If there is one sports sedan that has an enormous number of followers (both owners and fans) all over the world, it has to be the venerable BMW 3-Series. Ever since it first stepped out of the dark and onto the light in 1975, the 3-Series has made a solid name for itself amongst those who love driving a good and well-built modern car. Of course, there’s also the much-less-beloved (but equally good) Touring version of the 3-Series, which has also been revived this time. This obviously also means that the 3-Series sedan has also been given its share of nip and tuck, duh. According to the Bavarian giant, the new 3-Series will be officially launched in July this year.
What’s different on the outside with the new BMW 3-Series?
The outgoing iteration of the BMW 3-Series sedan was facelifted in May this year, but it’s still internally called the G20, whilst its Touring version is called the G21. As before, the new 3-Series is built on BMW’s versatile Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, while also including several cosmetic tweaks on the outside. Now let’s get something straight, this is a facelift rather than a full-blown “new model”. Therefore, none of us are expecting BMW to throw out the design book of the 3-Series as such, but more like make enough changes to make it stand out from its precursor.
Keeping the fact that the Sedan and Touring versions are obviously different in terms of their exterior silhouette (especially at the rear end), designers at BMW have done their bit to make this new 3-Series look “newer” than the one before it. Up front, the facelift gives the 3-Series a sweeter-looking front fascia that now gets larger air intakes, a sportier front bumper and lower apron, along with a completely-revised front kidney grille that now looks even more premium than ever before. On top of that, the facelift lends the 3-Series with BMW’s new “M High-gloss Shadowline”, which definitely makes it looks even better.
The rear of the new 3-Series comes with revised LED tail lamps that now get new LED clusters, whilst the bootlid itself has been restyled with a more pronounced lip spoiler. Likewise, even the bumper here has been tweaked to make this look more sporty and aggressive. There’s no doubt, this facelifted 3-Series definitely has that x-factor (especially when it comes to the sedan).
How’s the interior of the new BMW 3-Series?
As it is with BMW cars these days, the interior of the new 3-Series looks respectably modern and upscale. The quality of materials used here and their respective fit & finish are nothing short of wonderful. Almost every touchpoint that you can see and actually touch with your hands feel like they’re from a car a segment above – here itself, this Bimmer eclipses some of its competition. At the same time, the leather seats feel absolutely comfortable and support your back while you’re focusing on driving. And it’s not even like the rear is desperately uncomfortable – the new 3-Series has comfortable rear seats.
The interior of the new 3-Series, especially the Touring, has been revised enough to make it feel new while also upping the overall appeal of the cabin. On the other hand, the design of the front-end isn’t particularly interesting or revolutionary in any way – Mercedes does a far better job in actually conveying the richness of its interior. Overall, while this interior (in the standard 3-Series) may not excite every atom in your body, it sure will make you feel rich and wise for spending money on this car.
How’s the features list of the new BMW 3-Series?
In short, if you have enough cash, the new BMW 3-Series will please you quite easily. Its features list accounts for a three-zone automatic climate control system that can be controlled via voice command, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, and a massive 14.9-inch touch-infotainment display that features the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and is powered by the BMW “Operating System 8” (yes, I know it sounds boring) – both of which occupy a vast real-estate and are represented in a suave curved manner. Furthermore, the new 3-Series can be had with the My BMW App (especially if it’s a plug-in hybrid version) that acts as an interface to keep you informed about the whole charging process.
Of course, the new 3-Series gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (at last), and an eSIM that supports the latest 5G mobile network. Of course, the new 3-Series gets all the necessary safety nannies – electronic stability program, traction control, ABS with EBD, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitor, 6 airbags, front and rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, and ISOFIX anchor points.
What’s powering the new BMW 3-Series?
The new 3-Series is powered by BMW’s TwinPower Turbo engine and paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Trying to keep up with new-age emission laws, this 3-Series also gets a 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and a plug-in hybrid version as well. All in all, this new model is promising to be a fun-to-drive and green BMW – both Sedan and Touring models. Of course, as we all know, the sedan will always be more exciting to drive than its more family-friendly Touring avatar. Irrespective, the new BMW 3-Series will come with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission as standard. While we don’t know the actual figures yet, this 3-Series is likely to be more efficient than its predecessor.
In conclusion
The new BMW 3-Series is set to be one of the best products to come from the Bavarian automaker. It’ll surely be extremely competitive while also being efficient and luxurious in almost all of its trim levels. Of course, expect to pay more for this Bimmer than its precursor. However, I think it’ll be worth the extra money the company might ask. Just like before, the 3-Series will go up against the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Jaguar XE, and Cadillac CT4. Here’s looking forward to July 2022 and the new BMW 3-Series Sedan and the 3-Series Touring.
