New BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series SaloonThe BMW 3 Series has been a sales phenomenon, with 14 million cars sold since production began with the E21 model in 1975.

During that time the model has defined the premium sports saloon segment with today around a quarter of all BMWs sold coming from the 3 Series range.

The new 3 Series Saloon and Touring models receive a subtle evolution to their front and rear styling, with new materials and highlights introduced to the interior to even further boost the sporting yet comfortable ambience.

Under the bonnet, the majority of engines are completely new and hail from the latest modular BMW EfficientDynamics engine family, with standout models such as the new three-cylinder 318i, the 326hp 340i, the 99g/km 320dED and the 335d with 630Nm of torque. With further advancements to gearboxes, chassis dynamics and personalisation options, plus a huge array of advanced technology such as the new optional BMW Professional Navigation, the new BMW 3 Series is better equipped than ever before to continue the legend.

The new BMW 3 Series has a strikingly attractive presence on the road. The distinctively sculpted long bonnet and setback passenger compartment combine with short front and rear overhangs, and a long wheelbase, to create the familiar dynamic proportions of a BMW. In its own way, these are as much a hallmark of a BMW as the perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

Revised headlights include optional LED units with LED indicators now positioned as “eyebrows” above the headlights. These full-LED headlights, which are even more efficient than the xenon headlights offered to date, work with the optional BMW Selective Beam system. The camera-based, anti-dazzle High Beam Assistant adjusts the car’s lights using actuators to ensure the road is illuminated as well as possible without dazzling oncoming traffic and vehicles travelling ahead.

BMW 3 Series Saloon BMW 3 Series Saloon BMW 3 Series Saloon BMW 3 Series Saloon

In addition, the “eyes” of the BMW 3 Series have moved further apart, visually strengthening the car’s broad stance on the road. In cars with standard specification lighting, the headlights are joined by two LED daytime driving light units on each side. These light strips highlight the hallmark BMW twin headlight arrangement and link the headlight units with the traditional BMW kidney grille.

At the front, broader side air intakes are integrated into the sculptural form of the bumpers. The new, more intricate structure of the central air intake also allows the radar sensor for the Active Cruise Control (ACC) to be housed more discreetly. At the rear, the new rear lights are full-LED units. The light bars, arranged in a distinctive BMW “L” shape, are more heavily curved, and the integrated LED brake lights now respond faster. The two-piece LED indicators form a horizontal band of light across both sections of the rear lights and stretch into the boot lid (or the tailgate on the BMW 3 Series Touring).

New exhaust tail pipes are fitted to different models depending upon engine output. The range-topping BMW 340i features individual 80mm tailpipes on the left and right, while the engines for the 320i and 320d models upwards now come with dual tailpipes, each 70mm in diameter. The tailpipe for the entry-level models measures 75mm in diameter. There is also a new range of wheels, with rims up to 19 inches in diameter available as an option, and 20-inch wheels can be selected from the Original BMW Accessories range.

Offered as an alternative to standard specification, the Sport and Luxury models place emphasis on different aspects of the new BMW 3 Series’ character. The M Sport model offers additional options designed to further increase road presence and driving enjoyment.

The Luxury and M Sport models can now also be specified as an option with the Ash Grain wood panel with metal inlay. Luxury models now come with the new bi-colour 18- inch light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design as standard. Among the features of the M Sport model are leather upholstery, the M aerodynamic package, an M leather steering wheel, M Sport suspension, front sports seats, the anthracite-coloured BMW Individual headliner and the Driving Experience Control switch with additional Sport+ mode.

Overall, customers can choose from a total of 16 exterior colours, with new additions to the range including Mediterranean Blue metallic, Platinum Silver metallic and Jatoba metallic in addition to the Individual colour Champagne Quartz metallic. The Estoril Blue metallic shade is still reserved exclusively for M Sport models.

The BMW M3 also gains the new full-LED rear lights and updates to the interior. The latest-generation Professional Navigation system with LTE – the fastest mobile standard currently available – is standard for this model, while two new BMW Individual exterior colour shades (Smoked Topaz metallic and Champagne Quartz metallic) are available in addition to the exclusive Tanzanite Blue metallic and Azurite Schwarz metallic BMW Individual paint finishes.

The new BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring ranges feature a total of four petrol engines and seven diesel engines. All the three-, four- and six-cylinder petrol engines, and the four-cylinder diesel units in the BMW 316d, BMW 318d and BMW 320d, are now sourced from the newly developed, modular BMW EfficientDynamics engine family and are equipped with the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which combines exceptional performance with excellent fuel efficiency.

The new BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring models go on sale in July. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Written by