BMW India’s next big launch will be the next generation 3-Series (F30), which is expected to go on sale by May 2012. The German automaker is being testing the vehicle extensively around its plant in Chennai as the BMW 3-Series is locally assembled through the CKD route. The sixth generation BMW 3-Series has vast improvements in almost all aspects, giving it the much needed boost to rival its competitors like the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The 3-Series is very important for BMW and accounts for 30% of the company’s sales worldwide.
Read the BMW 3-Series F30 Road Test Review
MotorBeam reader and enthusiast Prem Shetty snapped this 3-Series with heavy camouflage in Pune. Prem has a eagle eye and never misses an on test vehicle. The 3-Series has arrived in Pune to get its certification from ARAI (Automobile Research Association of India) for road worthiness. ARAI will also give mileage certificates to the 3-Series, which will be available with four engine options – 318d, 320d, 320i and 328i. All the engines will be mated to a 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
The BMW 3-Series F30 has crucial changes, which will make the vehicle appear to a larger audience. The E90 3-Series lacked space for rear passengers and the ride quality was on the stiffer side. BMW seems to have addressed both these problems with the sixth generation 3-Series, which has an improved ride and bigger interior dimensions. But the driving experience remains intact and the 3-Series continues to live on BMW’s yesteryear promise of being the ultimate driving machine.
