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BMW Australia has confirmed pricing and specification for its new entry-level, plug-in hybrid and performance variants of the seventh-generation 3 Series mid-size sedan ahead of their showroom arrival in September.
The 320i is now $1500 dearer after its generational change, kicking off the line-up from $64,900 before on-road costs – $3000 less than the previously entry-level 320d’s price tag.
Meanwhile, the 330i remains at $70,900 but is now joined by the 330e plug-in hybrid that is both $5000 costlier than before and further upstream from its mid-series counterpart.
Until the full-fat M3 arrives, the performance-focused M340i will top the range, retailing for $99,900 – $8700 more than its 340i predecessor.
The 320i is motivated by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 135kW of power and 300Nm of torque, with the latter a 30Nm improvement.
An electric motor is paired with this unit in the 330e, boosting outputs to 185kW/420Nm, although its new XtraBoost overboost function can briefly increase maximum power by 30kW when the Sport driving mode is engaged.
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The plug-in hybrid also features a 10.3kWh lithium-ion battery that is 2.7kWh larger than before to provide 50 per cent more pure-electric driving range, at 60km. The power source can be recharged in as little as 2.5 hours.
Asserting its flagship status with a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder engine, the M340i develops 285kW/500Nm – a significant 45kW/50Nm generational bump.
It is also the only current 3 Series to come with BMW’s rear-biased but fully variable xDrive all-wheel-drive system, with all other versions making use of its traditional rear-wheel-drive set-up.
A ZF-sourced torque-converter automatic transmission, however, is common among all 3 Series derivatives.
Performance-wise, the 320i, 330e and M340i sprint from standstill to 100km/h in 7.2 (-0.1), 5.9 (-0.2) and 4.4 (-0.7s) seconds respectively, while all three variants are yet to have their fuel efficiency assessed locally.
The 320i and 320d share their standard equipment, including M Sport suspension, bi-colour 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights, LED foglights and the M Sport Package (Luxury Line is a no-cost option).
Inside, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay support (free for the first 12 months), a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and wireless smartphone charging feature.
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Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, speed limit recognition, park assist, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.
The 330i and 330e add adaptive dampers, M Sport brakes, 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, Vernasca leather upholstery, lane-keep and steering assist, adaptive cruise control and surround-view cameras.
The M340i further includes launch control, an M Sport differential, laser headlights, Cerium Grey metallic exterior trim, a rear spoiler, a power-operated tailgate, heated front seats, a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, LED ambient lighting and a Sensatec leather-accented dashboard.
2019 BMW 3 Series sedan list pricing:
| BMW 320i | Automatic | $64,900 |
| BMW 320d | Automatic | $67,900 |
| BMW 330i | Automatic | $70,900 |
| BMW 330e | Automatic | $75,900 |
| BMW M340i | Automatic | $99,900 |
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