BMW strives to reclaim No. 1 import car brand
BMW is seeking to recapture the best-selling imported car crown with new luxury models — the 7 Series, X7 and 8 Series — the German carmaker said Wednesday.
“BMW aims to reclaim the No. 1 imported car crown as we are strengthening our flagship lineup that can offer a premium experience to our consumers,” a BMW Group Korea official said.
BMW Korea rolled out its flagship SUV, the new X7, in April and gave the high-end sedan 7 Series a facelift in June.
The new 7 Series has impressive changes up front compared with the pre-facelift model. The surface area of the carmaker’s signature kidney grille is 40 percent larger and the overall look of the revamped model is more aggressive.
Its wheelbase is also 22 millimeters longer.
For the three-row X7 SUV, BMW Korea recently added a new engine lineup - the xDrive40i — enabling customers to choose gasoline or diesel powertrains.
BMW Korea is also pinning its hopes on the new 8 Series, which will hit the market in November.
BMW brought back the 8 Series nameplate, which disappeared in 1999, to replace the 6 Series coupe and four-door Gran Coupe to compete against the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the Audi A7.
The Korean unit said the 8 Series is suitable for drivers who want a high-performance vehicle with a roomy cabin.
To raise the profile of the new 8 Series, BMW Group Korea unveiled the vehicle at the BMW Ladies Championship, an official LPGA tournament, held in Busan from Oct. 24 to 27.
The company chose the golf event instead of a motor show to emphasize the luxury and sporty aspects of the new 8 Series.
“BMW Group Korea will continue to expand its premium model lineups and bolster marketing efforts of those high-end vehicles to solidify its leadership as a premium brand,” the official said.