German Car Zone

While the rest of the world can opt for fuel-efficient gasoline and diesel four-cylinder versions of the 3-Series, the entry-level model in the U.S. sports a six-cylinder powerplant. Given the current concerns about climate change and the increasing cost of fuel, officials at BMW are now planning to add a four-cylinder engine to its U.S. lineup.

The move would almost certainly boost sales, since the European 320i, powered by a 167 horsepower gasoline four-cylinder is already one of the company's strongest-selling models. The engines planned for the U.S. will feature turbocharging technology, however.

The information comes from BMW’s U.S. chief Jim O'Donnell, who revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show that the introduction of the powerplants, equipped with the automaker's next-generation twin turbochargers, “is the goal and we will do it.” The car will be available for sale in spring of 2012.
If successful, BMW intends on adding four-cylinder engines to its X1 and X3 crossovers in the U.S. as well.

O'Donnell explained that the move is part of the company’s goal to meet tough new fuel economy standards coming into the U.S. between now and 2016. In line with the new standards, automakers will have to boost the fuel economy of their fleets by 5% every year before a national standard of 35.5 mpg takes effect in 2016.

Rival Mercedes-Benz has already decided to bring four-cylinder cars, including its new diesels, to the U.S. and Canada in 2010, proving even luxury and premium brands aren't entirely immune from the more mundane considerations of efficiency.



Source: BMW Confirms Four-Cylinder 3-Series For U.S. - MotorAuthority

Luxury doesn't always mean big engines. Even a 316i is considered as luxury in Europe, plus it is efficient luxury. So, good move by BMW..

i drove 316i don t put airco on and drive into high winds.

I don't know what your definition of luxury is but it certainly is not a 316i. It's certainly not ANY 3 series. Maybe you should have said 'Greece' and not 'Europe'.

Good news! Imo, they should never discontinue the 4-cylinder models from U.S market in first place!

Economy is way more important to consider than the luxury! Luxury comes after... need is first!

If MB and BMW can spec out the 4-cylinder models as well as the 6-cylinder models I can see this working very well. For too long less power has meant less car - doesn't and shouldn't be the case if they want these cars to be successful in good ole 'merica!

Maybe the new TT 4 pots.

I think luxury can be defined by other parameters than the power of the engine. That said, the engine still have to be good. Refinement and note is important. But still, in many markets taxes are so high that the bigger engines are not really an option.

Then everything else have to be right and in the 3-series case, I think it makes it. It has a quality interior, good ride and engaging characteristics. You get a premium product for a good price and you get all the performance you need for urban use.

A turbo-four 3-Series with about 225hp would work great in the U.S. now I think. Don't cheap it out either, it should have the same options as the 6-cylinder cars. Yes the time is right for this and with the right hp figures (for the American mindset) and price they'd sell like hotcakes IMO. The entry-level I6 model would have to be revised though, a hp bump.


M

Or simply removed? I'm thinking of your 328i now.