BMW has finally revealed the sixth generation of its popular 3 Series model. Taking many styling cues from the latest 5 Series, the F30 3 Series is 93 mm longer than the outgoing E90, with a 50mm longer wheelbase. That means 15 mm extra legroom for the rear passengers, and 8 mm more headroom. Luggage space is also increased by 20 litres to 480 litres, yet – depending on the engine – the new model is up to 45 kg lighter than its predecessor.
Available February 2012, in Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line trim levels, the 3 Series will initially be offered with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines: the 328i and 335i, and the 320d and 320d EfficientDynamics, with UK prices ranging from £28,080 (€ 32,074) for the 163 hp 320d EfficientDynamics, to £35,525 (€ 40,578) for the 306 hp 335i.
A month after its launch, further models will be offered, including a 116 hp 316d and 143 hp 318d, powered by different variants of the 2.0 L diesel unit, and a 320i, propelled by a 184 hp 2.0 L turbocharged petrol engine. All versions can be ordered an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The ActiveHybrid 3 will be released towards the end of 2012. Sharing its drive system with the ActiveHybrid 5, it will use the 225 kW/306 hp six-cylinder engine from the 335i, which is supplemented by an 40 kW/55 hp electric motor.
All models come with Drive Performance Control – a switch which allows the driver to choose between up to four driving modes, varying extremely economical to sporty: ECO PRO, Comfort and Sport. Depending on your driving style, the ECO PRO mode can cut fuel consumption by around 20 percent. A fourth setting – Sport – only features on Sport models or as a selected option, which also includes Variable Sport steering and Adaptive M Sport suspension with electronically variable dampers.
[Source: BMW]
UK Pricing
