The new BMW 3-Series facelift has been revealed with a revised lineup of engines but gets minimal cosmetic changes.
BMW has finally pulled the wraps off the new 3-Series facelift, which actually didn’t need any wraps because there are miniscule changes on the exteriors. The headlamps and the tail lamps get redesigned LED detailing while the bumpers get tweaked (depending on the trim level). Rest of the exterior remains unchanged, which is expected from the Bavarian automaker as seen from the past range of facelifts. The interior gets mild tweaks as well with additional equipment.
The new BMW 3-Series facelift gets new materials on the inside including new chrome highlights on the centre console. It comes with a new navigation system, LTE mobile technology and a full-colour Heads-Up Display. One of the key features is the new Parking Assistant which enables automatic parallel parking. Major changes are in the hood as the 3-Series lineup gets revised with new engines and updated power outputs.
There is a new entry level BMW 318i that gets powered by a 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 134 BHP of power and 220 Nm of torque. It does 0-100 km/hr sprint in 8.9 seconds having a top speed of 210 km/hr. Next up is the 320i that gets a 4-cylinder turbo petrol churning out 181 BHP and 290 Nm. The popular 328i, which is also available in India gets replaced with 330i retaining the same engine but with uprated power of 249 BHP and 350 Nm.
The range topping version, 340i gets some sporty styling elements on the outside and a performance oriented 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 322 BHP and 450 Nm. This monstrous motor is paired with 8-speed Steptronic transmission that makes it sprint from standstill to 100 km/hr in 5.1 seconds having a top whack of 250 km/hr, which is electronically limited. There is a range of diesel engines as well starting from 113 BHP to 309 BHP. For the environment friendly, BMW has introduced 330e plug-in hybrid producing combined output of 249 BHP and 420 Nm.
BMW will commence deliveries of the new 3-Series facelift in the second half of 2015 globally. The German luxury carmaker is expected to launch the new offering in India early in 2016. The updated 3-Series won’t be able to hold a candle against the new gen Mercedes C-Class in terms of styling and it will be an uphill battle to take on the rivals until the next generation 3-Series arrives.
