WHY A SUCCESSFUL 3 SERIES MEANS MORE THAN A TOP-SELLINH SALOON

YOU KNOW A car is significant when its whole class has been named after it. And the BMW 3 Series class is soon to welcome its latest entrant: an all-new 3 Series.

While cars of its ilk may seem like an endangered species due to the ever-increasing number of SUVS, the 3 Series segment is actually in rude health. In recent years the Jaguar XE and Alfa Romeo Giulia have swelled the ranks and brought welcome driver appeal, while the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-class come with levels of technical sophistication and everyday luxury that wouldn’t look out of place a class or two higher.

The appeal of the 3 Series has always been its all-round ability – as good as the best in most key areas and crucially always the best to drive. As Matt Saunders discovers in an early drive of the new model (p38), the ‘G20’ 3 Series is set to continue that trend.

The reputation of engineering-led car makers such as BMW is borne out of saloons. Strong saloons give them the licence and credibility to make SUVS that can then be marketed as dynamic offerings. You don’t need an X3 to help sell a 3 Series, but making a strong 3 Series makes a strong BMW.