The new BMW 3 Series 2019

The all-new BMW 3 Series 2019 represents the 7th generation of BMW among a long line of successful sports sedans for the German automaker. For years, series 3 has been considered the the benchmark sports sedan and, as such, one of BMW's most important cars. The last generation 3, however, seemed more luxurious than sporty. The new G20 3 series, however, represents a strong comeback for BMW, which once again delivered an attractive driver's car.

Recently, we tested a 330i M Sport, courtesy of BMW from Kansas City South, in the amazing Sunset Orange Metallic well equipped with options worth $ 13,000. The orange of the sunset appears in different colors depending on the lighting, from bright orange dimly lit orange glistening to the bright sun. Some people even thought that he was brown in the garage at work.

The $ 5,000 M sport package is not just a cosmetic product, it includes a host of performance improvements, both mechanical and aesthetic. Specifically, the M Sport Package includes the sporty M suspension, which is totally different with firmer damping, stiffer anti-roll bars, springs, bearings and even larger camber. The car is also lowered by 0.4 inches in all-wheel and rear-wheel drive models, while the previous generation only included rear-wheel drive sports.

With its so-called 50% stiffer chassis, wider front and rear tracks, the new G20 330i is characterized by excellent maneuverability. The rotation is fast and the turns are remarkably flat with the newly designed suspension. Although the suspension is definitely firm, it is not severe. Whether cruising on the highway or bombarding along a hill, I found that the new 330i M Sport remained composed.

For the driver, there is a sturdy M steering wheel with paddle selectors coupled with a variable sport steering whose ratio becomes even more direct in sport mode. Well-reinforced seats keep you in tight turns and an anthracite lining helps the cockpit to contract around you. This 330i had the optional heated steering wheel with a small button just below the horn. I mention it because at some, like crawling Porsche, if you want a heated steering wheel, you can not have the sports steering wheel.

On the aesthetic level, M badges are on the door sills, a more aggressive M Sport front fairing, blackened grilles and a rear diffuser. M Sport brakes not only stop better, but weigh less with an aluminum hat, while maintaining a steel braking surface.

The M Sport differential is not just a program to brake the inner rear wheel in a corner, as is the case in many other cars. The M Sport differential instead uses an electronic engine to transfer up to 1,106 lb-ft of torque to the side. necessary. The M Sport differential is optional on the 330i M Sport but standard on the M340i.

The engine of the 330i is the turbocharged 4-liter B48 producing 255 hp and an impressive torque of 295 lb-ft. This produces 7 more horsepower and 37 lb.-ft. more torque than last year's 2.0L. The new G20 330i has a very low starting torque in the rev range, with maximum torque available at only 1550 rpm. Depress the throttle and you will notice a quick return to your seat.

0-60 arrives in 5.3 seconds in the xDrive version or 5.6 seconds in the powered version.

For the first time in a series 3, BMW has chosen to offer only an 8-speed automatic transmission as the only transmission. The manual is dead. The automatic shift knob is now similar to those found in the BMW X5, X7 and 8 series, and the small chunk block is comfortable to wear compared to what's found in the current 5 Series . Pull down to engage the engine, push forward to put in reverse gear and, with a satisfactory little shot to the left while driving, you are in sport mode. The manual paddles are included on the M sport steering wheel. Pull them under your fingertips while dynamiting on a ramp and you are rewarded with a satisfying brrapp every shift.

In terms of technology, the new G20 3 series improves its game compared to the outgoing 3 series with a much larger 10.25-inch touchscreen central display for iDrive and a new 12.3-inch electronic instrument cluster . The speed and tachometer are relegated to the sides of the instrument cluster display. As such, the RPM gauge took a little time to get used and is configurable.

The BMW head-up display is now 70% larger and remains the best in the business with the speed and navigation directions displayed. Pop the car in the sport and a gauge of revolutions per minute also appears. If you have an Android phone, this may be the key to the car, but unfortunately it does not work with current iPhones. A key card is also included, like the Tesla Model 3.

By taking a page from Amazon Alexa, you talk to the car and say "Hey, BMW! I'm cold "and the car will activate the heated seats. I've also managed to get the heat up in the car without touching the HVAC controls. He even asked me what degree Fahrenheit I wanted. You can even pre-program the car so that it automatically turns on the heated seats if it is below a certain temperature.

I've also found that entering destinations for the NAV is now much more accurate and fast than that of our 2018 BMW i3s.

The all-new drive 3. The side-view mirrors have active detection of blind spots, as well as small yellow warning triangles lighting up when a car is in your "Toten Winkel", as the German calls it. Keep the Way assistance will warn you through the steering wheel if you get off a lane or if it can take you back to the center of the lane. The car uses Mobileye's inputs just above the rearview mirror to keep a constant eye on your driving. It is labeled ConnectedDrive. This same camera will also spot and display the speed limit signs at the center of the instrument cluster. BMW offers an optional active cruise control.

The BMW nomenclature is now more or less referring to the amount of power produced by a car. For example, my BMW 330i ZHP 2005, the 30 pieces at the end corresponded to a displacement of 3.0 L. Now, a 330i is actually a displacement of 2.0 L, but it actually produces more power than my old 05 '330i. BMW uses a square cylinder of 500 cm3 multiplied by 4 to achieve displacement of 2.0 liters. Variable valve timing, direct fuel injection and turbocharging are key technologies used to achieve an impressive 127.5 hp / liter of the 2.0 liter B48 engine.

BMW's three long-standing driving modes are Sport, Comfort and Eco-Pro. The sport mode emphasizes the steering ratio, the aggression of the throttle and the programming of the automatic transmission. I used Comfort in cruising, Sport when I wanted to drive more aggressively, but that Eco-Pro was not really helpful. At a speed greater than 10 km / h, the transmission can decouple the powertrain and coast to increase fuel consumption, although this is not the case in Sport mode.

A former BMW dealership mechanic examined the car with me and he pointed out the interesting weight savings BMW had made. The front cover and door trim are aluminum and plastic front fenders. The brake discs have aluminum caps but the brake discs and braking surfaces are made of steel. The shock towers are made of cast aluminum and the roof structure is always made of metal.

He also noted that the air conditioner is still belt driven and that in winter, he suspects that the start / stop time of the car can be shortened to keep the air conditioning cool. We could see that the power steering mechanism is clearly electric and close to the engine compartment floor. All these little tips to save weight represent an impressive weight loss of 120 lbs compared to the previous generation BMW 3 Series F30.

Negatives?

Not much, but a firm tug on your shoulder from the seatbelt, about 15 seconds every time you leave, ages quickly. I could do without the warning and intervention of Lane Keep Assist. My first experience with this was with the construction of a road on a highway where cars were heading towards the shoulder where the lane markings had not been moved. I steered myself to follow the traffic and the way kept the intervention, the car was physically moved back. I fought and brought back the car, but I'm sure the person behind me thought I was looking at a cell phone or drunk. Also, Lane Keeping does not like it when you try to reach a ramp. The warning and intervention of the guard of the way are deeply embedded in the settings menu and I suggest you disable them if you like driving fiercely. It's now part of my checklist before training with the new BMWs.

For a sport package, I thought all-season flatbed tires were a bit tight at 225/40/19 front / rear and their grip was easy to overcome. Wider wheels and more adherent tires are optional. Finally, I still love the sound of the engine and exhaust of the BMW six in line more than the exhaust note of the 4 cylinders of the 330i. The engine is really remarkable for its power, I miss it squarely. A final note, if you specify the spare tire, there is a significant decrease in trunk volume as the trunk floor is raised to about 6 inches in the cargo area.

BMW has returned to form with the all-new G20 3 Series. The 3 Series has always been the target of other automakers and BMW has again raised the bar. The new 330i looks great, has a solid build quality, a modern interior and advanced technology. And most importantly, it represents the return to a solid driving car and worthy of becoming the new icon.

A special thanks to BMW from Kansas City South for access to the car for this test.