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By Mark Jones

Road Test Editor


BMW, MINI take the lead at Frankfurt Motor Show

From concept cars to motorbikes, these established companies have it all.


BMW and MINI are firing the starting gun on the brands’ forthcoming product offensive with an extraordinary pageant of new models and concept vehicles at the IAA Cars 2017 show in Frankfurt this week.

The companies’ stand centres on their expanded luxury class lineup, captivating studies and production models in numerous segments exhibited at a public trade fair for the first time.

BMW Concept X7 iPerformance

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With the unveiling of the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance at the IAA Cars 2017 show in Frankfurt this week, the BMW Group is not only pulling back the covers on a new model concept for the luxury segment, it is also introducing a whole new take on luxury for the BMW brand.

The Concept X7 iPerformance embodies this understanding of luxury in the form of a striking exterior composed of intently focused lines, and combines it with a generously-sized, six-person interior pared down to the essentials: elementary forms, high-class materials and a state of the art infotainment system brimming with connectivity.

The Concept’s iPerformance badge denotes the presence of groundbreaking BMW eDrive technology allied with a BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine to create an exceptionally efficient and dynamic plug-in hybrid powertrain that excels in all driving situations – including running with zero local emissions.

BMW Concept 8 Series

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The BMW Concept 8 Series is a teaser of a new model from the brand due for launch in 2018: the BMW 8 Series Coupe.

The BMW Concept 8 Series reveals much of what is to come. Classic styling features combine with new design ideas. Crisp lines that mark out clear surfaces and the car’s powerfully sculpted volumes form a powerful proclamation of uncompromising sportiness.

The styling of the interior and the choice of materials echo the interplay between dynamism and luxury.

The lines in the cockpit gravitate forwards, focusing on the task of driving. Merino leather, a faceted ground gearshift lever and an iDrive Controller give the interior an exclusive air.

BMW Concept Z4

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The BMW Concept Z4 likewise offers a look ahead to a series-production version of the car set to be unveiled over the course of next year.

A shorter bonnet and crisp overhangs ensure the driver sits closer to the middle of the car than in previous BMW roadsters. The appearance of the front end sparks associations with classic roadster models from BMW.

The styling of the BMW kidney grille is reminiscent of the BMW 328 Mille Miglia. Its broad outline and low-set positioning instil a sense of flamboyance very much in the mould of the BMW Z8.

In a first for BMW, the Concept Z4 provides a vertical interpretation of the four-eyed headlight look, with two light sources placed one on top of the other.

Much of the interior adopts the colour of the car body, with just the driver’s cockpit standing out in an all-black finish that reinforces the focus on driving.

BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo

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The new BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo serves up a sensational blend of alluring coupe style, luxurious long-distance comfort and flexible practicality.

The systematic evolution of this body format is particularly evident in both the new luxury-class model’s sporting elegance and its superior dynamism. Inside, the driver-focused cockpit layout is generously sized, with a raised seating position.

The rear compartment comprises three full-size seats, while the boot capacity can be increased from 610 to a maximum of 1800 litres.

BMW X3

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The new BMW X3 is set to write the next chapter in the success story of this mid-size SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) with an even more striking, dynamic design language, powerful yet also efficient drive systems and luxurious appointments.

The third generation of the BMW X3 follows in its predecessors’ tyre tracks by combining rugged off-road looks with a sporting presence.

Comfort levels can be further elevated by a host of new equipment options like three-zone automatic climate control, the Ambient Air package, active seat ventilation and the panoramic glass roof.

BMW i3 and newBMW i3s

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The world’s best-selling electric car in the premium compact segment now comes with refreshing styling accents, cutting-edge equipment features and new digital services to make locally emission-free driving even more enjoyable.

The BMW i3 has now been joined by a second model variant. With a higher output, model-specific chassis technology, noticeably more dynamic driving qualities and design features all of its own, the new BMW i3s brings out the sporty side of electric mobility more vividly than ever.

BMW Motorrad Concept Link

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BMW Motorrad is presenting a design study for a new vehicle segment at the Frankfurt show, as well as a future vision of urban mobility on two wheels.

The BMW Motorrad Concept Link generates zero local emissions, is sporty and agile, and offers innovative functionality and digital connectivity.

MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept

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The MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept showcases pure power and sporty flair. With a design inspired unmistakably by motor racing, it arouses the expectation of authentic, unadulterated and highly intense race feeling.

Together with a spirited turbo engine and suspension technology designed for use on the race track, the exterior and interior of the concept study form a precisely harmonised overall package for a thrilling performance.

In the MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept, traditional racing expertise and progressive technology form the basis for passionate driving fun – on both race track and road. In the interior, the roll-over cage, bucket seats, a puristically designed cockpit and the lack of a rear seat clearly indicate the sporty ambitions of the concept study.

MINI Electric Concept

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The MINI Electric Concept is modern, purist and efficiently dynamic, providing a look ahead to a new form of urban mobility free of local emissions that still guarantees unmistakable driving fun.

The spontaneous response of the electric motor to every movement of the accelerator adds a whole new dimension to hallmark brand agility.

The powerful drive of the MINI Electric Concept draws its energy from a lithium-ion battery, ensuring maximum range and typical MINI agility combined with emission-free mobility.

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