BMW 3 Series 2019 News

ZF's EVplus concept could point the way forward for all future plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) as its larger battery effectively doubles the emissions-free driving range.Revealed at this year's Frankfurt motor show, ZF has taken an outgoing BMW 33

BMW Australia has confirmed pricing and specification for its sixth-generation 3 Series Touring, with the mid-size wagon to be exclusively available in 330i form when it enters showrooms in October.

BMW Australia has confirmed pricing and specification for its new entry-level, plug-in hybrid and performance variants of the seventh-generation 3 Series mid-size sedan ahead of their showroom arrival in September.The 320i is now $1500 dearer after its generational change, kicking off the line-up from $64,900 before on-road costs – $3000 less than the previously entry-level 320d’s price tag.Meanwhile, the 330i remains at $70,900 but is now joined by the 330e plug-in hybrid that is both $5000 costlier than before and further upstream from its mid-series counterpart.Until the full-fat M3 arrives, the performance-focused M340i will top the range, retailing for $99,900 – $8700 more than its 340i predecessor.The 320i is motivated by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 135kW of power and 300Nm of torque, with the latter a 30Nm improvement.An electric motor is paired with this unit in the 330e, boosting outputs to 185kW/420Nm, although its new XtraBoost overboost function can briefly increase maximum power by 30kW when the Sport driving mode is engaged.The plug-in hybrid also features a 10.3kWh lithium-ion battery that is 2.7kWh larger than before to provide 50 per cent more pure-electric driving range, at 60km. The power source can be recharged in as little as 2.5 hours.Asserting its flagship status with a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder engine, the M340i develops 285kW/500Nm – a significant 45kW/50Nm generational bump.It is also the only current 3 Series to come with BMW’s rear-biased but fully variable xDrive all-wheel-drive system, with all other versions making use of its traditional rear-wheel-drive set-up.A ZF-sourced torque-converter automatic transmission, however, is common among all 3 Series derivatives.Performance-wise, the 320i, 330e and M340i sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 7.2 (-0.1), 5.9 (-0.2) and 4.4 (-0.7s) seconds respectively, while all three variants are yet to have their fuel efficiency assessed locally.The 320i and 320d share their standard equipment, including M Sport suspension, bi-colour 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, LED foglights and the M Sport Package (Luxury Line is a no-cost option).Inside, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay support (free for the first 12 months), a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and wireless smartphone charging feature.Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, speed limit recognition, park assist, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.The 330i and 330e add adaptive dampers, M Sport brakes, 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, Vernasca leather upholstery, lane-keep and steering assist, adaptive cruise control and surround-view cameras.The M340i further includes launch control, an M Sport differential, laser headlights, Cerium Grey metallic exterior trim, a rear spoiler, a power-operated tailgate, heated front seats, a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, LED ambient lighting and a Sensatec leather-accented dashboard.2019 BMW 3 Series sedan list pricing:

BMW has uncovered the big-booted Touring version of the seventh-generation 3 Series mid-sizer, which is scheduled to hit Australian showrooms in October this year.While the sedan body style, launched locally in March, will eventually be available with five powertrains – 320i, 320d, 330i, M340i and 330e – it is expected the Australian line-up for the Touring will mirror the current two-engine (320i and 330i) range.Of note however, the new Touring will be the first 3 Series wagon available with the 185kW/420Nm 330e plug-in hybrid powertrain, though whether the electrified version is brought Down Under is still to be confirmed.European customers will have a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines, mirroring the international sedan line-up.Sharing the same CLAR platform as the latest 3 Series sedan, the Touring stretches 76mm longer than its predecessor at 4709mm, while also being 8mm taller at 1470mm and 16mm wider at 1827mm.Stacked next to the sedan, the Touring features the same wheelbase (2851mm), and has wider front (+43mm) and rear (+21mm) tracks.BMW is also boasting more headroom for all occupants in the Touring, as well as more front-seat shoulder room, while also being 25 percent stiffer and about 10kg lighter than before.The now standard electric tailgate is also wider, which opens to a 500-litre boot, up just 5L, that can be expanded to 1510L (+10L) with the 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats stowed.For convenience, BMW has also carried over the opening rear window for loading small items.Options are expected to include a hands-free opening tailgate, anti-slip floor rails and M Sport suspension.

BMW Australia has detailed the launch line-up of its crucial new-generation 3 Series mid-sizer that will land in local showrooms in March priced at $67,900 before on-road costs for the oil-burning 320d and $70,900 for the petrol-powered 330i.

BMW will launch passenger-facing cameras designed to let your car read your emotions within the next two years, driving headlong into a science-fiction future.

BMW has at last unveiled the car it hopes will take the fight for premium mid-size supremacy to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with the new 3 Series range revealed at the Paris Motor Show.