The New 2012 BMW 3 Series Saloon

This is the new sixth-generation 3 Series saloon and it’s the most important new car of the next 5 years.

No offence meant to the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius or Honda Clarity – it just is.

Over 12 million 3 Series models have been sold since 1975, one in five BMW cars sold globally is a 3 Series and in the UK it sells more than the popular Ford Mondeo.

This is the workhorse that gives BMW the money to develop more exotic models. Without the 3 Series there would be no M3, M5 or 1M Coupe.

And BMW has just released a pile of juicy info about the new version of its best selling model.

The Layout

The junior executive car retains the traditional layout – engine at the front, rear wheel drive, perfect 50:50 weight distribution

It’s wider and almost 100mm longer than the previous model. Rear passengers will enjoy 15mm more legroom and 8mm more headroom.

Boot space also rises by 20 litres to a total of 480 litres.

But despite the increase in size it is 50 kg lighter than the old model.

The Styling

Styling wise it’s a 3 Series, but this one looks more aggressive than previously, if that’s possible.

The glasshouse is virtually the same shape as the outgoing model.

The gradual rise from the front to the rear gives it a planted appearance.

But the biggest change takes place at the front. The headlights are narrower and now blend into the famous BMW kidney shaped grille.

The Engines

When the new 3 Series saloon goes on sale in the UK on 11th February 2012, there will be four engines available. In March, these will be joined by an additional three engines.

All engines are linked to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, although you can select an optional eight speed automatic gearbox.

And now for the bad news. In the quest for greater efficiency the naturally aspirated engines are gone, replaced by a downsized range of turbocharged units.

However, the engines will be ultra efficient. By March 2012, there will be a total of eight 3 Series models with co2 emissions below 120 g/km.

BMW claims that competitors such as Audi and Mercedes can only manage one model each.

First up, we have the diesel range.

The entry level 316d promises 116bhp while the 318d manages 143bhp.

Moving up the range the 320d will offer a choice of 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo options.

BMW 320d

The standard 320d generates 181bhp and 280 lb ft of torque.

And, despite being capable of 0-62 mph in 7.5 seconds and 146mph flat out, it can also manage 62.8 mpg while emitting just 120 g/km of co2.

BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics

Economy engineering reduces power output to 161bhp but manages to maintain the 280 lb ft of torque from the standard version.

So while performance is marginally reduced (62mph in 8.0 seconds and 143mph), economy rises to 68.9 mpg and an astonishing 109 g/km of co2.

There are many superminis that can’t match that!

Hear that, it’s the sound of fleet managers across the country rubbing their hands together in anticipation.

Moving on to the petrol engines, there are three distinct flavours.

BMW 320i

Powered by a new turbocharged 2.0-litre unit, it produces 184bhp and almost 200 lb ft of torque.

BMW 328i

Unfortunately, the sublime naturally aspirated inline six from the old 325i and 330i has been replaced by yet another 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo.

But don’t cry, by way of compensation it knocks out 242bhp and 258 torques. That means 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds before reaching the limiter at 155mph.

It will also keep you away from the fuel station thanks to 44.1 mpg and safe from the taxman due to 149 g/km of co2.

BMW 335i

If you want an inline six, you’ll have to select the 335i. It retains the twin-turbo 3.0-litre six-pot from the existing car and produces 302bhp and 295 lb ft of torque.

And thanks to the weight reduction, performance rises to 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds and 155mph.

Economy also improves to 35.8 mpg and 186 g/km of co2.

Future Additions

Towards the end of 2012, you’ll have the option of a four wheel drive 3 Series and a hybrid.

ActiveHybrid3 takes the 335i’s straight-six with 302bhp and adds a 54bhp electric motor between the turbo and the eight speed gearbox.

Total power should be 335bhp while there should be more than 330 lb ft of torque.

Expect better performance than the 335i and a 12.5% in fuel economy.

That should keep you going till the new M3 arrives.

Standard Equipment

Standard spec across the range includes;

• 17 Inch Alloys With Run Flat Alloys (except the 320d ED which gets 16 inch alloys without the run flat tyres)
• Air Con
• Bluetooth
• 6.5 Inch Colour Screen With iDrive
• Keyless Start
• USB
• Multi-Function Steering Wheel
• Cruise Control
• Automatic Boot Opening

Optional Equipment

As you would expect the options list is extensive.

Popular options are likely to include;

• Eight Speed Automatic Transmission
• Variable Sport Steering
• M Sport Suspension
• Full Colour Head Up Display

Eco Technology

Apart from the 50 kg weight reduction across all models, start-stop is now standard across the range regardless of engine or transmission.

Due to the aerodynamic design, an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.26 helps the car to slip through the air with less wind resistance.

The alternator only charges the battery under braking or when the throttle is closed.

Various pieces of equipment such as the steering, water pump and oil pump are electrically controlled.

And while the eight-speed automatic is no heavier than the outgoing six-speed automatic, the smaller gap between rations makes the 3 Series both faster and more fuel efficient than the manual version.

Dynamics

Suspension is largely the same as the old E90 model albeit improved and refined. Up front aluminium MacPherson struts, wishbones and swivel joints complete the fully independent setup. A 5-link independent rear end completes the suspension.

BMW claims that the electromechanical power steering, which further improves efficiency, won’t sacrifice any accuracy or precision, but it remains to be seen.

The Driving Dynamics Control switch offers four modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+.

These automatically adjust things such as steering weight, throttle response and transmission shift points in order to alter the character of the car. Relaxed cruiser, sharpened up racer or eco warrior, the choice is yours.

Interior

The interior is typical 3 Series – quality materials, well put together in the most ergonomic fashion.

Highlights include the optional full colour head up display. Available for the first time on this class of vehicle, it projects vital into onto the windscreen such as speed, gear, cruise control settings and navigation commands so that you don’t have to take your eyes off the road.

If you spec the optional surround view package it integrates a series of external colour cameras into the navigation display to help with parking maneuvers.

And finally, one of the neatest tricks is the motion sensor under the rear bumper which is part of the keyless entry and start package.

Walk up to the boot with your hands full of luggage, wave your foot under the sensor and the boot opens. Cool.

The Trim Levels

In addition to the traditional ES, SE and M Sport trim levels, there will also be Sport, Luxury and Modern models to suit the styling tastes of different buyers.

Sport Trim

Available on all models except the 328i and 320d ED, the key themes are purposeful and athletic. That means unique light alloy wheels, black high-gloss air intakes and redesigned bumpers.

The interior features red stitching on the sports seats, a leather-rimmed sports steering wheel and special interior lighting.

High-gloss black material and red accents are used extensively throughout the cabin to complete the sporty ambiance.

Modern Trim

Modern trim offers a natural, harmonic balance of colours and textures. The emphasis is on refinement and elegance.

Available on all models apart from the 316d and 320d Efficient Dynamics, matt finish aluminium replaces the high-gloss black of the Sport models or bright chrome of the Sport models.

It also features exclusive 17 inch light alloy wheels and special bumper design.

The aluminium trim extends into the cabin which also features an extended interior lighting package and two-tone oyster finish on the dash.

Luxury Trim

Available on all models apart from the 316d and 320d Efficient Dynamics, bright chrome appears in place of the high-gloss black of the Sport models or matt chrome on Modern models.

The chrome detailing spills into the interior along with lots of polished wood and Dakota leather with exclusive stitching.

Exterior styling is completed by a set of exclusive 18 inch light alloy wheels.

M Sport Line

This is the best hint of what the new M3 will look like. It provides a special aerodynamic body kit and M Sport 18 or 19 inch high gloss alloys.

Underneath there’s an M-spec suspension setup which means a 10mm lower ride height with stiffer springs, dampers and larger roll-bars.

You can also spec the Adaptive M-Sport suspension which provides automatic variable damping and further adjustment through the Driving Dynamics switch.

Inside there are blue accent stripes, an M-Sport gear shift and an M-Sport leather steering wheel with paddle shifts.

Pricing

Although prices are expected to rise slightly, the specification of all 3 Series models has been significantly improved over the old model.

Prices start at £24,880 for the 316d ES.

The 320i increases by just £75. The 320d increases by £180.

And while the new 328i is £2,935 less than the old 330i, the performance is superior.

The new BMW 3 Series Saloon will make its public debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2012 before appearing in UK showrooms from 11th February.

Over time, the new 3 Series family will grow into a full range of body styles including;

• Saloon (F30)
• Touring Estate (F31)
• Coupe (F32) – Possibly badged 4 Series
• Convertible (F33) – Possibly badged 4 Series

There’s also a chance of seeing a 3 Series Gran Turismo (F34) and even a four door coupe (F35),

But today it’s the Saloon’s big moment.

We’ll reserve judgement on how it drives until we get our hands on one.

So what do you think? Excited? Disappointed? Speak…