BMW to revise 3-Series for Autumn Launch

BMW’s 3-Series has been an unrivaled success for the brand. It is not only a well-rounded entry level luxury car, but a true sports sedan with fluid handling, and a series of powerful and efficient engines. As the E90 generation of the 3-Series moves into its fourth year of production, BMW has given it a mid-life update, which will be launched this autumn in Paris, with the first models arriving in North America towards the end of the year.

Although photos have yet to be released to the media, the new 3-Series will differ visually from the current model, taking a page from the recently introduced 7-Series. This includes new front and rear fascias, a new grille as well as a new hood. These exterior changes will be joined by a handful of revisions to the interior, including new interior door panels as well as a revised iDrive system, which features four hard buttons surrounding the central knob for ease of use. An 80 gb hard drive, unusually large capacity for an automotive sound system, will be used for navigation and music storage. Internationally, the vehicle will continue to be available with BMW’s ConnectedDrive wireless in-car internet.

In addition to the traditional straight six engines on offer, BMW will officially launch its 335d BluePerformance diesel model in North America. The engine features twin turbochargers and common-rail injection to develop 265 horsepower, and will also feature a urea injection system to ensure low NOx emissions. In addition, coupe and convertible models of the 335i will receive the M3’s new seven-speed DCT sequential manual transmission as an extra cost option, although no word on whether it will be offered with the sedan.

Finally, models with xDrive all wheel drive will adopt the “xDrive” name scheme in place of the old “xi” nomenclature.