NEW FOR 2016:
-340i replaces 335i
-ActiveHybrid3 discontinued
-Standard xDrive all-wheel drive in 320i and 328i models.
The 2016 BMW 3 Series is all about more and less, more or less: a new top-end 340i model (replacing last year's 335i) brings more power to the table, while there's one less 3 Series variant as BMW has dropped the ActiveHybrid3 from the range (it will eventually be replaced by a plug-in hybrid called the 330e). Also, the entry-level 320i and 328i now get the xDrive AWD system as standard.
With all those changes, here's what this year's 3 Series lineup looks like: sedan models include 320i xDrive, 328i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, and the diesel-powered 328d xDrive. Touring (station wagon) models once again number just two: there's a 328i xDrive, and a 328d xDrive.
In a sign of the times, 320i xDrive and 328i xDrive sedan trims now come exclusively with BMW's eight-speed automatic transmission, and the diesel sedan and all wagon models are carried over that way from 2015. That leaves the 340i, 340i xDrive, and M3 as the only 3 Series variants you can get with a stickshift.
340i models get a 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder engine that, on paper, looks a lot like that in the outgoing 335i but is all-new, according its maker. That newness adds 20 hp and 30 lb-ft of torque, for totals of 320 and 330, respectively.
The rest of the engines remain the same: 320i and 328i trims share a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder that makes 184 hp/200 lb-ft in the former, and 241 hp/255 lb-ft in the latter, and the 328d sedan and wagon get a 2.0L turbodiesel tuned for 184 hp and 280 lb-ft. And the M3 uses a 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder generating 425 hp and 406 lb-ft.
Standard features in the 320i include dynamic cruise control, engine auto start/stop with deactivation button, brake energy regeneration, electric power steering, adaptive LED brakelights, automatic halogen headlights, fog lights, tire pressure warning, rain-sensing wipers, body-coloured bumpers and door handles, side mirrors with integrated turn signal repeaters, multi-function leather-trimmed steering wheel, tilt-and-telescopic steering column, electric windows with auto up/down, eight-way power adjustable and heated front seats in leatherette, six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, USB audio integration, and pre-wiring for satellite radio.
The 328i adds speed-sensitive power steering, welcome lighting and front and rear reading lights, Xenon headlights with LED corona rings, auto-dimming rearview mirror, sunroof, Dakota leather seats, upgraded instrument cluster, and a nine-speaker stereo.
328i and 328d Touring models are equipped similarly to their sedan counterparts.
340i models get an antracite roofliner, 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat, and an upgraded instrument cluster.
In the M3, the list of standard kit expands to include M front sport seats upholstered in cloth and leather, 16-speaker stereo, in-dash DVD drive, instrument cluster with high-resolution extended vehicle information display, and 20 GB hard disc media storage.
