BMW today launched in Bahrain its all-new Gran Turismo, which combines the features of a prestigious sedan, the functionality and space of an SAV and elements of a grand touring car.

The exterior of the car combines the proportions so typical of a BMW, an elegantly stretched silhouette and a coupé-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows to create one complete, harmonious unit, said the statement.

"The front view of the car animates powerful dynamism through the sheer presence of the upright BMW kidney grille, large air intakes and dual round headlights slanted back at an attractive angle. For the first time the daytime driving light function is provided by corona rings with LED technology, while the rear end is enhanced by L-shaped rear light clusters with homogenously illuminated rows of lights in LED technology and a two-piece tailgate," it said.

The luxurious interior of the BMW Gran Turismo enables the driver and passengers to vary the generous space inside the car as they wish to their individual, personal requirements. This superior feeling of comfort is further enhanced by the large window areas, the optional panorama glass roof, as well as exquisite materials and supreme quality of finish, the company said.

Commenting on the arrival of the vehicle in Bahrain, Zayed Al Zayani, managing director of Euro Motors, the exclusive importer of the BMW Group in Bahrain, said: “BMW has a proud history of pioneering automotive innovations, and the success of the BMW X6 proved that there is a healthy demand for a completely new segment of innovative and aesthetic vehicles. The BMW Gran Turismo is the only vehicle of its kind in the market right now.

“We are confident that the new Gran Turismo will strengthen BMW’s position in the luxury performance class, and our customers can be assured of a truly exceptional offering backed by excellent customer service,” Zayani added.

The Gran Turismo will enter the Bahraini market with eight-speed automatic transmission and two engine variants – the in-line six cylinder 535i and the V8 550i – both with twin-turbo technology.

The BMW 535i Gran Turismo has a maximum output of 306 hp with a top speed of 250 km/hr and acceleration from 0–100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. The top-of-the-range engine, the BMW 550i Gran Turismo has a maximum output of 407 hp with a top speed of 250 km/hr and acceleration from 0–100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.

A host of safety and comfort options are available on the model, 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 adaptive headlights - a function that varies the angle of the headlight beam when it detects a change in direction.

Active and passive warning systems such as the Lane Change and Lane Departure Warnings ensure that the driver stays within lane limits.

The BMW Gran Turismo also comes with a wide range of comfort touches and innovative entertainment options, including telecommunication and navigation systems, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, USB port, 80 GB Hard Disk, DVD entertainment system in the rear, four-zone automatic air conditioning, and a panorama glass roof, the statement said. - TradeArabia News Service