iDrive Shock As 3-Series Unveiled

By Mat Watson

26th October 2004

But customers who want good old-fashioned buttons and switches will be offered the cabin in our second photo. While bosses are confident that buyers will opt for the all-in-one control system, the less-than-universal praise it received when launched in the 7-Series suggests many potential owners may be prepared to do without.

One thing all buyers are likely to agree on, though, is the high-quality look of both interiors, which closely mimic the recently launched 5-Series. It's a resemblance which continues to some extent on the outside, too. The newcomer, which debuts at the Geneva Motor Show in March, has a side profile similar to its bigger brother. Yet at the front, the lights are more like those on the smaller 1-Series. Meanwhile, a unique boot spoiler hints at the car's sporting potential - which should be pretty impressive, as BMW claims this 3-Series is faster and even better to drive than the outgoing model.

When the car makes its UK debut, there will be one diesel option - the Euro IV-compliant 320d - plus 320i, 325i and 330i petrol units. The last of these is the same 3.0-litre motor as seen in the 630i Coup΃©, making this variant the most powerful six-cylinder engine in its class. Thanks to variable-valve timing, it produces 258bhp, which helps the car sprint from 0-60mph in only 6.3 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

The new 3-Series also has greater rear leg, shoulder and headroom. Not only is it wider and longer than its predecessor, but the newcomer's handling is improved with the addition of aluminium front suspension and a 25 per cent stiffer shell. This rigidity should help boost safety, as will the standard six airbags plus brakeforce distribution and DSC traction control. Six-cylinder versions also benefit from DSC+, a range of features which includes Brake Standby. This primes the brakes if the right foot is removed suddenly from the accelerator in an emergency. Soft Stop modulates the rate at which the brakes are applied to prevent nosediving, while failed hill-starts should be a thing of the past with DSC+'s Start-Off Assistant, which engages the clutch to prevent the car from rolling back.

As well as iDrive, first-time options also include Active Steering, and a 7-Series-style keyless entry system.