After 40 years the BMW 3-series is again on wheels
In 1975, BMW introduced the 3 series, a sporty sedan with breathtaking aesthetics and an enthralling four-cylinder petrol engine that became synonymous with the brand's performance image.
Today, the new BMW 3 Series effortlessly surpasses the benchmarks set by its predecessors thanks to that same uncompromising spirit. Its flowing lines, sporty DNA and wealth of cutting-edge technology deliver more thrills than ever and set the stage for another 40 years of driving exhilaration.
In many ways, the 3 series is BMW, the brand with the enviable mystique built on German engineering and uncompromised performance.
But the competition is coming on strong; some experts say the Mercedes-Benz C class and Cadillac ATS are already on par with the 3 series when it comes to technology and performance. The next-generation Audi A4 due next year could be another tough rival.
The question is whether BMW can maintain the 3 series' performance aura in a market demanding more luxury, connectivity, semi autonomous driving technology and increased fuel economy.
BMW can't afford not to maintain it on market .
The 3 series accounts for about 25 percent of BMW sales worldwide, the automaker says. In the United States, 501,569 luxury compact cars were sold last year, and the 3 series (and its spinoff 4 series) accounted for nearly 28 percent of those sales - a percentage BMW has maintained seven out of the last 10 years.
