2012 BMW 3-Series for India next year

BMW has unveiled its all-new 2012 BMW 3-series sedan, code named F30, which is slated to launch in India in February 2012. The 2011 BMW 3-series will come with two petrol options and one diesel option to begin with - a 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder petrol unit and a 4-cylinder diesel unit. The 4-cylinder petrol engine will churn out peak power of 154PS and 200Nm of max torque and the 330i 6-cylinder diesel engine will be produce 254PS of max power and 300Nm of max torque. The diesel variant in the 3-series will be the 320d, which has a 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that generates 181PS of max power and max torque of 380Nm.

In terms of design the new 3-series, which is heavily derived from the existing 7-series and the 5-series sedans, is about 93mm longer and 6mm narrower with a 50mm longer wheelbase than the earlier model, allowing for more internal space – especially in the rear seat. In the Indian market, the 3-series battles for space in the chauffeur-driven executive sedan segment, for which a comfortable and spacious rear seat is a prerequisite. The Audi A4, by virtue of its larger dimensions, currently offers the most space in the back seat from the three entry-level German sedans. With increased leg room of 15mm, 8mm more headroom and the increase in angle and height of the rear door, the new 3-series will also be able to provide more comfort to the passenger in the rear seat.

 Other improvements to watch out in the new 3-series are the driving dynamics which features driver-focused switchgear and the center console being angled seven degrees towards the driver. All the variants of the 3-series will also feature four driving modes - the Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ - out of which, the Sport+ will be included in Sport models or with selected optional equipment.

The two German rivals - Audi and Mercedes Benz have been struggling to fight off the 3-series, which overtook the Mercedes C-class and the Audi A4 in the Indian market, since it was introduced in 2008 and with the upcoming facelift of the 3-series sedans, we only hope the German duo can dig out something even better than the BMW 3-series.