BMW model upgrade measures taking effect from the summer of 2013

Munich (ots) - All petrol-driven models of almost all model series
will now comply with the EU6 classification as standard - BMW xDrive
available for further models of the BMW 1 Series and BMW 3 Series -
ECO PRO Mode with new functions for better efficiency - optional
eight-speed sports automatic transmission now with Launch Control -
additional options and upgraded programme functions for BMW
ConnectedDrive.

Little more than a year before the EU6 exhaust emission standard
comes into effect in September 2014, BMW is increasing the number of
models that already fulfil the more stringent emission regulations.
As early as in the summer of 2013, almost all models featuring the
BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine will comply with the EU6
classification as standard. Moreover, by the summer of 2013, further
four-wheel drive variants of the BMW 1 Series and the BMW 3 Series
are to be added to the model range of the BMW brand. Innovative
functions, which can be used in conjunction with the ECO PRO mode,
guarantee even better efficiency. Enhanced driving pleasure is
provided thanks to the Launch Control function, which in future will
be included in the equipment range for the eight-speed sports
automatic transmission. And the range of BMW ConnectedDrive options
now also includes innovations that, as a result of intelligent
networking, further optimise comfort, safety and the use of
infotainment features inside the vehicle.

EU6 classification standard for all series.

BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology not only ensures enhanced driving
pleasure coupled with reduced fuel consumption, but also offers the
ideal prerequisites for optimised emission performance. As early as
in the summer of 2013, numerous other petrol-driven models of the BMW
brand equipped with this technology package will fulfil the EU6
exhaust emission standard that is due to come into effect as from
September 2014. At the beginning of the 2014 model year, the BMW M
automobiles as well as the six-cylinder versions of the BMW Z4 will
also comply with the EU6 classification.

At the same time, the number of diesel models, which are also
equipped as standard with BMW BluePerformance and as a result also
achieve the EU6 classification, is also to increase.

Intelligent four-wheel drive concept xDrive for further models of
the BMW 1 Series and BMW 3 Series.

With five further models, which can be optionally equipped with
BMW xDrive, BMW will also be continuing the current four-wheel drive
initiative in the summer of 2013. The permanent, electronically
controlled four-wheel drive technology optimises not only traction
and vehicle stability in all weather and road conditions, but also
driving dynamics when taking bends. This can in future also be
experienced in the models BMW 118d xDrive 3-door version and the BMW
118d xDrive 5-door variant. Like the new models BMW 318d xDrive Sedan
and the BMW 318d xDrive Touring, they are also powered by a 105
kW/143 hp four-cylinder diesel power unit. Furthermore, as from the
summer of 2013, a new top-of-the-range diesel model for the BMW 3
Series also featuring BMW xDrive will become available. Power from
the 230 kW/313 hp straight six cylinder diesel engine under the
bonnet of the BMW 335d xDrive Sedan is distributed between the front
and rear axles according to each specific situation. The BMW 335d
xDrive Sedan comes as standard with an eight-speed automatic
transmission.

Optimum acceleration: Eight-speed sports automatic with Launch
Control.

The remarkably efficient, fast and comfortably shifting
eight-speed automatic transmission is now available for BMW models
across all series. If desired, it will be possible in future to
underscore the sporting character of the automatic transmission even
more intensively. From the summer of 2013, the optional leather
sports steering wheel with shift paddles will be available for the
luxury sedans of the 7 Series. Using this feature, the driver can
manually adjust the drive settings without having to take his/her
hands off the steering wheel.

Moreover, the eight-speed sports automatic transmission available
for the BMW 1 Series, the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 6 Series will be
complemented by the new Launch Control function. This feature permits
acceleration with optimised traction and maximum dynamics from a
standstill - a function that was previously only available in a
comparable version for BMW M automobiles. In order to use Launch
Control, the driver has to activate the DTC mode of the driving
stability control function DSC, shift the gear selection lever to the
position S, depress the brake pedal firmly and simultaneously press
the accelerator pedal all the way down. After the brake pedal has
been released, the vehicle accelerates whilst avoiding drive slip,
consequently making highest possible use of engine power. The
acceleration process continues for as long as the driver depresses
the accelerator pedal. The equipment range for the sports automatic
transmission also includes shift paddles on the steering wheel, a
specific gear selector switch and exceptionally dynamic gear-change
characteristics that also ensure supreme driving performance during
short bursts of speed.

BMW EfficientDynamics: ECO PRO Mode now with sailing function and
anticipation assistant.

Thanks to new functions for the ECO PRO Mode, which can be
activated via the Driving Experience Control feature, BMW is
increasing the possibilities of achieving better fuel economy through
intelligent energy management. From the summer of 2013, all model
variants of the BMW 1 Series, the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 6 Series
equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission or the
eight-speed sports transmission either optionally or as standard,
will feature the new sailing mode. At speeds of between 50 and 160
km/h in the ECO PRO Mode, the drive train is disconnected as soon as
the driver lifts his/her foot from the accelerator pedal without
applying the brakes. As a result, the vehicle is able to 'sail'
without engine power, thereby also achieving maximum fuel efficiency.
Fuel economy is now promoted even more intensively using the optional
navigation system Professional.

When the routing function is activated, the new anticipation
assistant informs the driver of the ideal time to slow down when
approaching bends and stretches of road where speed limits are in
force in order to obtain better fuel efficiency. For the first time,
BMW EfficientDynamics technology and BMW ConnectedDrive technology
will be networked with each other within the framework of the
intelligent energy management - with the effect that further fuel
savings will be achieved in ECO PRO mode.

BMW ConnectedDrive: New options and enhanced functions.

Furthermore, from the summer of 2013, BMW will also set new
benchmarks in intelligent networking, thanks to the consistently
upgraded range of BMW ConnectedDrive features. New options and
enhanced functions ensure further optimisation.

The options Driving Assistant and Driving Assistant Plus initially
introduced exclusively for the BMW 7 Series will be available with a
new functional structure both for the luxury sedan and further BMW
models. The safety package Driving Assistant comprises the Lane
Departure Warning as well as a pedestrian and collision warning with
braking function. The system detects vehicles driving ahead and, at
speeds of up to 60 km/h, also persons who are on a possible collision
course. In an identified hazard situation, the driver is warned by
means of visual and acoustic signals. In order to shorten the
stopping distance, the braking system is simultaneously
preconditioned. Furthermore, at speeds of up to 60 km/h an emergency
braking manoeuvre with medium deceleration is also activated in order
to reduce speed and draw the driver's attention to the critical
situation.

The Driving Assistant Plus provides even more comprehensive
support. The system combines Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go
function with the Driving Assistant, ensuring above all enhanced
comfort and safety in slow-moving traffic and tailbacks.

At speeds of up to 210 km/h, the driver is able to delegate the
Distance Control function to the system. A combination of front
camera and full-range radar sensors detects all vehicles ahead,
whether moving or stationary. Should the driver not react to the
warning of a potential collision, the Driving Assistant Plus
automatically slows the vehicle down - with maximum deceleration
power if necessary.

The Lane Change Warning assistant, also available as an individual
option, can be used in future from a speed of 20 km/h. The system
monitors the traffic situation on the adjacent lane in the area
called the dead spot and warns he driver of potential critical
situations during overtaking manoeuvres.

Thanks to additional functions, the use of the optional BMW
Head-Up Display is becoming even more attractive. The system, which
uses the entire colour spectrum when projecting driving-related
information onto the windscreen, is now being complemented by
additional display information on further models. If required,
telephone contact and infotainment lists are also displayed within
the driver's direct field of vision. As a result, the driver is able
to use this information without having to take his/her eyes off the
road.

From the summer of 2013, the new generation of the night vision
system BMW Night Vision will be optionally available for all models
of the BMW 6 Series and BMW 7 Series. This system now also comprises
an animal recognition function in addition to the pedestrian
recognition feature and the Dynamic Light Spot on BMW 5 Series and
BMW 7 Series models. The system provides a real-time video image that
also depicts on the Control Display persons, animals and other
objects emitting heat when they are outside of the light beam and
warns in the event of an impending collision. The Dynamic Light Spot
is produced by a special headlight that directs the light beam onto
the recognised persons or animals respectively, thus drawing the
driver's attention to possible hazards in good time.

The range of functions for the Active Protection option has also
been further upgraded. In critical situations, this safety package
helps to reduce the consequences of a possible accident by applying a
number of countermeasures. In such a case, the side windows and, if
necessary, also the sliding roof are closed, front seatbelts
tightened and the backrest of the front passenger seat brought into
an upright position. Active Protection also includes an attention
assistant that analyses driving behaviour and, if necessary, advises
the driver to rest. The advice to take a break is provided in the
form of graphic symbols shown on the Control Display.

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is the leading premium manufacturer of automobiles
and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce
brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 28 production and
assembly facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in
more than 140 countries.

In 2012, the BMW Group sold about 1.85 million cars and more than
117,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the
financial year 2012 was euro 7.82 billion on revenues amounting to
euro 76.85 billion. At 31 December 2012, the BMW Group had a
workforce of 105,876 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore
established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value
chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to
conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result
of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the
Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last eight years.

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For further questions please contact:
Kai Lichte, Product Communications BMW Automobiles
Phone: +49-89-382-51240,
Fax: +49-89-382-20626

Ralph Huber, Head of Product Communications BMW Automobiles
Phone: +49-89-382-68778,
Fax: +49-89-382-20626

E-Mail: presse@bmw.de
Internet: www.press.bmwgroup.de