2016 BMW 3 Series diesel launched in India at starting price of Rs. 35.90 lakh; gets minor cosmetic changes alongside slightly uprated 2.0-litre engine
In what has come as a surprise, BMW India launched the long-due facelifted version of the luxury 3-Series sedan yesterday ahead of the Auto Expo 2016 to be hosted in less than a week. The prices start from Rs. 35.90 lakh for the base 320d Prestige and goes all the way up to Rs. 44.50 lakh for the much-loved M Sport version.
The Munich-headquartered luxury car manufacturer has revealed the 2016 BMW 3-Series only in diesel variants and the petrol-engined versions will arrive at the showrooms in the later parts of this year. The updated sporty sedan gets a fresh front fascia comprising of revised LED Daytime Running Lights, LED headlamps, LED fog lamps and restyled tail lamp cluster, which is now ‘L’ shaped, receives LED treatment as well with minor changes to the bumpers.
The newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels are accompanied by broad modifications to the inside with added equipment. The cabin design remains identical but gets chrome accents, ambient lighting, glossy surfaces and new upholstery. As for the features, the new BMW 3-Series receives 8.8-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system in all but base variant, Park Assist system for automatic parallel parking, a new Heads Up Display with 3D graphics and Navigation system Professional with integrated GPS.
Some of the regular features carried over from the outgoing 3-Series are Bluetooth and USB connectivity, BMW ConnectedDrive and Applications, six airbags, automatic dual zone air conditioning, Drive Experience Control Switch, electrically adjustable driver and co-passenger seats, Radio Professional amongst much more. The mechanical changes coming along with the cosmetic make over include an updated diesel engine.
The facelifted 3-series will be on display at BMW’s pavilion in the Auto Expo alongside new X1 and the latest generation 7-Series. The car will be locally manufactured at the company’s production facility in Chennai with around 50 percent localisation of parts to take advantage of the competitive price tag.
The 2016 BMW 3-Series gets power from the same TwinPower 2.0-litre four-cylinder DOHC turbocharged mill but it’s uprated to produce a maximum power output of 190 hp at 4,000 rpm and 400 Nm of peak torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and the fuel economy of the diesel engine is rated at 18.88 kmpl.
The new 320d can hit from standstill to 100 kmph in 7.2 seconds and has a top speed claimed at 230 kmph. The five driving modes on offer include Comfort, Sport and Sport+ with an additional Eco mode, Auto Start/Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration technologies help in retaining better fuel efficiency. The range-topping new M Sport variant comes equipped with the signature M aerodynamic package with subtle side skirts, M leather steering wheel and is offered in an unique Estoril Blue metallic colour.
2016 BMW 3-Series Prices: (Ex-Showroom)
BMW 320d Prestige – Rs. 35, 90,000
BMW 320d Sport Line (Navigation) – Rs. 41, 50,000
BMW 320d Luxury Line (Navigation) – Rs. 41, 50,000
BMW 320d M Sport – Rs. 44, 50,000
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