The de-facto compact executive saloon is about to solidify its stake.
German luxury marque BMW has detailed the impending 3-Series compact saloon for the Australian market, confirming that it’ll be here on our shores in two flavours, with prices starting from $67,900. The new 3-Series represents the latest iteration of one of BMW’s most popular products, a bit of a fixture for the brand that personifies what BMW’s all about.
“The BMW 3-Series has been a stalwart of the brand since its 1975 introduction. It took the notion of a compact sports saloon & redefined it, particularly in the area of driving dynamics. Since the first-generation, the 3-Series has truly embodied what the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ is all about: Impressive performance, luxury feel, and the latest technologies. We can assure you that these values have been further enhanced. We cannot wait to see them on the road in 2019.” – Vikram Pawah, CEO, BMW Group Australia
The new 3er will be arrive in Australia in 320d and 330i forms. The former will offer 140kW and 400Nm, while the latter 190kW and 400Nm. Both cars send power rearwards through an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
The G20 will be pretty decently specced, as you’d expect given that BMW wants to make all the right impressions with the new car. Both models will be offered in M Sport trim as standard (with Luxury Line available as a no-cost option), and benefit from features like the twin Adaptive LED headlights and BMW’s ‘Live Cockpit Professional.’
There’ll also be things like LED fog-lights, and the inclusion of Driving Assistant (which throws in lane-departure warning, lane-change warning, AEB, rear cross-traffic alert, and speed-limit recognition).
The interior sees the use of higher-quality materials, as well as the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch central touchscreen (both part of that Live Cockpit Professional feature). There’s also an automated park assistant, though in the 3-Series, we doubt you’ll use it that often.
The 330i, with its $70,900 pricetag, adds on things like 19-inch alloys (18s for the diesel), and M-Sport brakes (for M Sport models). The 330i also adds Driving Assistant Professional, which throws in steering & lane control assist, active lane-keep assist, front cross-traffic alert, a 360º camera, and Remote 3D view.
You can add options to your 3-Series should you want it, the first of which is the no-cost option Luxury Line. In doing so you get Vernasca leather upholstery, ash-grey wood trim, Sensatec faux-leather dash trim, alternative alloy wheel designs (19s for the 330i and 18s for the 320d), and sports front seats.
You can add things like the M Sport Plus Package if you’d like ($2990 for the 320d, and $2600 for the 330i), which adds the M tricolour to the seatbelt weave, an M rear spoiler, M sport brakes (320d), 19-inch alloys (for the 320d again), and an M Sport differential (for the 330i).
For more show you can opt for the Visibility Package ($5070), which throws in BMW’s Laser headlights, metallic paint, a glass roof, and ambient lighting. The Driver Assistant Package can be added on to the 320d too for $3120, which throws in the 330i’s Driving Assistant Plus, as well as the semi-autonomous parking system and around-view cameras. You also get tyre pressure monitoring, which is excellent for the more absent-minded among us.
The last cost-option you can add on to your 3-Series is the Comfort Package ($2600 for the 320d, and $1820 for the 330i). That throws in lumbar support (a greatly-appreciated addition), keyless entry & go (320d), seat heating up front, and an electric bootlid.
The BMW 3-Series is showing every capability of cementing its position as the yardstick in the compact executive saloon space, staying abreast of players like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and well-ahead others like the Jaguar XE (which is still the best-handling option here), the divisive Lexus IS, and the Audi A4. The G20 3-Series will be in showrooms in March, so be sure to eke out the best deal on one ahead of its arrival.
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