BMW launches 330i and 320d Corporate edition

Like we reported in our previous article, BMW has finally launched the 330i in India today. The 320d Corporate edition was also launched alongside the flagship 330i. Although the Corporate edition has already been made available to fleet operators, now it has been made available to individuals as well. The new BMW 330i is priced at Rs 33.40lakh, while the 320d CE is now available at Rs. 23.95 lakh (both prices ex-showroom).

The 330i will compete against Audi’s A4 3.2FSI Quattro. The 330i will replace the 325i as the range-topper in India. Sharing the same 3.0L super smooth Straight-6 engine with the 530i, the 330i will offer impressive performance and rear-drive fun that the Audi cant.

The 330′i’s 3.0L straight-6 makes 258bhp and sprints to 100km/h in under 7 seconds on to a top speed of 250km/h. Those numbers only tell half the story. The legendary smoothness of the straight-6 engine and BMW’s handling are the best meaning that as a overall package, this might turn out to be the best driver’s car. In comparison, the 325i had just 211bhp. It was a mis-fit. It neither offered blistering performance nor was value for money.

With 330i being BMW’s flagship 3-series, the equipment list will be long from front and side airbags for driver and co-passenger, engine immobiliser, cruise control with brake function, ABS, automatic stability control (ASC), EBD, and hill-start assist to name a few. On the inside, it features automatic two-zone climate control, multi-function leather steering wheel, an on-board computer, steering adjust for reach and rake, CD player and auxiliary points for an MP3 player with six speakers.

The 330i is aimed at hardcore enthusiasts and hence will contribute only a sizeable amount of sales but BMW is not aiming for numbers – BMW wants to position its cars in various price points so that there is something for everybody. An enthusiastic customer will not be turned away when he wants the 330i. The bulk of the sales are managed by the brilliant 320d while those looking for a petrol model will take the 320i.

The range topper 330i is powered by an in-line six-cylinder 2996cc petrol engine that develops a potent 258bhp and 30.61kgm of torque. In fact, the 330i is powered by the same engine as the 530i that’s currently on sale in India.

The 320d comes at a mouthwatering price and loses very little like sunroof, CD changer, wood garnishing on dash, fully auto seat adjust among others. It is a small price to pay as the model comes at almost 10 lakhs less than the Highline which makes it incredible value for money.

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