BMW i3 Concept

BMW is unveiling a raft of new vehicles at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show including the new BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept. The “BMW i” symbol stands for BMW’s new vision for inspirational design and a new interpretation of the premium concept. The BMW i3 Concept, also known as the Megacity Vehicle, is the first purely electrically powered production car within the BMW Group.

The BMW i8 Concept is their latest generation sports car with a plug-in hybrid design, combining an internal combustion engine with an electric drive, that promises an exceptional driving experience with extremely low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

BMW i8 Concept

In addition, BMW will also be unveiling the new second-generation BMW 1 Series which boasts increased legroom and a significantly improved driving comfort. The new BMW 1 Series is a rear-wheel drive car utilising four-cylinder engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The new sporty, elegant new BMW 1 Series also comes with the new BMW Lines range as well, which allows you to personalise your car in a number of ways. New features available on the 1 Series for the first time include, Speed Limit Information System with No-Passing Info and the new Lane Departure Warning System with Collision Warning.

BMW is also bringing their new BMW M5 to the show with its high-revving V8 engine equipped with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which offers a peak 560hp plus seven-speed M double-clutch Drivelogic Transmission with the new Active M Differential ensuring an optimum distribution of drive torque.

A popular car with company car drivers will be the BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Edition which also makes its debut. This new car also features Auto Start Stop on additional models with automatic transmission plus Driving Experience Control, including ECO PRO mode, as standard equipment on all four- and six-cylinder models. The car hits the spot on CO2 emissions as well with 119g/km as its recorded figure and we have BMW 520d EfficientDynamics car leasing on the site now if you are interested. BMW also has the world premiere of the new BMW X1 sDrive 20d EfficientDynamics Edition which again offers CO2 emissions of 119g/km and the BMW X3 range also gets new engines.

The BMW 6 Series Coupe and new 6 Series Convertible with diesel engines will also make their European debut plus additional model versions of the rest of the range and finally the BMW Z4 Roadster also gets BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology with two models, the BMW Z4 sDrive 20i and the BMW Z4 sDrive28i. Both can now be combined with  eight-speed transmission for the first time.

The BMW Group, consisting of BMW and MINI, has reported a rise of 10.8% in its 2010 sales, rising from 138,549 units to 153,312 vehicles year-on-year. This is compared to an overall market rise of just two per cent.

BMW sales in 2010 were 109,418 and this represents 5.39% of the UK market, with MINI reporting sales of 43,894, an increase of 10%. The strong growth in BMW came from all models however in particular, the BMW 3 Series 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon with its significant tax advantages had strong sales.

The new 5 Series has also performed well and the X1 has also seen incremental growth. The new MINI Countryman also made an impact on sales, however delivery lead times may mean a long wait for some models in 2011. If you are interested in leasing a BMW or a MINI for your business, both BMW contract hire and MINI Contract hire is on the site now.

BMW 330d Saloon Interceptor

BMW’s class-leading products will now be available to the UK’s 52 police forces around the UK following their appointment as a key supplier to the Police Framework agreement. The National Policing Improvement Agency announcement means that BMW cars such as the BMW 330d Saloon and Touring, BMW 530d Saloon and Touring, all variants of the X1, X3 xDrive20d, X5, xDrive30d and xDrive40d may soon be visible on UK roads. The R1200 RF-P Police bike also makes the list and these vehicles will either perform in marked or unmarked policing roles.

BMW 530d Saloon

The BMW 330d Saloon Interceptor model is bound to be of interest as a High Performance Pursuit Vehicle, with its powerful performance and frugal fuel economy meeting the needs of all forces. Tim Abbott, Managing Director of BMW UK, said,”This is excellent news for BMW and shows the breadth of appeal of the products we sell. We have a very strong commitment to the “Authorities market” throughout the world and have a very close relationship with the UK’s police forces”.

BMW is unique in also offering a production line installed Emergency Warning equipment package which is supported by BMW Service Centres across the UK, with a three-year warranty, when usually systems such as this are retro-fitted. BMW also operates a dedicated department responsible for all BMW Authorities specification vehicles including cars, motorcycles, MINI and ballistically protected BMW Security and High Security cars. The BMW range of cars is a popular model for small businesses as well and BMW business car leasing is on the site now.

BMW availability

The following list will provide you an update on BMW car availability, courtesy of Inchcape Retail, one of the UK’s largest dealership groups. If you are looking for a new BMW then you may find you have to wait quite a few weeks before your new car arrives, unless you are flexible on your vehicle specification, so it is always best to order early and specify your future delivery date.

BMW stock availability and factory order lead times

BMW 1 Series Convertible and Coupe – low stock with 10 weeks factory order.

BMW 1 Series Hatchback, 3 Series Saloon, 3  Series Coupe, 3 Series Convertible , 3 Series Touring and all 5 Series – low stock availability with an 8 week factory order lead time.

BMW 6 Series- average stock and 8 weeks factory order.

BMW 7 Series- high stock and 10 weeks factory order.

BMW X1 – low stock and 12 weeks factory order.

BMW X3 - high stock and 8 weeks factory order.

BMW X5 – high stock and 12 weeks factory order.

BMW X6 and BMW Z4 – high stock and 10 weeks factory order.