BMW has spent several years developing and researching to bring natural composites to the level of series production. The new materials from renewable raw materials even meet stringent requirements for roof structures under full vehicle certification.
Lightweight components based on flax fibers are being developed by BMW in collaboration with the Swiss company Bcomp, which specializes in clean technologies. The partnership with Bcomp supports BMW’s goal of further reducing CO₂ emissions in future models. The Munich car manufacturer holds a stake in Bcomp through its venture fund BMW i Ventures.
Lightweight constructions have long been an important development direction for BMW. The use of natural fibers with a lower carbon footprint in composite materials is becoming increasingly significant. Tests have shown that such fibers are particularly well suited for visible exterior and interior parts.
For example: replacing carbon fiber composites with natural ones in the roofs of the next generation BMW cars reduces CO₂ emissions during production by about 40%. Plus, there are additional advantages during disposal at the end of their life cycle.
Innovative parts made from natural composites were first used by the BMW M Motorsport team in the 2019 Formula E season. Since then, the components have been successfully applied in the BMW M4 DTM and M4 GT4, replacing parts made from carbon plastic. Since 2022, Bcomp has become the official partner of BMW M Motorsport for the BMW M4 GT4.
The new lightweight materials will soon undergo rigorous testing - they will be installed in the BMW M4 GT4 for the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.
Source: BMW
