New BMW 3-Series to Offer 8 Engines, New Transmission

BMW debuts its all-new 3-Series sedan in Munich today.

The luxury auto maker’s new entry-level sedan is the sixth generation 3-Series. The first units will go on sale in February.

New BMW 3-Series lighter, more fuel efficient.

The new classic notchback is some 3.7 ins. (9.4 cm) longer than the version it replaces but is slightly narrower despite its wider track, sitting on a 19.7-in. (50-cm) longer wheelbase. Yet, the car is 110 lbs. (50 kg) lighter, faster and more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

The new dimensions also improve aerodynamics.

The drag coefficient is as low as 0.26 thanks to a streamlined underside, covers which create a diffuser effect at the rear and Aero Curtain air channels in the front that reduce the turbulence created by the revolution of the front wheels in their arches.

BMW says the key theme of its latest generation 3-Series is “efficient dynamics” delivering top fuel economy and record low carbon-dioxide emissions.

The car is being launched with four engine variants, but the range eventually will reach eight, including turbocharged, gasoline and diesel mills. Additionally, a new 8-speed automatic transmission will come standard with some powertrains, while others will have a 6-speed standard, with an 8-speed optional.

When the full engine range is available next March, CO2 emissions will be at or below 120 g/km, with the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition model producing less than 110 g/km.

A BMW source says all engines in the new 3-Series will feature the auto maker’s TwinPower Turbo technology.

This includes a new 4-cyl. 2.0L, available at launch, that develops 245 hp and 268 lb.-ft (352 Nm) of torque in the 328i. It replaces the naturally aspirated 6-cyl. 3.0L. The new 4-cyl. has inherent advantages for weight and fuel consumption while achieving a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time in 5.9 seconds with the manual gearbox.

Efficiency significantly is improved with both manual and automatic versions of the 328i, achieving a fuel economy of more than 44 mpg (5.3 L/100 km) and CO2 emissions below 150 g/km.

The new 4-cyl. features BMW’s high-precision direct-injection TwinScroll turbocharging, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing and valvetronic variable valve opening technology.

The other gasoline engine offered is the 3.0L TwinPower Turbo in the 335i.

Demand for diesels will be met with an improved 2.0L 184-hp 320d and the acclaimed 163-hp 320d EfficientDynamics Edition, which features longer gear ratios, reduced friction components and revised electronics to generate an outstanding 68.9 mpg (4.1 L/100 km) fuel consumption in the European driving cycle, while emitting just 109 g/km CO2.

Previously only available as a manual, the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition now offers an 8-speed automatic transmission while retaining the same 109 g/km emissions level.

Less than a month after launch, three new engines will be added: 116-hp 316d and 143-hp 318d 2.0L diesels, plus a 2.0L turbocharged gas engine. The latter will slot into the new 320i and will be tuned to deliver 184 hp and 199 lb.-ft. (270 Nm) of torque.