The new concept showcases long wheelbase, a stretched bonnet, shorter overhangs and smooth roofline, this gives this vehicle an extensive dynamic appeal even before you start the engine or move the wheels. Enhancing the side profile of the vehicle is the convex tapering that provides dynamic elegance to the vehicle. The exterior shows the coordination between the design and the power captured by its V12 engine under the hood. Overall the vehicle looks extremely dynamic with the smoothly declining roofline that extends towards the rear.

The interior of the vehicle showcases the blend of contemporary sophistication and luxury. The vehicle’s unique merge of exclusiveness, comfort and sporty look makes it an incredible interior experience for the driver and co-passenger. The fluidic and dynamic geometry of the cockpit and the classy focus on the driver from BMW has rendered a new touch to the vehicle with the unique design interventions from the house of Pininfarina.

Well, these days, the soon going to launch A-Class is creating good amount of hype in India as being targeted to youths. Automaker too is having more expectation for this newbie, and even a contest is also run on Facebook and Twitter for the louder sounding promotional activities. Adding more to it, Kern said, “The youth as well as the women in India today are independent and are making decisions on their own. The A Class will surely satisfy their needs,” which means women are also in the list of its soft targets.

Taking a look at the A Class, one can say that it is a new segment in the industry and Mercedes Benz is an initial auto brand to crack down the dilemma of hatchback in a pricey manner. We think now the compact SUVs had taken over the league from hatchbacks, and MB seems to be a late entrant in the fight where some of the market shares are also in the favor of BMW’s MINI, as had been in India for quite long time and is also proving worth to the money value as well exclusivity.

Lest, the wait and watch mantra will keep momentum going and would also let us know what the future had stored in for us.

Engine and Performance:

Starting from the main change in this newbie, BMW had deployed 8 speed gearbox unlike to that of 7 speed on the previous generation, feels quick, smooth, and can maintain really high speed at lower RPMs, and at the same time efficient too. Must say, it was a need of the hour on such a costly bug, which now the Bavarian had fuelled our desire fruitfully. The cruising part will also not let you down on the rush. Talking about engine, 7 Series facelift holds the same 2993cc straight-six diesel jag, but as learnt the power is enhanced by 9 bhp and even 0-100 km/h is also upped by a complete whole second, claiming plot at 6.6 second. Lower range is pretty good but if one rally wants to face the heat of engine, then he need to dab at mid range, it will take the same plight till the pointer reaches red line, leaving us with a different sort of experience behind the steering wheel. Here, we are thanking BMW for bestowing us with the 8 speed gearbox, which it had sorted out almost all the lacking that was witnessed on past generation’s drivetrain. Even more, for those who chooses efficiency over the performance, there are four modes to choose from suiting their driving experience, out of which one is Eco Pro, it damps down the throttle responses and adjust the air con to reduce load on engine for maximum efficiency. Just like old 7 Series, new ones also rides smoothly, but at the higher revs there feels a vertical movement on rear seats, and specifically when the mode selected is “Comfort”, while it reduces a bit when the tagging is shifted to “Sports”  but it doesn’t get healed completely.

Interiors:

BMW 7 Series is for those who always want to be lugged around by luxury, not even missing a thing even when they are travelling. One can conclude that, it is whole office, running in the form of a yacht, and gobbles up everything that is thrown to it on the roads (or tarmacs). Taking the pitch at rear seats, it is the place where most of its customers would spend time, rather than the pilot position, is now trimmed from sides and made slimmer than before so that one may get a clear view of what is going on the front, and too it feels airy. Cabin is more silent than before, seems BMW had taken the complaints of existing customers seriously and had yielded improved insulation on the skirts. Really, the outer world tends to get disconnected when one sits inside ‘BMW 7 Series facelift’. Remarkable flip on this 7 from inside is new chrome strips running across the dashboard, giving luxurious temptation for just an additional half notch and the brand new instrumentation makes our eyes refreshed, which was sore seeing the same for quite a long time, and as well they also change color depending upon the driving mode selected. In last, iDrive system has also been updated to get the proper derivations of “facelift” tagging.

Exteriors:

There are not much of the remarkable changes on exteriors; one literally has to view under the microscope for getting new things spotted out. Well, we just are the auto fanatics, so we did our job without using microscope, and hence brought down to you the differentiation, Naming them on fronts, kidney grilles now sport only 9 slats instead of 12 in the previous generation and is also positioned in a bit upright manner, new LED corona rings, and the all new yet fresh and sporty front fender, stretched across the overall front to suck air away from tyre to reduce the drag. At rear the tail lamps are all new and a chrome strip runs cross the back to ensure luxury and niche factor from every bit.

Conclusion:

BMW 7 Series facelift is powerful and more luxurious than the previous generation, which the Bavarian had worked significantly in the areas which it was lacking previously; naming them cabin noise was terrific in the old ones. Gearbox is boon to new generation and really had screeched tremendous improvement on the drive, not just on papers. Taking comparison with all its leading competitors, (old) flagship 7 Series was dooming in the dark by new tweaks on Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ. We are now eagerly waiting for the Mercedes Benz to answer this with its new S Class.

Engine

• Type    6 cyls, 2993cc, turbo-diesel
• Power    255bhp at 4000rpm
• Torque    57kgm at 1500rpm

Transmission

• Gearbox    8-speed automatic

Dimensions

• Length    5219mm
• Width    2142mm
• Height    1481mm
• Wheel base    3210mm

Chassis & Body

• Tyres    245/55 R17

Recently, the German car manufacturer’s facility in the city of Chennai was probed by the tax functionaries in this regard.

The tax group thinks that the auto giant imported vehicles via semi-knocked down (SKD) way and paid full fledge tarrifs for completely-knocked down (CKD) vehicles.

The custom duty for SKD path remains at 30% whilst for CKD way, it stays at 10%.

“An examination is going on by the authorities at the company’s Chennai-based facility. We are giving full assistance to the authorities in the inspection procedure,” stated the company’s spokesperson.

“It is not only BMW even other luxury vehicle manufacturers in the nation are following the similar technique and have avoided tariffs around Rs 2,000 crore. These automobile makers are provided tax rebate in order to hearten local fabrication divisions. But, they have not gone in for indigenization of constituents as the sales quantity doesn’t validate it,” added a tax representative.

The headship for German manufacturer comes in a period of 12 months of its edging past Mercedes Benz, the other associate German company.

BMW sold around 1,410 vehicle units during the initial quarterly period of this year (January-March 2013), a downslope of 40 per cent as compared to the 2,369 vehicle units it sold during the corresponding period of 2012.

Audi sold approximately 2,616 vehicle units during the corresponding period at an augmentation of 15 per cent as against the 2,269 vehicle units the firm sold during the initial quarterly period of 2012.

Mercedes Benz remained ahead of BMW during the initial quarterly period as it marketed around 2,009 vehicle units at an increase of around 5 per cent during the period under review (Jan-Mar) 2013 as against it sold 1908 vehicle units during the corresponding period of 2012.

Mr. Michael Perschke, Audi India’s head, stated that the firm is positive of holding its top position.

“It is like a Formula One rivalry. The top group, the most excellent approach and the unsurpassed teamwork will turn out to be the champion. As a result, we are optimistic that we possess a grand group and we will fight head-to-head with rivalry,” Mr. Michael Perschke.

But, BMW stated that it is not bothered as it lost headship during first quarterly period.

“The BMW group is a very successful firm and carries on striving for a worldwide equilibrium in sales. As a result, we are not in a monthly contest in individual zones,” BMW’s representative added.

The marketplace had been buzzing with expectations of a management for Audi following BMW denied to share its sale facts with SIAM. Even as Siam officials showed anger over the move, BMW functionaries justified their negative response, stating SIAM rolls out wholesale facts (firm’s sales to traders) whilst it announces retail facts (sales lodged by traders).

The luxury vehicles market in the Indian market is expected to develop quickly by the coming time as the financial system begins picking speed and the figure of millionaires as well as billionaires go up.

At this time, the luxury vehicles market in the domestic market is sized at approximately 30,000 vehicles every year, though the deceleration in the economic system has experienced some force on demand.

New BMW-ay is made available in petrol as well as diesel variants, and would commence deliveries from 1st May 2013.

There are not so differentiated tweaks on the newbie; it carries off almost those similar stances, but under the refreshing breeze of cosmetic dose. Upright front kidney grilles, some blinks at rear, minute tit-bits on inside, are those few doses which can be named right now in short.

But commencing in full details it is revoked, interiors are carried with quality conscious efforts, costly metal and wood inputs, best in the class craftsmanship, practicality and more importantly the design of cockpit, which tells that whether the buyer is a passenger or a driver he will not feel the awkward on any of the places. Very instantly, we also had realized that it is the best place to rest inside because no noise enters the cabin once when the doors are locked. Ambient lighting also enhances the experience to various additional notches.

That was all for the build quality, when taken steps towards technicalities it is realized that new BMW 7 Series is following the same traits of its predecessors, claiming to be the best in those terms which it had been known for the past five generations. The BMW iDrive (on-board Driver Information system) and BMW Professional (Integrated Global Positioning System – GPS) with hard drive storage and 25.9 cm high resolution display are the standard fitments in new 7 Series.

Before getting onto the other feasibility, the new BMW 730Ld will be built at Chennai plant of India whilst of the other trims to be imported from abroad in CBU form.

The fresh 730Ld boasts BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder-in-line diesel engine assimilated with eight speed automatic transmission, prowling out 258 bhp, something seriously more than the previous model, and the peak torque of 560 Nm @ 1500 RPM, reaching 0-100 kmph inm just 6.2 seconds under the top reaching hat of 250 kmph.

Driving Control Switch inside the cabin helps the driver to choose from driving modes namely ECO, PRO, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ to suit his driving condition.

At last, the safety features are also not yet overlooked, Active Protection system recognizes the collision risks and very instantly tightens the front seat belt, closes window and sunroof to avoid injury risk.

Commenting on this beauty, Mr. Philipp von Sahr , President Group India said, “ For seven decades the flagship from BMW has stunned the world through the highest level of style and contemporary luxury with maximum driving dynamics. It represents the best we have to offer. The new BMW 7 Series makes also with its functionality. It achieves something extraordinary: you enjoy being a passenger as much as a driver,” which we find very true in all the aspects of newbie.

As well all know that Bavarian Motor Works had made its fresh flagship in the petrol as well variants, flaunting an image of unmatched luxurious comfort, sporting elegance and refined powertrain technology (to follow the fuel-efficiency trend here), mentioned below are the prices of its respective trims which are now headed towards showroom of the German carmaker in India:

• BMW 730Ld: INR 92,90,000
• BMW 740Li: INR 1,12,70,000
• BMW 750Li: INR 1,29,10,000
• BMW 760Li: INR 1,73,00,000

“The most successful 7 Series ever, the fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series is prepared for the second phase of its life. This is the most extensive overhaul a BMW model have ever seen. As the benchmark in the luxury segment, it now boasts considerably enhanced product substance that provides unmatched levels of luxury, comfort and technology” said Sahr while signing off from the event.

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If the reports from the guys in Autoblog about the new upcoming mode are to be believed, it has got much cleaner interiors BMW when compared to its older sibling i.e. I series coupe. The cleanliness is quite evident with the lesser number of buttons on the central control panel. Other than the reduced number of buttons the dashboard has also received an overhaul in the design theme.

The seat has been trimmed to suit the combination of the suede and cloth with same being carried away to the doors also. The 2 series is also hoped to inherit a new iDrive system that will be operated via larger screens that stands at the middle of the centre console system. From the pictures it is also evident that the new upcoming coupe will also get the German auto maker’s fuel efficient Ecopro system.

The series is expected to hire the same trim and gearbox as it older sibling 1 series coupe. The 2 series will most probably be hitting the market by next year.

Image Courtesy -  www.autoguide.com

Naming the model plates, Mini Cooper D Countryman and Mini Cooper D Countryman High – diesel variants, and the only petrol trim – Mini One Countryman are the names which have been selected for local manufacturing, while the rest of them will still continue their ongoing CBU routes, yet no information on their localization. Mini One Countryman is the lowest priced Mini in the repertoire of carmaker here, standing thoughtfully at a band of Rs. 23,50,000.

Chennai plant of BMW is the facility chosen to build these smart yet cute pieces of metal, where the same manufacturing bay also shares its production line with BMW 3 Series, 5 Series X1 and X3, which will soon be upgraded to the matching technicalities for models namely 1 Series and BMW 7 Series facelift.

For now it is a wait and watch game, and we hope soon be revealing other amazing news in coming days.

Meanwhile, one can check out the price list of entire Mini range available in India:

• Mini Cooper: Rs 26,60,000
• Mini Cooper S: Rs 29,90,000
• Mini Cooper Convertible: Rs 32,50,000
• MINI ONE Countryman: Rs 23,50,000
• MINI Cooper D Countryman: Rs 25,60,000
• MINI Cooper D Countryman High: Rs 28,90,000
• MINI Cooper S Countryman: Rs 34,20,000
• MINI Cooper S Countryman High: Rs 37,50,000

(all prices are ex showroom)

Lest us to be clear, the answer is BMW X4, a crossover, with mild combination of elder sibling BMW X5 and younger bro X3.

Taking a overall look, it surfaced, X4 enjoys a bit distinct ruling than the entire range as possessed with remarkably larger air damp on the front with some chrome stances and black trim on it. The traditional kidney grilles, need not to be mentioned, remains an un-skipped custom even on this Bimmer, while a large sculpted hood completes it all. LED headlights made to run in day time as well, so the glamour quotient of coupe like structure could be visible in a first galore, which we can say is derived from the metal screech at rear, dwelling both door handles underneath and giving swift-y looks on board.

Reclining roof line at rear clearly drags resemblance to the elder metal, whilst of LED taillights, fresh rear bumpers, dual exhausts, integrated underbody protection and other plastic cladding on sidelines makes X4 a complete new package.

BMW had not yet revealed the tech specifications but we expect 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo with four cylinder producing 240 bhp and 352 Nm of torque, and another option of 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo inline six with 300 bhp and 406 Nm or torque to remain in future plans for only some of the selected markets.

In actual these images are of the conceptual model and we hope all design to remain same for production spec too, not many changes on them, as are slated to land by early 2014.

We can say, Audi just be ready with your Qs! masters are here to conquer with frugal sorts of strides, as already those other Bavarians are heating the competition to core.

Lastly, Long Beach Blue paint job is the most soothing component to our eyes; what is it cooling underneath is not yet known, meanwhile do you have any of the guesses!

This issue was first brought to public notice by China Central Television, which was then diverted into active force by DPAC, as was reported a strong odor inside the car by their owners that was inclining them towards unpleasant feel of bitumen fumes, considered to be dangerous for human beings due to “carcinogens” being its content.

Shredding off the dust from their shoulders, Mercedes Benz salesman said to a media – Chinese Daily that the bitumen used in their makes are completely different form the one which is used for making roads, as it is modified with polymers. To an addition, it is a famous material in global auto industry and is not harmful at all.

On the same side of flip, a spokesperson of Mercedes Benz said to Chinese Daily, “We would like to assure all of our customers that Mercedes-Benz uses no materials in the making of our cars that represent any health risks and is fully cooperating with the authorities to gain their recognition and support for this view,”

Meanwhile, no one has contacted from BMW to the media, nor so had released any sort of explanation by means of press release and other such materials.

On conclusion, if DPAC will find that bitumen is used to avoid noise or vibrations then the automakers will be burgeoned with hefty fines and would also have to recall all the affected metals.

It is not that limited, DPAC too is urging car owners to file a complaint on their official website, who had found bitumen under the floormats.