News / 28 September 2022 / Michael Taylor

New BMW 3 Series officially goes on sale in South Africa

The new BMW 3 Series is officially on sale in South Africa, with prices starting at R767,894.

The automaker’s latest sedan is available with a choice of five different configurations – the 318i, 320i, 320d, 330i, and the M340i.

Engine

Regardless of which powertrain you opt for, the 3 Series will be fitted with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while the diesel and range-topping petrol also make use of BMW’s 48V mild-hybrid technology.

The 318i petrol engine will deliver a power figure of 115kW and 250Nm, giving it a top speed of 223km/h and a 0-100km/h time of 8.6 seconds.

The bigger 320i drivetrain, meanwhile, will provide 135kW and 300Nm, resulting in a faster sprint time of 7.4 seconds and a higher top speed of 235km/h.

In contrast, those who opt for the 330i can expect 190kW and 400Nm, an acceleration time of 5.8 seconds, and a top speed of 250km/h.

All three petrol engines then average a combined fuel consumption of 6.5l/100km.

The diesel 320d, on the other hand, boasts an even higher power and torque figure at 140kW and 400Nm, allowing it to achieve an even faster acceleration time 0f 7.0 seconds and the same top speed as the 320i at 235km/h.

Its fuel consumption is also improved, using just 5l/100km on a combined cycle.

Taking a big leap in performance, the top-of-the-range M340i packs a considerable 285kW and 500Nm, letting it race from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds before maxing out at 250km/h.

Consequentially, its also the thirstiest of the models on offer, consuming 8.0l/100km on an average cycle.

Launch control, Sprint functions, and a sharper eight-speed Sport transmission are also offered across the range as optional fittings.

Features

Differentiating itself from the previous generation, the new 3 Series sports a slightly reshaped version of BMW’s kidney grille design, along with narrow LED headlamps, L- shaped daytime running lights, a larger air intake, and 17 to 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the model.

New standard features consist of three-zone climate control, stop/start function, a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, and BMW’s 12.3-inch curved infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which combines with the 14.9-inch driver display for a single, long digital screen, eliminating the need for many buttons in favour of touch controls and voice commands, said the carmaker.

The 3 Series now also comes equipped with BMW’s Live Cockpit and navigation system, front and rear park distance control, cruise control, front collision warning, and lane departure warning.

Optional features, meanwhile, take the form of a heads-up display, LED Matrix lights, a panoramic camera system, adaptive cruise control, traffic light detection, and parking assistant.