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Bimmer 3 Series Gets More Tech, New Look
BMW AG says its goal in developing the redesigned 3 Series sedan was for the car to be the “sportiest sedan” in its segment and raise the bar on driving dynamics.
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BMW AG says its goal in developing the redesigned 3 Series sedan was to raise the bar on driving dynamics and ensure it was the “sportiest sedan” in its segment.
The best-selling BMW model also features a host of new driver-assistance systems and other advanced technologies. Among the standard features are lane-departure alert, front collision and pedestrian/cyclist warning, adaptive cruise control and automatic braking assist.
Options include lane-keeping assist, wrong-way warning, traffic jam assist (for speeds up to 37 mph) and cross traffic alert. A more advanced adaptive cruise control—with sensors that can monitor two vehicles ahead and speed settings as high as 130 mph in Europe—also is available.
The parking assist system includes an auto-reverse mode that helps the driver exit tight and obstructed view parking spots. The system records the steering motions during parking, then can automatically backtrack the path for as far as 50 m (164 ft) when exiting.
Built on a new platform, which also carries the larger 5 and 7 Series models, the new 3 Series is slightly longer, taller and wider than the outgoing model. The vehicle gains nearly three inches in length, more than half of which is in the wheelbase.
Body rigidity has increased by 25% overall and by as much as 50% in some areas. The vehicle also features a lower center of gravity, 50:50 weight distribution, stiffer mountings and wider track to help improve handling.
The addition of front air curtains and new active grille shutters help reduce the new model’s coefficient of drag by 12% to 0.23.
Other goodies include a new shock absorber setup with dampers tuned for improved comfort. An M Sport suspension, which is standard on all-wheel-drive models, is stiffer and lowers the car by about half an inch. Optional adaptive dampers on models with built-in navigation systems adjust responses based on GPS information.
The base 330i in the U.S. is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The sportier M340i and M340i xDrive come with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that produces 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
European buyers also can choose among three other engines, including two diesels. The diesels get a new multi-stage turbocharger, which BMW says increases efficiency across all engine speeds.
At launch, all engines will be mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a choice of rear- and all-wheel-drive layouts. The transmission gets a wider gear ratio spread and shorter shift points for better off-the-line acceleration. A limited-slip differential is optional. A plug-in hybrid variant is expected to be added later.
The 3 Series car’s basic shape and styling has been tweaked for a more muscular and aggressive appearance. Highlights include a revised front-end, more body contours and new lighting designs.
Interior changes include a digital instrument cluster, upgraded materials, ambient light strips, wireless phone charger and a sports steering wheel. Options include larger instrument panels (10.3-inch) and touchscreen infotainment system (12.3-inch). The latter allows for Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity and Microsoft Office compatibility.
Drivers can use their smartphone as a digital key to enter and start the vehicle. Over-the-air software updates also are available—a first for BMW.
The carmaker unveiled the seventh-generation model at the Paris auto show on Tuesday. The car will debut in March in Europe and the U.S., with a starting price of $41,200 in the latter market.