Sales of BMW's fifth generation 7 series in the region increased by 73 per cent with 2,077 units sold during the first half of 2009.

A class leader in emission reductions and automotive technologies, the new BMW 7 Series has proven to be one of the most hotly anticipated luxury car launches of the year.

Saudi Arabia was the largest market for the 7 Series with 617 units sold, representing an increase of 124 per cent.  The UAE was another a strong market for the model, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi witnessing sales of 311 and 259 cars respectively, up 32 per cent and 142 per cent.

Qatar achieved 147 new BMW 7 Series vehicle sales during the first six months of 2009, 41 per cent better than the year before.

The new BMW 7 Series is currently available in the Middle East in three engine variants – the in-line six cylinder 730Li and the power-optimised 740Li and V8 750Li models with new twin-turbo technology and direct fuel injection.

They will be joined later this year by the V12-powered 760Li which produces an enviable 544 bhp and accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.

Designed around BMW’s robust EfficientDynamics strategy to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, the new BMW 7 Series offers more power and better fuel economy than the predecessor model and boasts the most fuel efficient engines in its class, said a statement.

“These sales results are very encouraging,” said James Crichton, director sales and marketing, BMW Group Middle East.

“The new BMW 7 Series represents the best of automotive engineering and technology. We are 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,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service