BMW Group Ali Alghanim and Sons Automotive Co. unveils new enhanced BMW 7 Series

With significantly enhanced performance, optimised suspension features, up rated iDrive control system, and equipment raised to a new, unprecedented level, the most successful 7 Series in the history of BMW has strengthened its status as the leader in the luxury performance segment.

"Featuring a whole range of new high-performance engines and a refined design, the updated model of the 7 Series continues to act as a pioneer for the luxury performance segment. We expect it to significantly boost retail in the second half of the 7 Series' lifecycle," said Justin Barnett, Chief Operating Officer, Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive Co.

"With typical BMW brand values of dynamic performance and agile handling, on the one hand, and generous space, outstanding rear compartment equipment and luxurious comfort, on the other, BMW's flagship model offers the very best of both worlds: sheer driving pleasure and the sheer joy of being driven," added Barnett.

With the exception of the top-of-the-range V12 power unit in the BMW 760Li, the latest BMW 7 Series features a largely new range of power units, providing significantly enhanced performance on the same - to a certain extent even lower - fuel consumption.

Looking first at the models with an eight-cylinder petrol engine, the BMW 750Li and the BMW 740Li are replacing the former BMW 745Li and BMW 735Li. The entry-level BMW 730Li now comes with the straight-six petrol engine featuring a composite magnesium /aluminium crankcase carried over from the BMW 630i. Six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic is standard on all models.

The objective of the model update was to once again significantly enhance the car's product substance. In addition to the upgraded engines BMW have improved the chassis and suspension to an even higher level, the iDrive control system has been optimized in its details and the 7 Series range of equipment has been enlarged.

Externally, the car's design has been refined, visually underlining and accentuating the car's sporting performance and dynamic character. Apart from the new, striking power dome in the engine compartment lid, the kidney grille, the headlights and the front air dam have all been discreetly revised at the front end of the car.

The rear in turn is characterised by surfaces and body panels with even clearer contours, a new chrome trim strip, modified tail lights and the re-designed rear air dam.

And, within the interior, the supreme feeling of luxury, tranquillity and roominess has been further enriched by detailed improvement of the internal design, materials and colours.

The current 7 Series, which BMW Group introduced in the fall of 2001, is already the fourth - and up to today the most successful - generation of all times. In the first 38 months since its market introduction, just over 160,000 vehicles have been delivered to customers worldwide. This is eight percent more than its predecessor in the same period.

And in terms of retail, the Middle East represents the fourth largest market worldwide for the BMW 7 Series, after the United States, Germany and China. Since BMW Group launched the 7 Series in the Middle East almost three and a half years ago in November 2001, it has delivered a total of almost 10,000 units. Therefore, the current 7 Series has almost doubled its sales volume, compared to its predecessor, within the same time period.

For three consecutive years - since 2002 - the flagship of the BMW brand has been the best-selling model for the company in the region. In 2004, the BMW 7 Series accounted for 28 per cent of total sales in the Middle East, with 3,030 units sold in 2004.

"The current BMW 7 Series has acted as a pioneer in many respects. Now, we are continuing this process, and once again, we are a step ahead of the competition. At exactly the right time in the middle of the car's lifecycle, reflecting the general philosophy with all of our models, we have updated the 7 Series to keep the car fresh and attractive for the second half of its lifecycle," said Reiner Braun, Area Manager, BMW Group Middle East.

"From our point of view, premium brands represent a complex commitment to performance and quality. In specific terms: We not only provide premium products to our customers, but also premium services.

"Part of our success in Kuwait is rooted in the fact that Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive Co. excellently embodies this premium philosophy. We are, therefore, perfectly prepared for even keener competition in the luxury performance segment both this year and in the years to come," added Braun.