There have been very strong rumours of BMW plonking a diesel powerplant to its M series products and it looks now that the rumours have been confirmed. The confirmation has come as a big surprise because BMW has armed not just 1 but 4 models with the diesel power-trains. The diesel engine they get is the turbocharged, 3.0 litre, inline, six cylinder engine with all the cars having All Wheel Drive feature. But don’t get too excited because it’s not coming to India soon. Rather these diesel powered models will be available for sale only in the European markets. The 4 models to get the diesel treatment are the M550d xDrive sedan, M550d xDrive touring, the X5 M50d and the X6M50d.

All these models are powered by the inline, straight, tri-turbocharged common rail diesel technology specifically developed for the M Performance range. This engine delivers a power output of 376 BHP at 4000 RPM and 545 lb-ft of peak torque between 2000 and 3000 RPM. Compared to the diesel X5 and the X6, the M series engine boasts of an increase of 74 BHP of power and 103 lb-ft of torque and an increase of 80 BHP of power and 103 lb-ft of torque compared to the 535d. The 3.0 litre engine is mated to an 8 speed automatic gearbox and power delivery to the wheels happen through BMW’s standard xDrive AWD technology.

The M diesel cars feature a hydraulic steering system that has been taken from the M5 and not the standard electro-mechanical steering while the X5 and X6 use the same as those used on the X5 M and the X6 M. All the models are electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph and return a fuel economy figure ranging between 6.4 litres/100km to 7.7litres/100km. The M550d does the 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.6 seconds while the X5M50d and X6M50d do the same sprint in 5.4 and 5.3 seconds respectively. BMW is planning to officially showcase these models at the up-coming Geneva Motor Show to be held in March.

BMW India’s showcase at the 2012 Auto Expo was little drowned down due to the launch of the MINI range by the company. However, there were three very interesting showcases at the BMW stall. The first was the BMW Vision Connected Drive Concept, which is a two-seat roadster which features an advanced head-up display which displays key information in the sight of the driver in a three-dimensional form. The Concept is equipped with a freely programmable instrument clister to provide the driver with information which he wants. The co-passenger also gets their own display which allows them to evaluation information, music and navigation and pass them to the driver with a touch of a finger. The ConnectedDrive demonstrates the interaction between the driver and passenger and how networking between them can be taken to the next level.

The second showcase was the 2012 BMW M5, which was launched at the Auto Expo. Priced at Rs. 95.90 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi), the new M5 is powered by a massive 8-cylinder 4.4-liter unit which produces an insane power of 560 hp at 6000 – 7000 RPM and 680 Nm of torque between 1500 – 5750 RPM. The high revving M Twin Power Turbo consists of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, a cross bank exhaust manifold, high precision direct injection and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control. The result is 100 kmph in just 4.4 seconds, 200 kmph in just 13 seconds and a top speed of 305 kmph.

The third showcase was the BMW 3-Series Convertible. The 330d Convertible is on priced at Rs. 57 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is powered by a 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder diesel engine, producing 245 BHP of peak power at 4000 RPM and 520 Nm of peak torque at 1750-3000 RPM. For the wind in your hair feeling, the 330d Convertible will happily sprint to 100 kmph in 6.4 seconds and is limited to a top speed of 250 kmph. It has all features of the 330d Highline and the top retracts electronically in 20 seconds.

BMW India has launched the 2012 M5, priced at Rs. 95.9 lakhs (ex-showroom). The new BMW M5 is brought in as a CBU. The new BMW M5 is powered by a 4.4-liter V8 motor which produces 560 hp of power, thanks to the M TwinPower Turbo technology. The BMW M5 can reach from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.4 seconds and 0 to 200 kmph in 13 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 kmph. BMW also showcased the Vision ConnectedDrive concept study. The car features driver assistance, online applications, call center services and solutions for the integration of mobile devices.

BMW has revealed its plans for the upcoming Auto Expo. The German automajor will be launching MINI in India with the introduction of the MINI, MINI Convertible and MINI Countryman. Some of the MINI vehicles have already reached BMW dealerships but are not on display yet. BMW will setup and individual dealership network for MINI. BMW will position the MINI as a premium brand, so don’t expect prices to be competitive. The German automaker will also showcase the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive concept study. The 2012 BMW M5 (based on the F10 5-Series) will be launched at a price of Rs. 99 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi). A limited-edition version of the BMW Individual 7-Series will be showcased which takes inspiration from piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons. BMW will also display the complete range of BMW vehicles at the Auto Expo 2012, including the X1, X3, 3-Series, 5-Series, etc.

The MINI Countryman S was spied at a BMW Dealership in New Delhi. This 5-door, 4-seater vehicle could be the top of the line MINI on offer for India. Picture courtesy of CnB Fan Page on Facebook.

BMW could also exhibit the i8 Concept, which is used by Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. It is the successor to the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics.

BMW seems to be on a collaborating streak. Just recently the German automaker announced its plans to partner with Toyota and now the Bavarian is in talks with General Motors to jointly develop fuel cell technology. This partnership between BMW and the Detroit giant will be a huge opportunity for both car makers to leverage each others expertise. The talks between BMW and General Motors are at a very advanced stage and we can hear announcements from them any time in the near future. A co-operation agreement will be signed wherein both parties will be in a win-win situation.

What this co-operation would mean to both companies is still unclear but BMW would get access to General Motors fuel cell technology (current and future), while GM will be able to reduce its R&D costs with the financial contribution from BMW in terms of research costs. Both BMW and General Motors are silent on the tie-up but agree that they are in discussion. Could BMW also use technology of the Volt in their own cars?

BMW’s big SUV, the X6 has been around for quite a long time and it has received mixed reviews from critics and the customers alike about different aspects. However, for those who love outright accelerations, there is big news for them. If rumours are to be believed, the new X6 M50d is alleged to do the 0 to 100 kmph acceleration in just 4.9 seconds! That is unbelievable considering it is such a big, bulky SUV and equipped with a diesel. This is the first diesel from the M division which is the performance division of the German auto giant. The fun doesn’t stop here though. Added to it, it is said that the diesel engine developed by M division will produce 381 BHP of power and 740 Nm of deadly torque.

Do you think this is going to be the one of the fastest BMW? Then think again. Rumour has it that the M50d’s step brother, the BMW M550D xDrive will also be sporting the same powertrain thus making the car clock 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.7 seconds! The diesel engine is a tri-turbo 6 cylinder diesel engine with lot of technology and innovation going into its development. BMW expects a fuel consumption figure of 6.3 litre per 100 km or 38 MPG while CO2 emission levels will be around 165 g/km. The M division will be offering the M50d with a revised front hood included as an option number 348. Production of the X6 M50d is supposed to start by April 2012.

The Japanese auto major, Toyota and the Bavarian auto giant, BMW have entered into a partnership in which the two companies will be jointly conducting research on new battery technologies and green vehicles and BMW will be supplying diesel engines to the Japanese auto company. In addition to the extensive battery research on the lithium-ion storage technologies, the companies will also be discussing on environmental technology projects. The Toyota-BMW deal seems to be a win-win strategy for both the companies. Toyota doesn’t have a good line-up of diesel engines with itself. With the BMW partnership, Toyota will be sourcing the BMW diesel engines and increase its presence in the diesel dominated markets like Europe and India.

BMW has a strong engine portfolio but is slightly lacking in expertise on future green technologies and also advanced battery technologies. With Toyota already having significant experience in this line, BMW can take advantage of this expertise to develop better cars for the future. Also, Toyota sourcing diesel engines from BMW will help the Bavarian company to increase its economies of scale by reducing the cost per single engine manufactured. It is expected that Toyota will be sourcing the 1.6-liter and the 2.0-liter engines from BMW starting 2014. This is the first time; Toyota is sourcing engines from any outside supplier. Earlier, Toyota used to supply diesel engines of 1.6-liter capacity to BMW for its MINI from 2002 to 2005.

BMW has launched its pre-owned car business today, known as the BMW Premium Selection. Owners also have the option of taking BMW India roadside assistance 24 x 365 along with a BMW engaged dedicated team of trained engineers. One can find a used BMW of their choice using the dedicated options on BMW India’s website here. The cars can also be bought on Finance at 13% rate of interest from BMW Financial Services. Available at 7 showroom across India – Bird Automotive (Gurgaon), Krishna Automobiles (Ludhiana), Infinity Cars (South Mumbai), Bavaria Motors (Pune), Navnit Motors (Bangalore), KUN Exclusive (Chennai) and KUN Exclusive (Hyderabad). BMW Premium Selection will take luxury used car market to a more organized level.

“A BMW Premium Selection vehicle offers an entry into the world of driving pleasure and is 100% BMW without any exceptions. We stand behind every BMW Premium Selection vehicle for guaranteed quality and premium services. At the same time, BMW Premium Selection is an official promise of quality to demanding customers which guarantees certain standards,” Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India, said.

Some deals from BMW Premium Selection

1) BMW 325i – Rs. 25 lakhs
2) BMW M5 – Rs. 75 lakhs
3) BMW 730Ld – Rs. 67.90 lakhs

Every used BMW vehicle will be accompanied with full, detailed history about servicing, maintenance and repairs. The company will do a 360 degree check completely refurbish each car technically and visually before sale. All the cars are less than 5-years old and have clocked less than 1.2 lakh kms. They have been carefully selected and are examined for quality. The German automaker will offer 24 months / 2 lakh kms warranty on all vehicles purchased through BMW Premium Selection.

- Naveen Chaliya
Special Correspondent

BMW India has launched a special campaign called the BMW Xperience 2011 at Gurgaon, NCR Region from 16th to 23rd October, 2011. A test course has been specially designed for this event to show off the prowess of the various BMW cars. It has been designed exclusively be a team of international experts and features 10 simulated obstacles where each obstacle brings out a unique feature of the BMW X range. Here you can experience the BMW X5, the BMW X6 and the all new BMW X3, of course under the supervision of trained BMW drivers. Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President BMW India, said, “BMW Group is a pioneer in creating new vehicle segments. The entire Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) was created by BMW. The BMW xDrive is one of the most advanced examples of a four-wheel drive systems in use today’s world. The BMW Xperience is a one of its kind event, being organized at such large scale in India. This is an exciting opportunity to experience the superiority of the BMW X range of SAVs in a stimulating and safe off-road environment.”

The BMW XDrive system incorporates an all wheel drive system that monitors the driver’s driving continuously and accordingly distributes the power between the axles. Under normal driving conditions, it does a 40:60 torque split between front and rear. However, if there is any sudden change in requirements on account of differences in the friction values between the road surface and the driven wheels or because of the driving situation, the torque split can be varied within a fraction of a second without the driver even becoming aware of the change In India, the xDrive feature is standard in the all new X3 (xDrive20d, xDrive30d), the X5(xDrive50i, xDrive30d) and the X6 (xDrive 50i, xDrive30d).