BMW 9 Series to debut at 2014 Beijing Auto Show

BMW will debut an all new car and an all new nomenclature, the 9 Series at the upcoming 2014 Beijing Auto Show. The BMW 9 Series will go up against the likes of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman/Maybach, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

The new 9 Series will be based on BMW’s new G11 platform which has been designed specifically for its largest cars. The new platform will also be used in future Rolls-Royce cars and on the new BMW 7 Series which will be released next year. The new platform is said to be much lighter than the current one which in turn will mean sportier performance and better efficiency and emissions levels.

Design wise, although not much is known yet, the 9 Series is rumoured to be based on the BMW Pininfarina Gran Luso Coupe concept that was unveiled at the 2013 Villa d'Este Concours d'Elegance. The new car is expected to usher in a new design language for the larger BMW saloons and later to the more mainstream cars like the 3 Series and 1 Series. We expect the 9 Series to be brimmed to the max with both technologically advanced gadgetry and luxury adopted from the likes of the Rolls Royce Ghost.

Mechanically, the 9 Series will be powered by BMW’s most advanced powerplants. We expect the 9 Series to be offered with either a 4.4-litre, twin turbo, V8 petrol engine producing 456PS or a range topping 6.0-litre, twin turbocharged, V12 engine producing a massive 552PS. Although we don’t expect the 9 Series to get a diesel engine, BMW could plonk in their 3.0-litre, twin turbo, 6-cylinder diesel engine making 313PS found currently in the likes of the BMW 640d. The engines will be mated to BMW’s 7-speed dual clutch transmissions.

Considering BMW’s foray into mass production of alternative materials like carbonfibre, we expect BMW to suitable use the lightweight material where it can. The 9 Series, going up against the likes of the Bentley Continetal Flying Spur and the new Maybach replacement will also have to be extremely luxurious on the insides. We expect the 9 Series to come with a whole host of customisable options, like the Rolls-Royce Ghost (which is also made by BMW) and to offer a similar varied range in terms of individualisation. We expect the BMW 9 Series to be priced between Rs 1.8-2.5 crores (ex-showroom) when it makes its way to India.