BMW to introduce base petrol variant of 3-Series

BMW will be launching the 320i base petrol variant of the 3-Series, which is expected to cost Rs 8.5 lakh lesser than top-of-the line 328i sport line model. According to Autocar India, this variant will be basically be cut down version of Sport line model and will cost around Rs 28 lakh to Rs 29 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai). 

Inside, BMW will replace 8.8-inch screen with a smaller one. The iDrive system will continue but with many of the features omitted including the reversing camera and a single CD player unit. The cost cutting measure might as well involve changes to the leather interiors.

On the outside, BMW sun roof will be missing, alloys wheels might reduce from 18 inches to 16 inches. The 320i will get a 1994cc, four cylinder engine which produces 181bhp. However, the eight-speed gearbox will be retained and be tuned to match the lower output of the engine. The car will compete with the base variant Mercedes Benz C200 and the Audi A4 1.8 TFSI.  No specific date has been given for the launch of the 320i.  

Source: Autocar India