Photo: BMW
With the recent launch of the beautiful and brand new C-Class from Mercedes-Benz, a lot of BMW fans started worrying about the iconic 3 Series and its fate in the compact sedan segment.
The Bimmer dominated its class for 5 generations and continues to do so but with the new C on the way, already turning heads, keeping ahead could turn problematic. What’s there to be done?
Well, the F30 platform will turn 3 next year and a deserved LCI is on schedule, as usual. The facelift, however, will not only focus on exterior design changes but it will also introduce a lot of new technology and, according to a BMW insider, a brand new set of engines.
These new units will be wearing the ‘B’ codename, replacing the ’N’ engine family completely. We’re already seeing these units introduced today, on cars like the new Cooper S and the Active Tourer but, for now, the 3 Series range will continue using the N20 and N55 petrol versions.
The B48 and B58 engines will be used on the new 320i and 335i, with an obvious power increase. Most likely, the 320i will have 192 HP and 300 Nm of torque, more than the 184 and 270 Nm of today’s model. As for the 335i expect it to go up to around 340 HP and 500 Nm of torque, as the same engine will be used on the LCI M235i later on.
The 328i model will continue using the N20B20 engine until the end of production and the same will apply for the US-spec 328d. A hybrid model is also on the way, as we saw from our spyshots.
This new 3er will start production in November 2015 and will be using a new powertrain based on a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor from the i sub-brand probably close to 100 HP, possibly replacing the ActiveHybrid3 model that isn’t too popular anyway.
If you’re thinking this will only apply to Sedan models, think again. The same changes will be applied to all F3x versions, from the Convertible to the Touring and Gran Turismo range later on moving to the 4 Series variations.
Well, the F30 platform will turn 3 next year and a deserved LCI is on schedule, as usual. The facelift, however, will not only focus on exterior design changes but it will also introduce a lot of new technology and, according to a BMW insider, a brand new set of engines.
These new units will be wearing the ‘B’ codename, replacing the ’N’ engine family completely. We’re already seeing these units introduced today, on cars like the new Cooper S and the Active Tourer but, for now, the 3 Series range will continue using the N20 and N55 petrol versions.
The B48 and B58 engines will be used on the new 320i and 335i, with an obvious power increase. Most likely, the 320i will have 192 HP and 300 Nm of torque, more than the 184 and 270 Nm of today’s model. As for the 335i expect it to go up to around 340 HP and 500 Nm of torque, as the same engine will be used on the LCI M235i later on.
The 328i model will continue using the N20B20 engine until the end of production and the same will apply for the US-spec 328d. A hybrid model is also on the way, as we saw from our spyshots.
This new 3er will start production in November 2015 and will be using a new powertrain based on a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor from the i sub-brand probably close to 100 HP, possibly replacing the ActiveHybrid3 model that isn’t too popular anyway.
If you’re thinking this will only apply to Sedan models, think again. The same changes will be applied to all F3x versions, from the Convertible to the Touring and Gran Turismo range later on moving to the 4 Series variations.
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