Paris 2018: 2019 BMW 3 Series
The G20 2019 BMW 3 Series is finally here. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, it’s bigger, cleaner and packed with new technologies. And it’s the basis of several forthcoming performance cars.
The seventh-generation 3 comes as the nameplate’s sales passed the 15 million mark. That’s a lot of Threes. Three times five million, in fact.
In typically modest fashion, BMW says the new 3 Series “moves the game on once again in its segment in terms of driving dynamics, premium quality and innovation.”
Right. We best have a look, then.
2019 BMW 3 Series Exterior
Let’s not muck about – from the side, the G20 looks barely different. Yesterday’s leak didn’t do the car any favours, but on the show floor and in these official pics, it looks a bit tougher.
A new, wider and sometimes lairy kidney grille is framed by new, more shapely headlights with a bit of a Peugeot slash to break up the lens. The lumpy bumpy front bumper is quite busy and the details differ between model specs.
The G20 is built on BMW’s new
The new car is longer by 85mm (4709mm), wider by 16mm (1827mm) and 1mm taller (1442mm). A 41mm longer wheelbase should deliver a bit more rear legroom and a better ride. Interestingly – and significantly – the front track is 43mm wider at the front and 21mm at the rear.
2019 BMW 3 Series Drivetrain
BMW is kicking off the non-M models with a bunch of engines and the option of all-wheel drive xDrive in the 320d.
2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
320i – 135kW (184PS)
330i – 190kW (258PS)
2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
318d – 110 kW (150PS)
320d and 320d xDrive- 140 kW (190PS)
3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel
330d – 195 kW (265PS)
While none of these machines has outstanding M-style power outputs, they’re not particularly slow. The 320d will crack 100km/h in 7.1 seconds.
BMW is offering a six-speed manual (hooray!) and an updated version of the eight-speed ZF auto. Only the 320d offers all-wheel drive, but there’s more to come, including the Mini’s (and 1 Series’) 1.5-litre turbo triple and a 368kW (500PS) M3.
Also on the way – according to the photos – are plug-in hybrids.
2019 BMW 3 Series Chassis
We don’t know a huge amount about the new car’s details, but BMW threw in a couple of interesting bits.
Optional adaptive dampers make a welcome return but BMW reckons the standard dampers are pretty clever. BMW calls them “lift-related dampers” which means that the rates vary depending on the spring compression. That means fewer compromises in the ride and handling department. Apparently.
As ever, the M Sport suspension option offers 10mm lower ride height and stiffer springs and dampers.
The new cars are up to 55kg lighter and in their slipperiest form, BMW claims a drag coefficient of just 0.23. Much work went into the aerodynamics, including a tricky air curtain around the fog lights (where fitted) to keep them clean.
You can also specify an M
2019 BMW 3 Series Interior
Just like the
The 2019 BMW 3 Series will go on sale around March 2019, depending on where you are. We’re hoping to drive it as soon as we can. In M Sport form, of course…
Peter Anderson is the Editor and founder of the theredline.com.au. He’s been writing about cars for years and finds it difficult to talk about anything else.
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