[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] BMW Korea announced on the 3rd that it has launched the facelifted new models of the compact executive 3 Series sedan and Touring (wagon).
The new car is considered a best-selling model with over 16 million units sold worldwide since its debut in 1975. This new model is a facelift of the 7th generation model released in 2019, updated after three years.
The exterior of the new 3 Series emphasizes a dynamic impression. The LED headlight design has changed, and the kidney grille features a double bar design inside the frame. The M Sport package includes a large air intake at the center lower part of the front bumper and vertical air curtains on both sides. Vertical reflectors are applied on both sides of the rear bumper, emphasizing the vehicle's width.
The interior has been updated with a curved display featuring a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display. The number of buttons on the center fascia has been reduced, integrating functions into the central screen. For the first time among sedans, a toggle-type gear selector has been introduced, and paddle shifters come standard on all models. Depending on the model, three interior trims are available: Vernasca or Sensatec leather upholstery, fine wood oak grain, aluminum Rhombicle, and carbon fiber.
The new 320i sedan and Touring are equipped with a BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing a maximum output of 184 horsepower and a maximum torque of 30.6 kg·m. The 320d and 320d xDrive sedans and Touring use a 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo diesel engine delivering 190 horsepower and 40.8 kg·m of torque.
The high-performance M Performance models, M340i sedan and M340i xDrive Touring, feature an M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine with a maximum output of 387 horsepower and maximum torque of 51 kg·m. They accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model 330e is equipped with an electric motor producing up to 109 horsepower and a high-voltage battery with a capacity of 12 kWh. It can travel up to 41 km on electric power alone. Combined with the TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder gasoline engine, it delivers a maximum output of 292 horsepower and maximum torque of 42.8 kg·m.
All models come standard with Driving Assistant Professional, which includes active cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision avoidance steering assist, as well as BMW Head-Up Display and 3-zone air conditioning.
The base model and M Sport package are initially released in two trims. Prices range from 55.3 million to 64.1 million KRW (including VAT, based on a 3.5% individual consumption tax rate, hereinafter the same). The 330e is priced at 68.5 million KRW, and the M340i sedan and Touring are priced at 81.2 million and 86.8 million KRW, respectively. A First Edition with individual colors and additional options has also been launched. The sedan First Edition includes the 320i, 320d, and 320d xDrive M Sport Pro First Edition priced between 65.2 million and 70.2 million KRW, the 330e M Sport Pro First Edition at 73 million KRW, and the M340i Pro First Edition at 87.4 million KRW. The 3 Series Touring First Edition includes the 320i and 320d M Sport Pro First Edition priced between 66.8 million and 69.2 million KRW, and the M340i xDrive Pro First Edition at 90.6 million KRW.
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