BMW hopes variants will put growth figures in the fast lane

BMW Ireland has launched the single largest set of variants at one time in the company's history.

BMW Ireland has launched the single largest set of variants at one time in the company's history.

Among the new models, the BMW 130i offers the most powerful engine ever to appear in a production compact segment car and the world's lightest six-cylinder petrol engine.

In the 3-Series the new BMW 318d, 318i and 330d saloons join the 320i, 325i, 330i and 320d models in the 3 Series range.

It has also launched the Touring versions of the new range on the Irish market.

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In the 5-Series range, the V8-powered BMW 540i and 550i are both introduced at the same time as the 367bhp 4.8-litre V8 engine debuts in the 650i Coupé and Convertible. Sport variants of the 6-Series also appear for the first time.

A new long-wheelbase diesel-powered 7-Series plus new 2-litre petrol and 3.0-litre diesel-powered X3 models complete the new products.

In addition, the current line-up receives increases in specification levels while the distinct 'M-Sport' variants are also launched on five of the models in the BMW range, and come as standard with M Aerodynamic body styling, M Sports suspension, high-gloss shadow line, M Sports steering wheel, Sports seats, M gear lever, M Sports door sills, M interior trim and anthracite headlining.

"BMW heads into 2006 with a very optimistic outlook.

"With our sales already exceeding 5,600 units this year, BMW achieves a market share of 3.3 per cent for the first time," said Conrad Schmidt, managing director, BMW Group Ireland.

"Our expanded model line-up, the cost effective 5-year/100,000 km service inclusive offer and our broad range of financial services products will hopefully continue to make BMW the most attractive proposition for our customers in the premium segment in 2006."