- The seventh-generation BMW 3 Series is based on CLAR platform
- The new model will be larger and lighter than the outgoing generation
BMW has begun to accept pre-bookings for the seventh generation 3 Series in India. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show held last year, the new BMW 3 Series is based on the company’s CLAR platform that underpins the 5 series and 7 Series.
Compared to the outgoing model, the new generation BMW 3 Series has shed some weight although there is an increase in its dimensions. The model is 55 kgs lighter than its predecessor while being 76mm longer, 16mm wider and 1mm taller. The wheelbase too has been increased by 41mm.
Visual updates to the new BMW 3 Series include a sharper designed bonnet, new LED headlamps, L-shaped LED tail-lights, twin-pipe exhausts and 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the model is expected to come equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display, BMW iDrive 7.0 and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Engine options on the G20 BMW 3 Series will include a 2.0-litre petrol motor and a 2.0-litre diesel motor in the 330i and 320d guise respectively. An eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels will be offered as standard on all variants. Once launched on 21 August, the new BMW 3 Series will rival against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Jaguar XE and the Volvo S60.
