BMW has introduced at the 2013 North American International Auto Show a more affordable version of its 3-Series. It’s been quite some time since the 320i has been offered state side but now the model is back and is a less powerful and affordable alternative to the 328i which has 240 hp. Both cars share the same 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine but in the 320i it only outputs 180 hp at 5,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 200 lb-ft available between 1,250 rpm and 4,500 rpm. It allows the car to have a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 7.1 seconds, on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h).
When equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, the U.S.-spec BMW 320i can return 22 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while with the 8-speed automatic gearbox it returns 23 mpg city / 33 mpg highway. BMW has announced the availability of an all-wheel drive system offered exclusively with an automatic transmission. This will be sold with the 320i xDrive moniker and should return 22 mpg city / 33 mpg highway.
The RWD version is expected to reach dealerships this spring and will have a starting price of $33,445 which makes it $4,300 cheaper than the 328i. The xDrive variant begins at $35,445.
Source: BMW
