- The 6th Generation BMW 3 Series offers three new distinctive design personalities for the exterior and interior
- New MINI Roadster is the first open-top two-seater in MINI‘s history
Beirut, Lebanon – Bassoul-Heneine sal, the exclusive importer of BMW Group vehicles in Lebanon has announced the introduction of two new BMW Group models: the sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series and the new MINI Roadster, the first open-top two-seater MINI.
Both new models have new interior and exterior designs and come with a wealth of technology highlights that distinguish them from the predecessor models. Offering stylish design, outstanding performance, luxury and driving pleasure, the two models are expected to be good sellers in both the premium car and sports coupe segments.
Nagy Heneine, General Manager at Bassoul-Heneine sal commenting on the launch of the new models, said: “We are excited to start the year with the launch of two important BMW Group models. The new BMW 3 Series is bigger, sportier and more dynamic, and is now also available in a trio of trim and equipment variants – the Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line Within each line, customers can choose a number of exclusive finishes and equipment variants to suit their taste. “
Nagy Heneine added, “The MINI Roadster is out in full strength to reiterate the athletic appeal and sportiness of the MINI brand. The new MINI Roadster will add a new chapter to a tradition of charismatic MINI open-top cars that stretches back years – and we have no doubt that it will add to the success of the MINI brand in Lebanon where sales increased 17% in 2011 over 2010 sales results.”
The new BMW 3 Series
Having sold 12.5 million cars since the first 3 Series was launched in 1975, the BMW 3 Series continues to be BMW Group’s best-selling model series consistently accounting for more than a quarter of the company’s global sales. In 2011, every third BMW sold was a 3 Series, and the success story of the 3 Series over the past 37 years has made it the world’s best-selling premium car.
Inside the new BMW 3 Series, the noticeable increase in space means significant benefit for the rear passengers. The classic BMW interior surfaces and lines flow over the instrument panel towards the front passenger side of the cabin, where they form a smooth and protective border. The cockpit wraps around the driver and ensures that all important functions are within easy reach.
Drive and chassis technology have always been key areas of expertise for the brand, and agility and driving dynamics remain outstanding attributes of the new BMW 3 Series. A choice of two powerful engines: 335i 6-cylinder and 328i 4-cylinder with eight-speed automatic gearbox and TwinPower Turbo technology is available for the new BMW 3 Series. BMW is the first carmaker to offer an eight-speed automatic gearbox in the premium mid-size segment, offering more EfficientDynamics technology that make the new 3 Series more economical and lower in pollutant emissions compared to the predecessor model.
BMW EfficientDynamics technology includes the new Driving Experience Control switch which comes with four driving programmes allowing the driver to choose between sporty, ultra sporty, comfortable and extremely economical driving. ECO PRO mode, a new feature on the 3 Series, helps drivers maximise fuel economy through their driving style, thereby enabling the driver to increase the distance they can travel on each tank of fuel.
Under the umbrella of BMW ConnectedDrive, features that give the driver and passengers’ information and services to help make their driving experience safer and more comfortable, the new BMW 3 Series offers the latest-generation full-colour Head-Up Display, which projects key information in 3D onto the windscreen so it appears directly in the driver’s field of view. Also available is Surround View with Side View and Top View, which gives a bird’s-eye perspective of the vehicle and the area around it.
The new MINI Roadster
The new MINI Roadster is the first open-top two-seater in MINI‘s history and embodies sporty driving fun under the open sky. The reproduction of the hallmark MINI design within the proportions of a roadster gives this MINI an unmistakable and irresistible charisma.
Even with the roof closed the MINI Roadster displays an elegant, sweeping silhouette, with the transition from soft-top to rear end highlighting its characteristic three-box design particularly clearly. At the same time, the new model wears its brand identity on its sleeve thanks to unmistakable design features like the hexagonal contours of its radiator grille, the black border around the lower part of the body, chrome trim strips and surrounds, large circular headlights, vertically stacked rear lights positioned on the outer extremes of the rear end, and the eye-catching surrounds of the side indicators on the front side panels.
To further highlight the new Roadster’s edgy look, a range of two non-metallic and six metallic paint shades will be available for the exterior of the MINI Roadster while the roof remains in black in keeping with British roadster tradition. Sport Stripes, available in three colours for the bonnet, boot lid and rear apron, allow owners to add an extra personal touch.
The interior is just as eye-catching. The customary MINI variety of seat and upholstery variants includes ultra-exclusive piped sports seats in the colour shade Toffy. Added to which, black sports seats are also available in Punch Leather with beige-coloured perforations. Trim strips can be ordered in any of six variants, while an extra Chili Red option is also offered for the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster. A choice of five Colour Lines is also available, and MINI lovers may likewise choose to explore the additional, extremely exclusive interior design options offered by the MINI Yours range.
The MINI Roadster underlines its premium character with a high-quality range of standard equipment, including air conditioning, speed-sensitive steering assistance, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, height-adjustable seats and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection. Levels of comfort and individuality can be further enhanced by specifying attractive options such as xenon Adaptive Headlights, black headlight housing, Comfort Access and the Always Open Timer. And the MINI Roadster also offers in-car use of innovative MINI Connected infotainment and communications functions.
The latest generation 1.6 litre, four cylinder engines with TwinPower Turbo technology will be available as the John Cooper Works (211hp), Cooper S (184hp) and Cooper (122hp).
The all new BMW 3 Series and the MINI Roadster are both available for sale at Bassoul-Heneine sal’s showrooms in Lebanon.
