BMW launches the much anticipated Mini Cooper in India
The BMW pavilion at the Auto Expo was packed with a superb collection including the MINI range and the M5, and also the special edition BMW 7 series composition inspired by Steinway & Sons.
BMW had replaced Mercedes as India's largest luxury car manufacturer last year, and this year it is aiming even bigger, by bringing in MINI. The BMW pavilion at the Auto Expo was packed with a superb collection 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 to 184bhp. The Countryman gets the 184 bhp option, the convertible comes with the 122 bhp engine and Cooper S gets both. The MINI range will be quite expensive, as it will come as a CBU. Prices start at INR 25.0 lacs for the hardtop variant and go on till INR 35.0 lacs for the Countryman. Quite steep, considering you get if for around INR 11.0 lacs in Europe. But this just might end up becoming a strong style statement for some.
BMW M5
One of the main attraction at the BMW pavilion was the BMW M5, which is the performance version of the 5-series, built by BMW's performance division. It comes with a 4.4L V8 engine developing 560 bhp and 680 nm of torque. That's super car beating performance by a 4-door sedan. It is also one of the fastest sedans in the world and quite practical too. It can comfortably seat 5 and does 0-100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. It goes on sale at a hefty price tag of INR 95.90 lacs, and that's before you check out the options list. A fully specced M5 would cost at least INR 1.10 crore, and that's serious money for what might seem to be a regular 4-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.
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's just pointless to buy one in India, considering the unnecessary INR 57.0 lac price tag. A good car for long drives when you want to feel the wind on your face. Seats four, if not in utmost comfort.
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. Then you take a deep breath. 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.