Eyeing a BMW or a Mini car? If yes, you should get the booking in place before the calendar runs out of October 2020. Why? BMW Group India has announced that from November 1, 2020, prices of BMW and Mini models will increase by up to 3 per cent. The reasons cited include rising costs and depreciating currency. Multiple financial solutions, including customised ones, can help buyers to strike a great deal and, as mentioned above, safeguard themselves from the price hike.

At its facility in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, BMW Group India manufactures several models including the BMW 3 Series, BMW X3, BMW X5, BMW 7 Series and the Mini Countryman. Other models, which land in India via the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route, include the Mini Clubman, BMW M5 Competition, BMW M4 Coupe, BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and the BMW X6.

Last month, the Indian arm of the German automobile group introduced the Mini Convertible Sidewalk Edition. Only fifteen units are up for grabs. The two-door soft-top offers bespoke styling elements inside and outside the cabin. Powering it is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 189bhp/280Nm. In August, it was BMW that introduced a model with limited availability – the Shadow Edition of the Gran Turismo 330i M Sport.

Expanding the locally-produced model lineup will be BMW India’s next offering – the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Arriving on October 15, 2020, it will become the new entry-level model for the German carmaker. In all probability, the four-door sedan will come only in diesel avatar at time of launch. That will wear the 220d logo, signalling the presence of a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine pumping out 188bhp/400Nm. Handling transmission duties and diverting the oomph to the rear wheels will be an 8-speed automatic transmission. In essence, that’s the same powertrain that does duty in the BMW X1.

Petrol fans, don’t worry! BMW will introduce the 2 Series Gran Coupe with a petrol engine (220i) as well but at a later stage. Which engine? The same 2.0-litre turbo (189bhp/280Nm) that does duty in the Mini Cooper S and the BMW X1. In India, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe will compete directly with an upcoming Mercedes-Benz – the A-Class Limousine.