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BMW 3-series prices announced

BMW has announced prices for the eagerly awaited new 3-series. Details of four engine variants have been released so far.

Entry-level 3-series ownership comes in the form of the 320i at £21,090 on-the-road. The diesel equivalent is the 320d; the engines fitted to the 320s are four-cylinder units. Topping the range will be the 330i, fitted with the excellent new straight-six engine we drove recently in the 630i. The 330i will be joined by a 325i in March 2005.

Detailed specifications have not yet been published though we have been told that all 3-series will have an on-board computer, front armrest (why even mention this?), electric windows front and rear and a CD player. The ES models command a premium of only £470 on the basic model, but include 16-inch alloys, fog lamps and body-coloured door handles. The next step up the ladder is the SE, which comes equipped with climate control, a steering wheel fitted with stereo and computer controls, rear parking sensors and cruise control. The SE is £1,030 more expensive than the ES, and is the only trim available with the six-cylinder engines at launch. The pricing is as follows:

- BMW 320i: £21,090
- BMW 320iES: £21,560
- BMW 320iSE: £22,590
- BMW 320d: £22,890
- BMW 320dES: £23,360
- BMW 320dSE: £24,390
- BMW 325iSE: £25,155
- BMW 330iSE: £28,455

We expect the 330i to be a cracking driver's car, and allied to the superb new lightweight straight-six makes a promising sports saloon. No doubt that Sport models will be introduced later in 2005 in the same way BMW has done with the 5-series range. Enthusiasts around the world are salivating at the prospects for the next M3. We reviewed the current BMW M3 this year and loved it. The replacement will have to be special. Having seen the M5 and the stunning new M6, we can't wait to see what a (potentially V8-engined) new M3 will be like to drive.

Speaking of which, The Car Enthusiast will be driving the new 3-series in March so watch out for the full test drive in the main Road Tests page.