Trailing behind Mercedes and Audi in the India market, German luxury carmaker BMW launched its much-anticipated 7 Series and X1, produced at the company's Chennai manufacturing unit, at the Indian Auto Expo.
With the launch of the all-new BMW 7 Series, there is tremendous excitement at the BMW plant in Chennai to produce a car with game-changing innovations and benchmark technology, said Philipp von Sahr, president of BMW Group India.
"It shows our commitment to 'Make-in-India' will continue successfully in the future," he said.
The group plans to launch more cars in this year.
The new BMW 7 Series is priced from Rs 1.11 crore to Rs 1.55 crore (ex-showroom Delhi) while the all new BMW X1 ranges between Rs 29.90 lakh and Rs 39.90 lakh. The deliveries of BMW X1 would start from April 2016, the company said.
The main highlight of the event on Wednesday in Greater Noida was the company’s brand ambassador and legendry cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who officially launched the car.
The BMW 7 Series is available in two diesel variants which are locally produced. BMW has used carbon fibre, steel, aluminium, and plastic in its construction calling it carbon core structure and has achieved 200 kg in weight savings. The luxury salon car will compete with highly popular Mercedes S-Class and Audi A8 in the segment.
BMW’s other launch, the X1 SUV is based on the UKL platform that allows it to shed 135Kgs. The SUV is available only with a 2.0-litre diesel engine for now; a petrol engine will be added to the line-up later this year.
The new BMW X1 will go up against names like the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3.
BW Reporters
The author is Senior Correspondent with BW Businessworld
