BMW has married the adventurous spirit of its X series with the performance of the M series to offer connoisseurs the BMW X5 M and the X6 M.

The top of the line luxury segment vehicles, priced between ₹1.5 crore and ₹1.6 crore, are meant to strengthen the German carmaker’s positioning as an aspirational brand. Also, they take advantage of the relatively stable, high-end niche in the luxury automobiles segment.

Combining features

Addressing media-persons at the all-India launch of the two models, Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India, said the company has brought together the power, all-wheel drive and off-road capability of its X series and the racing genes of the M series to offer its customers the five-seater X5 M and the luxury sports activity coupe, the X6 M.

It is also opening a chain of M Studio flagship stores. The first has been opened in Mumbai. More are planned in major cities, von Sahr said. Both offerings strengthen BMW’s line-up in the domestic market, where it has launched 14 models in the current year, with one more in the offing, he said, adding that 2015 was a ‘remarkable year’ for BMW.

Last year, BMW sold over 6,000 units and in the current year the trend is positive on growth, von Sahr said.

He did not give specific numbers; BMW shares these only at the year-end. He added that the headquarters has recognised that India is a stable market among emerging economies with Brazil, China and Russia facing challenges. The company is continuously investing in India with its production facility in Chennai increasing local content to about 50 per cent.

Increased localisation gives it more flexibility and higher profitability.

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