New BMW 320i, 330e and 340i now on sale

BMW Australia has announced pricing and specification details for the new BMW 320i, 330e and 340i sedans, which in September will join the new 320d and 330i models released in March.

The big news, which follows the reveal of the all-new 3 Series Touring wagon that will join the range here by year’s end, is a new entry price of $64,900 plus on-road costs, for the base 320i.

In the absence of a replacement for the previous-generation three-cylinder 318i, that still makes the admission price for the latest BMW 3 Series more expensive than almost all of its mid-size luxury sedan rivals.

These include the Alfa Romeo Giulia (from $60,900), Audi A4 ($56,100), Genesis G70 ($58,000), Infiniti Q50 ($54,900), Lexus IS ($59,340) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class ($63,700).

The only pricier competitors are the Jaguar XE (from $65,670) and upcoming Tesla Model 3 ($66,000).

The 2019 BMW 320i is powered by a 135kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, driving its rear wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

It’s claimed to hit 100km/h in 7.2 seconds – 0.1 seconds faster than its predecessor but 0.4sec slower than the 140kW/400Nm 320d diesel, which consumes 4.5L/100km. Australian fuel economy hasn’t been revealed for the 320i yet.

Like the 320d, standard 320i features include an M Sport Package comprising M leather steering wheel, electric sports seats, Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery, BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite, M Sport Suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Also included is Driving Assistant comprising Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, front and rear cross-traffic warning, rear collision prevention and Speed Limit Information, Lateral Parking Aid, Rear View Camera and front/rear parking sensors.

Also standard is Wireless Smart Phone Charging, Adaptive LED headlights with High Beam Assistant, LED foglights and Live Cockpit Professional including a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 10.25-inch BMW Operating system 7.0, Intelligent Personal Assistant, HiFi system and Connected Package Professional including 12-month Apple CarPlay subscription.

Meantime, slotting above the $70,900 330i is the new 330e plug-in hybrid priced at $75,900 plus ORCs.

The 3 Series PHEV combines a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four with an electric motor for a combined power output of 185kW (rising to 215kW on demand), with energy stored in a 10.3kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery that requires a preliminary charging time of 2.5 hours.

The 330e’s fourth-generation PHEV system features a new XtraBoost function that delivers the extra 30kW and a total combined torque figure of 420Nm. BMW claims that XtraBoost provides the additional performance for the 330e to hit 100km/h in a claimed 5.9sec – 0.1sec slower than the 330i. The latter consumes 6.4L/100km but the 330e will not only be significantly more efficient but able to travel up to 60km on pure electric power – 50 per cent further than before.

The 330e shares its standard equipment list with the 330i, which in addition to the 320d and 320i offers M Sport Brakes, Adaptive M Suspension, 19-inch M alloys, Comfort Access, Leather ‘Vernasca’ upholstery, Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Professional including surround view with top and side view.

Topping the new 3 Series range – until the new M3 arrives – is the BMW M340i xDrive priced at $99,900 plus ORCs.

Packing a 285kW/500Nm 3.0-litre inline turbo-petrol six, eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive, the M340i has 45kW more power and 50Nm more torque than the 340i it replaces enabling it to hit 100km.h in a claimed 4,4sec.

The M340i comes standard with Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport differential, M Sport brakes, 19-inch M alloys and the M Sport package, which is standard across the BMW 3 Series range (as an alternative to the Luxury Line no-cost option).

Apart from launch control shift paddles, a sports body kit and M-specific Vernasca leather trim, the M340i comes standard with a BMW Individual Anthracite roof liner, M leather steering wheel, interior trim strips in Aluminium Tetragon and exclusive ‘M340i’ lettering throughout the cabin.

Other standard M340i kits includes a Laser headlights, a powered boot lid, Sensatec instrument panel, ambient lighting, adjustable lumbar support, heated front seats and 16-speaker Harman/Kardon surround sound.

“Following the successful launch of the all new BMW 3 Series sedan, we are excited to bring three additional variants to the range, including a plug-in hybrid and the highly anticipated BMW M340i xDrive performance vehicle,” said BMW Group Australia CEO, Vikram Pawah.

“Whether the customer is focused on value, powertrain, or digital services, the breadth of the 3 Series range provides customer choice without compromise on the latest technologies and that characteristic BMW driving performance,” he said.

How much does the 2019 BMW 3 Series cost?
320i -- $64,900
320d -- $67,900
330i -- $70,900
330e -- $75,900
340i -- $99,900
* Prices exclude on-road costs