BMW today reveals first pictures and details of the new 3 Series, the sixth generation of the world's best-selling premium saloon. The 3 Series Saloon is the heart of the BMW brand, responsible for one-fifth of the company's global sales. When the latest incarnation of 3 Series goes on sale next February it will build on the current model's position as the ultimate drivers' car in its sector. But it will also be the most logical business proposition, thanks to new powertrains and additional EfficientDynamics fuel-saving, emissions-reducing technologies.
The new BMW 3 Series Saloon is a car of contradictions: larger and more spacious than the model it replaces, but lighter; quicker in many cases, but more fuel-efficient; and more nimble and agile while even safer. There have been big steps forward in style, quality, comfort and specification for only a minimal price increase. A wider choice of trim levels and an extensive personalisation programme will allow 3 Series Saloon buyers to order virtually a bespoke car.
Compact BMW saloons have always appealed to the emotions of keen drivers because of their outstanding driving dynamics, but with the advent of the company's EfficientDynamics technologies to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in the middle of the last decade, they also present a compelling business case. That advantage is set to increase with the introduction of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon. By March 2012, when additional engines have been added to the four at launch, BMW will have eight versions of the new 3 Series Saloon with CO2 emissions at or below 120g/km while competitors can muster only one each. This brings clear benefits to owners in terms of Benefit-in-Kind company car taxation and Vehicle Excise Duty, while the 320d EfficientDynamics model, with CO2 emissions of less than 110g/km, allows businesses which outright purchase, to write off 100 per cent of the cost of the car against tax in the first year.
All versions of the new 3 Series Saloon feature Drive Performance Control as standard - a switch which allows the driver to swap between up to four driving modes, varying from sporty to extremely economical. The four modes are ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport, and Sport + (Sport + is included only on Sport models or with selected optional equipment). In ECO PRO, the throttle mapping changes so that a firmer push of the accelerator pedal is needed to extract the power that is delivered with a lighter touch in the other three modes, thus encouraging a more economical driving style. ECO PRO also alters the manual gearshift points advised by the Optimum Shift Indicator, modifies the gearshift strategy on models with automatic transmission and even adjusts the power consumption of features such as the climate control and heated mirrors and seats.
The EfficientDynamics technologies which gave the previous BMW 3 Series Saloon such a competitive advantage remain very much in place, and have been supplemented with new ones. Auto Stop-Start is fitted to all versions, manual and automatic, along with Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand control of engine ancillary components and tyres with less rolling resistance. Weight has been reduced by up to 50kg compared with the previous model, while the drag coefficient (Cd) is down to as low as 0.26 thanks to optimised aerodynamics. The new 3 Series Saloon features a streamlined underside, covers which create a diffuser effect at the rear and Aero Curtain air channels in the front apron which reduce the turbulence created by the revolution of the front wheels in their arches.
The new BMW 3 Series Saloon is fitted with electromechanical power steering which consumes no energy when the car is being driven in a straight line or in steady-state cornering. This has been achieved with no loss of the steering accuracy or precise feedback that is such an essential part of the BMW 'ultimate driving machine' ethos. Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance is standard on the 328i and 335i derivatives and optional on all others.
An eight-speed automatic gearbox, giving a wider spread of ratios than the former six-speed unit without taking up any more space in the engine bay, is available as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual. It is also now offered with every engine to significantly improve efficiency. For example, the new 318d automatic model now emits 22g/km less than the previous 318d automatic model. Automatic versions of the new 3 Series Saloon are also now as fuel-efficient, or more so, than their manual equivalents.
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@Neseri2de Then don't watch the videos, and your watching a video, probably videos of German cars and complaining about a design of a vehicle. Pretty sad to insult cars.
couggarfan31 6 days ago
Dont like it at all!......After the E46 BMW lost it and by the look of this new offering theyre still looking for it......oh and whats with the plastic wood grain thing in German cars, go figure.
Neseri2de 1 week ago
I won't ride this car even if someone gave it to me as a present or for free. The 2012 C-Class is more elegant, luxurious and sexy. When it comes to this category of German sedans then a C-Class is the car. Like if you agree.
SherifMoharram 1 week ago
Can you finish the top 5? These are in my opinion the top 4 cars of this moment. Do you have any suggestions? Check my First video!
XxZwijnxX 2 weeks ago
@BraveZombie Didn't work though xD
Anoush13 1 month ago
@Anoush13 its a matter of opinion of course but i was trying to convince you xD :))
BraveZombie 1 month ago
@BraveZombie The AC and Audio controls haven't changed, but the gauges definitely have changed. And interior design is a matter of opinion. If you think that the C Class is more elegant that that's fine, but personally I like the 3 series interior.
Anoush13 1 month ago
@Anoush13 Yeah but the whole area of the (air condition , Cassette , radio ) havent changed in a while, looks pretty old... even in the new 3 series , they didnt change it... and the area for the speed and gas (dont know its name in english) didnt change also , on the other hand C-Class looks more Elegant ..
BraveZombie 1 month ago
@BraveZombie In my opinion, the Luxury line 3 series looks better, and more luxurious than the C Class Mercedes. But that only goes for the 3 series. E Class and S Class interior's look a lot more luxurious than the 5 and 7 series.
Anoush13 1 month ago
@Anoush13 well havent you ever seen a Mercedes? same price range .. better in luxury
BraveZombie 1 month ago