This is the 6th generation of the BMW’s best-selling sedan. This BMW has grown in terms of dimension, showing a wider track (front + 37 mm, rear + 47 mm), increased length (+ 93 mm) and a wheelbase (+ 50 mm). As a result the 2012 3-Series offers increased interior space and 15 millimeters of additional knee room behind the front seats which was lacking in the previous model. The interior will be clad in higher grade materials in order to underline the premium ambience. According to BMW, the all-new 3-Series Sedan will be available in three equipment lines in addition to the entry-level version: the Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line.
The 3-Series sedan will offer refined and economical engines to arrive soon with the revised 5-Series lineup. They will also come with Auto Start-Stop function as standard with all engine-gearbox combinations.
The 2012 BMW 328i will now be available with a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine delivering 180 kW/245 hp and peak torque of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) from as low down as 1,250 rpm. The 2012 BMW 328i will be capable to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and will have an average fuel consumption of just 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers (44.1 mpg imp).
The 2012 BMW 335i will feature the same 3.0-liter six-in-line engine delivering 225 kW/306 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at just 1,200 rpm. In the BMW 320i, which will be the Malaysian favorite, the engine will deliver 135 kW/184 hp at 5,000 rpm and peak torque of 270 Nm at just 1,250 rpm. BMW will offer two turbodiesel models, which will be based on the same 2.0-litre core engine used by the 320d: the 318d delivering 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm and powerful peak torque of 320 Nm available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm, and the 316d which develops of 85 kW/116 hp at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 260 Nm, again at between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm.
The BMW 320d will deliver 135 kW/184 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. BMW will also offer the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition, which will deliver a total output of 120 kW/163 hp with average fuel consumption in the EU driving cycle of just 4.1 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. This model will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 8.0 seconds and hits a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). Further engine versions will follow, including a six-cylinder diesel unit and numerous xDrive models.
Driving Experience Control comes now with four driving programs: ECO PRO mode which helps the driver to maintain an economy-optimised driving style; COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes. This new BMW 3-Series Sedan will be available with the latest-generation full-colour Head-Up Display, while safety will be further enhanced by the Lane Change Warning System and Lane Departure Warning System. More details and pictures coming tomorrow.
