BMW India will be launching the 2015 MINI 3-door and 5-door models along with the M3 and M4 this November, all of which will be brought into the country via the completely imported route.
BMW India have confirmed the launch of four new models that will be coming to the country this November. Having started promotional activities, the Bavarian auto giant will first launch the all new 2015 MINI in 3-door and 5-door guise on 19th November 2014. The company will then launch the much awaited BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe performance cars on 26th November 2014. Just a week apart, both the models will be brought in as Completely Built Units (CBU) and are targeted at the affluent few who appreciate unadulterated driving pleasure.
A quick recap on the new MINI; the 2015 MINI 3-door will be replacing the existing version in the country, while the 5-door model will be a completely new addition and should find more takers joining the Countryman and convertible models. The new MINI is larger than the outgoing version, while retaining the iconic retro looks of the British brand. On the inside too, the retro charm has been retained in conjunction with more modern tech on offer.
The 2015 MINI Cooper and Cooper S will also be on offer, while engine options will include the new 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol and diesel motors under the hood. The Cooper S in particular will draw power from the more powerful 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine and will be the range topping version. Based on the all-new UKL platform, the 2015 MINI competes against the Mercedes A-Class, BMW 1-Series, Volvo V40 and the Fiat 500 Abarth that is also scheduled for launch next month. Prices are expected to start at Rs. 28 lakhs (ex-showroom) for the regular 3-door MINI.
Coming to the 2014 BMW M3 and M4 performance cars, both the models are based on the existing 3-Series but share very little in terms of powertrain. Outlandishly tuned by BMW’s M division, the M3 and M4 sport the 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 425 BHP of power and 550 Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Both the models also come with a 6-speed manual transmission internationally but the same will not be offered in our country.
In terms of performance figures, both the M3 and M4 can do the 0-100 km/hr sprint in just 4.3 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/hr. Compared to the outgoing model, the M3 and M4 are 80 kgs lighter and BMW has used carbon-fibre in abundance that is not only light but ultra strong as well. Keeping the car planted at high speeds are a number of driver aid systems including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Stability Clutch Control. You also get launch control function with paddle shifters as well as three driving modes including Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. Being brought in via the CBU route, the M3 and M4 are expected to be priced around the Rs. 1 crore (ex-showroom) mark.
