BMW 3 Series Sedan

Overview:

Turning back the pages you may find, this elite German brand made its root since the pre-world war era. Started up its venture as an aircraft-engine manufacturer, the BMW made its way to passenger car production with the introduction of its iconic model Dixi. After trying its fate in every segment, the brand has gained success with its various drives and yet again to add up to this list, the brand is out with the new 3 series. Successor to the iconic BMW New Class, it dates back its history since 1975. Being the brand's best selling model, this executive segment has now reached to its 6th generation and still there is no sign of fade. It has been world-wide said that 3 Series is BMW's racing heritage vehicle and has embarked new design concept for BMW in the segment of luxury cars. Crowned with numerous awards, this plush drive gained a huge fame for its style and performance.

Adding versatility to the model, the 3 series comes in 6 distinct variant - 316i, 320i, 328i and 335i with the 320i model having there Sport and d trim levels. The BMW 335i , which is particularly a sports variant generates power of 136 hp to 306 HP between 5800 rpm to 6000 rpm along with a peak torque of 400 Nm between 1200 rpm to 5000 rpm.

Interiors offer extra-comfort and lavish lifestyle in ergonomically set instrumental panel, centre console, steering wheel and high resolution display i Drive monitor. This i Drive system makes life easy on-board to operate several functions including navigation, automatic climate control, telephone and music, radio station, destination and telephone numbers via eight favorite key set, control on the centre console and much more. Braking, handling and safety features in this car is taken care by different modes via Driving Experience Control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), BMW Connect Drive, BMW On line, Internet feature, active protection system and many more.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

To reduce the fuel consumption, 3 Series is provided with ECO PRO mode comes as standard in all the variants. Also packed with Brake Energy Regeneration System Driving Experience Control, the system keeps check on your driving style and reduce fuel consumption accordingly. The BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel engine in the BMW 320d offers an optimal combination of dynamics and efficiency, giving fuel economy of 4.5 litre/100km with a low CO2 value of 118 g/km.

Power:

3 Series is offered in six engines variants that delivers performance figures of:


316i 1.5-litre– delivers maximum power output of 136 HP at 4350 rpm along with the peak torque of 220 Nm at 1350 rpm
320i and 320i Sport Edition 1.5-litre– delivers maximum power output of 184 HP at 5000 rpm along with the peak torque of 270 Nm between 1250 to 4500 rpm
328i 1.6-litre– delivers maximum power output of 245 HP between 5000 to 6500 rpm along with the peak torque of 350 Nm between 1250 to 4800 rpm
335i 1.6-litre– delivers maximum power output of 306 HP between 5800 to 6000 rpm along with the peak torque of 400 Nm between 1200 to 5000 rpm
320d 1.6-litre- delivers maximum power output of 135 HP at 4000 rpm along with the peak torque of 380 Nm between 1750 to 2750 rpm

Acceleration & Pickup:

The BMW 328i and the BMW 320i boast impressively high dynamics and efficiency. It takes the BMW 328i with automatic transmission only 5.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph, with the top speed mark of 250 kmph. The BMW 320i Sports Edition ticks the same speed mark in 7.3 seconds, clocking a maximum speed as 235 kmph.

Exterior:

BMW 3 Series sedan exterior design style is inspired from predecessor's of BMW, the great luxury brand's history tested and innovated in powerful innovations and proportions. Its striking features starts in the layout of black-finished BMW kidney grille with horizontal bi-lobed high beam assistant xenon headlamps including dazzle free high-beam assistant in the front facade. This front design enhance and spots speedy character to the vehicle. Offering discretion to its occupants in the designing; its three trims Sedan with Sport Line, Sedan with Luxury Line and Sedan with Modern Line are offered which differs slightly with each other in terms of elegance creases all-over the body, wheels fitted-in, lights and interior sophistication. Sport Line is made in high gloss black highlights and 17/18-inch light alloy wheels in double-spoked design that states strong sporting appeal to the vehicle. Overall, 3 Series of BMW is known for its long wheelbase, long bonnet and short front overhang with sloping rear profile giving it a coupe-like look.

Exterior Measurements:

Complementing to the elongated and wide look of the car, it is given a divine classy and elegant exterior design which confidently carries the BMW's logo. It is made in proportions 4624 mm X 1811 mm X 1429 mm (L X W X H) along with the wheelbase of 2810 mm.

Interior:

Interiors of 3 Series is designed to perfectly fit for its driver and front passenger comfort. Instrumental panel, steering wheel and centre console all are ergonomically placed keeping in mind driver's approach and easy reachability. i Drive monitor stands slim on the horizontally arranged instrumental panel so that driver and front passenger, both can operate this high-resolution display. Through this i Drive system, you have full control over majority of the functions via several buttons placed in the car instead of manually operating them. Features associated with it, includes navigation, automatic climate control, control on the centre console, telephone and music and much more.

Interior Comfort:

The interior designers of the car has dedicatedly used all their creativity to fetch all the possible comfort and convenience for the occupants of the sedan. The cabins has no priority greater than the comfort of its passengers, this is evident by the royal luxury poured in the car interiors. The comfort part of the car is added by the large leather attired and well-cushioned seats, automatic air conditioning system, sun-roof and the Harmon Kardon excellent quality audio system with display screens for entertainment. Seat back storage pocket, Ski and snowboard bag (Sport Line), rucksack carrying system, storage bag in rear with 20-litres capacity, thermally insulated bottle holders in the rear, black leather key pouch are some practical accessories that 3 Series offers.

Interior Measurements:

Boot space count of 480-litres offered to laden your heavy luggage, cargo and personal belongings that you so want to carry along with you on the trips, is a good count, more than a full size hatchback offers. Also, BMW 3 Series comfort you with the automatic opening feature of the boot lid. In case, you are occupied in hands with the cargo or shopping and unable to took your hands-off to open it manually, you can simply place your foot below the rear bumper, sensors will detect your presence and unlock it.

Engine and Performance:

Responsive performance and good fuel economy delivered by BMW 3 Series is all thanks to BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol and diesel engines combined with six-speed manual transmission with gear shift indicator (as standard) & eight-speed automatic transmission (as special equipment) that works in coordination with each other and delivers high speed and smooth engine performance in quick gear shifts. The most powerful engine variant encased with the 335i variant is the 1.6-litre engine that churns out 306 HP between 5800 to 6000 rpm along with the peak torque of 400 Nm between 1200 to 5000 rpm. This perfectly-engineered power-mill employs the common-rail direct injection technology and VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) to feature a precise combustion process at all engine speeds.

Stereo and Accessories:

3 Series successfully grabs attention of its occupants in the same terms via Standard stereo system fitted in is Harman Kardon Surround Sound System which delivers three-dimensional sound output, irrespective of the high speed moving vehicle. BMW navigation system (6.5-inch display Business or 8.8-inch display Professional version) and Radio Professional with 6.5-inch display with iDrive Controller assist you to travel in strange areas in supreme comfort and without any disguise. BMW ConnectDrive keeps you in-touch with the places round the world through possible Internet access wherever and whenever you go.

Wheels:

Talking about the wheel size fitted in this luxury sedan, comes in two standard size; 17-inch in 316i and320i, 18-inch in 320i Sport Edition, 328i and 335i, 17-inch in the front and 18-inch in the rear for 320d. 17-inch wheels are of total tyre size 225/50 R17.

Braking and Handling:

Braking and handling of the vehicle is supported by many technologies united in this vehicle to offer you smooth riding experience. If you are expecting something sporty out of this vehicle, you will not sit in disdain. Variable sports steering improves the handling and front wheels works in harmony with the steering direction by the vehicle quickly. For further comfort and matching-up handling of the vehicle with your driving style, you can switch over different modes via Driving Experience Control. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) prevents the vehicle from skidding working in co-ordination with Antilock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Adaptive Brake Assistant.

Safety and Security:

Being a BMW car, the engineers consider the safety of its occupants as the prior most concern, contributing to it there is a long array of expert safety features installed in the car. Safety airbags are employed for driver and front passenger accompanied with side airbags, head airbags for front and rear passenger and curtain head protection system in all the variants. Lane Departure Warning including collision warning keeps you aware against possible collision threats in case of adhesion from the lane. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) gives higher traction to all the wheels, preventing the vehicle from getting slipped. Adaptive headlamps including dazzle-free high-beam assistant, Xenon headlamps and high-beam assistant helps you to travel in moving direction without any difficulty. Other safety features packed in this luxury car are BMW Online, Internet feature, active protection system, BMW head-up-display and much more.

Pros

Plenty of adjustment and iDrive control system
Capaciously spaced and convenient interiors
Ultra-safe driving experience

Cons

Wind noise may be a little problem, driving at high speeds
Tough competition from its German compirates