2010 BMW 3 Series revealed

The new BMW 3 Series range will continue to consist of four versions – a two-door coupe, two-door convertible, four-door saloon and a touring estate with a hatchback-style boot and more space.

Engines

All variants will get an upgraded BMW Efficient Dynamics engine, with more power and better efficiency.

These range from the entry level 115bhp BMW 316d to the high-performance BMW 335i which pumps out 306bhp.

Buyers will be able to choose from the following number of engines:

• BMW 3 Series coupe – five petrol and four diesel engines
• BMW 3 Series convertible – five petrol and three diesel engines
• BMW 3 Series saloon and touring – five petrol and six diesel engines

2010 BMW 3 Series gallery:

Looks

The 2010 BMW 3 Series has been given noticeable tweaks to its front and rear, inspired by the new BMW Z4. It also gets an extended side streak, adding to a sportier feel.
Adaptive headlights have been given a ‘bending light function’ to aid cornering vision, different contours and optional LED light rings.

The coupe’s passenger seats have been pushed further back, extending the side view. BMW promises a host of new exterior colours and a modified range of leather interiors.

Features

A range of features has been added to the BMW Connected Drive system, which already includes full use of the Internet and an emergency call function.

New additions include:

• Enhanced voice entry hands-free kit
• Downloadable software for mobile phones and audio players
• Updated BMW Routes for the car’s sat-nav
• Read-aloud text messaging system
• A calendar which synchronises between BMW iDrive and a mobile phone
• Contact numbers displayed on the dashboard screen
• Remote control Bluetooth and audio functions

The new saloon and tourer models will get brake energy regeneration and minimum rolling resistance tyres, while the coupe and convertible will receive a leather steering wheel with multifunction controls as standard.

Manual gearbox four-cylinder models will come with Auto Start Stop and a gearshift point indicator as standard, with a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox available as an option.

A range of optional extras are available, including 19-inch alloy wheels and a ‘Professional’ sat-nav unit.

New special editions

BMW will be launching four special editions, including its most efficient 320d Efficient Dynamics model.

This has an average fuel economy of 68.9mpg, power output of 163bhp and emits just 109g/km of CO2, placing it into tax band B from April 2010. For more information read our 2010 car tax guide.

The 320d Efficient Dynamics’ new 2-litre diesel engine will send the 3 Series from 0-62mph in around eight seconds and on to a top speed of 141mph.

Other special editions include:

• Sport edition – M Sports suspension, 18-inch dark chrome alloy wheels, M Aerodynamics package, black chrome exhaust, sports seats, leather steering wheel and sports gearstick

• Lifestyle edition – platinum bronze exterior, 17-inch alloy wheels, special cloth interior, high-gloss platinum bronze interior trim

• Exclusive edition – 17-inch alloy wheels, silver and chrome styling, Dakota leather seats, leather sports steering wheel, special interior trim

The new BMW 3 Series is due to go on sale in the UK from March, with prices starting from £27,280 for the 320d and rising to £56,740 for the M Sport convertible.

There are currently more than 10,000 used BMW 3 Series' available for sale on Auto Trader.

How will the new 3 Series compare to the previous model? View New Car Net video footage of the current 3 Series: