With news of the final E90 3-series leaving the plant in Kulim, it was only a matter of time before BMW Group Malaysia would launch the latest F30 3-series here. Now in its sixth iteration, the 3-series is BMW’s most successful premium sedan, with over 12 million units sold worldwide since the car’s creation in 1975. Three variants of the F30 were unveiled at today’s launch – 320d, 328i and 335i. Two trim levels are offered: Luxury and Sport which feature specific exterior and interior design cues and a different list of standard equipment.
What are the differences between these two trim levels? With the Sports Line, owners can opt to have the kidney grille, air inlets, and tailpipe trim finished in a high-gloss black and will include sports seats, sports leather steering wheel and subtle contrasting trim details. The Luxury Line offers the same exterior effects as Sports Line, except this time in a high-gloss chrome finish. In the cabin, more chrome accents and wood trim is offered to provide a classy, luxurious look and feel. These options are not offered on the 320d.
Both the 328i and 320d are powered by four-cylinder engines and will feature BMW’s TwinPower technology. The 335i however, will maintain the tried and tested in-line six. Except this time around, the 335i also boasts TwinPower tech! The 320d has a 2.0L turbocharged mill that makes 184PS/380Nm and completes the zerotohundred sprint in 7.6 seconds. The petrol variants make 245PS/350Nm (2.0L twinscroll turbo, 328i) and 306PS/400Nm (3.0L twinscroll turbo, 335i) and complete the sprint in 6.1 seconds and 5.5 seconds respectively. These numbers are pretty serious, especially so in the case of the 328i (which replaces the 325i).
All three cars will feature an 8-speed auto-box. A new feature that debuts in the F30 is ECO PRO engine management mode. Activate this mode and power delivery, air-conditioning output, as well as other non-essential electronic comforts are reduced slightly to boost fuel economy. BMW’s studies show that with ECO PRO mode activated, fuel savings of up to 20% can be achieved. The resulting fuel savings are displayed as ‘bonus kilometers’ that are added to the car’s range. Makes you think if hybrids really are the way of the future.
Another standard feature on the 328i and 335i is BMW’s ConnectedDrive Apps. This is an interface system that integrates the car’s Video Playback, iPod Plug-in functions, and allows customers direct access to web radio, Facebook, and Twitter via the on-board Control Display. The 335i goes one step further with the full colour BMW Head-Up Display (HUD) system. We tried this out before in the BMW E70 X5, and found this feature a plus.
Prices are RM268,800 for the 320d, RM309,800 for the 328i and RM488,800 for the 335i. These are prices are OTR, without insurance, and includes BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS + RI). The CKD programme has yet to start in Kulim, and is expected to start in the next three to four months.
To view all the pictures from the launch, please click here.
