Meet the all-new BMW 3-series. It’s the sixth-generation of the biggest-selling Beemer, and it's described as ‘a car of contradictions’. It’s bigger than the car it replace yet lighter, more powerful yet more fuel efficient and more agile yet safer. BMW’s words, of course, but there’s a host of numbers and acronyms to back them up.
 
There’s an abundance of BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology, ensuring that by March 2012, you’ll have a choice of eight Threes that emit less than 120g/km of CO2. This is achieved via the obligatory start/stop and brake energy regeneration systems, as well as electromechanical power steering, which BMW promises will remain as accurate and precise as its ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ ethos dictates. There’s also a new eight-speed gearbox that’s a transmission choice on all engines and reduces emissions compared to the standard six-speed manual.
 
All 3-series will also get Drive Performance Control, which allows the driver to vary between eco, comfort and sport settings for the car’s various key controls. ‘Eco pro’ mode makes the throttle less responsive while cars in Sport model trim get an extra ‘Sport+’ mode that will sharpen up the car further.
 
Despite the large nod to CO2 emissions and the car’s increased size (it's 93mm longer yet its wheelbase increases by only 50mm), the new 3-series is said to be more agile and boast more responsive engines. Its traditional rear-wheel-drive layout and near 50:50 front/rear weight distribution remain.
 
All engines will be turbocharged (including the new M3, which is expected to get a twin-turbo six-cylinder) and there’ll be four units from launch. Petrol choices will be a 241bhp/258lb ft 2.0-litre 328i and 302bhp/295lb ft 3.0-litre 335i. Initial diesel options will be between a 181bhp/280lb ft 2.0-litre 320d and its more frugal 161bhp/280lb ft 320d EfficientDynamics variant, which will boast 69mpg fuel economy and 109g/km CO2 emissions. Many more engine choices will follow, an ultra-thrifty 115bhp 116d diesel and 181bhp 320i petrol among them.
 
A hybrid version will arrive in late 2012, combining the 335i’s 302bhp six-cylinder petrol engine with a 40kW electric motor, while BMW will offer xDrive all-wheel drive to UK 3-series buyers for the first time.
 
Sales of the mk6 BMW 3-series saloon begin in February 2012, with prices kicking off at £24,880. Coupe, convertible and Touring estate versions are likely to follow in the months afterwards with 2013 probably the earliest we can expect to see the fifth-generation M3.