Sixth generation 3 Series arrives

The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series goes on sale in Ireland this coming weekend at a starting price of €35,600 on the road, writes Brian Byrne.

The car is available in saloon form at the moment, with a range of petrol and diesel engines in power outputs between 116-306hp. The 0-100km/h capabilities range from 5.5sec through to 11.2sec.

All diesels are A rated for Irish tax calculation, while the petrol units are rated C to E.

There are six grade levels, bringing the pre-options price up to €61,110. The 320d Efficient Dynamics version offers the equivalent of almost 69mpg, and sells from €40,200.

Among the highlight options are a Head-Up Display, Adaptive M-Sport suspension and Variable Sport Steering.

Speaking at the Irish press launch last night, MD of BMW Ireland John Ives noted that the brand was number one in the premium sector sales in January. He said that the Efficient Dynamics technologies in BMW models are really making them a 'sensible and rational' decision for buyers.

"That's the thing about the customers of today—if they are going out to spend their money, they want to spend it on something that makes sense. I'm really confident that the new 3 Series will take that a stage further."

The 3 Series was first launched in 1975. Since then some 12 million units have been sold.