BMW gears up for 2012 Beijing Auto Show

Tailored specifically for the Chinese four-wheeler market, the BMW Group will debut the new 3-Series in a long wheelbase version at the 2012 Beijing International Auto Show. It will be 110mm longer than the stock 3 Series. Available in three twin-turbo petrol engine options of 2.0-litre, 2.8-litre and 3.5-litre that will churn out 185PS, 246PS and 307PS of power respectively, it is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard and will be offered in the ‘Luxury Line’ and ‘Modern Line’ trim versions. The standard sedan model will also make its Asian premiere with its ‘Sport Line’ trim version. The company will also present the ActiveHybrid 3, a full hybrid model based on the 3-Series sedan.

BMW will also usher the 640i GranCoupe that receives its power from a 4-litre twin-turbo petrol motor and will be joined by its 5-litre, V8 twin 650i GranCoupe that churns out 451PS of power. Both models can be combined with the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system. And for the aspirational, the German marque will present Chinese customers with the new and improved BMW M6. Its 561PS V8, twin-turbo engine thrusts the sports car from idle to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds. Mated to the M dual-clutch automatic transmission, the new M6 delivers 10 percent more power and consumes 30 percent less fuel than its predecessor. As standard procedure, the ‘M’ badged 6-Series will come with Active M differential, M-specific chassis and M carbon ceramic brakes available as an option. For the first time in China, BMW will also introduce its range of accessories for the long wheelbase 3 Series and M upgrades for the 1 Series, 3 Series and the 5 Series.

In the SUV category, BMW will include its latest additions, the new X3 xDrive with a 2-litre engine and the X6. While the frugal motor of the X3 will appeal the mileage conscious, the X6 is fusion of a coupe and an SUV that would be available with specific design modifications including accessories like adaptive daytime running LED lights.

BMW will also showcase the i3, the world’s first premium electric vehicle that will be in series production from 2013. The company will also add the BMW ConnectedDrive Programme to its foray of additions for the Chinese automobile market with apps that will allow access to social networks and webradio sites along with a range of driver assistance and mobility systems.