The Indian arm of BMW, a world renowned German luxury automotive marque, is just few months away from the launch of its big European hit- 1 Series premium hatchback range in the domestic market. Upon its launch, the 1 Series looks set to take on the likes of Mercedes-Benz B-Class Sports Tourer and BMW owned Mini Cooper models in the country. Industry experts believe that the yet-to-be launched 1 Series models could see Indian daylight with introductory price tags falling in the range Rs. 17 to 21 lakhs. Mercedes-Benz has also lined up its A-Class hatchback range for a 2013 launch on Indian turf, which will be a same segment rival to the upcoming 1 Series range.
Coming to under-the-hood configuration of the upcoming BMW 1 Series, the premium hatchback range will be launched in both petrol and diesel options. The petrol model expected to come fitted with a 1.6 litre motor that will roll out power output close to 140 bhp, whereas the diesel variant will be powered by a 2 litre engine rated at 150 bhp maximum power.
At present, Mercedes-Benz India has introduced its B-Class Sports Tourer premium hatchback models in two petrol powered options- B180 and B180 Sports. The premium hatchback comes assimilated with a 1.6 litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that rolls out a maximum power and torque equations of 122 bhp and 200 Nm without breaking into sweat. The Mercedes-Benz B-Class B180 comes with a price tag around Rs. 21.5 lakhs, while the top-end B180 Sports is offered to domestic consumers at a retail value close to Rs. 25 lakhs.
Further, the upcoming BMW 1 Series models will challenge their cousin Mini Cooper hatchbacks in the country. The Mini Cooper S comes fitted with a 1.6 litre engine that churns out an impressive power output of 122 bhp and 160 Nm. The Mini Cooper model is retailed in India with a price tag close to Rs. 25 lakhs. Evidently, the BMW 1 Series will have plenty of competition to take on, upon its launch in the country.
