Auto Design

This is what BMW designers say about their ultimate 3 Series, on the eve of its launch.

The design of the new BMW 3 Series looks more dynamic than ever before – muscular all round and with athletically taut surfaces. The modifications to the front, side and rear are like a single brushstroke. Its distinctive, arrow-like character lines running together on the engine compartment lid and the strikingly modelled front apron give the BMW 3 Series an exciting sense of power and an especially strong 3-dimensional effect.

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The new width orientation is reflected in the outer air inlets which trace an upward sweep towards the outside, visually highlighting the wide track. The more powerfully three-dimensionally modelled, dynamic upward sweep running from below and above the central air inlet into the sides contributes to the enhanced three-dimensional effect of the BMW 3 Series. The central inlet has been further enlarged.

The widened track of the new BMW 3 Series especially contributes to its powerful appearance. Depending on the model, the track of the rear axle has been widened by up to 24 millimetres by means of a new wheel carrier and other modified details.

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Two additional character lines on the engine compartment lid point like arrows, surrounding the BMW emblem and reinforcing the muscular effect of the convex-concave surfaces. Compared to the predecessor model, the double kidney is now deeper: it appears as a self-contained element with the upper chrome bands giving way to a complete chrome surround which turns fascinatingly within itself. The dual section kidney grille has also been given new contour edges.

The side direction indicators show a new graphic, chrome-coloured rib structure. Their oblique orientation further enhances the impression of width. The characteristic brand look of the dual circular headlights now also comes into its own in the BMW 3 Series Saloon and the Touring due to the use of the corona rings as daytime running lights – in conjunction with bi-xenon headlamps. With halogen headlamps the corona rings act as parking lights.

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In the BMW 3 Series the longitudinally emphasised design of the sides is dominated by powerfully spread areas and three character lines. These have the effect of visually stretching the vehicle. The first character line runs back from the front wheels via the side skirt to the rear, where it tapers off just before the rear wheel arches in the surrounding spaces. It is now more strikingly modelled and placed at a higher level. Both in the rear and the front apron the side skirt line has been extended, giving the vehicle a more elongated look.

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The second character line is the bead typical of every BMW which runs from the upper area of the front wheel arches in a very three-dimensional interpretation almost as far back as the rear lights.

The third character line runs as a fine, fascinatingly precise shoulder line almost as far as the rear. The innovative side mirrors are new, with their two distinctive character lines in which the dynamic interplay of the convex and concave surfaces once again appears.

 New interpretation of the L-shaped rear light clusters.

The dual section rear light clusters in both the Saloon and the Touring model are entirely new but display the characteristic BMW L shape: they are now more horizontal in orientation. With the exception of a small rectangular area reserved for the reverse lights they are monochrome and appear as a single entity.

As with the front headlamps they are horizontally subdivided. The rows of tail lights and the direction indicators, both with LED technology, create an attractive three-dimensional effect.

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The rear lights form a harmonious whole with the new lines at the rear which highlight the width of the vehicle and its solid stance.

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At the side skirts there are two lines tracing a double band which stretch to the sides of the vehicle. This not only emphasises the effect of width but also harmoniously connects the rear to the sides, making the BMW 3 Series tighter, lighter and sportier from the rear perspective.

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Interior: refinement in materials, surfaces and colours.

The modern interior of the BMW 3 Series has been enhanced with specific modifications to material selection and surface design. Crucial operating elements such as the iDrive Controller, air conditioning and audio controls have been further refined in their visual and interface properties.

Fresh, modern colours round off the high-quality ambience.

All in all, the modern design concept is echoed in the interior with its generous impression, convex-concave surfaces, sporty elegance and, technology oriented, aesthetics. Similarly, the leitmotif of the twisting band dominates the interior, here creating a sense of lightness and spirited dynamism.

Elegant points of brilliance.

Discreet refinements are to seen in a number of control elements well as in the cockpit instruments of the new BMW 3 Series. The premium character of the series is underscored in certain details by means of materials and harmonious design. Matted chrome shimmers on the start/stop button, the rotary knobs for the air conditioning and the light control panel.

 

The BMW lettering on the newly designed entry sills is in chrome gloss with high-quality steel inserts. The needles of the tachometer and speedometer convey maximum precision with their elegant, filigree design, projecting slightly beyond the centre.

The ergonomically optimised iDrive Controller matches the chrome details with a matted precious metal surface. The control unit is now smaller and is supplemented with a number of function buttons. These are grouped around the iDrive Controller, affording swift and direct access to the most important menu items of the iDrive system.

In addition to this, the central console offers a larger storage compartment.

Alongside an AUX-IN socket and a power socket there is a special recess in which a customary MP3 player can be conveniently stored without slipping.

Contemporary range of individualisation options.

The driver can express his individual personality in many ways when selecting an interior. In terms of individual upholstery design there are a total of eleven colours available for the seat covers in Dakota leather including the three new colours Oyster, Saddle Brown and Red Brown. The new range includes gloss-finish décor strips in Diamond Black and Space Grey as well as the finishes fine-grain brushed aluminium and walnut with horizontal grain.

Twelve paint finishes are available for the exterior. In addition there are nine optionally available light alloy rims, six of which have a new sporty spoke design.

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