PARIS — BMW says the redesigned 3 series will "move the game" in terms of driving dynamics.
The automaker unveiled the seventh generation of the sedan last week at the auto show here. The company says the 3 series' signature characteristics such as design, agile handling, fuel efficiency and advanced equipment have been raised to a higher level through "tireless engineering and testing."
"We will prove the new 3 series remains the sportiest sedan in its segment," BMW development chief Klaus Fröhlich said at the car's unveiling at the show. "The new generation is better in every way than before. It represents the BMW brand like no other car. It's the heart and soul of BMW," he said.
The 3 series will go on sale in Europe and the U.S. in March. BMW engineers reworked the sedan's body structure and chassis technology to improve driving dynamics, handling, steering and braking.
"The foundations for these attributes are provided by weight optimization, a low center of gravity, a perfect 50:50 front-rear weight distribution and, above all, by the increase in the front and rear track compared with the predecessor model," BMW said in a statement.
The 3 series' overall body rigidity has been increased by 25 percent, rising to as much as a 50 percent improvement in certain areas, BMW said.
The car is the first BMW nameplate to get a new shock absorber technology. The lift-related dampers that are part of the standard chassis improve sportiness and comfort to a level unmatched by rivals, BMW said.
