BMW launched the sixth generation of its 3 Series Sedan in 2012, and this year it launched its new 2013-MY BMW 320i Sedan for the U.S. market.

The automaker is pricing the new model at a starting MSRP of $33,445 (including the $895 destination and handling charge).

BMW offers a range of option packages, including Cold Weather, Premium, Driver Assistance and Lighting, plus a number of standalone options, for this model. The automaker said the new model will go on sale in spring, 2013.

Performance

The new BMW 320i comes equipped with a TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine. This engine is rated at 180 hp at 5,000 rpm and 200 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,250 rpm and 4,500 rpm. BMW estimates that fuel economy for the 320i with the six-speed manual transmission will be 22 city, 34 highway.

The company is expecting 23 city, 33 highway for the 320i when it's equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission. Lastly, the automaker expects the 320i xDrive model to achieve 22 city, 33 highway.

The BMW 320i features a number of technologies designed to improve fuel economy, such as auto start-stop and regenerative braking. The vehicle also features selectable driving modes, including Comfort, Sport and Eco Pro, in which Eco Pro helps a drive maximize fuel economy through their driving style.

Beyond the powertrain, BMW is offering the previously mentioned xDrive model, which features BMW’s all-wheel drive system.

Exterior

On the outside, BMW offers the same color palette available on the 328i Sedan save for Estoril Blue Metallic. BMW said 17-inch BMW light alloy wheels are standard on the 320i and 320i xDrive. The company is offering two different styles of 18-inch light alloy wheels with the available Sport Package.

The vehicle has a wheelbase of 110.6 inches for a stance that hugs the road, according to BMW. Other exterior features aerodynamic improvements at the rear axle, optional xenon adaptive headlights, and an optional moonroof (both part of the Premium package).

Interior

Inside, the 320i Sedan offers buyers standard Leatherette or available Dakota Leather upholstery in Venetian Beige or black.

The vehicle also features optional heated front and rear seats and heated steering wheel (both part of the Cold Weather package), a split-folding rear seat (a standalone Convenience option), and BMW’s Navigation system (another standalone option).

Connectivity features include a standard iDrive system with 6.5-inch full color flat-screen display controller and eight programmable memory buttons.

The automaker offers a number of optional connectivity features, including BMW’s Assist telematics service (which uses BMW’s Automatic Collision Notification system to notify emergency responders of the crash, including vehicle position and type) with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and a USB connection, all part of a single standalone option, and BMW Apps (which allows select iPhone apps to be controlled via the vehicle’s display), also as a standalone option.

Safety

The BMW 320i features new lightweight floating caliper vented disc brakes.

The braking system is supported by BMW’s dynamic stability control system, which incorporates a number of safety features. Those features include anti-lock braking, automatic stability control, dynamic traction control, dynamic brake control and cornering brake control, plus brake drying and an electronic limited slip function for the rear differential (which the driver can activate using a “DSC Off” button).

The automaker also offers a rear-view camera with park distance control as a single option on the 320i.

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