No Surprises, But High Interest in BMW

BMW's booth offered no astonishing displays. Occupying the largest space was the "i3" carbon composite body EV, scheduled for European release this November. However, concept models of the i3 have been exhibited before, and the production model was announced in July, so it didn't feel particularly novel.



The "i8", BMW i brand's sports model, was also on display, but its styling was alsofamiliar.The newly introduced coupe model, the "4 Series", and the recently fully redesigned "X5" have been reported on frequently, giving a sense of déjà vu. The debut of thethird-generation "MINI"is on November 18, so only the current model was exhibited this time.

Nevertheless, at this year'sFrankfurt Motor Show, BMW was a major focus. The biggest reason for this was likely that wehad the chance to ride in the i3.



At the sprawling Frankfurt Motor Show, each manufacturer provides in-house shuttles using their latest models. Among these, the i3 was overwhelmingly popular, with long queues forming in front of "Hall 11," where the BMW booth was located, for those wanting to ride the i3 shuttle. The ride quality afforded by the carbon composite body and the finish of BMW's first mass-produced EV are drawing keen attention from around the world.

The i3 speeding around the venue as an in-house shuttle

Another notable development was the announcement of the plug-in hybrid version of the new X5, the "Concept X5 eDrive". The X5, adapted as a hybrid model by combining a four-cylinder engine (displacement not yet announced) employing TwinPower Turbo technology with a 70kW motor, can travel 30km on lithium-ion battery power. It is said to achieve fuel economy of 3.8L/100km (approx. 26.3km/L) in the EU test cycle.



At the same BMW booth, the "Concept Active Tourer Outdoor" was unveiled. The "Concept Active Tourer," BMW's first front-wheel-drive model, made its world premiere at last year's Paris Salon, but the version revealed this time is a variation equipped with a bicycle carrier, among other features. It is a model that holds promise for the future, particularly as it will share a platform with the next-generation MINI.

BMW i8

BMW Concept Active Tourer Outdoor

Regardless, the sense that the i3 monopolized the attention at the BMW booth cannot be dismissed. Its influence is immense, with many industry insiders from rival manufacturers making statements that clearly show they are keenly aware of the i3. BMW i, which incorporates innovative methods not only in its body structure but also in its production methods, is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion in the automotive industry for some time to come.