Munich - The new BMW 3 Series with several design, technical and interior modifications goes on sale in Europe in September, the car maker announced recently.

The front of the saloon and touring models are characterised by an emphasis on width. The typical kidney grille is wider and the double circular headlights are underscored by chrome tubes. Taut surfaces and character lines dominate the side view. The contour edges of the side skirts have been set higher.

New features in the powertrain field include optimised, electronically controlled all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. It variably distributes the drive force between front and rear wheels to enhance driving dynamics as well as ride stability and traction and can now be combined with five engine types. The new BMW 320d xDrive is available as a saloon and touring model.

The BMW 318d with an average fuel consumption of 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres - is now available with a 6-speed automatic transmission also. The diesel and petrol engines are in the range of 105 kW/143 hp to 225 kW/306 hp. The only new engine is the six cylinder diesel 330d which BMW claims has 6 per cent more performance and 7 per cent improved fuel consumption than the predecessor model at 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

Carbon dioxide emission is 152 g/km.

Parallel to the market launch of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon and the new BMW 3 Series Touring, a new seven-speed sports automatic transmission with double clutch will be presented for the Coupé and the Convertible in the series. This allows further improved acceleration figures in the BMW 335i Coupé and BMW 335i Convertible models, according to the car maker.

In Germany the basic model starts at a price of 28,000 euros (41,000 dollars). The 320d Xdrive saloon sells for 36,000 euros (53,000 dollars) and the touring for 37,650 euros (55,400 dollars). (dpa)