The new BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer and the new BMW 1 Series will both make their world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show, which opens its doors in Geneva, Switzerland on March 3.

The German luxury car maker will also throw the spotlight on the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car, demonstrating how engine output can be boosted efficiently using an innovative water injection system; a raft of innovative supplementary services connected with the BMW i models; and myKIDIO, a new in-car entertainment concept for children.


THE BMW 1 SERIES

The new BMW 1 Series cuts an even more striking, sporty and efficient figure in its latest incarnation, complete with its extensively modified front- and rear-end design in both three- and five-door guise. The new line-up of petrol and diesel engines, boasting additional measures designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions (fuel consumption combined: 8.0-3.4 litres per 100 km [35.3 – 83.1 mpg imp]; carbon dioxide [CO2] missions combined: 188 – 89 g/km), ensure the new series can offer customers a fresh, efficient source of power, BMW says. 

The BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, powered by a 85 kW/116 hp three-cylinder engine, posts average fuel consumption of 3.4 litres/100 km (83.1 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 89 g/km in the EU test cycle, making it “the efficiency king of the BMW model range”.


THE BMW 2 SERIES GRAN TOURER

The BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer sees BMW once again creating a new vehicle segment. 

This is the first model in the premium compact class that can accommodate up to seven people across three rows of seats, in addition to a generously sized luggage compartment, says BMW.

New turbocharged engines producing from 85 kW/116 hp to 141 kW/192 hp (fuel consumption combined: 6.4 – 3.9 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 149 –104 g/km) and the EfficientDynamics package together enable the car to offer sporting dynamics combined with outstanding efficiency and the lowest CO2 emissions in the segment, it says.


BMW M4 MOTOGP SAFETY CAR

The BMW M4 Coupe will once again lead the Safety Car fleet through the 2015 MotoGP season. In so doing, BMW M’s high-performance coupe will also blaze a trail for technology and innovation thanks to an innovative water injection system designed to give the engine a noticeable boost in performance. 

This pioneering technology also enables excellent levels of efficiency even under full load with real benefits when it comes to fuel economy and exhaust emissions. 

The water injection system once again underlines the many years of experience BMW M can look back on in motor racing and its vast well of expertise in the development of powerful engines. 

At the same time, the car offers a taster of an M Automobile that promises to set a new benchmark in performance, exclusivity and individuality “not too far from now”.


MOBILITY OF THE FUTURE

Following the launch of the electric-powered BMW i3 and the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, BMW i is now extending its range of services focusing on every aspect of electric mobility and rolling them out internationally. 

With the BMW i3 and BMW i8, BMW i offers customers not only a choice of electric vehicles but also, as part of its 360° Electric programme, far-reaching complementary products to ensure the cars provide long-term service. 

ChargeNow, for example, is a charging and payment service which is enjoying steady expansion – thanks to the addition of new fast-charging stations – and which supports international roaming. 

BMW I drivers who are reliant on a permanent parking space with a charging facility will find a suitable solution in ParkNow LongTerm, while the ParkNow web- and app-based service helps drivers to find a space as and when they need while out and about. 

ParkNow offers parking spaces in hundreds of cities across North America and can filter the results of searches according to price, distance and the availability of services such as charging stations and car washes. 

The exclusive character of the BMW i8 sports car will be further highlighted with an extended range of standard equipment and new options for the interior look. Standard specification for the BMW i8 now includes the Pure Impulse Experience programme, comprising exclusive lifestyle options in the areas of culture, design, travel and gastronomy in keeping with the progressive and sustainable “next premium” approach of the BMW i brand.


MYKIDIO APP

Designed to make longer journeys a pleasure rather than a chore for children, myKIDIO (initially only available in Germany) is available for the first time in the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer and provides access to content such as TV series, movies, audio books and audio plays on tablet computers (such as the Apple iPad). 

Operated via the iDrive Controller and Control Display, the app allows adults to navigate through age-appropriate programmes, approve and monitor them on the linked tablet computers.

Adults can see what the kids are tuned into at any one time on the Control Display, while the youngsters in the rear can access information on the journey (such as arrival time, range and outside temperature) at any time.

The Geneva International Motor Show runs until March 15 at the Palexpo convention centre in the city.