The sixth-generation 2012 BMW 3 Series has been unveiled in Munich. The big news for the new 3 Series is the return of a four-cylinder engine in the 328i. BMW hasn’t offered a four-cylinder engine in a US-spec 3 Series in over ten years.
The all-new 2012 3 Series sedan has been stretched 3.66 inches, the wheelbase is longer at 1.96 inches and the track has been widened. This all translates to more rear leg and knee room, which was a problem in the last generation. Although the new 3 Series is bigger, it’s 88 lbs lighter.
On the outside the 3 Series gets styling that is pretty familiar to the new 1, 5, and 7 Series models.
Under the hood, the 2012 3 Series sedan gets an engine lineup that is all turbocharged. The 328i says goodbye to the six-cylinder engine and is now powered by a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder that pumps out 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It reaches 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The turbocharged six-cylinder returns in the 335i and generates 300 horsepower and reaches 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.
BMW is also going to release a hybrid version of the 3 Series that will arrive in 2012.
