Bassoul-Heneine sal unveils its latest BMW models to customers

BMW debuts its first four-door coupé, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé, and sixth generation of the best-selling BMW 3 Series in exclusive evening event


Beirut, Lebanon: The customer launch of BMW’s two newest models – the all new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé and the sixth generation BMW 3 Series – took place this week (Thursday 7th June) at the prestigious Zaitunay Bay.

Hosted by Bassoul-Heneine sal, the official BMW Group Importer in Lebanon, over 4000 VIP customers, guests, media and BMW Group Middle East senior management attended the invitation-only event in which the third model in the BMW 6 Series line up and the latest generation of the BMW Group’s best-selling 3 series were officially unveiled. The event’s impressive turnout highlighted the strong level of interest that the models have already received from customers in Lebanon.

During the evening, guests enjoyed gourmet canapés and refreshing beverages whilst being serenaded by lounge music from Djette. The audience were then treated to a dance performance choreographed by Sami El Hajj before the all-new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé and all-new BMW 3 Series were unveiled through striking 3D mapping projections played on the 24 metre LED screen within the venue. Using state-of-the-art lighting, shadows, projection and 3D mapping techniques, the visual installation used the walls as an interactive canvas; making the models pop from the walls and animating the venue with the magic of optical illusion – all without the aid of 3D glasses. All of these combined elements provided the perfect atmosphere in which to raise a toast to BMW’s first four-door coupé and sixth generation BMW 3 Series, which are now on sale in Lebanon.

Commenting at the event, Mr. Nagy Heneine of Bassoul-Heneine sal, said: “The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé follows in the tyre tracks of the BMW 6 Series Convertible and Coupé that we launched last year. Its distinctive character – such as the low Coupé-style roof line – combined with dynamic driving, unmatched features and elegant style, is already turning heads amongst car aficionados. As is the new BMW 3 Series which is bigger, sportier and more dynamic, and the first BMW model to be available with three different lines: Modern, Sport and Luxury – three distinctive design personalities for the exterior and interior. We are confident that these two beautiful models will prove popular among our customers here in Lebanon.”


The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé

The aim in the design process of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé was to achieve a synergy between the aesthetics and dynamics typical of a BMW Coupé and functional versatility of a four-door sedan. The result? A unique car with a distinctive character but unmistakably a BMW.

The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé’s exterior sets new standards in terms of aesthetic design for four-door vehicles as seen in its low height and the flat roofline that smoothly flows into the rear end. The low and graceful lines are especially impressive when looking at the car’s side profile. The recessed passenger compartment appears low and smoothly stretched because the window silhouette extends deep into the C pillar. The frameless door windows are also a design element indicative of a sporty Coupé. In addition, the elongated side windows optimise the incidence of light to enhance the feeling of spaciousness in the interior. The characteristic BMW Hofmeister kink that flows into the C pillar encompasses exclusively embossed “Gran Coupe” lettering behind the glass in the lower corners of the rear windows to denote the fascinating elegance and personality of this new vehicle.

The interior of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé has a driver orientation typical of the BMW brand. The driver-focused cockpit and front passenger area are bordered by elegantly sweeping surfaces with a harmonious connection between the front seats and the rear. Passengers sitting in the rear will be surprised by the generous levels of space and high level of comfort in a very stylish and luxurious surrounding. The four-door Coupé is a four-seater that offers generous travel comfort in the back with an additional third rear seat which can be used for shorter journeys.

Powered by a choice of two engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé offers a sporty and powerful drive experience. The six-in-line engine in the BMW 640i Gran Coupé comprises a turbocharging system, High Pressure Injection and VALVETRONIC, twin-scroll turbocharging. The exhaust gas pulses from each bank of three cylinders are fed through two separate channels to the turbine wheel. This produces maximum power of 320 hp, at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm, from a displacement of 3.0 litres allowing the BMW 640i Gran Coupé to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.


The all new BMW 3 Series

Having sold 12.5 million cars since the first 3 Series was launched in 1975; the BMW 3 Series continues to be BMW Group’s best-selling model series consistently accounting for more than a quarter of the company’s global sales. In 2010, every third BMW sold was a 3 Series, and the success story of the 3 Series over the past 37 years has made it the world’s best-selling premium car.

It is bigger, sportier and more dynamic. It is also the first BMW model that will be available with three new different line options: Modern, Sport and Luxury lines – design personalities for the exterior and interior of the car. Within each line, customers can choose a number of exclusive finishes and equipment variants to suit their taste.

The new powerful design elements include a new BMW face, with flat headlights reaching along as far as the BMW kidney grille. This emphasises the elegantly dynamic design of the new BMW 3 Series, which has increased in length (+93mm), width (front +37mm, rear +47mm) and wheelbase (+50mm) compared to the predecessor model, giving the car an elegant and athletic silhouette.
Inside the new BMW 3 Series, the noticeable increase in space means significant benefit for the rear passengers. The classic BMW interior surfaces and lines flow over the instrument panel towards the front passenger side of the cabin, where they form a smooth and protective border. The cockpit wraps around the driver and ensures that all important functions are within easy reach.
Drive and chassis technology have always been key areas of expertise for the brand, and agility and driving dynamics remain outstanding attributes of the new BMW 3 Series. A choice of three powerful engines: the six-cylinder 335i and 328i, and the four-cylinder 320i, all with eight-speed automatic gearbox and TwinPower Turbo technology.

The two cars are now available at Bassoul-Heneine sal showrooms or any of their appointed dealers in Lebanon.