For practically 4 a long time, BMW has been utilizing the Miramas Check Middle in southern France to develop and refine its upcoming fashions. Initially constructed as a high-speed oval a century in the past, the ability has advanced into certainly one of BMW’s most safe and versatile proving grounds. The Miramas facility, previously owned by Michelin, contains in depth high-speed banked asphalt sections. When journalists are granted entry, their cellphone cameras are taped over to take care of the location’s strict confidentiality.
Annually, as much as 4,000 prototypes are put by means of rigorous testing throughout its 65 kilometers of assorted take a look at tracks, which embrace high-speed circuits, off-road sections, and dealing with programs that simulate real-world driving circumstances.
Having visited Miramas a number of instances through the years, we’ve seen firsthand how the location operates. In contrast to different BMW take a look at places—such because the well-known winter testing grounds in Arjeplog, Sweden—Miramas is extremely safe, making it one of many few locations the place pre-production automobiles could be examined with and with out camouflage. Nonetheless, loads of prototypes roam the ability in full disguise, from future M fashions to next-generation electrical automobiles.
A Managed Surroundings for Excessive-Tech Testing
One of many primary benefits of Miramas is its means to supply year-round testing, due to the area’s delicate local weather. In contrast to places that face harsh winters or excessive summer season warmth, Miramas permits BMW engineers to conduct endurance and growing old checks with out main seasonal interruptions.
Over the previous decade, BMW Group has invested round €44 million to maintain the location updated with the newest testing gear. The power has additionally develop into more and more centered on electrification, with engineers conducting in depth evaluations of battery efficiency, charging expertise, and vitality effectivity. The middle is at the moment getting used to check BMW’s first hydrogen-powered gas cell electrical automobile (FCEV), which is predicted to enter manufacturing in 2028.
A Key Website for BMW’s Future Growth
Whereas Miramas is primarily a analysis and growth facility, it additionally performs an vital function in BMW’s broader enterprise technique. The location helps round 140 direct and oblique jobs and contributes roughly €14 million yearly to the native economic system. BMW sources supplies and companies from over 300 suppliers within the area, and agreements with organizations like Air Liquide have led to the set up of hydrogen refueling infrastructure on-site.
Whereas it might not be as well-known as BMW’s winter proving floor in Sweden or its Nürburgring testing packages, Miramas stays a vital a part of the corporate’s automobile growth course of. Whether or not testing the bounds of inner combustion engines, refining the newest battery-electric powertrains, or evaluating rising hydrogen gas cell expertise, the ability performs a behind-the-scenes function in shaping BMW’s subsequent technology of automobiles.
We’re probably heading again to Miramas within the close to future to check one more thrilling BMW. Keep tuned!
