BMW 3-Series Arrives With New Turbocharged Four Cylinder Engine: 2012 Detroit Auto Show

Out of all BMW‘s sold worldwide, 1 in 3 is a 3 series sedan. The BMW 3-series is one of the German automakers most iconic name plates and has been revamped with quite a few new options and new exterior styling.

The new 3 series sits a little bit longer and a little bit wider than its predecessor but has managed to trim some fat; 88 pounds of fat to be exact. The most noticeable change at first glance is the headlight brackets, taking the iconic circular front lights and stretching them out to meet the kidney grills which gives the front end of the car a much more angry and aggressive look. The longer and especially the wider stance is noticeable thanks to horizontal lines that are continuous along the front and rear of the car.

The 328i will come standard with BMW’s newest engine offering, a turbocharged 2.0L four cylinder which delivers 240hp and propels the 328i from 0-60mph in 5.7 seconds. The 335i will also be an option in the 3 series lineup and will come packing a turbocharged 3.0L six cylinder engine which puts out 300hp and runs the 0-60mph test in 5.4 seconds.

Each BMW 3 series will now be offered with a choice of three product lines, each differing from the others in small ways, but distinct enough to get noticed. The three choices are the Sport Line, the Luxury Line, and the Modern Line. The Sport Line will come with black exterior styling bits, a 10mm lower suspension setup, and black and red color scheme on the interior. The Luxury Line will come standard with wooden accents on the interior and chrome styling bits for exterior including a different grill. The Modern Line builds off of the luxury line and takes it a little further with matte chrome exterior styling bits, a choice of aluminium, pearl metallic, or textured wood finish on the interior and a “dark oyster” dashboard and steering wheel. Eventually, BMW will offer an M version of its 3 series which will be designed for racing and performance enthusiasts.

The new 3 series can also be outfitted with the all new Active Hybrid system which mates the six cylinder turbo engine with an all new electric engine, giving the 3 series upgraded fuel economy. The combined output of the Active Hybrid system is 340hp and pushes the 3 series from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds. BMW says that the average fuel consumption of the Active Hybrid model will be between 40 and 44mpg and will have the capability to be driven in all electric mode.

All of the engine options for the 3 series will be combined with a six speed manual gearbox as standard technology but can be had with an eight speed automatic transmission which is all new.

The new 3 series is not a major departure from the previous five iterations, but its adds some really convenient and cutting edge features to an already successful car.