After another long Bavarian buildup, the all-new 2019 BMW 3 Series has been revealed at the Paris motor show.
Dimensionally, the 3 Series has grown in every direction and now measures 4709 mm long (+76mm), 1827mm wide (+16mm) and 1442mm high (+1mm) with a 2851mm wheelbase (+41mm). The tracks have also grown by 43mm at the front and 21mm at the rear.
Style-wise, the new 3 Series takes plenty of inspiration from the larger 5 Series. At the front, there’s a large linked kidney grille and headlights that feature a two-way split.
Full-LED headlights come as standard, while the LED headlights with extended features and Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight for anti-dazzle high beams (with a range of around 530 metres) are available as an option.
Running along the side of the car is a pair of character lines and a dynamic side skirt contour leading to darkened LED lights at the rear to give the rear a wide and muscular stance.
The new cabin is also heavily influenced by the new 5er, the most notable change is the inclusion of BMW’s new operating system that uses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central infotainment screen. The system will feature the brand’s new Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Like previous generations of the 3 Series, the new model will have a sporty flavour. 50:50 weight distribution is retained, while the centre of gravity is 10mm lower. The new model also sheds an average of 55kg.
BMW says extensive work has been done to improve the steering, suspension and brakes to optimise ride comfort and the car’s dynamic ability. Suspension development sees lift-related dampers used for the first time in a BMW which adjust continuously and progressively in relation to spring travel.
Five models will be available at launch: 318d, 320d, 320i, 330d and 330i.
Diesel buyers have the choice of four and six-cylinder engines. The range opens with a pair of 2.0-litre oilers starting with the 318d which offers 110kW and 320Nm, the 320d produces 140kW and 400Nm, while the 330d uses a 3.0-litre inline-six to deliver 195kW and 580Nm.
The petrol range consists of a pair of 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engines, the 320i develops 135kW and 300Nm while the 330i is good for 190kW and 400Nm.
In the near future, BMW will offer the 330e plug-in hybrid model that is capable of up to 60km pure-electric range.
Performance fans will get the option of an M340i xDrive, powered by a turbocharged petrol inline-six which pumps out 275kW and 500Nm. There is no word yet on when we will see a new M3.
BMW Australia has confirmed the new 3 Series will launch locally in the first quarter of 2019.
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