What's the news?
BMW has announced it is to expand the 3 Series line-up with the introduction of ActiveHybrid, four-wheel-drive xDrive, M Sport and 330d versions - all set to arrive in July.
Green
The BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid will become the first hybrid offering in the premium compact class when it arrives in July. By mating the proven TwinPower Turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with a 55hp electric motor, BMW developed a 340hp and 450Nm of torque saloon that can reach 62mph from zero in just 5.3 seconds yet can also return 47.9mpg and crucially only emits 139g/km of CO2. This figure means that the ActiveHybrid 3 only gets hit for 18 per cent benefit-in-kind tax. The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is priced from £40,225 and is available in SE, Modern, Luxury and M Sport specifications.
Go anywhere
Four-wheel drive will be made available for the first time in the 3 Series with the introduction of the 320i xDrive. The 184hp car is powered by a TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre petrol engine and is available with either a six-speed manual or optional eight-speed automatic gearbox with the auto being the more economical - returning 43.5mpg and 152g/km to the manual's 41.5mpg and 159g/km. Prices for the 320i xDrive start from £27,400, representing a £1,535 premium over the regular car.
(M) Sporty
The 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel 330d will join the range in July offering 258hp and 560Nm of torque, enough to propel the turbocharged saloon from 0 to 62mph time of 5.6 seconds. Fast as it is the 330d is also efficient with combined fuel economy of 57.6mpg and CO2 emissions of just 129g/km. The new BMW 330d saloon is priced from £33,280 for the entry level SE model.
The M Sport specification is now available across all variants of the BMW 3 Series saloon for £3,000 over the cost of the SE model. Standard features include 18-inch M Star-spoke alloy wheels, M Sport suspension and M aerodynamic body styling with high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim. Dakota leather upholstery is standard alongside a unique M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel, Anthracite headlining, M Sport seats and M designation door sill finishers. A Sport+ function is also added to the Drive Performance Control switch
Anything else?
Alongside the 3 Series additions BMW has also announced changes to both the 5 and 6 Series line-ups including power upgrades for the Gran Turismo range and the addition of the new 520d Gran Turismo, M Sport specification for the ActiveHybrid 5, the introduction of a 449hp 650i Gran Coupé and its uprated 4.4-litre V8 being added to both the Coupé and Convertible body styles.
Paul Healy - 24 Jun 2012