Monday, March 1, 2010

BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid

BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid
BMW EfficientDynamics
ActiveHybrid technology from BMW



The new concept car offers a particularly good rendition of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan in all its dynamic, efficient and innovative qualities, at the same time representing the ongoing development of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 with their drivetrain technology already in production.
The drive system featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid consists of a straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, eight-speed automatic transmission, and electric drive. Integration of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in a sedan already extremely efficient with its “conventional” combustion engine reduces both fuel consumption and emissions once again by more than 10 per cent. At the same time the electric motor offers a boost function, supporting the gasoline engine in generating particularly dynamic drive power for an even more sporting driving experience in the car.
Intelligent energy management likewise serves to enhance the efficiency of the overall system, its unique functions ensuring appropriate control and management of all energy paths within the car and appropriate interaction of the drivetrain components precisely adjusted to driving conditions.
The drivetrain technology featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid allows all-electric, zero-emission motoring in city traffic. At the same time a special hybrid-based Auto Start Stop function offers additional efficiency by consistently switching off the combustion engine when stopping at the traffic lights, a road junction, or in congested traffic. Optimised comfort, finally, is provided by the auxiliary climate control function already featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

Special development of ActiveHybrid technology as part of BMW EfficientDynamics. 
The concept car based on the new BMW 5 Series Sedan for the first time presents the next generation of BMW ActiveHybrid technology, a special solution exclusive to BMW for intelligent interaction of the combustion engine and electric drive focused specifically on the requirements made of a dynamic sedan in the upper midrange segment.
Taking this approach, BMW is consistently continuing the development of hybrid technology according to a modular principle (best of hybrid), thus offering the optimum rendition of BMW ActiveHybrid technology for each concept and vehicle segment.
In accordance with the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, this ensures highly effective and practical use of hybrid technology for the reduction of both fuel consumption and emissions.

Also in the BMW Series Sedan segment: the BMW among hybrids combines supreme dynamics with maximum efficiency. 
The combustion engine is supported in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid by an electrical drive system developed specifically for this model and arranged in compact dimensions between the straight-six combustion engine and the automatic transmission. Drawing its energy from a high-voltage battery at the back of the car, the electric motor develops maximum output of 40 kW.
An automatic clutch connects the gasoline engine and the electric motors.
Due to the particularly high level of torque generated from the start through the electric motors, the interaction of the two drive systems ensures extremely spontaneous and dynamic acceleration whenever required.

Perfectly integrated, precisely controlled: high-voltage battery supplying power to both the electric motor and the on-board network.  
In overrun and when applying the brakes, the electric drive systems acts as a generator developing electric power fed into the high-voltage battery. This converts kinetic energy otherwise wasted as heat in the brake system into electric power saved for subsequent use.
Such energy obtained without any further consumption of fuel may then be used to generate drive power or operate electrical functions in the car.
This principle is the same as that of Brake Energy Regeneration already applied in BMW’s current production models, with the level of electrical energy generated by the electric motor being significantly greater and the increase in efficiency correspondingly higher.
The high-voltage battery likewise developed for this specific concept is fitted within a high-strength special case near the rear axle of the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid. This leads to an optimum position in terms of both safety and harmonious weight distribution. An integrated control unit permanently analyses the charge status of the high-voltage battery and controls both the battery charge process by way of Brake Energy Regeneration and the system cooling process. Apart from the electric motor, the high-voltage battery also delivers electric power to the car’s on-board network. Among other things, this allows efficient operation of the car’s auxiliary climate control activated whenever required by a remote control function to cool down the car’s interior significantly even before starting the engine.
Convenient use of the all-electric driving mode and the Auto Start Stop function is likewise guaranteed in this way, with all electrical functions such as the audio system, climate control or navigation remaining fully available even with the combustion engine switched off.

Unique: intelligent energy management with advance analysis of driving conditions. 
BMW ActiveHybrid technology provides its unique potential in terms of both efficiency and driving dynamics under all kinds of conditions and throughout a wide load range.
Unlike conventional hybrid cars whose extra efficiency is largely limited to city traffic, both the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, by combining the combustion engine and the electric motor, are able to offer significantly lower fuel consumption and emission ratings also at higher speeds. This is made possible by technically sophisticated power electronics masterminding the interaction of the combustion engine and electric motor and thus optimising the overall efficiency of the drive system as a whole.
The BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid once again raises the range of functions provided by such power electronics to an even higher standard. As an example, the energy contained in the fuel and provided by the high-voltage battery may now be used even more specifically and efficiently to provide that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW.
Taking additional factors into account, the interaction of the two drive units in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid is tailored to the driver’s requirements and current driving conditions with maximum precision. At the same time the power electronics also control the operation of the car’s ancillary units and comfort functions, again in the interest of maximum efficiency.
The range and diversity of parameters taken into account by the system is indeed quite unique in the automobile, just as the number of functions controlled in this way. A high level of all-round networking allows the power electronics to provide intelligent energy management, thus optimising the operating strategy of the entire vehicle under all conditions.
A further unique feature of energy management in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid is the car’s ability to adjust its operating strategy not just to current, but also to upcoming driving conditions. To do this the power electronics from the start evaluate data indicating a possible change in exterior conditions or the driver’s wishes and prepare the components in the drivetrain as well as the car’s electronic system for a possible change in requirements.
To analyse driving conditions up front, the system uses data provided by engine and chassis management as well as the sensors in the driver assistance systems on board the car. Data saved in the navigation system on the route chosen by the driver likewise goes into the final calculation, enabling the system to forecast driving conditions on the route directly ahead. Then, proceeding from this analysis, the car is coordinated in advance and the optimum use of all systems serves to use the energy available with maximum efficiency.
Should the system determine, for example, that the autobahn ahead is about to lead downhill, the charge level of the high-voltage battery is intelligently controlled in advance to regain brake energy upfront with maximum efficiency.
Similarly, the high-voltage battery may be fully charged in good time before the driver reaches his destination, enabling the system to switch off the combustion engine at an early point and change to all-electric drive along the final stretch of road. Indeed, this forward-looking function is able to extend the cruising range on electric power by up to 30%.

The BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid: the future of driving pleasure and efficiency in the upper midrange segment.
Optimised to an even higher standard in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid, the drivetrain and control systems underline the great significance of hybrid technology as a cornerstone of BMW EfficientDynamics. Looking at a new generation of hybrid technology from BMW featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid therefore offers particularly attractive perspectives, the ongoing development of BMW ActiveHybrid technology serving to provide substantial progress in all areas leading to a harmonious all-round concept with distinctive features typical of the brand.
The BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid is therefore more dynamic, efficient and more intelligent than conventional representatives of this drive technology, standing out clearly as the BMW among hybrid cars in this segment.


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For more information on the BMW range and new BMW Technology please contact our Ashford BMW or Canterbury BMW dealerships.

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Friday, February 26, 2010

Physics Lesson from BMW

Is Efficiency and Dynamic really a contradiction?

Well...sometimes it's not.


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Saturday, February 20, 2010

BMW Geneva Motor Show

BMW at the 80th International Geneva Motor Show 2010
New BMW 5 Series Saloon
New BMW X5
New BMW 3 Series Coupe
New BMW 3 Series Convertible
New BMW ActiveHybrid X6
New BMW ActiveHybrid 7
New BMW Concept ActiveE




A thoroughly updated and upgraded range of models combining unique driving pleasure with outstanding efficiency – this is what premium car maker BMW is proudly presenting at the 80th Geneva Motor Show 2010. New models in numerous segments, an even wider range of power units combining outstanding performance with enhanced efficiency, plus fascinating concepts for the powertrain of the future clearly prove the unique innovative power of the brand.

One of the absolute highlights at the 2010 Geneva Show is the world debut of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon. At the same time the public will experience the new BMW X5 as well as the new BMW 3 Series Coupé and the new BMW 3 Series Convertible for the first time in Geneva from 4 – 14 March 2010.

The innovations presented in Geneva in the area of drivetrain technology are likewise more versatile and future-oriented than ever before, BMW EfficientDynamics serving both in BMW’s current production models and in the medium and long term to offer an even higher standard of all-round efficiency. New engines in the BMW 1 Series and the BMW 3 Series, in the BMW X models and the BMW Z4 ensure a further optimised balanced of driving pleasure and fuel economy.

Directly before their market launch, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 are also being highlighted in Geneva, the combination of a combustion engine and an electric motor providing a truly unique driving experience with outstanding efficiency.

The 2010 Geneva Motor Show also provides the appropriate setting for the European debut of the BMW Concept ActiveE. Based on the BMW 1 Series Coupé, this concept car comes with all-electric drive and innovative electric storage technology optimising both the range the car is able to cover as well as its supreme standard of functionality.

The BMW Concept ActiveE thus combines emission-free motoring with four seats and luggage capacity of approximately 200 litres. With its agility and driving pleasure so typical of the brand, the car offers all the electro-mobility one would expect of a trendsetter like BMW.

New BMW 5 Series Saloon
New 3 Series Coupe and Convertible
New BMW X5
New BMW Z4
New BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible
M3 Performance Package
BMW ActiveHybrid7
BMW ConceptActiveE
BMW X6 Performance Package

To view the Kent BMW latest sales offers please follow this link>>>

For more information on the BMW range and new BMW Technology please contact our Ashford BMW or Canterbury BMW dealerships.

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

Free BMW Servicing Offer

BMW Service costs included with any new BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series or 7 Series as well as the BMW X1, X3, X5 and X6.

BMW Service Inclusive is now free of charge on all new BMW cars sold from the Broad Oak Group in Kent.

Until 31st March 2010, Broad Oak BMW of Canterbury and Ashford are including 5 years or 60,000 miles.



Broad Oak BMW are also offering some great deals on BMW SELECT finance too making JOY even more affordable. Check out some example offers here>>>

The Broad Oak BMW Group can be contacted here>>>


Terms and Conditions Apply. 5 Years Free Servicing or 60,000 miles, dependent on which is reached first. Cars must be registered before 31st of March 2010. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Broad Oak BMW reserve the right to remove or change this offer at any time. A part of the Barretts Kent Motor Group www.barrettskent.co.uk

BMW Service Offers here>>>

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Monday, February 8, 2010

Off Roader of the Year

Off Roader of the Year awards

BMW X models dominate results in Off Road magazine readers’ poll.

With their typical fun-to-drive qualities, superior all-wheel-drive technology and powerfully expressive styling, the BMW X models occupy a position all their own in their respective classes. The unique attractions of this concept, now successfully established in four different market segments, received further confirmation recently with an excellent showing in the latest readers’ poll by the German magazine Off Road. The BMW X5 was voted “Off-Roader of the Year” in the “Luxury SUV” category, while the BMW X1 and BMW X6 came first and second in the “Crossover” category and the BMW X3 took second place in the “SUV” category.

Topping off this strong result was a special award for the newest arrival in the BMW X family – with its launch countdown already under way, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 took the Eco Award for its innovative powertrain. This first full-hybrid model from the BMW brand uses its highly intelligent combination of internal combustion engine and electric drive to maximise both performance and efficiency. These latest successes in the Off Road readers’ poll seamlessly continued BMW’s strong performance of the previous years. The “Off-Roader of the Year” awards, which are decided by the votes of an exceptionally knowledgeable readership, were first presented in 1982. This year readers chose from a field of 97 models in eight categories.

The BMW X5’s first place in the “Luxury SUV” category is a further indication that the Sports Activity Vehicle concept – a segment first pioneered by BMW in 1999 with the predecessor of the current model – is still a firm favourite. The combination of sporty on-road handling and surefooted off-road traction was a hit right from the start. With its intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive, powerful and efficient engines and an interior which is both flexible and luxuriously equipped, the current BMW X 5 is doing even more to set the standards in its class.

In the “Crossover” category, first and second places both went to BMW. After some internal jockeying, last year’s winner, the BMW X6, was beaten into second place by its brand sibling the X1, which was launched on the market just five months ago. The X1’s concept – which extends the hallmark fun-to-drive qualities of a BMX X model to the premium compact segment – was instantly voted into the number one spot by Off Road’s readers. The BMW X1 impresses with its sporty handling, versatile interior and unrivalled efficiency for a vehicle in this category. The most fuel-efficient X1 is the BMW X1 sDrive18d, which achieves average fuel consumption of 5.2 litres/100 km in the EU test cycle. The X1’s outstanding safety standards also earned it the highest Euro NCAP crash test rating of 5 stars. In spring 2010, two new engines will be added to the range with the arrival of the new BMW X1 sDrive18i entry-level model and the six-cylinder BMW X1 xDrive25i. The X1 line-up will then comprise three petrol and three diesel engines.

Meanwhile, the appeal of the BMW X6 remains as strong as ever. The world’s first Sports Activity Coupé delivers typical BMW driving pleasure in a unique form. Agility, responsive steering, directional stability and traction have been taken to a new level – in part thanks to Dynamic Performance Control, a technology that made its debut in this model. While the electronically controlled BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system splits the drive in a seamlessly variable ratio between the front and rear wheels to suit the current driving situation, DPC performs the same function between the rear wheels. The BMW X6 combines its outstanding dynamics with impressive efficiency, which will be further boosted by a revised engine line-up scheduled for spring 2010. The BMW X6 xDrive30d will then set new benchmarks, with an output of 180 kW/245 hp from its six-cylinder in-line diesel engine and improved average fuel consumption of 7.4 litres/100 kilometres in the EU test cycle.

The original pioneer in its segment, the BMW X3 too impresses with still unsurpassed agile handling and surefooted traction on unsurfaced terrain. Its enduring popularity has played a major role in introducing new target groups to the benefits of the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Second place for the BMW X3 in the “SUV” category reflects the high popularity the BMW X3 continues to enjoy in its – now substantially expanded – segment. This model, which has raked in numerous awards for its outstanding reliability and safety, now comes in a choice of three petrol and four diesel versions, with power ratings ranging from 105 kW/143 hp to 210 kW/286 hp. The entry-level BMW X3 xDrive18d boasts exemplary fuel efficiency, with average EU fuel consumption of 6.2 litres/100 km.

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For more information on the BMW range and new BMW Technology please contact our Ashford BMW or Canterbury BMW dealerships.

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Thursday, January 28, 2010

BMW Scoop seven awards in the Business Car Awards.

BMW and MINI have shared seven awards between them in the Business Car Awards including the prestigious Manufacturer of the Year and the important Environment Award for BMW EfficientDynamics.

Uniquely these awards are not decided upon by a panel of judges, but by a secure online voting system and are highly regarded by the fleet community.




More details can be found on the Business Car website. Here are the categories in which BMW and MINI won:

Manufacturer of the Year: BMW
Environment Award: BMW EfficientDynamics
Supermini Award: MINI
Lower Medium Award: BMW 1-series
Upper Medium Award: BMW 3-Series
Executive Award: BMW 5-Series
Large 4x4 Award: BMW X5

For more information on the BMW range and new BMW Technology please contact our Ashford BMW or Canterbury BMW dealerships.

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Thursday, January 21, 2010

Sebastian Coe visits the BMW Group in Munich.


Sebastian Coe visits the BMW Group. Two-time Olympic champion is fascinated by BMW Welt.

The BMW Group in Munich welcomed a sporting and political VIP from Britain: Lord Sebastian Coe, two-time Olympic champion and Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), visited the company headquarters on Tuesday. Accompanied by Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing, Lord Coe toured BMW Welt and the BMW Museum in the morning before being given an opportunity to experience at first hand the future of zero-emission motoring during a test drive in the MINI E through Munich’s snow-covered streets.


At the London Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012, BMW will be the official Automotive Partner, supplying around around 4,000 low-CO2 vehicles to LOCOG.

 Coe, who won a gold medal in the 1,500 meters in Moscow in 1980 and Los Angeles in 1984, commented on his visit: “BMW is an exciting company with an interesting history and fascinating products. I am impressed at how intensively BMW is tackling the challenge of sustainable mobility. As a former sportsman I am particularly pleased to see that sporty driving and environmentally friendly mobility need not be a contradiction. BMW shares our vision of sustainable Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.”

Robertson said: “Sportiness is the core of our identity and the core of the BMW brand. As the world’s most sustainable car manufacturer, we promote and support the idea of sustainable Games – be it in London in the summer of 2012 as Automotive Partner or in the winter of 2018 as National Sponsor. Accepting social responsibility is an inextricable part of our self-image. As a corporate citizen, the BMW Group with its customers and associates around the world stands for international understanding and intercultural exchange.”

For more information on the BMW range and new BMW Technology please contact our Ashford BMW or Canterbury BMW dealerships.

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