Poochandi

May 02, 2010

German luxury carmaker BMW has introduced its new 5 Series sedan in India. Priced between Rs.38.90-lakh and Rs.58-lakh, the new BMW 5 Series will be available in two petrol variants - 535i and 523i - and two diesel variants - 530d and 525d. While the 523i, 525d and 530d will be produced at the BMW's Chennai plant, the 535i will be available as a completely built-up unit.

The sixth generation of BMW's immensely successful luxury car, the 5 Series sedan, boasts a long and contoured engine compartment lid, short overhangs, a coupe-like flowing roofline as well as the longest wheelbase in the segment. The new 5 Series is entering the market with the world's first straight-six petrol engine with twin power turbo, high precision injection and Valvetronic in the 535i giving 306 hp power as well as straight-six petrol engine in the 523i delivering 204 hp.

According to BMW India President Peter Kronschnabl, “The 5 Series is the core model in our product portfolio. Each generation of the 5 Series has been a winner and has played a major role in the company's success around the world. And we intend to keep it that way in India. The 5 Series has significantly contributed to the success and image of BMW in India.” The 5 series accounts for 50 per cent of BMW's total sales globally, while in India it has sold over 3,600 units since 2007.

“With the luxury car market was likely to cross 11,000 units in 2010, BMW was targeting sale of 4,000 units this year. With this, we expect a strong double-digit growth this year,” Mr. Kronschnabl said. In 2009, about 9,000 units of cars were sold in the luxury segment in India. He further said BMW would increase the production capacity in India at its Chennai plant. The current capacity is 3,000 units in single-shift operations per year.