PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
September 2006: a new BMW for every day of the month
Fri Aug 25 12:00:00 CEST 2006 Press Release
Three brand new models and over 30 new derivatives heralds BMW's busiest ever new plate month
Press Contact.
Barbara Brailey
BMW Group
Tel: +44-1344-480-320
Fax: +44-1344-480-306
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Author.
Barbara Brailey
BMW Group
BMW has announced the start of production and prices for a plethora of new
models, making September 2006 BMW's largest ever single month for model
introductions in the UK. A total of 32 new models will arrive, including the
new 3 Series Coupé, the revised X3 Sports Activity Vehicle and, BMW's most
expensive model ever, the new BMW M6 Convertible. New engine derivatives for 3
Series Saloon and Touring, and Exclusive Editions for the 7 Series range, also
join the BMW line up.
BMW 3 Series Coupé:
The third generation of 3 Series Coupé goes on sale in the UK on 23 September
2006. It also marks the introduction of the first ever twin-turbo
petrol-powered engine in a production BMW as well as pioneering High Precision
Direct Injection technology, in the range-topping 335i Coupé.
Two models will be available at launch, the entry-level 2.5-litre 325i SE Coupé
and 3.0-litre 335i SE Coupé (335i denoting the twin-turbo model). The 330i
Coupé, and two three-litre diesel variants, the 330d SE and 335d SE Coupés will
follow in October. Both diesels displace 2,993cc but the 335d SE uses BMW's
Variable Twin Turbocharger technology that, unlike the twin-turbo petrol, uses
different sized turbochargers to generate 286hp and 580Nm of torque. The 330d'
s single turbocharged engine delivers 231hp and 500Nm.
From the front, side and rear, the car is clearly related to other 3 Series
models but has its own, classically elongated, shape. Adopting BMW's typical
Coupé proportions of long wheelbase, short overhangs, long bonnet, cabin set to
the rear and a low, sleek roofline, the new 3 Series Coupé has an elegant
profile. It offers close technical ties to the Saloon and Touring, but
visually contains only three identical parts, the BMW roundel badge, the side
indicators and the door handles.
The new BMW X3:
The new BMW X3 will offer buyers the very latest in engine technology. BMW's
successful Sports Activity Vehicle now comes powered by a total of five
different engines. BMW X3 2.5si and 3.0si models complement three
diesel-powered models - the frugal X3 2.0d up to the headline-grabbing Variable
Twin Turbo 3.0-litre engine in the X3 3.0sd (as in the 535d and 335d models).
Alongside the introduction of new engines, BMW's designers have subtly altered
the car to freshen its appeal and improved the quality of materials and surface
finishes. At the front, a larger kidney grille sits above a redesigned front
bumper and colour-coded spoiler, with the front fog lights now incorporated
into the main section of the bodywork. The X3 3.0sd rides on 18-inch light
alloy wheels as standard while larger twin exhaust pipes protrude from under
the rear valance.
The side profile remains true to the original X3, but the rear new light
clusters feature LED light rods. The styling of the rear bodywork has also
changed with colour-coded panels now extending lower into the bumper.
See attached download document for table of price and performance figures for
X3 models.
BMW M6 Convertible:
The BMW M6 Convertible - the highlight of BMW's stand at the British
International Motorshow - goes on sale in September, priced at £86,400.
Powered by the 5.0-litre V10 International Engine of the Year and using a host
of F1-derived technology, the BMW M6 Convertible combines all the performance
of the M6 Coupé but with the added luxury of open-air motoring.
The new M6 Convertible uses BMW's 4,999cc V10 powerplant to develop 507hp. This
powers the car from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds before going on to an
electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Unchecked, the car could continue
to 200mph. Its sheer performance, alongside the engine's technological
advancements, are just two of the reasons why the worldwide judging panel of
the International Engine of the Year voted the M6's 5.0-litre V10 engine the
world's best for the second year in succession - a 'first' in the history of
the awards.
BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring:
Three new six-cylinder engines and two new six-cylinder diesel engines - 325d
and 335d - will be introduced into the BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring ranges
from September 2006. The 325d Saloon and Touring is set to be a success with
retail and corporate customers alike, while the new high-performance Variable
Twin Turbo 335d will debut in Saloon, Touring and Coupé guise.
Prospective 3 Series Saloon and Touring customers will also be able to choose
the new twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol-powered 335i. These additions will provide
performance-orientated drivers with the widest-ever range of 300+ horsepower
BMW cars in the compact segment.
See attached download document for table of price and performance figures for
all 3 Series models.
BMW 7 Series SE Exclusive Editions:
Having made their world debuts at the British International Motor Show, the BMW
730d SE and 730Ld SE Exclusive Edition models differentiate themselves from
other BMW 7 Series cars with a number of bespoke options.
Buyers can specify a 7 Series Exclusive Edition with a Carbon Black exterior
colour, Gold Brown Merino leather interior complete with Gold Brown piped floor
mats and Piano Black trim. Alternatively, a Stratus Grey car with Ecru Merino
leather and matching Ecru piped floor mats combined with dark-grain Ash wood
trim is offered. Both variants are specified with a bespoke two-colour Sports
steering wheel, anthracite headlining and unique 19-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels.
See attached download document for table of performance figures for 730d and
730Ld models.
The 730d SE Exclusive Edition and 730Ld SE Exclusive Edition in Carbon Black
cost £56,335 and £58,935 on-the-road respectively. The cost of the standard
wheelbase car in Stratus Grey is £55,845. The long-wheelbase version has a
list price of £58,445.
The BMW 7 Series is has achieved unprecedented success following its mid-life
refresh in Spring 2005. 50,000 7 Series models were sold worldwide in 2005,
making it the best-selling luxury executive car, and over 25,000 were sold in
the first six months of 2006. It has also outsold its predecessor (E38),
itself a highly successful car.
End