BMW 3-Series facelifted for 2015 with new engines
BMW updates the 3-Series range with styling tweaks and revised engines, including three-cylinder petrol
With the praise heaped on the new Jaguar XE still ringing in its ears, BMW is determined not to be upstaged and has announced details of the 2015 facelift for the 3-Series to keep it in touch. The compact executive stalwart gets a raft of engine updates, a new three-cylinder turbo petrol and subtly updated styling inside and out.
The Bavarians obviously weren't too concerned by the sleek styling of Jaguar's new small saloon, as the new 3-Series only gets restyled lights and some small bumper tweaks. The headlamps (which now extend to meet the grille) are available with the full-LED treatment as an option, while the rears get LEDs as standard.
Inside, BMW claims perceived quality and ergonomics have taken a step further, with a range of new materials to try and usurp the premium feel of the XE. Sat nav is now standard across the entire BMW range and the 3-Series can be specced with a new Professional navigation system that gets faster software, free over-the-air map updates and 4G connectivity.
BMW 3-Series 2015: new engine upgrades
Under-the-skin lots more has been revised, with the engine range getting a complete overhaul. The biggest addition is a new 318i with the three-cylinder 'TwinPower' turbo unit taken from the MINI. It replaces the outgoing 316i as the entry-level engine in the range, and produces 134bhp and 220Nm of torque while emitting 119g/km of CO2.
A new four-cylinder petrol also debuts in the 320i, bumping power up by 14bhp to 181bhp and torque up to 290Nm. Despite this, CO2 emissions are down to just 124g/km with the eight-speed autobox. The 330i replaces the 328i with the same four-cylinder unit producing 248bhp and 350Nm of torque, and emits 129g/km with the auto.
A six-cylinder option remains in the form of the new 340i, which now replaces the 335i. It's been uprated to produce 321bhp (15bhp more than before) and as little as 152g/km of CO2.
The four-cylinder diesels now come from the EfficientDynamics 'TwinPower' engine family, with all claiming improved efficiency and extra power. The highlight of the range is the 320d ED. It slips under the free road-tax barrier with 99g/km of CO2 claimed, matching the most efficient XE, despite the use of standard tyres and the eight-speed auto.
BMW has also optimised the ride and handling for the facelift, claiming that new damper tech and stiffer suspension maintains current comfort levels but gives it an even sportier feel.
The updates mark 40 years since the debut of the original 'E21' 3-Series back in 1975. Since then over 14-million examples have found homes around the world, and the saloon and estate still account for about 25 per cent of BMW's global sales.
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