BMW Australia Reveals New 3 Series Entry Models Ahead of Market Launch

MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – Jan 20, 2012: BMW Australia has bolstered its highly acclaimed new BMW 3 Series range, today announcing the introduction of two new entry models: the 320i and 318d.

The two new variants are available for customer order from March production and complete an all turbo-charged engine line-up for BMW’s iconic sixth-generation compact sports sedan ahead of the model’s highly anticipated Australian market launch in February.

BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Phil Horton said the combination of powerful yet economical engines, a high standard specification and the lower entry-price-point makes the 3 Series a standout in its competitive class.

“We have built substantially more value into the standard specification of this new car,” said Mr Horton.

“It’s been hailed overseas as the best in its class both in terms of value and performance and we expect Australian customers to agree,” he said

Pricing for the BMW 3 Series range now starts at $56,400 for the all new 318d which features a four-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine producing 105kW of power and 320 Nm of torque. The 318d accelerates to 100km/h in 9.3 seconds and boasts a staggeringly low fuel consumption figure of 4.5l/100km.

The starting point for the petrol line-up is the new BMW 320i featuring BMW’s much-lauded new TwinPower turbo four-cylinder direct injection engine producing 135 kW and 270Nm of torque. The 320i comes standard with a new 8-speed Sports Automatic Transmission (with steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters). The result is class-leading acceleration and performance with the new 320i sprinting to 100km/h in just 7.6 seconds. At the same time, the 320i also boasts class-leading fuel economy of just 6.2l/100km.

Standard comfort and luxury features on the 320i include a free-standing full-colour display with iDrive controller, dual-zone climate control, cruise control with brake function, electric front seats with memory function, power-operated windows and exterior mirrors, automatic lights and windscreen wipers, front and rear Park Distance Control, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free mobile phone use with compatible devices and MP3 compatible CD audio systems with Auxiliary and USB inputs.

The entry models complete the line-up of engines already announced by BMW, namely the 335i, 328i and 320d Sedan.