A logical evolution

THE SIXTH generation of the BMW 3-Series has been unveiled, with the new saloon available in Ireland from February 11th, 2012. Prices start at €34,180 for the new entry-level 316d ES (€35,030 on the road).

With a strong nod towarsd the the styling of the current 5-Series, the new car will come initially with four-engine options, including a version of the 320d with emissions of just 109g/km for €38,710. These will be joined by the entry-level 316d and a 318d version by March next year. A hybrid version will be added to the range late next year.

New options for the model include heads-up display and sports suspension. For those who choose automatic transmission, the new car will be offered with BMW’s recently launched eight-speed gearbox. The eight-speed transmission will be available on all engine variants. Previously, most 3 Series owners opted for manual gearboxes, but the automatic may prove tempting as it promises better fuel economy and lower emissions than the manual.

While the overall design is a logical evolution and will not come as any great surprise, it does feature a new-look front nose with flat headlights that run along the front as far as the latest version of the BMW’s iconic kidney grille. The bonnet seems to bulge slightly more than before, dipping down to the lower-set front grille, a nod towards the nose of the new 6 Series as well.

This latest generation is bigger than its predecessor, with a wide track and increased length (up by 93mm). A longer wheelbase also means more rear-seat legroom. Despite the increased size, the car is 40kg lighter than before.

Inside, the colour information screen is free-standing, more like a docked tablet computer than what went before.

Four engines will be offered: in addition to two diesel powertrains and the six-cylinder petrol unit from the current model, there will be a new turbocharged four-cylinder variant in the BMW 328i. But the star performer for Irish buyers wishing to mix power with economy will be the 320d EfficientDynamics version, which offers 163bhp with a fuel economy of 4.1 litres per 100km (68.9mpg) and emissions of 109g/km, giving it an annual motor-tax bill of just €104.

All engines in the new 3 Series feature BMW TwinPower turbo technology. They include a new four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol unit, developing 245hp and 350Nm of torque, in the 328i. It replaces the six-cylinder 3.0-litre engines in the previous 325i and 330i. Despite the drop in size, the engine is quicker from a standing start to 100km/h, managing it in 5.9 seconds, while emissions are below 150g/km. The other petrol engine on offer is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit in the 335i.

In terms of diesel powertrains, the new car starts with an improved 2.0-litre 184bhp 320d alongside the 163bhp 320d EfficientDynamics version, which features longer gear ratios, reduced friction components and revised electronics to generate its impressive fuel economy and emissions. Previously only available as a manual, the 320d EfficientDynamics will be available with the new eight-speed automatic transmission, retaining the same 109g/km emissions level.

Less than a month after launch, three new engines will be added. There will be 316d and 318d diesels, powered respectively by 116bhp and 143bhp variants of the 2.0-litre diesel engine, plus another version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This will slot into the new 320i, and will be tuned to deliver 184bhp and 270Nm of torque.

Towards the end of 2012 BMW will introduce four-wheel-drive and hybrid powertrains to the 3 Series. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system has been available on the 3 Series in some markets before, and has now been engineered for right-hand-drive cars. It will be available with selected petrol and diesel engines.

The ActiveHybrid 3 will arrive at roughly the same time, and will use the powertrain recently announced for the ActiveHybrid 5. This pairs the 335i’s 306bhp six-cylinder petrol engine with a 40kW electric motor.

The new car will be offered with ES, SE and M Sport versions, but there will also be Sport, Modern and Luxury models. According to BMW Ireland spokeswoman Claire Mulcahy: “With a broader choice of trims, customers can better tailor their vehicle to reflect their personalities, attitudes, tastes and lifestyles.”

All models including ES (which is only available on 316d), will come with alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, Bluetooth, a colour screen and iDrive, keyless starting, USB, a leather steering wheel, cruise control and automatic boot opening.

Other options available include Park Assist, which allows the car to parallel-park itself, with the driver controlling accelerator and brake. A reversing-assist camera and surround-view cameras can also be chosen.

New safety options include a full-colour head-up display that shows current speed limits, the car’s current speed and turn-by-turn instructions when a BMW navigation system is fitted.

During the unveiling at the BMW manufacturing plant in Munich, with employees and motoring media in attendance, the local workforce welcomed the decision to retain production at the plant. It employs more than 10,000 people, whose jobs will be safeguarded because of the new 3 Series.

At the event, two breathless German presenters hit fresh levels of hyperbole as they quizzed watching employees on whether this was the highlight of their lives and told us that “nothing like this has been seen in the world before”. As they spoke, seven of the new cars drove past employees at less than 10km/h.

But despite the hype, there’s no question about the importance of the 3 Series to the Bavarian car brand. It’s the biggest seller in the BMW family and, with plans for new derivatives such as a GT version on this platform as well, its success or otherwise will continue to define the brand.