Indian Autos blog

BMW 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.”

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The 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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We will be bringing you high quality images and information from both the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Cruze launches that happen back to back in Mumbai today.

The BMW Z4 launch function has begun already and information and expected shortly from Ritesh Madhok, who is busy jotting down the details discussed and clicking photographs which will be uploaded later on in the day.

Stay tuned as another exciting day full of exclusive content follows on IAB’s home page.

A BMW Z4 with the covers on sits in a trailer transporting it to the launch floor

Driving down the main roads of Mumbai at 7.30 PM, I notice a trailer carrying something with a weird shape. I moved closer and my initial thoughts were correct – it is a car.

I tell myself it must be a car that was involved in an accident, and is transported to workshop for repairs.

Wrong.

I happen to see the BMW logo on the wheel when the neatly covered car gets upset by the oncoming wind.

Well well.. I begin to think hard which BMW has such a low-slung stance, long wheelbase and is on the Indian radar — instantly the Z4 pops into my mind. Luckily I have my cam onboard — Click Click and I have a fully covered BMW Z4 in its memory.

The driver sees me and immediately stepped on the gas — he’s driving a truck for pete’s sake — how will that ever be faster than my 100+hp Verna?

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The BMW Z4 which was displayed at the North American International Show this year, will enter India via CBU route next month. The cars are produced at BMW’s Regensburg plant in Germany. It will be priced at around 50-60 lakh rupees according to the company official.

The 6-cylinder BMW Z4 engine line-up -

- 2,497 cc – 204 PS@6400rpm and 250 Nm@2750rpm
- 2,996 cc – 258 PS@6600rpm and 310 Nm@2600rpm
- 2,979 cc – 306 PS@5800rpm and 400Nm@1300-5000rpm twin-turbocharged

The engines that BMW will offer on the Z4 in India is not known at this point. As we near the launch date, more information is expected.

BMW has launched the Z4 convertible in Australia. The Australians get the choice of three straight-6 engines displacing 3.0 or 2.5 litres: 225 kW in the BMW Z4 sDrive35i, 190 kW in the BMW Z4 sDrive30i, and 150 kW in the BMW Z4 sDrive23i. The Z4 is expected in India by the year end with probably the least powerful engine.