BMW announces improvements and changes to the 3 Series range
BMW has announced a raft of improvements and changes to the 3 Series range.
In addition to its EfficientDynamics programme in reducing CO2 emissions, the company will also launch the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon – its cleanest 3 Series ever. All the new engines and models make their debut in the UK market on March 20, 2010 and all conform to EU5 emissions standards.
A respectable acceleration time from standstill to 62 mph of 8.0 seconds and combined fuel consumption of 68.9mpg is complemented by CO2 emissions of just 109g/km makes this car a great choice for the business user with its predicted low lifetime running costs.
Coupé and Convertible models have been an essential ingredient in BMW’s portfolio since the 1930s. It is a heritage based on contemporary style and elegance with defining features such as a long wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs, prominent wheel arches and an elongated, flowing silhouette. The current models, the third generation 3 Series Coupé and fourth generation Convertible (the first one to feature a retractable hardtop), build on this tradition. Together they account for around one third of BMW 3 Series volume.
The revised Coupé and Convertible feature new front and rear lights, a revised kidney grille, a new front air dam, rear valance and side rocker panels. The face of both models has been subtlety restyled by adding a twisted chrome band around the kidneys, new lights with bright white LED corona rings, indicators and side repeaters and an illuminated ‘eyebrow’. A new front air dam with a single large air intake is embellished with matt aluminium fins to give the car a wider and lower frontal appearance and, thus, a more dynamic look.
At the rear all red light clusters feature LED light bars and the re-styled rear bumper visually reduces the perception of height, again giving a more dynamic stance. In profile the cars are slightly longer than the former model due to the new front and rear valances – by 29mm at the front and 3mm at the rear. Contrasting character lines on the side valances and rear bumper enhance the sporting stance of both cars, while new standard wheel designs (and a new optional 18-inch alloy) and three new exterior colours, Vermillion Red, Deep Sea Blue and Mineral White, put the finishing touches to the exterior. Inside, Dakota Leather is now standard on all Coupé and Convertible models while new Anthracite Bamboo trim offers a fresh, modern feel.
M Sport variants account for 65 per cent of BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible sales in the UK and have been revised to reflect the refreshed models. They consist of a revised front spoiler design, a new 19-inch M Sport wheel and the new colour of Mineral White.
Prices for the new BMW 3 Series Coupé start at £27,845 OTR for a 320i SE and £30,200 OTR for a 320d SE. This rises to £52,730 OTR for a BMW M3 Coupé. Entry into the BMW 3 Series Convertible club starts at £32,905 OTR for a 320i SE and £35,115 OTR for a 320d SE rising to £56,740 OTR for an M3 Convertible.
The BMW 320d Coupé and Convertible models feature a new version of the four-cylinder diesel engine. It now delivers 184hp (up 7hp) and 380Nm of torque (up 30Nm). In the case of the Coupé this has shortened the zero to 62mph sprint by 0.4 seconds to 7.5 seconds, while at the same time reducing consumption by 1.2mpg to 60.1mpg and lowering emissions by 3g/km to 125g/km. The values for the Convertible are zero to 62mph in 8.3 seconds, consumption is 55.4mpg and emissions 135g/km. The BMW Coupé is capable of reaching a top speed of 147mph with the Convertible attaining 142mph.
The six-cylinder 325d versions of both cars reveal similar all round improvements. Engine output is 7hp higher at 204hp, and torque is up from 400 to 430Nm enabling the Coupé to shave 0.4 seconds off its 2009 zero to 62 time, with it now arriving in just 6.9 seconds. While fuel consumption remains the same at 49.6mpg, CO2 emissions are lower by 2g/km at 151g/km. The equivalent Convertible values are zero to 62mph in 7.5 seconds, 46.3mpg and 160g/km.
Nor has the flagship 335i derivative been ignored: although power and torque remain the same at a hearty 306hp and 400Nm, consumption and emissions have been significantly reduced. This has been made possible on this award-winning engine by combining a single turbocharger with VALVETRONIC variable valve management and High Precision Direct Injection for the first time. For example, the Coupé’s fuel consumption is eight per cent lower at 33.6mpg while CO2 output drops by over ten per cent to 196g/km. Owners will also pay less tax each year since the 335i drops down a VED band to J. The BMW 335i Convertible also drops a VED band from L to K.
The BMW 335d Coupé has been refreshed resulting in an improved fuel consumption figure and lower CO2 emissions. It now records 42.8mpg on the combined cycle, an improvement of 0.6mpg, and 174g/km. The latter point means the car now qualifies for VED band H, a tier below its previous position.
The new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon is, for the moment, the best example of the art of the possible, not by using hybrid technology or electric power but by refining still further the enduring internal combustion engine.
It is the cleanest, most efficient BMW ever. At 109g/km it is the first premium car with CO2 emissions under 110g/km and manages to eke out 68.9mpg from a single gallon of fuel on the combined cycle. Such figures will be a source of joy not only for private buyers paying out £1.10 a litre and rising, but also being in VED band B, the annual road tax is just £35.
Company car drivers and fleet managers will be delighted for the same reasons but also because the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon attracts only 13 per cent benefit in kind for drivers. Companies also benefit from the opportunity to write down 100 per cent of its value in the first year, and claim tax relief against profits, greatly improving cash-flow. The cash flow benefit and the lower cost of money should see contract hire rates fall by up to five per cent over 36 months, according to the fleet industry. (Compared to equivalent vehicles with emissions above 110g/km).
The revised engine produces 163hp and 380Nm of torque enabling the 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon to sprint to 62mph in 8.0 seconds, accelerate smoothly in fifth gear from 50 to 75 mph in 9.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 142mph. Peak torque is available from 1,900rpm ensuring flexibility where the driver needs it.
The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon will share exactly the same retail price as the 320d SE Saloon. The cleanest 3 Series ever has a retail price of £26,480 (£27,280 OTR) and shares an identical specification (excluding 16-inch aero alloy wheels) including automatic air conditioning, rear Park Distance Control and an auto dimming rear mirror, to mention but a few.
All of the new BMW 3 Series variants go on sale in the UK on 20 March, 2010.
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