BMW Electrifies The LA AutoShow 2017
By: Brandon J. O'Brien
Images by: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images unless otherwise specified
Unlike most of the manufacturers displaying their wares at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, which opened to the public on Friday December 1st, BMW's stage was devoid of any cars when the media arrived Wednesday morning. What an odd feeling to be there with only doors marked with the words; M PERFORMANCE, LUXURY, ELECTRIFIED.
Also, unlike all of the other manufacturers, BMW was not going to display any of their current production models. This was to be strictly a show of the new models BMW will be producing for 2018 through 2019 and beyond. With that let's get started.
When the M PERFORMANCE door was opened, driven out were the all new 6th-generation BMW M5 and the limited-edition BMW M3 CS. The 2018 BMW M5 debuts as the first M-specific model to offer an all-wheel drive system, M xDrive. It is still powered by the 4.4-liter V8 engine featuring TwinPower Turbo which produces 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of peak torque. 0 to 60 can be reached in just 3.2 seconds making this the quickest and most agile M5 to date. The new M5 will be in showrooms starting in May 2018.
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| Introduction of the 6th Generation BMW M5 (left) and the Limited Production M3 CS (right) at the LA AutoShow. Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
Making it's world debut the 2018 BMW M3 CS is a limited special-edition model. It utilizes much carbon fiber-reinforced plastic which reduces the weight around 110 pounds less than a standard M3. The M TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder inline engine yields 453 hp generating a peak torque of 443 lb-ft. with a 0 to 60 time of 3.7 seconds. This model will be available to order in the U.S. starting May 2018.
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| The World Premiere of the 2018 BMW M3 CS at the LA AutoShow. Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
Following these debuts the LUXURY door was opened. Although having been briefly seen at Pebble Beach this past August this was the first time the BMW 8 Series Concept could be seen close-up. Although only the Concept was shown this is a model that will arrive in the showrooms for 2018. BMW is already testing the M8 GTE IMSA racing version which will take to the track for the first time at the Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 28, 2018. Which means, unlike most BMW series where an M-version follows, this model may make it's sales debut with the M8 already in production. This seems to be fitting as the first 8-series never had an official M8 version.
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| The beautiful BMW 8 Series Concept was shown at the LA AutoShow. A production version will be on sale in early 2018. Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
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| Elevated view of BMW's 8 Series Concept. Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
Making it's North American premiere was the long awaited BMW X7 iPerformance Concept. This SAV will utilize the BMW eDrive technology with a BMW TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine creating an efficient and dynamic plug-in hybrid power train. BMW was quick to point out that this is not the X5's big brother. It is the pinnacle of a luxury BMW Sport Activity Vehicle. As BMW puts it, ". . . offers an interior with a state-of-the-art infotainment system brimming with connectivity that provide an unmatched experience by any other BMW past or present. As a result of the interplay between precise, pared-down forms and an open sense of space, the driver and passengers are immersed in a unique, modern setting".
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| The BMW X7 iPerformance Concept during it's North American Debut at the LA AutoShow. Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
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| The massive Kidney Grills dominate the front of the BMW X7 iPerformance Concept shown at the LA AutoShow. Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
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| An interesting view of the panoramic roof and interior of the X7 iPerformance COncept on display at the LA AutoShow. Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
Reinforcing its commitment to offer 25 electrified models throughout all of it's brands, 12 being purely electric by 2025, BMW showcased five electric vehicles. The first driven out was the MINI Electric Concept which is designed for use in urban areas. This concept continues to utilize the MINI heritage of unique design, city-dwelling ease of use, and go-cart handling. MINI will start production of a fully electric version for sale in 2019.
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| The MINI Electric Concept gives an idea what the 2019 fully-electric production model might look like. Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
This was followed by the BMW C-Evolution Scooter. "The electrically powered maxi-scooter efficiently combines sustainability, dynamics, control and agility." The powerful electric motor allows for a range of 99 miles yielding a top speed of 80 mph. The C-Evolution Scooter will be available in California this coming spring.
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| The BMW C-Evolution Scooter will be on sale early 2018. Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
The final group of three automobiles were the ones that appeared to generate a lot of interest among the media throughout the remainder of the day. The first to be seen was the new for 2018 BMW i3s. A sportier and more powerful version of the i3. Powered by a 184 hp electric motor it can accelerate to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds using a lithium-ion high voltage battery developed by BMW Group with a cell capacity of 94-ampere hours (Ah).
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| The BMW i3s is a sportier version of the i3. This model when on sale in November. Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
The next vehicle to roll out onto the stage was the BMW i Vision Dynamics which premiered at the IAA Cars 2017 show in Frankfurt. The BMW i Vision Dynamics is a four-door Gran Coupe with a range of 373 miles, a top speed of over 120 mph, and acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. Klaus Frolich, Member of the Board of Management at BMW AG Development stated, "BMW i is the innovation driver for BMW Group. Here, visionary solutions and future-ready concepts become reality for the first time. But BMW i also acts as a spearhead of innovation for our other brands. The BMW i Vision Dynamics allows us to show right now what another electric BMW might look like. And BMW has demonstrated its talent for turning visions into real life throughout its history."
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| The North American Premier of the BMW i Vision Dynamics shows what a typical BMW of the future may look like. Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
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| Another view of the BMW i Vision Dynamics as unveiled at the LA AutoShow. Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
The event was capped-off with the world premiere of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster which goes on sale this spring. Owners of the BMW i8 Roadster will either enjoy the open sky or a high-quality, all season fabric soft-top with additional soundproofing. The electrically operated convertible top opens and closes in less than 16 seconds and can be operated at speeds under 31 mph.
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| The anticipated world premiere of the 2019 i8 Roadster at the LA AutoShow. This model will go on sale in 2018. Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
Performance figures for either the 2019 i8 Coupe or Roadster will increase over that of the previous i8 Coupe models. This is primarily due to a boost in the lithium-ion battery cell capacity from 20 to 34 Ah. BMW also found that the cell configuration can allow a 12 hp increase in peak output to 141 hp yielding quick sprints on pure-electric power with an even sharper streak of dynamism. When used in conjunction with the 1.5 liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine you can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds (preliminary) for the Roadster and 4.2 seconds (preliminary) Coupe.
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| 3/4 rear view of the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster at the LA AutoShow. Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
As a postscript, on display over the general BMW area, was the BMW M6 GTLM that Bill Auberlen drove to victory at the Petit Le Mans during his 400th race for BMW.
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| The BMW M6 GTLM driven to victory at Petit Le Mans by Bill Auberlen during his 400th race for BMW. Image Credit: 2017 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images |
It is with mixed feelings that this writer learned that Bill will transition to a new role in support of BMW of North America's customer racing program as a BMW NA Brand Ambassador. Bill will continue to support BMW Team RLL as a driver for the four endurance races; Rolex 24 at Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen, and Petit Le Mans. I wish Bill all the best in this new chapter of his life.
TAGS: BMW, Bill Auberlen, Brandon O'Brien, C-Evolution Scooter, Electrified, i3s, i8, i8 Coupe, i8 Roadster, i Vision Dynamics, LA AutoShow, LA AutoShow 2017, Los Angeles Auto Show, Luxury, M3 CS, M5, M8 GTE, M Performance, X7, 8-series, 8 series
