The Hindu Business Line : BMW powers up 3-Series with new Highline variant

Competition is good for the market. Good for the manufacturers and good for customers. The proof is there to see in the super luxury passenger car market. Mercedes enz, the established player in the segment, reacted to the entry of its biggest German competitor BMW, by quickening the launch of the new 2007 C-Class.

Now, it is the turn of BMW to react and take on the competition from the new C, by launching the year 2008 version of the 3-Series. The new 3-Series is essentially the same on the outside, but additions have been made to the trim, and the engines have been tweaked to squeeze out more power from the same basic mills, both petrol and diesel.

So, the 1,995cc common rail diesel engine's peak power has received a boost to about 170bhp from the earlier 156bhp. Similarly, in the 320i, the two-litre petrol engine's power has gone up to 158bhp from about 137bhp and the 2.5-litre petrol engine in the 325i is now rated at 215bhp compared to the earlier 195bhp.

A few new features have also been added to the 2008 BMW 3 Series, which include Xenon headlights as well as chrome door surrounds for a sportier look, and glass roofs as standard fitment on all models.

By popular customer demand BMW has also introduced the BMW 320d in a new trim called Highline.

This new diesel variant of the BMW 3 Series comes with added features including iDrive functionality and a Hi- Fi loudspeaker system.

With more powerful and efficient engines and a wide range of enhancements such as new light alloy wheel rims, glass roofs and Xenon lights now standard on all models, the BMW 3 Series' reputation of being an elegant sports sedan has received a boost.

The ex-showroom prices of the BMW 3 Series are as follows: BMW 320i - Rs 27 lakh; BMW 325i - Rs 33 lakh; BMW 320d - Rs 29.7 lakh; and BMW 320d Highline - Rs 30.7 lakh These prices are applicable across all BMW dealerships in India.

The latest BMW 3 Series models are also being offered in an exclusive range of paint finishes - Black Sapphire, Monaco Blue, Titanium Silver and Sparkling Graphite - and luxurious upholstery materials - Dakota Leather Black, Dakota Leather Grey and Dakota leather Beige.

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