Certified CenterWhen BMW rolls out an all-new 3 Series, it's big news, since these have been the benchmark of German sedans for the last 30 years or more. It also sets off a tectonic shift in the entry-level luxury market, with the Mercedes-Benz C Class, Audi A, not to mention the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G and the Lexus GS suddenly called upon to step up their game to follow along.
This automotive war of attrition becomes a win for the consumer, as the arms race among the automakers gives the consumer a lot more choice. Really, who can argue with better, faster and safer cars every few years?
What's New
For 2012, BMW made the new 3 Series faster, more fuel-efficient and, to us, better looking in all respects. The 2012 model, BMW's sixth generation 3 Series, has grown in size.
The 3 Series is a whopping 3.66 inches longer with a two-inch longer wheelbase. Also, BMW made the vehicle a lot wider -- the front measuring 1.46 inches wider and the rear coming in at a booming Kim Kardashian-esque 1.85 inches wider. The 3 Series is kind of massive now -- the size of an old-generation 5 Series -- but, well, so are most Americans. That said, we like the size and think the 3 Series is still as nimble as a cat on a closely-cropped carpet.
To pull all that weight, BMW has rejiggered the base model 328i. Gone is the sweet-as-taffy naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder that powered countless BMWs and in its place is a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque -- more power than the outgoing V-6 but with a higher EPA rating too boot.
BMW says the 328i's 2.0-liter engine marks a return to the sedan's early sporting roots -- it was with a high-performance 4-cylinder engine that the BMW 3 Series made its debut back in 1975, with the first 6-cylinder engines making their first show at the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show.
BMW calls their turbo technology TwinPower -- not as in twin turbo, but twin power, which BMW says aims "to combine increased driving enjoyment with reduced fuel consumption and emissions."
For those that want more power -- and we at PopSci say bring it! -- there is the 335i, a nearly bulletproof turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.
Both engines are offered with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox -- a first in the segment -- or a slick 6-speed manual gearbox. The consumer gets to choose how much they want that free hand to text.
What's Good
We like that the 3 Series is now also available in a trifecta of variants -- a Sport, Luxury and Modern Line, each with their own distinct trim and wheel packages. This seems to keep the mission creep of feature spec in check.
Also, the extra size looks good on the new 3 Series and goes a long way in creating a more refined and elegant profile for the car. To us, there is an overlap between the 3 and 5 Series models in terms of style and, well, class, which leaves room for the 1 Series, our favorite BMW of them all, to take the 2+2 sports car reins.
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