BMW M6

BMW Group Australia is celebrating another successful sales year in Australia with both BMW and MINI brands setting new records.

BMW brand was the clear luxury market leader in Australia by an even bigger margin than 2004. MINI celebrated a 40 percent jump in sales driven by the new Cabrio models.

With more than 1.1 million luxury market customers choosing BMW, the brand was elevated to the pinnacle of the global luxury car market in 2005.

This is additionally momentous since the full model change of the biggest selling BMW, the 3 Series Sedan, took place this year.

Thanks to a spectacular start to sales for the benchmark-setting, critically-acclaimed E90 3 Series Sedan, BMW dealers presented 15,910 customers across Australia with their own personal Ultimate Driving Machines during 2005 (14,860 BMW sales in Australia in 2004).

Despite more would-be rivals than ever before, the 3 Series family accounted for 6,921 units in 2005, or more than the combined model ranges of several competitor marques.

BMW offered the Australian market its widest ever range of new vehicles in 2005, with the 1 Series, 3 Series 7 Series and X5 Sports Activity Vehicle undisputed segment leaders in terms of sales.

In 2005, BMW introduced the 320i, 325i and 330i as well as the new 7 Series featuring by two improved V8 engines, the 4.0-litre for the 740i/Li and the 4.8-litre for the 750i/Li.

The entire 5 Series range was revised and enhanced in 2005, with new magnesium alloy straight six cylinder engines for the 525i and 530i, and a new 530i Touring model.

The highlight of the 5 Series range and the world’s most enthralling super Sedan, the 5.0-litre, 507bhp V10-powered BMW M5 arrived here mid-year.

In December BMW doubled the V8-powered options for 5 Series Sedan buyers by transplanting the new V8 engines from the 7 Series to create the 540i and 550i, while the 4.8-litre, 270 kW engine from the 750i and 550i was fitted to the 650i Coupé and Convertible, just in time for summer.

Also arriving in December was the powerful, frugal and clean, turbo-diesel powered 530d, armed with 160 kW of power and 480 Nm of torque. It is the first diesel passenger car BMW has sold here. Each year a full 25 percent of all BMW brand vehicles produced globally are powered by diesel engines.

Adding further fuel to BMW’s diesel firepower is the 160 kW / 480 Nm powered X3 compact premium all-wheel drive vehicle. This joins the BMW X5 3.0d in providing high performance all weather all surface driving coupled with extremely efficient fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions.

Christmas came early for a small number of ardent BMW aficionados when the first M6 Super Coupés arrived. The successful new 1 Series also added a new hero model, the 195 kW 130i Sport. This must-drive hot-shot will set a new performance benchmark in its segment.

Despite a huge array of new models launched in Australia through the year, 2006 promises yet more scintillating high performance vehicles for the discerning luxury car buyer.

The six-cylinder powered 3 Series Touring, revised Z4 Roadster and new Z4 M Roadster arrive in the first half of the year, with several further new models due in the second half.

“We think BMW has once again delivered a highly desirable mix of exciting, rewarding and innovative new cars to the Australian market,” says Franz Sauter, Managing Director of BMW Group Australia.

“Our success is built on the foundations of a premium market focus, but we look beyond the product to the customer experience and whole of life costs.

“Buying a premium car is both an emotional decision that pleases the heart and a sound investment that pleases the head, especially when utilising our unique BMW Full Circle guaranteed future value finance product.

“We look forward with much enthusiasm to introducing more new customers to the exhilarating BMW driving experience in 2006,” Franz said.

© Copyright 2006 Driveguide.com.au

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