BMW in India
German automajor BMW unveiled its first manufacturing plant in Chennai on Friday (March 30). The plant, which is set up at an estimated cost of Rs 115 crore, is all set to roll out 1200 cars to those who have a flair for power and pockets to match.
The auto major’s 3 series is really the bottom-end of the offering and is available at a price tag of Rs 27 lakh with 300 horses under the bonnet. While, at the higher-end, the company offers 5 series, which ranges from Rs 37 lakh to Rs 42 lakh and its 5 litre engine throws out a whopping 370 bhp, not surprisingly,BMW seems quite powered up about the Indian market.
Commenting on the company’s Indian venture, Norbert Reithofer, Chairman, Board of Management, BMW AG said: “We believe there is potential in India, otherwise, we wouldn’t have been here.”
However, for car enthusiasts, now it’s the clash of the big bavarian beauties; The three pointed star — Mercedes benz vs BMW — the famed blue and white propeller.
Mercedes starts off its indian offering with the ‘C’class at a cost of Rs 25 lakhs for 220 horses under the hood, while its ‘E’ class, is available at a cost of Rs 45 lakhs and has more than 300 horses.