BMW announces 3 Series coupe pricing

BMW has announced pricing for its new 3 Series coupe range, which arrives in dealers nationally from October in 325i and 335i guise.

The twin-turbo 335i will be the range topper, with pricing starting at $108,500 for the six-speed manual while the six-speed manual 325i will cost $81,500.

In the 335i, the twin-turbo 3.0-litre six delivers 225kW at 5800rpm and 400Nm between 1300rpm and 5000rpm, giving the car a zero to 100km/h sprint time of 5.5 seconds, almost as fast as the E46 M3 coupe.

The all-aluminium uses direct petrol injection while the low-inertia twin-turbos each feed three-cylinders. The turbos are designed to spool up much faster than conventional units, eliminating turbo-lag.

BMW claims a stringent weight-reduction program and high-tech engine management, ensures low fuel consumption while the car’s 50/50 weight distribution has been maintained.

The engine is 70kg lighter than a comparably powerful 4.0-litre V8.

Standard equipment for the 2.5-litre 325i includes bi-Xenon headlights, LED tail-lights, 17-inch light alloys, Dakota leather, business navigation system with colour monitor, six-stacker CD player, rear parking sensors, sport seats with electric adjustment and two memory settings for the driver, automatic climate control, interior lights package, cruise control with brake function and Bluetooth mobile phone preparation.

Also standard is dynamic traction control, dynamic stability control, cornering brake control, dynamic brake control, and dual front airbags, dual side airbags and curtain airbags.

The 2.5-litre magnesium aluminium straight-six engine develops 160kW at 6500rpm and 250Nm between 2750rpm and 4000rpm. The 325i accelerates to 100 km/h in a claimed 6.9 seconds for the manual.

The 335i will be available in both six-speed manual and six-speed Steptronic automatic.

It is the most powerful regular production 3 Series ever – excluding the M3. The auto is $2600 and on the 335i comes with steering-wheel mounted shift paddles for and extra $200.

The 335i has similar features to the 325i but adds larger front and rear brakes, sports suspension, 18-inch light alloys, front and rear parking sensors, front seat lumbar adjustment, professional navigation with 8.8-inch colour screen and TV and voice recognition, premium CD stereo, high beam assist with adaptive headlights.

In December the 323i will join the line-up.

It will be equipped with the same free-revving magnesium aluminium 2.5-litre engine as fitted to the 323i sedan and Touring in a slightly sportier state of tune.

The coupe shares no body panels with the 3 Series sedan, and BMW expects the new coupe to follow in the tracks of the successful E46 model which sold more than 460,000 over its seven-year model life.

According to BMW Australia’s general manager marketing, Tom Noble, the coupe is one of the most sought-after cars in the luxury market and the new model "is already creating a torrent of inquiry".

BMW 3 SERIES COUPE PRICING:
Model	Price	Showroom
323i	$69,900	December
323i (a)	$72,500	December
325i	$81,500	October
325i (a)	$84,100	October
335i	$108,500	October
335i (a)	$111,100	October