More importantly, particularly in these times, the driving pleasure that millions of BMW owners have known is not diminished even though fuel economy has been improved and toxic exhaust emission lower further. Thanks to BMW  EfficientDynamics, the new 3-Series is claimed to achieve significantly lower fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels with each of the ten engine variations available than those of the relevant competitors in the premium segment.
 
The new features in the powertrain field include the further-optimised electronically controlled all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. This intelligent all-wheel drive system which variably distributes the drive force between front and rear wheels to enhance driving dynamics as well as ride stability and traction can now be combined with five engine types. The new 320d xDrive is available as a Saloon and Touring model.

Another new feature for both body versions: the BMW 318d – by far the most efficient vehicle of its category with a claimed average fuel consumption of just 21.3 kms/litre (60 mpg) – is now also available with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

New BMW 3-Series front has a stronger character compared to that on the current one (below)

Parallel to the market launch of the new 3-Series Saloon and the new Touring, a new 7-speed sports automatic transmission with double clutch will be available for the Coupé and the Convertible. The sports automatic transmission not only supports the driver in terms of a sporty driving style, it also offers a wide range of safety and comfort functions. The automatic engine speed increase causes a regulation of engine drag torque appropriate to the situation at hand when shifting down at critical moments, thereby preventing the rear of the vehicle from swerving. In combination with top-of-the-range engine of the BMW 3 Series, the sports automatic transmission offers an experience of driving dynamics which was previously only provided by high-performance sportscars.
 
The front view of the Saloon and Touring models show clear emphasis of vehicle width. The characteristic brand look of the double circular headlights is underscored by means of chrome tubes, and their corona rings can now also be used in the 3-Series Saloon and the Touring with optional bi-xenon headlamps as daytime running lights. The light sources of the direction indicators have a ribbed structure and LED direction indicator lights are installed in conjunction with the optional bi-xenon headlamps.

Two additional character lines on the engine compartment lid point like arrows, surrounding the BMW emblem and reinforcing the muscular effect of the convex-concave surfaces. Compared to the predecessor model, the double kidney is now deeper: it appears as a self-contained element with the upper chrome bands giving way to a complete chrome surround which turns fascinatingly within itself. The dual section kidney grille has also been given new contour edges.

Powerfully taut surfaces and striking character lines dominate the side view of the new 3-Series. The contour edges of the side skirts have been set higher and modelled in a more distinctive fashion. Another new feature is the exterior mirrors with two distinctive character lines, echoing the interplay between the convex and concave shaping of the surfaces. The mirrors also offer an enlarged field of vision.

Greater emphasis of the vehicle’s power and sporty character likewise characterises the rear view. To achieve this effect, the rear bumpers, rear lights and luggage compartment handle have been completely redesigned. The dual section rear lights are now structured according to the characteristic BMW L shape. The two LED rear light clusters and the direction indicators in LED technology are designed to create a striking, high-quality appearance. [Article continues after Caltex advertisement]

The modern, high-quality interior has been further enhanced by means of specific modifications in the selection of materials and surface design. Here the modern design concept is also applied, with its convex-concave surfaces, sporty elegance and technology-oriented aesthetic style.

The new iDrive in the 3-Series has an 8.8-inch Control Display whose dimensions surpass all graphic displays available to date in the automobile field. With its high image resolution it offers significant improvement in the display of detailed graphics. The structure of the user menu also makes it easier to locate desired functions. All functions controllable by iDrive are listed in the starter menu.

BMW ConnectedDrive makes BMW the first automobile manufacturer in the world to enable unlimited use of the internet inside the vehicle when stationary (depending on local availability). The transfer of data is based on EDGE technology which, unlike UMTS, offers full geographical coverage and is three to four times faster than GPRS.

Since BMW Malaysia was established, the introduction of the latest models has been fairly quick after the European launch and availability of righthand drive variants.

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