The new BMW 3 Series Saloon features a stiffer body and an all-new chassis based on a longer wheelbase (now 2,810mm, an increase of 50mm on the previous model) and wider tracks (by 37mm at the front and 47mm at the rear).
Now in its sixth generation, it isn't only the car that's grown, but also the number of trim levels, with 6 now on offer for customers to choose from. In keeping with BMW tradition, a wide range of packages and individual cost options can also be added to the standard specification of every model.
All engines in the new 3 Series Saloon feature BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. They include a new four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol unit, developing 245hp and 350Nm of torque, in the 328i. It replaces the six-cylinder 3.0-litre engines in the previous 325i and 330i, with inherent advantages for weight and fuel consumption, yet with a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds in manual form, it is quicker than either. Efficiency is also significantly improved and both manual and automatic versions of the 328i have fuel economy of more than 44mpg and CO2 emissions below 150g/km. The new unit features High-Precision Direct Injection, BMW's new TwinScroll turbocharging, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing and VALVETRONIC variable valve opening technology.
BMW has also confirmed that towards the end of 2012 it will introduce four-wheel-drive and hybrid powertrains to the 3 Series Saloon for the first time in the UK. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system has been available on the 3 Series in some markets previously, and has now been engineered for right-hand-drive cars. It will be of particular benefit to owners who live in areas prone to extremes of bad weather, and will be available with selected petrol and diesel engines.
Less than a month after launch, three new engines will be added. There will be 316d and 318d diesels, powered respectively by 116hp and 143hp variants of the 2.0-litre diesel engine, plus another version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This will slot into the new 320i, and will be tuned to deliver 184hp and 270Nm of torque.
The ActiveHybrid 3 will arrive at roughly the same time, and will use the powertrain recently announced for the ActiveHybrid 5. This pairs the 335i's 306hp six-cylinder engine with a 40kW electric motor.
BMW in the UK will again offer ES, SE and, later in 2012, M Sport versions of the 3 Series Saloon, but in a bid to offer greater customer choice, Sport, Modern and Luxury models will also be offered.
The M Sport will have lowered and stiffened sports suspension, unique aerodynamic body styling and ride on 18-inch M light alloy wheels. The interior will be trimmed in Aluminium Hexagon with a Blue finisher. The sport seats will be covered with Dakota leather, and the door finishers, steering wheel and shortened gearshift will reflect the car's position as the sportiest 3 Series Saloon model.
In addition to the enhanced range of trims, all models including ES (only available on 316d), will receive enhanced levels of standard equipment, including 17-inch light alloy wheels, automatic air-conditioning, Bluetooth, BMW Professional radio with 6.5-inch colour screen and iDrive, keyless starting, USB, a multi-function leather steering wheel, cruise control and automatic boot opening.
Full pricing details for the entire range will be announced later this year.
Posted on 07.02.2012
