It’s official; as promised, BMW unveiled today the brand-new 3-Series codenamed F30. The sixth generation of its compact luxury sedan, which in its five iterations since its launch in 1975 has sold more than 12 million units becoming the standard in its category, will be available to markets worldwide from February 11, 2012.

According to BMW’s CEO, Norbert Reithofer, the new 3-Series is “the sportiest car in its segment and offers sheer driving pleasure at the highest level”.

The sixth generation mid-size BMW has grown considerably compared to its predecessor. It is 93 mm longer and an augmented wheelbase at 2,810 mm (+50mm) as well as wider front (+37 mm) and rear (+47 mm) tracks. The increase in dimensions promises to address one of the model’s disadvantages compared to the competition, namely that of rear passenger space.

The new model now offers 15 mm more legroom and 8 mm more headroom for rear seat passengers. Yet, despite the increase in size, numerous weight saving measures help make the new 3-Series up to 40 kg (88 lb) lighter than the model it replaces (depending on the version).

BMW’s best-selling model will initially be offered at launch with four TwinPower turbocharged engines: two petrol and two diesel units, which are available with two transmissions, a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic, the latter being a first in its class.

The gasoline range comprises of the 328i and 335i, both equipped with the fuel-saving EfficientDynamics package. The 328i is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharging, double-Vanos variable camshaft timing and Valvetronic variable valve timing.

It delivers 240HP and 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft) of torque from 1,250-4,800 rpm. As a result, the 328i accelerates from 0-100 (0-62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and reaches an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), while its fuel consumption of 6.4 lt/100 km (36.7 mpg US) with the 6-speed manual gearbox (6.3 lt/100 km – 37.3 mpg US with the auto) is 11% lower than its predecessor.

Under the hood of the 335i lies a turbocharged inline-six with 306HP and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque delivered from 1,200-5,000 rpm. It sprints from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.5 seconds while, like the 328i, it tops out at 250 km/h (155 mph) due to the electronic speed limiter. The 335i’s average consumption is 7.2-7.9 lt/100 km (32.6-29.7 US mpg) depending on specification.

Most European buyers will be interested in the 184HP 320d and the 163HP 320d EfficientDynamics turbodiesels. The more powerful engine accelerates the 3er from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in7.5 seconds, tops out at 235 km/h (146 mph), consumes 4.5 lt/100 km (52.2 mpg) of fuel and emits 118 g of CO2 per km.

In the 163HP EfficientDynamics diesel version the corresponding numbers are 8.0 seconds, 230 km/h (143 mph), 4.1 lt/100 (57.3 US mpg) and 109 g/km.

In spring of 2012, three new engines will be added to the line-up: one petrol and two diesels. The gasoline model is the 320i and it’s powered by a 184HP and 270 Nm (199.1 lb-ft) version of the 2.0-liter TwinTurbo. The two turbodiesels will be the 116HP and 260 Nm (191.7 lb-ft) 316d and the 143HP and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) 318d.

Later on, the new 3-Series will also get more engine variants, among them a six-cylinder diesel, and all-wheel drive xDrive versions, while in the autumn BMW will launch the ActiveHybrid 3 using the same hybrid powertrain as the new ActiveHybrid 5.

The full-hybrid version of the 3-Series will combine the 306HP 3.0-liter TwinTurbo petrol engine with 40kW/54HP electric motor integrated into the eight-speed auto transmission. Maximum combined output and torque are 340HP and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) respectively, and its average fuel consumption is 6.4 lt/100 km (36.7 mpg).

The new 3-Series will also feature the Driving Experience Control system that in addition to its three basic modes, Comfort, Sport and Sport+, offers an Eco Pro setting that can reduce consumption up to 20%.

The sedan model features a double-joint front axle with aluminum struts and wishbones that reduce unsprung weight and a rear multi-link arrangement. There’s also a new electromechanical system that is said to offer increased agility while minimizing weight and fuel consumption.

For the first time, three BMW’s new sedan will be offered with three different configurations named Sport Line, Modern Line and Luxury Line that allow buyers to customize their car.

They can also opt for the M Sport package which adds 10 mm (0.4 inch) lower as well as firmer suspension, harder anti-roll bars, 18- or 19-inch M alloy wheels, chrome exhaust pipes, exclusive bodywork paint and sport interior trim.

Of course, there will be a long optional equipment list with features such as the Adaptive M Sport suspension, Head-Up Display, ConnectedDrive infotainment system, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go, parking assistant, real-time traffic info and the lane change and lane departure warning systems.

BMW has invested over €1 billion ($1.38 billion US) in the new 3-Series global production. It will be manufactured at the company’s plants in Munich and Regensburg in Germany, as well as in Roslyn, South Africa.

In Germany, prices will range from €35,350 for the 320d and €43,600 for the 335i.

SPECIFICATIONS [EU MODEL]

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