BMW 3-Series Slashed by up to USD16,300

KOMPAS.com - BMW says its lighter and larger 3-Series sedan range will offer “substantially lower prices”, with cuts of up to $16,300, when it arrives in February spearheaded by an all-turbo engine line-up.

The company’s all-new volume-selling model will initially be available in three engine variants kicking off at $60,900 (plus costs) for the diesel-powered 320d.

While the 320d is $1200 more expensive than its predecessor, BMW says the oil-burner offers a “huge increase” in standard equipment including 17-inch alloy wheels, a 6.5-inch multifunction display, cruise control, dual-zone climate, synthetic leather trim, electric front seats with memory function, keyless engine start, Bluetooth and parking sensors.

Claimed to be 15 per cent more efficient, BMW says the 320d sips a class-leading 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres – down from 5.3L/100km – from its 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit. All 3-Series variants are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles, stop-start technology that automatically cuts the engine when stationary, and an “Eco Pro” transmission mode to conserve fuel.

The mid-spec 328i is $5000 cheaper than the 325i it replaces, with a price-tag of $66,900 – putting it on track to tackle Mercedes-Benz’s popular C250 CGI sedan (from $67,900).

The 328i is powered by the company’s all-new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is now available in the X3 soft-roader and Z4 roadster. It also marks the end of an era for BMW’s trademark naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines in its vital mid-size sedan.

The 328i’s turbo-four delivers 180kW of power and 350Nm of torque – up from the 2.5-litre six’s 160kW/250Nm outputs – yet uses 30 per cent less fuel at 6.3L/100km, BMW claims. The 335i flagship is now priced from $91,900 representing a saving of $16,300 over the outgoing model, the 335i M Sport. It continues to be powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder that delivers an unchanged 225kW and 400Nm.

In addition to the 320d’s equipment, the 328i adds leather trim, satellite navigation and an upgraded nine-speaker audio system while the 335i gets a 16-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system with 12GB hard drive, Bluetooth audio streaming, voice control, internet connectivity, bi-xenon headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The sixth-generation 3-Series is lighter by up to 40 kilograms, larger in most dimensions and rides on a 50mm longer wheelbase for more rear-seat space. Standard safety equipment across the range includes six airbags, stability control and a new “Active Protection system” similar to Benz’s PreSafe system that prepares the car if it detects a crash is imminent. This includes the automatic closure of all windows, sunroof and adjusting the position of front seats.

Three trim “Lines” similar to the all-new 1-Series hatch will be available comprising various interior and exterior appointments. These include “Modern” ($3100), “Sport” and “Luxury” ($4100 for the 320d), or a respective $1000 and $2000 for other models.