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BMW makes its Asia debut as a Formula E competitor

Having been the Official Vehicle Partner for each previous season, BMW’s Motorsports team makes its Asia Formula E debut at the Hong Kong E-Prix on 10 March, the fifth stop of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship Season 5 circuit.

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With celebrated drivers António Félix Da Costa and Alexander Sims behind the wheels, BMW i Andretti Motorsport will be powered by the new BMW iFE.18.

The manufacturer’s booth in the Allianz E-Village will feature four cars on display and experts from Germany for additional fan interaction.

Promising efficiency and sustainable, emissions-free driving without compromising the brand’s signature performance, BMW continues to showcase its innovative leadership in electromobility alongside its pioneering spirit in its debut Formula E racing season.

Source : BMW

The ultimate fan experience

Providing a fully immersive experiences for fans, BMW Motorsports’ booth in the Allianz E-Village, Formula E’s fan festival, will house the new BMW iFE.18, the i8 Coupe Safety Car, the brand-new i3 120Ah and the i Vision Dynamics concept car. The BMW i Vision Dynamics is an amalgamation of the BMW i3 and BMW i8, giving local fans a taste of what future BMW cars will look like. Fans will be able to interact with Expert BMW Vision Vehicles specialists from BMW’s design department in Munich and encouraged to complete a mini quiz for a chance to win BMW merchandise. Ticket holders to the E-Village will also have the chance to learn about electromobility technology, interact with drivers during an autograph session, challenge them in an E-Race, and join in on the selfie celebrations at the podium ceremony.

The new, all-electric BMW iFE.18

The knowledge and technical expertise of BMW engineers is showcased in the new iFE.18, which encapsulates the brand’s innovative, forward-thinking automotive design. The vehicle’s conception is driven by performance, with a high efficiency to weight ratio. Designed with Formula E spectators in mind, who typically watch the race from a higher and closer position than other circuits, BMW’s iconic blue and white feature throughout the iFE.18, allowing maximum visibility at racing speeds while remaining unmistakeably BMW.

Team BMW i Andretti Motorsport

One of the most experienced drivers on the Formula E circuit, António Félix Da Costa currently ranks #2 on the season’s standings after winning the first stop in Ad Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. Teammate Alexander Sims, ranked #12, made his debut ahead of the Formula E’s Season 5 and set the fastest times during the pre-season testing for two out of the three days. Both racers are products of BMW’s works motorsport outfit, making them a perfect fit to race for a manufacturer that prides itself on its hybrid and all-electric cars. Fans will be able to see this teamwork come to life and have the opportunity to vote for their favourite drivers to receive the highly coveted FANBOOST, which gives drivers an extra power boost during the race.

Providing safety cars since season 1

The long-time Official Vehicle Sponsor of Formula E, BMW has provided safety and support vehicles since the inaugural season of the circuit. The new livery of the BMW i8 Coupe Safety Car was unveiled at the Mexico City E-Prix last week. The knowledge and feedback gained from Formula E’s competitive environment flows right back into BMW’s product development, a perfect illustration of their motto: from racetrack to road.

Innovative leadership in electromobility

The performance-driven, BMW iFE.18 is part of the manufacturer’s i Series, a comprehensive and ground-breaking concept centred around the future of vehicle mobility that begins with a charge. BMW continues focusing its expertise on creating emissions-free vehicles without compromising the brand’s signature dynamic performance and aims to offer 25 models with an electrified drive system by 2025, 12 of which will be pure-electric. The emphasis on sustainability comes on the verge of the manufacturer’s imminent Hong Kong launch of the compact, all-electric BMW i3 120Ah on 10 March, ideal for city driving.

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“The BMW i series represents our ground-breaking concept for sustainable mobility. The i8 and i3 will pave the road for our future vehicles, ensuring each feature and detail complement a vibrant city life,” says Joseph Lau, Managing Director of BMW Concessionaires for Hong Kong and Macau. “Hong Kong is a progressive city and we look forward to seeing everyone at the Formula E E-Village to discover our vision for a more efficient, innovative and ecologically friendly future.”