation and offers a look ahead to the display in the production versions of the iNEXT and i4.

The Curved Display encompasses a large proportion of the section in front of the driver and almost all operating functions are integrated into the display. This is part of an overall approach centred on reducing the number of haptic controls to the minimum.

Spacious rear compartment
Rear-seat passengers are greeted by a generously-sized compartment offering levels of headroom and legroom that exceed expectations of a coupe. The cut-out in the head restraints is a classy detail that references sporty BMW models from the current line-up.

The rear seats extend the horizontal graphic emerging from the doors to create a lounge feel in the rear. Meanwhile, the outer seats reprise the dynamic form of the front seats, heightening the sporting flavour. They also use very little stitching, which further emphasises the clean and modern feel.

The sound of the Concept i4
The Concept i4 is not only characterised by its individual design but also by its own visionary and unique sound. It was developed under the brand name of BMW IconicSounds Electric by world renowned composer Hans Zimmer together with BMW Sound Designer Renzo Vitale.

BMW IconicSounds Electric aims to emotionalise BMW’s electric vehicles and make them audible using individual sound worlds. The sound combines BMW’s past and future, ranging from the driving sounds in ‘Core’ mode to the more intense and pronounced sounds of ‘Sport’ mode. Also included are the sounds of the door opening and the starting scenario.

Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology
The electric motor, power electronics, charging unit and high-voltage battery use fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. These are all-new developments enabling the BMW Group to take another significant step forward in the field of electrified drive systems. The electric motor developed for the i4 generates maximum output of up to 390 kW (530 ps), which ranks it alongside a current BMW V8 combustion engine.

Electrical energy is drawn from a newly designed high-voltage battery pack with the very latest battery cell technology. The version of the battery developed for the i4 has extremely slim construction and optimised energy density. It weighs roughly 550 kgs, has an energy content of around 80 kWh and can provide an operating range that is claimed to be up to 600 kms.

A new BMW brand identity
BMW is unveiling the brand’s new look for the first time. The new logo for communications also provides the basis for the badge on the Concept i4. Its two-dimensional and transparent design ensures seamless integration and brings the special exterior colour shade to even greater prominence.

Hans Zimmer to create e-sounds for BMW Group vehicles

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