BMW 3 Series 2012

The Bangle era of design is over at BMW, and the revised 3-Series reflects this fact with a new, more elegant look. Other updates include a redesigned cabin and the addition of a powerful and efficient turbocharged four-cylinder as the standard motor, but one thing that doesn't change is the sporty character and fine handling of this small luxury sedan.

For the time being, the latest redesign will only apply to the four-door 3-Series, as the 3-Series Coupe and 3-Series Convertible are expected to arrive in one year's time, and possibly wearing the 4-Series moniker.Those in need of more cargo space will be pleased to hear that the BMW 3-Series Wagon will return to the U.S. as well.

Visually, the new 3-Series adopts the same design language first seen on vehicles like the 5-Series and 7-Series. However, the new 3 is longer and wider than the outgoing model, giving the car an overall athletic look. The new 3-Series is nearly 2-inches wider than the outgoing car and over 3.5 inches longer.

Despite a bigger footprint, the latest 3-Series retains a perfect 50/50 weight distribution and is actually 88 pounds lighter than the model it replaces.

As a result of those expanded dimensions, the new 3-Series boasts more cabin space, particularly for rear-seat passengers. BMW also says that the 3-Series trunk can comfortably hold three-golf bags.

But perhaps the biggest news is the return to a four-cylinder powerplant. The 328i model is powered by BMW's TwinPower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, developing 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft or torque. As a result, the 328i scoots from zero-to-60 in a relatively brisk 5.7 seconds.

BMW's 335i remains on offer, delivering 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder. That added grunt is good for a zero-to-60 time of 5.4 seconds.

BMW has gone to great lengths to ensure the 2012 3 is more fuel efficient than the current model and has included such technologies as auto stop-start, Brake Energy Regeneration and even an air conditioning system that can disconnect completely from the engine. The 328i offers 23 city, 33 highway, with the eight-speed automatic, or 23 city, 34 highway with the six-speed manual transmission.

BMW is the first automaker to offer an eight-speed gearbox in this class.

BMW has yet announce the M3 version of the new car, but buyers can opt for an M Sport package in the meantime (more information below).

ActiveHybrid 3
Marking a first for the segment, BMW will launch a hybrid version of its new 3-Series during the fall of 2012. The ActiveHybrid 3 will be powered by BMW's 300 horsepower 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder paired to an electric motor that can boost power by as much as 55 horsepower. BMW says to expect performance on par with the 335i.

Packaging explained
BMW offers the latest 3-Series Sedan in base configuration and four optional "Design Lines:" Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line, as well as an M Sport Line (late introduction).

All models will come with goodies like a 6.5-inch color display with iDrive, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, step-up wheels (17-inch on 328i, 18-inch on 335i), while the 335i adds HID headlamps, wood interior trim, a moonroof, powered front seats and an anti-theft alarm.

Sport Line models come with black exterior styling bits, a 10mm-lowered suspension, red piped-and-stitched leather or leatherette seats, a black headliner and various red accents throughout the cabin. Luxury Line 3-Series models substitute the Sport's gloss black or aluminum interior trim with inlayed wood, wile the exterior receives additional chrome styling bits including more grille slats and chromed grille surrounds. Luxury and Modern Line 3-Series models will be offered exclusively with leather seats with a specific seam pattern and either contrasting stitching (Luxury) or piping (Modern). Modern builds on Luxury with matte chrome exterior and interior trim, a choice of aluminum, pearl metallic or textured wood interior trim and a "dark oyster" dashboard and steering wheel.

Options for most models include navigation (part of the Technology Package), a rearview camera with surround view, SiriusXM and Harman/Kardon audio, as well as an M-tuned suspension, variable sport steering and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Key Competitors
Often used as the benchmark in the small premium sedan segment, the 3-Series is directly in the crosshairs of competing models like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan, the Audi A4, the Infiniti G37 and the Cadillac CTS.