IAB Report - BMW India to launch 7 Series Hybrid, M4, M5 facelift this year

2014 will be the year of 'M' models in India, said Mr. Philipp von Sahr, president of BMW India, at the launch of the BMW M6 Gran Coupe. Having launched the M6 Gran Coupe in the Indian market last week, BMW India has plans to launch the M4 and M5 LCI this year, Indian Autos Blog has come to know.

The BMW M4, which is essentially a M3 coupe, was revealed late last year along with the new M3. Power for the M4 comes from a 3.0-liter Twin-Turbo six-cylinder engine that develops 431 hp and 550 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h takes only 4.1 seconds while the top-speed is limited to 250 km/h or 280 km/h with the M Driver's Package.

The M5 LCI is basically the refreshed M5. Power comes from the same 4.4-liter V8 engine as before, but with an optional Competition Package, power output is increased by 15 hp to 575 hp. With various options like M ceramic brakes, lower ride height and a new sport exhaust system, the M5 LCI is quicker to 100 km/h by 0.1 seconds.

While the M4 and M5 cater to the enthusiast, the 7 Series Active Hybrid is perhaps for the environmentally conscious businessman. Along with a Twin-Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine, the 7 Hybrid uses a 53 hp electric motor. The sedan also features an advanced ECO PRO mode which optimizes the coasting capability, thereby resulting in lower fuel consumption.

Indian Autos Blog is also told that prospective customers can begin experiencing these cars at experience centers very soon.