Following on from its successful debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2010, the all new BMW X3 has made its debut in the Middle East. Entering a new era in driving dynamics and innovative technology, the second generation model arrives seven years after the world’s most successful premium automotive manufacturer introduced its original X3 Sports Activity Vehicle.

With a totally redesigned exterior and interior, the new X3 model is instantly recognisable as a member of the BMW X family that includes the popular BMW X6, X5 and X1 models.

Recently named ‘Off Roader of the Year 2011’ just weeks after its German launch by Off Road magazine, one of the most important and traditional reader polls in Germany, the new BMW X3 is expected to strengthen BMW’s strong position in the SAV segment with the latest in automotive innovation and technological development.

Commenting on the latest BMW model to arrive in the Middle East, Reiner Braun, Director of Sales and Marketing, BMW Group Middle East said: “The new BMW X3 is a versatile vehicle that now shares many of the design characteristics found in our hugely popular X5 model. With the new sportier design, additional spaciousness and innovative technology that includes the most fuel efficient engines in its class, we expect this new model to build on our successful X model story and contribute to a fruitful year for us in 2011.”

Design
The new striking design accentuations convey urban elegance and versatility. The combination of a flat front and a high rear end indicate the vehicle’s sporting characteristics, whilst the forward-slanting BMW kidney grille, large headlights, powerful looking front apron and the distinctive contoured bonnet signalize self-assured presence. The side view of the new BMW X3 is characterised by a unique interpretation of typical BMW X design features, including powerfully flared wheel arches and the short distance between the front axle and instrument panel.
The modern, high-quality interior has been ergonomically designed to ensure optimum comfort with an outstanding level of spaciousness and comfortable seating for five people. Sporty elegance is highlighted by technology-oriented styling, including an 8.8 inch high-resolution navigation system, the largest on-board monitor in its segment.

BMW ConnectedDrive
Offering an unparalleled choice of driver assist technology functions and mobility services, BMW ConnectedDrive further enhances the comfort, safety and sheer driving pleasure of the new BMW X3. Features include Head-Up Display with new BMW Night Vision, the automotive world’s first system with individual person detection, making driving at night even safer for both driver and pedestrians.
Active and passive warning systems such as the Lane Change and Lane Departure Warnings ensure that the driver stays within lane limits. In addition, the new BMW X3 also comes with a Parking Assistant, an optional feature that facilitates the process of parking; Active Cruise Control; Surround View and Rear View Camera.

Inside the new BMW X3, it is also an option for owners of select BlackBerry smart phones to gain access to their mobile phone’s e-mails, contact lists, messages and calendar entries which can be shown on the control display and read out via the optional voice output. In addition, Bluetooth Audio Streaming enables the driver to listen to music from an audio player or mobile phone without the need for a cable. The title information for the song appears in the vehicle display and can be selected and accessed via the iDrive Controller.

Performance
The second generation model will be available in the Middle East with two new six-cylinder engine variants boasting twin-turbo technology and an eight-speed automatic transmission: the xDrive35i and xDrive 28i. The top-of-the-range xDrive 35i engine with 306bhp enables the X3 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds; the average fuel consumption is just 8.8 litres per 100 km and CO₂ emissions of 204g p/km making the X3 class-leading in terms of performance and fuel efficiency.

BMW EfficientDynamics
The new BMW X3 has been designed around BMW’s robust EfficientDynamics strategy that encompasses many technology innovations to offer outstanding performance and a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emission. In addition, the BMW X3 comes with brake energy regeneration, EPS Electric Power Steering, demand-controlled ancillary components, intelligent lightweight construction and tyres with reduced rolling resistance that all contribute towards lowering fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels.

The new BMW X3 is now available at all BMW importer showrooms across the Middle East, and offers an unrivalled array of design and performance options that raise the bar for all vehicles within its segment even higher.

14.02.2011

The new third generation BMW 6 Series has made its debut in the Middle East, over thirty years after the world’s most successful premium automotive manufacturer launched the first BMW 6 Series model.

Arriving in the region this month, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible has a new interior and exterior design and comes with a wealth of new technology highlights that distinguish the new car from the predecessor model. Offering stylish design, outstanding performance, luxury and sheer driving pleasure, the latest generation model is expected to set trends in the premium car segment.

Design
Although the new BMW 6 Series retains its strong characteristic lines, it has been restyled with a refined modern design. Some new characteristics include a “shark nose” in its front end design giving the car a sense of surging forward, while a broad air intake, strikingly contoured bonnet and muscular wheel arches hint at its powerful engine technology and impressive road holding promise. Meanwhile the luxurious atmosphere of the interior is highlighted by the driver-oriented set up and offers individually tailored seats for the driver, front and rear passengers.

The roof of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible takes just 19 seconds to open and closes within 24 seconds. Both operations can be activated while on the move at speeds of up to 40 km/h.

High-class functionality is underlined prominently in the updated and redesigned Control Display with the iDrive control system. High-quality materials, carefully coordinated colours and, once again, meticulously formed surfaces combine to produce an ambience defined by luxury in the new BMW 6 Series Convertible.

BMW ConnectedDrive
The progressive character of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible is emphasised with numerous BMW ConnectedDrive optional driver assistance technology features for enhanced comfort and safety, some of these include: rear-view camera; Surround View; BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition; and BMW Park Assistant. In addition, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible is the only car in its segment available with a full colour Head-Up Display which projects driving-related information onto the windscreen within the driver’s direct field of view.

Owners of select BlackBerry smart phones can also access the phone's office function via the operating system iDrive. A new Bluetooth interface that integrates the BlackBerry device into the vehicle enables e-mails, contact lists, messages and calendar entries to be received and displayed on the Control Display and even read out by means of an optional voice output function. In addition, Bluetooth Audio Streaming enables the driver to listen to music from an audio player or mobile phone without the need for a cable. The title information for the song appears in the vehicle display and can be selected and accessed via the iDrive Controller.

Performance
The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is available in the Middle East with two engine variants: 650i and 640i, which offer more power and more fuel efficiency than their predecessors. The eight-cylinder power unit in the BMW 650i Convertible produces 407 hp and the BMW 640i Convertible generates 320 hp. Both engines come with BMW TwinPower Turbo power, direct fuel injection and VALVETRONIC technologies team up as standard with an eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox.

Drive Dynamic Control which allows the driver to choose from a range of pre-programmed suspension settings comes as standard, while the Adaptive Drive which helps stabilize the vehicle around corners ensures the premium comfort, safety and driving pleasure for the driver.

Commenting on the launch, Reiner Braun, Director of Sales and Marketing, BMW Group Middle East said: “Our Convertible models are important for the company as they reiterate the athletic appeal and sportiness of the brand. The new generation 6 Series will add a new chapter to a tradition of impressive open-top cars that stretches back decades - and we have no doubt that it will be a popular addition to our Middle East portfolio.”

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible is available at BMW importers across the Middle East and will be joined by the new BMW 6 Series Coupé in the second half of 2011.

01.03.2011

Muscat - The BMW Upgrade program offers customers an opportunity to upgrade from their current vehicle to a brand new BMW. The month long campaign is currently running at Al Jenaibi International Automobiles, the official importer of BMW in Oman.

The BMW Upgrade Programme allows customers in Oman to experience the joy of driving a brand new BMW vehicle, by exchanging their current BMW vehicles on the condition that they are not more than five years old. The campaign also offers the owners of BMW vehicles, and non-BMW brand vehicles the opportunity to benefit from complimentary vehicle evaluation, attractive trade-in prices on their current cars, exclusive financing deals, exciting BMW loyalty exchange bonus vouchers and the option of test-driving BMW models.

Rachid Zamani, General Manager, Al Jenaibi International Automobiles said, “Our Exchange Carnival is part of our continuous efforts to provide premium quality products and services to our customers, and offer them a premium ownership experience that consistently exceeds their expectations and recognises their loyalty."

The BMW Exchange Carnival is running at the Al Jenaibi International Automobiles showroom in Al-Qurum.

29.05.2011

Munich. Thanks to its segment-leading dynamic handling and versatility, the new BMW X3 has emerged as a highly successful model in the international car markets within a matter of months. The fact that it also assumes an exemplary role on the safety front has now been confirmed by Europe’s leading crash test programme. In the latest Euro NCAP crash test, the BMW X3 achieved the highest rating of 5 stars. The second-generation Sports Activity Vehicle earned its top marks in this challenging test for new vehicles thanks to its comprehensive range of standard safety equipment and effective occupant protection in various types of collision.

Achieving the best rating in the Euro NCAP crash test is proof of the very high level of the safety concept developed for the BMW X models. The new BMW X3 boasts an extremely stable body structure, and the forces exerted on the vehicle in a collision are deflected along precisely defined load paths and absorbed by generous deformation zones. Consequently, the passenger cell fulfils its function as a survival space even in serious collisions. Standard safety equipment inside the new BMW X3 includes front, side and curtain head airbags that protect both the driver and the passengers from injury. Also standard are belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters for the front seats and ISOFIX systems in the rear for attaching child seats, as well as the option of deactivating the front passenger airbag. The restraint systems are controlled by the central safety electronics, which take into account the type and severity of an accident to trigger the most effective protective features in each case.

In their evaluation of the crash test results, the assessors concluded that the new BMW X3 provides a high degree of occupant safety in all seats. Its stable passenger cell provides comprehensive injury protection in a front-end collision for both the driver and the passengers, regardless of a person’s size and the position of their seat. Here the Sports Activity Vehicle was awarded outstanding ratings for the protection of children aged around three years or 18 months in the relevant-sized child seats. For its side impact protection, the BMW X3 likewise achieved the maximum available points.

The new BMW X3 earned an outstanding rating for its active safety features as well. The Sports Activity Vehicle comes as standard with the Dynamic Stability Control system (DSC), which is linked to BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. Thanks to its wide-ranging functions, including Braking Assistant, Cornering Brake Control and the traction mode DTC (Dynamic Traction Control), Dynamic Stability Control ensures easily controllable and secure handling even in challenging driving situations. Further standard features on the BMW X3 include a Tyre Defect Indicator that warns the driver in good time of a loss of pressure in any individual wheel.

The test procedure of the NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) ranks as one of the most rigorous tests worldwide to which new vehicles are subjected. The Euro NCAP test is a benchmark for crash safety recognised throughout Europe by governments, automobile clubs and consumer associations. The test profile includes, among other aspects, a frontal collision, a side-on crash and a side impact against a steel post. Since 2009, electronic safety features have also been taken into account, along with additional injury risks in a wide range of collisions.

Last year the Munich premium automobile manufacturer was distinguished by the safety testing institute Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) with a special award for the BMW Assist Advanced eCall, the advanced emergency call system with automatic localisation and accident severity detection which is also available for the BMW X3.

12.09.2011

BMW Group Middle East has confirmed that the sixth generation of the new BMW 3 Series sedan – the world's best-selling premium car – will go on sale in the Middle East at the end of February 2012.

Having sold 12.5 million cars since its launch in 1975, the BMW 3 Series continues to be BMW Group's best-selling model series consistently accounting for more than a quarter of the company's global sales. In 2010, every third BMW sold was a 3 Series. The success story of the 3 Series over the past 37 years has made it the world's best-selling premium car.

The new powerful design elements include a new BMW face, with flat headlights reaching along as far as the BMW kidney grille. This emphasises the elegantly dynamic design of the new BMW 3 Series, which has increased in length (+93mm), width (front +37mm, rear +47mm) and wheelbase (+50mm) compared to the predecessor model, giving the car an elegant and athletic silhouette.

Inside the new BMW 3 Series, the noticeable increase in space means significant benefit for the rear passengers. The classic BMW interior surfaces and lines flow over the instrument panel towards the front passenger side of the cabin, where they form a smooth and protective border. The cockpit wraps around the driver and ensures that all important functions are within easy reach.

Drive and chassis technology have always been key areas of expertise for the brand, and agility and driving dynamics remain outstanding attributes of the new BMW 3 Series. A choice of two powerful four-cylinder engines: 335i and 328i with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and TwinPower Turbo technology will be available for the new 3 Series offering more EfficientDynamics technology that make the new 3 Series more economical and lower in pollutant emissions compared to the predecessor model.

BMW EfficientDynamics technology includes the new Driving Experience Control switch which comes with four driving programmes allowing the driver to choose between sporty, ultra sporty, comfortable and extremely economical driving. ECO PRO mode, a new feature on the 3 Series, helps drivers maximise fuel economy through their driving style, thereby enabling them to increase the distance they can travel on each tank of fuel.

Under the umbrella of BMW ConnectedDrive, features that give the driver and passengers information and services to help make their driving experience safer and more comfortable, the new BMW 3 Series offers the latest-generation full-colour Head-Up Display, which projects key information in 3D onto the windscreen so it appears directly in the driver’s field of view. Also available is Surround View with Side View and Top View, which gives a bird’s-eye perspective of the vehicle and the area around it.

Commenting on the soon to be launched new BMW 3 Series, Joerg Breuer, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East said: "With the global success story of the BMW 3 Series, it's a model that is not only important, but one which makes us feel very proud so launching the latest generation is always a milestone for the company. The new car is bigger, sportier and more dynamic so we are very much looking forward to launching it across the Middle East together with our importers in February 2012."

13.12.2011