2012 BMW 328i test drive and review

BMW 328i

Today at For consumers blog we are going to take a closer look at the brand new 3-series sedan. This vehicle was officially presented few months ago and it really draws all the attention in automotive world since.

The new 3-series design is very similar to the outgoing model but there are some significant changes in the look, especially in front where the headlights and the grill are completely different from what we've seen in BMW models so far.
The new BMW 3-series is 93mm longer than before, with a 50mm stretch to the wheelbase that creates more interior room, particularly in the rear. The wheel tracks are wider too, again boosting interior space but also aiding handling.

The new 3-series is offered in three design themes (lines) - Luxury, Modern and Sport.

The 2012 BMW 3-series is powered by a new family of aluminum four-cylinder petrol engines ranging from 135 to 245 horsepower. These will include new technologies such as variable intake and exhaust-valve timing, sequential turbochargers, and direct fuel injection. The 245 hp (183 kW; 248 PS) four-cylinder may be included in US-bound models (the last four-cylinder 3 series was the 1999 318ti with a 138 hp (103 kW; 140 PS) engine). The N52 3.0L naturally aspirated I6 was replaced by the N20 with almost equivalent output and improved fuel economy.

The other petrol engines will be four-cylinder turbocharged units displacing either 1.6 or 2.0 litres. High-performance diesels will also feature 2.0-litre twin turbo versions with a 204 hp (152 kW; 207 PS) 323d, a 245 hp (183 kW; 248 PS) 325d and a 306 hp (228 kW; 310 PS) 335d 3.0-litre, inline 6 version. The BMW 3 F30 will have a hybrid model in it's range as well.