The new BMW 550i Gran Turismo unveiled in a private viewing in Jakarta.

Jakarta.  Ramesh Divyanathan, President Director of BMW Indonesia, and Dian M. Muljadi, the Ambassador of BMW Gran Turismo, introduced the latest variant of the BMW 550i Gran Turismo in a private viewing at Ambiente, Jakarta.

During the event, Mr. Divyanathan also launched the limited-edition book WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU EXPERIENCED SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME.  The book features profiles of Dian M. Muljadi as the Ambassador of BMW Gran Turismo and seven other envoys from various backgrounds in the arts and business - Addie MS, Arini Subianto, Esti Nurjadin, Indra Leonardi, Otis Hahijari, Ridwan Kamil and Sarah Moerad Oestara - who were selected because they represent the Indonesian spirit of modernity and creativity.

“This book is meant to remind us to appreciate every first experience that provides greater meaning in life, in the same way BMW Gran Turismo provides an extraordinary travel experience which is the first of its kind in the automobile world," Mr. Divyanathan said. "Every individual featured in this book inspires through their stories showing that success starts from the passion to explore new experiences and the determination to attain their goals, while enjoying every moment of life."

The new BMW 550i Gran Turismo,

The new BMW Gran Turismo continues the BMW Group's commitment to bringing world firsts to its customers.  As the most successful premium brand manufacturer in the world, the company is creating a new segment with the BMW Gran Turismo, which is a combination of prestigious saloon, highly versatile Sports Activity Vehicle and classic Gran Turismo in a modern, attractive and future-oriented style.  The model received honorable mention in the 2010 Red Dot design award.

Stylish and elegant in design, this unique model comes with a coupe-like, stretched and sleek roofline, frameless doors and a two-piece tailgate.  The luxurious and generous interior gives passengers a spontaneous feeling of comfort and first-class ambiance.  The superior feeling is enhanced by easy entry to the car, the slightly elevated seating position, large window areas, panorama glass roof and exquisite materials and supreme quality of finish. 

As its name indicates, the BMW Gran Turismo is ideally suited for a truly wonderful travel experience.  The luxurious ambience immediately makes the driver and passengers feel at home, the spacious legroom at the rear is the same as in the BMW 7 Series standard wheelbase version and the headroom is equal to that of the BMW X5. Moreover, it is equipped with extensive entertainment for passengers.

The new BMW 550i Gran Turismo complements the previous variant, the 535i Gran Turismo.  The BMW 550i Gran Turismo features a V8 4.4 liter gasoline engine that is equipped with TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and Valvetronic, capable of developing maximum output of 407 hp at 5,500 rpm and maximum torque of 600 Nm from 1,750 rpm.  With the 8-speed automatic transmission, it accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds on average fuel consumption of 8.9 km/l with CO2 emissions of 263 g/km.  The engine complies to EU 5 standard.

The new BMW 550i Gran Turismo features high-quality materials and superior finish in top craftsmanship.  It is appointed with exclusive Nappa leather, BMW Individual roofliner Anthracite and fine wood trim in accentuating the luxurious ambience of the cabin. The gear selection lever, iDrive controller, Audio and A/C controller are all in ceramic to give a high-quality and exclusive touch.

With spacious leg room and head room, the rear offers supreme comfort for passengers.  Its panorama glass roof, ambient light and two individual comfort rear-seats with reading light enhance the feeling of relaxing in a personal living room.    The backrests can be folded flat automatically by switch.  In addition, comfort seats for the driver, front and rear passengers are equipped with electric adjustment.  All headrests are equipped with manual adjustment for headrest height.

It comes replete with a state-of-the-art entertainment system – BMW HiFi Professional loudspeaker system with 16 loudspeakers DIRAC processor 600 Watt, on board monitor with 10.2 inch display with TV and DVD function, USB interface, Bluetooth interface and a 12 GB hard disk to store a personal music collection.  Rear passengers can enjoy the rear-seat entertainment Professional with DVD function on two 9.2 inch monitors.  The new BMW 550i Gran Turismo is equipped with Adaptive headlights.

Offering unique functionality, the two-piece tailgate on the BMW Gran Turismo provides exceptional variability and maximum comfort in loading the luggage compartment. Opening the small, sedan-like luggage compartment lid beneath the rear window, with the tailgate as such remaining closed, the driver and passengers are able to conveniently load the rear compartment without causing any unpleasant noise, draughts or changes in temperature within the passenger compartment. To load large and bulky objects, on the other hand, all they have to do is open the large tailgate for maximum convenience.

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The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 24 production facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

The BMW Group achieved a global sales volume of approximately 1.29 million automobiles and over 87,000 motorcycles for the 2009 financial year.  Total revenue was euro 50.68 billion. At 31 December 2009, the company employed a global workforce of approximately 96,000 associates.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last six years.

BMW in Indonesia

PT. BMW Indonesia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Munich-based Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) AG in Germany. The establishment of this subsidiary in April 2001 reflects the BMW Group’s confidence in the long-term future of Indonesia.  PT. BMW Indonesia’s activities cover the wholesale of BMW cars, spare parts and accessories, as well as the overall planning of sales, marketing, after-sales, and related activities in Indonesia. Its dealership network covers 11 new car dealers and 1 used-car dealer spread out in various cities in Indonesia. Selected models of the 3 and 5 Series sedans are also assembled in Indonesia by a local partner. More information about BMW Indonesia may be found online at www.bmw.co.id.

For further information please contact:

Helena Abidin

Corporate Communications Director

Tel: +62 -21- 2992 3003            

Mobile: +62-816-968 450

Email: maria.h.abidin@bmw.co.id

Roberto Sumabrata
Corporate Communications
Tel : +62-21-2992 3009 ext 21724
Mobile : +62-818-306 307
Email : roberto.sumabrata@bmw.co.id