After the successful launch of the 328i and 335i, local buyers now have an entry-level 320i to consider; BMW's unique Performance Academy also shed a different light on this 'hot cake' model
Photos: Low Fai Ming
Performance Motors Limited recently hosted the BMW Performance Academy at the Changi Exhibition Centre to provide its customers with insights on safety driving techniques and, concurrently, offering them the opportunity to test drive the new BMW 3 Series Sedan.
However, the highlight of the entire event is the latest 3 Series variant now available locally: the 320i.
A fleet of eight cars, comprising of the BMW 320i (and 328i), were at participant’s perusal. Pirelli Singapore was the official tyre partner for this event and the entire fleet was fitted with the Pirelli Cinturato P7 high performance green tyres.
In keeping with the dynamic overall theme of the new BMW sports sedan, this new-generation turbocharged engine offers plenty of power and performance, responsive acceleration, powerful torque, a high rpm ceiling and low weight. For this best-selling BMW model series, the new-generation 2.0-litre petrol engine is available in two output rating.
The new four-cylinder units, which provide noticeably livelier power for maximum driving enjoyment, also come with lower fuel consumption and emissions than their predecessors.
The new BMW 320i Luxury is powered by BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Coupled with the new four-cylinder engine, this has enabled the BMW 320i with an all-round improvement against its predecessor. It now develops a maximum of 184 hp at 5,000 rpm (+8%) and peak torque of 270 Nm at just 1,250 — 4,500 rpm (+22%). With an 8-speed sport automatic transmission, it can further sprint from naught to 100km/h in just 7.6 seconds - which is 2.2 seconds faster than before.
The new BMW 320i Luxury is also highly efficient and friendly to the environment with a fuel consumption rating of just 6.0 litres/100km (+8%) and CO2 emissions of 139 g/km (+7%), thanks to Efficient Dynamics.
Led by instructors from the BMW Driving Experience team, these exercises - in each two-hour session - included the emergency lane change (to manage or avoid unexpected obstacles on the road), the emergency braking (to understand the full potential of the innovative brake system), the slalom maneuver (to experience chassis balance, active safety systems such as Dynamic Stability Control and ride quality of the BMW 3 Series), and the figure-8 turn (to further refine drivers’ proper and efficient steering techniques).
The event was fully subscribed and a total of 320 participants got the chance to experience the 328i and new 320i in an entirely different light.
“The four-day programme has been designed with a two-pronged objective. Not only are we poised to impart an invaluable set of safe driving techniques to our customers; simultaneously, the programme will be a unique experience to demonstrate the dynamic qualities of the new BMW 3 Series through active customer participation in a safe and controlled environment,” said Mr Say Kwee Neng, Managing Director of Performance Motors Limited.
The BMW 320i Luxury is now available for booking, with a price tag of $218,800, with COE. Look out for our extensive review soon.