- ‘Extremely dynamic’ new sedan Three on way
- More torque from well-known straight six
- ‘Exceptionally sporty character’ for 2019 launch
MUNICH, Germany – The new BMW 3 Series Sedan, the automaker says, is picking up speed on its way to its market launch in early 2019. That’s it above… cool, hey?
It’s said to be ”an extremely dynamic” version of the the new sport sedan yet has a claimed possible fuel consumption of only 7.5 litres/100km from its new three-litre straight-six-petrol engine that’s capable of 275kW and will be delivered with an M-specific suspension and ”intelligent” all-wheel drive.
”That,” BMW Munich promises, ”will provide outstanding driving dynamics unmatched in the mid-size segment. It’s exceptionaly sporty character is underscored by model-specific design and equipment features.”
FIRST SHOWN IN CALIFORNIA
It will be on the BMW stand at the December 2018 Los Angeles auto show and market launch will start in the USA in July 2019, followed by Europe and (we hope) South Africa.
BMW also claims the new model’s acceleration, cornering dynamics, agility, precision, and braking will set benchmarks in driving dynamics.
”It makes consistent use, in particular, of the 3 Series sedan which is oriented towards sporty driving pleasure with its low centre of gravity, optimised weight, balanced axle load distribution, greater body rigidity, and uprated suspension mountings.”
‘PARTICULARLY DISTINCT EXHAUST…’
The car will ride on an M Sport brake system inside 18” M light alloy wheel rims shod with mixed tyres are all the standard equipment features for the BMW M340i xDrive sedan.
The all-wheel drive system will take its power from the most powerful engine previously used for the BMW 3 Series, as well as an increase in maximum torque – an extra 50Nm to 500Nm – which can dictate covering the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.4sec.
in Sport and Sport+ modes, invoked through a ”Driving Experience Control” switch, the valve-controlled exhaust generates, BMW says, ”a particularly distinctive sound”.
SNORTY EXHAUST FITTED
The dual-pipe M Sport exhaust carries two particulate filters so the cars will meet the requirements of all Euro emissions demands,
The cars will come standard, with an eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission whose short ratios, BMW says, will improve acceleration; launch control can be used for scorching launch acceleration and steering-wheel shift paddles will handle manual gear selection.
The sedan also has an M Sport differential for maximum traction and rides 10mm lower than other models; adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock-absorbers will be an option.
”Variable sport steering,” BMW says, ”will support agile cornering with outstanding feedback and precise response.”
CHOICE OF RIMS, TYRES
Braking involves four-piston, fixed callipers, with 348mm discs at the front and 345mm single-piston floating callipers and discs at the rear.
Standard tyres will be 225/45 R 18 up front and 255/40 R 18 up back though 19”M alloys in two designs will be available.
Design and equipment features are said to have a clear emphasis on sportiness.Sport seats with M-specific Sensatec/Alcantara trim, anthracite BMW Individual roof-lining, M leather-clad steering-wheel with shift paddles and interior aluminium trim strips.
The digital instrument cluster bears the lettering ‘M340i’, as do the front sills.
