BMW has unveiled the seventh generation 3 Series sedan which will effectively bring forward the brand’s latest design signature and style to the mass market. Read on and check out the highlights of the new 3 Series sedan.
- The new 3 Series sedan is codenamed G20 and is 76 mm longer, 16 mm wider and 1 mm taller than its F30 predecessor. Wheelbase has been increased 41 mm.
- The body structure and suspension mountings has received increased stiffness. Overall body rigidity has been increased up to as much as 50 per cent.
- New shock absorber technology has been developed for the new 3 Series sedan. The lift-related dampers are part of the car’s standard chassis and provides a major contribution balance of sportiness and comfort.
- The weight of the new 3 Series sedan has been reduced up to 55 kg less than the predecessor.
Notice the differences in bumper, head lights and wheel sizes between the Sport line and M Sport.
- Aerodynamics for the 320d variant has been reduced from 0.26 to 0.23. This is contributed from the almost completely sealed underbody, aerodynamically optimised wheels and the use of Air Curtains at the front and the latest generation of active air flap control on the kidney grille and lower air intake. Drag for the 330i is 0.24 cd.
- Full-LED headlights come as standard, with the optional new U-shaped daytime running lights that draw out the hexagonal curved design from the brand’s latest generational and concept vehicles.
A front look at both Sport and M Sport versions showcase the differences in the bumpers and DRL designs on the head lamps.
- Differentiating the Sport, Luxury line and M Sport models, the front end bumper design are characteristic of the outer air intakes, with the horizontal T shape on the former, and the distinctly larger and muscular designs on the latter. The T-shape element design, also seen on the rear bumper for the Sport and Luxury line, was originally developed by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) for the intake air in jet engines and later became a feature for classical racing cars.
- The side look features a distinct dynamic contour line near the side skirts that guides the eye to the rear wheel arches. Look higher and the rear doors have a new interpretation of the Hofmeister kink with the element of the window frame now integrated into the C-pillar.
- The new 3 Series’ rear LED tail lamps are 3D in shape, with the new L-shape with darkened light units provide a wider look.
- The new design language for the interior is in full effect, one that brings the styles from the Concept 8 and X7 over for practical application. From the driver’s point-of-view, the digital instrument cluster has been redesigned to feature geometric bands on the outer edges. This allows the centre to focus more on navigation and routing. Joining this is BMW’s next generation Live Cockpit Professional running OS 7.0 and intelligent personal assistant included.
- The debut of the Intelligent Personal Assistant is a digital character that is able to aid the driver and passengers via voice command. With further updates, the system will be able to learn routines, habits and will be able to apply them accordingly. This includes favourite settings, navigation, adjust on-board entertainment and more.
- The centre instrument panel now features buttons and displays for the air conditioning and central air vents into a grouped unit. At arm rest, the centre console also has redesigned control panel, where the Start-Stop button, newly designed gear selector lever, iDrive controller, Driving Experience Control and electromechanical parking brake.
The Sport and M Sport steering wheels have been updated for the latest 3 Series. Notice the blue contrasting stitching on the upholstery and the Aluminium mesh effect on the latter.
- BMW’s Head-Up Display is now 70 per cent larger than the outgoing model, with information of speed, speed limits, overtaking restrictions, Check Control message, status indicators and warnings from the assistance systems, detailed route guidance and turn instructions, and telephone and entertainment lists.
- A complete trim look now joins the new generation, with elegant open-pore wood options and finishes including Aluminium Mesh Effect.
- Engines and transmissions more likely for the Malaysian market include the 320i four-cylinder 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol developing 184 hp with 300 Nm of torque from 1,350 to 4,000 rpm. Century sprint of 7.2-seconds, with an average fuel consumption of 6.0 to 5.7-litres per 100 km and CO2 figures of 137 to 129 gm per km. The more powerful 330i outputs 258 hp with peak torque of 400 Nm from 1,550 to 4,400 rpm. Sprint time is 5.8-seconds with 6.1 to 5.8-litres per 100 km fuel consumption and CO2 figures of 139 and 132 gm per km. The exhaust treatment system includes a particulate filter to reduce emissions of particulate matter. Transmission is an Eight-Speed Steptronic.
- Mid-2019 will see the introduction of the 330e PHEV model which would provisionally provide up to 60 km of electric range and have a fuel consumption of 1.7-litres per 100 km and CO2 figures of 39 gm per km.
- Technologies that are part of the new 3 Series include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go helps to maintain the chosen cruising speed but also a safe distance from the vehicles ahead. The operational speed range can be done from zero to 210 km/h with the maximum length of time between stops extended to 30 seconds. The systems sensors also now registers the movement of vehicle ahead of the immediate vehicle.
- Standard safety includes Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking and Lane Departure Warning. The former is the latest version with cyclist detection.
- The Driving Assistant Professional (DAP) optional package includes Steering and lane control assistant, using the trifocal camera to read road markings and vehicles driving ahead. It is able to assist the driver and keep the vehicle within the detected lane, and also guide the vehicle through narrow channels such as roadworks. Part of DAP also has evasion aid for pedestrians, Priority warning and Wrong-way warning, and Cross-Traffic alert.
- Optional Comfort Access will allow users to employ a Digital Key via NFC technology to unlock the vehicle through smartphone. For example, when the door handle has been opened, the engine can be started when the phone has been placed in the wireless charging or smartphone tray. BMW Digital Key is available for all NFC-enabled Samsung Galaxy smartphones on Android 8.0 and above. Alternatively, BMW’s Key Card can offers the same functionality.
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