India, in recent times, has become one of the emerging markets in the world, attracting almost all major players, which also includes luxury brands. A majority of Indians opt for cars that are economical and score high on fuel efficiency. However, the penchant elite class has for luxury cars cannot be ignored. India’s automobile market is currently churning out about 2.35 million passenger cars a year, a good chunk of which comprises luxury brands. Rising economy and greater purchasing power are the main factors that have set the ball rolling for the increased luxury car purchases in the country.
Amongst the famed brands in the aforesaid segment is the German auto giant BMW, which has gained popularity bountiful at the high end of Indian automobile market. BMW is listed in India’s top 10 luxury car brands and has been doing brisk business in India. Thanks to its striking looks, a BMW is recognisable at the first glance, with two kidney-shaped air intakes, the 'kidney' grille accompanied with the BMW emblem and two double-round headlights. In recent times, the German automobile giant has carved a niche for itself in India, managing to challenge. BMW lives up to the tag name “The Ultimate Driving Machine” as it is amongst the few from the automotive world to deliver the exhilaration similar to this luxury auto. Only a BMW owner knows, what it is to drive a vehicle so balanced and planted on the road as it slaloms through the corners.
At the moment, BMW is registering healthy car sales figures in India. BMW India, recently communicated the plans to expand its operations by investing a whooping amount of Rs. 390 Crore. Currently, a total of twelve models of BMW are available for sale in India. This portfolio includes the likes 1 Series, X1, 3 Series, X3, 5 Series, Z4, X5, M Series, Gran Turismo, 7 Series, X6 and 6 Series. Priced at Rs. 20.9 lakh, 1 Series is the cheapest offering from the luxury brand, while the highest priced model is 7 Series, costing around Rs. 1.7 Crore.
It is often said that 'luxury has no definition, it's an emotion', which clearly symbolises the popularity of car brands like BMW. People who buy high-end passenger cars do not really bother about prices as they usually have high affordability levels. These customers are willing to go the distance in terms of spending those extra bucks to get a classy vehicle. The rise in wealth and change in attitude of the rich has made them more capable of spending on luxury cars. BMW cars perfectly meet the pinnacle of luxury as they come integrated with sophisticated features and proudly strut of their head turning looks. "It's for customers who want something extremely special, which stands out and is unique," says an industry expert.
The Bavaria-based auto maker ranks high in terms of sales satisfaction in India with a score of 881, reports have claimed. In addition, its performance in the dealer facility, salesperson factors and sales initiation has been commendable, according to a recent study. An industry official was quoted as saying, “An increase in the number of luxury models available in India, coupled with attractive financial options that enhance affordability, have really helped the luxury market grow.”
