Known for the variety of wheels offered, BMW now includes in their accessories catalog new weight-optimized alloy wheels in an exclusive Bi-color design. These Original BMW alloy wheels have a high gloss-turned finish on the visible sides and are protected throughout against corrosion with clear varnish.

With this new product, BMW is bringing multiple colors to an alloy wheel for the first time ever. A special industrial process allows multiple colors to be created in a precise and reproducible manner. No foils, no masking or peel-off required.

Our favorite is the Double Spoke 361 20″ Bi-color wheels with black/red ring. Total price for this? $4,125.

A wide range of mats are offered for the Sport, from All-weather Floor Mats to Carpeted Floor Mats and Luggage Compartment Mat.

For those looking to protect their car, a $375 Indoor/Outdoor Car Cover is offered as well.

Download the PDF to see the full range of F30 BMW 3 Series accessories.

“I went into the F30 test, in a way, hoping to not like the car as the F30 marks the start of the fully turbocharged line-up of 3 Series for the North American market. With the inception of the N20 we see the demise of the N52 – a brilliant, magnesium block naturally aspirated 6 cylinder – the last hooray of BMW’s hallmark 3.0 liter straight sixes.

However, I ended up finding the F30 to be far more compelling in aesthetic and prowess – let there be no doubts, the F30 is a great car. Either engine set up – whether it be a turbo big six of four banger – you really cannot go wrong with the car. I was able to test it both at the undulating, roller coaster ride that is Laguna Seca Speedway and across the picturesque, circuitous back roads of Northern California.”

Stay tuned for further coverage!

I went into the F30 test, in a way, hoping to not like the car as the F30 marks the start of the fully turbocharged line-up of 3 Series for the North American market. With the inception of the N20 we see the demise of the N52 – a brilliant, magnesium block naturally aspirated 6 cylinder – the last hooray of BMW’s hallmark 3.0 liter straight sixes.

However, I ended up finding the F30 to be far more compelling in aesthetic and prowess – let there be no doubts, the F30 is a great car. Either engine set up – whether it be a turbo big six of four banger – you really cannot go wrong with the car. I was able to test it both at the undulating, roller coaster ride that is Laguna Seca Speedway and across the picturesque, circuitous back roads of Northern California.

While the these are both highly different environments to test the mettle of a car – both setting, insane and serene, revealed some of the logic behind the new three-part packaging BMW has a adopted for the F30 3 Series in the Sport, Luxury and Modern lines.

I’ve got much to say about the F30 and we’ll have the full review up shortly along with onboard video of Joey Hand showing what the F30 335i Sport can do. In the meantime – I’ll leave you with photos of the new 3 Series as it is hooned around Laguna Seca and wafted down the coastline of Northern California.

All three lines, Modern, Luxury and Sport, as well as the M-Sport package will be available to journalists for photos and comparison. Our own Andrew Murphy will share with us the first driving impressions of the 335i.

The base price of the 2012 328i Sedan is $34,900 while the top-model, 335i, starts at $42,400. This represents a $300 and $350 base price increases versus the outgoing model.

The Modern Line (ZML) and Luxury Line (ZLL) will sell for an additional $2,100 for the 328i and $1,400 for the 335i model. The Sport Line (ZSL) will make you spend $2,500 for the 328i and $1,700 for 335i.

Stay tuned for more footage and photos from the event!

Let’s see an excerpt from their review:

“At the end of the year, I had the opportunity to test drive a pre-production type of the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition. The only difference between a pre-production model and a standard model is the higher amount of manual labor performed by employees instead of robots.

Since I was only had time to drive the car for about 50 km (31 miles,) the driving experience was somewhat limited. But what I saw in terms of fuel consumption, ride comfort, and handling was very promising indeed.

After a drive on the Autobahn for 20 km (12.4 miles), where the 320d showed excellent pulling power, I switched onto a country road for the last 30 km (18.6 miles). After I left the Autobahn, I immediately changed the driving mode to ECO PRO (a new high-efficiency mode) for maximum fuel economy.

….

To increase the fuel economy of the BMW 320d to a maximum, the EfficientDynamics Edition saw a reduction in power from 184 hp (135 kW) to 163 hp (120 kW). Furthermore a centrifugal pendulum absorber was integrated in the dual-mass flywheel of the engine and makes it possible to drive the BMW 320d EDE without any bucking around 1,000 rpm. Combined with additional fuel saving options, such as Energy Saver tires with reduced rolling resistance, the EDE model can go up to 1,375 km (855 miles) with the 57 liter (15 gallon) fuel tank. The fuel economy is 4.1 l/100 km (57 mpg).”

Full review at The Diesel Driver

The 3 Series now includes standards features such as 6.5” display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/iPod interface, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, Automatic Start/Stop, Dynamic Driving Control with ECO PRO Mode, Brake Energy Regeneration, and a 1” standard wheel size increase.

The Modern Line (ZML) and Luxury Line (ZLL) will sell for an additional $2,100 for the 328i and $1,400 for the 335i model. The Sport Line (ZSL) will make you spend $2,500 for the 328i and $1,700 for 335i.

The following exterior colors are available for the new BMW 3 Series: Melbourne Red, Glacier Silver, Imperial Blue, Mineral Grey, Black Sapphire, Mojave and Alpine White.  An optional M paint is also offered – Estoril Blue.

As we mentioned in the past, the styling of the 2012 BMW 3 Series is considered to be an evolution of the previous model. The styling follows the design language seen in the new 5 Series, with concave and convex shapes providing a sporty stance and image. The flanks of the car are shaped by an eye-catching double character line running alongside each other.

At the front, the headlights have been completely redesigned. For the first time, the lights end directly in the kidney grill, providing a 3D look. The kidney grill also inherits the 3D aspect as seen on the new 6 Series.

The rear lights continue the BMW L-shaped design positioned at the outer edges of the rear – accentuating the broad face of the wheels and wide track of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan.

The base price of the 2012 328i Sedan is $34,900 and the 335i Sedan is $42,400. This represents a $300 and $350 base price increases versus the outgoing model.

The 3 Series now includes standards features such as 6.5” display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/iPod interface, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, Automatic Start/Stop, Dynamic Driving Control with ECO PRO Mode, Brake Energy Regeneration, and a 1” standard wheel size increase.

The Modern Line (ZML) and Luxury Line (ZLL) will sell for an additional $2,100 for the 328i and $1,400 for the 335i model. The Sport Line (ZSL) will make you spend $2,500 for the 328i and $1,700 for 335i.

The following exterior colors are available for the new BMW 3 Series: Melbourne Red, Glacier Silver, Imperial Blue, Mineral Grey, Black Sapphire, Mojave and Alpine White.

The choices inside are even more diversified, with different leather and trim options specific for each line.

Head over to BMWUSA and configure your own 3 Series.

BMW 328i Configurator
BMW 335i Configurator

During the course of more than three and a half decades, the face of the BMW 3 Series has constantly evolved. Designers have always managed to incorporate dynamics, innovation and aesthetics into a harmonious, modern and future-oriented overall concept, whilst at the same time preserving traditional values. As a result, each BMW 3 Series has retained its unmistakable brand identity and can be identified as a BMW at very first glance. However, the roots of the BMW Series reach back as far as the 1960s….

As a manufacturer of sporty, elegant sedans, BMW had at that time already developed a characteristic profile. With a notchback body design, front-mounted engines and rear-wheel drive, a basic principle was established back then (BMW 1500/2000) that still prevails to this very day. With the arrival of the BMW 1600 in 1966, the 2-door 02 Series, which produced such famous models as the 1600ti or the 2002tii, was launched on to the automotive market and eventually replaced by the BMW 3 Series.

The presentation of the first BMW 3 Series in July 1975 marked the beginning of one of the most remarkable success stories in BMW model history. Although the 2-door sedan bore a strong resemblance to the BMW 5 Series introduced in 1972, the market witnessed the launch of an entirely new vehicle with compact dimensions and a sporting character.  The predominant design feature of the front end was also the brand’s characteristic symbol, which was clearly identifiable even from a distance – the BMW kidney grille.

1975–1983. The design of the first BMW 3 Series is characterised by large windows, a distinctive wedge shape and, of course, BMW’s brand-typical face, the front end being dominated by the kidney grille vividly protruding from the radiator cover to continue up slightly scoop-shaped along the bonnet to the windscreen. With short overhangs and a track width of 1,364 millimetres at the front, the new sports sedan boasts a rather low-slung appearance. Vertically mounted indicators flank the large round headlights on each side. On the occasion of its presentation, BMW gives the new model best chances of success: “Timeless and without superficial gallery play, the design of BMW 3 Series will also become a trendsetter for the next decade.”

1982–1993. In 1982, the second generation of the BMW 3 Series presents itself as a worthy successor. As a result of a sensitively enhanced design and optimised aerodynamics, the new model has gained significantly in presence. The approx. 35 mm increase in track width also contributes towards the sedan’s distinctively powerful look. Finally, on the whole, the body appears smoother and rounder, the sleek front end being the result of extensive wind tunnel tests, which is not least underscored by a drag coefficient of 0.37. The now low-slung front end boasting the flat BMW kidney grille elongates the entire front end of the vehicle, particularly as the double headlights now featured on all 3 Series models are located far on the outside. The smooth transition into all adjoining body surfaces not only determines the characteristic shape, but also ensures a good air flow around the vehicle. The low-set bonnet with its wide scoop rising gently from the front enhances aerodynamics, its surface not being interrupted by air intake openings.

1990–1997. In 1990, the time had apparently come to replace the soberly designed BMW 3 Series with an exceedingly elegant successor model. It is an entirely newly conceived sports sedan, the dimensions of which have increased all round, both surprising and pleasing the public to an equal extent. Besides the slim silhouette, the smooth front end of the new model is immediately evident, as the double headlights are now conjointly mounted behind a glass cover. In addition to dynamic lines and a distinctive wedge shape, a significantly lower bonnet and a raised rear end, technical refinements such as windows installed flush with the car body and targeted diffuser cooling air circulation inside the engine compartment also contribute towards the outstanding drag coefficient of 0.29 (316i). This BMW has therefore virtually nothing in common with its predecessor, but the family resemblance still remains recognisable. Thanks to typical styling elements such as the kidney grille and double headlights, it is still obviously a BMW, even though the dominating design element and symbol of the brand was now flatter and wider.

1998–2005. When the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series is launched in May 1998, the compact sports sedan is some 40 mm wider and even the track width has increased by 60 mm compared with its predecessor. At that time, BMW designers describe the styling of the front end as follows: “On the whole and in essential details, the front end, the typical BMW face, has been reinterpreted, but it is still that unmistakable 3 Series face.” The double kidney grille is integrated into the bonnet and, together with the dual round headlights located behind clear glass covers, again shapes the powerful character of the new BMW 3 Series’ face. Compared with the front ends of the BMW 5 and 7 Series, the lower headlight surrounds form a distinctive separation: Here, the curvatures of the reflectors located in the exterior bodywork are finely outlined by a slight indication of curvatures, resulting in a clearly visible interruption of the horizontal line above the bumper.

2005–2011. With the launch of the fifth generation in the year 2005, BMW brings to the market a BMW 3 Series that is strong in character and exudes significantly more presence and power than its predecessor. Only a year after the market launch, the new styling strategy and the progressive design vocabulary gain the highest level of recognition, resulting in the BMW 3 Series being presented with the “World Car of the Year” award in New York. Members of the creative BMW design team are already convinced of the value of their work beforehand: “Within the series, the design has consistently developed in both small and larger steps. The new 3 Series represents a particularly high level of advancement in the vehicle’s design history.” Although the car makes only a proportionally moderate leap compared to the predecessor model, it does stand out from it significantly and noticeably. With the double kidney grille and dual headlights curved at the top, it exhibits the typical front end of a modern BMW – a focused facial expression.

From 2011. The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series expresses essential qualities of the sedan such as agility, sportiness and dynamics in an entirely new way.  Newly interpreted classic design features find a new lease on life and are reminiscent of the models of the 1960s. The large, almost seamlessly integrated radiator cowling with embedded headlights and kidney grille also characterised the distinctive face of the first BMW 3 Series in 1975.  On the sports sedan of the year 2011, the modern dual headlights with LED eyebrows extend as far as the kidney grille frame, also forming a continuous optical unit spanning an arch to the historical predecessors in a modern way. The athletically arched bonnet additionally accentuates the front end, emphasising the car’s presence and sporting appeal. Instead of a central air intake, the new BMW 3 Series has two larger air intakes located to the outside below the headlights. Additional vertical air vents are located on the outer edge of the air intakes, creating the so-called “air curtain”. By means of enhanced aerodynamic airflow in the vicinity of the front wheels it facilitates a reduction in fuel consumption at high speeds and contributes towards an outstanding drag coefficient of 0.26.

Although more than 35 years lie between the first generation of 1975 and the current BMW 3 Series, both front ends attest to an unmistakable brand identity and, in spite of the great difference in age, are both immediately recognisable as members of the same family. Then as now, the design bestows the BMW sedan with its styling and personality, expressing contemporary and trendsetting dynamics, innovation and aesthetics. Hence, each generation of the compact sports sedan stands for BMW tradition and modernity alike. And each model combines classic and innovative elements that interpret this theme in their very own way.

[Source: BMW ]

Cadillac ATS will be offered with both rear-wheel and all-drive options, and the company describes it at “nimble, fun and quick,” traits typical of a midsize, sport and luxurious car.

Our own Hugo Becker shared his first impressions of the ATS:

And Cadillac has taken the approach of a direct assault. The new ATS is within fractions of being the same physical size of the F30 3er. It uses a set of four cylinder and one six cylinder engines to power it (V6) and it is available with a manual transmission.

We had a chance to spend a few moments with Tom Prevost, the interior designer of the ATS, on the show floor. The mix of materials in the interior looked good, especially the exposed stitching. They have a good mix of wood, leather and chrome (on real metal – not plastic, the heat transfer when hand touches metal is there), and it looks good.

The interior uses premium materials, the stitching details are real (not embossed, as on some premium pretenders). They use real wood and we got a pleasant surprise when we touched the metal trim. It felt cold, meaning it was real metal, not shiny plastic. The seats felt good, but not as firm as BMW’s. The The is a large navigation display in the center stack plus an interesting hideaway cubby hole behind the HVAC controls. You can stash your iPod/MP3 player behind it (there is a USB port at the rear of the compartment).

It is a different approach than BMW and conforms to Cadillac’s Art & Science approach to design.

As always, BMWBLOG gives you a photo comparison between the two competitors.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

The first long wheelbase 3 Series for BMW will be unveiled in April and will go head-to-head with the Audi A4L. The longer sedan will provide additional space for Chinese customers looking for premium vehicles without breaking the bank.

An electric 3 Series Li Concept will also be introduced this year.

The F30 3er Li will be manufactured in China and the extended platform will be the same one used for the upcoming BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo.

The BMW 3er Li will debut at the Beijing Auto Show in April and will not be available in the United States or Europe.

The styling of the 2012 BMW 3 Series is considered to be an evolution of the previous model. The styling follows the design language seen in the new 5 Series, with concave and convex shapes providing a sporty stance and image.

The base price of the 2012 328i Sedan is $34,900 and the 335i Sedan is $42,400. This represents a $300 and $350 base price increases versus the outgoing model.

There are no news on when the F31 3 Series will hit the dealerships’ floors, but we expect it to be a 2013 model year.

The new 3 Series Wagon will debut at the Leipzig Auto Show this spring.

The engine range will be imported from the sedan and will include both petrol and diesel engines, in four or six-cylinder configuration.

Just as for the 3 Series sedan, BMW will offer the Touring with three lines: Modern, Luxury and Sport. The aggressive M sports package will come to enhance the sporty allure of the touring.

The new F30 3 Series will make its U.S. debut next month with two models: the 328i and the more powerful 335i.

As we announced before, the base price of the 2012 328i Sedan is $34,900 and the 335i Sedan is $42,400. This represents a $300 and $350 base price increases versus the outgoing model. The 3 Series now includes standards features such as 6.5” display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/iPod interface, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, Automatic Start/Stop, Dynamic Driving Control with ECO PRO Mode, Brake Energy Regeneration, and a 1” standard wheel size increase.

The Modern Line (ZML) and Luxury Line (ZLL) will sell for an additional $2,100 for the 328i and $1,400 for the 335i model.  The Sport Line (ZSL) will make you spend $2,500 for the 328i and $1,700 for 335i.

The sixth generation of the 3 Series has grown moderately in size compared to its predecessor, with its wide track (front + 37 mm/1.46 in., rear + 47 mm/1.85 in.) particularly prominent, and the car’s length (+ 93 mm/3.66 in.) and wheelbase (+ 50 mm/1.96 in.) also accentuates its sporting allure. The car’s larger dimensions ensure rear passengers are welcomed by 0.71 in. /18 mm of extra legroom inside the doors as they climb aboard. Behind the fully contoured front seats, 0.6 in / 15 mm of additional knee room and 0.31in. / 8 mm of extra headroom further enhance the passengers’ comfort on the road.

The M Sport Package will be available at launch time as well and will bring the ultimate in sporting makeovers to the new BMW 3 Series. An all-new aerodynamic package for the exterior clearly sets cars specified with this package apart from the base model and the three lines. 18 and 19 -inch light-alloy wheels in hallmark M design, M Sport suspension, a black kidney grille and BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim give the car that typical M look. The theme continues inside the car with sports seats boasting distinctive upholstery choices, trim elements with blue accent strips, an M Short-shifter (in models with manual gearbox), M door sill covers, an M driver’s footrest and the new M leather steering wheel.

Stay tuned for an exclusive test drive of the 2012 BMW 335i. In the mean time, catch our review of the 328i.

Shawn has also written a piece for AutoGuide.com, taking a broader look at the car and its appeal to the greater population. The partial review is found below, for the full review at AutoGuide please hit the jump.

The 5th generation that this new 3 Series replaces was a fine car in every respect. It drove well, proved reliable, and wasn’t too thirsty at the pumps. In fact – even several years after its initial launch, the “E90″ 3 series (internal code name) was still winning comparison tests with the best the competition had to offer. So what could BMW have possibly improved upon to render the all-new 3 Series a better car?

5-WAY DRIVE MODE SELECTOR

Many things, apparently, as we learned from the 3 Series’ global launch in Barcelona, Spain. To start off, BMW has implemented a new vehicle behavior switch that allows the driver to chose between five unique drive modes. The ‘game changer’ among these modes is called “Eco Pro” mode, and it introduces a slew of features that result in better economy. To start off, the gas pedal becomes stiffer and harder to press – which ultimately results in you pressing it less. A new gauge on the instrument display shows a blue bar that grows longer as you depress the gas pedal. The challenge is to keep the blue bar as short as possible – and if do you so, the car rewards you with ‘bonus’ miles you’ve gained from the current tank of gas, shown in blue under the efficiency bar. This may seem rudimentary, but it works – in fact BMW claims up to a 20% improvement in efficiency based on the system’s ability to improve driver habits.

Eco Pro mode also introduces mechanical changes to the car when selected. The smooth and fast-shifting 8-speed automatic (optional, a 6-speed manual comes standard) is programmed to shift early and move onto the next gear as soon as possible. The transmission logic is hesitant to downshift and generally keeps the engine below 2000 rpm, thus saving fuel. The engine management is also altered for efficiency. For example, the turbo’s waste gate is less likely to dump boost pressure, thus conserving as much energy from the turbo as possible.

BMW’s Eco Pro mode represents a great execution of a fuel saving technology. We were surprised how drivable the car remained even in this fuel sipping mode; it never feels weak or feeble from behind the wheel, but constantly reminds you of its intelligent approach to fuel conservation. As a daily driver, we would leave the car in Eco Pro mode for the vast majority of our driving, and celebrate our fuel savings at the end of each trip.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is “Sport +” mode. Sport Plus wakes up the 3 Series dynamically, and earns the car its birthright in the lineup. With sharpened throttle response, tighter suspension settings, heavier weighted and more communicative steering, as well as more aggressive transmission shift logic, the 3 Series transforms itself into a proper sports sedan. The transformation is black and white; from behind the wheel it feels like you’re driving two separate cars. BMW has long been advocating their “two cars in one” design approach – at least on their performance based M branded cars. It seems that this philosophy has now made its way into their regular lineup.

In between Eco Pro mode and Sport Plus mode are Comfort, Normal and Sport modes. These three modes slice up the difference from each end of the spectrum and can be used to fine-tune the car to the road you’re on or the mood you’re in.

Before jumping into the audio interview, here is a recap for US customers. The base price of the 2012 328i Sedan is $34,900 and the 335i Sedan is $42,400.

This represents a $300 and $350 base price increases versus the outgoing model. The 3 Series now includes standards features such as 6.5” display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/iPod interface, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, Automatic Start/Stop, Dynamic Driving Control with ECO PRO Mode, Brake Energy Regeneration, and a 1” standard wheel size increase.

The Modern Line (ZML) and Luxury Line (ZLL) will sell for an additional $2,100 for the 328i and $1,400 for the 335i model. The Sport Line (ZSL) will make you spend $2,500 for the 328i and $1,700 for 335i.

BMW will debut the 3 Series next month at Detroit Auto Show, followed by a market launch in February.

Click on the play button below!

We have three images comparing front bumpers on the Sport Line F30 3 Series. The Euro-version in the official press photo is of course fitted with the ECE license plate, and is quite different from the version spied in a parking garage (with camouflage Roundel logos).

If it turns out the garage photos show the US-spec front plate adapter, would you take it or leave it?

Vote and tell us why in the comments section below.

Here is what the magazine had to say about the popular bimmers:

“The competition should have figured out a way to beat the BMW 3-series by now. It’s not for lack of trying: Every so often, another carmaker will pitch a worthy competitor into the mix, but none has been able to knock the 3-series from its pedestal or even maintain its consistent brilliance.

After 21 consecutive years on the 10Best list, BMW continues to evolve the 3-series toward some platonic ideal of sportiness. You don’t notice the seats, the steering, the suspension, or the brakes because everything feels natural. Everything feels right. And how has no other automaker matched the silkiness of BMW’s inline-six engines?

Don’t forget the M3, either, which remains magnificent in the twilight of a celebrated life, thanks largely to that lusty 414-hp, 8300-rpm V-8. The 3-series sedan is on hiatus until a new model drops in February. In other words, even as the entire current 3-series lineup is on the way out the door, it still roasts the competition. The biggest threat to its dominance is not from another carmaker but from BMW itself. An increased focus on gizmology has robbed a couple of recently introduced BMWs of the athletic, connected feeling that made the old Ultimate Driving Machine tag line ring so true. Here’s to hoping BMW doesn’t screw up the best one.”

Full list at Car and Driver

At the BMW 3 Series launch in Barcelona, our road test editor Shawn Molnar sat down with Dr. Christophe Lutterman to chat on the new BMW 328i and the N20 powerplant found under its hood.

The 2.0 liter four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged unit made its debut official debut this summer in the Z4 sDrive28i, followed later by the 528i model.

Like the TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter turbo inline-6, the new 2.0-liter engine combines high-pressure direct-injection and BMW’s VALVETRONIC intake control. With 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the new powerplant delivers similar performance as the sixer, but with better fuel consumption.

Dr. Lutterman talked an extend about the VALVETRONIC system, as well as about the ECO mode found in the 3 Series. Introduced with the 2012 BMW 1 Series, the new driving mode called ECO PRO can be utilized whilst driving in everyday traffic. ECO PRO mode is activated by what is called the ‘Driving Experience Control’ switch. The ECO PRO mode is standard in the new 1 series and 3 Series, and to the four and six cylinder models of the 6er and 5er Sedan and Touring.

Click on the Play button below!

The sixth generation of the 3 Series has grown moderately in size compared to its predecessor, with its wide track (front + 37 mm/1.46 in., rear + 47 mm/1.85 in.) particularly prominent, and the car’s length (+ 93 mm/3.66 in.) and wheelbase (+ 50 mm/1.96 in.) also accentuates its sporting allure. The car’s larger dimensions ensure rear passengers are welcomed by 0.71 in. /18 mm of extra legroom inside the doors as they climb aboard. Behind the fully contoured front seats, 0.6 in / 15 mm of additional knee room and 0.31in. / 8 mm of extra headroom further enhance the passengers’ comfort on the road. Despite the large dimension, the F30 3 Series is around 90 lbs lighter than the E90 platform. Let’s have a look.

Along with the three lines, Sport, Modern and Luxury, BMW also showcased the 3 Series with the aggressive and extremely sporty looking M Sport Package. The package includes 18-inch light-alloy wheels (19-inch as an option), M Sport suspension and BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim give the car that typical M look.

To show the heritage of the 3 Series family, BMW also displayed all the previous generation 3er, including our all-time favorite, the E46.

The “future” was present also, in the shape of first hybrid 3 Series, ActiveHybrid 3 which launches in early 2013. BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will use a 3.0 liter six-cylinder turbocharged TwinPower engine aided by an electrical engine to deliver an additional 40 kW (about 53 horsepower).

In the US, the base price of the 2012 328i Sedan is $34,900 and the 335i Sedan is $42,400.

This represents a $300 and $350 base price increases versus the outgoing model. The 3 Series now includes standards features such as 6.5” display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/iPod interface, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, Automatic Start/Stop, Dynamic Driving Control with ECO PRO Mode, Brake Energy Regeneration, and a 1” standard wheel size increase.

The Modern Line (ZML) and Luxury Line (ZLL) will sell for an additional $2,100 for the 328i and $1,400 for the 335i model. The Sport Line (ZSL) will make you spend $2,500 for the 328i and $1,700 for 335i.

Both models will launch in North America in February 2012.