The latest import data suggests that BMW has imported petrol powered units of the 3 Series and 5 Series sedan in India and the Bavaria based giant has officially launched the petrol variants of the 3 Series with prices starting at 36.9 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). BMW did surprise us by launching the 2016 3-Series facelift in the country earlier this year, but it had also discontinued the petrol variants of the model since last year. However, the company now wants to rebuild its petrol range of models, keeping up with the market demand. The 320i Prestige variant starts at 36.9 lakh, while prices for the Luxury line start at 42.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder twin-power petrol engine, the BMW 3 Series belts out 184 bhp of power and 270 Nm of torque available between 1350-4600rpm. The sedan accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds to a top speed of 235 km/h. The engine is mated with an 8-speed automatic gearbox available on both the variants. That said, the Luxury line also gets paddle shifters on the steering wheel for a sportier driving experience.
The interior layout is very similar to what we have seen in the BMW 3 Series before the facelift was launched in January, but still gets some additional materials, chrome highlights, high gloss surfaces & ambient lights. The new 3 Series also gets an updated heads up display (HUD) unit with 3D graphics, while an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with navigation is available on both variants. BMW is bringing the 3-Series petrol trims to India via the CBU route, unlike its diesel derivatives, which are assembled at the automaker’s Chennai based facility.
With the Indian market right now being a bit more inclined towards petrol cars, BMW is making sure to not waste any time with its petrol powered models. This is also a win-win for petrolheads as the driver-centric 3 Series has always been a gem with its 50:50 weight distribution, lightweight construction, and performance capabilities that make it a fun sedan to live with on a day-to-day basis. We expect an announcement for the 5-Series petrol versions as well very soon.
BMW India launches petrol powered 320i sedan at Rs 36.9 lakh
