BMW Means Business

BMW means business with its new 3-series — the premium executive compact saloon that outsells many middle-market family runarounds.

And where you stand in the 3-series pecking order may well depend on the snob appeal of your key fob. Each trim level will have a different one — fobulous.

After a 36-year history, BMW has taken the wraps off the sixth generation of its best-seller. More than 42,000 3-series were sold in Britain last year, of which 24,000 were saloons.

The new range promises to be bigger, better and lighter. It goes on sale in February from £24,880 for the diesel 316d ES to £35,525 for the 3-litre 335i Luxury.

One of the biggest sellers is expected to be the 320d Efficient Dynamics, which does a money-saving 68.9mpg with CO2 emissions of just 109g/km.

Four fuel-efficient, but turbocharged, petrol and diesel engines will be offered at launch, with others to follow within a month.

A ‘drive performance control’ switch offers four modes — from economic to sport-plus.

As well as its ‘Efficient Dynamics’ technologies that promise fuel efficiency, environmental savings and better performance, the new range will also feature auto stop-start systems as standard.

Other innovations include brake energy regeneration, tyres with less rolling resistance and the reduction of the car’s weight by up to 120 lb.