• E 90 range launches from $49,900
• New, more powerful six-cylinder engines
• Six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes standard
• More safety, more innovation, more features more comfort

BMW Group Australia confirmed it will launch the new 3 Series Sedan in June 2005, priced from $49,900 for the 320i six-speed manual sedan, following the debut of the new model at the Melbourne International Motor Show today.

The range at launch will comprise the 2.0-litre 320i manual and six-speed automatic ($52,500), powered by a 110kW VALVETRONIC-equipped, four-cylinder engine, and an up-spec 320i Executive priced at $54,600, well below the luxury tax threshold.

Two six-cylinder variants, both using the all-new magnesium-alloy N52 engine, also featuring VALVETRONIC, in 2.5 and 3.0-litre guises will be available. The 3.0-litre version arrives in June, with the 2.5i available from August.

The 325i comes with a six-speed manual at $71,900 and six-speed automatic transmission at $74,900, and the 330i sedan comes only in six-speed automatic guise at $96,500.

In addition to VALVETRONIC, both four and six-cylinder engines feature Double-VANOS variable valve timing.

VALVETRONIC infinitely controls the opening times and lift of the inlet valves as a function of accelerator pedal position.

Double-VANOS provides variable camshaft adjustment for the inlet and exhaust valves.

The 2.0-litre 320i engine produces 110 kW of power at 6,200 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm.

The 2.5-litre straight six produces 160 kW at 6,500 rpm, and 250 Nm of torque between 2,750 rpm and 4,250 rpm. The 330i 3.0-litre engine delivers 190 kW at 6,600 rpm and 300 Nm of torque between 2,500 rpm and 4,000rpm.

For the 320i, this equates to a useful 5 kW more power compared with the outgoing 318i and for the 325i the increase is 19 kW and 5 Nm of torque, with a more torque available at lower revs.

In the range topping 330i, an additional 20 kW of power is backed by a broader spread of torque.

The 320i accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.0 seconds (9.7 seconds automatic), and uses 7.4 litres per 100 km (7.9 auto). The 320i weighs in at 1320 kg (1350 auto). It accelerates faster than its nearest rivals and uses less fuel, and boasts the best luggage capacity.

The 325i accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.0 seconds (7.7 seconds automatic), and uses 8.4 litres per 100 km (9.0 auto). The 325i weighs in at 1415 kg (1445 auto). The 325i is substantially more powerful than its rivals, faster off the mark, lighter and more frugal.

The 330i accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds (automatic transmission only), and uses 9.0 litres per 100 km. The 330i weighs in at 1465 kg. Compared with its rivals the 330i is significantly faster accelerating to 100 km/h, about 90kg lighter than one rival, and substantially lighter on fuel.

The new E90 generation 3 Series sedan introduces technology and driver features never before offered in this class of car by BMW. These include unique features not available on competitor vehicles such as Comfort Access (keyless unlocking and starting), Active Steering and Active Cruise Control. The Start/Stop push button found on the 7 Series and 1 Series is now employed on all 3 Series Sedans.

Comfort features previously available in larger BMW vehicles also appear in the 3 Series sedan for the first time, including studio-quality LOGIC7 HiFi and DVD-based satellite navigation.

Also available as an option is the multi-functional iDrive system that masterminds secondary functions, leaving more space on the dash for primary controls required in everyday driving. Voice recognition control for iDrive is also available.

When iDrive is specified, a different dashtop configuration is adopted incorporating a double wave design that houses a colour monitor high on the dash presenting information close to the driver’s line of sight.

Standard safety features include a full complement of intelligent airbags and the latest generation of DSC Dynamic Stability Control. On six-cylinder models DSC is enhanced with unique functions such as dry-braking of the brake discs on wet roads, Brake Standby with the brakes being alerted by pre-aligning the brake linings, a Start-Off Assistant that stops the car rolling back on hills, as well as anti-dive control when applying the brakes slowly.

The 3 Series Sedan comes with a range of new colours including Arctic, Monaco Blue, and Sparkling Graphite. Titanium Silver and Black Sapphire are also available. Three non-metallic colours are the ever-popular Black, Electric Red and White.

Interior trim reflects the high standard of finish for which the BMW 3 Series is synonymous. A cloth/leather combination is standard on 320i, while the 320i Executive and above feature Dakota Leather upholstery, all cars matched with Titanium matt finishes for the door and dash trims.

On 320i Executive and 325i and 330i Brushed Aluminium, fine wood in Burled Walnut or Poplar are no cost options.

The new E90 3 Series Sedan comes with a substantial level of specification, advancements in technology, some of which have never been offered in this segment before and some of which are unique to BMW. Improvements in performance and efficiency compared with its predecessor will ensure the new range retains its position at the head of its eponymous class.

"The new 3 Series Sedan proves BMW has not rested on its laurels,” said John Kananghinis, General Manager, Marketing and Communications, BMW Group Australia.

E90 3 Series Sedan launch pricing 2005

• 320i 6M $49,900
• 320i 6A $52,500
• 320i Executive 6M $54,600
• 320i Executive 6A $57,200
• 325i 6M $71,900
• 325i 6A $74,500
• 330i 6A $96,500