After the introduction of the new 320i, 316d and 318d models earlier this year, BMW is once again expanding the range of the 3-Series in Europe and other parts of the world with new engines and all-wheel drive variants.
Starting from this summer, BMW will offer its xDrive four-wheel drive system on the 320i, 328i and 335i petrol models, with the 320d xDrive to follow later in the year.
Towards the end of 2012, the Bavarian automaker will launch a new entry-level version of the 3-Series sedan, the 316i boasting a 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with 134hp (136PS) under its hood.
Power will be transferred to the rear wheels via a standard 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 8-speed automatic, with the 316i completing the 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint in 8.9 seconds, while returning CO2 emissions of 134g/km.
The second new model is the 320i EfficientDynamics Edition, which swaps the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition’s 161hp (163PS) 2.0-liter turbo diesel for a 168hp (170PS) 2.0-liter turbo gasoline four-cylinder engine.
A manual 6-speed gearbox takes care of power transmission with the 320i EfficientDynamics Edition passing the 100 km/h yardstick in 7.6 seconds, and returning an average fuel consumption of 5.2/100 km (45.2 mpg US or 54.3 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 124g/km. As with the 316i, the market launch for this model is planned for the end of 2012.
From July, BMW will launch the M Sport Package for the 3-Series sedan comprising styling and chassis upgrades.
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