The 2012 BMW 3 Series will be hitting dealerships early next year (Feb. 2012 to be exact) in the Indian auto market. If talk is to be believed, three variants of the 2012 edition of the BMW 3-Series have been made available in European markets and include the Sport, Modern and Luxury variants. Changes have been mostly given to the exteriors of the car that has been launched in markets abroad. The performance aspect as well as the engine specifications has been left mostly unchanged for the new variants. Similar versions of the vehicle launched in Europe having similar specifications as well is expected to make its journey to India with the consumers given the right to have the models customized.
The major changes that have been given to the new versions are mostly to the exteriors. Major changes have been made to the design of the headlamps and the grille. Redesigning the headlamps as well as providing it with a new grille has given the vehicle a rather cute look but at the same time, its classy image has been maintained. The headlamps and the grille have been integrated together using a ring-shaped link at the center. The sports variant has been provided with exteriors in exclusive black color with the same color used to finish the interior. The Luxury variant has its exteriors highlighted with chrome inserts that have been provided and this lends a unique appeal to the vehicle. The Modern variant makes significant use of Aluminium metal in lines with the recent consumer demand for lightweight effects on their vehicles.
Interiors of the vehicles have always been provided with vintage leather that has helped in providing a classy look. The same is now going to be made even more attractive with special color tones helping in giving the car an awesome finish. The only thing that can be said about the interiors of all the three versions is that that they have been rendered an exquisite touch.
The sedan would be available in both petrol and diesel options. The 320i version has been made available with a four cylinder petrol engine whereas a four cylinder diesel engine has been provided to the 320d. The 330i versions come having a petrol engine with six cylinders. As far as the performance of the engines in all the three variants go, the 320i with its four cylinder petrol engine generates peak power and torque of 154Bhp and 200Nm respectively. Good numbers are delivered by the 330i with its six cylinder petrol engine having maximum power of 254Bhp and peak torque of 300Nm. The highly acclaimed four cylinder diesel engine of the 320d from BMW delivers maximum power and peak torque of 181Bhp and 380Nm respectively.
Such is the demand for a BMW, that it has affected the demand for Mercedes C Class as well as Audi A4. The brand came to India in 2008 and is looked upon as an arch enemy by both Mercedes Benz and Audi. The German triad rules the Indian luxury car market. BMW hopes to maintain it’s top position in India. At the same time, Michael Perschke, Head of Audi in India has said they would be competing in a new segment from next year, and would like to be figure as the top luxury car brand in India by 2015 as against its third place currently.
Audi India will also boost sales by 50% thereby reaching a sales figure of 7,500 units. They will also be launching new models in India and look at the Audi A3 sedan, and compact sports utility vehicle Q3 to add to sales volume. It is also expected from the car manufacturer that it is also going to bring in a convertible version of the BMW 3-series just after it has launched the current variants.
Also see – 2012 BMW 3-Series (F30) sedan unveiled
2012 BMW 3-Series regular production begins at Munich plant
See more pictures of 2012 BMW 3 Series –
