New 3-Series revealed

Meet the must-have executive car that’s heading straight to the top of the sales charts. This sleek saloon is our best look yet at BMW’s all-new 3-Series, which is due 
to make its debut in 
the next 12 months. 

Offering more efficient engines, smarter looks, a sharper driving experience and a larger model range than ever – including a Gran Turismo hatch – it’s the most desirable 3-Series yet.

Our spy photographers snapped the all-new model inside and out while it was 
undergoing testing in Germany, which has allowed us to produce these illustrations. As you can see, the newcomer is every inch the baby 5-Series, with a more upright front end featuring wider kidney grilles. Subtle cues that mark out the 3-Series include 
a pointed, aggressive nose, deeper faired-in headlights 
and more scalloped flanks.

The new model is the work of design boss Adrian Van Hoydoonk, and is typical of his approach, which is far less controversial than that of predecessor Chris Bangle. The styling 
is more slippery, too, enclosing as much of the chassis as possible to help reduce drag.

Under the skin 
lies a refreshed rear-wheel-drive platform that’s so versatile it will also underpin the next-generation 1-Series. It uses MacPherson front suspension and a four-link rear layout, and boasts a new electronic power-steering system. Engineers will be keen to make the driving experience as fun as ever, and improve ride comfort, too.

With the sixth-generation car being slightly longer and wider, it’s expected to offer more space inside, while increased use of composite materials will reduce weight. The cabin also nods to the 5-Series, with gadgets such as wireless internet, a lane-
departure warning set-up, infra-red night vision, a system to stop the driver falling asleep and radar-
based adaptive cruise control. 

Big-selling models will get a range of new 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol and diesel turbos. These will feature variable intake and exhaust timing, plus direct 
injection to improve performance and efficiency. A six-speed 
manual box will be standard, 
with an eight-speed auto option.

Factor in the latest EfficientDynamics emissions-
cutting tweaks – such as stop-start, brake energy recovery and clever alternators – and it’s easy to see how the new line-up will cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by more than 10 per cent. 

But that’s not all! As we reported in Issue 1,111, BMW is also working on a three-
cylinder engine, which promises 75mpg and 100g/km of CO2. Of course, there will also still be the option of the firm’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo – a motor that the new 
M3 will use 
to even greater effect.

The new 3-Series is likely 
to debut at the end of 2011. 
We’ll have to wait until 2012 
for the Coupé, Convertible – which is likely to maintain its retractable metal roof – and Touring estate versions to arrive.

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