
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 on account of their sheer quantity. Subsequently, on this article, we are going to listing a few of the commonest BMW phrases that you have to be conscious of. This listing isn’t exhaustive; for those who imagine we missed any essential time period, please tell us within the feedback beneath.
Advertising Phrases


- Sheer Driving Pleasure/Final Driving Machine: BMW’s advertising slogans that underscore the Bavarian model’s long-standing deal with 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 resembling the three Collection/X3, the 5 Collection/X5 and the 7 Collection/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 automobiles (X1/X2). It’s shared with MINI.
- Neue Klasse: BMW’s devoted all-electric platform. The primary NK car 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 automobiles)
- d: diesel autos
- e: plug-in hybrid autos
- 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 Bundle: 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 Bundle (driver aids), Premium Bundle (luxurious options like a heads-up show and inside digital camera), and M Sport Skilled Bundle (sportier design components).
Powertrain/Drivetrain Phrases
- Engines: B58 (3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six – hottest BMW engine right this moment), 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—usually 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, akin 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 essential visible differentiator (other than the emblem).
- Sharknose: Ahead-tilted entrance fascia of some traditional 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 provide 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 autos (e.g., the M2/M3/M4 and the X5 M/X6 M Competitors). Whereas M Competitors was beforehand supplied 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 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.