The BMW Group at the Mondial de l'Automobile Paris 2016

BMW is revealing the new version of the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, which combines coupe-like elegance with the spaciousness of a luxury sedan and the luggage capacity of a station wagon – and packages it all in a visibly sportier exterior. The three petrol and five diesel units in the engine line-up generate substantially more power while burning less fuel. All the petrol engines and the four-cylinder diesel in the BMW 325d are making their debuts in the new model. Inside, the new BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo creates a fine impression with features such as superior quality materials, the Navigation system Professional’s new user interface that comes straight from the luxury class and even better smartphone connectivity.

In the space of just three years, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo has grown into an established name in the mid-size segment, with the Chinese, German and US markets as the main sales drivers. For the majority of customers, this is their first BMW.

The latest variant of the BMW i3 can travel over 50 per cent further on a single charge. The higher storage density of its battery’s lithium-ion cells gives the BMW i3 (94 Ah) a capacity of 33 kilowatt hours (kWh). On the standard NEDC cycle, this equates to a range of 300 kilometres (186 miles) instead of the previous 190 kilometres (118 miles) – and even in everyday use in unfavourable weather conditions that require the air conditioning or heating to be switched on, it is still capable of covering distances of up to 200 kilometres (125 miles) without recharging.

By achieving such impressive range and economy figures while still delivering hallmark BMW performance, the BMW i3 (94 Ah) sets a new benchmark in its segment. Besides extra equipment options, BMW i also offers new, more powerful Wallbox charging stations for home garages. Vehicles equipped with the first-generation battery can have the new unit retrofitted. The BMW i3 with 60 Ah battery pack first launched three years ago will still be available to customers.

BMW is also using the Paris show to present a new and exclusive version of its i8 plug-in hybrid sports car: the BMW i8 Protonic Dark Silver Edition.

BMW Motorrad is raising the bar in the e-scooter segment with the new BMW C evolution, which will be built in two variants – a long-range version and a European version that falls under the A1 driving licence category. A new-generation battery with a cell capacity of 94 Ah, the same as that fitted in the latest BMW i3, leads to a considerable increase in the scooter’s range. The version that meets the requirements of the A1 driving licence category picks up the previous model’s range of around 100 kilometres (approx. 62 miles), while the long-range version is capable of covering up to 160 kilometres (99 miles) between charges. This provides a sound basis for zero-emissions riding combined with excellent practicality in the city and broader urban areas. What’s more, standard specification now includes a new charging cable with a smaller cross-section.

New optional extras, such as a smartphone cradle, offer even greater scope for customising the new BMW C evolution. And last but not least, the new BMW C evolution sports a number of visual enhancements. Both versions of the new C evolution e-scooter are available in a new colour scheme: Ionic Silver metallic / Electric Green combined with Black Storm metallic for a contrasting effect. In addition, the centre tunnel trim of the long-range variant is emblazoned with a new graphic.

– the personal digital mobility assistant from BMW. BMW has been connecting driver and vehicle for years now courtesy of ConnectedDrive. And this August BMW Connected was launched, presenting customers with an all-encompassing digital concept that provides a seamless support tool for all aspects of personal mobility. Using a flexible platform called the Open Mobility Cloud as a basis, BMW Connected seamlessly integrates the vehicle and multiple touchpoints, such as an iPhone or Apple Watch, into the user’s digital life. The launch version of BMW Connected focuses first and foremost on journey management for the vehicle, featuring digital products and services designed to simplify, above all, the day-to-day planning of driving routes and appointments. BMW Connected thereby helps users get to their destination on time and without any stress.

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