Forty-five years the BMW 3 Series has been around and, like a Tuscan Summer, each new version always seems better than the previous one. It’s a BMW after all and thus it evolves model after model, this latest one possibly the best looking version yet.
With a greatly refreshed exterior, an extensively modernised cabin and the latest advances in digitalisation and equipment, the new BMW 3 Series has all the design and delights necessary to continue its worldwide success story for a few more years yet.
On The Outside
The kidney grille so favoured by the German brand remains, newly styled depending upon the model. Meanwhile, the aforementioned exterior refreshment includes a revised front apron which adds to the sporty appearance of this latest model. The full-LED headlights (adaptive variants are optional), supplied as standard, are now much slimmer, with clear contours and daytime driving lights arranged in an inverted L shape. The outer daytime driving lights also act as turn indicators. The optional adaptive LED headlights’ range of functions includes a cornering light and non-dazzling matrix high beam as well as dynamic headlight range control and variable light distribution.
Flared wheel arches accentuate the width and muscular stance that is ubiquitous to this model; hence the appeal no doubt. The powerful proportions exude clear sporting intent as part of the sophisticated look. 17 inch light-alloy wheels are standard while the M Sport model offers 18-inch versions and the performance models step up to 19-inch light-alloys.
On The Inside
For the new BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring cars, there’s a newly designed cockpit with a curved display and the latest-generation BMW Operating System 8 adding the very latest in ground-breaking modernity and digitalisation to the interior. All variants of 3 Series now come as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with gear-shift paddles on the steering wheel and a newly designed selector lever. See the images.
Offered in a choice of Sport and M Sport specification in the UK (other regions may vary), extra additions, formerly as options, to the standard equipment increase the general appeal of the 3 Series, while a restructured optional equipment line-up makes it easier for buyers to personalise to their heart’s content.
It’s a BMW so the front seats are geared for the driver. The seat behind the wheel is very supportive and grippy through the corners. Adjustable lumbar support, alas, is optional for any model but it’s not too much extra and is probably worth the extra. The steering wheel moves extensively all ways and there’s also plenty of seat adjustment to suit most, how shall we put it, physiques. The boot (trunk) is capacious on the Saloon and cavernous on the Touring model so this car fits the bill for both business and personal family use.
As would be expected on this premium model, which can be imported from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and elsewhere through the comprehensive MHH International service, all the infotainment and driver assistance needed is on board with refreshingly straightforward menus and responsive software.
On The Road
This new prestige vehicle is available with a choice of four petrol engines, including one plug-in hybrid variant, and two diesel engines, both with mild-hybrid technology. At the top of each model line-up sits a pair of Performance models meaning the 3 Series can be ordered with power outputs ranging from 184bhp to 374bhp. If BMW’s excellent all-wheel drive system is a requirement for your local roads then opt for the range-topping models to find it as standard equipment. Don’t worry though if you don’t want the full power package, 4x4 is optional on other versions too.
More good news is that front and rear parking sensors, rear-view camera (360° degree camera optional) and BMW's really good Parking Assistant are all standard across the range, the latter able to identify a suitable parking space and steer into it. Are the days of manual parallel parking truly behind us?
On the road this car handles just as would be expected for a BMW. It’s great with firm yet supportive suspension, softer on the regular versions, firmer on the faster models. All versions have ample performance but step up to something like the petrol-powered M340i (0-62 in just 4.4 seconds) for extra oomph.
