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BMW adds new entry-level 320i model, priced from $33,445*

Fans of the new BMW 3 Series here in the US have likely been waiting for one of two models to arrive: the new M3 or the diesel-powered 335d. Well... keep waiting just a little bit longer. Here at the Detroit Auto Show, BMW is showing off the new entry-level 320i that will join the 3 Series lineup this spring, and rather than bringing added performance or efficiency, this car is boasting affordability above all. The 320i has been on sale in other markets since the current-generation 3 Series was introduced, but it goes on sale in the US with a starting price of $33,445 (*)including $895 for destination, which is $3,405 less than the current starting price of BMW's well-liked sedan.
In other countries, the 320i uses either a 1.5- or a 2.0-liter inline-four (both turbocharged), and the US version of the car will be getting the latter engine producing 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. For comparison, the current 328i, which uses this same engine, produces 240 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. As expected, performance of the 320i will suffer with BMW estimating a 0-60 mile-per-hour time of 7.1 seconds, but it still has the same 130 mph top speed as the 328i. Oddly enough, despite the lower output, BMW's expected fuel economy for the 320i equipped with rear-wheel-drive and the eight-speed automatic transmission actually matches that of the current 328i with 23 miles per gallon city and 33 mpg highway, and those numbers are actually lower than the 328i with the manual gearbox.
It sounds like most of the usual 3 Series options will be available on the budget-minded 320i, including the choice of xDrive all-wheel drive, BMW Assist and numerous packages including a Sport pack and Premium pack. For a lot more information on the 320i, most of it general information on the F30 3 Series, scroll down for BMW's press release.

The Bilenkin Vintage is a retro-Russian coachbuilt BMW

If you want to add some retro Russian style to your E92 BMW 3 Series, the coachbuilt Vintage by Bilenkin Classic Cars is probably your best (and only) option. The coupe's shape takes inspiration from vehicles of the Communist era, but this bespoke machine's design gets even crazier on the inside. The company's website shows that Bilenkin already has experience restoring classic cars, but this design. That experience is on display here. The stylists do a masterful job of hiding the BMW donor at the front, and the two big headlights and low-mounted, chrome bumper seem to take inspiration from old Volgas. In a fantastic touch, lengths of chrome also run through the door handles down the side to accentuate the rear. The back might be the styling's best angle because of the way the fins step down over two tiers to create the taillights. While the exterior focuses on mixing vintage looks with modern underpinnings, the interior cossets the occupants in opulent trim that features gold and diamonds. Bilenkin upholsters one example in its photos (above right) with paisley fabric, teal trim, and a frosted gearshift. The company also has one with a more traditional look that combines brown leather, wood, and crimson carpets. The Vintage recently debuted at the 2015 Dubai International Motor Show, but Bilenkin doesn't go into much detail about the vehicle's mechanical specs. According to the company's site, "it is intended to embody elegance and style along with the principle 'Sheer Driving Pleasure.'" The retro design certainly achieves the first part of that goal, while the BMW bones probably deliver the latter as well.

BMW is 'watching the pickup space closely'

Automotive April Fools' Day jokes rarely become real product, but then again, they're generally flights of fancy. The E92 M3-based BMW pickup truck from 2011 is a notable exception – M built it for hauling parts. Now, BMW might seriously be looking into a vehicle with a bed. Speaking to Australia's Motoring, Australian Marketing Manager Marc Werner dropped a few hints that the German brand is at least studying the feasibility of a truck or ute. "Never say never," Werner told Motoring. "We're watching the space closely." According to Motoring, Werner's statements are a big deal because they're in stark contrast to what BMW Asia, Pacific, and South Africa boss Hendrik von Kuenheim said a year ago – that BMW is "definitely not" building a truck. The Aussies seem to think this means, along with arch-nemesis Mercedes-Benz's new midsize pickup, BMW's position on its first-ever truck might be softening. Since the Australians (probably) started bouncing with glee over the idea of a roundel-adorned pickup, Werner was quick to temper expectations. He told Motoring that a pickup is far easier for Munich's rivals. "It's easier for Mercedes because they have commercial vehicles and trucks and vans. We do not. And perhaps it's easier for Audi. Just take the Amarok, why not?" Werner said. "Yes it's harder for us but we'll be watching how Benz goes." While we wouldn't count on Munich building a truck/ute in the near future, Motoring does make a good point – in 2016, a BMW pickup sounds as crazy as a front-drive Bimmer did in 2006. In other news, the new China-only 1 Series debuted yesterday. It's BMW's second front-driver after the 2 Series Active Tourer.