2012 BMW 3-Series Sedan Modern Line

2012 BMW 3-Series Sedan Modern Line

The 2012 BMW 3-Series was just revealed this morning, and in addition to ditching the naturally-aspirated six-cylinder and the 330i model, it gains a new three-line trim spectrum, with Sport Line, Modern Line, and Luxury Line the primary options. An M Sport package is also available.

So what's the difference between the new "lines"? These galleries will illustrate the slight appearance tweaks and describe the equipment differences.

First up, Sport Line. High-gloss black exterior trim features give the Sport Line 3-Series sedan a meaner, sportier look, including eight black grille slats, mirrors, B-pillar, window trim, and accent strips on the lower side crease and black chrome exhaust tips. Inside, the black trim is continued and accented with red. Two upholstery styles and three colors are available for the standard sport seats, and the ignition fob is black with red details. Unique 18-inch dual-spoke alloy wheels finish the look.

Next, the Luxury Line. With three more grille slats than the Sport line, finished in high-gloss chrome, the Luxury says refinement more than aggression. Like the Sport Line, the Luxury gets high-gloss black accents at the B-pillar and windows, but uses bright chrome elsewhere. Inside, the Luxury Line continues the chrome theme, and adds available wood trim, and leather seats. The ignition fob is black with chrome details. Again, 18-inch alloy wheels with a different multi-spoke design wrap up the package.

Third, the Modern Line. Declared "avant garde" by BMW, this model replaces the gloss black and chrome trim with satin aluminum, at the grille, the intakes, the front bumper, and the rear. Inside, the dashboard gets a lighter top half, a contrasting darker-finish steering wheel, and leather upholstery in oyster or black. Three trim finishes are available, incuding a "pearl effect" chrome and a three-dimensional trim structure with open-pore wood. Eighteen-inch turbine-style alloy wheels finish the look of what may be the most distinctive of the 2012 3-Series sedan range.

Finally, we have the M Sport. This one is as you'd expect: M-inspired aerodynamics, an M Sport suspension kit, M-badged interior accesories, a short shifter, and a new M leather steering wheel. Eighteen or 19-inch M design wheels and BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim complete the M effect.