BMW i Concept.

The principles of BMW EfficientDynamics have one goal: to combine efficiency with exhilaration. Through continuous optimization of our vehicles, such as systematic weight reduction, innovative aerodynamics and engine efficiency measures, the use of alternative drivetrain solutions, and research into new technologies, we're creating the future of sustainable mobility, today.

In our quest to never stop increasing fuel efficiency, BMW i is developing the next generation of visionary vehicles and mobility solutions. It started with existing BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, and now BMW i is taking things to the next level. BMW i's approach has led us to create concept vehicles built solely for the purpose of increasing efficiency. For electric mobility, BMW i is focusing on sustainability and a range of complementary mobility services, thereby redefining the understanding of personal transportation.

BMW i is creating a new world of visionary mobility. First, there is the BMW i3 Concept Car. Previously introduced as the Megacity Vehicle, this is the BMW Group's first Series-produced all-electric car, and focuses on the mobility needs of people living in urban areas. And as the world's first premium electric vehicle, it reinvents BMW for the future.

Secondly, the BMW i8 Concept Car is the world's most-progressive sports car. It's forward-looking, intelligent and innovative. Its unique plug-in hybrid design brings together a combustion engine and an electric-drive system to create an extraordinary driving experience. Of course, it's complemented by extremely low fuel consumption and emissions.

One of the great advantages of electric mobility is zero local emissions. Since electric engines use electric current rather than fossil fuel to create movement, no climate-harming gases are generated when fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are driven in electric mode. If the energy to drive is obtained from a renewable source, such as wind or hydroelectric power, fully electric vehicles are climate-neutral and conserve natural resources. And since electric vehicles are extremely agile and a joy to drive, they raise the bar in terms of the driving experience.

The BMW i3 Series car will be available in 2013 and the BMW i8 Series car will follow shortly thereafter.

Thanks to eDrive technology, electric mobility provides a unique, exhilarating driving experience. eDrive consists of a remarkably agile electric motor developed and built by BMW, innovative battery technology and an intelligent engine-management system.

The entire torque of the electric motor is available from a standstill, and acceleration is sustained up to the car's maximum speed —without any interruption. This makes our electric vehicles decidedly nimble and a joy to drive. Every detail of the lithium-ion battery cells and the engine-management system are optimized, which significantly increases the vehicle's range and performance.

Designing a fully electric vehicle afforded BMW Group engineers the opportunity to completely rethink vehicle architecture. LifeDrive is a revolutionary body concept that is specially designed for alternative drivetrains and uses materials in innovative ways. It consists of two horizontally separated, independent modules.

When it comes to lightweight vehicle materials, CFRP is simply the best choice around. It is extremely strong and light: at least as strong as steel, but around 50% lighter. (In comparison, aluminum is 30% lighter than steel relative to its strength.)

BMW i embodies the creation of visionary vehicles and a new understanding of premium mobility underpinned by sustainability. This can be seen and experienced in the inspiring design of BMW i vehicles.

The aim was to create an authentic visual representation of innovative technology and to translate values such as lightness, safety and efficiency into the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept models. These basic values are expressed in the design of the vehicles through features including large transparent surfaces and a light-bathed interior, a powerful stance and aerodynamic additions such as contact surfaces, spoiler lips and elements allowing air through-flow. The BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept also blend in their own interpretation of familiar BMW design features, cementing a clear link to the BMW parent brand.

Exterior design.
The most defining element of the BMW i concepts is their purpose-built basic construction, the LifeDrive architecture. Within this concept, the CFRP Life module houses the passenger compartment, while the Drive module brings together all the operational driving functions. This distinctive two-way split is also reflected in the design of the cars. The modules are partly covered by side panels, but remain clearly distinguishable. Expressive surfaces and precise lines form a harmonious transition between the two. This overlap and interlocking of surfaces and lines – "layering" in BMW i speak – marks out the exterior and interior design of both vehicles.

Aerodynamics and design.
Aerodynamics are an important element of efficient mobility and therefore of BMW i, and they are deliberately reflected in the exterior design of the two concept models. The aerodynamically optimised "stream flow" is one of the most striking styling cues of the BMW i vehicles.

The special three-dimensional form of the stream flow on the BMW i8 Concept, moreover, improves its aerodynamic efficiency. The underbody of the two vehicles, meanwhile, is totally enclosed and has a smooth surface to counteract the under-car turbulence that would otherwise push up fuel consumption. Other aerodynamic elements include the AirCurtains, which ensure optimum air flow around the wheel arches and the aeroflaps in the door sill area behind the front wheels. Both solutions reduce the cars' drag substantially, and in so doing increase their efficiency – and therefore their range when running on electric power alone.

Exterior and interior united.
The colors and materials in the concept cars creates an effective link between the vehicles – and between their exteriors and interiors. The dominant colors of the exterior are the Silver Flow shade of light silver and High-gloss Black. The slightly blue-tinged, bright silver colour tone shows off the vehicles' technical, modern exterior design extremely effectively and presents a clear contrast against the black-painted surfaces. Contrasting touches in bright, forceful Stream Blue bring the efficiency of the vehicles (inside and out) to lofe stylistically. Externally this colour can also be found in the logo, the kidney grille, door sills and rear apron. Applied more discreetly in the interior, Stream Blue shows subtly from the logo in the steering wheel, the seat stitching, and between the leather surfaces and structural layers of the steering wheel, as well as from the indicators and displays. The colours of the interior paint a far warmer picture and therefore create a pleasant contrast to the technical cool of the exterior. The shell layer structures in Porcelain White and the warm dark brown leather color tone Mocha Brown conjure up a modern yet cosy ambience.

Sustainability in the interior.
A stand-out feature of both interiors is the visible use, for the first time, of renewable and naturally treated raw materials. The BMW i3 Concept sets new benchmarks in the use of sustainable materials. In addition to the extensive use of natural fibers and naturally tanned leather, 25 per cent of the weight of the interior plastic is accounted for by recycled or renewable raw materials.

BMW i goes beyond the car – Mobility Services.
An integral part of BMW i, in addition to the vehicles, is an offering of comprehensive and custom-designed services that can be used independently of the vehicle itself. These mobility services focus, for example, on solutions that make more efficient use of existing parking space, intelligent navigation systems that can also offer location-based information, an Intermodal Route Planning service and premium car-sharing. In addition to developing and offering its own services, BMW i also provides services in partnership with other companies and makes strategic investments in mobility service providers. With this in mind, BMW i Ventures was founded. The goal of the company is to extend the product portfolio of BMW i by investing in high-potential service providers such as "MyCityWay".

Proactive Front Protection.
In both of the concept vehicles the camera-based proactive Front Protection system provides active safety which is designed to help prevent accidents or mitigate injuries. The system, which operates across the entire speed range, can detect a collision risk with preceding vehicles and warns the driver in good time, so that he can sharply reduce his speed and, if possible, still avoid an accident. In the speed range from 0 to 37 mph the system can now also detect pedestrians in addition to warning the driver in the event of an impending collision. It also assists by performing automatic emergency braking.

Driver assistance systems for urban driving – Parking Assistant and Traffic Jam Assistant.
Since the BMW i3 Concept is designed mainly for urban operation, the vehicle features two further driver assistance systems – the Parking Assistant and the Traffic Jam Assistant. The Parking Assistant now relieves the driver of the entire parking manoeuvre, performing acceleration and braking automatically. If multiple manoeuvres are required, the vehicle can also switch between forward and reverse direction without the driver's intervention.

The Traffic Jam Assistant – "Go with the flow".
Traffic jams are a part of everyday driving especially in megacities. The Traffic Jam Assistant makes driving less stressful under monotonous road conditions. By letting the vehicle "go with the flow", it allows the driver to get to his destination in a more relaxed state of mind. The Traffic Jam Assistant maintains a specified following distance from the vehicle in front and in particularly heavy traffic can autonomously control the speed of the vehicle right down to a standstill while providing active steering input. This enables the vehicle to help the driver stay on course right up to a speed of 25 mph – provided he keeps at least one hand on the steering wheel.

The BMW i remote functions.
Thanks to mobile devices, our digital life has long gone beyond home computers, taking place outside of our homes as well on the road - and through the application-based integration of mobile devices in the context of BMW ConnectedDrive.

For many years, the BMW Group has consistently achieved high marks in key areas of sustainability.

For BMW i, sustainability is fundamentally important, and it's something we never lose sight of. In fact, from the earliest strategic and planning stages, clearly defined sustainability targets were set for each BMW i vehicle. And from purchasing to development and production to sales, all sustainability aspects were imagined. The success of the BMW i3 Concept Car is proof positive that true sustainability is achievable.

The life-cycle global warming potential (CO2) of the BMW i3 Concept is at least a third lower than a comparable combustion engine vehicle in the same class. Even more impressive, if the vehicle is powered by renewable electricity, improvement increases to well over 50%. These impressive statistics are thanks to a large number of innovative measures relating to the development, production and recycling stages. Ultimately, BMW i is setting new standards of sustainability across the entire value chain.

The first production centre for electro-mobility in Germany is a BMW plant: Our site in Leipzig. Around €400 million will have been invested in the production of the BMW i3 by 2013. The expansion of the plant will create approximately 800 jobs.

Update: On October 26th 2011, the official topping out ceremony took place at the BMW plant Leipzig - exactly within the time plan. The celebration was attended by Saxony's Prime Minister Stanislaw Tillich and the Mayor of Leipzig, Burkhard Jung. From 2013 on, the BMW i3 and a year later also the BMW i8 will be produced in this modern, highly efficient plant that will be powered by four wind turbines on-site.

The BMW Landshut Plant begins carbon parts production for car of the future - the new CFRP Innovation and Production Centre with 100 new employees and record-level energy conservation.

The new site will also produce an additional 100 jobs in CFRP production. The BMW Plant in Landshut employs a total of approximately 3,000 workers and for more than 10 years has been an expert in carbon.

When the BMW i concept was introduced to Bridgestone, it was immediately clear that it would require a unique tire design to deliver the expected performance targets.

BMW i vehicles have unique technical characteristics such as light weight and a balanced weight distribution that require consideration in the tire design.