BMW believes we're getting bigger – or at least it seems that mode considering their cars continue getting bigger. The new F30 3er sedan is dimensionally longer, has a wider rails (front end & rear) and a longer wheelbase. The 1 affair is has managed to proceed in check is additional weight. The F30 3er is nigh lxxx plus pounds lighter than the onetime car.

BMW is using high strength steel and heat pressed components to help increment torsional rigidity. The use of high force specialty steels helps shave weight, since it is more rigid per pound than other steels. For a car to proceeds a couple of inches in wheelbase and length, as well as having a wider track and still weigh less is very skillful.

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Engine choices at the introduction are both 'TwinPower' turbo-charged gas engines. The 328i will be powered by the ii.0L in-line iv known as the N20, and the 335i will be powered by the familiar N55 three.0L in-line six. The N20 produces 240 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque in this application and is capable of accelerating the 328i from 0 to 60 mph in five.7 seconds.

The N55 in the 335i manages to advance to 60 in five.4 seconds from a standstill. Hmmmm . . . three tenths of a second difference betwixt the two?

Either variant of the new 3er is equipped by default with a six speed transmission transmission or, optionally, the eight speed automatic can exist ordered. The interesting tidbit of notation is that the eight speed auto returns better fuel mileage than the six speed manual. Given the advances in transmission technology and the reductions in weight of the slush-box torque converter this isn't surprising once you consider that two boosted overdrive gears exist in the automatic.

The chassis is BMW's modified MacPherson strut suspension in front (called a Double-pivot front end axle) and a five link rear suspension. This basic setup should be familiar to E90 drivers, simply it has been refined further in the new F30. Steering is by electrically assisted rack and pinion, in keeping with the EfficientDynamics theme. Brakes are floating caliper all around for the 328i and four-pot fixed calipers front and floating calipers rear for the 335i.

1 intriguing attribute of the new 3er is its use of the Comfort, Sport, Sport +, and ECOPRO driving way settings that we see in its sibling, the 1er. Using information from a suite of sensors the driving experience can be tailored to accommodate whatever shoes you lot're wearing from Birkenstocks to Pilotis. An Thou sport package volition have additional suspension capabilities bachelor for more spirited driving enthusiasts.

The M Sport package volition include a lowered suspension (non quite slammed, merely a silly 10mm lower), firmer suspension and dampers (shock absorbers to our US readers).

And on the subject of EfficientDynamics, Car Offset-End volition exist included on the new 3er sedan regardless of which transmission is called. In add-on the on-demand coolant pump, electronically controlled oil pump, and the electromechanical steering system contribute to reduced fuel consumption. The ac compressor is also sitting backside a magnetic clutch to reduce power loss (though that technology isn't new or exciting – but every little bit helps).

Also conscientious aerodynamic tuning sees the apply of air-curtain aero for the front wheels and pregnant underbody aero work to help reduce lift, elevate, and as well NVH.

An ActiveHybrid model of the 3er sedan will exist bachelor in autumn of 2012. Using the hybrid nose on the eight speed automatic and the N55 engine from the 335i, the ActiveHybrid 3er will be quick and efficient. It can run upwards to 37 mph on the electrical motor alone and use the electric
motor to assist in acceleration. The electric motor will be engaged as a generator on overrun and braking to return energy to the battery pack.

The battery pack is small and occupies underfloor space in the trunk. Range on electrical power only is almost 2 to 2.v miles, enough to get you from the house and onto feeder roads that have speed limits higher than 35 mph.

Of note also is a suite of ConnectedDrive features that will be bachelor such as rear view and surround view cameras, has full colour head-up display, Active Blind Spot Detection system, and a Lane Departure Alert system among others. Of course in that location is a panoply of infotainment options as well as well every bit a nice high res navigation organisation coupled to the iDrive functionality. BMW has to be commended for keeping the display screen for the nav system high in the cockpit rather than depression on the center stack as some manufacturers do. The less your head has to dip into the cockpit to assemble information, the safer you are.

What we are seeing with the new F30 3er is a continuation of the size creep for all BMW models and the proliferation of technical features migrating from the 7er to its smaller siblings. We'll reserve judgment on driving dynamics until we get our easily on 1.