All-new for the 2012 model year, the 3-Series line-up for 2013 gets expanded availability of BMW’s xDrive (all-wheel-drive) system. The new sedan editions are 320i xDrive and 335i xDrive and the Coupe adds 328i xDrive. Another (late) addition to the 3 Series line is a gas/electric hybrid version of the sedan, called ActiveHybrid 3.
Greg Wilson / Autos.ca: “Just the word ‘hybrid’ implies a compromise between fuel efficiency and performance. But there’s another kind of hybrid – the luxury performance hybrid – that provides better fuel economy than comparable non-hybrids and outstanding performance as well. These performance hybrids use the car’s powerful battery and electric motor to boost overall horsepower and torque while reducing fuel consumption at the same time. Lexus was the pioneer here with the GS 450h and LS 600h, followed by other luxury hybrids from Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Infiniti, Audi and BMW. The new BMW ActiveHybrid 3, for example (which follows the ActiveHybrid 7 and ActiveHybrid 5), is the newest performance hybrid from Munich. Imagine this: a 306-hp BMW 335i sedan with a 40-kW electric motor that boosts peak horsepower to 340; zips from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds; and offers combined city/highway fuel economy of 7.1 L/100 km. That, in a nutshell, is the ActiveHybrid 3.”
The 3 Series is available as a sedan, coupe and cabriolet (convertible). The sedan is available as the 328i, with 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder; as the 320i, with a detuned version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder; and as the 335i, with 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder. The 320i comes with a six-speed manual that can be optioned to an eight-speed automatic, while the 328i and 335i come with the eight-speed automatic and can be optioned to the six-speed manual. The engines also feature a start/stop system that shuts off the engine at idle for improved fuel efficiency. All three sedan variations will be available with xDrive either later in the 2012 model year or in 2013.
The coupe and cabriolet are available as the 328i, with 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder; the 335i, with 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder; and as the 335is, with twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder. The 328i and 335i coupe also come with xDrive all-wheel drive. All use a six-speed manual transmission that can be optioned to a six-speed automatic in the 328i and 335i models, and to a seven-speed automatic in the 335is.
The Touring comes as the 328i xDrive, with 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder and six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission. The M3 comes as a coupe or cabriolet and uses a 4.0-litre V8 with six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed automatic.
Standard or optional features on the new sedan models include 18-inch alloy wheels, full colour head-up display, blind spot warning and lane departure warning, xenon headlamps, LED running lights, iDrive, leather seats, and M Sport Package.
Features on the 328i xDrive Touring include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, pushbutton start, automatic xenon headlamps with washers, adaptive LED brake lights, heated mirrors, heated washer jets, tire pressure warning system, rain-sensing wipers, self-charging keyless remote, roof rails, twin chrome exhaust tips, auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, dynamic cruise control, panoramic sunroof, multifunction leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel, heated eight-way power adjustable “leatherette” seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, illuminated vanity mirrors, auto up/down windows, CD/MP3 stereo, auxiliary input and USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Features on the 328i Coupe include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, sport suspension, adaptive LED brake lights, adaptive automatic bi-xenon headlamps, heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, heated washer jets, tire pressure monitoring system, keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, dynamic cruise control, power sunroof, locking illuminated glovebox, leather-wrapped multi-function tilt and telescopic sport steering wheel, split-folding rear seatbacks with pass-through, illuminated vanity mirrors, automatic seatbelt assistant, rear-seat comfort entry, eight-way power-adjustable heated “leatherette” seats, CD/MP3 stereo, USB port, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, BMW Assist, and trip computer.
The 328i xDrive Coupe adds headlamp washers and hill descent control but does not have a sport suspension.
The 335i Coupe builds on the 328i Coupe and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, heated steering wheel, and leather sport seats with side bolsters.
The 335i xDrive Coupe is similarly-equipped to the 335i Coupe but uses 17-inch alloy wheels and adds headlamp washers and hill descent control, and does not have a sport suspension.
The 335is Coupe builds on the 335i and adds 19-inch alloy wheels, sport exhaust system, high gloss black mirrors, M Aerodynamics package, Alcantara gearshift boot, aluminum trim, and stainless steel pedals.
Features on the 328i Cabriolet include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive LED brake lights, adaptive automatic bi-xenon headlamps, heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, fog lamps, heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, heated windshield washers, tire pressure monitoring system, front knee airbags, rollover protection system, integrated head airbag, keyless entry, power retractable hardtop, auto-dimming rearview mirror, comfort access, dynamic cruise control, locking illuminated glovebox, multi-function leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic sport heated steering wheel, single-piece folding rear seat, rear-seat comfort entry, eight-way power heated leather seats, CD/MP3 stereo, USB port, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, BMW Assist and trip computer.
The 335i Cabriolet adds 18-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension, park distance control, alarm system, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, compass, garage door opener, sport seats with adjustable side bolsters and lumbar support, and Harman/Kardon sound system.
The 335is Cabriolet adds sport exhaust system, high gloss black mirrors, M Aerodynamics package, and stainless steel pedals.
Features on the M3 Coupe and Cabriolet include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, sport suspension, keyless entry with pushbutton start, automatic adaptive xenon headlamps with washers, adaptive brake lights, heated mirrors, heated washer jets, tire pressure warning system, rain-sensing wipers, alarm system, self-charging remote, M body kit, auto-dimming rearview mirror, ambient lighting, cruise control, three-spoke tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto up/down windows, eight-way power-adjustable heated sport seats, CD/MP3 Harmon/Kardon stereo, auxiliary input, USB port with iPod cable, Bluetooth connectivity and BMW Assist. Unique to the Coupe are a carbon fibre reinforced plastic roof, trunk lid spoiler, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, automatic seatbelt assist, and cloth and leather seats. Unique to the cabriolet are front knee airbags, rollover protection system, three-piece retractable hardtop, rear cupholders, single-piece folding rear seat, leather seats with sun reflective protection, and side airbag with integrated head protection.
