The 2012 BMW 3 Series sedan was unveiled today in Germany, just as the Bavarian car maker announced a few days ago. At launch, the 2012 3-Series will be sold in three engine versions: two petrol and one diesel.
The 2012 BMW 3 Series, which is the sixth generation of the model, features a wider track (front + 37 mm, rear + 47 mm). The 2012 3-Series is 93 mm longer than its predecessor and has a 50 mm longer wheelbase. Despite the fact that it's larger than its predecessor, the 2012 BMW 3 Series is 40 kilograms (88 lb) lighter. For better handling, the 3 Series’ new chassis has a 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, which will make it more agile in the corners.
Bigger means more interior space. BMW's new 3 Series promises 18mm more feet entry room, 15mm more knee room and 8mm more headroom in the rear. Doesn't seem like much, does it? The 2012 3 Series' luggage capacity has been increased by 20 liters to 480 liters.
The 2012 BMW 3 Series is equipped with 17-inch alloys, run-flat tires and a Tire Puncture Warning System, a Variable Sport steering and an Adaptive M Sport suspension.
The 2012 BMW 3 Series benefits from several upgrades, which are not available on the previous generation of the model. For instance, BMW's 2012 3 Series is equipped with a full-color Head-Up Display, the Driving Experience Control with Eco Pro mode and the Auto Start-Stop function which is now standard. For the 2012 3 Series, BMW uses a re-tuned suspension, which promises sportier handling and increased comfort.
Obviously, BMW will sell the 2012 3 Series with the acclaimed ConnectedDrive system. ConnectedDrive includes Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Lane Change and Lane Departure warning systems. For the first time on the 201 3 Series, BMW will offer a camera-based Collision Warning system. The 2012 3 Series sedan will be fitted with Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI) and social media connectivity through the BMW Connected system.
The 2012 BMW 320d is the more efficient choice if you're looking for a new 3-Series. The 2012 320d sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine with Common rail direct injection and variable intake geometry. The 2012 320d sedan is rated at 120 kW (163 hp) at 4000 rpm and 135 kW (184 hp) between 1750 rpm and 2750 rpm. The 2012 320d will be marketed in two versions: standard and equipped with EfficientDynamics. The EfficientDynamics version is rated with a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration time of 8 seconds (6-speed manual transmission) or 8.1 seconds when equipped with the optional 8-speed automatic. Its top speed is rated at 230 km/h (225 km/h respectively). The 2012 BMW 320d EfficientDynamics has a 4.1 (4.1) l/100 km combined fuel consumption and a 109 g/km CO2 emissions level. The standard version of the 2012 320d accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 7.5 (7.6) seconds and has a top speed of 235 (230) km/h. The 2012 BMW 320d is rated at a 4.5 (4.4) l/100 km combined fuel consumption and a 119 (117) g/km CO2 emissions level.
Also for increasing the efficiency of the 3 Series, BMW is now offering the Drive Performance Control as standard on all versions. This system offers the driver a switch to swap between four driving modes. Each of these modes (ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport, and Sport +) has a different ration between performance and economy.
The 2012 BMW 328i sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine, equipped with TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, fully variable valve control (VALVETRONIC). The new unit outputs 180 kW (245 hp) at between 5000 rpm and 6500 rpm and 350 Nm of torque between 1250 rpm and 4800 rpm. In terms of performance, the 2012 328i sedan has a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration time of 5.9 manual (6.1 automatic) seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. The 2012 BMW 328i is rated with a 6.4 (6.3) l/100 km combined fuel consumption and a 149 (147) g/km CO2 emissions level.
The 2012 BMW 3 Series range is topped by the new 335i. Its power comes from the 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine which we all love. The new 2012 335i sedan is rated at 225 kW (306 hp) between 5800 rpm and 6000 rpm and a massive 400 Nm of torque from low down at 1200 rpm until 5000 rpm. With a 5.5 second sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h), the 2012 BMW 335i is limited to a top speed of 250 km/h. If you want efficiency, than maybe the 320d is a better choice than the 335i. The 2012 BMW 335i is rated with a combined fuel consumption of 7.9 (7.2) l/100 km. The CO2 emissions are rated at 186 (169) g/km.
A month after the official launch of the new 3 Series, BMW will offer three new engines. The 2012 BMW 316d and 318d will have a 2.0-litre diesel engine, developing 116hp and 143hp respectively. The third petrol version, the 320i will have a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit with an output of 184hp and 270Nm of torque.
The 2012 BMW 3 Series will be equipped with automatic air-conditioning, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, BMW Professional radio with 6.5-inch color screen and iDrive, keyless starting, cruise control and automatic boot opening.
The 2012 BMW 3 Series price was announced today. In the UK, the 2012 3 Series starts at £28,080 GBP for the 320d, goes up to £29,060 GBP for the 328i and tops at £35,525 GBP for the 335i.
The full details, technical specifications, and standard / optional equipment list of the 2012 BMW 3 Series range can be downloaded here.
2012 BMW 3 Series video:
