DUNCAN STEWART, general manager of Stewart Motors, believes in pushing the envelope. And, he has.

At an intimate setting on the grounds of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany on Waterloo Road, St Andrew, last Tuesday, Stewart unveiled his company's latest luxury import - the new BMW 7 Series dubbed 'The Statement'.

And, despite the current global economic climate and a price tag of $13.3 million, the general manager is confident the sleek luxury sedan car will do well locally.

Fuel-efficient

We aim to set the benchmark," Stewart told Automotives in an interview at the launch. He said that the new, elegantly designed 'Bimmer' was more fuel-efficient than its predecessors and ecologically sound as well.

"We're introducing a product which is environmentally friendly," he said.

Stewart said the local market size for the 7 Series BMW was quite limited when compared to that of the 3 Series and the X5, but based on his assessment, the sales outlook was positive.

"We sell more cars than Mercedes and Audi in Jamaica," the general manager said. "And, when you are the leader it is important to show it," he added.

Stewart Motors is the authorised distributors of BMW and Mini marques in Jamaica, and has been in the automotive industry since 1938. The firm is offering a three-year/60,000km service and repair inclusive package on any purchase of its newest import or any vehicle from its showroom.

Technical features

According to a press release from the company, the new BMW 7 Series is the first sedan in the luxury segment to offer fuel-saving measures with its state-of-the-art EfficientDynamics technology. The sedan offers a wide range of technical features, including dynamic damping control for an enhanced ride and choice of 'sport' or 'comfort' setting; a lane-change warning device which alerts the driver of vehicles in blind spots; BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system; integral active steering for increased agility at low speeds and increased stability at high speeds.

— Brian Bonitt