BMW has taken out the wraps from its latest generation BMW 3 Series. Succeeding the F30 generation 3 Series, this new G20 3 Series carries on the torch to continue a long lineage of legendary sports sedans from the German luxury car manufacturer.
The all-new BMW 3 Series debuts the brand’s latest design language, which features a longer hood, more striking lines, and taut surfaces. It is 76 mm longer (now at 4,709 mm), 16 mm wider (now at 1,827 mm), and 1 mm taller (1,442 mm) than its predecessor, and BMW says it has profound effects not just to its appearance, but also to its handling. The front fascia debuts a host of new styling cues for the brand, such as the notch in the front apron that rises up into the headlight contour. Full-LED headlights come as standard, while the LED headlights with extended features and Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight are available as an option. The optional Air Curtains are integrated into the outer intakes, which form a T-shape on cars without the M Sport package. A pair of character lines highlight the car’s dynamic sillhouette, while the Hofmeister kink design cue at the rear doors have been given a new interpretation. At the back, the traditional L-shaped tail lights feature a dark tinted design. Its wide appearance enhances the new 3 Series’ width.
As with all BMWs, the 3 Seres’ interior is angled towards the driver. The interior features a slew of upgraded materials for further enhance the cabin experience, and depending on the configuration, can be had with two large LCD screens that provide an intuitive manner of relaying information and entertainment functions to the driver.
Being the newest model in the BMW range, it’s no surprise that it is also the one that receives the most tech. All models come with the latest version of the BMW iDrive infotainment system, which is now called BMW Operating System 7.0. As standard, the BMW Operating System 7.0 features an 8.8-inch TFT LCD display with a touch screen as well as the iDrive controller, mated to BMW’s traditional black panel instrument cluster fused with a 5.7-inch multi-information display. Optionally, the BMW Operating System 7.0 can be upgraded with the BMW Live Cockpit, which comes with the full suite of connectivity features, including the 12.3-inch TFT LCD digital gauge display, and a bigger 10.25 inch TFT LCD display with a touch screen as well as the iDrive controller with touch gestures. This latest version of BMW’s infotainment system also debuts the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which enables drivers to give out commands using the cue “Hey, BMW!” in the same manner as how one would give commands to Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant. The commands are not limited to vehicle functions. Drivers can say “Hey, BMW! I feel tired.” and then the system will input into the navigation system a hotel or an Airbnb. Additionally, an optional head-up display is now 70% bigger than before, and is part of an optional Technology Package.
At launch, the G20 3 Series will be available with five engines. The base 318d features a TwinPower Turbo inline-4 diesel engine with multi-stage turbocharging, which makes it produce 150 hp and 320 Nm of torque, while 0-100 kph is achieved in 8.4 seconds. Next is the 320d, which features the same engine as the 318d’s, but tuned to 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It takes the 320d to reach 100 kph from a standstill in a brisk 6.8 seconds. The BMW 320i, meanwhile, kicks-off the petrol engine range, offering an inline-4 petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo technology that produces 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque. 100 kph is achieved in 7.2 seconds for the 320i. The peak of the petrol engine range is the 330i, which features the same engine as the 320i, but tuned to 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It only take the 330i 5.8 seconds to reach 100 kph, while the 330d, which is the peak of the diesel range, features an inline-6 TwinPower Turbo diesel engine that produces 265 hp and a whopping 580 Nm of torque. 100 kph is achieved in only 5.5 seconds.
All engines can be had with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic, while an xDrive AWD system can also be equipped as an option. For those who want more performance, a BMW M340i and M340i xDrive M Performance will come in the spring of 2019, featuring an inline-6 petrol engine producing 382 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
A slew of semi-autonomous driver assistance tech can be equipped in the new BMW 3 Series. As standard, the BMW 3 Series is fitted with automatic emergency braking with cyclist detection and lane departure warning. An optional Driving Assistant pack adds blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert. For the full suite of driver assistance features, the Driving Assistant Professional adds adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keeping assist, evasion aid (which actively evades pedestrians), wrong way warning, as well as front cross traffic alert, which aids drivers in identifying oncoming vehicle on concealed roads.
The BMW 3 Series will go on sale globally on the spring of 2019.
0 comments on “All-New 2019 BMW 3 Series Continues The Success Story Of A Legendary Luxury Sports Sedan (With Video)”