*Nine of the latest BMW models on display, including latest X5, M5, M2 Competition and i8 Roadster

Alfardan Automobiles, the BMW Group importer in the country, unveiled the BMW X5 for the first time in the region Wednesday at the opening of Qatar Motor Show (QMS) 2018.
Latest BMW models – BMW X4, X2, X3, M5, i8 Roadster, and M2 Competition, along with the M760 Li and M4 CS – also made their local debut at the five-day event, which will run until October 21 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
“We’re excited to take part in the eighth edition of QMS and showcase our sophisticated new BMW models with the brand new design language, and present the BMW X5 in the Middle East for the very first time,” Alfardan Automobiles general manager Rabih Ataya said.
“Each of our latest models truly resonate the brand’s commitment towards intelligence, performance and comfort. We are proud to be steering this direction with BMW locally in Qatar through our latest offerings,” he noted.


HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti tours the Alfardan Automobiles pavillion yesterday at the five-day show, which concludes on October 21. -supplied picture.



German ambassador Hans-Udo Muzel at the Alfardan Automobiles pavillion. -supplied picture.


Alfardan Automobiles unveiled various BMW models in Qatar for the first time. -supplied picture



Other BMW models showcased at QMS 2018. PICTURE: Jayan Orma.

Taking the centre stage at show, X5, the fourth-generation Sports Activity Vehicle, gives an imposing appearance and enviable interior space. 
A powerfully sculpted bonnet, a short front overhang, lightly hexagonal wheel arches and the dynamic sweep of the roofline provide further references to the sporty yet rugged character of the new X5. 
Two variants will be available: the new V8 engine in the X5 xDrive50i boasts 462 hp (0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds) and xDrive40i will be fitted with a 340 hp six-cylinder engine (0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds). 
According to Alfardan Automobiles, both variants will be equipped with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission and will be available for model-specific options from BMW Individual. 
The BMW X4, X3 and X2 were also on display, demonstrating the variety of options BMW offers though the X Model family. 
The most powerful letter also made an appearance at QMS , with the new BMW M5 at the lead. Providing ample power for the new performance sedan is a 4.4-litre V8 bi-turbo engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and develops 600 hp with impressive performance figures that speak for themselves: 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 11.1 seconds. 
Like all the models to come out of BMW M GmbH HQ, the design is M-specific and driven by function, with an interior focusing squarely on the driver. As a high-performance sports car and business sedan in one, it blends the best of both worlds. 
Available at the stand were also the all new M2 Competition and M4 CS with the new Oled lights– a symbolic pair when it comes to the M sub-brand, along with the range-topping M760Li xDrive Series.
The open-top two-seater i8 Roadster awed attendees with its ground-hugging design. The electrically operated soft-top adds a whole new sensation of freedom to the combination of locally emission-free mobility and high-calibre performance the i8 is justly known for.
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