1,2 and a whole new 3! About BMW’s Ultimat 3.

The all-new 3 Series:

Mumbai, Maharashtra: After 37 years of proving it’s undiluted driving pleasure and five strong generations, the sixth generation 3 codenamed the F30 was launched in India on July 27, 2012. The previous generation 3, which was the first offering from BMW, started its Indian run in 2007. After receiving a mid-life facelift and some engine changes, the old 3 never looked outdated and was still giving BMW good numbers. However, to keep a brand fresh, the products need to be fresh as well. So, the sixth generation 3 came knocking yesterday. The all-new BMW 3 Series is produced (CKD — Completely Knocked Down) at BMW Plant Chennai and the deliveries start at BMW dealerships across India from July 2012 onwards. First things first. How is the new 3 different from the old 3?

Exteriors

The all-new BMW 3 Series is the first model to feature the striking new design language; with classic BMW double round headlights, now topped off by ‘eyebrows’ reaching the edge of the kidney grille. The wide stance and striking corona rings in headlights give extra intensity to the classic BMW focused look and a more impressive on-road presence. But it is the sum of all details — the short overhangs, the long wheelbase, the coupe-like roofline and the distinctive side creases — that creates the exemplary sporting appeal. In short, BMW has done an excellent job retaining the sporty stance of the old 3, yet modernizing it such a way that it looks new.

From the rear, the new 3 looks more like the 5 and if you’re eyesight is not 20:20, your could easily mistake it for the 5. By using new age materials, BMW has made the new 3 lighter by 40kg. At the same time, the new 3 is now bigger in every dimension when compared to the outgoing model. The overall length has been increased by 93mm and this translates to a 50mm increase in wheelbase. This means that the rear knee room has increased as well, something that was not adequate in the old 3. Check out the drawings below which gives the clear impression of how the 3 Series has grown

BMW have announced two distinct models called the Luxury Line and the Sport Line.

Interiors and Features:

Interiors on the new 3 have drastically improved. The new steering wheel is the first thing you notice and this has been carried over from the new 5. Build quality is solid. The new age gearshift lever also makes way in the new 3.

Depending on the variant you choose, you either get a large 16.5 cm iDrive display or an even larger 22.3 cm display with integrated navigation and 12GB of storage. The Head Up display is a new feature that is available on the Petrol only.

The cockpit is angled towards the driver by seven degrees and puts all the important controls within easy reach to provide a sense of personal control and comfort.

Seats in the all-new BMW 3 Series are electrically adjustable on both the driver and front seat passenger sides. Behind the fully contoured front seats, 14 mm of additional knee room and 8 mm of extra headroom further enhance the passenger’s comfort. The volume of the luggage compartment has been increased by 20 liters to a total of 480 liters.

Engine and Performance:

BMW have on offer two engine variants on the new 3: A 2.0 Turbo Petrol that produces 245bhp from 5000–6000rpm and 35kgm of torque from 1250rpm and a 2.0 Turbo Diesel producing 184bhp at 4000rpm and a 38kgm of torque from 1750 rpm.

Putting those figures on the road, the petrol 328i does the 0–100km/h sprint in a quick 6.1 seconds and goes on till 250km/h. The diesel 320d does the 0–100km/h in a very respectable 7.6 seconds and is good for 235km/h.

The traditional BMW rear wheel drive is now complimented with an 8-speed gearbox. BMW claims that the diesel will do a class leading and unheard of 18.88 km/l while the petrol should do 14.7 km/l.

The petrol emits about 160gm of CO2 per km while the diesel emits 140gm.

BMW Efficient Dynamics: The BMW Efficient Dynamics is a name given by BMW to a list of features that increase driving pleasure while reducing fuel consumption. We’re listing them out here for easy reading:

1. New EcoPro Mode: Supports an extra efficient and economy-conscious driving style and allows fuel consumption to be reduced by up to 20%.
2. Auto Start/Stop: Shuts off engine while idling at a traffic light. Standard on the new 3. Saves up to 6% fuel.
3. Brake Energy Regeneration: As soon as the driver takes his/her foot off the accelerator, the car’s redundant kinetic energy is transformed to storable electrical energy. Fuel consumption cut by up to 3%.
4. Aerodynamics: Measures such as large scale under floor paneling and Air Curtains in the front apron ensure the drag coefficient is low.
5. Electronic Power Steering: EPS does not consume any energy while driving straight or at a constant steering angle. Knocks off another 3% of fuel.
6. 50:50 Weight Distribution: Optimal weight distribution=sublime driving pleasure. A la BMW.
7. Light weight construction: By using new age materials, the weight of the new 3 has come down by 40kg.

With the launch of the new 3, Dr. Schaaf announced the BMW Connected Drive that debuts in the 3 as well. With this and BMW Apps, your emails, calendar and texts will now be visible on the infotainment display.

Prices:

BMW 320d :INR 28,90,000

BMW 320d Sport Line :INR 31,50,000

BMW 320d Luxury Line :INR 31,50,000

BMW 320d Luxury Plus :INR 36,90,000

BMW 328i Sport Line :INR 37,90,000