One of the year’s most anticipated reveals, that of the sixth generation BMW 3 Series, took place this week and, on first appearances, we like what we see. BMW claims that the new 3, which is the world’s best-selling premium car, sets new benchmarks in terms of sporting prowess, elegance and comfort, it’s powerful new styling representing a fresh interpretation and conscientious development of traditional BMW design cues.
The new BMW face, with flat headlights reaching along as far as the BMW kidney grille, emphasises the elegant yet dynamic design of the new 3 Series. It has grown in size compared to its predecessor, with its wide track (front + 37 mm, rear + 47 mm) particularly prominent, and the car’s increased length (+ 93 mm) and augmented wheelbase (+ 50 mm) accentuating its sporting silhouette.
Inside, the noticeable increase in space benefits the rear passengers above all. The entire range is now also available in a trio of trim and equipment variants dubbed Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line. Each presents its own individual take on the character of the sports sedan, with exclusive, high-quality material combinations and unbeatable build quality underlining the premium ambience of the new range.
Drive and chassis technology have always been key areas of expertise for the brand, and agility and driving dynamics remain outstanding attributes of the new 3 Series Sedan. The new car belies its larger dimensions with a kerb weight 40kg below that of its predecessor, while the further enhanced levels of comfort on board make a significant contribution to driving pleasure.
A choice of four refined, economical and muscular engines – all of which feature new BMW TwinPower Turbo technology – will be available for the new 3 Series from launch. In addition to two further optimised diesel powerplants and the already successful six-cylinder petrol unit, customers can also enjoy the talents of the new turbocharged four-cylinder variant in the BMW 328i. This latest-generation petrol engine rewards the driver with a dynamic driving experience coupled with reduced fuel consumption and emissions.
BMW is the first carmaker to offer an eight-speed automatic gearbox in the premium mid-size segment, which can be specified in combination with any of the petrol and diesel engines in the range and links up with the Auto Start-Stop function that comes as standard. Compact and exceptionally efficient, it allows the new 3 Series to match or outperform models fitted with the standard six-speed manual gearbox in terms of both fuel economy and emissions. The new eight-speed automatic brings together shift comfort, dynamic performance and efficiency of the highest order, making it the perfect partner for the new sedan’s dynamic potential.
As components of the BMW EfficientDynamics technology line-up, the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator and need-based operation of ancillary components (including a disengageable air conditioning compressor) also play their part in reducing fuel consumption. Added to which, the new Driving Experience Control switch not only offers Comfort, Sport and Sport + options, but also ECO PRO mode, which gives all the models in the range the potential to further improve these figures. This switch helps drivers maximise fuel economy through their driving style, thereby enabling them to increase the distance they can travel between visits to the pumps. The same goes for the carbon emissions-minimising 320d EfficientDynamics, whose peak output of 120 kW contrasts with average fuel consumption in the EU driving cycle of 4.1-litres/100 km and carbon emissions of 109 g/km. BMW will add further cutting-edge engines to the line-up in 2012, when the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will also celebrate its premiere.
BMW ConnectedDrive offers an unmatched combination of driver assistance technology and mobility systems for the new BMW 3 Series range. A new arrival in the premium mid-size segment is the latest-generation full-colour Head-Up Display, which projects key information in sharp resolution onto the windscreen so it appears directly in the driver’s field of view. Also available is Surround View with Side View and Top View, which gives a bird’s-eye perspective of the vehicle and the area around it. In addition, a parking assistance system helps the driver to manoeuvre into parking spaces. Among the other assistance technology available under the BMW ConnectedDrive banner are Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, the Lane Change Warning System and Lane Departure Warning System with camera-based Collision Warning system, which are offered for the first time in a BMW 3 Series.
Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI) and special apps such as “BMW Connected” for using social networks are also available. An innovative comfort access function allowing hands-free opening of the boot lid and the additional Active Protection occupant protection system are likewise included on the options list, as is Advanced eCall with automatic position finding from BMW Assist. In the event of an accident, this system gives the emergency services detailed information on the nature of the collision before they arrive at the scene of the accident.
DieselDrive will surely bring you full details when the new BMW 3 Series arrives on local shores in 2012.
- Christo Valentyn
