Auto Expo 2018: BMW launch three cars

The Auto Expo 2018 marks some important product launches for BMW in India. BMW has now launched the M3 sedan, M4 Coupe and the X6 at Rs 1.3 crore, Rs 1.33 crore and Rs 94.15 lakh, ex-showroom. All the three cars come with petrol engines and will be brought to India via the CBU route.

The M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe are powered by the 2,979cc inline 6-cylinder twin-turbo petrol motor that belts out 443.8bhp and 550Nm of peak twist. The engine comes mated to a seven speed DCT gearbox. Common features in both cars include ABS with brake assist, DSC, start/stop function, brake energy regeneration and electric power steering. Both the cars come with an exhaustive feature list that include dual zone air conditioning with micro filter, ambient lighting, inside rear view mirror with anti-dazzling feature, sports seats and leather wrapped steering wheel among others. In terms of driver aids and safety tech, the cars get BMW Apps, Bluetooth & USB connectivity, 22.3cm colour display with an inbuilt storage capacity of 20GB, navigation system, heads-up display and park distance control. Safety features include airbags, three point seat belts, engine immobiliser, cornering brake control, side impact protection and ISOFIX mounting.

The M3 and M4 also come with optional packages like Comfort, Luxury and Performance Equipment. Both the cars can do the 100kmph sprint from standstill in 4 seconds with the Competition Package, maxing out at 250kmph. The optional M Driver’s package increases the top speed to 280kmph. The cars also come with adaptive suspension that is adjustable in all the three modes – Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus, which can further be adapted for the Competition Package.

The X6 M Sport SUV, which BMW calls as Sports Activity Coupe, is powered by the same 2979cc inline 6 cylinder twin turbocharged petrol engine but in a different state of tune. It makes 301.7bhp and 400Nm of torque that is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The car gets all-wheel drive system that distributes the power to the front and rear wheels depending on the road conditions. The X6 does the 0-100kmph dash in a claimed 6.4 seconds. It also gets four driving modes – EcoPro, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. It comes equipped with features including cruise control, dynamic damper control, hill descent control and launch control among a host of other creature comfort and safety equipment. Interior features and driver aids are similar to that found in the M3 Sedan and the M4 Coupe.

At the Auto Expo, the president of BMW Group India, Vikram Pawah said, “M is the most powerful letter in the world. For generations, BMW M GmbH has been combining thoroughbred motor racing genes with uncompromised everyday usability. Inside an M, the driver becomes one with the vehicle for an adrenaline-steeped experience. The new BMW M3 Sedan and the new BMW M4 Coupé embody everything that is distinctive about BMW M.  BMW established the Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) segment with the introduction of the BMW X6 and still continues its remarkable success story. The new BMW X6 xDrive35i combines the solid stance of an X model with the sportiness of a coupé. The M Sport package takes the dynamic aura of the BMW X6 to a whole new dimension. With the launch of the BMW X6 in a petrol variant, we are presenting a balanced portfolio with the choice of both diesel and petrol engines to suit all our customer requirements.”