BMW World Debuts at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show

BMW is setting new highlights at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show with two new models being introduced.

As a dream car of the highest standard, the new 6 Series Coupé is continuing the tradition of BMW's luxury coupés. Both elegant and dynamic in one, the BMW 645 Ci may rightly claim, through its engine, its sporting driving characteristics, and generous space inside, to set a new benchmark in the luxury sports coupé segment.

The new BMW X3, in turn, represents the same kind of exceptional breakthrough: Very dynamic and versatile all in one, this new model extends the successful BMW X-family, combining the outstanding agility of a typical BMW with the broad scope of benefits offered by a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). And at the same time the X3 is the first premium SAV below the X5 to enter the market.

The New BMW 6 Series Coupe

The 6 Series Coupé is low, long and wide, a luxury coupé with a powerful aura of self-confidence: 4,820 millimetres or 189.8´´ in length, 1,855 millimetres or 73.0´´ in width, and just 1,373 millimetres or 54.1´´ in height - these are remarkable dimensions for a sports coupé offering ample space inside. And like on the 5 and 7 Series, all functions essential for motoring are accommodated either directly on the steering wheel or in its immediate vicinity. Highlights in the long list of sophisticated features are the audio system with a supreme standard of sound quality comparable to a home entertainment system as well as automatic air conditioning, both fitted as standard.

V8 Power Unit for Dynamic Motoring Pleasure

The 4.4-litre V8 power unit with fully variable VALVETRONIC valve management already featured in the 745i guarantees dynamic power and performance with maximum output of 245 kW or 333 bhp. This gives the new 6 Series Coupé a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h or 155 mph. And naturally the car reaches this speed with absolute ease, just as it accelerates smoothly and dynamically to 100km/h from a standstill in 5.6 seconds with its manual six-speed gearbox.

Body and Suspension in Intelligent Lightweight Technology

To really experience and enjoy the 6 Series Coupé, however, you have to drive the car and savour its qualities on the road. Supreme driving comfort combined with equally supreme performance is the convincing result of intelligent lightweight technology borne out in particular by the innovative aluminium/steel/plastic construction of the body. The side panels at the front, for example, as well as the rear lid are made of plastic, the entire front section, the front lid and the doors are aluminium. And it almost goes without saying that the excellent chassis and suspension of the new 6 Series Coupé are made of light alloy supplemented by all relevant electronic control systems such as DSC Dynamic Stability Control including DTC Dynamic Traction Control.

The "intelligent" Dynamic Drive suspension control system almost completely compensating body sway in bends as well as BMW's unique Active Steering (more direct transmission ratio at lower speeds, more indirect ratio at higher speeds) are also available as an option.

The New BMW X3

BMW is enlarging the Sports Activity market segment by adding a new range - the X3 combining the agility of a compact BMW with the supreme driving experience of the X5. This brand-new and absolutely unique model series stands out from the start through its data alone: Measuring 4,565 millimetres or 179.7´´ in length, the X3 is 87 millimetres or 3.4´´ longer than the 3 Series Touring, but almost 300 millimetres or 11.8´´ shorter than the new 5 Series Saloon. And measuring 4,667 millimetres or 183.7´´ from bumper to bumper, the X5 is quite clearly the X3's bigger brother.

Six-cylinder power units, six-speed transmission, and the new, electronically controlled xDrive all-wheel-drive system interact to ensure superior dynamism on the road. A special driving feeling is also conveyed by the high seating position, the generous feeling of space, and the designer features in BMW's compact SAV.

This new BMW model series is entering the market in three model variants following one another - the X3 3.0i powered by a 170 kW (231 bhp) petrol engine, the X3 3.0d with a 150 kW (204 bhp) diesel, and the X3 2.5i with a 141 kW (192 bhp) petrol power unit.

Making its World Debut in the X3 and X5: The Intelligent xDrive All-Wheel-Drive System

A particular highlight of the X3 also being introduced at the same time in the X5 is the all-new intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system setting new standards in the agility of all-wheel-drive vehicles. The 'heart' of this new system is the electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch enabling xDrive to spread out drive forces infinitely and fully variably between the front and rear axle. The system immediately recognises the need for a change in power distribution and responds extremely quickly, on the road usually before the wheel involved has even lost its grip. As a result, both the X3 and the X5 run like on rails even under adverse conditions, DSC stability control not being required to cut in until a far later point in time than with other drive concepts.

In practice, of course, this adds more active safety to more driving pleasure. And a further feature is that xDrive is combined with BMW's HDC Hill Descent Control, an intelligent downhill control system for steep gradients, as well as BMW's unique trailer stability control.

New Additions to the BMW 5 Series: The 545i and 525i Saloons

Shortly after the debut of the new BMW 5 Series in the guise of the 520i, 530i and 530d, BMW is enlarging the range through the introduction of the 545i featuring a V8 VALVETRONIC power unit and the BMW 525i with a 2.5-litre straight-six. Displacing 4.4 litres, the 245 kW/333 bhp aluminium 8-cylinder makes the BMW 545i the new benchmark in this class borne out by superior performance figures - 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, top speed 250 km/h or 155 mph limited electronically - and sophisticated equipment of the highest standard, the occupants being pampered, inter alia, by leather upholstery, all-electrical seat adjustment for the driver and front passenger, as well as automatic air conditioning.

The 2.5-litre power unit in the BMW 525i featuring bi-VANOS and a resonance intake system rounds off the range of straight-six models within the 5 Series. Displacing 2,494 cc, the engine of the BMW 525i develops maximum output of 141 kW/192 bhp, this power being conveyed to the drive wheels, as on all models in the new 5 Series, by a six-speed manual gearbox. In its other features and equipment, this new model with its refined six-cylinder is largely identical to the 520i, 530i, and 530d.

Newcomer to the Z Roadster Range: The Z4 2.2i

As of the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 'basic' model in the BMW Z4 Series is the Z4 2.2i. And this model designation alone tells the connoisseur the whole story. The power unit inside the beautifully designed front lid of BMW's open two-seater is the 2.2-litre straight-six so typical of the brand with its maximum output of 125 kW/170 bhp.

Famous the world over for its dynamic and refined qualities, especially in this muscular roadster, this superior power unit accelerates the Z4 to 100 km/h in just 7.7 seconds, giving the car a top speed of 225 km/h or 140 mph. And everything that lies between the process of setting off and reaching this maximum speed is experienced best and most enjoyably on winding country roads, where the next bend is indeed the best place to go.

A Newcomer in the 3 Series Coupe Range: The 320Cd

Dynamic elegance on the road, common sense at the filling station - what might appear incompatible is reality in the 320Cd 3 Series Coupé. Developing maximum output of 150 bhp or 110 kW, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder ensures dynamic performance of the highest standard, but at the same time makes do with an extremely modest 5.7 litres of diesel on 100 kilometres equal to 49.6 mpg Imp. But this does not stop the new coupé from sprinting to 100 km/h in just 8.8 seconds, with the car's setting-off qualities being particularly dynamic.

Thanks to its sports-tuned suspension, ideal 50:50 axle load distribution and rear-wheel drive also ideal in such a case, as well as direct steering typical of BMW, the 320Cd is perfectly equipped to transmit the superior power of its engine dynamically but harmoniously to the road. And driving stability systems such as DSC make sure that the driver always remains in control even in difficult situations.

For Particular Demands: X5 Security and BMW Individual

Introducing the X5 Security, BMW is offering the first Sports Activity Vehicle reliably protecting its occupants from hand-held weapons up to .44 Magnum calibre. The BMW X5 Security is therefore conceived specifically for markets where people may feel threatened and where the roads are relatively bad, an SAV thus offering significant benefits in terms of mobility.

BMW Individual is also making a clear statement at the Frankfurt Motor Show with new ideas and concepts. First, a 7 Series with maritime features shows how the world of yachting may be combined with a sophisticated car of the highest standard; second, a production-based show car version of the new 5 Series provides a clear idea of what the individualist may expect of BMW's new Saloon.

New Options:

From the front-end camera all the way to solar-powered ventilation: As a unique option on vehicles with an on-board monitor BMW now offers a front-end camera providing an even broader view of the road and traffic ahead, as well as a rear-end camera for backing up safely and smoothly. And together with the introduction of Adaptive Headlights featuring swivelling bi-xenon headlights now also available on the 7 Series, BMW is also introducing new turning lights with additional reflectors in the headlight units for enhanced illumination ahead of and next to the car.

Solar-powered ventilation incorporating 24 solar cells and six ventilators in the glass sliding/vent roof offers an entirely new standard of fresh-air supply, providing highly effective compensation of temperatures inside the car.

Innovative technologies for enhanced customer benefits: Augmented Reality and Connected Drive are two particular applications of advanced electronics BMW is introducing to the benefit of the customer. Incorporating 'data glasses', Augmented Reality superimposes virtual objects and presentations on to the actual surroundings. A user wearing such data glasses, therefore, is able to see, say, the engine as such when carrying out repairs, while at the same time following virtually animated marks or instructions presented right in front of his eyes.

As part of the ConnectedDrive Project, BMW is presenting a new research vehicle opening up a further dimension in networking the driver, the car and its surroundings. The BMW 7 Series ConnectedDrive is able to communicate directly with other cars, thus warning the driver whenever necessary of local hazards. Another of its abilities is to synchronise personal data with a wide range of terminals the driver might use in his everyday activities.

The objective of BMW ConnectedDrive, therefore, is to ensure greater safety, greater efficiency and greater comfort on the road by networking the driver, the car and the surroundings.