(continued from above)
The black inserts in the front apron make the air intakes appear larger and
lend extra emphasis to the muscular wheel arches. Bi-color, double-spoke design
18-inch light-alloy wheels provide the athletic looks to match. Meanwhile,
high-gloss black painted exterior mirrors and the standard high-gloss black
B-pillar and window trim add an extra sporting flavor to the flanks. A black
trim strip on the lower crease underlines the width-enhancing effect of the rear
styling, while the black chrome exhaust tips rounds off the exterior's sporty
appearance. The sporty and exclusive ambience of the interior is expressed by
contrasting black and red accents. Red trim rings, red scales in the circular
dials, red stitching on the sports steering wheel and a base trim strip in
high-gloss black with coral red accent strips all underline the sporting
ambience of the cockpit. The standard sports seats can be specified in a choice
of two upholstery styles and three colors. The ignition key for Sport Line
versions of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan is identified by its black finish and red
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 335i Sedan Sport Line: Review (2/2)
