Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines, recently unveiled two of its most iconic cars on the lineup—the all-new 3 series sedan and Z4 roadster. “We have here two of the most iconic cars of the BMW lineup. This is not just a launch of new car but also an appreciation to everyone in media, our business partners from BMW Asia, our dealers. As the first half of the year passed by so quickly, we look forward to the exciting second half of the year. Again, from the bottom of my heart, we thank you all,” SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp. President Spencer Yu said.
Redefined sports sedan
First to be unveiled was the all-new BMW 3 series (330i M Sport variant). Epitomizing the series sedan’s core and as the heartbeat of the BMW brand for selling over 15 million units worldwide, the brand-new look simply exudes the kind of design dynamism you’d look for in a BMW sedan. Its exterior modern design cues highlight a clear and precise drawn lines with strikingly contoured surfaces as an expression of sporting prowess. Of course, notable is the enlarged kidney grille along with the extended keen-looking full-LED headlamps. These are complimented with that familiar two-way split emphasized by a notch in the front apron. Moreover, both the LED front fog lights and the Air Curtains are integrated into the outer air intakes.
The flanks, meantime, is shaped by a pair of character lines and a dynamic side skirt contour. That trailing edge of the side window graphic with its Hofmeister kink design cue is now integrated into the C-pillar, while the rear received pair of slim, stylishly darkened LED tail lights for that wide and muscular stance. Overall, the frame is 76 mm longer, 16 mm wider and just a notch taller compared to its predecessor. Additionally, wheelbase is extended by 41 mm with increased track widths.
Inside, you’ll find elements of classy and sporty combined with clearer arrangement of surfaces emphasizing cabin space and a driver-centric cockpit. Of course, there’s the standard BMW Live Cockpit Plus, which consist of both the 5.7-inch display instrument cluster and 8.8-inch main Control Display. For intuitive operation, the driver can choose from the Control Display’s touch control, iDrive Controller, steering wheel buttons and voice control. There are more premium elements that come with the M Sport package for that aimed individualization. Premium seats are draped in Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery.
Motivation comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine equipped with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology: TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control, and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing. Rated output is 258 hp from 5,000 to 6,500 rpm and 400 N-m of maximum torque from 1,550 to 4,400 rpm. Zero to 100 km/h can be achieved at 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h. The M Sport suspension with lift-related dampers have continuously variable control and reduced the height by 10 mm.
Some of the noteworthy safety features are the M Sport brakes with four-piston fixed calipers at the front, Park Distance Control with rear view camera (with Parking Assistant), which takes over steering, acceleration, braking and gear changes with the Steptronic transmission. Another is the Reversing Assistant. The all-new BMW 3 Series (330i M Sport variant) is priced at P4.590 million.
Reloaded roadster
Unveiled next was the all-new BMW Z4 (M40i variant). This showstopper boasts an emotion-packed body design, a fully electric soft-top roof, compact proportions and a squarely driver-focused interior. The new look is highlighted by distinctive lines and a clean-cut surface design. That powerfully sculpted front apron with large air intakes compliments the low-slung and broad BMW kidney grille and dual full-LED headlights positioned at the outer edges. Moreover, that new-look mesh-design BMW kidney grille combines a track-inspired honeycomb pattern with a three-dimensional structure. That elongated bonnet with arrow-shaped contour lines directed at the kidney grille, meantime, straddles the wheel arches in the “clamshell” style characteristic of classical sports cars.
There’s also another character line emerging from the large Air Breathers behind the front wheel arches. At the back, there’s an integrated spoiler along with slender taillights complementing the rear apron, side surrounds and the exhaust tailpipes. The all-new BMW Z4’s low-slung, sporty, compact appearance is 85 mm longer, 74 mm wider and 13 mm taller compared to its predecessor. While the wheelbase was shortened by 26 mm, tracks are made wider (+ 98 mm from the front and + 57 mm from the rear).
Inside is a driver-focused cockpit design with lines surging forward with dynamic élan and use of restricted trim finishers along with some electroplated detailing. The design of the door panels echoes the wing-shaped contour. Seats upholstered in Vernasca leather are standard. Differentiating the two variants’ center console are the high-gloss black (BMW Z4 sDrive20i) and Aluminium Tetragon (BMW Z4 M40i). The BMW Head-Up Display is exclusive to the top spec variant but the two-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, and Harman Kardon surround-sound system all came standard, among others.
There are two powertrain options for this new generation roadster. The top spec M40i is fitted with a 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine featuring M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. This high-performance mill generates 340 hp between 5,000 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 500 N-m of maximum torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. This enables the car to sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. The sDrive20i, on the other hand, is motivated by a 2.0-liter four banger with updated BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology. Maximum output is at 197 hp between 4,500 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 320 N-m of maximum torque 1,450 rpm to 4,200 rpm. Zero to 100 kph is achieved in 6.6 seconds. Both motors are mated to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
Safety-wise, standard features are Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and Start-Off Assistant.
The M40i variant is equipped with adaptive M Sport suspension, brakes and differential. Moreover, COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes with the Driving Experience Control functions are available along with the Adaptive M Sport suspension. The sDrive20i variant is valued at P3.990 million, while the top end M40i is priced at P5.790 million.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino