BMW Korea strengthens EV leadership for future mobility

BMW Korea's electric vehicle lineup / Courtesy of BMW Korea

BMW Korea continues to cement its leadership in electric vehicles (EVs), maintaining a top spot in sales for premium imported EVs here for the first four months combined, the carmaker said Tuesday.

The local subsidiary of the German automaker sold a total of 1,880 EVs during the same period, the highest among luxury EV makers, extending its winning streak of last year when it reported robust EV sales of 6,353.

This proves BMW’s unwavering determination for electrification in the period of a major auto paradigm shift. The carmaker preserved its core driving identity for its EVs while at the same time introducing new technologies to differentiate its premium electric identity.

BMW Korea's electric vehicle (EV) charging lounge in Seoul / Courtesy of BMW Korea

Commemorating its 30th anniversary last month, it started the nation’s first EV test drive membership program — BMW BEV Membership.

Under the initiative, the carmaker will use 230 BMW EVs designed to let customers experience the brand’s slogan of “Driving Pleasure.”

Starting in May, customers who purchase a new BMW vehicle can participate in the program. The carmaker offers test drives for its four major EVs — the i5, i4, iX1 and ix2 — which span from sedans to SUVs.

The vehicles are available at 14 dealerships and service centers nationwide, enabling customers to select vehicle pickup and return locations much more conveniently.

“BMW Korea plans to continue enhancing infrastructure for EVs and innovating services to deliver more convenient and enriching EV experiences to customers,” an official from the carmaker said.

BMW Korea is also boosting safety and reliability for its electrified models through the “BMW Proactive Care” program under which drivers can monitor battery health conditions in real-time via a BMW app while they are arched. This prevents EV batteries from overcharging or overheating, according to the company.

The carmaker is also the only foreign automaker taking part in a government-led pilot project dedicated to building early detection and reporting systems in case of EV fire. Under the project, BMW Korea joins forces with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and other fire and transport authorities.

BMW Korea is also dedicated to enhancing the nation’s EV charging infrastructure. The carmaker opened its first BMW Charging Station in 2022 for the first time and has since installed 2,400 EV chargers across the nation.

For this year, the automaker is scheduled to install an additional 600 chargers for the spread of the eco-friendly mobility infrastructure. The company also offers substantial charging incentives to its new EV customers. Depending on the model, BMW Korea offers an EV charging credit of at least 250,000 won ($181) to an unlimited one-year free charging benefit.