03/12/2025
Ten Unknown Fact About
1. BMW's Origins in Aircraft: BMW was initially founded in 1916 as a manufacturer of aircraft engines before transitioning to automobiles after World War I.
2. BMW's Most Powerful Car is an SUV: The BMW XM Label Red, with its 738 horsepower hybrid V8 engine, holds the title of the most powerful production BMW to date.
3. First Electric BMW: The 1602e, released in 1972, was BMW's first electric car, though it had a limited range of only 37 miles.
4. The Kidney Grille: BMW’s iconic front grille, known as the "kidney grille," made its debut in the 1933 BMW 303.
5. BMW’s Building Looks Like an Engine: The headquarters in Munich is designed to resemble a four-cylinder engine.
6. BMW Made the Fastest Motorcycle: In 1937, BMW built the world’s fastest motorcycle, reaching speeds of 173.7 mph.
7. A Failed SUV Prototype: BMW once created the Z18, a 4x4 sports car prototype, though it never made it into production.
8. The First BMW Car Wasn't Originally Theirs: The BMW Dixi, their first car, was actually a rebranded version of an English Austin.
9. Rolls-Royce Acquisition: BMW acquired Rolls-Royce in 2003, marking a significant expansion into the luxury car market.
10. BMW's Impact on Trains: In addition to automobiles, BMW has contributed to redesigning the interiors of trains, including the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system.
