Whenever BMW launches an all-new 3-Series, the entire automotive world stops and turns its attention to it. This all-new generation, bearing the G20 internal code name, has officially bowed at the 2018 Paris motor show with fresh styling, an all-new interior, a larger wheelbase and the promise of improved driving dynamics.

Its importance cannot be overstated, as one out of five new BMWs sold is a 3-Series. With this model, the automaker says it offers the most technologically advanced vehicle in its class, one that’s undergone significant changes compared to the outgoing model.

It’s also got wider front and rear track widths (by 43 and 21 millimeters respectively), and it’s even grown in height too, although only by 1 millimeter. But despite its slightly larger footprint, the manufacturer says the new 3 is around 110 pounds lighter than before.

Its body also has more torsional stiffness too, by around 25 percent on average, although the manufacturer is keen to point out that some areas of the vehicle have actually been made 50 percent more rigid. Aero efficiency has also been addressed, and this G30, in 320d guise, boasts a drag coefficient of 0.23, down from the previous model’s 0.26 Cd.

2019 BMW 3 Series Exterior Dimensions

330i

330xi

Drive type

RWD

AWD

Length inches

185.7

185.7

Width inches

71.9

71.9

Height inches

56.8

57.0

Width including mirrors inches

81.4

81.4

Wheelbase inches

112.2

112.2

Ground clearance inches

5.7

5.4

Turning radius feet

18.7

19.6


The vehicle has been designed to specifically not look like a smaller version of the 5-Series, and it really appears as if they’ve succeeded - you couldn’t confuse this with any other BMW thanks to its unique front fascia with notched design headlight clusters, the heavily creased hood which continues the shape of the redesigned kidney grille.

Headlights are now full-LED units with LED daytime running lights, and the optional ones now feature laser tech for the high beams whose non-dazzling beams now shine as far as 530 meters or 1,740 feet - that’s apparently double what the standard units can muster.

This one even has a crease that starts from the rear door handles and swoops back to and then around the rear cluster - it looks really good and really makes the rear light clusters stand out.

BMW has even given it self-righting wheel center caps, for the optional 19-inch M Sport wheels, which keep the badge pointing the right way up all the time, just like on a Rolls Royce.

However, it’s inside where the big revolution has taken place - BMW has gone to great lengths to up the ambiance and quality of the cabin, as that of the outgoing model was criticized for lacking flair and not feeling as premium as that of some key rivals. Perceived quality has been addressed by making some surfaces softer and more pleasant to touch (the leather on the steering wheel, for instance). The ambiance was upped through its new and much-improved design, the optional (but totally worth it) larger of the two digital gauge cluster packs and larger infotainment screen, as well as the increased variety of interior trim material choices - the infotainment runs BMW’s new Operating System 7.0 like all its latest models.

The new 3 is literally brimming with technology; on the safety front, it gets Active Guard Plus as standard, along with lane departure warning, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function that’s also integrated into the cruise control. Options include stop and go capability for the cruise control, Lane Control Assistant with active side collision protection, as well as Priority warning, Wrong way warning and Cross-Traffic Alert.

There’s even a Reversing Assistant, which is what BMW calls its automated parking system - it can apparently reverse the vehicle on its own for up to 50 meters / 165 feet along the same line it drove straight. Optionally, buyers will be able to specify the full 3D around-view system which is already available on BMW’s more expensive offerings.

BMW will also allow owners to use their smartphone as a car key, with their Digital Key feature. It relies on Near Field Communication (NFC) and an app to allow for the car to be locked and unlocked via phone - you can even start the car this way, if you place the phone in the wireless charging spot.

Seats have also been made more comfortable, even the basic standard ones and they also now have a wider range of adjustment.

Powertrains are also revised for the G20 3-Series and, believe it or not, BMW has bestowed the car with an all-new six-speed manual gearbox, to complement the excellent eight-speed automatic it’s been using for a good few years now.

The engine in the 320d, which will be available with optional xDrive all-wheel drive from launch, now features efficiency-improving multi-stage turbocharging. The 187 horsepower 2.0-liter, which also packs 295 pound-feet of torque or 400 Nm, can send the car to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds when equipped with the manual, while the automatic cuts that down to 6.8 seconds - xDrive adds another tenth to the time. Top speed is rated at 149 mph for the 320d, but it drops to 145 if you opt for all-wheel drive.

It will also be available as an M Sport model with bigger brakes, bigger wheels, lower, stiffer suspension and an electronically-controlled fully-locking rear differential to aid on corner exit. The same features are also available on the 330d.

For the UK market, where the model goes on sale on March 9, 2019, a 320d with rear-wheel drive will cost from £33,610 (or around $43,500), while for a 330i you’ll need to pay at least £37,660 (roughly $49,000).

Further reading

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 BMW 3 Series.

Read our full review on the 2017 BMW 3 Series.