The BMW 3 Series has been the world’s benchmark for sporty luxury for many years now. Automotive journalists around the world have sung its praises and lauded its driving characteristics, while other automakers have struggled to build a car that competes. Needless to say, many people like the 3 Series.
BMW understands that and is now making the 3 Series a little more accessible for consumers. For 2013, BMW is bringing the 320i to the U.S. with a starting price $3,405 less than the current 328i. For $33,445, the 320i comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four making 180 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 comes in 7.1 seconds on its way to an electronically-limited 130 mph top speed.
Although those output numbers are down from the 328i’s 240 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque, the 320i is expected to achieves the same 23 mpg city, 34 mpg highway as its big brother when equipped with BMW’s 8-speed automatic transmission.
And speaking of equipment, the 320i can be optioned up with most features available in the 3 Series lineup. Among the choices – the 6-speed manual, all-wheel-drive, 17- and 18-inch wheels, BMW Assist telematics, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, rear-view camera, xenon headlights, moonroof, and navigation.
