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| BMW the new 7-series |
By Park Jin-hai
BMW Korea, the No. 1 imported carmaker in sales, is poised to accelerate its local sales drive by adding fresh models in the latter half of this year.
An array of new models in each segment, including the new 3-series, 7-series and X1 compact SUV, will be imported soon after their world debut.
The refreshed new 3-series will be the first to be rolled out in the second half of the year.
Launching in September, the face-lifted sixth-generation BMW 3-sereis sedan and touring car have a refreshed look with sharper front and rear design. The 3-series has long enjoyed popularity among car lovers over the past four decades and is one of the most successful BMW models, recording a fourth of the carmaker's sales.
With the new 3-series, four gasoline engines and seven diesel engines will be available, giving more options.
Customers can select either a rear or an all-wheel drive system.
After that comes the highly anticipated fully changed 7-series, launching in October.
The flagship 7-series luxury limousine world premiered at the Frankfurt motor show in June and will provide new standards for BMW cars with its lightweight design, driving dynamics, luxury features and cutting-edge technology.
One of the most striking features is fully autonomous automatic parking. Its remote control parking feature enables owners to move the car in or out of forward-parking spaces or garages with no one behind the wheel.
With the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the latest 7-series has trimmed its body weight by 130 kilograms.
Other features include a gesture control system for the car's main controls, the new touch screen display and the voice control system.
Also set for release in the latter half of this year is the fully changed new X1 SUV.
The second-generation X1, the smallest SUV BMW is offering, has a roomier interior, greater efficiency and greater technology for a compact. Its fuel efficiency has improved 17 percent compared with the outgoing model, the company says.
Options include a heads-up display, full LED headlights, dynamic damper control and driving assist.
The compact SUV has been one of the company's best-sellers, selling over 730,000 cars globally since its 2009 launch.
Meanwhile, its sibling MINI brand will launch the new MINI Clubman in the latter half of the year.
The latest MINI Clubman is the largest MINI, with a longer and wider body. It will offer previously unavailable premium options such as an electric parking brake, full electric seat adjustment and the optional MINI Yours Interior Styles with backlit door bezels.
