The most significant motor show in Asia is the venue of a world debut, with the new BMW M3 Saloon being presented to the public for the first time. Following the Coupé, this is the second body version of the BMW M3 powered by a 309 kW/420 hp V8 for a truly fascinating high-performance sports car experience also in everyday traffic.

In addition, BMW is presenting two Asian premieres at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007: First, the new BMW 6 Series Coupé and Convertible setting new standards in dynamic performance, motoring culture and exclusivity. Second, the new BMW 1 Series Coupé for ultimate driving pleasure in the compact model series.

The Tokyo Motor Show is being held from 27 October–11 November in the capital city of Japan, the organisers and more than 250 international exhibitors expecting some 1.5 million visitors during this period. To accommodate the 40th Tokyo Motor Show, the exhibition area on the Makuhari Fairgrounds has been expended by more than 10 per cent to a total of almost 45,000 square metres or 485,000 square feet.

Presenting the BMW M3 Saloon, the new BMW 6 Series, and the BMW 1 Series Coupé, as well as a wide range of model, engine and equipment variants never seen before in Japan, BMW is underlining the Company’s position as the world’s leading manufacturer of premium cars. More than ever before, the current model range enables the Company to convey that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW throughout a wide range of car segments. And this unique quality is also and, indeed, in particular borne out by the unique competence of the BMW Group in the area of drivetrain development.

The new models presented at the Tokyo Motor Show set new standards in the area of driving dynamics and, at the same time, spell out further progress in the efficient use of fuel. The new BMW 135i Coupé, for example, makes the success of BMW EfficientDynamics, the Company’s unique development strategy, particularly clear and convincing, its 3.0-litre straight-six power unit with Twin Turbo technology and direct gasoline injection (High Precision Injection) developing a spectacular 225 kW/306 hp. As a result, this unique two-door athlete sets a new benchmark in driving dynamics, together with impressive fuel economy for a car of this kind, with average fuel consumption in the European test cycle of just 9.6 litres/100 km, equal to 29.4 mpg imp.

For years, BMW EfficientDynamics has been providing a wide range of trendsetting innovations. These include fully variable VALVETRONIC valve management presented by BMW in 2001 and now featured in more than a million cars sold the world over. This technology also referred to as throttle-free load management helps not only to increase engine output to an even higher level, but also to significantly reduce fuel consumption under practical driving conditions.

Another example of impressive innovations in the context of EfficientDynamics is the composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase for BMW’s straight-six power units introduced in 2004. Weighing just 57 per cent of a conventional grey-cast-iron engine block, this trendsetting power unit is also about 24 per cent lighter than a comparable aluminium engine.

At the Tokyo Motor Show 2007, the BMW X5 3.0si, the BMW 630i, the BMW 330i and the BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0si as well as the BMW Z4 Coupé 3.0si all feature six-cylinder power units with VALVETRONIC and a composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase.

At the Tokyo Motor Show 2007 BMW is also proving its unique innovative power through new driver assistance, safety and comfort functions.

The new BMW 6 Series, for example, stands out not only through its stylishly modified design and muscular engines, but also through a wide range of innovations in technology for further enrichment of the driving experience. Exclusive features such as Adaptive Headlights and variable light distribution, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function for maintaining the right distance in flowing traffic and even at dead slow speeds, a Lane Departure Warning complete with a vibration signal on the steering wheel, Head-Up Display, BMW Night Vision and the High-Beam Assistant make both the Coupé and the Convertible genuine spearheads in technology.

Many of these new developments are also featured in the new BMW 5 Series: And like the 6 Series, the new 5 Series also comes, over and above the features mentioned, with crash-activated headrests reducing the risk of cervical spine injury in a collision from behind.

Likewise offering new features and a carefully upgraded interior, the BMW 3 Series is also enhancing its leadership in its segment. And now the outstanding success of the 3 Series is no longer based “just” on the Saloon and Touring, since, following the market launch of the BMW 3 Series Coupé and the BMW 3 Series Convertible, this superior series has now also been rounded off completely in Japan.

The new BMW X5 being presented at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007 offers unique driving dynamics unparalleled in its segment. Indeed, this new version of the BMW X5 is continuing the worldwide success of this unique vehicle, offering even greater dynamics on the road, an even higher standard of exclusivity and optimised versatility within the interior.

The new BMW X5 is available with both a 261 kW/355 hp eight-cylinder and a 200 kW/272 hp six-cylinder, power being conveyed to the road in both cases via BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system. This variable distribution of power gives the BMW X5 superior dynamics on the road as well as outstanding traction on rough terrain.

The second, equally successful member of BMW’s SAV family is the BMW X3 also to be admired at the Tokyo Motor Show in its top version with a 200 kW/272 hp six-cylinder power unit and six-speed automatic transmission.

Both the BMW Z4 Roadster and the BMW Z4 Coupé focus throughout on dynamic performance and unique driving pleasure. Both models come with high-performance straight-six power units outdone only by the even more dynamic 3.2-litre engine in the BMW Z4 M Roadster and the BMW Z4 M Coupé developing 252 kW/343 hp with its high-speed engine concept so typical of BMW M for a genuine feeling of motorsport on the road.

Introducing the world’s first luxury performance hydrogen saloon for everyday use also to be admired at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007, BMW clearly underlines the Company’s leading position in future-oriented drive concepts.

BMW Hydrogen 7 is driven by a dual-mode twelve-cylinder able to run on both conventional gasoline and hydrogen, and setting an unparalleled milestone en route to a new form of mobility free of pollutants and independent of fossil fuels. Maximum output of BMW Hydrogen 7 is 191 kW/260 hp, giving the car all the dynamics and driving comfort of a BMW luxury saloon and providing a maximum range of more than 500 kilometres or 310 miles simply by pressing a button to switch over  from one fuel to another.

BMW Hydrogen 7 has been built in small series of 100 units, giving leaders in society and celebrities the world over the opportunity within just three months to cover a total of more than two million kilometres with this future-oriented hydrogen luxury saloon – and naturally, these are only the first users of this unique car.