Archive for the ‘BMW’ Category

IAB Drive – BMW 330i

The BMW 330i is powerful, but slightly cramped

IAB drove the BMW 330i. We saw the word “Joy” all over the BMW dealership and were hoping the car lives up to it. We did not have this car for long and the short time would not do justice to a full review. We only wish to share our thoughts on the drive here.

At first, we spoke to the people at BMW and if there is a common word that comes out of everyone at BMW it’s “Joy”. I do not know why they keep emphasizing on it, but did get bored with it.

The word really did not appeal to me and seeing it at every corner of the dealership forced me to do something else. Yes, finally the right thing to do…look at the cars and you would not want to take your eyes away.

So, we neatly buckled up in our car 330i and set out. I had two advisors from BMW who must have thought that I’ve never driven a car before. They kept saying, “Sir, you are two close to the wall”, “Sir, the brakes”, “Sir, please ensure you do not put your left leg on the brakes”. Well, I let them do their job and said “Agreed” to every one of their comments.

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Entry posted on March 8th, 2010 and filed under BMW

BMW launch 320d and 330i in India at 23.95 and 33.40 lakh respectively

BMW 330i takes the 3 Series range to higher levels while the 320d corp is the new entry-level car

At their dealership here in Chennai, BMW today launched two new 3 Series variants to the ever expanding portfolio. The 3 Series now becomes slightly more affordable with the entry of the 320d Corporate edition while the 330i is the most expensive 3 Series in India.

BMW 320d’s four-cylinder diesel engine displaces 1995 cc with the maximum output reaching 130kW at 4000 RPM and maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1750-3000 RPM.

The BMW 330i on other hand features a 2996cc six-cylinder engine with the maximum output of 190kW at 6600 RPM and maximum torque of 300Nm at 2500-4000 RPM.

For images and more information click through to read more

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Entry posted on February 25th, 2010 and filed under BMW

BMW recalls 2010 X5 and X6 in US

BMW X6 – 2010 models recalled in US

It appears that Toyota and Honda are not alone in the recall game. Joining the bandwagon is the premium car maker BMW. The company has intimated the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in US of a fault in X5 and X6 models manufactured between December 14, 2009 and December 16, 2009.

There have been no reports or complaints filed with NHTSA by customers. This is a notification by the company to the administrator of a safety defect in case of a rollover crash.

We do not know the number of vehicles under the recall, but this could be merely in hundreds. What is of more significance is the nature of the notice and the probable safety issue being reported.

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Entry posted on February 19th, 2010 and filed under BMW

Quote of the Day

For me, it is not a surprise (Mercedes selling more cars in January). We will have a couple of months where they will sell more than us, but what matters is December 31. We still have 11 months to go for that.

President of BMW India Peter Kronschnabl tells Financial Express

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Entry posted on February 9th, 2010 and filed under BMW

BMW launches Gran Turismo in Bangalore at 63 lakh

The Gran Tourismo will be sold in limited numbers, and we sense to known customers

India may well be pegged to lead the next automobile revolution – playing host to innovations – and of course, becoming the small car hub. But ask BMW why it has no plans of bringing its 1 series into the Indian market and they’ll say India is not ready yet and thus we have no plans! Does that mean we are yet be a mature market for luxury cars? Yes.

That however, has not stopped BMW from planning out an expansion. For, BMW today (3 FEB, 2010) launched its limited edition Gran Turismo, priced at Rs 63 lakh and also revealed it’s plans of bringing the X1 series here by the year-end through the CKD route.

The limited edition Gran Turismo car, equipped with a 3.01 litre diesel engine will be brought as a completely built-up unit (CBU) from the firm’s plant overseas.

This is not it! With 41% market share in the luxury car market in the country, BMW also plans to increase its dealerships to 22 from the current 12. These are besides the company’s plans to venture into the pre-owned cars business – for which it is planning an exclusive store in the Delhi-Gurgaon region.

Q&A with Peter Kronschanbl, President BMW India

1. Cars sold last year? : 3,196 units
2. Market share? : 41 per cent
3. Growth projections? : double digit for the coming year
4. Other expansions? : creating a standalone financial services entity, expanding capacity at the Chennai plant from the existing 3,000 units per annum, expanding dealership network to 22 from 12.
5. On bringing the 1 Series to India : We have no plans yet as we don’t see the market for that particular in the country as of now.

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Entry posted on February 5th, 2010 and filed under BMW

Cheapest BMW X1 to start at 25 lakh rupees

BMW_X1The BMW X1 was unveiled at the Auto Expo. More than one variant will be sold

BMW India unveiled the X1 at Auto Expo 2010. It plans to sell this small SUV in India by the end of this year with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. Autocar India reports the price of this model will be around 25 lakh making it the cheapest new BMW in India.

The BMW X1 is based on the 3 Series sedan and assembly will begin at the Chennai plant in the next few months. The 25 lakh rupee car is touted as a solid SUV despite just the rear-wheel drive layout and basic level of equipment. The top-spec variant will have 4×4 and will be filled with features.

The SUV will be available with a 4×4 and a rear-wheel drive option and it’s the latter that will be the cheaper of the two. The compact SUV is based on the 3 series saloon and will be shipped to India as a CKD unit and will be assembled at the company’s plant in Chennai where the 3 series is built.

The X1 will supplement the existing lineup of big BMWs X3, X5 and X6.

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Entry posted on January 12th, 2010 and filed under BMW

Auto Expo 2010 – BMW launches Gran Tourismo, X6 M, 760Li in India

BMW_alloy_wheelThe BMW line-up in India just got wider with addition of the X6 M, 5er GT and 760 Li

BMW launched the Gran Tourismo and the X6 M in India. The BMW Gran Turismo is priced at Rs. 63,00,000 (only 100 will be sold)

The BMW X6 M is priced at Rs. 1,30,00,000 and the BMW 760Li is priced at Rs. 1,29,00,000.

We spoke to Peter Kronschnabl, President BMW India about the vehicles and their plans. For more info on the vehicle’s launch, click through for the press release.

On the BMW Megacity cars -

They will be different compared to the Mini brand. The two brands (Mini, Megacity) won’t conflict each other. The Megacity won’t come to India and BMW has no plans of assembling it here locally.

On the Mini Brand -

As of 2010, there are no plans to bring the Mini brand of cars to India.

On Launching the BMW 3 Series Corporate Edition -

The Corporate Edition might be aggressively priced but it is a profitable model. If it wasn’t profitable, they would not have launched it.

On the target customers of the Gran Tourismo and USP -

It seems like BMW already know who they are going to sell the allotted vehicles to. Mr. Kronschnabl with a smile said “I’m not answering this question” which naturally meant he knew the customers beforehand. He added rear seat comfort of a 7 Series is the standout feature of GT.

On the success of the Rolls Royce models -

Mr.Kronschnabl isn’t the spokesperson for RR, neither is he related to it directly. He said RR did better than its rivals since RR had worked very hard recently to revive the brand. RR also had the reputation of making the best luxury cars in the world and have an unmistakable identity.

On the sales of the M model line-up in India -

Kronschnabl agreed the M cars were never expected to add volumes to the BMW sales. The M cars are primarily for the fans of driving, those who want to get behind the wheel and experience power. The BMW Motorsport division satisfies the horsepower hungry beings in India, where ever they may be and how many ever there are.

On the target group of the new X1 -

BMW says it will sell the X1 to entrepreneurs, young and old as well as to people who are looking for a vehicle in this segment. This means the X1 will be the first BMW to many of its buyers when it goes on sale later this year.

click through for Image Slideshow and Press Release

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Entry posted on January 5th, 2010 and filed under Auto Expo 2010, BMW

BMW to bring X6 M, X1, 5 Series GT to Auto Expo 2010

BMW_Z4_steering_wheelA bunch of new Bimmers arrive at the Auto Expo next year

The Auto Expo 2010, which goes on from January 5 to 11 next year in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, will be packed with new models from BMW, reports Autocar India. The German brand will show new cars as well as its existing line-up in its booth next year.

Apart from the currently running BMW models, the Indians will have the first look of the 400 bhp, twin-turbo direct-injected 4.4-liter V8 550i Gran Turismo. The new compact SUV BMW X1 will also make an appearance along with the new 760Li with 535bhp twin-turbo, 6.0-liter, V12 engine.

Besides all this, the new BMW X6 M with the 4.4-liter, 555 bhp V8 engine will also be among the exhibits.

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Entry posted on December 15th, 2009 and filed under Auto Expo 2010, BMW

A stripped-down BMW 3 Series for Indian taxi market next January

2009-bmw_3_series

BMW is going to launch next January, a stripped-down version of the 3 Series sedan exclusively for fleet operators. Christened ‘Executive’ this will be BMW’s first ever model meant entirely for cab operators in our country.

The car is going to cost around 24 lakh rupees, which is 6 lakh lesser than the regular model. This will mean retention of just the minimum and comforts like sunroof, powered seats and even cup holders have to go.

Autocar India claims the Executive will go on sale in January 2010.

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Entry posted on November 26th, 2009 and filed under BMW

Video – The all new BMW 5 Series Promotional clip

The all new BMW 5 Series has been revealed and boy doesn’t it look smashing! The 5GT’s traces are seen clearly, the rear is completely a minimized 7 Series from a distance, but the main point is the absence of Bangle touches, which for some, ‘plagued’ the earlier 5er.

We’ll be bringing you more on the new 5 shortly, so stay tuned!

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Entry posted on November 23rd, 2009 and filed under BMW

Rendering – New BMW 5-Series

New_2011_BMW_5-Series-1New_2011_BMW_5-Series

The official unveiling of the new BMW 5-Series is not very far away, and before you get to look at the actual car, Auto Express has prepared a drawing of how the car is going to look.

The controversial Bangle touches have been shed, the new design is conservative, but elegant. Design wise, the 5 Series will look very close to the 7 Series and the Concept CS. The interiors will be very close to the recently launched 5-Series GT.

BMW has also added four-wheel steering to the new 5 Series. An active rear differential is also on the list of technologies.

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Entry posted on November 20th, 2009 and filed under BMW

Exclusive – BMW Z4 Interior and Exterior snaps; Press Release attached

BMW Z4 HEADLAMPBMW plans to sell 60 of these a year; At 59 lakh, how many numbers did you expect?

12 October 2009
BMW makes its debut in the roadster segment in India with the launch of the new BMW Z4.

Modern, Emotional, Authentic. The new BMW Z4 offers a pure driving experience that sets the pulse racing, resulting in an unforgettable roadster experience that none of its rivals can match.

Mumbai. The BMW Z4 Roadster was unveiled today at the India Couture Week in Mumbai.

The new BMW Z4 represents the re-birth of the roadster – powerful and stylish with a modern interpretation. It is the only vehicle in this segment to combine classic roadster proportions with a seating position close to the rear axle, rear-wheel drive and a fully-automatic retractable hardtop. Driving with the roof down, this two-seater offers a refreshingly intense experience of the sunshine and the wind rushing by – and driving with the hardtop closed, it provides all the comfort of a Premium Sports Coupé. The appeal of this two- seater lies in its unique combination of elegance, agility, and supreme comfort.

The new BMW Z4 will be available in the petrol variant – BMW Z4 sDrive35i – and will be available across India at an ex-showroom price of INR 59,00,000 (Ex-showroom price excludes RTO registration charges, tax, insurance, handling charges; Octroi and entry tax if applicable). Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Peter Kronschnabl, President, BMW India said, “The BMW Z4 outlines an expression of joy which epitomizes the qualities of the BMW brand by combining the ultimate driving experience with maximum sporting potential and distinctive design. More than anything the new BMW Z4 is an expression of sheer driving pleasure. With the new BMW Z4, we want to reach out to new target groups in India who appreciate a pure driving experience, high standards of elegance and value, and suitability for everyday driving and comfort.”

click through for Image Gallery

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Entry posted on October 12th, 2009 and filed under BMW

Exclusive – BMW lifts cover off 2-door Z4 in India; priced at 59 lakh

BMW Z4 Unveiling MumbaiThe BMW Z4 convertible is yet another unique model in the Indian lineup

BMW India unveiled its 2-door Roadster Z4 here in Mumbai in a very stylish function conducted today morning at the ongoing India Couture Week.

The sexy and chic convertible model was showcased to select members of the press by Mr Peter Kronschnabl, President BMW India, who explained to us that the Z4 “outlines the expression of joy which epitomizes the quality of the BMW brand by combining the ultimate driving experience with maximum sporting potential and distinctive design.”

Available only with a petrol engine, the Z4 is strapped with a 3,000cc engine mated to a 7-speed auto transmission.

Questions were answered by the BMW President in a very witty manner – he said that BMW would bring the Mini brand here in the near future and as is the case with the BMW Motorcycle lineup. He said BMW is the number one luxury brand in India, not once, but thrice during the interaction.

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Entry posted on October 12th, 2009 and filed under BMW
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