BMW has finally lifted the wraps of its eagerly awaited sixth-generation 3 Series via the company’s facebook page.
The new car will go on sale globally from February 11 next year and will initially be offered with a choice of two petrol engines: a turbocharged 2,0-litre unit in the 328i and a turbocharged 3,0-litre straight-six with in the 335i as well as the 2,0-litre turbodiesel-engined 320d and 320d EfficientDynamics models. These engines will be followed by more variants during the second quarter of 2012, including the 330d and 335d.
A choice of 11 powerplants has been earmarked for the F30, comprising five turbocharged four-cylinder petrol units and six turbodiesels. The entry point to the petrol line-up will be a turbocharged 1,6-litre four-cylinder engine. This unit will develop around 112 kW, is likely to share much of its componentry with the PSA-Peugeot-Citroën unit that does service in the Mini.
A turbocharged 2,0-litre unit will form the backbone of the BMW 3 Series and will find its way into the following models with different outputs: 320i (134 kW), 325i (157 kW) and 328i (183 kW). The range-topping 335i will feature a turbocharged 3,0-litre straight-six developing 228 kW.
The diesels will mainly comprise 2,0-litre four-cylinder units, with the following models receiving the following outputs: 316d (90 kW), 318d (106 kW) and the 320d (137 kW). The range is capped off by a trio of 3,0-litre straight-six turbodiesels in the 325d (152 kW), 330d (183 kW) and 335d (213 kW).
Although the new car is reportedly 93 mm longer than its predecessor and considerably larger inside (with rear knee room apparently growing by 15 mm), it is also substantially lighter – cutting as much as 45 kg off the weight of the E90. This weight-saving translates to improved fuel consumption, most evident in such models as the 320d ED, which reportedly consumes just 4,1 litres/100 km and emits just 109g of CO2 per kilometer.
Among the innovative features earmarked for the F30 are a standard stop/start module, transmissions with drive presets (comfort, sport, sport + and eco-pro modes) and an optional eight-speed transmission for all engine derivatives.
The latest version of BMW’s ConnectedDrive infotainment module will also be offered on the new 3 Series and will include such features as Active Cruise Control with stop and go functionality, Lane Change/Departure Warning with integrated collision warning or Surround View systems. In addition, certain versions of this system will also enable drivers to surf the Internet, download social media apps and receive real-time traffic notifications. There is also a parking assistant module that helps to maneuver the car into difficult parking spaces.
The optional specification lines will mirror those of the second-generation 1 Series, with such packages as “Sport Line”, “Modern Line” and “Luxury Line” providing customers with the opportunity to further tailor theirs cars to their liking.
