Locally Assembled BMW 3 Series LCI Launched In Malaysia

BMW Malaysia has launched the BMW 3 Series LCI (Life Cycle Impulse), offering 3 locally assembled variants i.e. 320i M Sport, 330i M Sport and 330e M Sport. ‘LCI’ denotes a mid-life update / refresh.

As the names suggest, all 3 variants of the BMW G20 3 Series come with M Sport kit, with the M Aerodynamics package and M High-gloss Shadowline enhancing their looks. The exterior is complemented by 18″ M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 848 M Bicolour with staggered tyre sizes.

The latest facelift features the kidney grille with a modified outline for a more muscular look. Likewise, the LED headlights have been redesigned to further emphasise the width of the sedan, with daytime running lights now arranged in an inverted ‘L’ shape. Similarly, the front apron also gets a redesign while still retaining the signature lateral Air Curtains. The aprons flank the M Sport honeycombed central air intake.

At the rear, the updated 3 Series is defined by a pair of distinctive tailpipes which have been increased to 100 mm in diameter for a sportier look. This is accompanied by a contoured diffuser. The petrol variants are fitted with M Sport Suspension while the 330e hybrid has Adaptive M Suspension.

Inside the car, the digital BMW Curved Display is a notable update which gives it a new level of sophistication. A 12.3″ Information Display and a 14.9″ touchscreen Control Display is integrated into a slender, unframed form on the dashboard. Even though the BMW Curved Display is home to a myriad of functions, safety related and frequently used functions are still accessed by buttons, seamlessly integrated under the redesigned air vents in the centre stack.

On the centre console, the classic BMW gear selector has been replaced with a very minimalist designed form for a cleaner look; all variants come with steering wheel paddle shifters as standard. For a sportier seating experience, the tall centre console establishes clearly defined areas for the driver and front passenger.

The sporty feel extends with M elements throughout the interior including M Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite interior trim, M driver’s footrest and M pedals, and M entry sills with a stainless-steel look, hand-stitched M leather steering wheel in Walknappa leather, as well as sport seats for driver and front passenger, M Anthracite headliner, and an instrument cluster with M specific display. Even the vehicle key bears exclusive M designation. Upholstery is offered in the standard Vernasca leather Black, though the 330i M Sport and 330e M Sport will also be offered an additional Mocha variant.

“With three new updated variants of the latest BMW 3 Series for our Malaysian market, the Power of Choice remains at the hands of our esteemed customers, who will continue to enjoy unparalleled versatility and Sheer Driving Pleasure with the well-loved mid-sized executive sedan in the premium segment. The BMW 3 Series remains our best-selling model to date, with over 2,300 units delivered to customers in Malaysia just last year,” commented Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

“A consistent chart-topper for the BMW brand here, the promises that we deliver to our customers with each iteration of the sedan – sporty handling, distinctive design, outstanding efficiency and innovative equipment – will remain unchanged, even as innovation continues to drive our brand forward in pioneering the next generation of mobility,” he added.

The new BMW 3 Series continues the tradition of offering sporting excellence with its characteristic 50:50 front:rear weight distribution, wide track, high body rigidity, low centre of gravity ensuring superior driving dynamics.

The BMW 320i M Sport is fitted with an inline 4-cylinder engine which delivers 184 hp (135 kW) and 300 Nm of torque. Official 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time is 7.4 seconds with top speed capped at 235 km/h. On the other hand, the 330i M Sport has an inline 4 with a maximum output of 258 hp (190 kW) and 400 Nm; 0 – 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds with top speed capped at 250 km/h. Meanwhile, the 330e M Sport plug-in hybrid offers a maximum combined output of 292 hp (215 kW) and 420 Nm, with an electric motor that delivers 109 hp (80 kW) and 265 Nm of torque on its own. Its 0 – 100 km/h sprint is done in 5.8 seconds and top speed is limited to 230 km/h (electric top speed is capped at 140 km/h). All variants use an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

Standard kit for the 3 Series includes the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, powered by the latest version of BMW Operating System 8. A suite of features allow for multiple intuitive ways to interact with the vehicle and control its functions e.g. natural language via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, touchscreen operation using the Control Display, the BMW iDrive Controller and the touch-only direct access controls. The BMW Head-Up Display is also a standard feature along with Comfort Access, Remote Software Update and BMW ID.

The Connected Package Professional, which includes the digital services such as Remote Services, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also available and will also be standard equipment in all BMW models from 2023 onwards. With the My BMW app, drivers can also access a suite of support functions that make for a new mobility experience.

Furthermore, a comprehensive range of standard driver assistance systems ensure peace of mind. The standard Driving Assistant includes Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Speed Limit Info and manual Speed Limit Assist. Additionally, the Parking Assistant features Park Assist, Active Park Distance Control (PDC), Lateral Parking Aid and Reversing Assist Camera. Also standard is the Reversing Assistant, which keeps a record of up to the last 50 metres driven forward and is able to drive back the exact same way in reverse if desired.

The retail prices with BMW Service and Repair Inclusive as well as Sales and Service Tax (on the
road, without insurance) are:

• BMW 320i M Sport : RM283,800
• BMW 330i M Sport : RM317,800
• BMW 330e M Sport : RM298,800

Owners of the 3 Series will receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

• BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
• BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
• The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card
• BMW Service Online

Dynamic Financial Programme

With the BMW Easy Drive Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the BMW 320i M Sport, 330i M Sport and 330e M Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM3,115, RM3,481 and RM3,419 respectively (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure).