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BMW offers 'super cheap' 3 Series

BMW is taking the fight to its luxury rivals by offering a new, cut price, entry-level 3 Series sedan.

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BMW is taking the fight to its luxury rivals by offering a new, cut price, entry-level 3 Series sedan.

The thrifty new model, known as the BMW 316i, will hit Australian shores in June and cost $50,900 – significantly cheaper than Audi’s A4 ($55,500) and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class ($59,900).

But don’t think the drop in price means a drop in performance or equipment – BMW insists the 316i won’t simply be a de-specced 3 Series.

The 316i will use the 1.6-litre TwinPower turbo petrol engine currently found in the popular 116i and 118i hatchbacks.

It’s the most popular engine in the 1 Series range, producing 100kW and 220Nm – enough to propel the car from 0-100km/h in 9.2 seconds.

BMW also claims it will be the most fuel efficient in its class, citing a combined EU test cycle of 5.9L/100km.

The 316i will use 16-inch alloys, and come with automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone and music streaming, 6.5-inch display, rear parking sensors and multi-function leather steering wheel as standard.

But the 316i isn’t the only news to come out of BMW. The company is reportedly considering introducing its AWD XDrive package on sportier models in Australia.

BMW told wheels “An M135i, with even faster acceleration times, could be interesting as an xDrive model".

We couldn't agree more.

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