BMW Group Middle East, together with its local importer AGMC, unveiled the all-new BMW Concept X7 iPerformance at the recent Dubai International Motor Show 2017. Also making their regional debuts were the much-anticipated BMW M5 and the all-new BMW X3.
The arrival of these models is particularly significant for the Middle East, where the X models make up almost 60 per cent of all BMW sales, and the M models are extremely popular with the high number of driving enthusiasts across the region.
Other highlight models on the stand were the BMW i3s, the BMW X1 25i M Sport and the MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept.
Johannes Seibert, managing director BMW Group Middle East, says: “The Dubai International Motor Show is for us the ideal platform to present our latest products and innovations. This year’s highlights are the eagerly awaited all-new BMW X3, one of our most-sold models in this region, and the iconic new BMW M5 with 600hp and 750Nm torque. The presentation of the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance is extremely exciting for this market as it was conceived with the desires and requirements of our Middle Eastern customers in mind.”
Headlining the BMW stand was the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance. The ultimate driving machine – its spectacular exterior, imposing dimensions and skilfully judged proportions give it an extraordinary sense of presence and an ultra-modern aesthetic fused with innate dynamism.
The unveiling of the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance brings a whole new take on luxury for the BMW brand. It embodies luxury in the form of a striking exterior combined with a generously sized, six-person interior pared down to the essentials: elementary forms, high-class materials and a state-of-the-art infotainment system brimming with connectivity.
Its iPerformance badge stands for BMW eDrive technology paired with a BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine to create an exceptionally efficient and dynamic plug-in hybrid powertrain that excels in all driving situations – including running with zero local emissions. Its luxurious character is brought alive by its cabin, in particular – the car‘s sheer size forms the basis for an interior experience unmatched by any BMW, past or present. The interplay between precise, pared-down forms and a sense of space means driver and passengers alike will find themselves immersed in a modern setting with an truly exclusive feel.The wealth of possibilities offered by personalised, digital connectivity allows the vehicle’s interior to be turned, as desired, into a personalised place of either retreat or productivity.
In a region filled with so many motoring enthusiasts, who value high-performance driving dynamics in a stylish, comfortable and luxurious package, there is also much excitement for the new BMW M5 Sedan – the sports sedan that the region has been waiting for.
It has a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine that boasts 600 horsepower, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and, for the first time in an M5, all-wheel drive. For those who prefer the feel of a rear-wheel drive, it also offers a 2WD capability. It has lightning-quick acceleration, going from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds. This is thanks in part to its carbon fibre-reinforced roof and the lighter exhaust system, which reduce the weight, giving a faster, smoother drive, with a chassis that was tested on the world’s most challenging race circuit, the Nuerburgring Nordschleife – as BMW does with all the M family.
This model is expected to set a new benchmark in premium sports cars and appeared alongside BMW’s other distinctive new offerings: the M4 CS, the X5 M, the M2 Coupé, and the M4 Convertible Competition.
Along with the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance and the BMW M5 Sedan, also on display was the MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept. Marking a triumphant return of the GP in a special concept edition, this model boasts 19-inch racing wheels, a fully carbon-fibre body kit and a boost to horsepower, with remarkable design.
The concept study conveys spontaneous readiness, offering a genuine foretaste of an extremely dynamic serial production model that is constantly able to demonstrate its racetrack suitability while at the same time reaching a new level of excellence in terms of driving fun in day-to-day traffic, due to the fact that is approved for road use. Powerful proportions, expressive colours and exterior components that can be clearly seen to optimise both weight and aerodynamic properties – all this is already suggestive of outstanding performance properties.
Alongside the MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept is the MINI Countryman – the final piece in the new upgraded MINI family and the largest and most versatile MINI in the brand’s 57-year history. Following its launch in March this year, the MINI Countryman has enjoyed enormous success around the region. Having been completely newly developed, it now reflects considerable advancements in the areas of space, functionality, athletic flair and premium characteristics and is a big step in the British brand’s continued advance into the premium compact segment. It achieves its unique standing with its powerfully expressive design, efficiently shaped bodywork and truly unmatched driving agility. The latest version of the all-wheel drive system ALL4 ensures driving fun beyond paved roads, too.
More than 100,000 visitors attended the 14th edition of the biennial motor show, which is the largest automotive event in the MENA region.
The BMW Group
With its three brands – BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce – the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2015, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.247 million cars and nearly 137,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2015 was approximately USD10.9 billion on revenues amounting to USD108 billion. As of December 31, 2015, the BMW Group had a workforce of 122,244 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
Euro Motors is the Kingdom’s BMW dealer.
