The German marque
took the covers off new 3-Series at the Paris Auto Show and revealed that
European markets would get the option of a stick shift with some of the
vehicle’s four-cylinder engines.
In the United
States, according to Autoblog, the new 3-Series will initially be sold
in 330i and 330i xDrive guise (rear and all-wheel drive respectively). The
330i is powered by a TwinPower Turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers a
total of 255 hp and 400 Nm of torque and is paired exclusively to
an eight-speed automatic transmission in all markets.
In 2019, the sporty
M340i and M340i xDrive M Performance models are tipped to launch in the U.S.
These two models will utilize a straight-six engine pumping out 382 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Unfortunately, the M340i won’t be offered with a
manual gearbox either.
As details about
the latest-generation M3 remain murky, it’s hard to say whether or not it will
be sold with a manual. Unlike Mercedes-AMG with the C63, BMW’s M Division has
so far been able to retain a manual gearbox for its most-popular sports sedan
despite dwindling demand. However, the fact that most customers prefer the
dual-clutch transmission has led to speculation that the new M3 will be sold
exclusively with an auto ‘box.
Even though purists
might lament the demise of the manual, BMW claims that the eight-speed
automatic in the new 3-Series provides improved acceleration and performance
over a stick shift.
