Seismic change for BMW’s new 3 Series range which arrives in October – the new entry-level 318i will be powered by BMW’s first three-cylinder engine.
Replacing the current 316i ($53,800), the new 318i will come standard in the Sport Line grade starting from $54,900. No shortage of equipment with the standard list including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, rear-view camera, head-up display, Driving Assistant, lane change warning, satellite navigation with real time traffic information, surround view camera system and ConnectedDrive.
Power comes from BMW’s 1.5-litre, three-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine with 100kW/220Nm on offer and driving through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Those power and torque figures are identical to the current 316i model and the new three-cylinder 318i is a smidge faster zero to 100km/h (9.1 seconds to 9.2 seconds).
Combined-cycle fuel consumption is rated at 5.4l/100kms (6.2l/100kms for the current 316i).
From the BMW 318i it’s a fair step-up ($7,000) to the first of the 320i models. Over the 318i, 320i models score an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, Adaptive M suspension DAB+ digital radio and electric front seat adjustment.
BMW 330i starts at $69,900 and comes standard in the Luxury Line grade. Extras include 19-inch alloy wheels, leather-clad interior and upgraded Professional satellite navigation.
BMW 3 Series scores a new range-topper in the 340i sedan at $89,900. Replacing the current 335i, the 340i scores BMW’s new six-cylinder engine with 240kW/450Nm on-tap.
The 340i comes standard with the M Sport package which includes aerodynamic bodywork enhancements and the M Sport steering wheel for starters plus you get Harman Kardon audio, BMW Individual leather instrument panel finisher, heated front seats, adaptive LED headlights, LED fog-lights, active cruise control, parking assistant and roller blinds for the rear windows.
Across the range, the updated BMW 3 Series is identified by new exterior styling (new bumpers front and rear, bigger exhausts and new L-shaped tail-lights.
Inside the new 3 Series gains a high-gloss centre stack and some chrome accents.
Watch for a review of the updated BMW 3 series when www.carshowroom.com.au attends the national media launch 6-7 October.
The full range is:
| 318i Sedan | $54,900 |
| 320i Sedan | $61,900 |
| 320i Touring | $65,300 |
| 320d Sedan | $63,800 |
| 330i Sedan | $69,900 |
| 330i Touring | $73,300 |
| 340i Sedan | $89,900 |
