The BMW 3-Series is perhaps one of the most recognizable nameplates in the car industry. It is also the best-selling model that the Bavarian brand manufacturers, and has helped BMW cement its position as one of the leading luxury carmakers in the world. The very first 3-Series saw the light of day in 1975 and since then, this D-segment German luxury sedan has proven its mettle time and again.
Today, over 40 years, 15 million units, and six generations later, the all-new 2019 BMW 3-Series has been unveiled. The newest Three is lighter, faster, more economical, better equipped, and sharper than its predecessor. Being the spearhead from BMW, the 2019 3-Series goes up against accomplished competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Jaguar XE, and Lexus IS.
Exterior
The exterior design of the 2019 BMW 3-Series looks way more attractive and aggressive, but also more sophisticated than the model it replaces. The front features a streamlined, muscular hood, striking headlight-design, distinctive double-kidney front grille with chrome surrounds, and a well-molded bumper.
The new 3-Series’ reworked, elegant, and well-proportioned side profile houses suave 18-inch alloy wheels, pronounced wheel arches, sleek side skirts, and chiseled bodywork. The contemporary-looking rear fascia gets stylish 3D-design LED taillights, an aerodynamic boot with a pronounced tip, and dual exhaust pipes integrated into the beefy bumper. The 2019 BMW 3-Series bears dimensions of 4.633 meters in length, 1.811 meters in width, 1.434 meters in height, and the wheelbase is 2.810 meters. The practically designed boot can hold up to 480 liters of luggage, if required.
Interior
The interior of the new 2019 BMW 3-Series feels positively luxurious and sporty at the same time. The front dash design is sophisticated and in typical BMW fashion, angled slightly towards the driver. Most of the cabin is finished with plush leather, squidgy plastic with imitation stitching, and good quality metal trim pieces. There are some hard plastics, but most are relegated to the lower half of the cabin.
The new Three’s interior is well put together, while build quality is also top notch. The seats offer good cushioning and provide great support as well. The rear legroom is better than before, but the high center tunnel means that it is still only best for two adults. Features-wise, the 2019 3-Series is equipped with acoustic windshield, adaptive LED headlights, adaptive dampers, radar cruise control, electric sunroof, active grille shutters, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, power front seats with heating and cooling, paddle shifters, ambient lighting, head-up display, latest iDrive system along with a HD touch-infotainment screen, and a high-fidelity sound system. Some of the safety gadgets include up to 10 airbags, stability and traction program, hill assist, and a full complement of other electronic nannies.
Engine and performance
Under the hood, the 2019 BMW 3-Series can be had with turbocharged petrol engines such as a 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinders, or a range-topping 3.0-liter straight-six that makes 326 HP and 450 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the base motor produces 136 horses and 220 Nm of torque and the most powerful 2.0-liter in the 330i develops 252 HP and 350 Nm. All engines come mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive as standard, though BMW’s xDrive AWD is available on all except the base trim as an optional extra.
Depending on the engine and drive configuration, fuel economy varies between 5.4-7.3L/100 km. The 2019 326-horsepower BMW 340i xDrive can hit 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, while top speed is limited to 250 km/h.
Verdict
Depending on the trim level, the 2019 BMW 3-Series range costs between AED 157,900 to AED 330,000, and insurance premiums range from AED 3,553 to AED 7,425.
