Vehicle Overview
BMW’s compact 3 Series is the luxury automaker’s bread-and-butter model. It’s available as a sedan, Gran Turismo hatchback or wagon. Numerous drivetrains are offered, including hybrid and diesel versions. The five-seat 3 Series comes with rear- or all-wheel drive and competes with the Audi A4, Cadillac ATS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The coupe and convertible that formerly were part of the 3 Series lineup are now designated the 4 Series under BMW’s current nomenclature.
(Skip to details on the: 3 Series Gran Turismo, ActiveHybrid 3)
New for 2015
M Sport brakes are no longer available on the 328d. The keyless entry feature that’s part of the available Premium Package on the wagon and Gran Turismo now includes hands-free liftgate closing.
The below is a list of highlighted features and not an exhaustive list. Features are standard unless otherwise noted.
Exterior Highlights
- Different grille, side mirror and tailpipe treatments distinguish the Sport, Luxury and M Sport “lines”
- 17-inch alloy wheels; available 18- or 19-inch wheels
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Available variable sport steering with speed-sensitive assist
- Available adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
- Available automatic high-beam headlights
- Available power moonroof
Interior Highlights
- Seats five
- Manually adjustable front seats; power front seats available
- Available leather upholstery
- Available heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel
- Available split-folding backseat
- Push-button start
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- CD stereo with HD Radio and USB port
- Bluetooth connectivity
- IDrive controller and 6.5-inch screen
- Available navigation system
- Available Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo
- Available sunshades for the rear windows
Under the Hood
- 180-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (320i)
- 180-hp, turbo-diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder (328d)
- 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (328i)
- 300-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder (335i)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Six-speed manual available at no cost
- Fuel-saving stop-start technology
Safety Features
- Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
- Side-impact airbags for the front seats
- Side curtain airbags
- Front knee airbags
- Available front and rear parking sensors
- Available backup camera
- Available lane departure warning
- Available blind spot warning system
- Available adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go technology
3 Series Gran Turismo
The 3 Series Gran Turismo is a four-door, coupelike hatchback version of BMW’s compact luxury car. Though styling cues are shared with the 3 Series Sport Wagon, the Gran Turismo is a larger car overall, measuring nearly 8 inches longer and more than 3 inches taller. The result is a roomier cabin, especially for backseat passengers who get 2.8 inches of extra legroom. The front and rear seats are also positioned higher for easier entry and exit.
What’s Special
- 240-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (328i)
- 300-hp, turbo 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder (335i)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
- Split-folding rear seat
- Cargo area has tie-down points, hooks and underfloor storage
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ActiveHybrid 3
The ActiveHybrid 3 is a 3 Series sedan with a gas/electric hybrid drivetrain. Subtle styling cues differentiate the ActiveHybrid 3 from the regular 3 Series. Among them are logos on the rear roof pillars, galvanized slats in the twin-kidney grille and matte chrome tailpipes.
What’s Special
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine, electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack
- Total system output is 335 hp
- Electric motor can provide a power boost when accelerating
- Can be driven up to 2.5 miles at speeds up to 47 mph on electric power alone if conditions allow
- Zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, according to BMW
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Fuel-saving stop-start technology
- Gas engine can shut down to save fuel when coasting at speeds up to 100 mph
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