BMW Group, the world’s leading premium automotive manufacturer, has achieved excellent regional sales growth for its flagship 7 Series model, with sales for January 2009 increasing 121% over sales of the model in January 2008.
The positive start to the year follows the recent arrival of the new 740Li and 750Li models. Launched in November 2008 and featuring some of BMW’s most advanced automotive technologies, the new models offer unrivalled performance, luxury and style.
The Middle East is one of the biggest growth markets for the BMW Group and represents its fourth largest market worldwide for sales of the flagship 7 Series model. Markets which recorded particularly strong BMW 7 Series sales growth during January 2009 vs January 2008 were the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Lebanon.
James Crichton, Director Sales & Marketing, BMW Group Middle East said: “These sales results, given the current economic climate in which we are operating, are particularly encouraging. The new BMW 7 Series represents the best of automotive engineering and technology. We’re confident our flagship model will continue to set the trend in the luxury performance class, and maintain BMW’s leading position at the forefront of automotive innovation.”
Outlining the reasons for the strong growth Crichton explained: “The new 7 Series is one of our best selling models in the region. This is the fifth generation model that succeeds the predecessor model launched seven years ago in 2001, so anticipation from customers for the new model has been strong.”
A class-leader in emissions reduction, the new 7 Series has been designed around BMW’s robust EfficientDynamics strategy - encompassing many technology innovations to offer outstanding performance and a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The BMW 750Li is the most fuel efficient engine in its performance class; it produces 407bhp and accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds.
The exterior, styled by Lebanese designer Karim Habib, has a long bonnet, short overhangs and dynamic lines adding to the dominant road-presence of the new model. Large classic BMW vertical kidney grills impose a strong on-road presence.
Inside, the new 7 Series is a modern rendition of pure luxury. The ambience is exclusive, sophisticated and inviting. High-quality materials as well as enhanced space and luxury give the interior a beautifully harmonious feel.
The cockpit has been designed to promote the sheer pleasure of driving. The latest generation of BMW’s trendsetting iDrive control system, the simplest and most user friendly control system in its class, features a 10.2 inch display with a high-resolution graphic presentation, enabling easy control of the car’s entertainment, information, navigation and telecommunication functions.
New safety and comfort features have been integrated into the range, including Integral Active Steering to improve manoeuvrability and safety at low and high speeds, Driving Dynamic Control for variable drive settings depending on road conditions and iBrake - a function that pre-tensions the braking system if the system detects a possible collision. Active and passive warning systems such as the Lane Change and Lane Departure Warnings ensure that the driver stays within lane limits. Head-Up Display with new BMW Night Vision, the automotive world’s first system with individual person detection, makes driving at night even safer for both driver and pedestrians.
The BMW 7 Series also comes with a wide range of comfort touches and innovative entertainment options, including an audio system with hard-disc memory and AUX-in sleeve featured as standard. A USB port, multi-channel audio system, DVD system in the rear, four-zone automatic air conditioning, active seat ventilation and massage seats all combine to show how this new range is the leader in luxury.
