BMW has announced Australian prices and specifications for the updated 3 Series range which arrives next month.

Undercutting the prices of its traditional rivals, the entry-level 2016 3 Series will be a 1.5-litre three-cylinder 318i Sedan costing $54,900.   

It's the first time a three-cylinder has been used in a BMW 3 Series, and a clear point of difference against the Audi A4 ($55,500), Mercedes C-Class ($60,900) and Jaguar XE ($60,400) competitors. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder 320i Sedan/Touring is perhaps the more closely related model to these, starting from $61,900.  

The rest of the range consists of a 320d Sedan ($63,800), 330i Sedan ($69,900) 330i Touring ($73,300) and range-topping 340i Sedan ($89,900). All come with eight-speed automatic gearboxes.  

Styling changes are minimal with updated front and rear bumpers, bigger exhausts and slightly different lights, while the cabin comes with softer plastics and updated trim and switchgear.

The list of features coming as standard across the range includes rear camera, head-up display, lane change warning, driver assist, surround view with 360-degree visibility, LED headlights, ConnectedDrive Lifestyle, navigation and real time traffic information.  

BMW also says its EfficientDynamics technology has led to gains in performance, efficiency and carbon emissions across the range.   T

here will also be the world premier of two new engines - a 185kW/350Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol for the 330i and a 240kW/450Nm 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol for the 340i.

The 328i (which accounted for nearly 40% of all 3 Series sales in 2015) and 335i models are now no more.  

The pricing news for Australia comes in the same week BMW announced the ten millionth 3 Series Sedan had rolled off its production line in Munich.

In the 3 Series' 40 year-history, 14 million have been produced in total for all body shapes.  

Over 80,000 3 Series Sedans have been sold in Australia since the turn of the millennium.   

The MY2016 BMW 3 Series Sedan range goes on sale next month, except the three-cylinder 318i Sedan which arrives in November.  

New BMW 3 Series Australian pricing and standard features*

BMW 318i Sedan                               $54,900

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• Sport Line
• Rear View Camera
• Head-Up Display
• Lane Change Warning
• Driving Assistant
• Surround view with 360 degree visibility
• Navigation System, Business
• Sensatec Upholstery

Additional base equipment introduced from July production:

• LED Headlights
• ConnectedDrive Lifestyle
• Real Time Traffic Information

BMW 320i Sedan                               $61,900
BMW 320i Touring                            $65,300
BMW 320d Sedan                             $63,800

Net specification over 318i

• Eight-speed sport automatic transmission
• Lights Package
• Electric front seat adjustment with memory function on driver seat
• Adaptive M Suspension
• DAB+ Digital Radio

BMW 330i Sedan                               $69,900
BMW 330i Touring                            $73,300

Net specification over 320i/d

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Luxury Line
• Navigation System, Professional
• Leather Upholstery
• Comfort Access

BMW 340i Sedan                               $89,900

• M Sport Package
• Electric roller sunblinds for rear window
• Roller sunblinds for rear side windows
• Harman / Kardon Surround Sound System
• Extended Bluetooth
• Lumbar Support
• Variable Sport Steering
• BMW Individual instrument panel finished in leather
• Heated front seats
• Adaptive LED Headlights
• LED Fog Lights
• Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go function
• Parking Assistant
• Concierge Services
• Internet
• High Beam Assistant