BMW Korea unveiled on Thursday the new BMW 7 Series, the facelift models of the latest fifth generation of the German carmaker’s flagship luxury line. The Seoul launch was the first in Asia.

“We plan to import some 600 new 7 Series vehicles this year. Of them, reservations for 500 have already been made,” said BMW Korea CEO Kim Hyo-joon at a launching event held in southern Seoul.

Despite their expensive prices hovering at 130-180 million won ($110,000-150,000) here, the 7 Series models have been the best-selling lines in Korea for BMW, the largest import car brand in terms of sales. 

Since first introduced back in 2008, the Korean sales of the 7 Series have continued to grow from 2,011 vehicles in 2009 to 2,152 in 2010 and 2,378 in 2011, Kim said.

“For the 7 Series that sold 68,700 units globally last year, Korea has become the fourth-largest market behind China, the U.S. and Germany,” the CEO said.

Seven new sedans, including diesel models 730 and 740d xDrive and gasoline models 740 and 750, went on sale Thursday. BMW Korea plans to introduce another three new models by October.

The new 7 Series offers new features such as a high-end surround audio system by Bang & Olufsen, new-generation navigation, a digitalized dashboard and new LED lamps.

Fuel efficiency has also been enhanced. The 730d promises a more than 30 percent increase in fuel efficiency from 13.5 kilometers per liter to 18 kilometers –- the best level among the same segment cars.

On the day, BMW Korea also unveiled the “BMW 7 Series Mobility Lounge,” a membership lounge for VIP customers located in the posh Gangnam district of southern Seoul, with the interior design inspired by the new car design.

(jylee@heraldcorp.com)