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The new BMW i3. Second model of the Neue Klasse. The BMW 3 Series is the essence of the BMW brand. For five decades, this icon has stood for sporty driving pleasure, unmistakably attractive design and consistent progress. A legacy to which every generation of the BMW 3 Series is committed. The new, fully electric BMW i3 enhances the familiar character of the BMW 3 Series with additional, unique features. As the second model in the Neue Klasse, it represents a technological quantum leap into a new era. The first all-electric BMW 3 Series launches as the BMW i3 50 xDrive, which has an electric motor on both the front and rear axles. The combined system power output is 345 kW/469 hp1, the maximum torque is 645 Nm.1 The highly...

The BMW Group is making a powerful statement with the new BMW 7 Series Sedan. Embodying Sheer Driving Pleasure at its most exclusive, the 7 Series reinforces its leading position in the luxury segment to compelling effect. The new BMW 7 Series – the first luxury sedan with technologies from the Neue Klasse. Developed with passion and designed to perfection, the BMW 7 Series Sedan has established itself as an innovation leader and technological pioneer around the world since it first took to the stage in 1977. Each generation has brought fresh impetus to its era – from groundbreaking safety functions and revolutionary operating concepts to digital worlds that set new standards. This forward-looking approach has been a hallmark...

Munich. With BMW M Ignite technology, a new engine technology patented by BMW in 2024 is set to enter series production. This new kind of pre-chamber ignition system for petrol engines will debut in the six-cylinder in-line units for the BMW M2, BMW M3 and BMW M4 from mid-2026. One of its standout benefits is a significant reduction in fuel consumption under high loads – during track use, in particular. This new engine innovation has its roots in motor sport, making it another example of the transfer of technology from the race track to the road. And it also plays a major role in meeting the stringent requirements of the Euro 7 standard. The centrepiece of BMW M Ignite technology is the pre-chamber positioned within the cylinder head...

Exhilarating: the sportiest C‑Class ever with unmatched agility and long-distance comfort – thanks to AIRMATIC air suspension, rear-axle steering and interior comfort in a class of its own Stunning: striking design with coupé-like silhouette, athletic GT rear and iconic grille Your sanctuary: a new personal comfort zone with class-leading high-quality feel – “Welcome home.” Intuitive: infotainment and driving have never been so intelligent, intuitive and personalised in this segment – thanks to MB.OS and Digital Extras[1] Designed to go the distance: up to 762 kilometres range (WLTP)[2] with up to 325 kilometres recharged in just 10 minutes[3] With all these attributes, the new all-electric C‑Class elevates the segment to an entirely...

With a lap time of 07:44.523 minutes, the Golf GTI EDITION 50 has beaten the previous record for front-wheel drive production vehicles Exceptional anniversary model with 239 kW (325 PS) is the most powerful and dynamically precise production Golf GTI The Golf GTI EDITION 50 has set a new benchmark for Volkswagen in the compact segment: the 239 kW (325 PS) anniversary model is the fastest front-wheel drive production vehicle on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The Golf GTI EDITION 50 – with racing driver and Volkswagen test and development driver Benjamin Leuchter at the wheel – took only 7:44.523 minutes to complete the 20.832-kilometre lap on the legendary racetrack. With its new record time, the Golf GTI EDITION 50 underscores its...

The coupés of the Mercedes-Benz 215 model series offer luxury at its best in every respect World premiere of natural stone trim parts in the designo range of the time Contemporary witness to the absolute pinnacle of automotive engineering at the end of the 1990s “Close-up” – the name of this series from the Mercedes-Benz Museum says it all. Each instalment tells surprising, exciting and interesting stories about vehicles from the exhibition. In the spotlight this time: the Mercedes-Benz CL 600 in the special “Youngtimer” exhibition, Collection Room 5. Until 12 April 2026, the show will feature ten iconic vehicles from the 1990s and 2000s in a colourful and trendy presentation. No. 1/2026: Mercedes-Benz CL 600 (215 model series) Living...

First dynamic appearance of the recreated Rennlimousine at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July “The fastest road racing car in the world”: Hans Stuck accelerates the Auto Union Lucca to a top speed of 326.975 km/h on February 15, 1935 Aerodynamics, lightweight construction, high-performance engines – a testament to Auto Union’s innovation and engineering expertise This car makes a statement: the Auto Union Lucca is emblematic of the technical innovation of the four rings in the 1930s. Audi Tradition has recreated the spectacular record-breaking car and will unveil it for the first time in early May in – aptly – the Italian city of Lucca. On February 15, 1935, the car set a widely acclaimed flying-start mile record on a straight...

Munich. For the first time ever, the entire BMW Art Car Collection will be reunited at home in Munich. Titled “BMW ART CARS – 20 ARTISTS, 50 YEARS OF INNOVATION. REUNITED AT BMW WELT”, the exhibition will present all 20 Art Cars together in one location for the first time, from 29 July to 31 August 2026. The opening ceremony will take place on 28 July. The exhibition within the iconic BMW Welt architecture brings together the “rolling sculptures” from Alexander Calder (1975) to Julie Mehretu (2024). A particular highlight is Olafur Eliasson's “BMW H2R Project”: based on a hydrogen prototype, this piece has only been displayed publicly three times as an installation in a special frozen-down environment since its world premiere in 2007...

Volkswagen R will return to the racetrack in 2027, the year marking the 25th anniversary of the premium performance brand Volkswagen is developing an all-wheel drive Golf R for the racetrack in collaboration with Max Kruse Racing Show car Golf R 24H provides first glimpse of future racing car Volkswagen R will take part in the 24h Nürburgring in 2027. For this purpose, the brand from Warmenau is developing an all-wheel drive Golf R for the racetrack together with Max Kruse Racing. A new show car already provides a first glimpse of the spectacular racing car. The race participation marking the 25th anniversary of the Volkswagen R brand is a clear commitment to the brand’s roots: the ‘R’ is derived from ‘racing’ – and taking part in the...

Leipzig. As the BMW Group systematically advances the digitalisation of its production processes, Plant Leipzig is introducing a terahertz-based measurement system for plastic exterior components in series production. Capable of determining paint layer thickness non-destructively, the new technology has recently been scaled up to enable automated, precise and reproducible quality inspections directly within the production process. “Terahertz measurement technology replaces complex manual inspection with a fully automated solution, taking quality assurance to an entirely new level,” says Christoph Theiselmann, Head of Exterior Plastics, Production at Plant Leipzig. At the heart of the innovation is the terahertz measurement system...

Munich/Dingolfing. One out of two million: A BMW i5 M60 xDrive sedan in Tansanit Blue assembled at Plant Dingolfing is the two-millionth all-electric vehicle produced by the BMW Group. The anniversary vehicle is going to a customer in Spain. BMW Group Plant Dingolfing: home to the most all-electric models Plant Dingolfing began series production of all-electric automobiles in 2021 with the BMW iX. Today, it builds the widest range of BEV models within the BMW Group: the BMW iX, the BMW i5 sedan and touring, and the BMW i7. Since 2021, more than 320,000 all-electric vehicles have already been built at the Lower Bavarian site. This means that almost every sixth of the BMW Group’s total of two million BEVs comes from Dingolfing. In 2025...

Laguna Seca. Second podium of the season for BMW M Team WRT in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA Series). At WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (USA), Philipp Eng (AUT) and Marco Wittmann (GER) finished third in the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8 after a strong comeback drive. The duo started from 10th position and steadily improved throughout the 2-hour and 40-minute race. It was the second podium for the BMW M Hybrid V8 this year, following third place for car number 24 in Daytona (USA). On the occasion of Alessandro Zanardi’s passing, BMW M Motorsport honoured the Italian with a personal tribute message on both BMW M Hybrid V8 cars. The first half of the race was shaped by Dries Vanthoor (BEL) and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), who...

Brands Hatch. With the opening two races at Britain’s Brands Hatch circuit, the Sprint Cup season of the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS has now begun. Defending champions Charles Weerts (BEL) and Kelvin van der Linde (RSA) started the new season of the championship with a podium finish: they were placed third in the first of Sunday’s two races in the Team WRT #32 BMW M4 GT3 EVO. The team also had reason to celebrate in the Silver Cup, with a victory and a third-place finish in class for Matisse Lismont (BEL) and Ignacio Montenegro (ARG) in the #30 BMW M4 GT3 EVO. Weerts and van der Linde, who won both the overall title and the Sprint Cup title in the GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS last season, produced strong...

Balaton Park. Great podium celebrations on Saturday and shocking moments on Sunday: at the fourth race weekend of the 2026 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Balaton Park Circuit (HUN), BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team experienced the highs and lows that motorsport can bring. Saturday’s headline was: Miguel Oliveira (POR) is back on the podium! Sunday then brought a bitter twist. In the Superpole Race, both Oliveira and teammate Danilo Petrucci (ITA) were injured, through no fault of their own, and were unable to start the second main race. The full press release is available for download as a PDF at the following link: https://b.mw/Balaton_Releases BMW Group PressClub Global

Munich. The BMW Group and BMW M Motorsport mourn the passing of Alessandro Zanardi. The racing driver, long-standing works driver and corporate ambassador passed away unexpectedly in Italy on 1st May, as confirmed by his family. “Alex” Zanardi was 59 years old. In these difficult hours, the thoughts of the BMW Group are with his wife Daniela, his son Niccolò, and all his relatives and friends. “Alex” was a wonderful human being, an unwavering optimist and an inspiration to many people around the world. The company has lost a compelling humanitarian and representative; BMW M Motorsport has lost an ambitious and successful athlete from the family of its works drivers. A detailed obituary for Alessandro Zanardi is available for download...

Audi Sport high-performance plug-in hybrid in action as part of the Formula 1 support program from now on Guests to experience F1 racetracks alongside professional racing drivers F1 involvement accompanies Audi’s model initiative in the US market Audi’s transformation can now also be experienced as part of the Formula 1 support program: At the Miami Grand Prix, the Audi RS 5 makes its debut as a car for the hot-lap program. Like the current generation of F1 powertrains, the vehicle features an electrified drivetrain. As Audi Sport’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid, the new Audi RS 5 marks the beginning of a new era of performance – with electrifying power, impressive performance figures, and a world-first technical innovation...

Familiar name, new era – with timelessly clear design, efficient drive, many innovations and excellent value for money Maximum versatility – the new ID. Polo will impress in future with three output levels (85 kW, 99 kW, 155 kW), two battery sizes and a range of up to 454 km Compact but spacious – thanks to the new front-wheel drive concept, the ID. Polo offers plenty of space for five people and more luggage compartment capacity than vehicles from the compact class Get in and feel at home – modern interior and intuitive operation, including a 26 cm Digital Cockpit, 33 cm infotainment screen and physical buttons Technologies from higher vehicle classes – the ID. Polo is optionally available with Connected Travel Assist with automatic...

MINI continues its tradition of community support with the 2026 ‘Mile of MINI’ annual charity road rally, now championing the important work of the STOP.BREATHE.THINK charity organisation. Taking place on 26th April, this year’s event saw a vibrant convoy of MINIs—spanning all eras, colours and models—travel from MINI Plant Oxford, the home of the brand, to MINI UK HQ in Farnborough. STOP.BREATHE.THINK, the rally’s chosen charity for 2026, is dedicated to supporting children and young people facing mental health challenges. The organisation provides resources, direct support, and safe spaces for young people to pause, reflect, and seek help when navigating difficult emotional experiences. By partnering with STOP.BREATHE.THINK, MINI...

Björn Lellmann, Head of Customer Racing at BMW M Motorsport: “We experienced fantastic season starts last weekend in the Italian GT Sprint Championship, British GT, ADAC GT Masters, and ADAC GT4 Germany. Congratulations to everyone on their wins and podium finishes! The success stories of our customer racing cars, the BMW M4 GT3 EVO and BMW M4 GT4 EVO, continue uninterrupted. That makes me very happy! I was at the Red Bull Ring and, in addition to the sporting successes, I also observed taxi rides with our new BMW M2 Racing. It’s great to see how our latest car is also attracting attention from customers and fans.” -- Top Topic: Dream start for Klingmann/Marciello in the Italian GT Championship. BMW M works drivers Jens...

Munich. When BMW Motorrad launched its first BMW helmet in 1975, it marked the beginning of a success story. At the time, visor technology was comparatively simple. The first System Helmet followed in 1981, featuring a flip-up and removable chin section. This technical concept has been continuously refined and perfected by BMW Motorrad over the decades and is now presented in its eighth generation with the System 8 and System 8 Carbon helmets. A historical retrospective summarizes the highlights of the past 50 years: 1. BMW Full-Face Helmet – the “Römer-Helmet“ In May 1975, BMW, in cooperation with Römer, introduced a lightweight and safe full‑face helmet made of glass‑fibre‑reinforced plastic. With a weight of just 1,400 grams, the...

911 GT3 S/C with a high-revving naturally aspirated engine and manual transmission 14/04/2026 - The Porsche GT family welcomes a particularly exciting new member. The 911 GT3 S/C allows fans of the high-revving boxer engine to enjoy its unique naturally aspirated sound even without a fixed roof. It combines a range of ‘driver's car’ qualities that have already delighted customers of the limited-edition 911 Speedster and 911 S/T models. At a glance 911 GT3 available with a fully automatic convertible roof for the first time 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine that revs to 9,000 rpm Lightweight construction derived from that of the 911 S/T for maximum driving enjoyment The new Street Style Package brings even greater distinctiveness...

A new interior, cutting-edge infotainment, and expanded digital features offer an even more immersive user experience Increased range and greater charging capacity make the electric SUV even more powerful The Q4 e-tron impresses with optimized real-world practicality: enhanced driver assist systems, upgraded quality, greater trailer load, and bidirectional charging Audi is making its electric bestseller, the Q4 e-tron, more versatile than ever with a range of new features. Inside, the refreshed model impresses with a reimagined digital stage, intuitive controls, and an abundance of space. Outside, the electric crossover now boasts a sharper design and new lighting features. Increased range, greater charging capacity, and more...