Auto Expo 2010 - BMW launches Gran Tourismo, X6 M, 760Li in India
The 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.
BMW at Auto Expo 2010 Image Slideshow
can't see slideshow above? visit the BMW at Auto Expo 2010 Image Gallery
Press Release
| The New BMW X1 for India Unveiled at the Auto Expo 2010. CKD Production to Commence by End 2010 Image file The Limited Edition of the New BMW Gran Turismo Launched in India New Delhi, Delhi, India, Tuesday, January 05, 2010 -- The new BMW X6 M and the new BMW 760Li make Indian debut. -- BMW India achieves market leadership in the Indian luxury car segment The new BMW X1 scheduled to be launched in India by end of 2010 was unveiled at the 10th Auto Expo. The new BMW X1 will be CKD produced at the BMW Plant Chennai by end of the year. At Auto Expo 2010, BMW India launched the limited edition of the new BMW Gran Turismo in India. Only the elite few in India will have the opportunity to own one of the 100 exclusive limited edition BMW Gran Turismo. The new BMW X6 M and the new BMW 760Li were also debuted at the BMW Pavilion at Auto Expo 2010. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Peter Kronschnabl, President, BMW India said, “The CKD Production of the BMW X1 is a key milestone in BMW Group’s India strategy. The BMW X1 opens up a new luxury segment in the compact Sports Activity / Sports Utility Vehicle class, demonstrating once again the company’s fine sense for pioneering automotive trends. The BMW X1 is a modern vehicle that represents new interpretation of sheer driving pleasure and, like no other vehicle, a spontaneous lifestyle. It convincingly perpetuates the success story of BMW in India.” The BMW X1 comes with all the features so typical of a BMW X model and at the same time offers a new interpretation of BMW Sheer Driving Pleasure. The youngest member in the wide range of BMW X models stands for versatile sportiness and supreme agility, with looks characterised by self confident elegance and modern style. Young and sporting in design, the interior combines superior variability with equally superior flexibility. The BMW X1 is the perfect vehicle for customers focusing on areas such as leisure activities and lifestyle in their choice of car. It immediately awakens one feeling: the enthusiasm for driving. The BMW Gran Turismo is a completely new vehicle concept, adding a unique and distinctive model variant to BMW’s product line-up. The BMW Gran Turismo combines the benefits of a prestige sedan, a modern Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo (Grand Touring). A coupe-like, stretched and sleek roofline, proportions typical of BMW, four doors with frameless windows and a two-piece tailgate determine the stylish and elegant body design of the BMW Gran Turismo. The generous interior offers luxurious comfort, a slightly elevated seating position for comfortable access to the vehicle, clear and superior all-round visibility of road conditions, and truly impressive variability. Powerful and efficient engines, as well as the eight-speed automatic transmission featured as standard, guarantee a supreme driving experience both dynamic and comfortable all in one. No other vehicle can support business, leisure and sports activities with such natural ease. BMW M, in principle, stands for Maximum Driving Dynamics – in every segment in which BMW M appears. As the first all-wheel-drive BMW M model, the BMW X6 M meets this claim through the application of cutting-edge drivetrain and chassis components that are specially adapted to the character of the Sports Activity Coupé. For the first time, the technological superiority of a BMW M high-performance sports car meets the athletic dynamics of an already unique Sports Activity Coupé in the BMW X6 M. The perfect transferral of the M philosophy to the vehicle concept has created an absolutely exclusive driving experience, setting a new class benchmark in terms of dynamics, agility and emotion. The BMW X6 M is compelling for the outstanding driving characteristics, extremely high comfort and an exceptionally safe driving experience right to the limit. The new BMW 760Li marks the pinnacle of the fifth-generation BMW 7 Series. The newly developed V12 power unit with BMW Twin Power Turbo technology, ¬High Precision Injection and double-VANOS infinite camshaft adjustment delivers maximum output of 400 kW from engine capacity of 6.0 litres and develops peak torque of 750 Newton-metres from just 1,500 rpm. A masterpiece in modern engine technology, the all-aluminium twelve-cylinder power unit stands out through its effortless surge of power, unique acoustic and vibration-damping qualities, and a level of efficiency never seen before in this performance class. BMW 760Li comes with brand-new eight-speed transmission, with its innovative gear set configuration, offering additional gears while maintaining the dimensions and weight of a conventional six-speed automatic. The ex-showroom prices of the new cars launched are as follows: The new BMW Gran Turismo: Rs. 63,00,000 Note: Ex-showroom price excludes RTO registration charges, tax, insurance, handling charges; Octroi and entry tax (as applicable). The above ex-showroom prices are exclusive of sales tax / VAT applicable on sale to the customer. Prices and options are subject to change without prior notice. The new BMW Gran Turismo, the new BMW 760Li and the new BMW X6 M can be ordered at BMW India dealerships from 5 January 2010. At the BMW Pavilion at Auto Expo 2010, BMW India has also displayed the BMW 3 Series (320d Highline), the BMW 5 Series (520d) that are produced at the BMW Plant Chennai, and the BMW X1 (X1 xDrive20d). The BMW Gran Turismo, BMW 7 Series (760Li), BMW X5 (xDrive30d), BMW X6 M, BMW Z4 (sDrive35i), are also displayed at the Auto Expo 2010, and can be ordered as CBUs. Today BMW India is number one in the luxury car segment in India and portrays a symbol for dynamic and forward striving people. With its successfully planned and executed market entry strategy and consistent sales performance, BMW India has achieved the market leadership position in the luxury car segment in India in 2009. This newly launched product offensive at the Auto Expo 2010 is part of the strategic initiatives aimed at continuing BMW’s success story in India. With this resolutely expanded product range BMW India will cover new opportunities in the luxury car segment. These newly launched cars are exclusive authentic luxury products, which are distinguished by their emotional appeal, uncompromising engineering, innovative technology and outstanding quality. |
