The new BMW X6 blends the agile and versatile driving properties of a Sports Activity Vehicle with the head-turning looks of a coupe. The third-generation X6 employs a clean, exclusive design language to underscore its confident and commanding appearance. And advanced powertrain and chassis technology teams up with a wealth of innovations to deliver a uniquely sporting yet also luxurious driving experience. Like its predecessor, the new BMW X6 will be produced in the US at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg. The market launch will begin in November 2019.
Dynamically stretched proportions exude sporting prowess. The new BMW X6 has grown by 26 millimetres in exterior length over the outgoing model (to 4,935 mm) and by 15 mm in width (to 2,004 mm). It now stands 6 mm lower (at 1,696 mm) and combines dynamically stretched proportions with exceptional visual muscularity. The car’s wheelbase has increased by 42 mm to 2,975 millimetres.
The large, single-frame BMW kidney grille is the most striking feature of the front end, the outer edges of the kidney grille now approaching the headlights at a clearly defined angle. The new BMW X6 is available for the first time as an option with an illuminated BMW kidney grille, which adds an exclusive flourish to the exterior design. The illumination is activated by opening or closing the car, but the driver can switch it on and off manually too. This lighting function for the kidney grille is also available while driving.
If the optional BMW Laserlight with Adaptive LED headlights is specified, a BMW Laserlight spotlight with Selective Beam optimises the non-dazzling high beam function, whose range increases to around 500 metres. BMW Laserlight can be identified by the blue x-shaped elements inside the signature BMW twin headlights. The flanks of the new X6 are defined by familiar BMW proportions, a crisply drawn character line and the dynamic roofline. 19-inch light-alloy wheels are fitted as standard, with other wheel variants ranging in size from 20 to 22 inches available as an option. The BMW X6 M50i and BMW X6 M50d come with 21-inch light-alloy wheels as standard.
The new BMW X6 is available from launch in xLine and M Sport model variants as an alternative to standard specification. The two equipment lines each have their own distinctive design cues.
Interior: an exclusive ambience imbued with sporting flair. The interior of the new BMW X6 is geared squarely to delivering an exclusive and dynamic driving experience. Clear structures lend the cabin a modern and sporty appearance. The design of the cockpit, complete with the new arrangement and design of the control elements, represents a progressive re‑interpretation of the driver focus for which BMW is renowned. The new BMW X6 comes as standard with Vernasca leather upholstery.
The interior offers a high degree of variability, thanks to 40:20:40 split rear seat backrests that can be folded down to increase boot capacity from 580 to 1,530 litres. Highlight equipment features from the list of optional extras include multifunction seats with massage function for the driver and front passenger, four-zone automatic climate control, thermoelectric cup holders, glass applications for selected controls, the Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge, the Ambient Air interior fragrancing package and the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond+ 3D Surround Sound System.
Four powerful engines and an M duo from launch. The line-up of engines available for the new BMW X6 from launch includes two petrol units and a pair of diesel variants from the latest generation. The model line-up is spearheaded by a BMW M model with a newly developed 390 kW/530 hp V8 petrol engine. The BMW X6 M50i (fuel consumption combined: 10.7–10.4 l/100 km [26.4–27.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 243–237 g/km)* is joined in the range by the BMW X6 M50d (fuel consumption combined: 7.2–6.9 l/100 km [39.2‑40.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 190–181 g/km)* with 294 kW/400 hp six-cylinder in‑line diesel engine and a quartet of turbochargers. A straight-six petrol unit with output of 250 kW/340 hp sees action in the BMW X6 xDrive40i (fuel consumption combined: 8.6–8.0 l/100 km [32.8–35.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 197–181 g/km)*, and the BMW X6 xDrive30d (fuel consumption combined: 6.6–6.1 l/100 km [42.8–46.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 172–159 g/km)* employs a six-cylinder in-line diesel with 195 kW/265 hp. All variants of the new BMW X6 fulfil the requirements of the EU6d-TEMP emissions standard. The M Sport exhaust system fitted as standard on both M models is also available as an option for the other versions of the BMW X6 or as part of the M Sport package, and gives the car an unmistakable and emotionally rich aural presence.
All new BMW X6 models come as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, while intelligent all-wheel drive maximises traction, agility and directional stability. The latest generation of the BMW xDrive system once again splits drive torque between the front and rear wheels variably and as the situation demands – only now with even greater precision and speed. In situations which do not require all-wheel drive, drive can be channelled entirely to the rear wheels in the interests of efficiency. The xDrive system also maintains a rear-wheel bias in particularly dynamic driving situations. The car’s sporting attributes are aided by the electronically controlled M differential lock at the rear axle available as part of M Sport specification or in conjunction with the optional xOffroad package.
Perfectly tuned chassis systems enhance sporting responses, comfort levels and off-road prowess. A double-wishbone front axle and five-link rear axle give the new BMW X6 the ideal suspension tools to deliver dynamism and ride comfort on the road, plus unshakable traction off the beaten track. Dynamic Damper Control is included as standard, the Adaptive M suspension Professional with active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering endows the car with exceptionally agile and dynamic driving qualities, and the new BMW X6 is also available with two-axle air suspension including automatic self-levelling. The car’s height can be altered at the touch of a button in the cockpit through a maximum 80 millimetres. An off-road package is available for all model variants with the exception of the BMW X6 M50i and BMW X6 M50d, allowing the driver to choose from four modes that optimise progress over snow, sand, gravel or rocks respectively. And at the press of a button, they can also activate the ideal settings for the vehicle’s ride height, the xDrive system, accelerator response, transmission control and the DSC system’s corrective inputs.
Innovative driver assistance systems offering new functions. An extensive selection of standard and optional driver assistance systems mark out the new BMW X6 as an exceptionally innovative Sports Activity Coupe. Fresh from the addition of myriad new functions, the systems do an extremely effective job in enhancing comfort and safety. Standard specification for the new BMW X6 includes Cruise Control with braking function and the Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, which also alerts the driver when a cyclist is detected. The Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function is available as an option. The Driving Assistant Professional can also be found on the options list for the new BMW X6. This complete package of safety- and comfort-enhancing tech includes both the steering and lane control assistant with Traffic jam assistant and lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection. The Evasion Assistant is another component of the Driving Assistant Professional, as are the rear collision warning, road priority warning and wrong-way driving warning systems, crossing traffic warning, Lane Change Warning and the Emergency Stop Assistant. The innovative reversing assistant, which helps the driver when exiting parking spaces and manoeuvring within a confined space, represents another step en route to automated driving.
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is on hand to help the driver. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional in the new BMW X6 combines a new display and operating concept with unbeatable connectivity. It includes a high-resolution instrument cluster and a Control Display, both with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches. The new BMW X6 comes with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, an intelligent digital character who responds to the prompt “Hey BMW”. One unique feature over other digital assistants is that drivers can choose their own name for him. The arrival of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant ensures there is always a genuine BMW professional on board. He is able to explain all sorts of different functions, provide up-to-date information and assist the driver. The range of functions and skills available will be constantly expanded as part of regular updates, which can be carried out seamlessly on a smartphone and in‑car via Remote Software Upgrade.
BMW PRESS
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As part of the DTM weekend at the Norisring (GER), the legendary BMW M1 Procar series is making a comeback. Numerous iconic drivers such as Hans-Joachim Stuck (GER), Marc Surer (SUI), Harald Grohs (GER) and Jan Lammers (NED) will be involved.
Thrilling battles for position between Formula 1 drivers and international privateers in identical BMW M1 cars made every race in the series, launched 40 years ago, a spectacular event. On the Nuremberg street circuit, 14 of the 470 hp mid-engine sports cars built according to Group 4 regulations will revive the passion of the Procar series founded specifically for the racetrack debut of the BMW M1.
“I’m really looking forward to the revival of the BMW M1 Procar series,” said Stuck. “The combination of the six fastest Formula 1 drivers and cool privateers hasn’t been seen since. Then there is the unique sound of the BMW M1. That is unique to this day. I just want to enjoy the ride. It really doesn’t matter to me whether I finish second, third or fourth. I want to drive the car, hear it and experience it. I’ve won enough races in my life.”
To mark the occasion of the Procar Revival, BMW Group Classic has lined up numerous acclaimed drivers to return to the BMW M1 cockpit. In the 1980 Procar race at the Norisring Hans-Joachim Stuck won ahead of Jan Lammers and Marc Surer – all three legends will be reunited in Nuremberg this weekend. Also lining up will be Harald Grohs, who won the first ever race in the DTM 35 years ago at Zolder in Belgium, with a BMW 635 CSi.
MONTH IN REVIEW
June is over and we're at the halfway mark of 2019. Winter is in full swing and we're already dreaming of the warmer Spring days on the horizon (well, almost).
Our first event in June was our June Members Meeting hosted by South Yarra BMW. It was great to see some new faces and also hear from Chris Sager about the 2019 Geelong Revival.
We were then invited to a special BMW Australia presentation where we met Calvin Luk, the exterior designer of the X1, X3 and the new Z4. Those who attended had a fantastic day learning about how Calvin got to where he is now and the design process.
We then went on a weekend away over Queen's Birthday Weekend with Club MINI, starting at Essendon BMW on Saturday morning and finishing at Dunkeld on Monday. It was really fantastic to see all the different silo artwork, it's really amazing how they do it!
Next, we went to Broadford for Round 4 of the Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers' Championship. This was the first time we have hired a track in our own right, and it was a great success. We had lots of members attend to help, as well as all those that came to drive. Our day was matched with perfect weather, meaning perfect driving conditions.
We then finished our month with St Johns First Aid Training where we had a full day of learning about CPR, Emergency Life Support and General First Aid. We look forward to running more of these in the future!
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: 402 MEMBERS
Welcome to all our new members, we look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event!
Don't forget to catch up with this month's update from our President, Graeme Bell here.
THE MONTH AHEAD
Here's our plans for July:
EVENTS AHEAD
Keep an eye on our calendar for events coming up, we’re always adding something new.
NEWS | BLOG
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President | Graeme Bell 0407 186 296 Vice President | Jo Mawson 0412 661 900 Secretary | Lawrence Glynn 0414 563 290 Treasurer | Shaaron Glynn
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.
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Dear Members,
June was another very busy month, we started with the Monthly Member’s meeting at South Yarra BMW. Many thanks to Riley and the Staff for a lovely evening checking out all the new cars and sampling the treats they had for us. We also had Chris from Geelong Revival come along and tell us all about this year’s Geelong Revival and how the organisers are featuring our Club and BMW in a special area, both to celebrate BMW’s 40th anniversary in Australia, and also to celebrate our own achievements as a Club. It will be a great event to come along to and many thanks to Geelong Revival for offering us this very special opportunity.
We had a few members take their cars up to Winton for the Historics and put on a display and a lot of interest was shown in Lawrence’s little 700, as always, it is such an interesting car.
We had a very special invitation from BMW Group Australia, to come to Head Office in Mulgrave to meet and chat with the designer of the new BMW Z4, Calvin Luk. What a lovely young man. There were around 30 of our members, plus a few from BMW Car Club Victoria and the BMW Motorcycle Club who all had the chance to listen to Calvin tell his story of designing the new Z4 as well as how he came to work for BMW, very interesting. One of those events that can just pop up, so ensure you keep and eye on emails and the club calendar, you just never know when something special like this will happen.
On the Queen’s Birthday Weekend we went away touring the countryside, taking in the Murray Valley, Silo Art Trail and returning through the Grampians. What a fantastic event in every way. We had 40 people from DCM and Club MINI come along and enjoy some fantastic touring roads, lovely nights in nice motels and visited so many wonderful places along the route. Many thanks to Peter Williams for the drive route planning and Jo for her usual impeccable planning. Everyone had a ball and we got to see so many different aspects of our state. The group looked amazing on the road, if you look on the facebook page you will see some videos of us as well as lots of photos.
Next, we went to Broadford for Round 4 of the Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers' Championship. This was the first time we have hired a track in our own right, and it was a great success. We had lots of members come and help, as well as all those that attended and drove, and I must say a special thank you to them for coming and volunteering to help the club run such a good event. It was perfect weather as well and all had a great day out. There were quite a few people from other clubs there too and everyone had plenty of track time, with no incidents or hold ups to slow the day. Thanks again for coming and I look forward to our next track day at Winton on 20 July.
This month, we also ran a special event at the Shannons facility in Heatherton, where we held St John’s First Aid course for members to come along and learn about CPR, Emergency Life Support and General First Aid. This was an invaluable course, as the skills learned could come in handy at any time and could possible help someone save a life one day. I recommend everyone to do one of these courses if they can, you just never know what is around the corner. I personally have been the recipient of emergency first aid and when it counts these skills will save a life! The committee is thinking of running this as an annual event too, so if you are interested, let Jo or I know. This is actually a RTO Certificate Course, so as well as a few new skills you get a nationally recognised Certificate as well.
Amazingly, half the year is gone already, and July has some great events to look out for, our Members Meeting on Tuesday 2 July looks very interesting, visiting an electric truck company that manufactures and exports electric trucks. Christmas in July is always a very popular and fun event, this year with a drive and lunch in the hills at Noojee. I wonder if it will snow this year, regardless, it will be a fun event, with the usual silly jumper competition etc. Look out for other events on the calendar too, always something coming up, whether it’s one of our events or something we are invited to by one of the clubs we do events with.
At our Driver Training & 2019 Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers' Championship Round 5 at Winton, we have invited BMW Car Club Victoria, BMW Drivers Club NSW and BMW Car Club Canberra to join us to continue the tradition of what used to be a fantastic weekend of inter club fun and on track (friendly) rivalry between the NSW and Victorian Clubs and we would love and make this another fantastic inter-club event on the calendar each year. We need our members to enter and compete for the inaugural BMW Club Champion of Winton that we are instigating, where each driver will compete for points toward their club winning a perpetual trophy for the event each year. Not sure how we will work this out just yet, but should be a bit of fun anyway… Of course, if you’d like to come and help us run the event, we are always welcoming of anyone that would like to help as an official for the day.
There are a couple of events coming up in following months that you should start thinking about too. Our first AGM will be in October, if anyone is thinking of standing for a position on the committee, keep an eye out for notices in the next few months. The Bathurst 12 Hour package we did for 2019 is open now. If you’d like to join us at the Mountain for one of the best motorsport events you will ever see, contact Jo for details on inclusions and prices. The December weekend away with NSW and Canberra Clubs will be up soon too, again, another fantastic event that will happen every year.
Membership is now at 402. We are very happy with the retention rate of members and the continued growth of our little club. Thank you to all of you that continue to support the club, and welcome to all the new members, I hope you enjoy everything the club has to offer.
I look forward to seeing you at an event soon. If you have an idea for an event, don’t hesitate to tell us, we are always open to new ideas and welcome member input to make the club what you want it to be.
Graeme Bell | President BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.
P.O. Box 81, TYABB, VICTORIA. 3913 Incorporated in Victoria #A0102695GBMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc is a member of:BMW Clubs Australia and the BMW Clubs International CouncilCAMS Affiliated Motorsport Club
The digital BMW ecosystem: early insights into myBMW. The BMW Group #NEXTGen event provided exclusive background information on what the future holds for the myBMW digital ecosystem. All BMW Group and NOW services, along with mobility services and products, will be pooled together under this name. Products and services will be split into My Car, My Life and My Journey categories, presenting customers with a single gateway into an all-encompassing portfolio of personal mobility-enhancing offerings. The BMW Group will reveal further details on myBMW at the IAA Cars 2019 motor show in Frankfurt on 12 – 22 September.
“Hey BMW, what’s your favourite colour?”. Chatting away with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Since March 2019 the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has been available in a large number of models fitted with BMW Operating System 7.0. Responding to the prompt “Hey BMW”, the intelligent, digital character helps the driver, learns their preferences, knows their favoured settings and is an expert on everything to do with the vehicle. Thanks to the regular Remote Software Upgrades supplied over the air for seamless installation directly into the vehicle, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant acquires new skills all the time, enhancing and expanding his capabilities. The next upgrade will make it possible to enjoy casual chats with him and engage in brief, entertaining exchanges.
Amazon Alexa in BMW and MINI models. Seamless integration of Amazon Alexa is now available for a host of BMW and MINI models, enabling customers to access many of the Alexa functions they already use at home while out and about in their car. They can ask Alexa questions, get weather forecasts and traffic information, catch up on sporting events, listen to tracks from Amazon Music or TuneIn, or check out audio books from Audible. Appointments and to-do lists or shopping lists can likewise be managed simply by speaking. Added to which, the Control Display in the BMW or MINI also provides visual feedback for the selected content. And Alexa even makes it possible for customers to operate compatible smart-home devices, such as lamps, thermostats and automatic garage doors, from their car.
The BMW Digital Key turns smartphones into car keys. The Digital Key dispenses with the need for a conventional car key. Employing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, it allows the new BMW 8 Series Coupe and other models in the BMW range to be locked and unlocked from a smartphone. Holding the smartphone up to the door handle opens the car. Once inside, the engine can be started as soon as the phone has been placed in the wireless charging or smartphone tray. Accessed via BMW Connected, the Digital Key can optionally be shared with up to five other people. The BMW Digital Key is currently available for all NFC-capable Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 8.0 and above.
Digital charging services for electric cars. The charging services from BMW put an end to the stress of searching for an available charging station. Customers can check the probable availability of a specific station along the selected route before they begin their journey. Once they are within 20 minutes’ drive of the intended charging station, they can also reserve a space directly from their car. And if that car happens to be a BMW plug-in hybrid, they will additionally earn valuable iMILES bonus points for any sections of electric driving recorded within the BMW eDrive Zones. These can then be exchanged for extra charging credit at all ChargeNow stations.
For more than 90 years, the 2-cylinder boxer engine has been a key element of the BMW Motorrad identity, in both technological and visual terms. But as the BMW Group consistently pursues electrification, the question arises as to what a BMW motorcycle might look like that is electrically powered? And how would it reveal itself at first sight to be a BMW? One possible answer to these questions is provided by the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster, a highly emotional naked bike with electric drive.
“The boxer engine is the heart of BMW Motorrad – an absolute stalwart of its character. But BMW Motorrad stands for visionary zero-emissions vehicle concepts, too. In view of this, one question that arises is: what would happen if we were to replace the boxer engine with an electric motor and the required battery? The Vision Bike shows how we’re able to retain the identity and iconic appearance of BMW Motorrad in distinctive form while at the same time presenting an exciting new type of riding pleasure,” explains Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad. “After all: anyone who’s ever tried it out in practice knows very well that riding on two wheels is just as exciting when its electrically powered! The high level of torque right at set-off makes for breath taking acceleration. This almost brutal power delivery creates a whole new experience of dynamic performance. And the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster puts a face to this experience.”
New drive, familiar appearance. In a motorcycle, the motor is the centrepiece – it is the fundamental element, providing the basis for the entire architecture. But electrical drive components have completely different requirements in terms of installation space. While in a conventional motorbike the size of the engine is mainly determined by its capacity, it is the battery that takes up most space in the case of an electrically powered vehicle. The electric motor itself is relatively compact. Starting from this new basis, the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster is able to make this transfer – retaining the iconic appearance of a boxer while filling it with a new function. This is why the Vision Bike is instantly recognisable as a BMW motorcycle, revealing its electric nature on closer inspection.
Replacing what would previously have been the engine, there is now a vertically fitted, longitudinally oriented battery. For cooling purposes, two side elements protrude with cooling ribs and integrated ventilators. As in the boxer engine of the BMW R 32 – the development of which was masterminded by Max Friz in 1923 – the cooling elements are placed in the air stream. The cylinder-shaped electric motor is positioned underneath the battery and is directly connected to the universal shaft. The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster thus demonstrates a clever drive architecture that visually echoes the history of BMW Motorrad while at the same time taking it a step further.
Dynamic performance reflected in the proportions. In the side view, the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster presents a highly dynamic gesture with clear front-wheel orientation. The low front section and the short, high rear convey a sense of agility. Instead of the fuel tank, a flat, finely-wrought tubular structure spans the vehicle corpus. Its further shaping integrates the seat in a modern form, thereby creating the flyline of a sporty roadster. The frame structure is a key factor in defining the dynamic side view.
The large battery with its laterally protruding cooling systems is positioned at the centre of a frame milled from aluminium. The three-dimensional surface finish on the battery trim conveys a contemporary aesthetic appeal with its precise contours. The cooling elements echo the slight forward tilt of the battery silhouette, giving the side a dynamic momentum. When starting the electric motor, these cooling elements move out slightly, indicating that the bike is ready to go.
High performance with a light touch. The overall appearance of the BMW Motorrad Vision DC conveys a sense of lightness so as to emphasise driving dynamics. Elements such as the seat and the cooling system appear to hover around the battery. On the frame itself, lengthwise milled grooves create a fascinating visual effect, reducing the perceived volume and highlighting the bike’s longitudinal dynamics. This impression is further underscored by means of openings in the milled aluminium frame and the tubular frame structure arranged above it. High-tech materials such as carbon fibre and aluminium reduce the overall weight and give the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster a technical aesthetic. Meanwhile, red contrast elements and brushed aluminium at selected points such as the battery, frame and cool systems emphasise the bike’s innovative geometry.
High-quality details on closer inspection. A key element of the BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster’s captivating overall appeal is the elaborate finish to be found in all its details. Within the mainly dark colour concept, it is the mechanical elements such as the exposed universal shaft and the Duolever fork that add striking accentuations. In this case, the two classic BMW features are re-interpreted and elaborately showcased. In the same way, the suggested triangular frame echoes a typical feature of earlier BMW motorcycle models, even recapturing its white lines, which in this instance fluoresce in the dark. The minimalist design of the front and rear lights is an iconic implementation of the hallmark BMW Motorrad lighting, reflecting maximum reduction in modern style. The headlamp shows the LED daytime riding light in a dynamic, flat U shape, while two compact LED lenses on each side provide the low and high beam. This creates a hallmark lighting design that makes the concept vehicle instantly recognisable as a BMW motorcycle – both during the day and at night. The rear light consists of two C-shaped LED elements which are integrated in the aluminium rear carrier in minimalist, technically high-quality form. On the flanks of the tires exclusively made by Metzeler for the Vision Bike, five fluorescent elements, each about the size of a postage stamp, are integrated. They combine innovative design with safety aspects: standing and moving, the lighting elements create an exciting graphic effect. In darkness, they increase the visibility from the side and thus providing more security. They also convey dynamics when in motion.
Smart rider equipment. The functional two-piece suit is not instantly recognisable as protective clothing: it is an outfit that primarily stands as a modern, emotional fashion statement. The light jacket with large graphics in iridescent colouring and the casually styled black trousers combine fashion sense with new functionalities. The protectors are sewn in almost invisibly, while integrated technologies enable various light functions as well as the digital connectivity of the future. An asymmetrical rucksack vest rounds off the rider equipment for the vision vehicle. Fixed to the jacket by means of magnets, it provides storage space and additional functionality. The permanent magnets means that the rucksack is quick to put on and take off.
Symbol of a new generation. The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster is a visionary symbol of the future of BMW Motorrad with alternative drive forms. It showcases the electrically powered driving experience in honest, authentic form, in particular creating a new, distinctive aesthetic appeal that is still firmly rooted in the finest BMW tradition.
How will we be moved in the future? BMW Group Design is already shaping how we will experience Sheer Driving Pleasure in the future. The innovative fields of Autonomous Driving, Connectivity, Electrification and Services (ACES) will open up totally new opportunities and experiences – and, at the same time, herald a paradigm shift in the automotive industry. The BMW Group views design as the key to this future: It gives shape to areas of innovation and brings technology to life. Design also has the power to think beyond the possible and set ambitious developments in motion. The BMW Group already showed this with the first BMW X5, which effectively invented the SUV segment; the iDrive Controller, which is found in virtually every vehicle in one form or another these days, or its BMW i models. They were all the first of their kind and made a permanent impression on the automotive world.
We design experiences. In the future, drivers will be able to choose whether they want to be driven autonomously (in EASE Mode) or drive themselves (in BOOST Mode). EASE and BOOST moments form the basis for the design of every future BMW model. In a nutshell, the concept is: “EASE your Life – BOOST your Moment.” The EASE and BOOST experiences illustrate what BMW Group Design aspires to and also what future products could look like: The purpose of design goes far beyond deciding shape and form. BMW Group Design creates experiences. The automobile is no longer just a “vehicle”; it can be a place for relaxation, interaction, entertainment and concentration. At the same time, it can also become the ultimate driving machine, enabling customers to experience new aspects of driving dynamics. The car will be transformed into a new kind of living space dedicated to people’s needs and wants. The BMW Group Design is applying the ACES fields of innovation in all their different forms to create this experience space.
EASE your Life – BOOST your Moment. What these experiences could look like in the future in concrete form is shown by the two Vision Vehicles: the BMW Vision iNEXT, unveiled in 2018, and the brand-new BMW Vision M NEXT. Each represents a prototypical implementation of the future BMW experience worlds of “EASE” (BMW Vision iNEXT) and “BOOST” (BMW Vision M NEXT). EASE encompasses all experiences that occur while the vehicle is taking care of driving tasks itself; BOOST, on the other hand, is all about the ultimate, active driving experience. In the upcoming product range, BMW Group Design will realise a wide range of experiences where these two versions meet in the near future.
A first aid course, something more people should do to enhance their knowledge and experience - you just never know when you might need one of the skills we learned.
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne ran a St John’s First Aid Certificate Course at Shannons in Heatherton and it was excellent. Along with the online pre-course we all did, it packed all the information and practical experience of a two-day course into a full single day certificate course. So, all that attended come away with a nationally recognised first aid certificate.
The course covered everything from CPR and using a Defibrillator machine to breaks and bruises to cuts and bites and stings, all the things we could come across in life any day.
Thanks to Owen from St John’s for being an excellent teacher and presenter and helping us all to pass the final exam with flying colours.
We not only came away with a bit of extra knowledge, but also a bag of bandages, masks and slings and other things that can be a great help in an emergency.
I highly recommend everyone to do one of these courses if you get the opportunity. You just never know when a little bit of knowledge will be a good thing to have.
Graeme Bell | Member #1 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Please note the title reads “firsts” and not “first”. I did not come first, or second, or… in fact, that did not even matter. From a personal perspective I did get first prize, though an amazing day with great people.
What are all the “firsts” about then? Well, it was the first time I was at or on a racetrack in Australia. It was the first time with the BMWDCM, it was the first time with the M5, or any BMW for that matter. It was the first time with my family.
So how did the day “feel” then, all the new experiences considered? Let me go back a bit into how all of it unfolded in the first place. Whenever talking car stuff with my father-in-law, a petrol-head of note himself, he had been correcting me to “when” I track the M5, not “if”, as I had always chosen to word it. He knew. He knew how keen I am, he knew about my previous circuit racing and hill climb activities. I knew, too, but I made myself believe that I would never track the E39. It has the potential to become a real collectable and is hence, too precious to track, right? To fast forward now, at the recent club carting event (which was awesome by the way!) Jo pulls me aside and tells me about the upcoming Broadford track day, what a lovely little track it is and how much fun I would have. Hmmmm… So, a while later I find myself registered for the event, checking the post box daily for my CAMS licence and shopping for fire extinguishers and battery triangle stickers. What happened? The inevitable, I guess.
So here we are then, the whole family, arriving at the track after an early start in Melbourne. With two cars to compete I might add. Steve, my father-in-law mentioned above, was there with his Holden wagon, crew, trailer with tires, tools and the whole racing bit. I brought my wife, our baby Sarah, and a tyre pressure gauge, which always lives in the glove box anyway. I was rather nervous about the entire thing, still plagued with thoughts about whether this was really a good idea. I took comfort in the thought that I was only there to take it easy, my main ambition was to be able to exceed 100kmh once again, legally. Comforting, too, were all the friendly greetings and words by various BMWDCM members.
Another lasting impression was how well everything was organised. Although this was my first track day under Australian regulations, I never felt lost during the event. It was always clear what was going on, when and where the competitors had to be. This is important to point out, I have experienced otherwise, and so I would really like to compliment the organisers in this regard. So, there was the good organisation, an informative driver meeting, plenty of friendly like-minded people. That all helped my nerves to get back on track. That changed again during the sighting laps, which were offered to track first timers. They are a brilliant and important instrument. Nonetheless after having stretched my neck numerous times throughout the lap to scan over-crest, blind turns I was back to doubting my decision to come there. Kath had joined me for the sighting lap slowly following the X5, it was fun to have her with, and to have someone in the car to share thoughts about just how freaky those ascends and descends with blind turns appear. I went back to telling myself “the car only goes as fast as you want it to”. About that…
So next up was the practice session. I went out there with probably one of the fewer cars on road tyres, for sure the only car equipped with a wired Siemens telephone and child seat, checked and authorised by the scrutineers. I went around the track ridiculously slowly, timidly getting off the gas at the crest on the back straight and crawling around the blind turns. After a few laps and where I could see what is ahead of me, though, I drove the M5 to the point of light tyre squeal through some turns and that was not only really fun, I also got a first taste of the car’s actual capability. I discovered the E39 is as docile as the “community” tends to rave on about.
Back in the pits, totally pumped, it was time to share all the impressions from the practice sessions. Veterans as well as Broadford first timers, like me, agree on how amazing the track is. At this time I was still not a big fan of the blind corners, but the ups and downs of the track really are a treat, and in the following sessions I would discover that blind turns are not all that bad, once you know where they actually go.
Which brings us to timed session 1. More tyre squealing, first little step-outs of the rear end (which made me smile) and fading brakes (which did not make me smile). Interestingly, I was clocking 1:14 times, consistently from the first to the last lap. This was despite the fact that I was backing off more and more throughout that first stint in the light of the brakes not exactly injecting confidence, which only confirmed that a better line and maintaining speed where permissible (as opposed to, e.g., backing off at the crest on the back straight) are more important than late braking.
By session 2 all the “taking it easy” ambitions were out the window. Knowing myself, this was somewhat expected. My lap times came down by half-a-second and I was very pleased. Again, being back in the pits, sharing impressions and the experience with family and fellow sprinters was as good as the lapping itself. Talking track and car topics is even better when you are presented with a fantastic lunch, and this we all were. Which reminds me that I failed to mention the good breakfast we were treated to in the morning!
Timed sessions 3 and 4 went through a similar cycle. Telling myself to look after my brakes and my road tyres had me coming back with smoke pouring off the front brakes as I returned into the pits at the end of session 3. Lap times had again improved, though, but for session 4 I was going to back off, this time for real I told myself. Despite my own doubts, I actually did. I braked much earlier, avoided running into that massive brake shudder again like on the earlier rounds, focusing more on a good line and smoothness. I was fully satisfied with the day before round 4 even started. The number of laps we all had the opportunity to do had exceeded my most optimistic expectations and I could have happily skipped the last round. Then again, another crack at it cannot be resisted either, so I did go out for session 4, but this time with a very relaxed attitude. Surprisingly, or maybe not at all surprisingly, session 4 produced my best lap time of the day.
So, after rambling on about improved but irrelevant lap times for so long what are the important things to take away from this special day? I think it is the experienced camaraderie, the fact that a day at the track can be fun for everyone joining in, not just the competitors. A very big thanks and hats-off to the club and the event organisers in particular. It was an all-around outstanding day, we had good weather, good food, lots of laughing and safe, competitive fun in a non-competitive environment, if that makes any sense.
I have just signed up for Winton.
Heiko Hnidey | Member #338 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Photos: Jo Mawson (left and right) Andrew Brown (centre) Event date: 16 June 2019
On a cool, overcast but thankfully dry winter Sunday in June, some 24 drivers attended the Club’s fourth round of the Yokohama/Traction Tyres Drivers' Championship at Broadford. My flag-marshalling duties at the start/finish line all day afforded an excellent view of the action on the small, undulating and twisty Broadford track. There was an eclectic mix of entries, BMWs actually in the minority, but only by one with several MX-5s, Alfas, a Ford Focus, Renault Clio, WRX, souped up Torana and even a Holden station wagon. BMWs ranged from Rachael’s little 318is to Walter’s new M5.
With five of the flag points manned and Danny at pit exit plus Lucy in timing under Jo’s usual watchful eye in the control tower, the day ran smoothly with no major incidents and (almost) everyone had a lot of track time. Sadly, Stan Armstrong’s return to the track after 18 months lasted only 2 laps after a valve failure in his new engine. The Club also came through with catering at lunch, after the track café closed up shop early in the day.
All in all a great day, even despite some further hearing loss for me every time the Subaru went past (sans muffler!). The next motorsport round is at Winton on July 20th, and will include Driver Training as well. I would encourage everyone to consider entering as I expect a lot of track time for all once again.
Paul Kertes | Member #12 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Photo: Andrew Brown Event date: 16 June 2019
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