Munich's latest 3-series may not look that exciting, but it does have interesting technology under the skin which provides pointers to BMW's thinking for the next few years. That includes smaller turbo engines from the TwinPower Turbo family, an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission, further improvements in aerodynamic performance, lightweight suspension and new features such as a full-colour head-up display.
The new F30 3-series is longer (by 93mm) and has wider tracks front and rear, but weighs up to 50kg less model-for-model. Weight distribution is close to 50:50 for all models.
All-turbo engines and eight-speed automatic transmission
All four engines in the launch range are from BMW's TwinPower Turbo family, two of them petrols and two diesels:
- 328i: 1997cc turbo four, 245PS at 5000rpm and 258lbft at 1250-4800rpm, 0-62mph in 5.9sec, top speed 155mph, EU Combined fuel consumption 44.1mpg
- 335i: has a 3.0-litre turbo in-line six with 306PS and 295lbft (at 1200rpm)
- 320d: with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, 184PS and 280lbft
- 320d EfficientDynamics: has a retuned versions of the same 2.0-litre diesel with 163PS and an EU Combined consumption figure of 68.9mpg
All four engines are available with an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW says the new transmission is so efficient it enables the 3-series to produce better economy and performance figures than it can when fitted with a manual gearbox. For instance, the EU Combined fuel consumption figure for the 328i rises from 44.1mpg (itself an 11% improvement on the outgoing car) to 44.8mpg when automatic transmission is specified.
All models are fitted as standard with Auto Start-Stop and have the Drive Performance Control as standard, which provides three or four (depending on model) different drive modes which influence accelerator and engine response, steering assistance and stability control settings, plus damper control and gearshift points on cars fitted with Dynamic Damper Control and automatic transmission.
Next year BMW will add a 320i, 318d, 316d to the range, along with the ActiveHybrid 3 which combines the 335i engine with a 54PS electric motor – essentially the same powertrain as the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 announced earlier this month.
Lightweight steering and suspension with improvements to ride and handling
The new 3-series' steering and suspension is based on existing designs. At the front there are aluminium wishbones and struts which contribute to lower unsprung and overall weight. The five-link rear suspension is based on that of the previous model, but with a host of detail improvements.
All models use electromechanical power steering, which again saves weight and also reduces power demand. The 328i and 335i both have Servotronic variable assistance, and there is the option of a variable-ratio rack.
BMW will add xDrive four-wheel drive models to the 3-series range in summer 2012.
Aerodynamic improvements
The underbody of the new 3-series has been designed with drag reduction in mind, while the front apron has been designed to channel air flow around the front wheels in an 'air curtain' which helps to cut the drag coefficient to 0.26.
Full-colour head-up display
The new 3-series introduces full-colour head-up display technology, already in use by some other manufacturers, to a BMW production car for the first time. The new system displays navigation instructions, speed limits and road signs alongside the vehicle speed, all of which is projected onto the lower part of the windscreen so it is constantly in the driver's sight line.
