Asian Carmakers Corporation, the official importer of BMW cars in the Philippines, launched the all-new sixth-generation 3 Series sedan. Available are the 328i, powered by a 2.0-liter gasoline engine; and the 320d, a 2.0-liter diesel. Eight-speed automatics and engine start-stop are standard across the range.
The new 3 Series body has a wider track and is longer by 93mm. The rear seating area gains kneeroom and 8mm more headroom. The classic kidney grille and four-eyed headlamp get a more flattened shape to lend a sportier character, while the rear looks like a mini-5 Series with similar tapered taillamps. A new Air Curtain technology, designed to improve the air flow around the front wheels, and chassis bits with high light-alloy content serve to improve the handling and ride comfort.
Classic longitudinal engine-rear wheel drive layout is retained, giving the ideal 50:50 weight distribution. Superb handling and steering are no doubt still part of the equation.
Three new flavors are available for the 3: Sport, Luxury, and Modern. Sport–the red car in the photos–features black kidney grille slats with chrome surround, black inserts in the front apron, 17 or 18-inch alloys, glossy black exterior mirrors, high-gloss black B-pillar, a black trim strip on the lower crease, and taillight finishers in black. Interior features black and red contrasting accents. Sport seats in choice of three upholstery finishes and four colors are standard.
The Luxury (see the gray car) features chrome grille slats, chrome apron strips, and chrome strip above the air scoop. Window frame is also in chrome, as are the trim strip at the rear and the tailpipe finisher. Interior is done in wood and choice of two upholstery trim materials.
Modern (the blue car) means satin aluminum grille slats and air intake trim, and rear trim. Interiors are done in light colors; think Bo Concept living room set.
Our personal favorite is the Sport line, which accentuates the 3’s lines perfectly, particularly when ordered with the 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels.
The inline-six cylinder, a staple element of the 3 Series for a couple of generations now, is retired in favor a more fuel-efficient four-cylinder. This returns the 3 to its roots as a four-cylinder car. We suspect we will be missing the six’s soundtrack but not much else. The 2.0-liter gasoline inline-four dishes out 245bhp, and 350Nm from just 1250 rpm, delivering 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.9 seconds. The eight-speed automatic and engine-start-stop helps give a reported 15.62 km/liter.
The 2.0 diesel is no doubt even more efficient, and no slouch either when it comes to power. Power is 184bhp and torque 380Nm. 0-100km/h time is 7.6 seconds, and reportedly fuel efficiency is 22.72 km/liter. (If the mileage is within that ballpark, who needs a hybrid? Many still do, apparently, as a hybrid version of the 3 will follow soon.)
Says Maricar Parco, ACC president: “If there is such a thing as a quintessential BMW, it is without doubt the BMW 3 Series. The 3 Series is everything a sports sedan should be, and for years it has stood undisputed at the summit of the premium mid-size segment. Since it made its debut in 1975, more than 12 million customers around the world have taken ownership of a BMW 3 Series. Backed up with its impressive heritage, innovations, aesthetics and driving dynamics, we are confident that the Filipino market will greatly welcome the All-New BMW 3 Series just like its predecessors.”
Interestingly, the three trim variants are priced identically. The 328i can be had for P4,290,000; while the 320d is at P3,490,000.
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