NEW FOR 2015:
-M3 returns with new turbocharged six-cylinder engine
Making its triumphant return to the 3 Series lineup for 2015 is the model’s M3 performance flagship. It’s powered by a turbocharged inline six-cylinder similar to that used in the 335i, but tuned for 425 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is the option. The M3 is rear-wheel drive only.
The rest of the 3 Series line carries on with its range of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder gas and diesel engines. It starts with the 320i and all-wheel drive 320i xDrive sedans, which use a 2.0L four-cylinder tuned for 181 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. The 328i and 328i xDrive sedans, and 328i xDrive Touring wagon use the same 2.0L, but uprated to 240 hp and 258 lb-ft. 328d xDrive sedan and wagon models use a 2.0L turbodiesel good for 181 hp and 280 lb-ft. The 335i and 335i xDrive sedans get a 3.0L six-cylinder that makes 300 hp and 300 lb-ft. Finally, the ActiveHybrid3 sedan pairs the same six-cylinder with an electric motor to make 335 hp and 335 lb-ft–though we’re not convinced this hybrid variant actually exists, as we’ve never seen one in the flesh.
Four-cylinder cars can be had with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission in rear-drive form, but choosing all-wheel drive means automatic only; the diesel and hybrid are auto-only. Six-cylinder cars cater to performance buffs by offering the option of AWD and a six-speed manual.
Standard features in the 320i include dynamic cruise control, engine auto start/stop with deactivation button, brake energy regeneration, electric power steering, adaptive LED brakelights, automatic halogen headlights, fog lights, tire pressure warning, rain-sensing wipers, body-coloured bumpers and door handles, side mirrors with integrated turn signal repeaters, multi-function leather-trimmed steering wheel, tilt-and-telescopic steering column, electric windows with auto up/down, eight-way power adjustable and heated front seats in leatherette, six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, USB audio integration, and pre-wiring for satellite radio.
The 328i adds speed-sensitive power steering, welcome lighting and front and rear reading lights, Xenon headlights with LED corona rings, auto-dimming rearview mirror, sunroof, Dakota leather seats, upgraded instrument cluster, and a nine-speaker stereo.
328i and 328d Touring models are equipped similarly to their sedan counterparts.
335i models get an antracite roofliner, 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, and an upgraded instrument cluster.
The ActiveHybrid3 is equipped similarly to the 335i, but gets, again, a unique gauge cluster.
In the M3, the list of standard kit expands to include M front sport seats upholstered in cloth and leather, 16-speaker stereo, in-dash DVD drive, instrument cluster with high-resolution extended vehicle information display, and 20 GB hard disc media storage.
