BMW 3 Series 2012

 BMW 3 Series Group 2012

Latest Autos | BMW 3 Series 2012 | When it comes to a nameplate as storied and successful as the BMW 3 Series, the pressure builds on the storied German automaker with each successive generation. Expectations exponentially rise. Will the Ultimate Driving Machine remain ultimate? Well the sixth-generation, 2012 BMW 3 Series is here, and we're about to find out. From what we've seen of the press kit so far, BMW is continuing to tap dance that line between ever-increasing efficiency demands and the driver's car attributes that helped make the 3 Series -- and by extension BMW -- famous.

Cool BMW 3 Series 2012

Due in the U.S. beginning next February, the new generation 3 Series not surprisingly gets a unique sheetmetal treatment, with inspirational cues cribbed from the coming BMW i8 sports hybrid and big brother 5 and 7 series models. A wider, squatter take on the traditional BMW kidney grille motif takes center stage, while a pair of vertically-narrow and elongated headlamps meet the grille on each side, connecting to form one organic, flowing front end. A strip of LED accent lights sit atop BMW's now familiar twin headlight treatment within the housing, slanting inward for more of an "angry eyebrow" look. Opt for the xenon headlights and the inner lamps get LED halo rings. The central intake opening in the front valance of the previous model has been abandoned and is now split into two separate openings beneath the headlights. Out back, the car's horizontally lined taillights are similar to the units found on the recently updated 5 and 7.

 BMW 3 Series 2012

As is almost always the case with a new-generation model, the 3 Series gets bigger dimensionally, growing 3.66 inches in overall length, with a nearly two-inch longer wheelbase and 1.85-inch wider track. Despite the growth spurt, weight gain is kept to a minimum thanks in large part to the use of lighter and stronger materials including high-tensile-strength steel, plastics, advanced composites, and heavy use of aluminum in the suspension. The end result is a body that's 10 percent more rigid and as much as 88-lbs lighter compared to a similarly-equipped previous-gen model, according to BMW.

BMW 3 Series 2012 Interior

Reducing weight means improving efficiency. So does improving aerodynamics, and the 2012 3 Series benefited from full-scale wind tunnel testing, helping to further streamline body panels and sculpt the underbody for improved airflow. BMW claims a drag coefficient of 0.26, which puts the new 3 Series in the same league as hybrid hyper-milers such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight.

Red BMW 3 Series 2012

But it's with the new car's updated powertrains where the biggest EfficientDynamics gains lie. The big news under the hood of the 2012 328i is the addition of the same turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 that debuted in the Z4 sDrive28i earlier this year (the first I-4 in a 3 Series since the E36-generation 318i), which produces 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque -- a gain of 10 hp and 60 lb-ft over the outgoing naturally aspirated 3.0-liter I-6 it replaces. Thanks to the twin-scroll design of the new base engine's turbocharger, peak torque is achieved at 1250 rpm and doesn't drop off until 4800 rpm. In addition to the novel design of the TwinPower turbo, BMW pulled from its usual bag of power and efficiency tricks for the four-cylinder, employing direct injection, double-VANOS variable cam timing, and Valvetronic variable valve timing. 

Cool Red BMW Series 2012

BMW's now familiar turbocharged 3.0-liter N55 I-6 continues to serve duty in the 335i, with its 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are now available with BMW's eight-speed automatic transmission, which is new to the 3 Series and further improves efficiency. A six-speed manual remains as the standard gearbox. Though the gear spread is wider with the eight-speed compared to the outgoing six-speed auto, BMW says shifting is smooth and optimal ratios are available for practically any situation. A sport version of the eight-speed auto, complete with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, will be available with the M Sport Package.

BMW 3 Series 2011 Front View

More fuel-efficiency optimization tricks for the new 3 Series include BMW's Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration systems, and a new ECOPRO mode added to the automaker's Driving Dynamics Control system. Similar to systems popping up from other automakers, Auto Start-Stop's controller resides within the transmission and cuts engine power when the vehicle is stopped and restarts on throttle input. Brake Energy Regeneration uses energy captured through braking to help power accessory components like the air conditioning compressor, alternator, and water pump, which are also disengaged when not needed.

BMW 3 Series 2011 Interior

Helping to keep the 2012 3 Series the dynamically sound machine it has become known for is a suspension setup that's largely the same as the outgoing car, with a double-pivot front axle and five-link independent rear. Aluminum is deployed heavily throughout the suspension to help reduce unsprung weight, and friction in the wheel-bearings and ball joints is kept to an absolute minimum, contributing slightly to the car's fuel-saving ability. The brake setup is also designed for lightness, with the 328i sporting lightweight floating calipers all around that bite down on the discs. The 335i gets four-piston fixed calipers in the front, and floating calipers in the rear.

Blue BMW 3 Series 2012

The changes and updates are just as numerous to the new 3 Series' cabin, which has gotten a smidge bigger inside. Rear passengers will enjoy a little more wiggle room, with legroom, kneeroom and headroom all getting slight bump thanks to the car's increased dimensions. Apparently, the Germans are starting to understand how Americans like their interiors, as evidenced by a pair of large drink holders that now occupy the space in front of the gear selector in the center console. The 3 Series trunk space is also slightly larger than the previous-generation sedan. If the Comfort Access option box is checked, 3 Series owners can wave their foot underneath the rear bumper to open the trunk without having to use the key. A through-load option splits the rear seats up three ways (40/20/40) and allows bulky items like skis or snowboards to easily pass through the middle.

Black and White BMW 3 Series 2012

BMW's 3 Series trim strategy has also changed, with appearance and equipment packages now reduced to three distinct options -- four if you count the M Sport package. Called Sport Line, Luxury Line, and Modern Line, these trims each offer a unique look to the new 3 Series. Sport Line blacks out the vertical grille slats of the dual kidneys, and adds other black accents to the exterior as well as 18-inch alloy wheels. Luxury Line goes in the opposite direction, adding more chrome to the 3 Series' exterior along with plenty of high-gloss wood inside the cabin. BMW calls the Modern Line equipment level avant-garde, with its satin aluminum-finished exterior accents and dark oyster-trimmed interior.

 BMW 3 Series Front 2012

BMW is just getting started with its sixth-generation 3 Series range, and has laid plans for an ActiveHybrid 3 model and xDrive all-wheel-drive versions of the 328i and 335i scheduled to arrive by fall and summer of 2012, respectively, and expect coupe and convertible options, although the future of the wagon is in question. Details on the highly-anticipated next-gen M3 are slim, and speculation as to that car's powertrain -- now believed to be a six-cylinder of some form -- is abound. Though the new model is arguably more about burning less oil reserves than bahnstorming through the countryside, the 2012 3 Series could ultimately prove to be among the most exciting entries in its storied history.

Brownish BMW 3 Series 2012