The Evolution of BMW’s Trim Names
Over the years, BMW has made several changes to its trim names, and the recent announcement of the X3 M50 sparked curiosity among enthusiasts. The X3 M50 will replace the X3 M40i as the top non-M trim, but what happened to the “i” that usually signifies fuel injection?
According to BMW Blog, Bernd Körber, BMW’s SVP of brand and product management, shed some light on the matter. He explained that BMW wanted to preserve the “i” as an asset and a signature that represents driving an electric car. So, while the injection “i” will no longer appear at the end of a trim name, it will now be found at the beginning, as seen in models like the i3, i4, and i5.
This decision aligns with BMW’s commitment to electric mobility and highlights their dedication to distinguishing their electric models. Moreover, it allows BMW to maintain consistency in their naming convention and reinforce the association of the “i” with electric vehicles.
Interestingly, the use of the lowercase “i” extends beyond trim names. BMW also utilizes it for their interior features, such as the iDrive infotainment operating system and vehicle software. This consistent branding creates a cohesive user experience within BMW vehicles.
The history of the fuel injection “i” in BMW’s trim names dates back over 50 years. It originated from the M30B30 engine, which powered the 3.0 CSi trim in 1971. This engine featured the innovative Bosch D-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection system, marking a significant milestone in BMW’s engineering prowess.
However, BMW’s naming conventions are not unique in their evolution. Throughout the automotive industry, brands have faced challenges in naming their models due to changing trends and advancements in technology. In the past, German luxury cars were commonly identified by their engine displacements. But as model ranges expanded and smaller engines became more powerful, relying solely on displacements seemed inadequate.
Take Mercedes-Benz, for example. The iconic S 500 sedan used to boast a V8 engine. However, with the introduction of more efficient powertrains, Mercedes now powers the S 500 with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine. Similarly, the S 580 is now equipped with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine. These changes reflect the industry-wide shift towards smaller displacement engines with turbocharging or hybrid technology to deliver impressive performance while maintaining fuel efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz is also facing its own naming challenges with the EQS branding. As the luxury brand embraces electric mobility, they need to establish clear nomenclature for their electric models. This process involves finding a balance between retaining brand identity and differentiating their electric lineup effectively.
Audi is not exempt from this naming struggle either. Models like the Audi Q8 60 TFSI E Quattro demonstrate the need for simplification and clarity in their naming convention. To address this issue, Audi plans to streamline their model names, starting with the Q6 E-Tron.
In conclusion, BMW’s decision to move the injection “i” to the beginning of trim names reflects their dedication to electric mobility and consistent branding. This change also aligns with the industry-wide challenges of evolving naming conventions to adapt to technological advancements and changing market preferences. As automakers navigate these challenges, we can expect further revisions in trim names and branding strategies to meet the demands of the modern automotive landscape.