BMW
s are considered to be one of the most luxurious car brands in the world. From their sleek design to their high-tech features, BMWs are known for embodying sophistication and style. However, there are some lesser-known facts and tidbits about this iconic car brand that you may not be aware of. In this article, we’ll explore some of the fascinating and unique aspects of BMW.
1. BMW was originally a manufacturer of airplane engines Before BMW became renowned for its cars, the company was initially famous for manufacturing airplane engines. In 1917, BMW started producing airplane engines for the German military during World War I. After the war, the company shifted its focus to producing motorcycles and eventually cars, leading to its status as a luxury car brand today.
2. The BMW logo represents a propeller The BMW logo is one of the most recognizable car logos in the world. The logo represents the blades of a propeller in motion, a reference to the company’s earlier history in aviation. The official explanation behind the logo is that it represents the white and blue colors of the state of Bavaria, where BMW is headquartered.
3. BMW introduced the first mass-produced electric car In 2013, BMW introduced the i3, the company’s first mass-produced electric car. The i3 features a unique design and is known for its lightweight carbon fiber body. The car is also equipped with a range extender that works like a generator, allowing the car to drive up to 180 miles on a single charge.
4. BMW has its own art collection BMW has a long-standing relationship with the arts. The company has a collection of over 17,000 works of art, including pieces by famous artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and David Hockney. BMW also created the BMW Art Car Collection, a series of cars that are designed by well-known artists and have been displayed in museums across the world.
5. BMW cars were featured in James Bond films BMW cars have made appearances in several James Bond films. In Tomorrow Never Dies, Bond drove a BMW 750iL that was equipped with a variety of high-tech features, including a remote control that allowed Bond to drive the car while seated in the backseat. In GoldenEye, a BMW Z3 was used in a product placement deal.
6. BMW has a test track on top of its factory BMW’s factory in Leipzig, Germany, features a unique test track that is built on the roof of the factory. The test track is designed to test the company’s cars in various driving conditions, including extreme weather conditions. The roof also serves as a parking lot for the finished cars to be loaded onto trucks for transport.
7. BMW produced a car made out of ice In 2011, BMW created a car made entirely out of ice for an event in China. The car, a BMW X6, was constructed with specially made ice blocks and took a team of 16 people over five days to create. The car was showcased at the event before being left to melt away. In conclusion, BMWs are more than just luxury cars; they represent a unique history and culture that sets them apart from other car brands. From their origins in aviation to their iconic logo, BMWs have a rich and fascinating story. These cool and interesting facts provide insight into what makes BMW one of the most respected and admired car brands in the world today.