Even with a sales increase of about eight percent for the year so far, the BMW brand of BMW Canada is still a long way off its stated goal of doubling its unit sales in the next couple of years.
So the Whitby-based firm that already sells more cars than Subaru, Suzuki and Mitsubishi is cranking up its model offerings in an effort to equal or surpass the sales numbers of other firms that don't pretend to be "exclusive" marques.
For the 2006 model year, that means the introduction of seven new choices, along with other "specification enhancements" across the lineup. There is a particular emphasis on the addition of the firm's xDrive system, which "reinforces the brand's commitment to all-wheel-drive for Canadians."
The new BMW models available in Canada as of September production are:
based on the new and improved 3 Series line that debuted earlier this year.
Having the new 3 Series chassis as its base is clearly the big news about the new entry-level model, but it's also interesting that it comes with the 2.5-litre inline-six that produces 174 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual with a six-speed Steptronic manu-matic an option. Other highlights of this model would be Dynamic Stability Control for more stable handling, a leather multi-function steering wheel, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
With the addition of the 323i, the full 3 Series model lineup includes the 325i with six-speed manual at $40,300, the 325xi with six-speed manual at $42,900, the 325xi Touring with six-speed manual at $44,400, the 330i with six-speed transmission at $47,900, and the 330xi with six-speed manual at $50,500.
When it comes to the coupe, cabriolet and M- versions of the 3 Series, the old platform is still being used. That will change in due course, but for now BMW Canada is offering "several upgrades to standard and optional equipment." That means the 325Ci Coupe gets heated seats as standard equipment, the 330Ci Coupe and Cabriolet get Adaptive Headlights (they turn in line with the front wheels), and the 325Ci Cabriolet gets a fully-automatic softtop. All models also gain MP3 capability on the optional six-disc CD changer.
The non-sedan 3 Series lineup begins with the 325Ci Coupe with five-speed manual at $43,100, the 330Ci Coupe with six-speed manual at $50,400, the 325Ci Cabriolet with five-speed manual at $55,900, 330Ci Cabriolet with six-speed manual at $64,900, the M3 Coupe with six-speed manual at $74,400, and the M3 Cabriolet with six-speed manual at $84,500.
So the Whitby-based firm that already sells more cars than Subaru, Suzuki and Mitsubishi is cranking up its model offerings in an effort to equal or surpass the sales numbers of other firms that don't pretend to be "exclusive" marques.
For the 2006 model year, that means the introduction of seven new choices, along with other "specification enhancements" across the lineup. There is a particular emphasis on the addition of the firm's xDrive system, which "reinforces the brand's commitment to all-wheel-drive for Canadians."
The new BMW models available in Canada as of September production are:
- the V-10 powered fourth generation M5 Sedan
- the new entry-level BMW, the 323i Sedan at $35,200
- the xDrive-equipped 325xi and 330xi Sedans
- the Touring version of the new 3 Series, the 325xiT, which also gets xDrive, and
- the 550i Sedan and 650i Coupe, sharing the new 360-hp 4.8-litre V-8
- the X3 SUV in 2.5i and 3.0i variants
- the X5 SUV in 3.0i, 4.4i and 4.8is variants
- 3 Series in 325xi Sedan, 330xi Sedan and 325xi Touring variants, and
- 5 Series models in 525xi Sedan, 530xi Sedan and 530xi Touring variants.
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| 2006 BMW 3-Series (Photo: BMW AG) |
Having the new 3 Series chassis as its base is clearly the big news about the new entry-level model, but it's also interesting that it comes with the 2.5-litre inline-six that produces 174 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual with a six-speed Steptronic manu-matic an option. Other highlights of this model would be Dynamic Stability Control for more stable handling, a leather multi-function steering wheel, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
With the addition of the 323i, the full 3 Series model lineup includes the 325i with six-speed manual at $40,300, the 325xi with six-speed manual at $42,900, the 325xi Touring with six-speed manual at $44,400, the 330i with six-speed transmission at $47,900, and the 330xi with six-speed manual at $50,500.
When it comes to the coupe, cabriolet and M- versions of the 3 Series, the old platform is still being used. That will change in due course, but for now BMW Canada is offering "several upgrades to standard and optional equipment." That means the 325Ci Coupe gets heated seats as standard equipment, the 330Ci Coupe and Cabriolet get Adaptive Headlights (they turn in line with the front wheels), and the 325Ci Cabriolet gets a fully-automatic softtop. All models also gain MP3 capability on the optional six-disc CD changer.
The non-sedan 3 Series lineup begins with the 325Ci Coupe with five-speed manual at $43,100, the 330Ci Coupe with six-speed manual at $50,400, the 325Ci Cabriolet with five-speed manual at $55,900, 330Ci Cabriolet with six-speed manual at $64,900, the M3 Coupe with six-speed manual at $74,400, and the M3 Cabriolet with six-speed manual at $84,500.