KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia today introduced three updated variants of the latest 3 Series – the new 320i M Sport, 330i M Sport and 330e M Sport. Two more variants are expected in March.
An updated MINI Electric and a BMW K 1600 B were also unveiled along with the preview of the BMW CE 04 electric scooter.
Prices for the 320i, 330e and 330i are RM283,800, RM298,800 and RM317,800 respectively.
The MINI is selling for RM199,164, while the K 1600 B is going for RM173,500. The CE 04 price would be finalised and announced in March, with estimated pricing ar around RM65,000.
Locally-assembled, the latest iteration of the G20 3 Series features a more focused exterior and an innovative, modernised interior.
The facelifted 3 Series offers innovation with a completely redesigned and modernised interior featuring the BMW Curved Display for the first time.
On the outside, the 3 Series is now enhanced with a new, expressive front section and updated rear.
The kidney grille takes on a modified outline for an even more muscular look. The LED headlights have been redesigned to further emphasise the width of the sedan, with revised daytime running lights arranged in the shape of an inverted L.
The front apron has a new look, while still housing the lateral Air Curtains that are a signature BMW feature.
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The aprons flank the central air intake that houses a honeycomb pattern, courtesy of the M Sport Package that arrives as standard for all three variants.
From the side, the 3 Series takes on the tried-and-proven silhouette that conveys the sedan’s sporty character at a glance – featuring a long wheelbase, long bonnet and short overhangs.
The 3 Series is complemented by 18-inch M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 848 M Bicolour with staggered tyres.
As part of the standard M Sport Package, the 3 Series also feature the M designation on the side profile, along with M Sport Suspension for both the petrol variants, while the 330e M Sport will arrive with the Adaptive M Suspension.
The rear of the 3 Series is defined by two distinctive tailpipes which have been increased to 100mm in diameter for a sportier look, accompanied by a strongly contoured diffuser.
Accentuating the overall dynamic look of the sedan are the M Aerodynamics package and M High-gloss Shadowline – both standard inclusions of the M Sport Package.
The big update in the cabin is of course the display.
The 330i M Sport interior.
320i
330e
The introduction of the BMW Curved Display lends a new level of sophistication and digitalisation to the interior of the new 3 Series, with a 12.3-inch Information Display and 14.9-inch touchscreen Control Display integrated into a slender, unframed form. On the front passenger side, a larger and wider trim strip creates a particularly elegant effect.
While the BMW Curved Display houses a myriad of functions, safety-related and frequently used functions are still button-controlled by the driver – seamlessly integrated under the redesigned air vents in the centre of the instrument panel.
All variants come with steering wheel paddles as standard. Making for a sportier seating experience, the tall centre console establishes clearly defined areas for the driver and front passenger.
With the standard inclusion of the M Sport Package, elements of M furnish the interior, making for a sportier driving feel.
These include M entry sills with a stainless-steel look, M driver’s footrest and M pedals with a stainless-steel look, sport seats for driver and front passenger, hand-stitched M leather steering wheel in Walknappa leather, vehicle key with exclusive M designation, M Anthracite headliner, instrument cluster with M specific display and M Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite interior trim.
Upholstery is offered in the standard Vernasca leather Black, while the 330i and 330e will also be offered an additional Mocha variant.
330e rear seats.
The 320i comes with an inline four-cylinder engine that delivers a maximum of 184hp (135 kW) and 300 Nm of torque, accelerating the sedan from a standstill to 100kph in 7.4 seconds with top speed capped at 235kph.
As for the 330i, its inline four-cylinder engine delivers a maximum of 258hp and 400 Nm of torque, 0 – 100kph is achieved in 5.8 seconds while top speed is capped at 250kph.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain of the 330e brings a maximum combined output of 292 hp (215 kW) and 420 Nm of torque, with an electric motor that delivers 109 hp (80 kW) and 265 Nm of torque on its own. This allows for a century sprint time of 5.8 seconds, while top speed is capped at 230kph (electric top speed is capped at 140 kph).
As standard, the 3 Series variants all come equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
Standard equipment includes the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, powered by the latest version of the BMW Operating System 8. As part of BMW Live Cockpit Professional, the BMW Head-Up Display is also included.
Other standard digital features of the 3 Series are Comfort Access, Remote Software Update and BMW ID. The Connected Package Professional, which includes the digital services such as Remote Services, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will also be seen in the new 3 Series – an offering that is now standard equipment in all BMW models from 2023 onwards.
The Driving Assistant that comes standard with the new 3 Series includes features such as Lane Departure Warning with active steering interventions, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Speed Limit Info and manual Speed Limit Assist. On the other hand, the Parking Assistant features Park Assist, Active Park Distance Control (PDC), Lateral Parking Aid and Reversing Assist Camera. Also standard is the Reversing Assistant, which keeps a record of up to the last 50 metres driven forward and is able to drive back the exact same way in reverse if desired.
"The BMW 3 Series remains our best-selling model to date, with over 2,300 units delivered to customers in Malaysia just last year,” said BMW Group Malaysia managing director Hans de Visser.
