BMW used the 2018 Paris Motor Show as the launch pad to showcase the newest model of its perennial 3 Series premium sedan.
Some changes to BMW’s seventh generation 3 Series – codenamed G20 – are on the subtle end of the scale, while others, especially under the folds of the surface are, shall we say, slightly more dramatic.
This is largely due to the fact that the new model now shares a platform with both its 5 Series and 7 Series siblings. The result? Well, overall, the new 3 not only looks sharper – what with focussed lines and purposeful creases – but it also brings to the party an added dimension of technology, which will include semi-autonomous driver aids and even laser technology headlights depending on model derivative.
FOCUSSED DIMENSIONS
Single out any single new addition to the outline of the next-gen 3 Series and well, it merely looks like a design progression. However, look at the collective, and it all just neatly adds up into an equation that’s quite differently formulated compared to its forbearer.
Take the front-end for instance: still present is the prominent BMW-signature kidney grille, but it has been pronounced and better incorporated with the headlights creating not only a more uniform look, but also an impression of added width.
And speaking of lights, both the front- and rear lights received an overhaul with sleeker lines and more angular design elements like the L-shaped section of the rear light cluster.
The wheelbase of the new 3 Series has been extended by 41 mm, providing better space in the cabin, while the tracks, front and rear, have been widened by 43 and 21 mm respectively.
In addition, the newest Beemer to join the carmaker’s stable is 55 kilogrammes lighter than the current model.
JOINING THE TECH FOLD
Inside the cabin, drivers get such features as BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant that it says is a ‘digital personality integrated into the car’. The system, which is similar to Merc’s MBUX, also responds to voice commands to control a variety of in-car and infotainment functions.
Optional across the 3 Series range is the BMW Life Cockpit Professional that comes with a digital 12.3” instrument cluster and a 10.25” customisable infotainment display.
Other nifty electronic features include Parking Space Assistant and Reversing Assistant that makes light work of tight parking lots and a host of driver assistance systems including Collision and Pedestrian Warning – that combines with a braking function as well as Lane Departure Warning and Cross Traffic Alert. The latest iteration of BMW’s Head-Up Display will also be available to 3 Series buyers, undoubtedly as an optional extra.
POWER OF BAVARIA
According to BMW, six different engine derivatives will be available at the launch date of the 3 Series. There are four-cylinder petrol and diesel mills, while a six-cylinder diesel engine will also be available. Power-wise, the engines will cover an impressive spread of 110 kW upwards to 195 kW.
The carmaker added that both an M Performance (likely to be dubbed the M340i) and plug-in hybrid model will join the line-up at a later stage.
The 3 Series is expected to arrive on South African shores in March, 2019.
3 SERIES PEDIGREE
When it comes to the benchmark sports sedan, none is as quintessential as the BMW 3 Series, which first launched in 1975 and quickly started a genre that every other entrant to the segment would have to depose in order to occupy that lofty spot. The model has continued to lead its segment as best driver’s car, although it has recently seen some threat from the Jaguar XE and Alfa Romeo Giulia. We do, however, have it on good record that the latest model has been designed from the onset to be the most dynamic model in its segment to return it to the top of the pile.
Of course, the 3 Series also boasts a long and illustrious history in SA and has been produced locally at its Rosslyn, Tshwane plant – for more than three decades – until recently, when production switched to building the new X3. That said, the 3 Series continues to be the core product in BMW’s entire product portfolio and, as such, the entire world sits up and takes notice when the latest model is launched and the new is certainly no exception to this rule.
Report by DRIVEN EDITORIAL | Images © BMW SOUTH AFRICA
