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>> 17/October/2011 - The New BMW 3 Series Sedan : Capable, Efficient & Comfortable

The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series Sedan, the world’s best-selling premium car, sets new benchmarks in terms of sporting prowess, elegance and comfort.

The smooth new BMW face, with flat headlights reaching along as far as the BMW kidney grille, emphasises the elegantly dynamic design of the new BMW 3 Series

The sixth generation of the 3 Series has grown in size compared to its predecessor, with its wide track (front + 37 mm, rear + 47 mm) particularly prominent, and the car’s increased length (+ 93 mm) and augmented wheelbase (+ 50 mm) also accentuate its sporting silhouette. This growth isn't great news for those people out there who already struggle to park.

Inside the new BMW 3 Series Sedan, the noticeable increase in space benefits the rear passengers above all. Meaning that kids can now create even more havok in comfort on those long trips.

The BMW 3 Series range is now also available in a trio of trim and equipment variants – the Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line.

Each variant presents its own individual take on the character of the sports sedan, with exclusive, high-quality material combinations and solid build quality underlining the premium ambience of the new range.

Drive and chassis technology have always been key areas of expertise for the BMW brand.

Agility and driving dynamics remain outstanding attributes of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. The new car belies its larger dimensions with a kerb weight 40 kilograms (88 lb) below that of its predecessor. In addition to the sports performance typical of the brand, the further enhanced levels of comfort on board the new 3 Series make a significant contribution to driving pleasure (Those long drives with the kids won't seem as long as they used to).

A choice of four refined, economical and muscular engines – all of which feature new BMW TwinPower Turbo technology – will be available for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan from launch. In addition to two further optimised diesel powerplants and the already successful six-cylinder petrol unit, customers can also enjoy the talents of the new turbocharged four-cylinder variant in the BMW 328i.

This latest-generation petrol engine rewards the driver with a dynamic driving experience coupled with reduced fuel consumption and emissions. With fuel consumption and emission a top priority for customers in the new car market BMW has made the neccessary upgrade.

BMW is the first carmaker to offer an eight-speed automatic gearbox in the premium mid-size segment. It can be specified in combination with any of the petrol and diesel engines in the range and links up with the Auto Start-Stop function that comes as standard. Compact and exceptionally efficient, it allows the new BMW 3 Series to match or outperform models fitted with the standard six-speed manual gearbox in terms of both fuel economy and emissions.

As components of the BMW EfficientDynamics technology line-up, the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator and need-based operation of ancillary components (including a disengageable air conditioning compressor) also play their part in reducing fuel consumption. Added to which, the new Driving Experience Control switch not only offers Comfort, Sport and Sport + options, but also ECO PRO mode, which gives all the models in the range the potential to further improve these figures.

This switch helps drivers maximise fuel economy through their driving style, thereby enabling them to increase the distance they can travel between visits to the pumps. The same goes for the CO2-minimising BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition, whose peak output of 120 kW/163 hp contrasts with average fuel consumption in the EU driving cycle of 4.1 l/100 km (68.9 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km. BMW will add further cutting-edge engines to the line-up in 2012, when the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will also celebrate its premiere. Would be interesting to see how this car stacks up in the World Solar Challenge from Darwin to Adelaide.

BMW ConnectedDrive offers an unmatched combination of driver assistance technology and mobility systems for the new BMW 3 Series range. A new arrival in the premium mid-size segment is the latest-generation full-colour Head-Up Display, which projects key information – in sharp resolution – onto the windscreen so it appears directly in the driver’s field of view. Also available is Surround View with Side View and Top View, which gives a bird’s-eye perspective of the vehicle and the area around it.

In addition, a parking assistance system helps the driver to manoeuvre into parking spaces. (And hopefully to assist drivers to not leave a massive gap to the car in front when parralel parking!!)

Among the other assistance technology available under the BMW ConnectedDrive banner are Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, the Lane Change Warning System and Lane Departure Warning System with camera-based Collision Warning system, which are offered for the first time in a BMW 3 Series Sedan.

Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI) and special apps such as “BMW Connected” for using social networks are also available. An innovative comfort access function allowing hands-free opening of the boot lid and the additional Active Protection occupant protection system are likewise included on the options list, as is Advanced eCall with automatic position finding from BMW Assist. In the event of an accident, this system gives the emergency services detailed information on the nature of the collision before they arrive at the scene of the accident.

BMW create not just a beautiful car, but an enhanced driving experience.

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