For practically 4 a long time, BMW has been utilizing the Miramas Take a look at 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 one in every of BMW’s most safe and versatile proving grounds. The Miramas facility, previously owned by Michelin, consists of intensive high-speed banked asphalt sections. When journalists are granted entry, their telephone cameras are taped over to keep up the positioning’s strict confidentiality.
Annually, as much as 4,000 prototypes are put via rigorous testing throughout its 65 kilometers of various check tracks, which embrace high-speed circuits, off-road sections, and dealing with programs that simulate real-world driving situations.
Having visited Miramas a number of occasions through the years, we’ve seen firsthand how the positioning operates. Not like different BMW check places—such because the well-known winter testing grounds in Arjeplog, Sweden—Miramas is very safe, making it one of many few locations the place pre-production autos might 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 vehicles.
A Managed Surroundings for Excessive-Tech Testing
One of many principal benefits of Miramas is its capacity to supply year-round testing, because of the area’s delicate local weather. Not like places that face harsh winters or excessive summer time warmth, Miramas permits BMW engineers to conduct endurance and getting old exams with out main seasonal interruptions.
Over the previous decade, BMW Group has invested round €44 million to maintain the positioning updated with the newest testing gear. The ability has additionally change into more and more centered on electrification, with engineers conducting intensive evaluations of battery efficiency, charging know-how, and power effectivity. The middle is at present 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 position in BMW’s broader enterprise technique. The positioning helps round 140 direct and oblique jobs and contributes roughly €14 million yearly to the native economic system. BMW sources supplies and providers 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 applications, Miramas stays a vital a part of the corporate’s automobile growth course of. Whether or not testing the bounds of inside combustion engines, refining the newest battery-electric powertrains, or evaluating rising hydrogen gas cell know-how, the ability performs a behind-the-scenes position in shaping BMW’s subsequent era of autos.
We’re possible heading again to Miramas within the close to future to check yet one more thrilling BMW. Keep tuned!
