BMW Terminology in Lynchburg, VA

Deciphering BMW Model Names and Terminology

At a glance, it may seem like BMW model names are simply a series of arbitrary numbers and letters, but that's not the case. The team at BMW puts a lot of thought into the naming conventions that give you the BMW 745e or the BMW i7. Learn what each number and letter mean and how they combine to give you a snapshot of what the model has to offer.

What Does the First Number of a BMW Model Name Mean?

A standard BMW name generally consists of at least one number and one letter but can include up to three numbers and an additional tag at the end of the name. Each number and letter tells buyers more about the model. Using the BMW 760i xDrive as an example, we'll break down what each one means.

The first number or letter - a "7" in this case - indicates the segment, size, or model series of the vehicle. The higher the number, the larger the vehicle is. Coupes and sports vehicles are given even numbers, while sedans and SUVs are given odd numbers. Currently, there are ten BMW series.

• 2 series - The smallest models in the BMW lineup are included in the 2 series, which are two-door coupes and convertibles.
• 3 series - The 3 Series features four-door compact sedans available as sports wagons.
• 4 series - Slightly larger than the 2 series, the 4 series includes compact two-door coupes that are also available as convertibles of four-door Gran Coupes.
• 5 series - The smallest sedan models in the series. These midsize vehicles are available with gas or plug-in hybrid powertrains, as well as high-performance M models.
• 7 series - The 7 series includes BMW's flagship full-size sedans.
• 8 series - The largest coupe models in the lineup are the 8 series.
• X Series - The X Series includes all of BMW's SUVs and crossovers.
• Z Models - The Z Models are two-door convertible roadsters.
• M Models - The M sub-brand of BMW creates high-performance versions of each series.
• i Models - BMW's series of all-electric vehicles.

What Do the Last Two Numbers in BMW Model Names Mean?

The two numbers following the series designator indicate the performance of the vehicle in kilowatts (kW). In layman's terms, it tells you how much power is under the hood. Just like with the series designators, the higher the engine designator is, the more torque and horsepower you can expect.

What Do the Lowercase Numbers at the end of BMW Model Names Mean?

The lowercase letters at the end of BMW model names indicate the type of fuel the engine uses.

• "d" - diesel engine
• "e" - plug-in hybrid powertrain
• "i" - gas-powered engine

All electric models are powered by a battery connected to one or more motors, and the lowercase designator is dropped at the end of their name. Instead, the lowercase "i" at the beginning of the name indicates that it's part of the BMW sub-brand in which the "i" stands for "innovation."

What is the Difference Between xDrive and sDrive?

The "Drive" designators at the end of a vehicle name indicate the drivetrain for the vehicle.

• sDrive - standard front-wheel drive
• xDrive - all-wheel drive vehicles

What is eDrive?

BMW's eDrive system is exclusive to "i" models and plug-in hybrids. What sets eDrive apart can be broken down into three points.

1. The eDrive has three key components - an electric motor, a high-voltage battery, and an intelligent energy system.
2. Its benefits include zero-emission driving with a significant performance boost.
3. The battery in the eDrive models is a special lithium-ion battery, cooled for optimal performance and lifespan.

Using this guide, you can learn a whole lot from the BMW model name 760i xDrive. At a single glance, you'll know it's a full-size sedan with a potent gas-powered engine that produces 60 kW of power. And xDrive lets you know it's an all-wheel drive model.

There you have it-the seemingly foreign language of BMW model names in a nutshell. If you still have questions about what each model name means, speak with one of the knowledgeable representatives at BMW of Lynchburg. We'll decode the name for you and help you find the model that's right for you.