BMW BMW 3 Series (Germany, 2012-present)

BMW introduced the sixth generation for the 3-Series model in November 2011. The BMW 3-series is the world standard for compact, luxury sedans and has been since at least the 80s.

BMW's big reveal for the 2013 Geneva Motor Show is the latest 3 Series variant - the 3 Series Grand Turismo. The GT  returns to the concept of the old 3 Series Compact but tweaks it into a vehicle that it actually larger than the 3 Series Touring. BMW says that the GT is meant to combine the sportiness of a sedan with the utility of a wagon without a boring image.

The GT is 200mm longer than a 3 Series Touring, has a 110mm longer wheelbase and sits 81mm taller. Its styling is similar to the 5 Series Grand Turismo with a downward-sloping fastback roof and frameless windows. There is also an active rear spoiler at the very edge of the tailgate that reduces lift at high speeds.

At launch, BMW will offer the GT with three petrol and two diesel engines. The petrols will be the 320i with 182hp, 328i with 242hp and 335i with 302hp. The diesels will be the 320d with 182hp and 318d with 141hp. All engines will come standard with a six-speed manual, and an eight-speed automatic will be an option.

The larger exterior means a larger interior. The seating position is 59mm higher, and the rear has 70mm more legroom compared to the sedan or Touring. The rear holds 520l of luggage, 25l more than the Touring. It also comes with standard 40:20:40 folding seats. The load floor includes hooks, lashing points and underfloor storage to make the rear very versatile. There are also LED strips in the rear that illuminate the cargo when the hatch is up.

BMW will offer the GT with Sport Line, Luxury Line or Modern Line equipment packages. An M Sport package will also be available.

In May 2012, BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
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revealed the Touring model of the new F30 3-SeriesBMW BMW 3 Series Gen.6 [F30/F31]Germany, 2012 > present115 versions
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that adds a small estate to the lineup.

The Touring model adds 97mm to the overall length and 50mm to the wheelbase to add extra room for luggage and passengers. The added room gives the car 35 more liters of interior space to 495 liters. It comes standard with a 40:20:40 folding rear seat. It also offers a separate window opening and 62cm high load floor.

Optionally, BMW is offering an automatic-opening tailgate and electrically pivoting trailer hitch.

Mechanically, the Touring models are identical to their sedan counterparts. The touring is available as the 328i with 245hp, 320d with 184hp and 330d and 258hp initially. A six-speed manual transmission is standard for the 328i and 320d with an eight-speed automatic as an option. The automatic is standard on the 330d. All the models have start/stop technology.

The Touring comes with electric power steering that is 40kg lighter to turn. BMW is also offering an optional M Sport suspension and Adaptive M Sport suspension as an option.

Later in 2012, BMW will expand the Touring with the 320iBMW 320i LuxuryGermany, 2012 > present2 photos
, 318dBMW 318d ModernGermany, 2012 > present2 photos
and 316dBMW 316dGermany, 2012 > present1 photo
.

The new 3-series grows significantly over the previous model. The front track is 37mm wider, and the rear track is 47mm wider. Length is increased by 93mm and wheelbase is up 50mm. This means that the 2012 3-series is actually larger than the E34 5-series produced from 1988 to 1996. Despite the larger size, extensive use of aluminum components means that the car is 40kg lighter than the previous generation.

The larger space is mostly meant to increase rear passenger leg room. It is up 15mm and headroom is up 8mm. Trunk capacity is up 20 liters. 

The front end of the new 3-series is blunter and wider than the previous version. For the first time the headlights are integrated with the kidney grill. The wider front end has integrated LED running lights above the headlights. From the side the car echoes the current 5-series in styling.

For the first time, the 3-series will be available exclusively with turbocharged engines. The new base engine is the 2.0, liter turbocharged 328i. It produces 180kW/245hp and 350Nm (258lb-ft) of torque. It uses 6.4l/100km of petrol and can accelerate to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds. The most efficient model is the 320d EfficientDynamics with 120kW/163hp, and it uses 4.1l/100km of diesel and produces 109g/km of CO2. 

The most powerful engine is the 335i with 225kW/306hp and 400Nm (295ln-ft) of torque. It will accelerate to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds. It uses 7.9l/100km of petrol and produces 186g/km of CO2. With the eight-speed transmission it uses 7.2l/100km of petrol and produces 169g/km of CO2. 

A 320i, 316d, 318d and 3-series ActiveHybrid arrive in late 2012.

All of the engines are available with BMW's new eight-speed transmission with standard start/stop technology.

BMW is adding new, optional technology to the sixth-gen 3-series. The new car will be available with a new, higher-resolution head-up display and Surround View that places cameras around the car to aid in tight maneuvering. Active Cruise Control, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Collision Warning are all also available.

The new 3-series is available in three trim levels: Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line. An M Sport Package will come late in 2012. Sport Line cars get a blacked-out kidney grill and mirrors, 17in or 18in wheels, sport seats and red interior trim. Luxury Line cars have exterior chrome accents and wood-trimmed interior. Modern Line cars get have satinated aluminum accents in all the places Luxury Line cars use chrome and a high contrast interior. The M Sport Package will have aerodynamic touches on the exterior, sport suspension, 18in wheels, Alcantara upholstery, M Sport leather steering wheel and gearshift.