BMW to launch Mini in India next yr priced above Rs 25 lakh

German auto major BMW today said it will launch the small luxury car, Mini, in India by next year at a price that is expected to be above Rs 25 lakh.

The company also said it will set up separate showrooms for the brand and aims to have up to 12 dealerships across the country for the Mini in the coming years.

"I am pleased to announce that the Mini will be introduced in India in 2012. Currently, the BMW team is evaluating which version to be launched in India from the entire Mini family," BMW India President Andreas Schaaf told reporters.

He said the Mini would be sold in India through import of completely built units (CBU). BMW had earlier planned to launch the Mini in India in 2009, but shelved it citing feasibility reasons.

On the expected price of the car, he said: "We have not finalised the price of the car yet, but it is a premium brand and a premium car. Of course, the entry price will be more than Rs 25 lakh."

Schaaf said exclusive Mini showrooms will be set up in India.

"As a first step, we will have two dealerships in Delhi and one in Mumbai. In total, we will have 12 dealerships across the country in the coming years. As per plans, in 2013 we will add three-four dealers followed by three more dealerships in 2014," Schaaf said.

The Mini is an 80-year-old brand with history and heritage and is among one of the sought after small luxury cars in the world.

"We had developed a new Mini ten years ago from the scratch. India is the only country where Mini has not been introduced. So, I think, it will be as successful here as in other countries," he said.

2012 BMW M5

The 2012 BMW M5 is poised to build on the tradition of its predecessors and once again redefine the performance experience available in a four-door car. Displaying the conceptual harmony, state-of-the-art technology and astonishingly dynamic handling for which BMW M cars have become renowned, the fifth-generation BMW M5 satisfies the passion of keen drivers for top performance and blends it, in inimitable style, with the universal qualities of a top-class premium saloon. The 2012 M5 will arrive in the US market in the Spring of 2012.

The most powerful engine ever fitted in a series-produced model from BMW M GmbH, the innovative Active M Differential - which optimizes power transfer to the rear wheels - and model-specific chassis technology developed on the back of extensive racing expertise all secure the BMW M5 a dominant position in the high-performance saloon market.

The 2012 BMW M5 is a high-performance sports car whose exceptional dynamic potential is geared squarely to the demands of track use yet which also sets a new benchmark in everyday driving with its supreme touring comfort and innovative equipment features. It also sets the pace in its class in terms of efficiency. The car's history of success in a segment founded more than 25 years ago by the original BMW M5 is set to continue in thrillingly contemporary style.

Under the bonnet of the new BMW M5 lies a newly developed, high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo, maximum output of 560 hp (412 kW) at 6,000 - 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 502 lb-ft (680 Newton meters) between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. The instantaneous power delivery and sustained thrust familiar from M cars are the key to acceleration of 0 - 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.

Renderings: 2012 BMW M6

The next generation BMW M6 is not due to be released until around 2012, but this doesn’t stop us speculating on how the next M6 might look like. One of our dear and talented readers, Giom, has created some 3D preview images of what the BMW M6′s design could turn out. The renderings show us a sexy and sleek design, with the rendered M6 sporting some 21″ wheels and rear headlights similar to the BMW CS Concept.

From the tiny bitty piece of information that came to to us a few months ago from BMW, we learned that the next generation M6, codenamed F12, might be sold in two different models: a regular M6 and a CSL M6. There will be also a debate on whether the next M6 should have a glass roof or the Carbon Fiber roof.

Of course, we’re still a little too early to know exactly what BMW has planned for us, so in the mean time, let’s focus on Giom’s renderings and hear your opinion on them.

Personally, I think the 3D images are great, I’m in love with the rear design, but I would love to see how the imaginary front end might look like. Oh, there is one thing I’m not sure if I dig: the bulge on the hood.

So, what do you think? Yay or Nay?