MUNICH: A line-up of new BMW 3 Series models with four- and six-cylinder engines is entering the final phase of series production development.
These power units are extremely efficient and have 48V mild hybrid technology.
The new 3 Series is currently undergoing a final round of driving dynamics testing at the BMW Group’s test centre outside Miramas in southern France.
Here, the development team can make use of myriad track types – from a high-speed oval to various handling courses – as well as road surfaces of all varieties.
To date, the new 3 Series had already completed a richly varied programme of testing, including examination over the frozen, snow-covered expanses of the BMW Group winter testing centre at Arjeplog and being put through its paces on the Nürburgring.
“The BMW 3 Series has set standards for driving dynamics for several decades now – and thus serves as a symbol of Sheer Driving Pleasure,” explains BMW senior vice president of driving experience development Dr Mihiar Ayoubi.
“With the new generation, we are building on this strength once again through the perfect interplay of chassis hardware and a continuously optimised and intelligent BMW Driving Stack.”
The new 3 Series models also showcase the distinctively expressive Neue Klasse design.
The display and operating system BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X embodies a whole new form of driver orientation and user interaction.
A key ingredient in the exceptionally agile handling of the new 3 Series is the almost perfectly balanced distribution of weight between the axles.
It has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, and wider front and rear tracks enhance its dynamic prowess.
New features include the upgraded integrated braking system and adjustments to the steering ratio to allow even more precise vehicle handling.
The standard suspension is equipped with newly developed lift-related dampers.
Meanwhile, the range-topping BMW M350 xDrive has a 3.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine developing 326kW/443hp and 580Nm of torque.
It sprints from 0 to 100kph in 4.1 seconds.
The eight-speed BMW Steptronic transmission is part of standard specification, as is BMW xDrive all-wheel drive.
The M350 xDrive comes as standard with adaptive M suspension, the M Sport differential and variable sport steering.
Also, the new Drift Moment in the M350 xDrive has been conceived to maximise the joy of going sideways.
By activating the function via the Central Display, the drive from the engine is sent to the rear wheels in full.
