You read it first on MotorBeam. After showcasing its range of sporty and performance cars at the 2014 Auto Expo, the Bavarian based manufacturer will be launching nine new cars in India in the 2014 calendar year. BMW will be launching a range of models in different segments with some brand new vehicles, while the rest will be comprehensive facelifts to the existing models. We give you a quick showdown on the upcoming models from BMW.
1) 3-Series Gran Tourismo
BMW launched the 3-Series GT at the Auto Expo, which is the longer, taller and more practical version of the regular 3-Series sedan. The 3-Series GT offers more legroom and luggage room than the sedan version, courtesy of the extended wheelbase. The higher ground clearance makes the ingress and egress easier as well. The GT gets a softer suspension setup tuned for comfort rather than hard cornering. BMW launched the GT 320d with prices starting at Rs. 42.75 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). Full fledged deliveries of the 3-Series GT are yet to commence.
2) M6 Gran Coupe
Based on the 6-Series Gran Coupe, the M6 GC is the meaner, faster, luxurious and a four-door version of the M6 coupe. Powered by the same 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 552 BHP and 680 Nm of peak torque, it is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. 0-100 km/hr comes up in 4.1 seconds; while the top speed is limited to 250 km/hr. BMW will launch the M6 Gran Coupe on April 3, 2014 at an event in Delhi and is expected to be priced around Rs. 1.5 crore.
3) 2014 X5
BMW will launch the updated 2014 X5 with comprehensive changes this year. The changes on the luxury SUV include a redesigned front and rear profile retaining the same silhouette. The SUV looks more premium with a bolder and leaner appearance and is also now lighter by 80 kgs than its predecessor. BMW will launch the X5 with the turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol and a turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel with both the engines mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. A 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder mill will form the base unit. Prices for the X5 are expected to start at Rs. 75 lakhs (ex-showroom) when launched.
4) 2014 X3
The second generation X3 with a fresh look for 2014 will make its Indian debut soon. The mild facelift has leased a fresh new life into the 2014 X3 with LED headlights and a more prominent kidney grille. The updated version gets new iDrive Controller with integrated touchpad, a full-colour BMW Heads-Up Display, active cruise control with Stop & Go function and much more. The X3 gets a more efficient 2.0-litre diesel engine, as well as rear-wheel drive only variant as an option. Prices for the X3 are expected to commence at Rs. 50 lakhs (ex-showroom), with the launch happening in the second half of 2014.
5) M3
The all-new BMW M3 four-door sedan will make its Indian debut this year. Every enthusiasts dream, the all-new M3 gets a 3.0-litre BMW M twin-turbo engine producing 425 BHP of power and 550 Nm of torque with power being sent to the rear wheels via either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. You also get DSC, SCC, as well as ceramic brakes to keep the car planted. BMW will launch the M3 at a price of over Rs. 1 crore bringing it via the CBU route.
6) M4
The M4 is the two-door version of the M3 sedan which will be available alongside the M3 when launched. Featuring the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo mill, the M4’s looks and performance only makes jaws drop. Both the M cars will be at home on the road and the track. The new M3 and M4 are also 80 kgs lighter than the previous version with the use of carbon-fibre to reduce the weight. The M4 will be priced at a little premium than the M3 when launched in India.
7) M5 Facelift
For those who want a practical vehicle with a super fast powertrain, BMW will launch the 2014 M5 with the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 560 HP of power with the top speed restricted to 250 km/hr. The M5 packs in all the creature comforts and much more from the 5-Series sedan, but comes with an astonishingly fast engine. The 2014 M5 gets a power bump of 10 percent while the engine is slightly more efficient than the older version. BMW will be bringing the M5 as a CBU, so expect the prices to start at Rs. 1.30 crore on the sedan.
8) 7-Series ActiveHybrid
BMW will launch the hybrid version of its flagship sedan the 7-Series with the ActiveHybrid system. The ActiveHybrid 7 features an updated design on the exteriors along with a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder petrol engine coupled with an electric motor for a combined output of 349 BHP and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The ActiveHybrid 7 features all the bells and whistles from the regular 7-Series while returning a higher fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
9) i8
Saving the best for the last, BMW’s flagship i8 sports car will make it to Indian roads this year. With only seven units allotted to India, the car is uber cool to drive with its futuristic styling and cockpit design as well as extremely exclusive to own. The i8 will also be India’s first electric hybrid sportscar featuring a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 228 BHP of power mated to a 129 BHP electric motor. The two-seater sportscar has been built using light-weight carbon-fibre and aluminium in its construction. Another cool feature is the key fob of the car, the best till date. All that technology and awesomeness won’t come cheap, so expect the car to be priced around Rs. 2 crore when launched.