New BMW 3 Series unwrapped for 2019 W hat
The seventh-generation compact sedan breaks cover at the Paris motor show with some new design elements for the brand.
is it with those lights?
Welcome to BMW’s all-new 3 Series, which is making its world debut at the ongoing Paris motor show.
Code-named G20, the seventh-generation model of BMW’s all-important sedan is introducing some new design elements for the brand.
The headlamps have a jagged design, while the slim rear lights can probably be best appreciated from the side.
Note how the “Hofmeister kink” on the C-pillars has evolved. The other notable cue is the T-like signature on the front and rear bumpers.
As seen in these accompanying pictures, the 3 Series can also be tailored with M Performance parts for a racier feel inside and out.
As for the cabin, the 3 Series adopts the latest digital instrument panel, infotainment screen and tidied-up ergonomics first applied in the all-new X5.
The 3 Series is claimed by BMW to have even better driving dynamics than today’s F30-tagged sedan, thanks to a raft of improvements under the skin.
While the fabled 50:50 front/rear weight distribution remains, the G20 has a 10mm lower centre of gravity than the F30. Plus, the tracks are wider and there’s increased wheel camber for enhanced handling.
There’s also an M Sport suspension with a 10mm-lower ride height, 18-inch wheels rimmed with mixed-sized tyres, variable sports steering and torque-vectoring control for the rear wheels.
In terms of dimensions, the 3 Series is 85mm longer and 16mm wider than before. The 2,851mm wheelbase, in particular, is 41mm more than ever to outnumber the Audi A4, Lexus IS and MercedesBenz C-Class.
BMW says weight has dropped by about 55kg, though the body is more rigid than ever.
What’s the engine range like?
Engines available initially are all the familiar ones equipped with the usual eight- speed automatic transmission. While most are rear-drive, some selected models get all- wheel drive.
The 2.0- litre petrol engine develops 184hp in the 320i form and 258hp (up from 252hp, thanks to an upgraded fuel injection) in the 330i, while the 2.0litre diesel generates 150hp in the 318d and 190hp in the 320d. A 265hp 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel is also available as the 330d.
BMW has also confirmed a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid called 330e iPerformance with a 6-second 0-100kph time and 60km full-electric driving range. Also due by mid-2019 is the warmed-up M340i serving up to 374hp for a quicker 4.4-second acceleration time.
When is it coming to Thailand?
After making its debut in Paris this week, the new 3 Series is expected to arrive on Thai shores in March next year. Like today’s F30 predecessor, focus will likely be on diesel and plug-in hybrid models competing in the 2- to 3-million-baht range.
Also due early next year is Volvo’s all-new S60. Although basic models are front-wheel drive, the plug-in hybrid will be four-wheel drive.
The closer rival to the 3 Series is the MercedesBenz C- Class, which has just been launched in Thailand with a facelift. It also sees the return of diesel power in C220d guise before receiving an improved hybrid and battery in the C350e next year.