
BMW, like all different carmakers, makes use of numerous phrases, acronyms and abbreviations to distinguish its model and spotlight its technological options. Nonetheless, understanding these can typically be complicated as a result of their sheer quantity. Due to this fact, on this article, we are going to listing a few of the most typical BMW phrases that try to be conscious of. This listing isn’t exhaustive; should you consider we missed any essential time period, please tell us within the feedback beneath.
Advertising and marketing Phrases


- Sheer Driving Pleasure/Final Driving Machine: BMW’s advertising slogans that underscore the Bavarian model’s long-standing give attention to efficiency driving.
- Bimmer: Nickname for BMW automobiles.
- Beemer/Beamer: Nickname for BMW bikes.
Platform Phrases


- CLAR (Cluster Structure): BMW’s rear-wheel drive/all-wheel drive platform used for fashions akin to the three Sequence/X3, the 5 Sequence/X5 and the 7 Sequence/X7. Notably, electrical automobiles 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 automobiles (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 automobiles (earlier used for petrol automobiles)
- d: diesel automobiles
- e: plug-in hybrid automobiles
- l: long-wheelbase
- LCI (Lifecycle Impulse): Facelift mannequin
- SAV (Sports activities Exercise Automobiles): BMW’s SUVs are sometimes known as SAVs (for advertising).
- 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-obligatory Options
- Carbon Package deal: contains carbon bucket seats, carbon-ceramic brakes and carbon fiber inside trim. Greatest for homeowners who steadily observe 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 in the present day), 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 automobiles.
- Coronary heart of Pleasure: BMW’s superior dynamic management system for NK automobiles.
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 component across the C-pillar.
- Kidney Grille: Each BMW includes a kidney grille on its entrance fascia. That is arguably the model’s most necessary visible differentiator (other than 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 automobiles. As an example, the 340i xDrive, which slots between the 330i and the M3.
- M/M Competitors: These are BMW’s full-fledged high-performance automobiles (e.g., the M2/M3/M4 and the X5 M/X6 M Competitors). Whereas M Competitors was beforehand provided as an non-obligatory package deal, it’s now changing 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 elements 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.