A new BMW for every day of the month

BMW has announced the start of production and prices for a plethora of new models, making September 2006 BMW’s largest ever single month for model introductions in the UK. A total of 32 new models will arrive, including the new 3 Series Coupé, the revised X3 Sports Activity Vehicle and, BMW’s most expensive model ever, the new BMW M6 Convertible. New engine derivatives for 3 Series Saloon and Touring, and Exclusive Editions for the 7 Series range, also join the BMW line up.

BMW 3 Series Coupé

The third generation of 3 Series Coupé goes on sale in the UK on 23 September 2006. It also marks the introduction of the first ever twin-turbo petrol-powered engine in a production BMW as well as pioneering High Precision Direct Injection technology, in the range-topping 335i Coupé.

Two models will be available at launch, the entry-level 2.5-litre 325i SE Coupé and
3.0-litre 335i SE Coupé (335i denoting the twin-turbo model). The 330i Coupé, and two three-litre diesel variants, the 330d SE and 335d SE Coupés will follow in October. Both diesels displace 2,993cc but the 335d SE uses BMW’s Variable Twin Turbocharger technology that, unlike the twin-turbo petrol, uses different sized turbochargers to generate 286hp and 580Nm of torque. The 330d’s single turbocharged engine delivers 231hp and 500Nm.

From the front, side and rear, the car is clearly related to other 3 Series models but has its own, classically elongated, shape. Adopting BMW’s typical Coupé proportions of long wheelbase, short overhangs, long bonnet, cabin set to the rear and a low, sleek roofline, the new 3 Series Coupé has an elegant profile. It offers close technical ties to the Saloon and Touring, but visually contains only three identical parts, the BMW roundel badge, the side indicators and the door handles.

The new BMW X3

The new BMW X3 will offer buyers the very latest in engine technology. BMW’s successful Sports Activity Vehicle now comes powered by a total of five different engines. BMW X3 2.5si and 3.0si models complement three diesel-powered models – the frugal X3 2.0d up to the headline-grabbing Variable Twin Turbo 3.0-litre engine in the X3 3.0sd (as in the 535d and 335d models).

Alongside the introduction of new engines, BMW’s designers have subtly altered the car to freshen its appeal and improved the quality of materials and surface finishes. At the front, a larger kidney grille sits above a redesigned front bumper and colour-coded spoiler, with the front fog lights now incorporated into the main section of the bodywork. The X3 3.0sd rides on 18-inch light alloy wheels as standard while larger twin exhaust pipes protrude from under the rear valance.

The side profile remains true to the original X3, but the new rear light clusters feature LED light rods. The styling of the rear bodywork has also changed with colour-coded panels now extending lower into the bumper.

BMW M6 Convertible

The BMW M6 Convertible – the highlight of BMW’s stand at the British International Motorshow – goes on sale in September, priced at £86,400. Powered by the 5.0-litre V10 International Engine of the Year and using a host of F1-derived technology, the BMW M6 Convertible combines all the performance of the M6 Coupé but with the added luxury of open-air motoring.

The new M6 Convertible uses BMW’s 4,999cc V10 powerplant to develop 507hp. This powers the car from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds before going on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Unchecked, the car could continue to 200mph. Its sheer performance, alongside the engine’s technological advancements, are just two of the reasons why the worldwide judging panel of the International Engine of the Year voted the M6’s 5.0-litre V10 engine the world’s best for the second year in succession - a ‘first’ in the history of the awards.

BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring

Three new six-cylinder engines and two new six-cylinder diesel engines – 325d and 335d – will be introduced into the BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring ranges from September 2006. The 325d Saloon and Touring are set to be a success with retail and corporate customers alike, while the new high-performance Variable Twin Turbo 335d will debut in Saloon, Touring and Coupé guise.

Prospective 3 Series Saloon and Touring customers will also be able to choose the new twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol-powered 335i. These additions will provide performance-orientated drivers with the widest-ever range of 300+ horsepower BMW cars in the compact segment.

BMW 7 Series SE Exclusive Editions

Having made their world debuts at the British International Motor Show, the BMW 730d SE and 730Ld SE Exclusive Edition models differentiate themselves from other BMW 7 Series cars with a number of bespoke options.

Buyers can specify a 7 Series Exclusive Edition with a Carbon Black exterior colour, Gold Brown Merino leather interior complete with Gold Brown piped floor mats and Piano Black trim. Alternatively, a Stratus Grey car with Ecru Merino leather and matching Ecru piped floor mats combined with dark-grain Ash wood trim is offered. Both variants are specified with a bespoke two-colour Sports steering wheel, anthracite headlining and unique 19-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels.

The 730d SE Exclusive Edition and 730Ld SE Exclusive Edition in Carbon Black cost £56,335 and £58,935 on-the-road respectively. The cost of the standard wheelbase car in Stratus Grey is £55,845. The long-wheelbase version has a list price of £58,445.

The BMW 7 Series has achieved unprecedented success following its mid-life refresh in spring 2005. 50,000 7 Series models were sold worldwide in 2005, making it the best-selling luxury executive car, and over 25,000 were sold in the first six months of 2006. It has also outsold its predecessor (E38), itself a highly successful car.