Mohamed Kandeel (right) led the unveiling of the BMW X6M and X5M, as well as the BMW 2 Series Convertible at the fifth edition of the Qatar Motor Show yesterday.
PICTURES: Shemeer Rasheed  

By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

BMW in Qatar will continue growing “from strength to strength”, a senior official of the Alfardan Group has said.
Citing a market share of approximately 40%, COO Mohamed Kandeel said BMW is expanding its portfolio to increase car offerings from the 1 series to the 7 series and now, the X family.
“BMW is a global brand and it is a brand that you will be proud to work for,” he stressed. “It always has something new, at least two to three products every year.”
Kandeel was speaking yesterday at the Middle East debut of the all-new X6M and X5M at the fifth Qatar Motor Show being held at Qatar National Convention Centre.
Alfardan Automobiles, the official BMW group importer in Qatar, also unveiled the all-new BMW 2 Series convertible at the event.
“This year, for example we just launched the X6M and X5M, we just received the all new generation X61 a month ago, so you are talking about the X5 which has been out in the market for only one year,” Kandeel noted.
He described the two newly-launched sport vehicles as “the ultimate BMW M performance that combines outstanding motor racing heritage with hallmark M high performance engineering”.
The second generation X6M and X5M models set the benchmark in terms of driving dynamics and outstanding efficiency in the high-performance Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) and Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) segment.
The M design and distinctive high-class interior of the two newest additions to the BMW M GmbH stable made them the stand-out stars of the show.
The two vehicles are powered by the latest-generation 4.4-litre V8 engine using M TwinPower Turbo technology to push torque and output to even higher performance levels.
With a pair of TwinScroll turbochargers, cross-bank exhaust manifolds, Valvetronic and high precision direct petrol injection, the 4.4-litre V8 produces maximum output of 423 kW/575 hp.
With the new M TwinPower Turbo engine, the X5 M and X6 M have the most powerful unit ever developed by BMW for an all-wheel-drive vehicle.
The standard eight speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic achieves 0 to 100 in 4.2 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250kph. At the same time, fuel consumption and CO2 levels of both models has been reduced by 20%.
In addition, the BMW 2 Series Convertible has continued the legacy of its predecessor, the BMW 1 Series Convertible.
The vehicle features sporty and elegant lines, an ultra-intense open-top driving experience and dynamic ability.
Kandeel noted that the Qatar Motor Show which ends on February 10 brings together some of the most notable international carmakers showcasing their latest models.
“It is considered an important automotive event in the region, attracting visitors, automotive enthusiasts and international carmakers in their thousands,” he said.