New Cars for 2012: BMW Full Lineup Info - Car News

The base Z4, now called sDrive28i née 30i, will be the first U.S.-market BMW to use the new 240-hp, 2.0-liter N20 turbocharged inline-four It can be paired with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic.

3-series sedan: The new-generation 3er goes on sale in February. BMW hasn’t released full details yet, but we do know a bit about what will motivate the new car: a choice of two turbocharged engines—the carry-over inline-six N55 and the Z4’s N20. Two transmissions will be available: a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic. Naturally, the 3 will retain its rear-wheel-drive layout, with all-wheel drive as an option. The other 3-series variants coupe and convertible will remain on the outgoing platform until late 2012.

5-series: Also dropping its creamy, non-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, the 528i gets the same turbo four found in the Z4. All-wheel drive is new to this base 5. The 528i and 535i will feature a stop-start system.

5-series: Also dropping its creamy, non-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, the 528i gets the same turbo four found in the Z4. All-wheel drive is new to this base 5. The 528i and 535i will feature a stop-start system.