BMW Unveils U.S.-Ready 3 Series in Detroit

PEABODY, MASS. (01/18/2012)(readMedia)-- Since the debut of the 3 Series in 1976, the model has accounted for more than half of BMW's total sales in the U.S. That makes the unveiling of an all-new version of the iconic sedan a big moment for the brand. The luxury automaker pulled back the curtain on the U.S.-spec 2012 BMW 3 Series at the Detroit Auto Show last week, giving fans of the brand a glimpse of what will be available at BMW dealerships in February.

The extensive use of high-strength steel, aluminum, composites and plastics mean that the next-generation BMW 3 Series is some 88 pounds lighter than the outgoing model. Despite that weight loss, the sedan has managed to grow 3.7 inches in length and add 1.9 inches to its wheelbase. The sixth-generation 3 Series puts a premium on dynamic performance, featuring a 50:50 weight balance like its predecessors, yet it provides even faster acceleration.

"BMW has spent decades refining the 3 Series, steadily improving it without losing the soul of the vehicle," said Marshal Cabot, general manager of Greater Boston BMW dealership BMW of Peabody. "With better power and fuel economy, and even more interior space, the 2012 3 Series promises to be the best model yet. That is no small feat considering that its history goes back more than 35 years."

Beneath its sleek new sheet metal, the 3 Series sports a new standard engine that replaces the naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine in the BMW 328i. The new turbocharged four-cylinder unit produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 10 horsepower and 60 pound-feet of torque over the outgoing powerplant. Meanwhile, the popular turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine will also still be available, producing 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque in the BMW 335i.

Both engines will be available with a six-speed manual gear box, as well as an eight-speed automatic that helps the four-cylinder-powered BMW 328i reach 60 mph a full second faster than the car it replaces. Fuel economy numbers have yet to be released, but the same four-cylinder engine in the larger, heavier BMW 5 Series sedan returns 34 mpg on the highway. With the outgoing BMW 328i producing 28 mpg on the highway, the next-generation BMW 328i is expected to significantly increase fuel efficiency.

BMW engineers have also been hard at work on the new ActiveHybrid 3, the first 3 Series to feature a hybrid drivetrain. The system adds a 55-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack to the turbocharged six-cylinder engine of the BMW 335i for a combined maximum output of 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. Motor Trend magazine claims the hybrid will outperform the BMW 335i while still returning fuel economy similar to the BMW 328i when it reaches dealerships in early 2013.

"The hybrid model is perhaps the most exciting of all the new versions of the new 3 Series," Cabot noted. "There's nothing else on the market that combines power and efficiency at such high levels, so the ActiveHybrid 3 stands out even among its high-performance brethren."

About BMW of Peabody:

Located minutes from downtown Boston on Route 114, BMW of Peabody takes pride in offering some of the world's finest vehicles, backing up every new and used BMW sale with their expert, customer-focused sales and service staff. Recognized as a top Greater Boston BMW dealer, BMW of Peabody is a five-time winner of the prestigious Center of Excellence Award and offers two BMW service centers to fit the schedules of its busy customers. See their full BMW inventory online at www.bmwpeabody.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bmwofpeabody, visit their showroom at 221 Andover Street in Peabody or call them at 978-538-9900.