BMW will launch the new 3 Series sedan - the sixth generation of its most important high-volume model - early in February next year.
"We are confident that the new BMW 3 Series will build on the tremendous success of its predecessors," said chairman of the board of management of BMW AG, Norbert Reithofer, at the world premiere in Munich.
More than 12-million models from this series have been sold since the first generation was launched in 1975.
"That makes the BMW 3 Series the world's most successful premium vehicle," Reithofer added.
"The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series is the sportiest car in its segment and offers sheer driving pleasure at the highest level," Reithofer said.
The 328i and 335i models with petrol engine and the 320d and 320d EfficientDynamics diesel variants will be offered at market launch. European prices for these models will range between à35350 euros (R390358) for the 320d and à43600 euros (R481461) for the 335i.
The new 3 Series sedan offers a choice of four strong, refined, fuel-efficient engines that operate with the new BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Additional variants will join the model line-up in the second quarter of 2012.
A full-hybrid version of the new BMW 3 Series will also be available in the third quarter of 2012.
BMW's South African plant, in Pretoria, will be one of three global manufacturing hubs for the new 3 Series.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
