Photo: Automedia
Even though the current F30 3 Series is only 2 years old, the Bavarian manufacturer decided that 2015 will be the year it will receive the traditional BMW Life Cycle Input, LCI or facelift if you’re not used to Bimmer lingo.
The refreshed model will most likely keep the same exterior design with slight changes done to the front fascia that might receive LED headlights and some air intakes depending on the trim level.
However, the biggest changes will happen under the bonnet. That’s where the new generation of modular engines will come into play with the new 1.5-liter 3-cylinder and new 2- and 3-liter, 4- or 6-cylinder turbocharged units.
The B48 engine family will be used on the LCI F30 320i model, having over 200 HP at its disposal, more than the retiring N20 family that’s making 184 HP at the moment.
Furthermore, the 335i version will also get a new B58 unit making around 320-330 HP to better keep up with the new competition from Audi that’s planning a completely new S4 model already.
The 328i will keep the same engine until June 2016 when it will be fitted with a new engine, part of the ever present B-family. Of course, we shouldn’t forget about the plug-in hybrid version we saw testing a while back.
Fitted with eDrive technology, the 328E model will replace the ActiveHybrid3 versions and will enter production in November next year. It will be using a hybrid powertrain made up of a 2-liter B48 engine making around 200 HP and an electric motor derived from the one used on the i3 and i8 making around 90 HP and instant torque. The new car will probably be able to travel on electric mode alone for up to 30 miles (48 km) and will have respectable performance in EV mode alone.
ConnectedDrive technology will also be included with various driver assistance features included like the Traffic Jam Assistant and eCall services. However, what we all want the most from a new 3er is a completely fresh interior as the current one is getting old. Since the production will begin in July 2015, expect the new car to be unveiled at Geneva, next year.
However, the biggest changes will happen under the bonnet. That’s where the new generation of modular engines will come into play with the new 1.5-liter 3-cylinder and new 2- and 3-liter, 4- or 6-cylinder turbocharged units.
The B48 engine family will be used on the LCI F30 320i model, having over 200 HP at its disposal, more than the retiring N20 family that’s making 184 HP at the moment.
Furthermore, the 335i version will also get a new B58 unit making around 320-330 HP to better keep up with the new competition from Audi that’s planning a completely new S4 model already.
The 328i will keep the same engine until June 2016 when it will be fitted with a new engine, part of the ever present B-family. Of course, we shouldn’t forget about the plug-in hybrid version we saw testing a while back.
Fitted with eDrive technology, the 328E model will replace the ActiveHybrid3 versions and will enter production in November next year. It will be using a hybrid powertrain made up of a 2-liter B48 engine making around 200 HP and an electric motor derived from the one used on the i3 and i8 making around 90 HP and instant torque. The new car will probably be able to travel on electric mode alone for up to 30 miles (48 km) and will have respectable performance in EV mode alone.
ConnectedDrive technology will also be included with various driver assistance features included like the Traffic Jam Assistant and eCall services. However, what we all want the most from a new 3er is a completely fresh interior as the current one is getting old. Since the production will begin in July 2015, expect the new car to be unveiled at Geneva, next year.
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