The seventh-generation BMW 3 Series is finally here, and the car takes the baton ahead from the F30 (sixth-gen) as the executive sports sedan from the Bavarian carmaker. The new 3 Series is available in three trims and has been priced between Rs 41.40 lakhs to Rs 47.90 lakhs (ex-showroom India). Although we have detailed the 3 Series already, here's a quick lowdown on the top five highlights of the new BMW 3 Series.
New Underpinnings
The new-gen BMW 3 Series is based on the CLAR platform, which it shares with the 5 Series and the 7 Series facelift. The executive sedan is 76mm longer and its wheelbase is up by 41mm, while the car is lighter by 55kgs compared to the older model.
Updated Design
The seventh-generation BMW 3 Series features a larger kidney grille, which is inspired by the 8 Series. Also new are the L-shaped DRLs that replace the iconic circular angel eyes. The headlamps and taillights are LED, and the large air-intakes on the front bumper are borrowed from the M-Sport version.
Sporty Interiors
As for the interior, the cabin, although new, is a familiar affair with the driver-focused layout. It gets an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster as standard equipment. Customers can opt for a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, which comes complete with a personal assistant and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There's a three-zone climate control on offer, memory function for the electrically adjustable driver seat, reverse parking assistant and gesture control among others.
Engine and Transmission
Under the hood, the BMW 3 Series is powered by 2.0-litre TwinPower turbocharged petrol and diesel engines that make 258bhp and 190bhp, respectively, with the torque output being 400Nm on both the motors. An eight-speed Steptronic transmission is standard across the powertrains.
Competition
The seventh-generation BMW 3 Series rivals against the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Jaguar XE and Volvo S60.
