BMW's new look X5, all new X3 and 6 Series Coupe arrive in Qatar

Ahmed Sorour, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Alfardan Automobiles said: "With the expansion of BMW's X-family, which is set to increase our share of the 4X4 market in Qatar, and the introduction of the 6 Series, which sets new standards in the luxury sports Coupé market, 2004 promises to be a landmark year for Alfardan Automobiles and BMW Group Middle East.

"With such new models and more on the horizon, the future of our partnership is bright, ensuring that for our customers in Qatar, BMW will continue to be The Ultimate Driving Machine."

BMW Group is to launch a total of 20 new models and three new engine series over the next four years, with the aim of increasing car sales across its premium brand range by 40% to 1.4 million vehicles by 2008, according to Andreas Emmerich, Area Manager, BMW Group Middle East.

"BMW's success is in the keyword 'premium'," said Emmerich. "We are proud to bring customers premium products - products characterised by emotion, uncompromising engineering, innovative technology and supreme quality.

"BMW Group is the world's only luxury car manufacturer which pursues a clear-cut premium brand strategy. Through the MINI brand, we have established the premium philosophy in the small car segment, proving that premium is not a question of size. Through the BMW brand, we occupy the midrange and luxury performance segments. And through the Rolls-Royce brand, we have been represented since the beginning of 2003 in the absolute high-end segment.

"The planned investment in new models and engines will lift BMW Group to a totally new level," added Emmerich.

In addition to the new X5, X3 and 6 Series, 2004 will also see the Middle East launch of the exciting BMW 645Ci Convertible, the 2+2 dream car that made its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show.

"Our partnership with Alfardan Automobiles is key to our strategy for the future of BMW Group in this market and will strengthen BMW Group's leading position in the local premium automotive sector. It will also deliver the world-class standards of service BMW Group is renowned for - both to our existing and future customers," said Emmerich.

"The very substantial investments made in state-of-the-art showrooms and after-sales facilities are testament to how focused we both are on the growth potential for sales of BMW vehicles in Qatar. I have no doubts the BMW brand will go from strength to strength here."

Since its launch four years ago, the X5 has enjoyed steadily growing popularity in Qatar. With the updated X5 - which features a number of technical and visual innovations and a powerful new 4.4 litre V8 petrol engine - BMW Group and Alfardan Automobiles are well positioned to see the positive trend continue.

"The BMW X5 is an outstanding vehicle. By thoroughly upgrading a wide range of important features, BMW has made the highly successful X5 even better," said Emmerich.

The X5's supremacy both on-and off-road is underscored by the specially developed intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system which it shares with the new X3. The xDrive technology ensures the variable distribution of drive forces between the front and rear axles more quickly and efficiently than ever before.

Setting new standards in the traction and agility of all-wheel drive vehicles, xDrive immediately recognises the need for changes in power distribution based on information provided not only by wheel sensors - which signal when a wheel is spinning without ground contact - but also by sensors of the vehicle's DSC stabilisation system, which monitor the yaw rate and position of the steering wheel, among other indicators of the current driving condition.

Responding within a few milliseconds once friction is lost, xDrive distributes drive power quickly and ideally between the two axles, ensuring that in bends, for example, under- or over steer is significantly minimised. Driving pleasure and safety, meanwhile, are significantly enhanced.

Driving pleasure is further boosted by the X5's new 4.4 litre V8 petrol engine, which also delivers improvements in performance and fuel economy. Featuring Valvetronic valve control, Bi-Vanos and fully variable intake system that has already set new standards for refinement and performance in the new BMW 7 Series, the X5's new power unit has been adapted to meet the requirements of a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).

The engine generates 320bhp and in the X5 4.4i can accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.0 seconds. Provided the vehicle is fitted with speed class V tyres, a top speed of 240 km/h can be achieved. The X5 4.4i's new six-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard, its perfectly gauged gear ratios and intelligent gear change logic system always keeping optimum power in reserve.

"The revised technical features and power unit of the X5 have provided the designers with a good reason to further improve the vehicle's visual appearance," said Emmerich. "This has resulted in a certain sharpening of the X5's character, with enhanced lines that discreetly communicate its outstanding performance. The front of the car has been completely revised right up to the A column."

Following the phenomenal global and Middle East success of the X5, BMW is expanding its X-family in 2004 with the new dynamic and equally versatile BMW X3, which combines the outstanding agility of a typical BMW with the wide range of practical features offered by a SAV. The X3 is the first premium model in the SAV segment beneath the X5.

The modern design language with convex and concave surfaces gives the X3 a youthful and fresh look. And BMW's 3.0-litre straight-six petrol and diesel power units ensure dynamic performance. Delivering 231 bhp, the agile X3 3.0i reaches a top speed of up to 210km/h. A Sports Package will be also available, with a high-speed set-up, providing a top speed of 224km/h.

This superior versatility of the new BMW X3 is evident in the interior and wide range of equipment making this the ideal BMW for the active, versatile individual. The new SAV enjoys a modern and spacious interior and the typical elegant and aesthetic BMW looks are combined with a wide range of sporty and practical details.

"The expansion of our X-family with this new model series promises exciting times; the car is superb in design, performance, safety and comfort and we look forward to an even bigger share of the 4x4 market," said Emmerich.

The new BMW 6 Series Coupé, meanwhile, continues BMW Group's heritage of the first legendary 6 Series (1976 - 1989) and maintains the marque's long tradition of large luxury coupés.

"This new fascinating sports car has a unique character," said Emmerich. "A refined and powerful engine, outstanding sportiness and ample interior space will set new standards in the luxury sports Coupé market."

The 6 Series Coupé excels through its stretched and classic proportions - the car is deep, long and wide, with an aura of strength and self-confidence. The passenger cell features a very low roofline, while the contoured styling of the front side panels helps stretch the silhouette of the car.

The 4.4-litre V8 power unit, already well known from the BMW 745Li, ensures dynamic driving conditions at all times. Featuring fully variable VALVETRONIC valve control, the engine develops a maximum output of 333 bhp and powerful torque of 332 Newton metres at 3600 rpm, allowing the new 6 Series Coupé to reach its top speed of 250 km/h without the slightest effort. Acceleration is equally exhilarating with the BMW 645 Ci, covering the classic sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

The outstanding intelligent lightweight all-aluminium chassis and suspension of the new 6 Series Coupé is enhanced by control systems such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). The 6 Series Coupé is also available with BMW's "intelligent" Dynamic Drive suspension, which compensates the body sway on curves, as well as BMW's unique Active Steering.

Apart from all safety features characteristic of a BMW, the new 6 Series Coupé comes as standard on run flat tyres allowing the driver to continue when a tyre is completely empty. Adaptive Headlights, swivelling to the side for even better illumination of the road ahead, are also available.