With anticipation mounting for the next Chicago BMW 3 Series, planned for 2012, Chicago BMW dealers expect to noticeably increase the quantity of offerings provided by its various model ranges, in particular the popular Chicago BMW 3-series which is the “bread & butter” for the brand.

Moving forward from the accustomed body styles: sedan, station wagon, coupe, and retractable-roof convertible; new and used BMW Dealers in Chicago will in addition manufacture a five-door hatchback adaptation, creating a menacing blueprint that will merge station-wagon sensibility with coupe-themed fashion.

Moreover, the BMW 3 series Chicago range will inherit its own variation of the 5-series GT concept, BMW’s effort to fuse an SUV to a station wagon. As with the 5-series GT, the 3-series GT will provide adjustable seats, with the center console in the rear; and register somewhere in-between BMW SUV and BMW wagon in regard to overall height.

Integrating technological features from the BMW 5 series Chicago and BMW 7 series Chicago within the sphere of the 3-series, optional equipment will comprise of: lane-departure warning system, night vision, a system to prevent the driver from nodding off, and radar-based adaptive cruise control with collision-mitigating automatic braking.

Furthermore, as seen with the current new and used BMW Chicago 3 Series vehicles, expect powertrain and suspension tuning to remain sporty. BMW will offer a three-stage driving-dynamics button for drivers calling for the utmost in handling; this feature allows sharpening or softening damping, as well as adjusting steering, gearbox, and throttle responses.

A new line of aluminum four-cylinder gas engines will receive the newest equipment, including variable intake- and exhaust-valve timing, sequential turbochargers, and direct fuel injection. Power output for the four-cylinder line will range from 135 to 220 horsepower; though in the U.S., we’ll likely only get the 220-hp version of the BMW 3 Series Chicago model.

Like the system in the upcoming Chicago BMW x5 hybrid, developed in a joint venture with GM, Chrysler, and Daimler, BMW Chicago will also offer a hybrid version of the 3-series, augmenting the transmission with two electric motors. On that, drivers can expect a 20% fuel economy improvement.