BMW Invites Fans to Share Their Favorite Roads in New Facebook App

BALTIMORE, MD (10/18/2012)(readMedia)-- Many driving enthusiasts have a special road they like to take when they're on a leisurely ride, and BMW wants them to share their experience in its new Facebook app. The Ultimate Drive for Facebook allows both BMW customers and the general public to upload their favorite routes along with photos and descriptions, as well as search for new roads to explore themselves.

Located at http://apps.facebook.com/TheUltimateDrive, BMW's free Facebook app gives users an up-close look at each shared road through Google Street View, and the technology integrates with the luxury automaker's other route-sharing apps for iOS and Android mobile devices. As an added incentive, existing BMW Financial Services customers can earn a loyalty voucher worth up to $700 toward a purchase or lease of a new 2012 or 2013 BMW when they schedule a test drive in The Ultimate Drive for Facebook app.

"It's hard to match the feeling of hugging the back roads in a BMW, so it makes a lot of sense for the automaker to bring the driving enthusiast community together online,'' said Melanie Sterry, general manager of Russel BMW, a BMW dealership in Baltimore, Md. "Maryland drivers have already entered some of their favorite routes in the Facebook app, like a picturesque trip out to Sugarloaf Mountain, and we're encouraging our customers to share some more exciting rides.''

For drivers that like to head to the mountains for snowsports, BMW has partnered with ski manufacturer K2 to produce two winter-focused models of its all-new 2013 BMW X1 compact crossover. Come November, buyers will be able to take home the BMW X1 Powder Ride Edition, while an even bolder BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride will debut at the LA Auto Show the same month.

Outfitted with all the ski trip essentials, like BMW's 460 roof box, a specially designed ski and snowboard bag and all-weather floor mats, the all-wheel-drive Powder Ride Edition sets itself apart visually with an X-shaped decal on the doors and wheel arches. Buyers will also be treated to a pair of exclusive K2 LTD Powder Ride skis, but they'll have to act before the end of winter, when the special BMW X1 closes out its limited stay at dealerships.

While the Powder Ride Edition will come in popular colors found on regular BMW X1 models, like Mineral Grey and Glacier Silver, the Concept K2 Powder Ride will wear Valencia Orange and a unique side graphic inspired by a limited-edition K2 ski. That vibrant look will be matched with lively features, including a high-powered Harman Kardon sound system that features a microphone for leading après-ski parties. Meanwhile, LED spotlights have been installed into the customized roof, keeping the mountain adventure going well into the night.

"The Powder Ride models are perfect for those who aspire to be a ski bum on weekends, but you don't have to be a skier to fall in love with the BMW X1,'' added Sterry. ''It has the efficiency for everyday commuting in Baltimore, the space and comfort for any kind of road trip, and the capability to get you anywhere in the snow, even if you can't stand the sight of the white stuff.''

About Russel BMW:

A trusted Baltimore Country BMW dealership, Russel BMW has served Maryland driving enthusiasts for years with a high level of sales and service that matches the BMW name. The dealership's diverse inventory of new and used BMWs ensures an easier vehicle search for customers, and their parts and service department are renowned for their expertise and professionalism. Visit Russel BMW online at www.russelbmw.com, call them at 410-744-2000 or stop by their dealership in person at 6700 Baltimore National Pike in Baltimore. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandBMW.