BMW has unveiled the long-awaited, all-new G20 BMW 3-series at the Paris Motor Show with a global launch due to take place in March 2019.
So far there are five different variants – 320i, 330i, 318d, 320d, 320d xDrive and 330d – powered by 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo in-line four engines, except the 330d that’s fitted with a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine.
| Model | Power | Torque | 0 to 100km/h | Top Speed |
| 320i | 184 hp | 300 Nm | 7.2 secs | 238 km/h |
| 330i | 258 hp | 400 Nm | 5.8 secs | 250 km/h |
| 318d | 150 hp | 320 Nm | 8.5 secs | 226 km/h |
| 320d | 190 hp | 400 Nm | 7.1 secs | 240 km/h |
| 320d xDrive | 190 hp | 400 Nm | 6.9 secs | 233 km/h |
| 330d | 265 hp | 580 Nm | 5.5 secs | 250 km/h |
An 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is standard on all models except the 318d and 320d, where it is an option. On the 318d and 320d, a 6-speed manual comes as standard.
Upgrades on the transmission include a new control unit, shorter gearing and lower ratios for better acceleration. An optional eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is available for even quicker gear shifts and a Launch Control function.
The new G20 3-series offers a lower centre of gravity, 50:50 weight distribution and 25% increase overall body rigidity. In addition, it also features a new shock absorber technology, the lift-related damper control used for the first time in a BMW model. It reduces body movement and prevents excessive body dive.
With the use of aluminium on the front bonnet and fenders among other weight saving measures, the new G20 3-series is 55 kg lighter than the model it replaces.
Starting from the outside, the new car is now 76 mm longer, 16 mm wider with a 41 mm longer wheelbase than its predecessor. At the front, the 3-series now sports a one-piece kidney grille, positioned seamlessly between the front two headlamps like the G30 5-series.
Full-LED headlights are standard, while the LED headlights with extended features, U-shaped daytime driving lights and the Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight are available as an option.
Also new to the car is the redesigned Hofmeister kink at the bottom of the rear window frame. It is now integrated into the C-pillar, giving the rear doors a “freestanding” glass edge.
The 320i, 318d and 320d are equipped with 16-inch light-alloy wheels as standard while all other variants are supplied with 17-inch light-alloy wheels. 18 and 19-inch light-alloy wheels are optionally available.
The back, well draw your own inferences but most medias and memes are already pointing to it looking like a certain upscale Japanese sedan. Tail lights are LED units with twin tailpipes adding to the aggressive appearance. The boot opens up to 480-litres of cargo space.
There are four equipment lines available – Advantage, Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport – with an M Performance model and 330e PHEV to follow suit.
The Advantage model includes a storage package, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror, three-zone automatic climate control, Park Distance Control with front and rear sensors.
As well as a line-specific front and rear bumpers, they’re also equipped with 17 or 18-inch light-alloy wheels, bespoke door sill strips and LED front fog lamps.
The Sport Line features BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim for the side window surrounds, kidney grille bars and trim elements for the air intakes and rear apron in High-gloss Black.
The Sport Line’s interior comes with sports seats and High Gloss Black trims while the Luxury Line comes with chrome trims on the kidney grille, rear apron and front air intake. Inside, the Luxury Line gets a more premium touch with fine wood and High Gloss Ash Grey Brown trims.
In the M Sport variant, there’s a larger air intake on the front bumper, distinctive side skirts and a rear diffuser. Inside, M-Sport seats, M leather steering and aluminium trims are among the notable mentions.
Changes on the interior are subtle but effective. You now get thinner A-pillars, a new digital instrument cluster, a relocated centre display, a repositioned start/stop button on the centre console, a newly designed gear lever and an electronic parking brake.
The BMW Live Cockpit fitted as standard includes an 8.8-inch Control Display with a 5.7-inch instrument cluster with colour display. A head-up display is available as an optional extra.
The newly-designed standard seats offer greater long-distance comfort for the driver and front passenger, while the optional sports seats provide good lateral support with even greater range of adjustments. Two USB ports and a 12V socket can be found on the centre console.
Getting in and out of the car is now easier for the rear passengers as the modified roof edge and side skirt design has increased the door opening, while the distance between the front and rear seats had been extended by 11 mm, allowing more room for the feet.
Smart entry and auto lock will be available while a new movement sensor in the key permanently monitors whether the key is being carried (and therefore is always transmitting) or has been put down on a table, allowing it to switch into standby mode with the transmit function deactivated.
For entertainment, the all-new 3-series features six speakers but if you feel like spending, there is a Harman Kardon surround sound system as part of the optional Entertainment Package, complete with 16 speakers and a digital seven-channel amplifier.
Topping it all of, among the driver assistance systems offered in the all-new G20 3-series are Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function, Lane Keeping Assistant, Lane Departure Warning, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function and Cross-Traffic Alert.
IMAGE GALLERY
