BMW launches the much anticipated Mini Cooper in India
07 January 2012: BMW had replaced Mercedes as India’s largest luxury car manufacturer last year, and this year it is aiming even bigger by bringing the MINI range of cars to the country. The BMW pavilion at the Auto Expo was packed with a superb collection of high flying cars including the MINI range and the M5, and also the special edition BMW 7 series composition inspired by Steinway & Sons.
Mini Cooper:
BMW hasn’t got the original MINI range to India, but has instead got the MINI Cooper range, which is developed in collaboration with John Cooper Works(JCW). These include the MINI Countryman, the Cooper S and the Cooper convertible. There is only one engine choice but power output ranges from 122-184bhp. The Countryman has the 184 bhp option, the convertible comes with the 122 bhp engine and Cooper S will have both as an option. The MINI range will be quite expensive, as it will come as a CBU. Prices start at Rs. 25.0 lacs for the hardtop variant and go on till Rs. 35.0 lacs for the Countryman. That’s quite steep, considering you get if for around Rs. 11.0 lacs in Europe. However, MINI might just be a strong style statement for some.
First look rating: 8/10
BMW M5:
One of the main attraction at the BMW pavilion was the BMW M5, which is the performance version of the 5 series saloon, made by the M Division (BMW’s performance division for sports and super cars). It has a 4.4 ltr. V8 engine developing 560 bhp and 680 nm of torque. That’s super car beating performance in a car that has 4 doors. It is also one of the fastest sedans in the world and quite practical too since it is based on the 5 series which is a regular family saloon. It can comfortably seat 5 and can do 0-100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. It goes on sale at a hefty price tag of Rs. 95.90 lacs, and that’s before you check out the options list. A fully specced M5 would cost at least Rs. 1.10 crores, and that’s quite a bit of money, for what might seem to be a regular four door sedan. But don’t mistake it for anything but a true blue super car, one that has a monster under its hood and can easily turn heads.
First look rating: 9/10
BMW 330d convertible:
The newly launched 330d convertible is based on the 3 series sedan. It might be a great car to drive and look at, but it just pointless to buy one in India, considering the unnecessary Rs. 57.0 lac price tag. A good car for long drives when you want to feel the wind on your face. Seats 4, if not in utmost comfort.
First look rating: 7/10
The BMW 7-series Steinway & Sons composition: Special Edition
There is the BMW 7-series. And then there is the special edition BMW 7-series Steinway & Sons composition. Made in collaboration with the company that makes the finest pianos in the world.
On display is the absolutely stunning piano black edition, with the company’s logo embossed on the headrests and rear chrome veneer. For a flash of a moment at first sight you forget everything else around you and just go blank. Then you take a deep breath and gulp. Slowly you walk around this masterpiece and admire the little details inside out and imagine that it is truly a wonderful world.
Individual merino leather upholstery, exclusive alcantara details, 18 speakers with 900 watt power and Steinway Lyra logos on interior features. Bliss!
First look rating: 10/10!