Bavarian automaker BMW recently unveiled the 7th generation of its iconic 3-series, in Gurugram today. The 3-series has been unveiled with a host of updates, both cosmetic and functional. As we were invited to check the car out, we couldn’t help but take in the new car that is virtually brimming with details. Read on to find out.

MECHANICALS

To start things off, the new 3-series is powered by a 2L 4-cylinder engine that is available in both petrol and diesel configurations. While the former (330i) issues 258hp and 400Nm at the crank, the latter is not far behind at 190hp and 400Nm either.

Use of BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology helps with power and efficiency and propels the car from a standstill to 100 in 6.8s. The engine comes mated to BMW’s ubiquitous Steptronic 8-speed transmission.

In terms of construction, the 3 series is 55 kg lighter than its predecessor and has several body panels such as the bonnet and the side panels fashioned out of aluminium.

EXTERIOR

In terms of design, the 3-series retains its typical proportions but features many styling updates including slightly increased dimensions. As one approaches the car, the bodywork can be seen invading into the headlight by a notch, that lends quite a look to it. Other dominant design elements include the updated dual kidney grille, a redesigned Hofmeister kink at the C-pillar, a longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs. Use of L shaped 3-dimensional LED headlamps and twin tailpipes along with the trunk-mounted lip spoiler add to the sporty appeal of the car. Reworked aero has resulted in a low drag coefficient of 0.23.

 

INTERIOR

Intelligent use of space to improve headroom, legroom and shoulder support for all occupants makes the car incredibly roomy on the inside. The signature driver-focused monoposto dashboard doubles up as the command centre for many smart features that are elaborated further up. The rear bench is foldable in 3 parts (40:20:40) to enable greater storage flexibility.

The cabin is well insulated from outside noise and features 3-zone climate control with ambient lighting. The steering wheel is equipped with paddle shifters and the console gets a drive selector to choose between ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ to take full advantage of the exuberant drivetrain of the car. It exhibits several features, many of which are a segment-first, as touted by BMW.

Connectivity and infotainment are handled by BMW’s Operating system 7.0 and operate through two screens, namely a 10.25-inch control display at the console and a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster.

FEATURES

The features are aplenty and not only add to the comfort, but also improve safety and assist in driving.

COMFORT FEATURES:

  1. 3-zone climate control
  2. Ambient lighting
  3. Sunroof
  4. Electrically adjustable memory seats
  5. BMW virtual assistant with smartphone sync.

DRIVING ASSISTANCE:

  1. Lift related damper control
  2. Paddle shift steering wheel with electronic power steering
  3. Brake energy recuperation
  4. 50:50 weight distribution
  5. Autonomous parking with driver control
  6. Rearview camera
  7. Electronic parking brake with auto-hold

SAFETY:

  1. 6 airbags
  2. Dynamic stability control
  3. Cornering brake control
  4. Side impact protection
  5. Attentiveness assistant
  6. ISOFIX child seat mounts

PRICE AND VARIANTS

The new 3-series, as stated earlier is available in petrol and diesel formats that are spread across 3 variants that will be locally produced at the Chennai plant.

  1. BMW 320d Sport – Rs. 41,40,000
  2. BMW 320d Luxury Line – Rs. 46,90,000
  3. BMW 330i M Sport – Rs. 47,90,000

The car comes with many attractive service, payment, insurance and buyback schemes.