3 Series six below $60K
BMW has lowered the price of the 323i to the level of four-cylinder prestige carsThe harmonious tones of a BMW six-cylinder sedan have just become (a bit) more affordable.
By trimming close to $5000 off the recommended retail price of its 2.5-litre six-cylinder 323i, the Bavarian company reckons it is laying down a challenge to other prestige-class sedans.
With a recommended retail starting price under $60,000 (it is tagged at $58,300), the 323i significantly undercuts Mercedes-Benz C 280 ($89,500) and Audi A4 3.2 FSI quattro ($90,900) six-cylinder models, and is in the same ballpark as the entry Lexus IS250 V6 ($56,490). The old 323i recommended retail was $63,200.
That is not to say the 140kW/230Nm 323i will run with a 170kW/300Nm 3.0-litre Benz C280 or 195kW/330Nm Audi A4 3.2 quattro. But it does line up a creamy smooth and melodic BMW with price-comparable four-cylinder prestige counterparts (except the V6-only IS250 Lexus).
BMW sees comparable cars being the likes of four-cylinder C 200K Mercedes ($57,900, 1.8 litres, 135kW) and Audi A4 2.0-litre TFSI ($59,600, 2.0 litres, 132kW), or the base Lexus IS250 V6 ($56,490, 2.5 litres, 153kW).
Available in six-speed manual or six-speed auto form for the same price, the 323i achieves respective fuel consumption figures of 8.4L/100km and 8.8L/100km. Respective CO2 emissions are 203g/km and 212g/km, and acceleration to 100km/h takes 7.8 seconds (manual) or 8.7 seconds (auto).
According to BMW, it is faster to 100km/h than any of its "key price competitors" although it doesn't mention the 153kW IS250 Lexus -- other than saying the 323i is more economical (Lexus quotes 9.8L/100km for the manual and, strangely, 9.1L/100klm for the auto).
The inline six-cylinder engine uses a magnesium-aluminium block and employs Valvetronic valve-lift control and double-Vanos variable valve timing. It also complies with tough new Euro 5 emissions standards yet to come to Australia.
The realigned 323i doesn't suffer any equipment trimming either. Standard gear includes new-look 16-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, cruise control with brake function, climate-control, part-power front seats, Bluetooth functionality and a bagful of passive and active safety equipment including stability control, six airbags, active front headrests and rear parking sensors.
BMW, hoping the new pricing will affect sales accordingly, says about 30 per cent of 3 Series buyers currently choose six-cylinder engines, with the remainder going to four-cylinder petrol and diesel models.
BMW Australia says the new pricing has actually been in place since July 1 this year, thus partly offsetting fears of disgruntled customers who have bought earlier. The adjustment is not expected to have any effect on resale values, says BMW, referring to the apparent lack of any downward trend following similar moves by another German importer.
BMW also offers 323i in Touring station wagon form for $62,500 -- previously it was priced at $67,400.
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