The first car, probably the highlight of BMW India’s pavilion at the 2016 Auto Expo, 2016 BMW 7 Series is slated for launch in India post the 2016 Auto Expo. It will be assembled at the company plant in Chennai and will take on Mercedes Benz S Class, Audi A8L and Jaguar XJL.
Inspired from Vision Future Luxury concept where styling is concerned, BMW 7 Series is an important product for the company. Dimensions of 2016 BMW 7 Series stand at 5,089mm, 19mm longer than its predecessor while wheelbase will also be extended to 139mm, 18mm longer than the current model.
Interiors sport a new dashboard in two-tone leather with wooden inserts and aluminum accents while instrument cluster sees a 3D display and new steering wheel design. Sporting a panoramic roof which can be switched between 6 different shades, the 7 Series will also be seen with adjustable rear seats for viewing of individual screens for infotainment. Enhanced Driver Experience Control function is offered in four modes – Comfort, Sport, Eco-Pro and new adaptive mode that monitors driving style.
Engine specifications 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine, 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder diesel engine and 4.4-litre TwinPower Turbo V8 petrol engine mated to an 8 speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
2016 BMW X1, the entry level crossover is based on front wheel drive UKL (Untere Klasse) modular platform. It will be priced starting from around INR 28 lakhs and will take on Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3 on launch in India. Powered by a 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder, TwinPower turbocharged engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the engine is capable of 150 hp power on the India spec model.
2016 BMW 3 Series facelift also heads to the 2016 Auto Expo in February where it will be offered in with 2.0 liter petrol and diesel engines mated to 8 speed automatic transmissions. To rival Audi A4, the new BMW 3 Series will be assembled at the company plant in Chennai with close to 50% locally sourced components so as to keep prices competitive.