Paris 2018: All-New 2019 G20 BMW 3 Series Introduced, 40-Year Lineage Continues

At the ongoing 2018 Paris Motor Show, BMW has just pulled the covers off the seventh generation 3 Series, continuing the 40-year-strong lineage of the original sports sedan.

As seen from the leaked photos posted yesterday, the all-new G20 3 Series features a completely-redesigned exterior from its predecessors, with a pair of sharp-looking headlights flanking the signature kidney grille. LED headlights are fitted as standard, while Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight are available as an option. Large outer air intakes house the optional LED front foglight, while Sport and Luxury Line feature a T-shape housing.

But perhaps the biggest departure from its predecessors is the redesigned Hofmeister kink, now featuring a more angular design, as opposed to the curvaceous approach on BMW models of yore.

Towards the rear end, the all-new G20 3 Series features a pair of slim, L-shaped tail lights. M Sport variants of the G20 3 series receive twin muffler tips, while Sport and Luxury Line variants of the 3 Series receive a simpler-looking rear bumper with similar T-shaped elements.

Other important figures include a body rigidity that is up to 50% stronger than before. Additionally, the weight of the all-new G20 3 Series is up to 55 kg lighter than the F30. As per tradition, the all-new G20 3 Series boasts a 50:50 weight distribution for optimum handling.

Moving inside, the all-new G20 3 Series comes, as standard, with LED interior lights. Ambient lighting with Welcome Light Carpet can be had as an option. As for the infotainment system, the Radio Professional with six speakers come fitted as standard, while the 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system is a cost option.

Other interior highlights include the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, a built-in AI assistant that allows the driver to use natural voice to control various functions of the car. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant’s features and skills are constantly improved via regular updates. There's a wireless charger for smartphones but unlike other cars, this is integrated with the door locks and ignition. With the BMW Digital Key feature, drivers can lock/unlock the car with their smartphone and once inside, they can start the engine once the smartphone placed on the wireless charger.

The all-new G20 3 Series also features a segment-first feature called Reversing Assistant, which aids the driver to automatically reverse the vehicle in confined spaces. The system is able to reverse for a distance of up to 50 meters by steering it along the same line it has just taken when going forwards. The driver just needs to operate the accelerator and brake pedal and monitor the area around the car. Maximum reversing speed is 9 km/h.

At launch, BMW is offering 5 variants of the all-new 3 Series, including:

• 318d: 150 hp, 320 Nm
• 320d: 190 hp, 400 Nm
• 320d xDrive: 190 hp, 400 Nm
• 330d: 265 hp, 580 Nm
• 320i: 184 hp, 300 Nm
• 330i: 258 hp, 400 Nm

Depending on the chosen engine, buyers can pick between an 8-speed Steptronic automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.

In summer 2019, BMW will add the 330e plug-in hybrid and M340i xDrive to the G20 lineup. The M340i xDrive will be the flagship G20 model until the new generation M3 arrives, outputting 374 hp and 500 Nm, courtesy of a turbocharged in-line six-cylinder 3.0-litre engine.

Market launch of the all-new G20 3 Series will commence on 9th March 2019, and will be made in three plants globally, including Munich, the Tiexi plant in Shenyang, and the BMW Plant San Luis Potosi in Mexico.