What if I told you the words you casually throw around every day have a significant meaning? Well, there are many acronyms that serve a meaningful purpose but are often overlooked. These acronyms might sound like words themselves, but they are better understood in their fullest forms (pun intended). So without further ado, here are 15 everyday words whose full forms you might not know!
CAPTCHA- Completely Automated Public Turing Test to tell Computers and Humans Apart.”
INTEL- Integrated Electronics
YAHOO- Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle
GIF- Graphics Interchange Format
IMEI- International Mobile Equipment Identity
Generic:
DHL- Dalsey, Hillblom, and Lynn
BPL- Below Poverty Line
Wasn’t it surprising to know the full forms of these acronyms? Well, I was definitely amused by some of the names they represented. It just goes to show that when we say we can play with words, we really mean it!
BMW India has announced the launch of the all-new BMW X5 M Competition in India. The supremely powerful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) is designed and engineered to offer unrivalled performance and signature attributes of BMW M. The all-new BMW X5 M Competition is now available across BMW dealerships in the country as a completely built-up unit (CBU).
The hallmark BMW M design and striking exterior features lend to an extrovert appearance exuding supreme authority in any environment. It has an immediately recognizable large front bumper air intake openings to feed additional air to the coolers. It features both a roof and lower tailgate spoiler as part of their aerodynamic enhancements. The car features exclusive ‘M’ light-alloy wheels in a 21-inch format at the front axle and 22-inch at the rear with Star-spoke style 809 ‘M’ Bi-color. The optional BMW Laserlight offers selective beam and no dazzling high beam function with a range of around 500 meters.
The interior cockpit design draws inspiration from the racetrack and combines it with impressive spaciousness and luxurious flair. The classy, contemporary style of the cabin is complemented by displays and controls with the familiar M treatment – the bespoke M controls and the red splashes of colour adorning the M leather steering wheel’s M buttons help the driver to dial fully into the dynamic driving experience. The integrated headrests on the M multifunction seats offer electric adjustments, head restraint height, thigh support, backrest and angle plus pneumatic lumbar support. Hands-free Comfort Access facilitates easy loading and unloading of luggage. The all-new BMW X5 M Competition features a 12.3-inch Multifunction Display touchscreen, iDrive Touch Controller, multifunction steering wheel’s buttons, the voice control feature along-with the optional BMW Gesture Control. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a navigation system and the BMW Virtual Assistant is offered as standard. It also gets wireless charging and Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. Interior ambience can be enhanced further by opting for Panorama Glass Roof Sky Lounge, Acoustic glazing and Ambient Air Package. The optionally available Rear Seat Entertainment Professional and Bowers and Wilkins Diamond surround sound system produces a superior entertainment experience. High-quality options from BMW Individual create a bespoke character with exclusive paintwork and interior trims.]
Mr Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “BMW M is driven by a single-minded passion for creating authentic motorsport functionality with everyday usability. The all-new BMW X5 M Competition inherits this DNA and heralds a new dimension in the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment. It is a sublime mix of exclusive ‘M’ elements, an imposing thirst for forwarding progress, supreme power, captivating presence and an ultra-modern interior that epitomizes luxury. The powerful V8 engine and an array of comfort and safety features promise a unique, sporty and exclusive driving experience. The all-new BMW X5 M Competition fulfils the highest customer expectations, not only for agility, dynamics and power but also the expression of individuality.”
The latest-generation V8 engine stands out with its high revving character and unmistakable performance of the M TwinPower Turbo technology with a racetrack-proven cooling system. With a maximum output of 460 kW/600 hp at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 750 Nm between 1,800 – 5,600 rpm, the all-new BMW X5 M Competition sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The high-performance engine teams up with the latest version of the 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. The transmission adjusts from smooth to aggressive with the three-stage Drivelogic shifting system. The steering wheel paddle shifters, cruise control with braking function as standard and launch control function offers even greater driving pleasure. The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and Active M Differential ensure extremely dynamic on-road performance and masterful off-road ability.
The M-specific chassis always ensures precise handling. The M-specific adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers, active roll stabilization system and M Servotronic steering support sporty driving along with high comfort levels on long journeys. ‘M’ compound brakes offer outstanding stopping power. The integrated braking system developed for BMW M models offers two settings for brake pedal feel – COMFORT and SPORT.
The M Mode button on the centre console features a TRACK mode in addition to ROAD and SPORT mode settings, which is exclusively designed for use on race circuits. In SPORT / TRACK mode, the amount of information appearing in the displays is reduced offering a focused, high-performance experience.
The vehicle is loaded with cutting edge BMW Safety technologies such as front, side and head airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including ‘M’ Dynamic Mode, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control, Dry Braking function, Cruise Control with braking function along with Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function. As a part of the standard package, Adaptive LED headlights, High Beam Assistant and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant. M-specific display content can also be shown on BMW Head-Up Display, projecting driving information onto the windscreen and right into the driver’s immediate field of vision. Comfort and safety can be enhanced by opting to Driving Assistant Professional package that provides Steering and lane control assistant, the Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection, the Lane Change Assistant, the Evasion Assistant, the Emergency Stop Assistant and the Crossroads warning, Wrong-way warning and Front Cross Traffic Alert systems.
The all-new BMW X5 M Competition combines high-performance power with the versatility of an SAV. Its unique attributes combine with the renowned prowess of the BMW X range to bring an even greater degree of dominance, fueled by performance and visual appearance.
The ex-showroom price of the all-new BMW X5 M Competition is Rs 1,94,90,000.
If luxury brands are your thing, it is impossible that you have not heard of German luxury automobile manufacturer BMW. Its Indian wing, BMW Motorrad India has officially launched its internationally best-selling adventure sportbike, the all-new BMW S 1000 XR in India. It’s an all-days sports bike that uniquely blends sporty and long-distance performance in perfect form. Its sporty aggressiveness comes from its fully-faired sibling, the S 1000 RR. Its outstanding GS ergonomics with the upright, relaxed seat position, lets the riders enjoy all curves and straight roads.
BMW has designed the motorcycle to reflect pure performance and the promise of long-distance traveling comfort with a riding position that is impressively active yet relaxed. The front fairing and lighting systems are defined by sharp edges. Combined with striking beading, the overall line is shaped aggressively and consistently to the finish. The visually short tail is also reminiscent of a sportbike. The revised aerodynamics, fairing, comfortable handlebars along with long-distant seating position ensure great riding fun miles after miles. The adjustable windshield provides even better protection against the cold, driving noises, and the elements allowing the rider to keep the eyes on the road. All lighting units such as the headlamp, taillight, indicator lights, and instrument cluster use the latest LED technology. The integrated parking lights enhance the bike’s unmistakable appearance.
The newly developed 999 cc in-line 4-cylinder engine is based on the BMW S 1000 RR engine and delivers an output of 165 hp at 11,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 114 Nm at 9,250 rpm. The engine speed range is broader and harmonious to enhance rideability. The 4th, 5th, and 6th gears now have longer ratios, low noise levels, lower fuel consumption, and lower engine rpm at cruising speeds. The motorcycle sprints from 0-100 km/hr in just 3.3 seconds and can achieve a top speed of over 200 km/hr.
The new BMW S 1000 XR has four standard riding modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro. The ‘Dynamic Pro’ mode is fully configurable and offers riders a wide range of setting options to suit their riding style. The throttle response, engine brake, ABS control (Anti-lock Braking System) and traction control, wheelie control (including the new ‘Power Wheelie’ setting) can be configured separately for the first time. While the BMW Motorrad ABS system already provides a very high degree of performance and safety when braking in a straight line, ABS Pro takes this a step further when braking in a banking position.
The adventure tourer features the latest generation of BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) as standard. The best-in-class 6.5- inch colour TFT screen instrument cluster along with BMW Motorrad connectivity offers unmatched display and access to information. In addition, the BMW Motorrad Connected App offers handy arrow-based navigation suitable for day-to-day use directly on the TFT screen. The multi-controller on the left-hand handlebar panel enables quick, safe, and convenient screen operation.
A wide array of retrofit equipment and gear options are available to further enhance the riding experience with a range of storage bags, backpacks, rider gear, navigation, and communication. Customers can augment their bikes with safety accessories such as radiator grille, hand protector, brake disk lock with an anti-theft alarm, and protective glass for TFT screen.
Quick maintenance at home or while touring is made easy with assembly stand, multifunctional tool kit, tyre pressure travel pack, breakdown assistance kit for tubeless tyres and a compact foot pump.
Mr Arlindo Teixeira, acting President, BMW Group India said, “The all-new BMW S 1000 XR is an agile achiever that sets a new benchmark in the adventure sports segment. It is a power-packed performer that brings the real racetrack feel to everyday roads. With its newly developed engine and uncompromising ergonomics, it offers awe-inspiring performance, sporty ride and long-distance capabilities. Riders waiting for a distinctive experience will be drawn to the multi-faceted all-new BMW S 1000 XR. It’s a perfect companion, ready to hit the road for all kinds of journeys with sheer motorcycling enjoyment.”
For complete peace of mind and to ensure that the journey of pure motorcycling continues uninterrupted at all times, the all-new BMW S100 XR comes with a standard warranty for ‘three years, unlimited kilometers’, with an option to extend the warranty to fourth and fifth year. Roadside Assistance, a 24×7 365 days package further ensures prompt services in case of breakdown and towing situations.
The new bike can be ordered as a completely built-up unit (CBU) from today onwards throughout the BMW Motorrad dealer network. The all-new BMW S 1000 XR will be offered in a Pro variant in Ice Grey and Racing Red colour options. The ex-showroom price is Rs 20,90,000.
Automobiles have long been a symbol of wealth, with even the simplest of cars being the objects of pride. Over the years, the industry has evolved from limited and niche brands to full-blown luxurious pieces of art. While cars became available to the public and hence lost their exclusivity, car brands rose to make their products even fancier, even better and even costlier.
Luxury cars have always been kept apart from the general category, as a castle separates the king from his people. They have also been called special names– ‘auto di lusso’ in Italy or ‘voiture de luxe’ in France, both meaning luxury cars. The Germans call them Oberklasse which directly means “upper class”.
Many car brands across the world manufacture models across multiple segments. Automobile giants like Volkswagen and General Motors even have plants worldwide. In order to segregate the luxurious cars from the mass-produced models, many car brands often choose to sell their luxuries under a different banner. This has led to Toyota forming Lexus and Nissan forming Infiniti, among others. Even popular brands like Citroen, Ford and Geely have DS, Lincoln and Volvo respectively.
However, car brands have always competed to extend their luxuries to as many segments as possible, creating further division in luxury cars.
There are entry-level luxury cars, also known as Premium compacts. These became popular in the mid-2000s after European manufacturers introduced a cheaper alternative to their bigger luxury cars. Some models in this category are the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X2, Lexus CT2000h and the Volvo C30. These cars might be smaller than their executive siblings, but they’re at par in luxury.
Then come the compact luxury cars that are also smaller than their executive siblings and can also be called compact executive cars. It includes Alfa Romeo’s Giulia, Tesla’s Model 3 and the Infiniti Q50, among others.
The Executives are bigger than the prior two and act as a gateway to ultra-luxury. Executive car is a British term for an automobile larger than a large family car. Jaguar XF and Volvo S90 are some examples in this segment.
Germany’s Oberklasse segment and Europe’s F-segment are reserved for full-size luxury sedans. Most of them are flagship models of the company and feature the newest technology that the car brands have to offer. Also called luxury saloon or luxury limousine, these include the BMW 7 Series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Lexus LS and the Porsche Panamera, among others.
The Ultra-luxury segment is reserved for the elite, with all cars costing well above the Rs 10 crore mark. Here car brands offer models that will focus primarily on offering as much luxury as possible,making almost each piece unique to its owner. Names like the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Maybach 57 and the Bentley Arnage are enough to tell people one thing: You got deep pockets.
These are the car brands that will help you redefine luxury. Each car falling under this segment has not only been manufactured to carry its passengers, it has been made to set standards of luxury and style.
