The 2019 BMW 3 Series Comes to Paris with a Lighter Footprint, Wider Track, and Longer Wheelbase

The BMW 3 Series has just been shown for the first time at the Paris Motor Show. The new car is longer, wider, roomier, sharper and, altogether better I hope. With the new platform supporting the advanced plug-in system and all imaginable modern tech, the G20 3 Series proves to be one of the most important debuts of the year. Focusing on evolution, rather than on revolution, BMW designers precisely, but subtly, reshaped all the trademark elements of the new 3 Series. Yet, despite growing in size and featuring a somewhat different styling, the 3 Series is still recognizable and rather handsome.

How Different Is the 2019 BMW 3 Series?

BMW reports it is almost 3 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider, and 0.5 inches taller. Yet, despite such a gain in size, the 3 Series lost some weight - 121 pounds of it, actually, mainly thanks to the use of the new high-strength steel and aluminum. The sporty character all BMW 3 Series cars cherished for so long has been retained with the 50:50 weight distribution and a host of driving systems and suspension tweaks that ensure spirited driving performance and sharp steering.

From a visual standpoint, the new 3 Series looks a lot like its bigger brother - the 5 Series. The front end is quite different though. Not only do the lights lean on the front grille, but the kidney grille itself is a one piece. This creates an illusion of continuous front decoration. Most importantly, such a design did a lot for aggressiveness. The new car is definitely looking the part.

Now, the graphics inside the lights are reminiscent of the old L shapes, but the rear lights themselves are of a much simpler design. They do look neat, though, especially in the high-end form with the double exhausts at the back and the simple diffuser.

What Powers The 2019 BMW 3 Series?

When I say new, I actually think slightly reworked and improved compared with the last-gen model. For now, we do know the car will be sold as a number of different trims, including those listed in the table below.

2019 BMW 3 Series Trim	Details
320d	184 hp, 295 lb-ft
330i	255 hp, 295 lb-ft, 5.8 seconds, xDrive available
M40i	382 hp, 369 lb-ft, 4.2 seconds, xDrive available
M40d	turbo 3.0-liter diesel, details not available
330e	plug-in hybrid, 255-hp gas engine and 87-hp motor, 37 miles EV range

These are the details we have right now, but the Europeans can expect a 318d, a 318i, a 320i, a 325i, possibly a 325d, a 330d, and many more. Of course, the M3 will sit at the top, but I doubt it will appear before 2020.

Massive Upgrades For The Interior

Ambient lighting is a thing now more than ever, but even the shapes inside evoke that luxury feel. A thing called the BMW Live Cockpit dominates the insides. In its entry version, it features an 8.8-inch touchscreen and a 5.7-inch digital instrument cluster. Upscaling it will reveal a 12.3-inch display and 10.25-inch touch screen. Infotainment system with displays like these features all the imaginable gear for power users of today.

And all of those users will have a chance to keep their luggage at the back in the 480-liter boot.

Conclusion

Complementing the upscale character of the new 3 Series is a series of safety gear including the Collision and Pedestrian Warning and the optional Driving Assistance Package with Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Warning systems. Other intelligent safety additions are also included. All in all, the new 3 Series follows the steps of its predecessors but offers a more luxurious interior with more gear than ever.