BMW has launched its 7th-generation 3 Series sedan in China, one of the German premium carmaker's most iconic models, expecting to woo more Chinese fans with the new car's heritage of sportiness and latest features.

The model, first unveiled in 1975, is synonymous for driving pleasure, earning the vehicle the nickname of king of sports cars.

The 3 Series sedan has won the Nurburgring 24-Hour race and the World and European Touring Car Champion for four years in a row.

The new 3 Series, produced at the Chinese joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive, is available in six variants, with prices ranging from 313,900 yuan to 363,900 yuan ($45,704 to $52,992).

Four of the vehicles have standard wheelbases. Two are long-wheel-based ones designed for the Chinese customers.

The new 3 Series sports a four-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine, an eight-speed automatic gearbox and extensive connectivity features, including a 10.25-inch touch screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and intelligent personal assistant.

It has 12 features that are unique in its segment and 18 high-value pieces of equipment come as standard to ensure both driving and riding pleasure, said the carmaker.

The long-wheelbase models come with a panorama sunroof as well as ambient lights and a wide range of other features.

"To many customers and fans, the 3 Series is the ultimate BMW. An icon that has been creating unique driving moments and memories since 1975 for 15.5 million customers," said Johann Wieland, president and CEO of BMW Brilliance.

"When it comes to designing a new 3 Series, everyone at BMW must respect Rule Number One: a new 3 Series must remain a 3 Series and deliver everything its predecessors had, from dynamic sportiness to the finest quality. But we've made this 3 Series even better: sportier, smarter, more luxurious and a stunning new design."

The 3 Series is more than just one of BMW Brillance's products. It also marked the history of the joint venture's growth from nothing into a major premium manufacturer.

The vehicle was the first model the joint venture produced in China since its establishment in 2003.

Over the past 16 years, it has manufactured nearly 1 million 3 Series models of different generations. It now has a lineup of six China-produced models, and the seventh, the carmaker said the new X2 SUV will join them later this year.

Jochen Goller, president and CEO of BMW Group Region China, said "China is not only BMW's largest market in terms of sales volume but has also become the leading market for customer trends and expectations.

"This is exactly why we have developed our dedicated 2+4 China Strategy - with the number 2 standing for our two brands BMW and MINI," Goller added. "Whereas 4 simply refers to driving innovations within the fields of ACES."

The acronym ACES, part of BMW's global strategy, stands for autonomous driving, connectivity, electrification, sharing and service.

BMW is preparing to produce the electric iX3 SUV at the joint venture in Liaoning province.

It is also working on other trends, like autonomous driving, with Chinese partners. China is home to the carmaker's largest research and development network outside Germany.