BMW India today launched its all new 2012 F30 3 Series sedan, the sixth generation car model in the hugely successful 3 series range which has been selling across the world. The company’s bread-and-butter model now looks sleeker, sportier and yet more muscular, and comes with total 5 variants, four for the diesel (320d, 320d Sport Line, 320d Luxury Line and 320d Luxury Plus) and one for the petrol (328i Sport Line). With a starting price tag of Rs 28.90 lakh for the base diesel variant, going up to Rs 37.90 lakh for the petrol variant (both ex-showroom, Mumbai).
The launch was held at the NCPA in Mumbai and witnessed presence of Indian cricketing star Sachin Tendulkar who launched the new 3 Series along with Dr Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India. Promoted as Ultimate3 this new gen BMW 3 Series is a smashing sedan with oomph of luxury in every inch. The styling is sharper and presence of new engines makes the luxury saloon mightier. Upgraded version of 3 Series now comes with refined suspension tuning; innovative features that up the luxury quotient of the saloon.
On the exterior, the new 3-series takes design cues from the latest 5-series in a bid to provide BMW’s two best-selling models with a more unified appearance. From the front, the two share a similar look with shark nose leaning forward. The new 3 Series also gets a new face with flat headlights flanking the BMW kidney grille. The rear-end has a typical 3 Series approach, so if you take the rear, there is a line above the headlights which is coming down, and the line from the bumper which is sloping upwards, so the rear-end looks fit – that’s a typical BMW 3 Series theme.
On the inside too, it has grown up in length, width and height than its predecessor, which will translate to better space inside the cabin, specially at the rear. There is also a wide screen display housing the iDrive infotainment computer and Drive Performance Control and other such high tech features. The new model is also lighter than the outgoing version by 40kg.
Under the hood, the new BMW 3 Series will be offered in a choice of two engines – petrol and diesel. The 245PS 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine boasts of twin-scroll turbocharging and variable camshaft timing. The diesel engine meanwhile has the same 2.0-litre turbocharged motor from the outgoing model and puts out 184PS of maximum power and 380Nm of torque. Both the engines are mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission.
What sets this car apart from all the others in its category is the fact that it is low in weight, low in fuel economy and is fitted with ‘Eco Pro’, which helps in adjusting powertrain and even air conditioned to offer maximum economy along with maximum performance which equates to 20% improvement in average fuel consumption when tested under real world conditions and is proved to be even more effective than A4 and Mercedes Benz C Class.
Prices of new BMW 3 Series in India –
- BMW 320d Base (diesel): Rs. 28.90 Lakhs
- BMW 320d Sportline (diesel): Rs. 31.50 Lakhs
- BMW320d Luxuryline (diesel): Rs. 31.50 Lakhs
- BMW320d Luxuryline Plus (diesel): Rs. 36.90 Lakhs
- BMW 328i Sportline (petrol): Rs. 37.90 Lakhs
Also see – New BMW 3 series (F30) is scheduled to launch on 3rd August in India
See more pictures of New BMW 3-series –
