- The sixth-generation BMW 3 Series sedan is longer, wider and roomier than its predecessor.
- BMW is adding a new turbocharged four-cylinder variant and a new eight-speed automatic transmission option.
- All-wheel-drive and hybrid editions arrive later in 2012.
WOODCLIFF LAKE, New Jersey — The redesigned 2012 BMW 3 Series sedan debuts next February at U.S. dealers, with all-wheel-drive and hybrid versions slated to arrive later in 2012.
The sixth-generation BMW 3 Series sedan is longer, wider and roomier than its predecessor, and features all-new sheet metal, a revamped cockpit, a new turbocharged four-cylinder variant and a new eight-speed automatic transmission option.
The 2012 BMW 328i and 335i go on sale in February, followed in summer by the 335i xDrive and BMW 328i xDrive and next fall by the all-new ActiveHybrid 3.
The 328i and 335i will be offered in three trim levels: Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line. BMW also will offer an M Sport package some time after launch.
BMW has fitted its N20 engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline unit, to the 328i. The engine, which was first introduced in the 2012 Z4 sDrive28i, delivers 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and drives the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual gearbox.
BMW says the 328i achieves 0-60 acceleration in 5.7 seconds, with an electronically governed top speed of 130 mph (155 mph with the Sport Line trim level).
The 335i's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine makes 300 hp and 300 lb-ft, and sprints from zero to 60 in 5.4 seconds, with the same upper speed limits.
An optional eight-speed automatic can be ordered on either model. A sport version of the automatic, with faster shift times and steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles, is also available on the Sport Line and M Sport variants.
EPA fuel economy ratings aren't available yet for the U.S. cars, but BMW says the 328i returns a combined 30 mpg on the EU test cycle, while the 335i with optional automatic delivers a combined 33 mpg. A new auto stop/start function, standard with either transmission, helps reduce fuel consumption.
The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 that's due in about a year will be even more frugal — and potent. The 3 Series hybrid combines the N55 six-cylinder gasoline engine with a hybrid-specific version of the eight-speed automatic with integrated electric motor. Maximum combined output is 335 hp and maximum combined torque is 330 lb-ft. Combined average fuel economy on the EU test cycle is 37 mpg.
Enthusiasts will want to pay extra attention to the new 3 Series Sport Line trim level and M Sport package.
The Sport Line trim level is a cosmetic package that features high-gloss black exterior trim, 18-inch double-spoke alloy rims with a bicolor finish, black chrome exhaust tips and black and red interior accents.
The M Sport package bundles an aero body kit, a choice of 18- or 19-inch M-design alloy wheels, M Sport suspension, BMW Individual high-gloss Shadowline trim and a raft of M Sport interior goodies.
Inside Line says: BMW raises the compact sport sedan bar once again.
Add A Comment »
al2travel says:
12:39 PM, 10/17/2011
It's sad for an old BMW owner to see people on here clamoring for a 4cyl diesel, how the mighty have fallen!
THis fits in well however with the current BMW management's mass market orientation.
BMW 's used to be about practical performance, now they are all about marketing their green credentials. Maybe guys like me won't have an alternative, everyone is trying to do the same thing, that may be the case, but then again I won't have to pay up to a BMW in order to drive an econobox!
ekimp says:
12:26 PM, 10/17/2011
I am a huge BMW fan boy, and the 3 has probably been my favorite for as long as I can remember. But this car is a huge disappointment. It is by far without a doubt in my mind the ugliest 3 series ever. I can't look at the front without cringing. Did they try to get styling cues from the Kia Optima? Because that car actually looks a whole lot better than this one. From the headlights to the side mirrors, it just seems like this car is going in the entirely wrong direction.
Maybe I'll change my mind once I see one/drive one in person, but for now.....
stoffe says:
09:14 AM, 10/15/2011
I just created a Facebook group to bring 320d to us in 2012.
If you think it is a good idea just join it. This is non profit social experiment to see if BMW will listen to us that want to be eco friendly in our daily commute and get MPG in the 50-60 range.
If you do not care about the environment maybe not having to go to the gas station might be a good enough motive :-)
http://www.facebook.com/groups/293736040655277/
stoffe says:
07:33 AM, 10/15/2011
So here are some facts for "d" model.
Here is a quote from the 65 pages press release:
"At launch, the new BMW 3 Series Sedan will be offered with four high-torque, refined and fuel-efficient engines, all of which feature the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. They comprise two optimised diesel engines and, on the petrol side, the familiar six-cylinder unit and a new- generation four-cylinder engine offering impressive driving dynamics coupled with substantially reduced fuel consumption and emissions. All the engines are well within the EU5 and US ULEV II limits."
Also comment on the fuel of 6 cylinder being more efficient being better then a 4. Here is the MPG quote for 328i:
"The improvement is even more pronounced if the vehicle is equipped with the new eight-speed automatic, in which case fuel consumption is rated at just 6.3 litres per 100 km (44.8 mpg imp), with CO2 emissions at 147 grams per kilometre (-15%)."
And the crazy quote for 320d EfficientDynamics Edition 68.9 mpg imp!!!
Remember that the Euro test cycle is a bit non realistic for a day to day use comparison. The US one is more in line what you would get if you drive like a "normal" person. But saying that if you drive with fuel efficiency in mind you can get to the quoted number so they are no fake imagination at all.
The big question is how do we tell BMW US to bring 320d EfficientDynamics Edition???
If the quote that all four engines are approved for US then why would then not offer if and not the crazy 335d version. I want a diesel for fuel efficiency first and torque second.
Maybe if we start a Facebook group they would listen?
agentorange says:
11:52 PM, 10/14/2011
What happened to the interior shots. I cannot find them on either page covering this car.
Oh, and for future reference IL, this is not the first time you have indulged in maddening duplication in having more than one article about a launch.
theinsurgent says:
05:54 PM, 10/14/2011
Looks great!
Take the 4cyl Turbo with the M package ... good times!
Oh, and non-sport drivers: Three flashes for pass, don't get mad, just get over. No need to be insulted that someone wants to drive fast in the left lane.
goaterguy says:
01:45 PM, 10/14/2011
"EPA fuel economy ratings aren't available yet for the U.S. cars, but BMW says the 328i returns a combined 30 mpg on the EU test cycle, while the 335i with optional automatic delivers a combined 33 mpg. "
So, the 6 is more frugal than the 4?
danyall2010 says:
10:51 AM, 10/14/2011
The rear passenger windows could be partitioned better. The quarter windows are big and if BMW moved the partition a little back, it would be perfect. The cloth seats are ugly. I do like the dashboard. Also, I thought it would be a 2013 model, now it is a 2012?
kingon says:
10:22 AM, 10/14/2011
I looked new next generation BMW 3-Series is great model. I wish you will buy more more BMW 3 Series will beat to Acura TSX or TL.
jmaroun says:
10:16 AM, 10/14/2011
Everything will hindge upon performance and price relative to the competition because looks wise, it's a step backwards. I think the hood and side/frontal angles are the most asthetically offensive. Wheels shown so far are too borish, but a good wheel can have a significant positive effect (needed and I hope has yet to be presented ). I do like the steering wheel as it is not thick and numb looking like in M SPORT equipped E9X 3 & M series. Cool dash styling. Display screen ala 1series, is not a good thing and hopefully it can be retracted out of sight at will. Arm rest looks smallish and gives a low end feel as aposed to the real deal feel that a 3 series should project. Seats look ok and are a welcomed change however I'm not sure I'd say they're an improvement. Red stitching with the black?? Hopefully, more tasteful stitching colors can be selected. Once again, performance advancement is key, and I Pray they didn't mess with the steering. It's good they dropped weight by nearly 100 lbs which was the minimum desired. Overal, the E9X had a much more positive debut. Odds are, it'll still beat the competition in it's class. The above may be stiff criticism, but BMW has always put forward the most and best effort towards achieving the ideal and pure, enthusiast GT driver's car. Look forwards to seeing, test driving, and reading the reviews. Thanks BMW :)