The seventh-generation BMW 3 Series was launched just as its three-pointed star rival introduced their facelifted compact sedan. Leading the G20 3 Series product offensive is the fully imported (for now) BMW 330i M Sport and GC Mah is convinced that it’s the best 3 Series they’ve made.
Under the new body is the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and ZF 8-speed automatic transmission sending 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque to the rear wheels, that’s as torquey as the F30 320d turbodiesel! Century sprint is dispatched in 5.8 seconds while top speed is limited to 250 km/h.
The G20 has grown considerably in dimensions compared to its immediate predecessor – 76 mm longer, 16 mm wider and1 mm taller. Wheelbase has also been stretched by 41 mm, benefiting cabin room. Curiously, boot space remains at 480 litres just like the F30 but the 40:20:40 folding rear seats will prove to be convenient.
Compared to the F30, the G20 is up to 55 kg lighter (depending on variant) with up to 25% increased body rigidity while maintaining the sweet 50:50 weight distribution. There are also new shock absorbers at the rear for reduced body movement, giving the car a more composed ride and this is evident in the real world.
While our local-spec 330i is dressed in the sportier M Sport kit (with M Sport suspension -10 mm ride height) with dual exhaust outlets at the rear (which sounds pretty fruity), its sporty appeal is somewhat bogged down by the 18-inch double-spoke Style 790 M two-tone alloys. It is not so much about the smallish diameter but somehow, they just remind you of the Style 414 multi-spoke items found on the F30 318i Luxury Line.
The cabin is decidedly higher tech than the outgoing model with the 10.25-inch BMW Live Cockpit Professional infotainment system with Intelligent Personal Assistant voice command and 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster powered by the BMW Operating System 7.0. Other than the anti-clockwise rev-counter that takes some getting used to, everything else is intuitive as you’d expect from a Beemer.
Probably the only let down with the 330i M Sport is the lack of Advanced Driver Assistance System given the RM328k price point. But for those who don’t see it as a deal breaker, there’s still the Reverse Assist function to wow your passengers.
It’s only a matter of time before BMW Malaysia locally assembles the new G20 3-Series along with a more comprehensive variant line up at more compelling price points.
Till then, customers can enjoy the BMW 330i M Sport with 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme, 2-Years/24 months Tyre Warranty Programme, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App and BMW White Card membership.
IMAGE GALLERY
G20 BMW 330i M Sport in Sunset Orange Metallic
