The biggest show for German car companies is right around the corner and BMW has announced its theme and layout. Only held during odd-numbered years, the Frankfurt International Motor Show, commonly abbreviated as the IAA, will run in 2017 from September 14 to 24. BMW's motto for the 2017 IAA is "This is tomorrow. Now. The future is now."
According to a company press release, the BMW Group will occupy more than 10,500 square meters in Hall 11 of the IAA, and will offer models "from BMW i to new products in the luxury segment, from mobility services to BMW M, from Mini to BMW Motorrad."
At the heart of the BMW stand is the "Vision Loop" with 550 seats and a 150-meter-long circuit. Each day, the Vision Loop will present fourteen highlight shows with themes including "luxury," "BMW M," "BMW X3," and, "future." The Vision Loop will also host the kickoff BMW Group press conference on Tuesday, September 12 at 8:30 AM Frankfurt time.
Hildegard Wortmann, head of Brand BMW explained, "The IAA 2017 is a visible expression of the reorientation of the BMW brand in the most important 'Brand Stories'. BMW i staged the "Story of Visionary Mobility" in the typical pioneering role of the brand with its innovative fields of electric mobility, autonomous driving, and mobility services. With the "Story of Progressive Luxury," BMW is showing a new luxury appearance around the BMW model offensive in the luxury segment. The "Story of Thrilling Sportiness" by BMW M can be felt especially in the context of the show in the "Vision Loop". All I can not tell you today, but the IAA will show the whole innovative power that is in this young BMW brand."
But before all that, on September 10, the Vision Loop will be the site of the finals of the "NextVisionaries," a joint project between BMW i and TED. Finalists in the competition (www.nextvisionaries.com) will present their ideas about the future of mobility to a high-ranking jury and 500 invited guests.
Hildegard Wortman described the purpose, saying, "Since the founding of project i ten years ago, BMW i has proven to be a pioneer of innovation. This spirit unites BMW i and the TED community. In the spirit of inspiring visions on the mobility of tomorrow, we offer a strong public with this unique cooperation." The winner will make a presentation at the world TED conference in New York in November.
All the theme stuff is very interesting, but one of the main reasons people look forward to the IAA is the official world premiere of new models. BMW has quite a few vehicles almost ready for the big reveal, but it has only mentioned two possibilities for Frankfurt: the new BMW X3 and the first BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo. Of course, there might be more. It's past time for the new BMW X2 to see the official light of day, for example. Since it will be unveiled this week at Pebble Beach, it's also possible BMW will bring its mysterious Roadster concept to the IAA, perhaps giving us a glimpse at potential design cues of the next Z4.
Naturally, the BMW Group will bring examples of all of its product lines.
Remember, the theme of the BMW Group's presentation this year is "This is tomorrow. Now. The future is now," so expect a large presence from BMW i and all of its electrified BMW i and BMW iPerformance vehicles.
BMW mobility services will be on display using a fourteen-meter-long wall installation that will take observers through BMW Connected, Digital Energy Solutions, the Digital Charging Services, Now Services and DriveNow, ChargeNow, and ParkNow.
BMW M will bring all eight M models plus a number of M Performance versions of other models.
Minis will be presented in an urban industrial setting. Five Mini models will be on the stand, including the Mini 3 Door, Mini 5 Door, Mini Convertible, Mini Clubman, and Mini Countryman. Visitors to the Mini Convertible area will find a smoothie kiosk for a refreshing treat while exploring the display.
Expect the unexpected with Mini. At the Mini Clubman area will be the Mini Club with its own barber shop. Get there early to book a free 30-minute haircut, style, or treatment.
Five BMW motorcycles and the ConceptLink connected concept two-wheeler will be featured at the BMW Motorrad display, along with a selection from the BMW Motorrad clothing collection.
With the BMW Group Lounge, the BMW VIP Lounge, and the BMW Security Lounge, the stand has three high-quality areas for expert discussions. The BMW Group Lounge, together with the BMW VIP Lounge, sits above the central plaza and offers spectacular views of the show stage.
BMW forecasts "an exciting and emotional firework of highlights" at Frankfurt. BMW Group CEO Harald Krüger has promised us a "surprise." Bring it on and lets start launching some of those new models.—Scott Blazey
[Photo courtesy of BMW AG.]
