BMW News

BMW North America has raised the starting price on its redesigned 2012 3 Series sedan by an average $1,200. The sixth-generation four-door goes on sale in February in the U.S.

The 2012 BMW 328i sedan will start at $36,650, up $1,175 from last year's model. The 2012 BMW 335i sedan will start at $44,150, up $1,225 from the 2011 sticker. Prices include an $875 shipping charge.

The sixth-generation BMW 3 Series sedan is longer, wider and roomier than its predecessor, and features all-new sheet metal, a revamped cockpit, a new turbocharged four-cylinder variant and a new eight-speed automatic transmission option.

The 328i and 335i will be offered in three trim levels: Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line. BMW also will offer an M Sport package some time after launch.

They will be followed in summer by the 335i xDrive and 328i xDrive and next fall by the all-new ActiveHybrid 3.— Paul Duchene