The new BMW 3-series LCI (Facelift) – Launched

BMW Group Malaysia today introduced the new BMW 3 Series LCI, which in its sixth generation is as impressive as ever with an irresistible combination of dynamic design, unrivaled agility and excellent everyday practicality.

 

Since 1975, the BMW 3 Series has demonstrated its dynamic ability and has set the benchmark in the premium sporty mid-sized segment. The sedan is well known as the creator of the mid-sized premium segment and 40 years on, the new BMW 3 Series embodies unbeatable efficiency in its class with its hallmark BMW sporty and dynamic ability. This dynamic character is further reflected in its unmistakable design, which continues to impress with precision, tautness and elegance.

 

Introducing the new BMW 3 Series, Mr. Alan Harris, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, “In 1975, BMW started the first chapter to a success story that has defined the premium sports segment over four decades. The BMW 3 Series embodies the heart of the BMW brand and we are confident that this best-selling model of all time will continue to lead the way in its segment. The ultimate premium sports sedan, the new sixth generation BMW 3 Series brings together highly attractive dynamic design with exceptional dynamics, efficiency and unbeatable practicality; just as it did four decades ago.”

 

The new BMW 3 Series is introduced in four new model variants including the all-new BMW 318i, the BMW 320i, the BMW 320d and the all-new BMW 330i, which equipped with the extra-dynamic Sport Line, exclusive and elegant Luxury Line or the extremely athletic M Sport Package. The new eye-catching looks of the all-new premium sports sedan is also accompanied with even more powerful and efficient new drivetrains, further optimised chassis and suspension, new interior enhancements, and a new segment leading, comprehensive BMW ConnectedDrive suite of technologies – the first in the Malaysian premium segment.

 

Design

The striking presence of the new BMW 3 Series on the road is sportier than all and more elegant than ever. The sporty sedan upholds the design tradition of the BMW brand with distinctively sculpted long bonnet, short front and rear overhangs, long wheelbase and set-back passenger compartment. Each harmoniously integrated to create the extremely dynamic proportions that are as much a hallmark of BMW as ideal 50:50 weight distribution.

What different in the new vs the old exterior?

• newly redesigned headlights which dominates the front to provide an even more vivid visual representation of the car’s dynamic flair.
• LED indicators are now positioned as “eyebrows” above the all-LED headlights, featured as a standard and are integrated in a noticeably more horizontal form.
• The shape of the LED daytime running lights on each side meanwhile further highlight the hallmark BMW twin headlight arrangement and create a stylistic link between the headlight units and the BMW kidney grille.
• Below the headlights sit the LED fog lights, a standard feature for the new BMW 320i M Sport, BMW 320d M Sport and BMW 330i M Sport variants.
•  The front apron receives broader side air intakes lending an even stronger stylistic presence.
• The newly redesigned rear lights are also full-LED units, arranged in distinctive BMW “L” shape and is now more heavily curved. The two LED indicators form a horizontal band of light across both sections of the rear lights and provide extremely even and consistent light.
• The sporting appearance of the new BMW 3 Series is further complemented by twin tailpipes measuring 70 millimetres in diameter for the new BMW 320i, BMW 320d and BMW 330i while the new BMW 318i receives a larger single tailpipe with a diameter of 75 millimetres.
• The new BMW 3 Series also arrives with a new range of wheels: the BMW 318i Luxury Line with 17” light alloy Multi-spoke wheels, the BMW 320i Sport Line with 17” light alloy Multi-spoke V wheels, the BMW 320i M Sport and BMW 320d M Sport with 18” M light alloy Star-spoke wheels, and 18” M light alloy Double-spoke wheels for the BMW 330i M Sport.

 

 

Performance 

The BMW 3 Series has symbolised driving enjoyment combined with frugal fuel consumption for the past 40 years. Now the new BMW 3 Series is raising the bar yet again. All members of the new modular engine family share a common design blueprint with an inline cylinder arrangement and will benefit from the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

 

BMW 318i
BMW TwinPower Turbo 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine
Output: 136 hp, torque of 220 Nm
0 to 100 km/h: 8.9 seconds
Combined fuel consumption: 5.1 litres per 100km
CO2 emission: 119 g/km

 

BMW 320i
BMW EfficientDynamics 2.o-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine
Output: 184 hp, torque of 290 Nm
0 to 100 km/h: 7.2 seconds
Combined fuel consumption: 5.58 litres per 100km
CO2 emission: 128 g/km

BMW 330i
BMW EfficientDynamics 2.o-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine
Output: 252 hp, torque of 350 Nm
0 to 100 km/h: 5.8 seconds
Combined fuel consumption: 6.1 litres per 100km
CO2 emission: 143 g/km

BMW 320d
BMW EfficientDynamics 2.o-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine
Output: 190 hp, torque of 400 Nm
0 to 100 km/h: 7.2 seconds
Combined fuel consumption: 4.0 litres per 100km
CO2 emission: 106 g/km

 

Ride and Handling

 

In addition to the new, fuel-efficient and powerful engines are the familiar Automatic Start/Stop function and Brake Energy Regeneration to ensure that the new BMW 3 Series not only delivers typical BMW sporty performance but also benchmark fuel consumption and emissions. Further fuel-saving measures include the ECO PRO mode, selectable using the Driving Experience Control switch.

Another component essential to reducing CO2 emissions is the new eight-speed Steptronic transmission and with the navigation system, an additional anticipatory drivetrain system can be opted for to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The BMW 3 Series has been the benchmark in driving dynamics for generations and as the epitome of sportiness, superior agility and a dynamic driving experience, the new BMW 3 Series has a stiffer suspension thanks to fine-tuning of the damping system. This results in an especially precise steering system with even more sensitive road feedback. The improved overall harmonisation of all chassis variants also provide an even more dynamic driving experience and improved cornering behaviour while maintaining the same unparalleled ride comfort.

The sporting credentials of the new BMW 3 Series can be further accentuated with the M Sport suspension available for the new BMW 320i M Sport and BMW 320d M Sport, while the Adaptive M Suspension is made available for the all-new BMW 330i M Sport.

 

Cabin Convenience

The interior of the new BMW 3 Series faithfully reflects the dynamic and elegant lines of the sporty model range. The cockpit’s driver orientation is a signature BMW feature and provides optimum access to all the important functions.

The outstanding ergonomics of the new BMW 3 Series have been enhanced to feature high-quality chrome accents for controls and air vent surrounds and high-gloss surfaces along the top of the centre console for an even classier look. With the optional interior lighting package, an ambient lighting surrounds the upper control area in the centre console.

The cupholders in the centre console adds a practical feature to the new BMW 3 Series and now have sliding covers. More centrally placed seat belt locks meanwhile reduce the risk of “submarining” and make for easier installation of child seats on the rear seat bench.

 

BMW ConnectedDrive: optimum connectivity and intelligent driver assistance systems

BMW has been setting the standard for connectivity between human, car and the outside world for many years now. In the new BMW 3 Series, BMW ConnectedDrive is providing another impressive demonstration of its pioneering abilities while again ensuring supreme safety, comfort and infotainment.

The latest-generation Navigation System Professional for the new BMW 320d and the all-new BMW 330i M Sport  boasts quicker start-up, even faster route calculation along with more realistic 3D visualisation in urban areas. A full-colour, high-resolution Head-Up Display is also available as a standard feature in the all-new BMW 330i where all relevant information such as speed, navigation instructions, speed limits, and more appears here in an optimum position in the driver’s field of vision.

A SIM card built into the vehicle enables customers to enjoy optimum connectivity and access to the unrivalled range of services from BMW ConnectedDrive without the need for a smartphone. The Concierge Service for example, makes it possible to select points of interest while driving, such as restaurants or hotels, make a reservation if desired, and have them sent straight to the vehicle as a navigation destination.

 

Safety

Intelligent Emergency Call, another standard feature in the new BMW 3 Series, ensures maximum safety on the road. If the airbags are triggered in an accident, this system uses the built-in SIM card to automatically transmit the severity of the accident, the potential risk of injury to the occupants and the vehicle’s location to the BMW Call Centre. This information is then used to arrange the best possible emergency response while the Call Centre stays in contact with the occupants if desired. The manual emergency call function also allows rapid help to be summoned for other road users in emergency situations.

Additional Services & Apps offered in the new BMW 3 Series include BMW Online Office which uses the on-board SIM card to enable the reading, writing and sending of emails from within the vehicle. The portfolio of apps and services from BMW ConnectedDrive also include smartphone apps such as Audible, Deezer, GoPro and Spotify.

 

Specifications

318i Luxury

Exterior

• LED headlights, including LED light rings
• Fog lights
• 17″ light-alloy wheels Multi spoke style 414 7 1/2 J x 17 / tyres 225/50 R17
• Exhaust tailpipe, single, round with chrome finisher
• Front ornamental grille, kidney grille with chrome surround
• Rear bumper with finisher chrome
• Automatic rain sensor, automatic activation control for windscreen wipers and driving lights

Interior

• Dakota leather upholstery
• Door sill finishers with BMW designation
• Interior trim finishers Black high-gloss, with highlight trim finishers in Coral Red matt
• Cruise Control with braking function
• Park Distance Control (PDC), front and rear
• Automatic air-conditioning, two-zone extended contents, including rear air vents
• Heat-insulated glass, green, all-round
• Multi-function buttons for steering wheel
• Seat adjustment, electric, with memory function for driver
• Sports leather steering wheel
• Armrest at the front, folding, with integrated storage compartment
• Center armrest, rear, including 2 cup holders
• Personal profile, personalisation of important operating functions
• Start/Stop button, including Auto Start/Stop OFF button
• Storage compartment package
• AUX-IN connection, in the center console
• BMW ConnectedDrive services including Intellegent Emergency Call and Teleservices
• Connectivity, Bluetooth and USB devices, with extended functionality
• On-board computer including Check Control
• Radio BMW Professional with MP3-compatible CD drive including 6/5″ monitor operation by BMW iDrive Controller
• Stereo speaker system, with 6 loudspeakers

Transmission and Technology

• 5-link rear axle
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• Automatic Start/Stop function
• BMW TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder petrol engine, combines a turbocharger with Valvetronic, Double Vanos and High Precision Injection
• Brake energy regeneration
• Double-joint trailing-arm front axle
• Driving experience control including ECO PRO
• Electric power steering
• Hot climate option

 

320i Standard

same as 318i unless specified otherwise

• 17″ light-alloy wheels V-spoke style 395 8J x 17 / tyres 225/55 R17
• B-pillar and window bar of rear door in black high-gloss
• Decorative moulding side frame matt black
• Dual exhaust tailpipe
• “Sport” Line badge
• Trim elements on bumper front/rear and air intakes in high-gloss black
• Instrument cluster with specific gauge dial printing and chrono scale
• Signature key with red highlights
• Sport seats for driver and passenger
• Sport leather steering wheel with exclusive red stitching
• Electric power steering
• Roller sunblind for rear window, electric
• HiFi loudspeaker system (205W, 9 loudspeakers)
• BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, combines a turbocharger with Valvetronic, Double Vanos and High Precision Injection

320i M Sport Line

same as 318i & 320i Standard unless specified otherwise

• 18″ light-alloy wheels star-spoke style 400M / Mixed Tyres Front: 8 J x 18/tyres 225/45 R18 Rear: 8 1/2 J x 18 / tyres 255/40 R18
• BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line
• Exclusively designed kidney bars in high-gloss black
• LED Fog lights
• M Aerodynamics package
• M Sport suspension
• BMW Individual headliner Anthracite
• Door sill finishers, with “M” designation
• Interior trim finishers Aluminium Hexegon, with highlight trim finishers in Blue matt
• M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles
• Navigation system Business, wtih 6.5″ display monitor, including BMW iDrive Controller with direct menu control buttons
• Signature key with blue highlight

 

330i M Sport

same as 320i M Sport unless specified otherwise

• 18″ M light-alloy wheels Double-spoke style 441M Ferric Grey metallic Front: 8J x 18 / tyres 225/45/R18 Rear: 8 1/2J x 18 / tyres 255/40 R18
• Head-up display, full color projection of driving and entertainment information
• Servotronic
• Variable sport steering

320d M Sport

same as 320i M Sport unless specified otherwise

• Navigation system Professional, with high-definition 8.8″ display monitor, 3-D map and arrow display, DVD drive, hard-disc for maps and audio data, MP3 decoder, including BMW iDrive Touch Controller with direct menu control buttons, eight-function bookmarks and 2 tuner reception
• BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, combines a turbocharger with Valvetronic, Double Vanos and High Precision Injection
• Electric power steering
• Servotronic

 

Ownership and Maintenance

 

The all-new BMW 318i Luxury Line is availble in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, Imperial Blue and Platinum Silver (new color); the new BMW 320i Sport Line in Alpine White, Mineral Grey, Glacier Silver, Melbourne Red and Mediterranean Blue (new color); while the new BMW 320i M Sport, BMW 320d M Sport and the all-new BMW 330i M Sport in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, Glacier Silver and Estoril Blue. The range of Leather Dakota upholstery colour choices include Black, Saddle Brown and Oyster/Black.

Price:

318i Luxury – RM208,800
320i Standard – RM238,800
320i M Sport – RM258,800
330i M Sport – RM308,800
320d M Sport – RM268,800

All prices above are OTR excluding insurance and is inclusive of a 5-years warranty with unlimited mileage

The new BMW 3 Series will be available in all authorised BMW Dealerships nationwide from the weekend of the 21^st November 2015 onwards.