The All "new" BMW 3 series
(Now launched in India)
BMW’s brilliant new 3-series has just moved the game forward. This outstanding all-rounder sets new class benchmark.
First impressions suggest that it’s a big improvement in almost every area.
Overview:
BMW has launched its all-new 3 Series in India. Priced at Rs 28.90 lakh for the base diesel and Rs 37.90 for the petrol , ex-Mumbai, the company is offering the new 3 Series with a diesel and petrol engine. The 245PS 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine boasts of twin-scroll turbocharging and variable camshaft timing. The diesel engine meanwhile has the same 2.0-litre turbocharged motor from the outgoing model and puts out 184PS of maximum power and 380Nm of torque. Both the engines are mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW claims 14.79 kmpl for the petrol and 18.88kmpl for the diesel engines. There are five variants, four for the diesel (320d, 320d Sport Line, 320d Luxury Line and 320d Luxury Plus) and one for the petrol (328i Sport Line).
The 2012 3 Series gets a new face with flat headlights flanking the BMW kidney grille. It has also grown in length, width and height than its predecessor, which will translate to better space inside the cabin. The new model is also lighter than the outgoing version by 40kg. The new 3 Series is all set to heat up the battle against the new Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class
BMW has never evolved the styling of its 3-series too much in an attempt to safeguard the success of its bread-and-butter model. However, the new 3-series now gets a stretched kidney grille and headlights, the bonnet is considerably more muscular and, with two bold swage lines running across the flanks, the new car looks much more athletic. The lower half of the chin gets vertical air intakes in the bumper that allow a curtain of air to flow around the front wheels. The rear is typically BMW, and the wider bootlid makes it easy to confuse this car with a 5-series from the rear.
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| BMW 328i launch by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar |
On the inside:
BMW has tilted the dash in towards the driver and a variety of textured surfaces give it a ‘layered’ 3D effect. The 328i’s 'Sport' trim also includes a bright red stripe running across from one side to the other. A widescreen infotainment display sits above the central console, the new iDrive system is even more intuitive, and you can switch from Comfort to Sport in a second by using the ‘Drive Performance Control’ switch.
The longer wheelbase offers much more legroom in the rear, backed by fantastic thigh support and an accommodating backrest. And unlike the earlier car, there’s plenty of room for your feet as well. Even more comfortable are the big front seats, which offer tremendous shoulder and lateral support.
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| BMW 3 series sport line interiors |
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| BMW 3 series Modern line interiors(not available in India) |
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| BMW 3 series luxury line interiors |
Under the hood:
The diesel 320d employs BMW’s familiar 2.0-litre four-pot, which is regarded as one of the best four-cylinder diesels around. Even so, this worked-upon and more powerful motor still isn’t the most refined of units. There is a hint of buzz at start-up, it gets a bit vocal when you extend it, and it never really turns silky smooth. However, it’s always ready for action, and its willingness to rev hard is second to none. And considering its size and uprated 181bhp output (put to the rear wheels via the eight-speed auto), performance is nothing short of impressive which is further aided by the low kerb weight and a quick gearbox.
The all-new, 241bhp 328i uses a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol motor with a single, twin-scroll turbocharger. It loves to be spun hard and is torquey too, thanks to direct injection and the turbo. So, while there is a tiny bit of lag, this motor has a strong mid-range - which is now its strongest point – and it has an extremely strong top end too. Like the diesel, this motor doesn’t feel refined at idle and it emits a coarse snarl at high revs. Performance, however, is sizzling hot. 0-100kph takes 6.4 seconds, 180 comes up in 22.1 seconds, and from the way this car howls past 230kph, you can tell hitting the limited top speed of 250 is only a matter of finding the right stretch of road.
On the Road(Fuel Economy):
The new 3’s low weight, eight-speed gearbox, automatic stop-start and intelligent Eco Pro mode all contribute significantly to making this the most efficient car in its class. The 328i returned 7.5kpl in the city and 12.5kpl on our highway test. The 320d, on the other hand, managed 11.1kpl and 15.5kpl in the city and on the highway respectively.
Last Words:
The new 3 is an outstanding all-rounder, delivering the best of all worlds. It’s compact, yet spacious, fast yet frugal, incredibly fun to drive and we expect it to be competitively priced as well. It’s a car that’s going to be hard to beat and we are totally convinced it’s the new benchmark in the compact luxury class.
