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The seventh generation of the BMW 3 Series in 330i M Sport guise is now available at RM328,800
The world’s best-selling premium sports saloon, the BMW 3 Series has been launched in Malaysia. One variant is offered, the 330i with M Sport styling package.
Over the last six generations, the 3 Series has grown in size and in the latest iteration, the length has increased to 4709mm (plus 76mm), the width 1827mm (16mm wider) and 6mm taller at 1435mm. The wheelbase is now longer by 41mm at 2851mm.
The signature kidney grille is now notably larger and wider, extending to the bi-LED twin headlights. Slim, three-dimensional smoked glass taillights have been fitted in an L shape.
The silhouette with its long wheelbase, short overhang, almost coupe-like roofline and Hofmeister kink in the C-pillar is familiar but sleeker. The aerodynamic spoiler lip affixed to the rear along with two distinct 90-millimetre tailpipes gives the new 3 a sporting edge.
Under the bonnet, a more powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine has been introduced to the 3 Series range, with an output of 258bhp and peak torque of 400Nm. The eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission has been updated and fuel consumption is now claimed to have improved to 15.6km/L with reduced carbon emissions. With a particulate filter included in the exhaust treatment system, this new 3 meets the Euro 6d-TEMP exhaust standard for a driving performance like no other without the carbon footprint while producing a zero to a hundred time of 5.8 seconds.
The lowered emissions despite the increased engine output can also attributed the new lightweight steel, aluminium and carbonfibre chassis on which the 3 is now sits which also sees enhanced driving dynamics, agile handling characteristics, high-precision steering and superior braking performance. The lighter, more rigid vehicle’s total weight has been reduced by 25 kilograms (kerb weight of 1545kg), which can be accredited to its intelligent lightweight construction. With a drag coefficient of 0.23, the vehicle boasts best-in-class aerodynamics. The rigidity levels of the body structure and suspension attachment have been greatly enhanced as well, with a 50:50 axle load distribution and a low centre of gravity.
The new M Sport suspension feature BMW’s first-ever lift-related dampers that continuously function in relation to the changing spring travel, neutralising the vibrations that occur when compensating for going over bumps and making dynamic cornering. The expanded track widths improve the vehicle’s agility and steering precision while the striking blue-painted callipers that display the M logo fitted on to the M Sport brakes lends to its signature design. The M Sport package also include the 18-inch M Light Alloy wheels Double Spoke Style 790 M bi-colour Orbit Grey with mixed tyres.
In the cabin is Vermasca leather upholstery, an M Sport multifunction leather steering wheel with shift paddles, and the latest generation of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional which combines the customisable and situation-linked displays on a fully-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch Control Display. It can be operated via the Control Display’s touch control, the iDrive Controller, the steering wheel buttons or voice control.
Also in the new 3 Series is BMW Connected Package Professional subscription which comes with BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and the BMW Digital Key.
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant enables drivers to operate certain functions like navigation and changing air-conditioning settings by speaking. The system is initiated by calling out a pre-set, personalised hail for example, “Hey, BMW!”. It can explain vehicle functions, provide status updates on things like the oil level and help detect warnings. Over time, the intelligent system will also pick up on the driver’s habits and preferences and adjust the vehicle to suit the driver. Seamless updates performed via Remote Software Upgrade will continuously add new capabilities to the car.
With the BMW Digital Key, the 3 Series can now be conveniently locked and unlocked with the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which is available on a selection of Samsung Android smartphones when placed at the door handles. The engine of the car can then be started by placing the smartphone in the designated charging tray.
The All-New BMW 3 Series now arrives with a Parking Assistant, a system that can easily manoeuvre out of tight parking spots. When activated, the Park Assist can park the vehicle in spaces parallel or perpendicular to the road. The new Reversing Assist provides help getting out of narrow spaces by remembering the last 50 metres of the drive to the parking space. It will use that knowledge to assist the driver in exiting the spot by taking over the wheel.
All these features are made available thanks to the new BMW Operating System 7.0. From optimising the control and display system with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional to running a customisable smart system like the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, this Operating System makes what BMW calls “the most advanced sport sedan ever created”.
The all-new BMW 330i is offered in five colours: Portimao Blue, Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Mineral Grey and Sunset Orange, paired with premium Black or Cognac Leather Vernasca upholstery and interior trim finished in Aluminium Tetragon.
The retail price (on the road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Programme and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme) is RM 328,800.00. Financing services are available with the 330i starting from just RM3758 a month based on an 80% loan over five years.
The all-new BMW 3 Series comes with the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
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BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
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BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Programme for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services
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BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
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The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card
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BMW Service Online
More information about financing programmes from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia can be found at www.bmw.com.my.