BMW: A Legacy
of Performance,
Precision, and
Prestige
Presented by Vladyslav Shtokhman
Origins of BMW
Founded in 1916 in Munich, Bavaria,
Germany, initially under the name Rapp
Motorenwerke.
Merged and renamed Bayerische
Motoren Werke AG (BMW).
The company originally produced
aircraft engines for military use during
World War I.
The blue-and-white logo symbolizes
both a spinning airplane propeller and
the colors of Bavaria.
After WWI, the Treaty of Versailles
banned German companies from
manufacturing warplanes and engines,
leading BMW to pivot toward other
industries.
Early History
1923: BMW introduced its first
motorcycle — the BMW R32, featuring a
flat-twin boxer engine.
In 1928, BMW acquired the Eisenach car
company and began producing cars under
license from the British Austin Seven.
The first BMW-branded car was the BMW
3/15, which helped establish the
company in the automobile market.
The 1930s saw the launch of the BMW
328, a sports car that gained fame for its
performance and racing success.
Rise to
Prominence
(1960s–1980s)
The "New Class" sedans introduced in the 1960s revitalized the
company. These cars were compact, sporty, and affordable.
The BMW 2002 became iconic for its performance and
aesthetics — a car that captured the imagination of driving
enthusiasts.
Launch of key series:
5 Series (1972) – executive sedans.
3 Series (1975) – compact, sporty, and BMW’s best-selling line.
7 Series (1977) – full-size luxury sedans.
In 1978, BMW founded BMW M GmbH, introducing the M1 — its
first mid-engine sports car.
Innovation and
Engineering Excellence
BMW is admired for its engineering prowess, characterized by:
Perfect 50:50 weight distribution for balance and handling.
Innovative engines, especially the inline-six, praised for
smoothness and durability.
Driver-focused interiors with premium craftsmanship.
Developed iDrive — a pioneering infotainment control system.
Launched xDrive, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system enhancing
traction and safety.
EfficientDynamics initiative: aims to reduce emissions while
improving performance.
BMW continues to invest in hydrogen fuel cells, lightweight
materials (like carbon fiber), and intelligent systems.
Expanding the Empire
BMW BMW Group
Built global
strategically brands:
factories:
acquired MINI BMW – core brand.
Spartanburg, USA: largest BMW M – motorsports and
and Rolls- BMW plant globally. high-performance.
Royce,
Other plants in China, BMW i – electric mobility.
Mexico, South Africa, and MINI – compact, stylish cars.
expanding its more. Rolls-Royce – pinnacle of
luxury.
portfolio.
Design Signature “kidney grille” has
evolved but remains a
Language staple.
Design principles:
Elegance and
aerodynamics.
Aggressive stance, bold
lines, and futuristic features.
Interiors feature:
Driver-centric cockpits.
Premium materials: leather,
wood, brushed aluminum.
Advanced interfaces: curved
displays, head-up displays,
gesture controls.
Constantly evolving but
stays true to its core identity
— beauty in motion.
The Electric Era
Recent electric
models:
2011: Creation of BMW i —
i4 – electric
the electric sub-brand.
Milestone EVs: sport sedan.
BMW i3 – compact city EV iX – luxury
with carbon fiber frame. electric SUV.
BMW i8 – futuristic hybrid i7 – full-size
sports car. luxury EV
sedan.
By 2030, BMW plans for at least 50% of sales to be electric.
Emphasis on recyclable materials, battery recycling, and eco-conscious manufacturing.
BMW Today
One of the top three premium car
brands globally.
Over 2.5 million vehicles sold
annually.
Valued for innovation, quality, and
brand prestige.
Constant rivalry with Mercedes-
Benz, Audi, and Tesla.
Investments in:
Autonomous driving.
Connected mobility.
Sustainable manufacturing.
Brand Philosophy
Taglines:
“Sheer Driving Pleasure”
Formerly: “The Ultimate Driving Machine”
Focused on the joy of driving — handling, control, and
connection between car and driver.
Emphasizes:
Performance over plain luxury.
Precision over flamboyance.
Purpose in every design.
Cultural Impact
Seen in countless movies:
James Bond, Mission: Impossible, The Transporter.
Referenced in pop culture and music — symbol of
status and success.
Popular among celebrities, business leaders, and
enthusiasts.
The brand resonates with those who value
excellence, dynamism, and identity.
Historical issues:
Use of forced labor during WWII.
Recent criticism:
Enlarged grille designs.
Challenges & Lagging behind Tesla in EV
innovation.
Controversies Facing:
Tighter emission regulations.
Shifting customer preferences.
Global chip shortages and economic
challenges.
BMW is actively evolving to address these concerns with
transparency and strategy.
The Road Ahead
BMW is redefining itself for the
future:
Electrification of the full lineup.
Full digital integration and
autonomous capabilities.
Vision of circular economy: fully
recyclable vehicles.
Developing next-gen platforms (Neue
Klasse) for EVs.
Aims to retain driving emotion in an
era of automation.
Conclusion
From airplane engines to electric
dreams, BMW’s journey is nothing
short of legendary.
Blends heritage with high-tech,
luxury with legacy, and
performance with passion.
A brand that continues to evolve,
inspire, and lead.
Thank You