2012 BMW 328i Sedan Luxury Line

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As with the Sport Line, the B-pillar and window guide come in high-gloss black, and the window frame and weather strip are in chrome. Special 18-inch light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design accentuate the stylishness of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan when viewed side-on. From the rear, the new Luxury Line is easily identified by its exquisite, high-gloss chrome trim strip - which extends across the full width of the rear apron - and its chrome exhaust tips. Chrome elements also catch the eye inside the Luxury Line variant. This is the only line which gives the radio and air conditioning units a chrome surround. High-gloss wood trim (with stylish inlays also available) and seats with distinctive stitching and leather upholstery in three classically elegant colors highlight an inviting, exclusive ambience. The ignition key for Luxury Line versions of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan can be identified by its black finish and chrome detailing.

Exterior Design

All in all, the innovative body structure and intelligent lightweight design concept of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan ensure that it is now larger and safer, but - depending on the engine specified - also lighter. The dynamic proportions and athletic overall impression of the new 3 Series bring the sporting character of this hugely successful model into even sharper focus.

The wedge shape of the new 3 Series' silhouette and its wider track underline the sporting appearance of the new BMW. By clearly accentuating the width of the car, the multi-faceted surfaces of the expressive front fascia give the BMW 3 Series a more athletic face than ever. A wide, squat interpretation of the upright, slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille emphasizes the assured presence of the new BMW 3 Series. LED accent lights positioned like eyebrows above the striking twin headlights with corona rings (if xenon headlights are specified) lend an extra intensity to the classic BMW focused look. Clearly defined headlight surrounds now extend up to the frame of the kidney grille, merging the headlights and grille of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan into a single stylistic unit and adding further emphasis to the car's broad-set stance. The BMW 3 Series replaces the central air intake of its predecessor with two larger intakes, which are positioned underneath the headlights to the outer edges of the front fascia and add extra depth to the car's sporty styling. On the far left and right of the main ducts are small vertical intakes which help create the "Air Curtain". This new technology improves air flow around the front wheels, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and reducing fuel consumption at higher speeds.

Powerfully taut surfaces with sweeping lines dominate the side view of the BMW 3 Series Sedan, stretching the car visually and lending extra verve to its dynamic stance. The flanks of the car are shaped by an eye-catching double character line running alongside each other. The striking interpretation of the hallmark BMW Hofmeister kink at the base of the C-pillar injects the silhouette of the new 3 Series with even greater élan. Alongside it runs a fine contour line from the roof pillars into the rear deck lid, giving the roof an even lower appearance from the side.

The strong horizontal lines of the rear - including rear lights in customary BMW L-shaped design positioned at the outer edges of the rear - accentuate the broad face of the wheels and wide track of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. The low-set reflectors guide the vertical lines flowing out of the greenhouse over the rear lights to the wheels, lending visual emphasis to the car's consummate road presence.

The all-new BMW 3 Series Sedan arrives in US showrooms in February 2012 as a 2012 model.

BMW 328i Sedan Luxury Line: Review (2/2)