Top Gear online takes their first drive of the F30 3 series, and like the other reviews they are impressed. So much so that they proclaim that “It’s the best car in its class. Still.”
For weeks we’ve been hearing that the F33 4 Series convertible (or 3-series convertible, as BMW has not yet officially confirmed a badge change) had recently begun public testing. And now we can now share with you the spy photos from its first ever sighting!
As clearly seen, the F33 4 series will retain its folding hardtop. The car is still heavily masked and it appears that it may feature a bit of a false trunk or heavy camouflage on the trunk lid, making it look more extended or larger than the actual design underneath. This is the reason for the odd-looking gap and space in the transition area to the rear lights.
Aside from the roofline, the trunk, and the roof-to-trunk transition, the F33 appears to share … CONTINUED
The lovely M Sport Package for the all-new F30 3 series sedan made another appearance at the International Media Launch of the 2012 3 series sedan in Barcelona, from where we’ve just returned.
The M Sport Package will be available worldwide as of July 2012 production. This is the soonest that an M Sport package has been made available after a new BMW model launch. As BMW board member Harald Krüger explained to us, the advanced release date is to convince existing E90 M Sport customers to make a switch to the F30 M Sport model - customers who may otherwise not upgrade to the new 3 series or potentially buy a competitor’s model.
The exterior color Estoril Blue II as seen on this F30 335i M Sport … CONTINUED
We’re at the LA Auto Show, where BMWNA has announced the U.S. base price for the 2012 328i and 335i sedans, as follows:
2012 328i - $35,775
2012 335i - $43,275
Compare this to the outgoing 2011 E90 sedan:
2011 328i - $34,600
2011 335i - $42,050
The base price increase over the 2011 models are just $1,175 and $1,225, which are very reasonable considering the increased standard equipment and features that the F30 3 series receive. And while option/package pricing has not yet been released, you can see the list of what will be available in the F30 Ordering Guide we recently posted.
The BMW F30 3 series will make its world official debut at the Detroit auto show (NAIAS) in January 2012.
What Car? give the new 2012 BMW 3 series a full five stars, saying that it shows just how dominant the current 3 Series is that the only car the new model has to beat is its predecessor – and that it does. In short, if you’re in the market for a compact executive, this is the one to go for. It’s a “Perfect Replacement” for the E90 as they call it.
Autoexpress rates the new 3 a full five stars. In sum, they feel that the F30 improves upon the E90 in virtually every area. “The best just got better,” as they said.
Autocar took a two day spin in BMW Sport Line F30 320d and 328i models during BMW’s press test drive days and came away calling the F30 still just a good-looking saloon that drives rather beautifully at heart. Why? Read on…
Automobile Magazine was also among the first group of the automotive press to drive the F30 3 series. Their verdict? They were relieved to experience that the overall character of the 3-series has been maintained in this latest form. Read on…
Motor Trend reviews the 2012 328i sedan and asks the question: Do this bigger BMW’s new turbo-four and electric steering compute?
Read on inside.
