BMW strives to reclaim No. 1 import car brand with luxury models

BMW is seeking to recapture the best-selling imported car crown with new luxury models ― the 7 Series, X7 and 8 Series ― the German carmaker has said.

"BMW aims to reclaim the No. 1 imported car crown as we are strengthening the flagship lineups that can offer a premium experience to our consumers," a BMW Group Korea official said.

BMW Korea rolled out its flagship SUV, the new X7, in April and gave the high-end sedan the 7 Series a facelift in June.

The new 7 Series has impressive changes up front compared with the pre-facelift model. The surface area of the carmaker's signature kidney grille is 40 percent larger and the overall look of the revamped model is more aggressive. Its wheelbase is also 22 millimeters longer.

For the three-row X7 SUV, BMW Korea recently added a new engine lineup ― the xDrive40i ― enabling customers to choose gasoline or diesel powertrains.

BMW Korea is also pinning hopes on the new 8 Series, which will hit the market in November.

BMW brought back the 8 Series nameplate, which disappeared in 1999, to replace the 6 Series coupe and four-door Gran Coupe to compete against the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the Audi A7.