The BMW 3-Series has set the benchmark among sports sedans ever since its inception 43 years ago. It has also been a very successful model for BMW with 15 million cars sold across all six generations. The 2019, seventh-generation G20 3-Series brings with it improved space in the cabin, better fit and finish and of course cutting-edge technology as well. The 2019 3-Series is also larger than before and uses lightweight materials that make it lighter. It is a car that has always scored on driver appeal, sharp handling and good grip. Combine that strong performance with the frugal engines, and BMW has a winner on its hands.
Exterior
The 2019 3-Series looks nothing like the cars before it. At the front, it boasts of a larger kidney grille with chrome bordering it, flanked by large, full-LED headlamps with T-shaped elements on the lower half of the bumper. The front bumper looks subtle, but is nice and shapely. Then there's the bonnet that has sharp creases on it. The side profile consists of sharp character lines that give the 3-Series a muscular definition. At the rear, the tapered tail lamps look very attractive, and you'll also notice the dual exhausts.
Variants
The 2019 BMW 3-Series variants are as follows: 320d Sport, 320d Luxury Line and 330i M Sport. Features include 17-inch alloy wheels, power adjustable front seats with a memory function, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 10-speaker audio system, ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers, electric sunroof, rear parking camera, three-zone automatic climate control, automatic LED headlamps and LED fog lamps. On the safety front, it is equipped with Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control, 6 airbags, attentiveness assistance, electric parking brake with auto hold and an electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensor.
Interior
Seated in the driver's seat, you get a good view out of the cabin. The seating position is low-set. The dashboard is well put together and features a touchscreen mounted high up. There are also knurled controllers for the AC vents. And the fit and finish of the plastics is up there with the best. That all-digital instrument cluster features a high-resolution screen. The touchscreen works well and the touch pad can be scribbled on, which is just above the iDrive controller. There is also BMW's voice activated Personal Assistant that works as per the driver's commands. Comfort at the rear is good, thanks to the well bolstered seats that provide good support.
Engine Specifications & Performance
The 2019 BMW 3-Series is powered by two engine options: a 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 187bhp and 400Nm of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that makes 254bhp and 350Nm of torque. Both engines are paired to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox. We're driving the one with the 2.0-litre diesel engine. The 3-Series has a strong mid-range and acceleration is very impressive. The car feels pretty quick, and the engine is quiet as well. Ride quality is good too, thanks to the suspension's damping system. The 3-Series also feels planted at high speeds, and the steering is nice and weighty. However, it is also light to use within the city. Around corners, there's plenty of grip on offer.
Mileage
The 2019 BMW 3-Series' ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figure is rated at 19.62kmpl for the diesel model and 16.13kpl for the petrol model.
