The sensational BMW convertible enters India
BMW India launched its 6 Series Convertible on March 25 in Udaipur.
President, BMW India, Dr. Andreas Schaaf, told mediapersons at a glittering launch at the the Leela Palace Kempinski that “The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is the perfect vehicle for an exclusive lifestyle, and is aiming to set a benchmark in a country not really known for ‘open-top’ driving.”
He also said that with a market share of over 40 per cent in the luxury car segment, the BMW is numero uno not just for recognition but for responsibility as well, and is now riding the second wave of realignment, where it intends to spend $ 1.8 billion by 2012 towards its rapid expansion and investment plans.
The 650i Convertible is an elegant and sporty vehicle. The style is sophisticated; it’s sporty ‘shark nose’ of the BMW kidney grille, the closeness to the road, and wide and low design language, all point in that direction. It comes with a 4.4 litre V8 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and direct injection, and develops a maximum output of 408PS between 5,500 to 6,400rpm as well as a maximum torque of 600Nm all the way from 1,750 to 4,500rpm. It can go from 0-100 in just 5 seconds with a top speed of 250kmph.
Neatly side-stepping the CKD issue, Dr Schaaf said “There’s no point worrying about it, so I’ll just let you know that the 650i will be available in India as a Completely Built-up Unit (CBU).” It is available as a petrol variant, at an ex-showroom price tag of Rs 95 lakh, in Alpine White as non-metallic paintwork and in the following metallic colours: Orion Silver, Titanium Silver, Black Sapphire, Havanna, Space Grey, Deep Sea Blue and Vermillion Red.
It also boasts an eight-speed sports automatic transmission with rapid and precise gear changes with gear shift paddles on the steering wheel, along with the customary electronic power steering. It also features Drive Dynamic Control, which allows drivers to vary the car’s sporting characteristics and comfort by choosing the desired suspension settings (Normal, Sports and Sports+).
Dr Schaaf said BMW was committed to India and the group saw huge potential in the market. He said they would continue to focus on maintaining the leadership in the Indian luxury car market by ensuring quality to our customers. Keeping that in mind, they were increasing the dealership network from 20 to 40 by the end of next year. Incidentally BMW also became the first luxury car manufacturer in India to cross the 1000 mark in a single month – 1027 cars in March. BMW India has delivered 2147 cars to customers in the calendar year 2011 (January – 500 Units, February – 620 Units, March – 1027 Units).
Dr Schaaf said, “This proves that we have a whole range of competitive advantages: exciting new products, first class premium dealerships, superior customer service and a very strong and aspirational brand. As the market leader in the Indian luxury car segment, I am convinced that we are well-positioned for a very promising future.”
Last year too, BMW India retained the Number One position in the luxury car segment in India for the second consecutive year with a market share of over 40 per cent. With 6246 cars delivered to customers in the calendar year 2010, BMW India achieved the highest sales by a manufacturer in the luxury car segment in a year.
Schaaf added that the new BMW 5 Series has received extremely positive feedback from the market and and has positioned itself as the best business limousine in India.
