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2014 BMW 320i

When BMW switched its entry level 3 Series, the 328i, from a naturally aspirated, 3.0-liter six-cylinder to a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, we weren't entirely sure what to think. Sure, from a pure numbers perspective, the new 2.0-liter cooked the old 3.0's goose, delivering more torque at far more accessible engine speeds while boosting horsepower and fuel economy.
While we miss that revvy six-pot, the numbers for the 2.0 were just way too good to pass up. Then we received news of an even less-powerful 2.0-liter 3 Series - the 320i. This was interesting, as it saw BMW delving into a power level previously owned solely by the anemic Lexus IS 250 and its six-cylinder engine.
Could BMW make a sub-200-horsepower sedan that still drove the way we expected a 3 Series to drive? To find out, we borrowed the new 320i for a week of testing.

BMW working on 2 Series Active Hybrid Tourer

The cover may have officially been pulled off the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer at the Geneva Motor Show, but BMW has apparently continued working on other variants behind closed doors. While at first glance this prototype looks like any other Active Tourer, the "Hybrid Test Vehicle" stickers on the passenger door and rear bumper give it away as something a little different.
Details about the hybrid Active Tourer are somewhat sketchy at the moment, but BMW indicated its likely direction for the electrified hatchback in the earlier Concept Active Tourer. It used a hybridized 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor with a total system output of 190 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. The company claimed that it had a roughly 19-mile electric range and could hit 62 miles per hour in under 8 seconds. However, the Bavarian automaker hasn't said yet whether this powertrain would be used in the production version.
The internal combustion 2 Series Active Tourer is rumored to come to the US in 2015. Given the nearly complete look of the test car, the hybrid might not be too far behind.

BMW 2 Series Coupe priced from $33,025* ahead of Detroit debut

BMW is definitely going to have its hands full at next month's Detroit Auto Show. The big news might be the debut of the M3 and M4, which were previewed in our Deep Dive, but joining those performance cars under the bright lights will be the all-new 2015 BMW 2 Series Coupe.
While we already know most of the details about the 2 Series and its available M Performance parts, BMW has now announced that the Coupe will go on sale in the first quarter of next year with a starting price of $33,025 (*plus $925 for destination) for the base 228i. This price is about $1,500 more than the current 1 Series Coupe, which starts at $31,500, while the M235i's starting price of $44,025 is almost $500 more than the existing 135is Coupe. There is still no indication as to when we'll see 2 Series Convertible unveiled.
In addition to new M cars and the 2 Series, BMW's display will also reveal another new color-theme package for the Z4. Last year we saw the Hyper Orange package, and this year will give us the Ivory White Burnt Sienna Z4 available in an exclusive Sparkling Brown Metallic exterior paint color. Scroll down for the full press release of production vehicles BMW has planned to showcase at Detroit's Cobo Hall next month.