New, 2012 BMW 3 Series now with more options

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is now roomier than ever and there is a wider choice of models now on offer, similar to the multiple options offered by the 1 Series. Additionally, the efficient eight-speed automatic gearbox is now available across the entire range as well as the six-speed manual. The eight-speed auto is now either equally efficient or more efficient than the manual equivalent on each model.

Prices start at £28,080 for the 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon and 320d Saloon. The EfficientDynamics variant offers 163bhp, 280lb-ft of torque, a top speed of 143mph and a
0-62mph run of 8.1 seconds. It's not eye-wateringly fast but if you want the comfort and the luxury along with eco-friendly emissions of 109g/km of CO2 and pleasing combined fuel economy of 68.9mpg, it looks like a great buy. The 320d Saloon has a little more power at 184bhp, the same amount of torque as the EfficientDynamics model and a faster sprint time of 7.6 seconds and top speed of 146mph. Combined fuel economy is at 61.4mpg and CO2 emissions are 120g/km.

The two petrol-powered variants are not quite as efficient but the reward is improved power. For £29,060, the 328i Saloon offers 245bhp, 258lb-ft of torque, a top speed of 155mph and a 6.1 second 0-62mph stat. Combined fuel economy is 44.1mpg and emissions are 149g/km.

At the top of the range is the £35,525 335i Saloon with 306bhp, 295lb-ft of torque, a 5.5 second dash to 62mph and a top speed of 155mph. Combined fuel economy is 35.8mpg and emissions are 186g/km. As well as a great range of engines, there are six interior trims to choose from as well as packages to further customise the new Beemer. The standard wheels are 17-inch alloys, and BMW's iDrive system with a 6.5-inch monitor is in every model across the range.

There are three modes to choose from - ECO PRO for efficient motoring, Comfort for when you want to cruise and Sport for when you want to play, as well as the Sport + option on Sport models.

Despite being 50kg lighter than its predecessor, the newest 3 Series is a thumper with a longer wheel base - 2,810mm, an increase of 50mm on the last model, tracks that are 37mm wider at the front and 47mm wider at the back with short overhangs. Luggage space is up by 20 litres to 480 litres and the cockpit has been redesigned to be more driver-focused with all the necessary controls angled towards the driver.

In extra BMW news, BMW UK has confirmed that towards the end of this year, four-wheel-drive and hybrid powertrains will be introduced to the 3 Series for the first time in this country. The ActiveHybrid 3 will use the same powertrain as the ActiveHybrid 5 which mates a 306bhp six-cylinder engine to a 40kW electric motor.

www.bmw.co.uk



































By Georgia Lewis

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