New BMW 3-Series (2012) revealed – Update: Prices & HUGE Photo Gallery

New BMW 3 Series (2012) gets revealed

If there is a car which defines BMW’s success more than any other, it’s the 3-Series. So the reveal of a brand spanking new BMW 3 Series for 2012 is a big deal.

The new 3-Series is a bit bigger and a bit lighter than the current car and is a new BMW from the ground up. But, thankfully, it’s remained firmly rear wheel drive.

The new (F30) BMW 3 will initially come as a 320d, a 320d EfficientDynamics, a 328i and a 335i. But this wouldn’t be a real BMW 3-Series without a gazillion model options, so we won’t have to too long for the 318d, 325d, 330d and 335d to join the show by the Spring

But the new 3-Series’ progress won’t end there. Later in 2012 we will also be getting the super-eco-frugal-green-tax-busting BMW 316d, which will get MINI’s 1.6 litre diesel lump and there’s also be a soft turbo 320i with 180bhp. But you’ll have to wait until the end of 2012 for these two.

And that’s not the end of the plethora of new 3-Series models on the way. We’ll also be getting an ActiveHybrid version with an electric motor and, it appears, 4WD options.

Trim levels will be mirroring the 1-Series by the look of things, which means there will new 3-Series Sport, Luxury and Modern to juggle with as well as ES, SE and MSport.

With all these options the new BMW 3 Series is getting a bit like the 911 – there’ll never be two the same, and the chances of coming out of a BMW showroom with what you intended to order is virtually nil.

Looks a fine car. More when we get it.

(81 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)

By Cars UK