All-new BMW 3 Series: first photos

October 16,2011

The BMW 3 Series is one of the all-time greats. The epitome of a sports sedan, it has had no equal in offering sports-car level steering and handling coupled with practicality and (near) affordability. Now the sixth generation 3 Series takes a bow, at least in photos and specifications, before it goes on sale early next year.

BMW says that the new 3 is larger and more spacious, and thankfully, lighter, quicker, and more fuel-efficient. BMW has taken few risks with the styling, evolving it in a predictable way. The family resemblance to the new 5 is pronounced, which is a good thing. Perhaps the biggest change is BMW’s adoption (finally) of the Mercedes-pioneered (or is it McLaren?) side-mirror mounted turn signal. The interior, too, is of a familiar design, with the iDrive moved closer to the center, for passenger access. There are still no visible cupholders, thank goodness.

There will be four models at launch: 328i with 245 bhp and 350 Nm, and a brisk 5.9 second 0-100 km/h time; 335i: 306 bhp and 400 Nm, 5.5 seconds; 320d: 184 bhp and 380 Nm, 7.5 seconds; and 320d EfficientDynamics: 163 bhp and 380 Nm, 8.0 seconds.

328i is actually powered by a twin-turbo 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine. It replaces the 3.0 liter of the previous 328i and 330i, offering better fuel economy and quicker performance. The 335i features a 3.0-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine. The engines are paired with either six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. 316d and 318d variants will be added later, both powered by 2.0-liter diesels, as will a 320i with 184 bhp and 270 Nm. A hybrid version pairing a 306bhp six-cylinder with 40kW electric motor will also follow.

The Drive Performance Control first seen in the 7 Series and which has migrated to the 5 Series, is now available in the 3. It allows the driver to select accelerator mapping and gearshift settings, from Eco Pro to Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. Eco Pro will require a firmer push on the accelerator to tap more power. EfficientDynamics includes Auto Stop-Start on both manual and automatic cars, and brake energy regeneration.

3 Series grows by 93mm in length and 50mm in wheelbase, to improve interior room. The new 3 will run on double wishbones up front and five-link independent suspension at the rear. Run-flat tires are still standard.

Expect the new 3 to arrive in the Philippines early next year.

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