BMW has confirmed its all-new sixth generation 3 Series lineup will hit European dealerships in February.
The 3 Series accounts for around 20 per cent of BMW’s global sales and the company says the new lineup is slightly larger, more fuel-efficient, offers greater interior space, handles better and in some models delivers improved performance.
BMW will launch the all-new 3 Series initially with a choice of four engines although others will follow. Drive is to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and in Europe, we’ve been told to expect all-wheel-drive and hybrid models a little down the track – the latter using the same technology as the ActiveHybrid 5 scheduled for late next year.
All BMW 3 Series models will feature BMW TwinPower Turbo engines. On-sale first in the UK will be the BMW 328i, powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine, delivering 184Kw/350Nm and replacing the current 3.0-litre, six-cylinder powered 325i and 330i.
Offering zero to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds, fuel consumption of 5.4l/100kms and C02 emissions of just 150g/km, BMW says the all-new 328i is both faster and kinder to the planet than its predecessors.
However for high performance enthusiasts, the BMW335i with TwinPower Turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder powerplant continues.
For diesels, look for the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder 320d with 138kW in regular form or 123kW in EfficientDynamics guise.
These will be joined by 316d (87kW), 318d (107kW) and a 138kW/270Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol for the all-new BMW 320i.
Dimensionally, the all-new BMW 3 Series delivers a longer wheelbase (2,810mm), an extra 37mm for the front track and 47mm for the rear track, while overall length has grown by 93mm. So interior space by all measurements is enhanced and luggage capacity is up to 480-litres.
The all-new BMW 3 Series looks sportier with integrated headlights/front grill, bulbous wheel arches and the wider-looking rear highlighted by the new ‘corporate’ BMW L-shaped rear lights.
Front suspension adopts aluminium torque struts, wishbones and swivel joints while the rear scores a further updated version of BMW’s classic five-link design. Adaptive M Sport suspension and Variable Sport steering are both on the options list.
Inside, BMW says we should expect noticeably lifts in luxury for all 3 Series models, including high-gloss black and Pearl chrome finishes as well as Dakota leather, contrasting stitching and anthracite timber veneers. A full-colour head-up display includes speed and navigation information.
BMW Australia will announce details of local specifications and pricing closer to launch.
