
BMW, like all different carmakers, makes use of numerous phrases, acronyms and abbreviations to distinguish its model and spotlight its technological options. Nevertheless, understanding these can usually be complicated attributable to their sheer quantity. Due to this fact, on this article, we’ll record a few of the most typical BMW phrases that try to be conscious of. This record isn’t exhaustive; in case you consider we missed any essential time period, please tell us within the feedback under.
Advertising and marketing Phrases


- Sheer Driving Pleasure/Final Driving Machine: BMW’s advertising and marketing slogans that underscore the Bavarian model’s long-standing concentrate on efficiency driving.
- Bimmer: Nickname for BMW vehicles.
- Beemer/Beamer: Nickname for BMW bikes.
Platform Phrases


- CLAR (Cluster Structure): BMW’s rear-wheel drive/all-wheel drive platform used for fashions equivalent to the three Sequence/X3, the 5 Sequence/X5 and the 7 Sequence/X7. Notably, electrical autos just like the i4, i5 and i7 are additionally CLAR-based.
- UKL (Untere Klasse/Decrease Class): BMW’s front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive platform used for its compact vehicles (X1/X2). It’s shared with MINI.
- Neue Klasse: BMW’s devoted all-electric platform. The primary NK automobile would be the iX3 SUV.
Automobile Nomenclature
- sDrive: rear-wheel drive/front-wheel drive
- xDrive: all-wheel drive
- i: electrical autos (earlier used for petrol vehicles)
- d: diesel autos
- e: plug-in hybrid autos
- l: long-wheelbase
- LCI (Lifecycle Impulse): Facelift mannequin
- SAV (Sports activities Exercise Autos): BMW’s SUVs are sometimes referred to as SAVs (for advertising and marketing).
- Gran Coupe: 4-door luxurious coupes
- Gran Turismo: 5-door hatchbacks
- Roadster: convertible, e.g., Z4 Roadster
- Touring: station wagon/property, e.g., M5 Touring
Non-compulsory Options
- Carbon Package deal: consists of carbon bucket seats, carbon-ceramic brakes and carbon fiber inside trim. Finest for homeowners who steadily monitor their BMWs.
- Different Packages: Driver Help Package deal (driver aids), Premium Package deal (luxurious options like a heads-up show and inside digicam), and M Sport Skilled Package deal (sportier design components).
Powertrain/Drivetrain Phrases
- Engines: B58 (3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six – hottest BMW engine as we speak), S58 (high-performance model of the B58—discovered within the M2/M3/M4), S68 (twin-turbo V8 used within the XM) and B48 (versatile four-cylinder).
ZF gearbox: automated transmission from ZF—sometimes 8-speed (8HP). - VANOS: BMW’s variable valve timing system.
- Gen6: Sixth-generation EV battery system for NK autos.
- Coronary heart of Pleasure: BMW’s superior dynamic management system for NK autos.
Design and Inside Phrases
- iDrive: BMW’s infotainment system, similar to Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX system. It integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Merino Leather-based: BMW’s highest-grade leather-based possibility.
- Hofmeister Kink: A particular design ingredient across the C-pillar.
- Kidney Grille: Each BMW contains a kidney grille on its entrance fascia. That is arguably the model’s most essential visible differentiator (aside from the brand).
- Sharknose: Ahead-tilted entrance fascia of some basic BMWs. Recreated with the Skytop.
- Clownshoe: Refers to the Z3 M owing to its unconventional design.
- Batmobile: Refers back to the E9 3.0 CSL due to its aggressive aero design.
BMW M Phrases
- M Efficiency: These fashions supply a sportier expertise with out being full-fledged M vehicles. For example, the 340i xDrive, which slots between the 330i and the M3.
- M/M Competitors: These are BMW’s full-fledged high-performance autos (e.g., the M2/M3/M4 and the X5 M/X6 M Competitors). Whereas M Competitors was beforehand supplied as an elective package deal, it’s now turning into the entry level for full-fledged M fashions.
- CS (Competitors Sport)/CSL (Competitors Sport Light-weight): Present elevated energy, sharper dealing with and light-weight parts in comparison with the M/M Competitors variants (e.g., M2 CS, M4 CSL, 3.0 CSL).
When it comes to positioning, the hierarchy is: M Efficiency, M, M Competitors, M CS, and eventually M CSL.