BMW Group Australia has announced a new entry level variant for its iconic 3 Series range. Powered by a 1.6-litre engine, and enjoying specifications customers expect from any BMW, the new 316i is priced at a very accessible $50,900.
According to Phil Horton, BMW Australia Group’s managing director, the new 316i sedan will be the most affordable automatic 3 Series sedan for almost 15 years.
“When you consider its generous standard specifications, the 316i represents the best value 3 Series sedan ever, and it will open the door to a new generation of BMW customers,” he said.
Available from April production, the BMW 316i Sedan joins the model line-up featuring the highly acclaimed BMW 1.6 litre TwinPower turbo four-cylinder petrol engine which produces 100 kW of power at 4,350 rpm and 220 Nm of torque at 1,350 rpm. The engine combines one twin-scroll turbocharger with Valvetroninc, Double-VANOS and High Precision Injection.
This powerful yet efficient engine is mated to the widely praised BMW eight-speed automatic transmission for a 0-100 km/h sprint of 9.2 seconds. Combined with other BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, including the standard auto stop/start, brake energy regeneration and ECO PRO mode for the new Driving Experience Control, the BMW 316i achieves outstanding efficiency measurements of just 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres, while emitting just 137 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
Despite its accessible entry level pricing, the BMW 316i sedan boasts generous specification levels which it shares with its 318d sedan sibling.
Both driver and passenger are well served with a full suite of safety features including DSC, the active protection accident preparation program, six airbags, dynamic braking lights, anti-dazzle interior mirror and rain sensor with automatic headlight control.
Passenger comfort and convenience is enhanced with features including heat/sun protection glass, dual-zone climate control, Sensatec man-made leather upholstery, leather multi-function steering wheel, storage package, 40:20:40 split rear backrest and Radio Professional which includes 6.5 inch display with iDrive controller and six programmable memory buttons as well as a USB audio interface.
The 316i driving experience – the essence of the BMW brand – is optimised with driver assistance and communication features such as on board computer, rear park distance control, Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control with braking function.
The new 316i also has access to the comprehensive list of the BMW 3 Series options and packages programme. This means customers have the ability to customise their 316i with any of the three lines available on other BMW Sedans, including the Sport, Luxury or Modern lines. In addition, the M Sport Package offers that extra sporty edge, or customers can create their own bespoke look with a range of different alloy wheels, interior trims, colours and aesthetic features available.
Additional individual options such as M adaptive suspension, variable sports steering and Sport seats are available to enhance the sporty dynamics of the new 316i, whilst from a safety and connectivity viewpoint features such as business or professional navigation, surround view, lane change and lane departure warning, adaptive bi-Xenon headlights with high-beam assist, and high-end audio systems such as the optional Harman/Kardon sound system are all available to create the ideal car to suit anyone’s needs.
The engine in the 316i joins the respected existing stable of engines, which includes the renowned two litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engines in the 320i and 328i, which develop 135 kW and 180 kW respectively. Diesel engines in the 3 Series range include the four-cylinder engines in the 318d and 320d which generate 105 kW and 135 kW of power respectively. At the top of the 3 Series range is the multi award winning TwinPower Turbo in-line 6 cylinder in the 335i and ActiveHybrid 3.
The 316i joins the iconic and widely acclaimed 3 Series line-up, which lists a range of body styles including the original sedan, the practical and stylish Touring, and the soon-to-be released GranTurismo variant.
The new 316i sedan will be available in BMW Group Australia dealerships from June 2013.
BMW 3 Series Sedan Australian Pricing:
BMW 316i $50,900
BMW 318d $56,400
BMW 320i $58,600
BMW 320d $60,900
BMW 328i $65,900
BMW 335i $91,400
BMW ActiveHybrid 3 $97,700
*Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) – if applicable, but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges, which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.