The 2019 BMW 3-Series: More of the same old goodness mixed with something new

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October 3, 2018

Despite numerous competitors upping their game in the premium sedan segment, the BMW 3-Series continues to be the standard by which all others are measured. Yet the boys and girls from Bavaria aren’t about to rest on their laurels as they just unveiled the latest-generation 3-Series at this year’s Paris Motor Show.

Looking more like an evolutionary take on the recognizable 3er design language, the new car is larger in every dimension. The grille is now sharper, as are the full LED headlamps. And there are air inlets on the bumpers and other places that help reduce drag coefficient, bringing it down to a slick 0.26 Cd. Oh, and weight is down by 55kg, despite the bigger measurements.

These increases in size pay off when it comes to interior room, says BMW. Passengers will be greeted not only by more space but by a new dash that sees the infotainment screen neatly integrated into the dashboard, rather than looking like an afterthought. Buyers can go for the standard 5.7-inch instrument cluster and 8.8-inch infotainment screen or opt for a 12.3-inch instrument display paired with a 10.25-inch center monitor.

Either way, they get cool toys like a navigation system that “talks” to the gearbox and adaptive cruise control. This will help keep the tranny in the most optimal gear, depending on road conditions ahead. It can, for instance, upshift and speed up when the road is clear. Or downshift and use engine braking when traffic is detected.

As always, the new 3-Series will be offered in a host of trims with varying engine options. There is the 320i with 181hp, the 330i with 255 horses, the turbodiesel 318d with 148hp, the 320d with 188 hp, or the 330d—an inline-6 diesel with 262hp. Each one can be paired with an 8-speed automatic with either rear- or all-wheel drive.  There is also an M340i with a 3.0-liter inline-6 gas motor with 382hp, available with all-wheel drive. (M340i xDrive)

Expect to see the new BMW 3-Series hit dealerships by early next year.

About the Author

Mr. Gerard Jude Castillo
Gerard has been a self-confessed car nut ever since he was a little boy. As a grown-up, he indulges in his passion by collecting toy cars (which he started since childhood) and reading up on the latest cars out there.  As Associate Editor, he will ensure that you get your fill of the latest cars in the market, as well as a load of automotive features.