BMW satisfies diverse demands with innovation and sustainability

Olaf Kastner, president and CEO of BMW Group Region China, at the Guangzhou auto show on Friday. [Photo/China Daily]

Premium carmaker BMW held the world premiere of the BMW Concept Compact Sedan on Friday at the Guangzhou auto show, along with its new BMW X5 PHEV, and the all new BMW 7 Series Individual, new BMW 3 Series, BMW 6 Series, BMW M3 and all new BMW S 1000R motorcycle.

"The world premiere underlines our relentless quest for innovation and our ability to explore new concepts in new segments to meet emerging customers' demands," said Olaf Kastner, president and CEO of BMW Group Region China, at the auto show.

BMW holds the world premiere of its new Concept Compact Sedan on Friday. [Photo/China Daily]

A company statement said exhibiting such diverse models in Guangzhou demonstrates that BMW is leading the development trend of the luxury car market with more characterized applications of the Internet, e-mobility and personalized technologies.

That BMW provides attractive products in every niche market of the luxury autos is testimony to its commitment to and confidence in the Chinese market.

Kastner said: "Our local roots in China are stronger than ever with enthusiasts voting us the most desirable brand that is closely linked to the modern values of China, with highly innovative products featuring dynamic performance, sustainability and connectivity, as well as an extensive and high-quality dealer network. We are strongly positioned to pursue a sustainable future in the 'new normal' market conditions."

The eye-catching new BMW Concept Compact Sedan is an ideal combination of BMW's aesthetics and dynamics with the design concepts of compact sedans, and mainly caters to young consumers.

The considerably long hood and wheelbase generate a stretched visual effect, and the cockpit positioned behind the long hood also shows the car's sports genes, which are unique to the BMW brand.

The sedan's slim and distinctive waistline, specially designed counter curve in the window-outline of the C-pillar and the streamlined car body all generate a strong sense of dynamics and suggest the powerful muscles of the car on city roads. It takes only a gentle touch on the metal surface of the car body to open the touch-control door handles.

The interior design of the car is driver-oriented. All lines, shapes and control devices are planned with the driver at their center, so as to serve the driver's needs first.

Kastner said the concept compact sedan brings the BMW DNA of sportiness, dynamism and driver-oriented design into a compact four-door sedan. It is a true BMW that represents the modern lifestyles of the new generation of customers, he said.

The BMW X5 PHEV is the first premium plug-in hybrid Sports Activity Vehicle in the BMW family, combining the state-of-art BMW eDrive technology and BMW's intelligent all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive. Equipped with a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine and a synchronous motor, the BMW X5 PHEV has more power for longer range as well as lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Its maximum power hits 230 kW/313 horsepower, and it can speed up to 100 kilometers per hour in 6.8 seconds. Under compound testing circle, it uses about 3.9 liters of gas per 100 kms and its continuous voyage can last more than 800 km.

There is an eDrive button on the center control board, with which the driver can choose three modes: AUTO eDrive, MAX eDrive or SAVE Battery, according to needs and traffic conditions.

The high-voltage lithium-ion battery series is equipped in a safe position under the trunk floor, so as to ensure security and save space. Drivers can use BMW i Wallboxes as well as public charging posts, which BMW is actively promoting, to charge the cars.

As the most innovative limousine, the all new BMW 7 Series is regarded as a leader in engineering design and manufacturing technique, because of its leading position in smart, lightweight and man-machine interaction.

"Looking at our revolutionary BMW i, the innovations of the all new 7 Series and BMW Mobility Service, BMW is strongly investing in the future to be at the forefront of big trends and stay ahead as an innovation leader of the industry," Kastner said.

The new BMW 6 Series Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe carry a six-cylinder engine and v-shaped eight-cylinder engine and an 8-speed sport automatic transmission controlled by TwinPower Turbo technology. It takes the new BMW 650i xDrive only 4.9 seconds to accelerate to the speed of 100 km/h.