BMW 3 Series new engines, chassis refinements and visual makeover
New competition from the Jaguar XE has prompted upgrades to the BMW 3 Series for 2015. These changes extend from new engines, exterior tweaks and even a revised chassis setup.
Styling changes to the new BMW 3 Series take some time to notice but subtle work to both bumpers create a lower and wider appearance. It wouldn’t be a facelift if the headlights didn’t get some attention too and now the indicator sits above the two levels of LED lights.
Much speculation and excitement has erupted around a possible 340i version fitted with the 3.0-litre straight six and producing 240kW and 450Nm. The 0-100km/h takes 5.1 seconds. Lower down there is plenty of revision to the range. The 3 Series will receive the same 116g/km, 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine which debuted in the Mini and 2 Series Active Tourer. The 328i is expected to be dropped from the range and replaced by a 184kW/250Nm 330i derivative.
All models will benefit from a chassis believed to be even more suited to twisty roads. Upgraded dampers and stiffer springs should give the BMW 3 Series the dynamic edge and the electric power steering has been improved to offer more feedback.
A plug-in hybrid will be offered in some markets. Badged 330e it uses the same 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo engine from the 320i and combines it with an 80kW electric motor. The expected range off a full battery is roughly 30km and will be capable of speeds exceeding 100km/h. The C02 for this car is 49g/km.
Changes to the BMW M4 include similar tweaks to the headlights and bumpers together with small changes to the 3.0-litre straight six. We can’t imagine what those would include but they are likely to be in response to the Mercedes C63 AMG.
