Fully charged, two years ahead of schedule: BMW Group steps up the pace of e-mobility expansion

Fully charged, two years ahead of schedule: BMW Group steps up the pace of e-mobility expansion
Fully charged, two years ahead of schedule: BMW Group steps up the pace of e-mobility expansion

Fully charged as it accelerates along its Future Highway 2025, the BMW Group is adjusting frequency to up the tempo of its electromobility expansion programme. The company will now achieve the total of 25 electrified models previously announced for 2025 two years earlier, in 2023. Thanks to flexible vehicle architectures for fully-electric, plug-in hybrid and combustion engine drive trains, the company is able to respond quickly to changing conditions. More than half of the 25 models will be fully electric.

“We are moving up a gear in the transformation towards sustainable mobility, thereby making our company fit for the future: Over the past two years, we have consistently taken numerous decisions that we are now bringing to the roads. By 2021, we will have doubled our sales of electrified vehicles compared with 2019,” said Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, in Munich on Tuesday. “We will offer 25 electrified vehicles already in 2023 – two years earlier than originally planned. We expect to see a steep growth curve towards 2025: Sales of our electrified vehicles should increase by an average of 30 percent every year.”

As part of the new #NEXTGen communications format, the BMW Group is showcasing the next generation of mobility and next steps it’s taking in that direction. The BMW Vision M NEXT provides a glimpse of the dynamic future of the BMW brand in the form of a striking electrified sportscar. The BMW Vision M NEXT is clearly focused on the person driving the vehicle, with intelligent technology to transform them into the ultimate driver. The BMW Motorrad Vision DC Roadster previews the future of BMW Motorrad with alternative drive forms. This highly emotional motorcycle preserves the identity and iconic BMW Motorrad appearance, but also offers a new form of driving fun.

“Our vision is clear: sustainable mobility, produced in a sustainable manner. We have set ourselves the goal of only buying electricity from renewable energy sources for all our locations worldwide from 2020,” said Krüger. “We fulfil our social responsibility – in all its different facets. We are firmly committed to emission-free driving. At the same time, we stand by our corporate responsibility towards our employees, shareholders and investors.”

The BMW Group: a pioneer in electromobility

As an e-mobility pioneer, the BMW Group is already a leading supplier of electrified vehicles. By the end of 2019, the company aims to have more than half a million vehicles with fully-electric or plug-in hybrid drive trains on the roads. Within two years, the company will offer five fully-electric series-production vehicles: Alongside the BMW i3, with more than 150,000 units built to date, this year will see the start of production of thefully-electric MINI at Plant Oxford (UK). This will be followed in 2020 by the fully-electric BMW iX3 from Shenyang (China) and, in 2021, by the BMW iNEXT, which will be produced in Dingolfing (Germany), and the BMW i4 from Plant Munich (Germany).

Including its extensive fleet of plug-in hybrids, the BMW Group has the widest range of electrified vehicles on the market. Updated, extended electric-range plug-in-hybrid versions of the BMW 3 Series, BMW 7 Series and BMW X5 were presented alongside the new BMW X3 plug-in hybrid at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. A few weeks later, the updated plug-in hybrid variant of the BMW X1 Long Wheelbase Version, which is produced locally for the Chinese market, was shown at the Shanghai Auto Show. Later this summer, plug-in hybrid versions of the BMW 5 Series and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer with next-generation technology and longer electric range will also be released. These will be followed next year by the BMW X1 and the BMW 3 Series Touring as plug-in hybrid models. This diversity of electrified drive concepts underlines the importance of technology openness on the road to sustainable mobility.

The BMW Group has always promoted emission-free mobility and advocated for its effective support. However, the demands of future mobility will be multifaceted. There will not be just one single solution that meets the mobility needs of all customers around the world. People living in rural areas, for instance, need different technological solutions for mobility than those in cities.

BMW eDrive Zones standard in plug-in hybrids from 2020

The effective role plug-in hybrids can play in achieving emission-free mobility in cities is demonstrated by the BMW eDrive Zones function, which will be standard in BMW plug-in hybrids from 2020: In cities that establish “green zones” solely for emission-free driving, geofencing technology will be able to recognise these automatically. When the vehicle enters one of these zones, it will automatically switch to pure electric driving mode. In this way, BMW is paving the way for plug-in hybrids to receive the same access rights to green zones as fully-electric vehicles, since they behave the same in these areas.

This new type of operating strategy significantly boosts the potential of plug-in hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions. Increasing the use of electric driving not only optimises efficiency, but also helps reduce operating costs for customers – especially in city traffic. After the idea was born, the first real-life test for the BMW eDrive Zones function is the BMW Group’s “Electric City Drive” pilot project, in conjunction with the City of Rotterdam and the local Erasmus University.

New #NEXTGen communications format

With the “BMW Group #NEXTGen” format, the company is taking a new approach to presenting its future technologies, services and products. The BMW Group invited international journalists, analysts and other stakeholders to the BMW Welt in Munich to experience six world premieres and two highly emotional vision vehicles. The programme will be rounded off with a Global Influencer Day on 26 June.

In this way, the company is building on its existing global commitment to international auto shows and tech and future fairs with a regular independent format for individual mobility “made by the BMW Group”. In addition to world premieres of new models, a particular focus will be on experiencing the latest technological developments from all D+ACES areas of the company: Design, Autonomous Driving, Connectivity, Electrification, Services.

Courtesy: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com

Hyundai celebrates launch of New Tucson N Line with unique art project

Hyundai celebrates launch of New Tucson N Line with unique art project
Hyundai celebrates launch of New Tucson N Line with unique art project

With the launch of the New Tucson N Line, customers have the chance to drive the brand’s first SUV with the sporty N look and feel. To mark the occasion, Hyundai enlisted German artist Andreas Preis to create the ‘Drive A Statement’ Project Tucson, a unique illustration on a New Tucson N Line.

The New Tucson N Line combines the popular design, safety and comfort of Tucson with the motorsport-inspired dynamic styling and attitude of N Line. With its sportier, aggressive design elements, the model is aimed at people who want to “drive a statement” that is sophisticated, yet bold. It is a grown-up model for people who want more and are not afraid to ask for it.

For this special occasion, Hyundai chose to work with Andreas Preis as he is renowned for his multi-faceted works of art. He specialises in illustration, murals and live paintings and likes to draw and paint portraits of abstract shapes and ornaments through a range of different mediums including paper, canvas, walls and wood.

For the ‘Drive A Statement’ Project Tucson, Hyundai asked Preis to create a truly eye-catching design that turns the New Tucson N Line into a real statement, while emphasising the car’s new features. It is inspired by Hyundai N’s heritage, and takes many cues from motorsport, with references to corners, chicanes, curbs and chequered flags, as well as the livery of Hyundai’s i20 Coupe WRC and i30 N TCR models. The visual elements and lines also create a dynamic, fast look, especially along the sides of the car.

The base colour of the illustration is Engine Red, and the artist has utilised the N Line colour palette of black, white, red and light blue. Preis’ design highlights key aspects of the model, such as its more aggressive and sporty front, which includes a new grille design, refined daytime running lights and new black-bezel headlamps. It also draws attention to the car’s elegant glossy black accents on the side mirrors and rear spoiler, as well as the dark alloy wheels and N Line badge. After designing the illustration, Preis transferred the work onto the car by hand with great attention to detail, with the whole production taking 72 hours of painting.

I was very excited to be asked by Hyundai to create an illustration on a New Tucson N Line. It is not every day you get to create an art work where a complete car is the canvas. With this project, I was able to turn the car into a statement of my own.

Andreas PreisArtist and creator of the ‘Drive A Statement’ Project Tucson

With the New Tucson N Line, we are appealing to a new customer base compared to the regular version. We therefore wanted Andreas Preis to create the ‘Drive A Statement’ Project Tucson to demonstrate that this is a special new model for Hyundai. I believe he has achieved this, and it fits perfectly with our claim that you are driving a statement. We will soon be displaying this unique car at events around Europe.

Andreas-Christoph HofmannVice President Marketing and Product Hyundai Motor Europe

New Tucson N Line: a family SUV with Hyundai N sportiness

The Tucson N Line is the first Hyundai SUV with the sporty N Line look and feel. Available in three powertrain variants, the model provides customers with the option to choose a family-friendly vehicle that suits their daily driving needs.

The new trim features exterior and interior elements inspired by N, Hyundai’s high-performance range. The dynamic design features are complemented on the two petrol models by refined chassis and suspension settings to customers can experience a more sporty drive feel. In the interior, consumers can enjoy N-branded leather sport seats and a sport steering wheel. Other enhancements include alloy pedals and the leather-wrapped, red-accented N gear shift lever.

Courtesy: https://www.hyundai.news/

The new BMW 3 Series Touring.

The new BMW 3 Series Touring.
The new BMW 3 Series Touring.

The latest generation of the sporty five-door model combines the core attributes of the BMW 3 Series range more convincingly than ever with generous levels of onboard space and an interior that can be used in a variety of ways. The classy and progressive character of the new BMW 3 Series Touring is underscored by the extensively refined premium ambience of its interior and the latest innovations in control/operation and connectivity.

32 years ago the BMW 3 Series Touring blazed a trail for a new breed of car. Now, in its sixth generation, it sets the benchmark for sporting ability and cutting-edge versatility in the premium midsize class. More than 1.7 million examples of the 3 Series Touring have since been built, with the new car’s immediate predecessor alone accounting for over 500,000 of these. The new BMW 3 Series Touring will be unveiled to the public for the first time on 25 – 27 June 2019 as part of the new BMW Group #NEXTGen event at BMW Welt in Munich. It will be produced at BMW Plant Munich for customers in Europe, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. The market launch will get underway on 28 September 2019.

Exterior design: dynamically designed Touring proportions.

Distinctive proportions and a design language defined by crisp lines and strikingly contoured surfaces ensure the exterior of the new BMW 3 Series Touring cuts a dynamic figure exuding visual impact and muscularity. Its exterior dimensions have grown compared to its predecessor by 76 millimetres to 4,709 millimetres in length, by 16 mm to 1,827 mm in width and by 8 mm to 1,470 mm in height (incl. roof fin). A wheelbase extended by 41 mm to 2,851 mm and wide tracks contribute to the car’s poised and agile handling.

As on the new BMW 3 Series Sedan, the design of the front end – with its large BMW kidney grille, slim twin headlights and an elaborately jutting front apron – accentuates the car’s powerful stance. This familiar look is further emphasised by an eye-catching notch rising up into the headlight unit contour and air intakes in a horizontal T shape (on cars with standard specification and on Sport Line / Luxury Line models). Full-LED headlights are fitted as standard on the new BMW 3 Series Touring, while LED headlights with extended features, Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight for non-dazzling high beam with a range of around 530 metres and LED front foglamps are available as options.

The interplay of roofline and side window graphic brings a particularly dynamic flavour to the familiar BMW Touring silhouette. A powerfully formed and clearly defined shoulder area, a character line climbing from the front side panel to the rear end and the Hofmeister kink (the familiar counter-swing at the trailing edge of the side window graphic) exude sporting presence and forward-surging intent. And the car’s feeling of class is heightened by the standard roof rails and aluminium trim for the B‑and C-pillars, plus aluminium strips for the sealing around the side windows. The flanks trace a flowing path into the tail, where a pronounced spoiler lip, the LED rear light units (with darker upper sections) and twin exhaust tailpipes for all model variants add further dynamic emphasis.

Interior: modern functionality with a premium ambience.

The driver-focused cockpit design, new display grouping of Control Display and instrument cluster, and controls concentrated into a small number of function panels bring a sporting aura to the interior of the new BMW 3 Series Touring. Standard specification includes a newly designed sports leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, thumb rests and electroplated applications. The high centre console and coordinated design of the door trim panels and instrument panel create a cocooning feel. At the same time, the instrument panel – exuding modernity and lightness – comes together with horizontal lines, discreet electroplated strips and other stylish details to showcase the spaciousness and premium ambience of the interior.

Newly designed seats enhance comfort levels over long distances in the new BMW 3 Series Touring. Shoulder room in the front of the cabin has grown particularly significantly, and the new car offers more headroom than its predecessor in all seats. The rear compartment, meanwhile, greets passengers with extra legroom and greater ease of entry and exit. The rear seat bench accommodates three child seats, of which two can be fixed in place with ISOFIX attachment points.

The new BMW 3 Series Touring comes as standard with automatic tailgate operation. The Comfort Access option allows hands-free opening and closing, too. The rear window opens separately, as will be familiar to BMW customers, and its aperture is 20 millimetres wider than on the outgoing model. Packing in large and heavy items of luggage will now be easier thanks to a load compartment that is up to 112 millimetres wider, a 30-millimetre higher loading aperture that is up to 125 mm wider in its upper section, a slightly lower loading sill (at 616 mm) and a reduction in height in the step between it and the boot floor from 35 mm to 8 mm. There is the additional option of a trailer coupling that extends and retracts again electrically.

The new BMW 3 Series Touring’s boot can hold 500 litres of gear – five litres more than its predecessor – when all the seats are occupied, and directly usable primary load capacity is up by 32 litres. Load capacity can be increased to a maximum of 1,510 litres by flipping down the sections of the 40 : 20 : 40 split-folding rear backrest. The backrest elements can also be released from the boot at the push of a button as an option. The corresponding array of buttons can be found in a newly designed control panel on the right side of the boot. The luggage compartment cover and the boot partition net can be transported in specially designed compartments underneath the boot floor. The optional anti-slip rails integrated into the boot floor, meanwhile, are a new feature not found on any of the new BMW 3 Series Touring’s competitors. The rails automatically extend when the tailgate is closed and prevent cargo from sliding around during the journey.

Six powerful and efficient engines from launch.

Three petrol engines and three diesel units will be available from the launch of the new BMW 3 Series Touring or a few weeks later. The BMW M340i xDrive Touring sets out its stall in particularly emphatic fashion thanks to its class-beating driving dynamics courtesy of its 275 kW/374 hp six-cylinder in-line petrol engine (fuel consumption combined: 7.5 – 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres [37.7 – 39.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 170 – 162 g/km)*. The line-up also includes a pair of four-cylinder petrol engines with 135 kW/184 hp in the BMW 320i Touring (fuel consumption combined: 6.3 – 5.8 l/100 km [44.8 – 48.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 144 – 133 g/km)* and 190 kW/258 hp in the BMW 330i (fuel consumption combined: 6.4 – 6.0 l/100 km [44.1 – 47.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 146 – 136 g/km)*, a 195 kW/265 hp six-cylinder in-line diesel engine in the BMW 330d xDrive Touring (fuel consumption combined: 5.6 – 5.4 l/100 km [50.4 – 52.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 146 – 140 g/km)* and two four-cylinder diesels – with 110 kW/150 hp in the BMW 318d Touring (fuel consumption combined: 4.9 – 4.5 l/100 km [57.6 – 62.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 129 – 118 g/km)* and 140 kW/190 hp in the BMW 320d Touring (fuel consumption combined: 4.8 – 4.6 l/100 km [58.9 – 61.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 125 – 119 g/km)*.

The four-cylinder diesel units powering the BMW 318d Touring and BMW 320d Touring come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox or with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as an option (standard on all other model variants). Intelligent all-wheel drive – which optimises distribution of drive power – is standard in the most powerful petrol and diesel models and available as an option for the BMW 330i xDrive Touring (fuel consumption combined: 6.6 – 6.3 l/100 km [42.8 – 44.8 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 151 – 143 g/km)* and BMW 320d xDrive Touring (fuel consumption combined: 4.9 – 4.6 l/100 km [57.6 – 61.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 129 – 121 g/km)*. All model variants meet the Euro 6d-TEMP exhaust emissions standard. In 2020 a BMW 3 Series Touring model with plug-in hybrid drive system will be added to the range for the first time.

Innovative chassis technology majors on sports performance and ride comfort.

A noticeable increase in agility over the outgoing model, exceptionally precise handling and a persuasively comfortable ride even over long distances are the result of a rigorously driving-pleasure-led development process for the body structure and chassis technology. The rigidity of the new BMW 3 Series Touring’s body has been increased by around 25 per cent overall and by up to 50 per cent in some areas. The chassis mountings are also significantly stiffer than on the predecessor model. Plus, the new BMW 3 Series Touring has a low centre of gravity and 50 : 50 weight distribution. Despite its increased exterior dimensions, myriad additions to its standard equipment, increased stiffness and optimised acoustic properties, it is up to 10 kilograms lighter, model-on-model, than the outgoing car. Optimised aerodynamics cut its drag coefficient to as low as 0.27 (BMW 320d Touring).

Lift-related dampers – which are part of the standard suspension technology and optional M Sport suspension – are key to creating a balance between sportiness and ride comfort no rival can match. They are continuously variable and adjust the damper firmness progressively according to the changing spring travel, which allows them to reduce body movement perceptibly when ironing out vibrations caused by bumpy road surfaces or dynamic cornering.

As well as M Sport suspension with a 10-millimetre drop in ride height, customers can also specify Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. The two optional suspension variants each link up with variable sport steering. And M Sport brakes with four-piston fixed callipers at the front axle are also available. The blue-painted callipers carry the M logo. Standard specification for the new BMW M340i xDrive Touring also includes an M Sport differential, which is available as an option (in conjunction with M Sport suspension or Adaptive M suspension) for the BMW 330i Touring, BMW 330i xDrive Touring and BMW 330d Touring. The electronically controlled, fully variable locking function in the rear differential helps to significantly enhance traction, agility, stability and cornering prowess.

Targeted individualisation and high-quality optional equipment.

The Advantage, Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport variants of the new BMW 3 Series Touring enable specific individualisation of its design and appointments. And an array of high-quality comfort-enhancing options are also available. Newly designed steering wheels and interior trim strips, the optional Vernasca leather trim and BMW Individual Merino leather trim, a Sensatec instrument panel and a leather-covered BMW Individual instrument panel bring an exclusive sense of style to the interior. Also on the options list are a panoramic glass roof, three-zone automatic climate control, auxiliary heating, a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, ambient lighting and telephony with wireless charging. Acoustic glass comes as standard for the windscreen and is offered as an option for the doors.

New progress along the road to automated driving.

The innovative assistance systems on board the new BMW 3 Series Touring represent the latest steps towards automated driving. Standard features include the Speed Limit Info system with No Passing Info display, Lane Departure Warning, and Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, which also detects cyclists. Options include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and the Driving Assistant with Lane Change Warning, rear collision warning and crossing traffic warning. Also offered is the Driving Assistant Professional, a complete comfort and safety-enhancing package. One of the features of the Driving Assistant Professional is the steering and lane control assistant, which works together with the driver to help keep the vehicle in the detected lane, even through narrow channels, and also includes the lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection and the Evasion Assistant. The new-generation BMW Head-Up Display offers a larger projection surface, new graphics and additional display content.

Park Distance Control and the rear view camera assist the driver with parking and manoeuvring. Also available is the Parking Assistant, which takes over steering, acceleration, braking and gear changes via the Steptronic transmission when driving into and out of a space. Its range of functions additionally includes the reversing assistant, which makes light work of backing up over distances of up to 50 metres by steering the vehicle along the same path it took when moving forward.

Intuitive operation and supreme connectivity: BMW Operating System 7.0 and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The new BMW Operating System 7.0 plays a leading role in optimising the control and display system with modern, digital functions geared precisely to the needs of the driver. The optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional comprises consistently designed, situation-linked and customisable displays on the fully-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch Control Display. For intuitive operation, the driver can choose from the Control Display’s touchscreen functionality, the iDrive Controller, the steering wheel buttons, voice control and gesture control.

Another element of BMW Live Cockpit Professional is the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, an intelligent, digital character that responds to the prompt “Hey BMW”. The arrival of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant ensures there is always a genuine BMW professional on board. He is able to explain all sorts of different functions (“How does the High Beam Assistant work?”), provide current status information (“Is the oil level okay?”) and help answer questions (“What warning messages do I have?”). He is the ideal co-driver and comes in particularly useful during everyday driving by responding to natural voice commands to help the driver with numerous tasks, such as enhancing productivity and on-board entertainment. The range of functions and skills available are constantly expanded as part of regular updates, which can be carried out seamlessly on a smartphone and in-car by Remote Software Upgrade.

Courtesy: https://www.press.bmwgroup.com

First-Ever Lexus Jet Stars in Sony Pictures’ Men in Black: International

First-Ever Lexus Jet Stars in Sony Pictures’ Men in Black: International
First-Ever Lexus Jet Stars in Sony Pictures’ Men in Black: International

With today’s red carpet premiere of Sony Pictures’ highly-anticipated Men in Black: International comes the world debut of the Lexus QZ 618 Galactic Enforcer jet — the first in the brand’s new jet-class fleet. Currently available only to MIB agents, it is powered by hybrid transformer technology. With the push of a button it morphs from a 2020 Lexus RC F sport coupe into the most powerful IFO (Identified Flying Object) ever engineered by Lexus. It is also the only Lexus available in the darkest black in the entire universe: Umbra Black.

“The Lexus jet reflects the future of the Lexus brand – the far, far distant future,” said Lisa Materazzo, vice president of Lexus marketing. “With the most advanced alien-fighting technology, performance and sophisticated styling, it’s in a class of its own.”

In a top-secret exchange of knowledge with an alien partner, brokered by “the agency,” Lexus was able to secure Quasar Power Source2 Technology (QPST) that uses the power of the nearest Active Galactic Nucleus3 (AGN) to travel anywhere in the universe in seconds. Quasi-Stellar Objects4 (QSOs) are found in every galaxy that has a supermassive central black hole. So, all QPST-powered Lexus vehicles are named after black holes.5

Key jet features include:
Technology

  • IGPS (Inter-Galactic Positioning System)
  • Amazon Alexa* understands all seven trillion alien languages
  • Gamma ray headlamps
  • Infinite scaling technology 

Performance

  • Lexus’ very latest Quasar Power Source Technology (QPST)
  • Propulsion system named after Black Hole TON 618
  • 122 MPG (Millennia Per Gallon)
  • Three driving modes: EcoDrive, SportDrive, QuantumDrive
  • 0-60 in 0.0000000000001 nanoseconds
  • Light-speed-matching capability

Comfort & Design

  • Intergalactically sourced, ethically spawned Adorian leather 

Safety

  • Lexus’ latest transforming seats with a 31-point harnesses to accommodate every body type in the universe
  • Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) with available force field technology 

Styles & Packages

  • Enforcer Package
  • Everything you need to protect the earth from the scum of the universe
  • Also available in six other colors, but naturally, Lexus recommends UmbraBlack

Lexus vehicles are the official fleet of Men in Black agents globally in the film. The 2020 Lexus RC F stars as the Men in Black agents’ vehicle of choice for their high velocity pursuits. The luxury sport coupe recently underwent an exciting change, making it faster, lighter and even more ready to transport the Men in Black as they save the universe.

“The Lexus RC F sports coupe and QZ 618 Galactic Enforcer jet provide the perfect vehicles for our team of Men in Black agents as they protect the galaxy,” said Jeffrey Godsick, EVP, Brand Management and Global Partnerships, Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group.

Courtesy: https://pressroom.toyota.com

NEW KIA XCEED CROSSOVER TO OFFER A STYLISH, EXPRESSIVE ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL SUVS

NEW KIA XCEED CROSSOVER TO OFFER A STYLISH, EXPRESSIVE ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL SUVS
NEW KIA XCEED CROSSOVER TO OFFER A STYLISH, EXPRESSIVE ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL SUVS

Kia Motors has today released the first image of the new Kia XCeed urban crossover, due to be revealed later in June 2019. Stylish, expressive and modern in design, the new crossover utility vehicle (CUV) represents a sporty alternative to traditional larger SUVs.

The swept-back, coupé-like appearance of the new Kia XCeed is a product of the brand’s European design centre in Frankfurt, Germany, designed under the direction of Gregory Guillaume, Vice President of Design for Kia Motors Europe. The combination of its elevated ride height and lower hip point give the car a sportier driving position than a traditional SUV. Its raised driving position offers a clearer view of the road ahead than a conventional family hatchback.

More emotional and dynamic in format and design than its taller rivals, the new Kia XCeed will nevertheless offer comparable levels of interior space and luggage capacity to Europe’s best-selling SUVs.

Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer at Kia Motors Europe, comments: “The sporty design and demeanour of the new Kia XCeed CUV makes it more innately desirable than many taller, larger SUVs. Yet it offers this without compromising on versatility, with its intelligent packaging achieving the cabin and storage space of an SUV in a sportier body and more compact footprint.”

The new Kia XCeed will be revealed in full on 26 June.

Courtesy: https://press.kia.com/