On April 25, 2024, the Beijing Auto Show officially kicked off. At the BMW brand press conference at the W4 pavilion on the show floor, the BMW new generation concept car, which made its debut in China on the night of the 24th, and the globally premiered stylish electric BMW i4 model, once again shone. Additionally, the global premiere of the new electric MINI Aceman and the official China debut of the new electric MINI Cooper also took the stage.
BMW’s new generation concept car will be put into production next year. The first BMW new generation concept car to come to China showcases the core features of future BMWs: electrification, digitalization, and sustainable cycling. The first mass-produced BMW new generation model is set to be launched in 2025 and is expected to be produced in Shenyang in 2026. Within 24 months of the first model’s production, at least 6 new generation models will be introduced to the market.
In terms of exterior design, the new generation BMW concept car innovatively interprets the classic elements while emphasizing the sportiness of the vehicle. The C-pillar design on the side of the concept car reinterprets the classic “Hofmeister kink,” enhancing the rear visibility. The front and rear of the car offer strong visual impact, combined with three-dimensional body lines to express BMW’s “pure driving pleasure” visually.
Arriving inside the car, the pure electric platform maximizes the interior space, with large windows and panoramic glass sunroof allowing sunlight to enter, transforming the cabin into a warm and bright “second living space.” With the introduction of the BMW panoramic view bridge on the new generation models, it represents another technological breakthrough based on head-up display technology, displaying important information at the bottom of the windshield with brighter light and contrast, ensuring that the road and information are within the driver’s line of sight, once again interpreting BMW’s core philosophy of “driver-oriented.” Not only that, guided by the principle of putting the driver first, the central display screen adopts a more innovative irregular shape for the first time, optimized according to the driver’s line of sight to ensure the best viewing angle for the driver, maintaining a “forward-looking” perspective.
In addition, the new generation models represent BMW’s latest interpretation of the concept of “pure driving pleasure”: “Joy of driving” represents the classic pure driving pleasure of BMW when driving, while “Joy of experience” represents the safe, easy and enjoyable experience when driving intelligently. In terms of “efficient power”, the overall efficiency of the new generation models has also achieved a new breakthrough: the sixth generation BMW eDrive technology has increased the energy density of the battery cells by more than 20%, increased the overall efficiency by 25%, increased the range by 30%, and raised the charging technology voltage platform to 800 volts.
As the Chairman of BMW Group, Zipse, said at the car show, BMW aims to showcase the implementation of the three core areas of the future automotive industry – electric, sustainable, and digital. This means that in the coming years, the new generation of cars will lead the way for BMW’s new technology applications, and BMW will fully embrace the future in design, technology, and philosophy. True to pure driving pleasure: the new all-electric BMW i4 and the new BMW M4 make their debut At this car show, the globally premiered new all-electric BMW i4 is a noteworthy model. As a popular luxury all-electric car under BMW that sold over 80,000 units globally in 2023, it has evolved in terms of appearance and driving pleasure. The refreshed BMW kidney grille and other exterior designs better reflect the sporty style of the new all-electric BMW i4, visually interpreting the brand essence of “pure driving pleasure.” The low center of gravity combined with BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive technology provides drivers with the opportunity to truly experience its unique charm from a practical driving control perspective.
In addition, the new BMW M4 coupe/convertible, which represents the brand’s pure driving pleasure spirit, has been officially launched in China and will debut at the auto show. Its power unit, derived from racing, features impressive design and intelligent upgrades that may bring new surprises. Global debut of the new MINI family: featuring the industry’s first circular OLED display screen.
As a British brand under the BMW Group, MINI has unveiled its first all-electric crossover model, the MINI Aceman, at the auto show; also making its global debut is the fifth generation of the core MINI model, the three-door electric version: the new electric MINI Cooper, which is making its first official appearance in China. These two electric products deeply integrated with MINI genes will join the newly launched MINI JCW Countryman to form two types of power, the new MINI family that can run on both oil and electricity. Accelerating the pace of renewal: Over 20 new models will be launched by 2024.
At this auto show, BMW Group’s two major brands together showcase a total of fifteen series, ranging from compact to luxury cars, featuring various powertrains including fuel, electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen. By 2024, BMW will launch over 20 new models in China to meet consumer needs. The BMW X family, dominating the show and half of BMW’s sales in China, will continue to expand this year to strengthen its position in the luxury SAV market.