Larger, lighter and turbo-ed, the new sedan is also smarter.
BMW released official “business” on the new 328i, 335i and 320d models today, all of which feature state-of-the-art BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The new car has a wider track, longer and has a increased wheelbase, which does bode well for the rear passengers. And, not forgetting a successful 40kg weight loss programme.
The 328i has a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine which develops 245 hp and 350 Nm of torque from as low down as 1,250 rpm. In-line six fans: The BMW 335i has a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine with 306 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Finally, the 320d has a 184 hp, 380 Nm diesel which sips 4.1 litres of diesel every 100km. A hybrid powerplant will join the line-up in the second half of 2012.
A six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard, or, you can opt for an eight-speed automatic transmission. A sports version of the auto box is available on request, offering even sportier shifts through the stick and paddle shifts on the steering wheel. There is something new with the Driving Experience Control function, it has ECO PRO added to the usual Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes. What it does is make throttle response more gentle, so that you’ll go further.
BMW will offer the new 3-Series with various trim packages, Sport, Luxury and Modern. The Sport Line is up our stream, with glossy black trims pieces to complement the styling. Luxury Line consists of shiny chrome bits which extends into the interior as well. The more contemporary Modern Line uses more “brush aluminium” pieces.
The new 3 Series will receive the latest generation of Head-Up displays, with Surround, side and top views. More electro geekery stuff includes Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, Lane Change Warning System and Lane Departure Warning System with camera-based Collision Warning system.
Also available are data-hungry applications like Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI) and special apps such as “BMW Connected” for using social networks (mmm, Facebook). How about Advanced eCall with automatic position finding from BMW Assist, to send emergency services detailed information about an accident?
How about the sportiest trim? The M Sport package is in the pipeline for mid 2012 – less leather, more cloth and Alcantara as well as a bag-full of M accessories, including optional M Sport brakes in blue. It also includes lowered M Sport suspension, firmer suspension and damping as well as harder anti-roll bars. You also get 18 or 19-inch M alloy wheels, M aerodynamics package and if you desire so: Adaptive M Sport suspension with electronically controlled damping.
The new BMW 3 Series will too feature the xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system. The BMW 335i xDrive, BMW 328i xDrive, BMW 320i xDrive and BMW 320d xDrive all-wheel-drive models will go on sale in mid-2012. Now there is only one last 3 Series we’re waiting for… and it starts with M.
