[.anshuman]

BMW launched the locally manufactured 3 Series GT version in India. Priced at Rs.42,75,000 (Ex-Showroom) it's only available with the 20d Diesel engine for now. 3 GT will be available in the showrooms across the country from March 2014.

The 3 GT has a 520 Litre Luggage compartment, with the rear seats folded the space goes up to 1400 litres. Rear seats can be split folded in 40/20/40 Ratio. The large tailgate is electrically operated.

3 GT gets the same 2 Litre Diesel Engine as the regular 3 Series sedan, tuned to output 184 bhp and 380 nm of torque. The GT version does 0-100 kph in 7.9 seconds(claimed) and top speed is 226 kph.

It also gets the same 8 Speed Automatic transmission as the 3 series sedan.






3 GT gets frame-less doors


Bi-Xenon Lamps & LED Daytime lights Standard


Rear end does not look as bulky as the 5 series GT






The Active rear spoiler, first of its type on a BMW is claimed to reduce some visual bulk and helps to reduce lift at high speeds. The rear spoiler deploys automatically at 110 kph, and slips back in as soon as the speed is lower than 70 kph. The spoiler helps with increased downforce on rear axle.






BMW claims these Air-Breathers on front fender behind the wheel help in reducing the air turbulence in wheel well and also help to reduce aerodynamic drag.










Higher seating is more comfortable than the regular Sedan version. Also, getting in and out requires much less effort.






Rear seat is spacious enough to accomodate six footers in comfort. That's Moderator Vid6639 checking out the rear seat.




The large opening hatch and spacious makes it quite a practical car. Electric closing is standard.


The lid to access under floor storage has a strut to support it.

[.anshuman]

The M6 Gran Coupe will be launched in India as a CBU unit by Mid 2014. The M6 coupe shares the Engine and Drivetrain with the M5 sedan.

[.anshuman]

The most important highlight of the BMW stall in Auto Expo 2014 was the Plug-in Hybrid Sportscar- i8. BMW will launch the i8 as CBU by end of this year.

The i8 uses a combination of electric motor and a 3 cylinder petrol engine. The 131bhp electric drive powers the front axle, while the rear axle is powered by 1.5 Litre Turbo Petrol engine that makes 231 bhp. This combination helps the i8 to hit 0 to 100kph mark in 4.4 seconds and is capable of top speed of 250 kph. Running on just the batteries the i8 can acheive a top speed of 120kph with maximum range of 35 kms.

The Passenger cabin in i8 is made from Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic, while the whole drivetrain, suspension and battery pack rests on an aluminium frame.

BMW i8 acheives an average fuel consumption of 40 kpl in EU test cycle.

[.anshuman]

[.anshuman]

BMW also had the all new third generation X5 SUV on display. The X5 will start rolling off the production line in India by the Third quarter of 2014.

Not much technical details have been shared at Auto Expo but i expect it to be obviously launched with just the 30d Diesel engine. For the first time ever the International X5 will have an option of 2 different 4 cylinder engines apart from regular Six cylinder engine will be offered to customers, not sure whether they will make it to India ever.

[.anshuman]

Apart from main highlights the currently available in market BMWs were on Display too. Have a look at 118d Sports plus, 320d Sports line, 520d Modern line, X1 xLine and the recently launched new Z4.

[.anshuman]

[.anshuman]

MINI India launched the MINI sub-brand - John Cooper Works (JCW) at the Auto Expo:

• JCW accessories include: special exterior accents, interior features and an aerodynamic package
• All retrofit products from the John Cooper Works Accessories are sold as part of the Original MINI Accessories range
• Sale and installation of John Cooper Works Accessories will be carried out at MINI dealerships
• The accessories will not affect the vehicle's warranty in any way
• Besides this, there wasn't anything new showcased at the MINI stall

[.anshuman]

The BMW 7 Series on Display here is the 760 Li Individual Long wheelbase variant. This variant is available on order as CBU.

[.anshuman]

Thread moved here from Assembly line section.

[Rehaan]

WOW. The i8.

I gotta say that finally a manufacturer has launched a car that looks just like a super-futuristic 'concept' car. Initially i had trouble believing that they were actually going to sell it here.

The outside is very futuristic looking, the interiors however are for the most part 'standard BMW'. This however makes sense, since 8 (?) of them are being sold in India, and everything needs to work.

Good luck to Sachin. He gets enough attention wherever he goes, but now he'll have to deal with even more people noticing him as he drives around in his i8!

cya
R

EDIT - Here's a pic:

[karan561]

BMW launched the locally manufactured 3 Series GT version in India. Priced at Rs.42,75,000 (Ex-Showroom) it's only available with the 20d Diesel engine

There was a lot of speculation that the 3 GT will come as a 330d (straight 6 Diesel unit) surprised to see them launching the '20d variant.

Pricing seems just about OK for a niche model & have a feeling will do better than expectation.

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by .anshuman

BMW launched the locally manufactured 3 Series GT version in India.

Excellent coverage Anshuman! The i8 is indeed the star of the pack, but I really liked the 3GT. It really does not have the awkwardness of the previous GT attempt – the 5GT. I checked it out here recently, and the space available is just amazing.

[Amogh Barakol]

These beautiful cars only deserve the best roads ! The level of detail on the i8 is simply amazing ... seeing is believing , when i say that this could be the future of automotive design !

[amansanc]

Great report Anshuman!
The BMW i8 looks absolutely stunning from all angles! But what really caught my attention is the 3GT. It looks good. Has got good space inside. And is even priced decently. I believe it will sell well.

Cheers!
amansanc