India-bound 2019 BMW 3 Series : What we know so far

BMW is gearing up to reveal the new-gen 3 Series at the 2018 Paris Motor Show next week. Codenamed the G20, the 3 Series will enter into its seventh generation. Ahead of its official premiere, BMW has already teased the sedan in a plethora of teasers. So here is everything that we know so far about the new C-Class rival. 

New looks:

The new 3 will adopt the similar styling as its elder sedans – the G30 5 Series and G12 7 Series. The new-gen 3 Series is teased with a newly-designed L-shaped DRL that seems to have taken their cues from the all-new 8 Series. The characteristic Kidney grille gets a new shape, but as opposed to the Z4’s mesh design, it has the vertical louvres with chrome surround.

At the rear, the test mules are seen hiding sleek tail lights. Another teaser has shown the illuminated tail lights which were very similar to the ones seen on the Z4 Roadster. The overall profile of the new 3 is retained and with the added sporty bits, it will look even more stunning than before. 

Platform change:

The 3 Series will be based on a new platform similar to the 5 Series’ CLAR architecture. BMW says it will get new suspension, steering, damping and brakes for an optimized ride comfort while maintaining its dynamic performance. The centre of gravity is lowered by around 10mm and the weight has been reduced by 55kilograms compared to the model it replaces. BMW’s characteristic 50:50 weight distribution is maintained while the overall weight has been reduced by 55 kilograms.

The rigidity of the body structure and steering set-up has been significantly enhanced as the four-door sedan gets larger track width and an increased camber. Moreover, the ride quality will be the defining characteristic of the new 3 Series, boasts the Munich-based carmaker.

Most powerful four-cylinder engine:

BMW hasn’t revealed any detailed specification about the powertrain but has said that under the hood will be a thoroughly revised four-cylinder petrol motor. This will be the most powerful four-cylinder motor ever fitted in a BMW, claims the carmaker. This means that the power output will cross the 250bhp mark. Yet the fuel consumption will be down by five per cent compared to the older version of the same engine. The Euro 6 engine will be mated to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. On the other hand, the top-spec M340i will carry forward the same turbocharged six-cylinder 3.0-liter engine with around 360bhp on tap. Contrary to its famous RWD layout, the new 3 might also get the xDrive system. 

Revised yet functional cabin:

The interiors of the new 3 Series won’t undergo drastic changes. As expected from BMW everything inside the cabin will be functional and without fuss. The 5 Series inspiration will continue with floating infotainment screen and all-digital instrument cluster called the Live Cockpit. The iDrive will get the new Operating System 7.0 which debuted in the new-gen Z4 which gives out a host of information with 3D graphics and modern connectivity features. Similar to Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX, the system also uses AI to make the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant more user-friendly.

Other variants and Indian debut:

The new-3 has already hit the production line and following the premiere at the Paris stage, the new 3 is expected to hit the streets either late 2018 or early next year. It will be followed by a coupe and a four-door Gran Coupe version which will be called the 4 Series. However, the convertible version will replace the hard-top for a soft-top roof similar to the Z4 and the upcoming 8 Series Cabriolet. The more potent M3 will arrive sometime in 2019 with all the gizmos trickled down from the M5, perhaps even the four-wheel-drive system.

We expect BMW India to launch the executive sedan in India by the middle of next year. The new-gen 3 Series will rival the updated C-Class and the upcoming A4 facelift in India apart from the Jaguar XE and Volvo S60, both of which are due for an update.