The new Gran Turismo embodies everything the BMW brand stands for – innovation, luxury and design coupled with Sheer Driving Pleasure. It combines the characteristics of a prestigious sedan, the functionality and space of an SAV and elements of a traditional Gran Turismo.

On the outside, the BMW Gran Turismo has an elegant appearance and sleek lines of a coupé.

It's a versatile car that can be individually modified to meet every requirement.
Not only does The BMW Gran Turismo look good, but at the heart of every BMW is performance - performance that gives BMW drivers that sheer driving pleasure.
The new Gran Turismo will initially enter the Syrian market with two new engine variants:

· 535i with an in-line six cylinder engine (306hp)
· 550i with a V8 engine (407hp)

18.04.2010

Damascus – Bahi Motors, the official and exclusive importer of BMW in Syria, has announced that it will bring the BMW 316i, which features an automatic transmission for the first time ever, to the Syrian automobile market – the only Middle Eastern market where this model will be available.

The BMW 3 Series, the world’s best selling premium car since it was launched 34 years ago, entered a new era in driving dynamics, premium quality and innovative technology with the launch of a redesigned 3 Series model that arrived in the Middle East in 2008.

Traditionally offered with a manual gearbox, Bahi Motors is importing the car with an automatic transmission. Bassel Chehabi, Managing Director, Bahi Motors, says: “Not only is the 3 Series one of the best selling BMW models, but this is also the case for Bahi Motors, where it ranks among our top three BMW sellers. We feel that bringing an automatic transmission model with a very competitive price will enhance our 3 Series product offering and strengthen this model’s popularity even further. The new BMW 316i offers stylish design, outstanding performance and sheer driving pleasure.”

The striking design features of the BMW 3 Series gives the exterior a sporty and athletic look, such as the striking v-shaped character lines on the bonnet which draw attention to the kidney grille. The hallmark dual headlights feature gleaming chrome surrounds, and the rear of the vehicle is characterised by unmistakably BMW-designed L-shaped LED light technology, giving the vehicle a more powerful appearance.

The modern, high-quality interior has been ergonomically designed to ensure optimum comfort with specific modifications in the selection of materials and additional chrome details to give a modern, high tech feel. Sporty elegance is highlighted by technology-oriented styling, including the advanced iDrive Controller, air conditioning and audio controls.

The BMW 316i enters the Syria market with a compact, four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 115 bhp, 6.9 litres/100 km. The new BMW 3 Series is a class leader in its category in emissions reduction, and has been designed around BMW’s robust EfficientDynamics strategy that encompasses many technology innovations to offer outstanding performance and a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emission.

The BMW 316i will be available from Bahi Motors from the beginning of April 2010.

30.04.2010

Damascus – Following on from a successful 2009, Bahi Motors, the exclusive importer of BMW cars in Syria has ensured a perfect start to the new decade with an 82% increase in sales over the same period last year. These positive results make Syria the best-performing market for BMW Group Middle East.

The highest selling model was the BMW 5 Series, which sold 262 cars – a growth of 154%. The BMW 5 Series is set to receive a further boost in sales with the launch of a totally new model that will arrive in the showroom in ________. Following that was BMW’s flagship 7 Series, which sold 88 vehicles, a 29% spike in sales.

Commenting on the healthy performance Bassel Chehabi, Managing Director of Bahi Motors, said: “We are obviously delighted with these results and feel they are testament to the great efforts made by our sales and marketing staff who have put an enormous amount of time and commitment into promoting our BMW models.

“We launched a brand new BMW model during the first quarter of this year – the all-new BMW Gran Turismo and will soon be launching a totally new designed and engineered BMW 5 Series model, and both models have received a lot of attention. We are also delighted that our flagship 7 Series continues to do well - proving the ongoing desirability by Syrian customers to buy the very best a brand has to offer," added Chehabi.

On a regional scale, the BMW Group Middle East bounced back from a challenging 2009 to report positive growth for its Q1 2010 sales results in several markets across the Middle East.

With a total of 3,907 BMW and MINI vehicles sold across 12 Middle East markets, the Group experienced growth for a number of importers with several markets recording double digit growth. In addition to Syria, Abu Dhabi sales were up 31% while sales in Saudi Arabia increased 30%, in Bahrain 17%, Kuwait 7% and in Oman 3%.

30.04.2010

Damascus -The Middle East debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan marks the epitome of aesthetic design and supreme driving pleasure in the upper midrange segment. With its sporting and elegant design, excellent comfort and the highest standard in efficiency in its class, the sixth generation of this immensely successful executive sedan is expected to continue the success story.

A new BMW 5 Series design is imaginative, creative and effective, with BMW’s designers and engineers working hand-in-hand to ensure the perfect combination of design and technology.

The core product in BMW's portfolio and one of the top selling models in the Middle East, the new 5 Series is set to strengthen BMW’s position in the premium midrange segment.
In terms of design, the new 5 Series has the longest wheelbase in the segment, a long and sleek engine compartment lid, short overhangs front and rear and a coupé-likeroofline. The interior has a stylish and modern design with exciting lines that create a generous and harmonious ambience. High quality materials and superior craftsmanship underline the premium feel.

The new BMW 5 Series will enter the Middle East market with one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder petrol engines. The top model is the BMW 550i powered by a V8 with BMW TwinPower Turbo featuring High Precision Injection (407 hp).The straight-six with BMW TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC in the BMW 535i delivers maximum output of 306 hp; while the two straight-six power units featuring High Precision Injection and lean-burn operation develop 258 hp in the BMW 528i and, respectively, 204 hp in the BMW 523i.

The new BMW 5 Series is a class leader in emissions reduction. It has been designed around BMW's successful Efficient Dynamics strategy encompassing many technology innovations to minimize fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while maximizing power and dynamic performance.

Some of the wide range of sophisticated driving and comfort features offered in the new BMW 5 Series include Dynamic Drive Control with three modes: comfort, normal, sport and sport +; Comfort Start; Head-Up Display; Multi-Channel Audio System, Rear Seat Entertainment; Four-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning and BMW iDrive control.

BMW ConnectedDrive also offers a unique range of driver-assist technology functions for enhanced comfort and safety. For the first time the new BMW 5 Series comes with a Parking Assistant, an optional feature that facilitates the process of parking; Active Cruise Control , Surround View and Rear View Camera, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning with pedestrian recognition.

Commenting on the launch of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, Mr. Bassel Chehabi, Managing Director of Bahi Motors, the exclusive BMW importer in Qatar, said: “The launch of the new BMW 5 Series opens up the latest chapter in a truly impressive BMW success story. The 5 Series has always been one of our best sellers in Syria, so we are naturally delighted to introduce this new model into the market.

"This sixth generation model is a totally different car from its predecessor in terms of design, comfort, technology and engineering. We are confident that it will be well received and help us maintain our position at the forefront of industry trends.”

The new BMW 5 Series sedan is available at Bahi Motors.

18.05.2010

Damascus - BMW is setting a new benchmark in the compact Sports Activity Vehicle segment with the launch of the newest member of its X model range, the all-new BMW X1. The youngest model to join the hugely successful X Sports Activity Vehicle portfolio comes with all of the features typical of the BMW X range, but at the same time offers a new interpretation of BMW's Sheer Driving Pleasure.

The driving characteristics of the BMW X1 offer the perfect combination of supreme agility and versatile sportiness with an appearance of a Sports Activity Vehicle and the agility of a BMW 1 Series. Available in Syria with three engine variants and measuring 4.45 metres in length, this five-door stands out from every angle as a BMW X model.

The X1 xDrive28i top-of-the-range, six-cylinder petrol engine has a maximum output of 258hp, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 230 km/h. The BMW X1 xDrive25i has 218hp, reaching 100Km/h in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 223 Km/h. Also available is the sporting and economic sDrive 18i, a 2.0 litre four cylinder engine with 150hp. Accelerating this agile performer from 0-100 km/h takes just 10.4 seconds and provides a top speed of 200 km/h.

The interior of the BMW X1 is characterised by clear functionality and modern style. The elevated seating position, a generous feeling of space, the wide range of storage options and the variable interior offer ideal conditions for enjoying the BMW X1 both in an urban environment and beyond.

The BMW X1 features an extremely stable body structure designed for maximum occupant safety. It achieved the highest score of five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test. NCAP (New Car Assement Programme) is regarded as one of the most important and demanding tests required for new vehicles worldwide.
The test scenario covers accident types such as the head-on collision, side crash and side impact against a steel post.

Modern drive-train technology gives the BMW X1 superior performance and efficiency all in one. The driver benefits from a powerful, economical and low-emission engine, BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, as well as a range of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. The suspension technology featured in the BMW X1 offers high-precision power steering, high performance brakes and Dynamic Stability Control including Dynamic Traction Control.

The BMW X1 comes with the latest generation of BMW iDrive functions, including the 6.5inch Business or 8.8inch Professional navigation systems. The iDrive system has been updated to provide easy access to all telecommunication, audio and entertainment functions.

“The BMW X1 is an exciting addition for us in Syria. We expect this model perform very well as it attracts a younger audience and it’s a perfect entry level X model variant positioned below the X3." said Bassel Chehabi, Managing Director at Bahi Motors.

The new BMW X1 is now available in Syria at Bahi Motors.

13.06.2010

Damascus - Bahi Motors is activating phase two of BMW Group Middle East‘s Efficient Dynamics strategy in the region with the launch of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 model, which integrates the latest electric and petrol engine technologies to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
BMW Group Middle East has already enjoyed significant success on the path to zero-emission vehicles, with over 1.6 million models already fitted with Efficient Dynamics technologies that reduce emissions and improve efficiency during phase one of the Efficient Dynamics strategy. This strategy has made the BMW Group the world's most sustainable car manufacturer.
Hybrid vehicles have two different drives. The combination of a combustion engine and an electric motor with a storage battery that allows for particularly efficient energy management. BMW ActiveHybrid combines this technology with hallmark BMW driving characteristics that result in a Hybrid that combines greater dynamics with greater fuel efficiency.

Commenting on the arrival of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 in Syria, Bassel Chehabi, Managing Director of Bahi Motors said: “The BMW Group is one of the world's most successful automotive manufacturers and the most sustainable automotive company in the world today. We are happy to help extend this commitment into Syria with the arrival of the unique BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid, which we anticipate to be a success among our discerning customers here in Syria.”

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Series technology is a mild hybrid offering significantly more power, and at the same time, more than 15% lower fuel consumption and emissions than the standard BMW 750Li without hybrid technology.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h. Remarkably, at the same time average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is a mere 9.4 litres/100 kilometres, while the CO₂ rating is 219 grams per kilometre.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is one of the first BMW models with an automatic transmission to feature an engine Start/Stop function. Every time the vehicle comes to a standstill, the engine switches off, cutting fuel consumption and emissions. When the driver accelerates, the engine switches back on. During this process, all electric functions such as the air conditioning are supplied with power from the battery so that they continue to operate.

The vehicle comes with stationary climate control, a feature that enables one to control the temperature inside of the car before the journey begins. Made possible by the electric air conditioning compressor, it can be conveniently activated using the car key and means the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 can be cooled to a comfortable temperature before you get inside – without using a drop of fuel.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 retains the interior design and comfort features of their Series, with generous space on the inside and luggage compartments that can accommodate up to four golf bags. High-grade materials and excellent workmanship down to the smallest detail, coupled with aerodynamically optimized wheels, make for sheer driving pleasure.


The new BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is now available in Syria at Bahi Motors.

04.07.2010

Damascus – Bahi Motors, the exclusive importer for BMW Group in Syria, is celebrating this Ramadan by offering its customers discounted vehicle registration, interest free financing and service packages on select BMW models purchased during the Holy Month.

Throughout the promotional period, customers will benefit from a 25 per cent discount on vehicle registration on any BMW 7 Series, 50 per cent on the BMW 316i and 30 per cent on all other BMW models. Customers who purchase any new BMW vehicles through instalments will also be entitled to two years interest free financing.

Exclusive for the Holy Month of Ramadan, this campaign signals the BMW Group importer’s commitment to providing additional value to its customers by helping to reduce the ownership costs of BMW cars. Bahi Motors will also be offering customers purchasing the BMW 316i with or without financing, a complimentary BMW Service Inclusive package, which covers all major servicing on BMW cars for the first five years or 100,000 km. This includes wear and tear parts that are beyond the standard warranty, costs for labour, original BMW replacement parts and top-up oil.

“Our Ramadan campaign is all about making vehicle purchase an easy and pleasurable experience for our customers. By taking care of the small details, such as vehicle registration and servicing, customers are given peace of mind and costs are kept to a minimum,” said Bassil Chehabi, Managing Director of Bahi Motors.

The BMW Service Inclusive package offers the financial security of being able to budget ownership costs for the inclusive period, without the worry of unexpected servicing and repair costs, and even enhances the resale value of the car. Should the customer sell their BMW before the expiry of the package, the remaining benefits are fully transferable to any subsequent owner as the package belongs to the vehicle.

Bahi Motors’ Ramadan offers will be running throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan.

01.08.2010

Damascus - Bahi Motors, the exclusive importer of BMW in Syria, has announced a 22% increase in sales for BMW vehicles for the first nine months of 2010 compared to the same period last year. This growth is attributed to the arrival of a host of new models to the Syrian market including the, the new BMW 5 Series, the all new BMW X1 and the introduction of BMW 316i with automatic transmission.

From the period January to September 2010, Bahi Motors’ top-selling model was the BMW 5 Series, which increased by 14%. Launched in Syria in June this year, the new BMW 5 Series is a core product for BMW. Combining sporting and elegant design, excellent comfort and the highest standard in efficiency in its class, the BMW 5 Series sets the benchmark in driving dynamics and safety having recently achieved five stars in the Euro NCAP vehicle safety assessment programme.

Commenting on the success, Bassel Chehabi, Managing Director of Bahi Motors, said: “We are extremely pleased with these sales results, which come on the back of a busy nine months.. We had four new model launches in the first six months of the year: the ActiveHybrid 7; BMW Gran Turismo; 5 Series and the X1. This is in addition to the launch of the BMW 316i with Automatic transmission for the first time ever in Syria, so it has been a busy and successful year so far. A growth of 22% is testament to the hard work of our sales staff, the strength of the BMW brand and the trust placed in Bahi Motors by customers in Syria.”

Across the Middle East region, the BMW Group completed nine months of 2010 with a 15% sales growth over the same period in 2009. Across 14 Middle East markets, the world's most successful premium automotive manufacturer delivered 12,444 BMW and MINI vehicles to customers, signaling the underlying strength of both brands in the region.

20.10.2010

Following the 2010 red dot design award, the BMW 5 Series Sedan also takes the 2011 prize from the German Design Council.

Munich. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan has won Silver in the 2011 Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany, presented annually by the German Design Council. The country’s most prestigious prize for product design is one of several honors already bestowed by the Design Council in recognition of the excellence of BMW Group Design. The Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology and will be presented at a public ceremony in Frankfurt on 11 February 2011.

The presentation forms part of the opening event of Ambient, the world’s biggest trade fair for consumer goods.

Since its launch in 1969, the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany has been conferred each year on outstanding international achievements in the categories of product and communication design, as well as on a personality from the world of design and on up-and-coming young talent. The winners are chosen by an independent jury consisting of ten representatives from industry, academia, design and the media, who are appointed by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology. The selection criteria for the design award are rigorous: all entries must already have received a national or international award and must embody trends and developments with a defining impact on future design. A further entry criterion is the nomination by the Trade and Industry Ministries and Senators of the federal states or by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology.

The design of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan deftly translates the vehicle’s attributes into an authentic formal language. Sheer presence and stylish elegance lend expression to the Sedan’s premium quality and outstanding ride comfort. Its sporty driving characteristics are reflected in the dynamic lines of its bodywork and the overall impression is that of a thoroughly athletic automobile.

The Superior aesthetics of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan are also conveyed by its perfectly balanced proportions and meticulously executed details.

The unique quality of BMW Group Design has already been recognised several times over by the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany. In 2010 this “prize of prizes” went to the Kinetic Sculpture of the BMW Museum (Gold), in 2009 it was awarded to the BMW HP2 Sport motorcycle (Silver), in 2008 to the BMW G650 Xcountry motorcycle (Gold), and in 2007 to the BMW Cruise Bike (Silver).

For the new BMW 5 Series Sedan this is not the first award of the year: in 2010 its exceptional design already resoundingly persuaded the jury of the internationally renowned red dot awards.

03.11.2010

Munich. By launching the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, the German premium automobile manufacturer is setting new standards not only in aesthetics and driving pleasure, but also in safety. This exceptional position has now found renewed and impressive testimony in the US NCAP crash test. The BMW 5 Series Sedan is the first vehicle that was awarded straight away the highest number of points, 5 stars, in the new and considerably more stringent test procedure of the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The same number of points had already been awarded previously to this four door model in the Euro NCAP crash test. Moreover, the BMW 5 Series Sedan ranks among the first winners in Europe that Euro NCAP experts have honoured in addition with a special award, in recognition of its Assist Advanced eCall, an advanced emergency call system with automatic localisation and accident severity detection. In the USA too, the new BMW 5 Series received yet another honour for outstanding passenger protection: the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) voted it the Top Safety Pick on the strength of its top grades in all test categories.

This double award of 5 stars and the additional honours all reflect the outstandingly high safety level of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan that will be meeting the complex requirements on the international autombile markets. As a global provider of premium cars, BMW develops for all of its models fully integrated safety concepts that are not optimised solely for specific test procedures, but whose safety scope and quality provide the basis for excellent results in all relevant crash tests throughout the world. This ensures the maximum of protection not only for the dummy in the laboratory, but also for thevehicle’s occupants in actual traffic conditions when a critical situation arises or a collision is unavoidable.

Following extensive revisions this year, the US NCAP crash test was performed on a total of 33 current models from American, German, and Asian manufacturers. The tests included e.g. a head-on collision with a solid obstacle, two side collisions, and a rollover scenario. The crash test properties are assessed in particular with respect to occupant cell stability, safety equipment scope and effectiveness, and risk of injury to occupants as determined by the sensors fitted on the dummies.

New to the program is a so-called pole side impact, and in addition there was a significant increase in the stringency of thresholds relevant to top score achievability. As one of the consequences, vehicles that had been awarded top marks earlier under the previous test conditions were being downgraded by the NHTSA in some cases to as low as three stars. Whereas in earlier years, up to 90% of all tested vehicles were being awarded five stars, this year saw only two of thirty three models. Solely the new BMW 5 Series Sedan passed the demanding test program straight away with an overall grade of five stars. Another vehicle was likewise honoured with top grades following a second test run with subsequently optimised safety measures, but all other models achieved only two to four stars in the overall assessment.

For the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, the series is continuing the line of outstanding ratings from renowned safety testing institutes. Previously too, in extensive crash tests analogous to the traffic safety administration NHTSA, the US institute IIHS funded by the insurance sector had already awarded top marks to the Sedan for its occupant safety. One special feature of this test program is the lateral impact of a 1.5 t deformable barrier at a particularly high point on the vehicle’s side, simulating thereby a side collision with an SUV. In addition, the IIHS also utilises a roof strength test to investigate the stability of this structure in rollover scenarios. Having achieved the best grade in all test categories, the BMW 5 Series was voted Top Safety Pick.

The IIHS panel classified both the crash test properties and the safety equipment of the Sedan as exemplary. For instance, the crash active headrests fitted as standard prove to be a particularly effective measure for reducing the risk of whiplash injuries in the event of a rear collision. On this point the IIHS confirmed the positive judgment that the seats of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan had already received previously in the Euro NCAP crash test.

In Europe too, the positive ratings reach beyond the overall assessment of 5 stars. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan was the very first vehicle to achieve 100% in the safety equipment category of the Euro NCAP crash test. In the Euro NCAP pedestrian protection category, with a far higher priority than in the US program, the BMW 5 Series could likewise achieve the best score to date. The Sedan’s active engine compartment lid rises automatically during a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist, presenting an enlarged crumple zone for reduced risk of injury.

Moreover, this institution funded by European governments, automobile associations, and insurance companies is expanding its assessment program this year to include for the first time safety relevant technologies that are not being considered yet in the scope of previous crash tests. These innovative safety systems to a stringent test procedure that is intended to verify a perceptible gain in safety for actual accident situations. In the case of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, this Euro NCAP Advanced Award went to the Assist Advanced eCall, an advanced emergency call system with automatic localisation and accident severity detection by BMW ConnectedDrive. In the event of a collision, this function automatically alerts emergency services and transmits additional data serving to locate the vehicle and assess the potential risk of injury to the occupants.

07.11.2010