BMW 3-Series G20

The BMW 3-Series, the most accessible luxury saloon from BMW, is now on its seventh generation and this new generation promises to be the most advanced 3-Series ever made with new and exciting features that will make the all-new 3-Series a class apart, in BMW's words at least. So, what's it all about the 3-Series G20?

2019 BMW 3-Series

The G20 BMW 3-Series promises to deliver the checks and balances of what a luxury sport saloon in its class should be; technologically advanced inside out, relatively superior comfort, sporty dynamics a true BMW should have, performance, and economy, all in one clever but enjoyable package fit for the semi-elite who want to stand out from the rest.

2019 BMW 3-Series

Checking on the design, it seems that the new 3-Series falls from the Russian doll effect like most cars are doing shamelessly and as such, it looks rather like the shrunken version of today's 5-Series, meaning when parked alongside with it, you can't really tell the difference between this and that but on the plus side, it looks better than the previous model it replaces and the new LED headlights with BMW Laserlight adds a nice touch to it.

2019 BMW 3-Series interior

Same thing goes to the interior but familiarity aside, there are so many stuff to toy around in the driver's seat, including the clever BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that works pretty much like the Amazon Alexa from your home. Say something on your BMW and it answers most of your questions and then some to either entertain yourself or annoy the passengers. AI assistants are becoming more popular and this feature in the new 3-Series can be either a friend for you or a foe for some, whatever that means.

On the comfort side, thanks to its increased dimension, it's surprisingly slightly roomier than its predecessor and very modest boot space indeed, meaning this car fits perfectly for either a trip to a golf club at Quezon City or a road trip to Ilocos, whatever the reason. Besides, visibility isn't half bad either.

2019 BMW 3-Series

Nooks and crannies can be somewhat more fun to toy around inside but on the driver's seat, performance matters and the new 3-Series offers a wide range of 2.0L petrol and diesel engines mated to either a 6-speed manual or eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Since this is Europe today, might as well ignore the diesels right now and skip to the petrol variants where the most powerful at launch is the 190kW (258PS) 330i model while the most efficient in the petrol range is the 320i Steptronic with 126g/km of CO2 emissions and 6.4L/100km of combined fuel efficiency based on WLTP standards.

There will be more to come in the range later on such as the more powerful M340i xDrive with 374PS straight-six engine and signature dynamic upgrades that will keep them hooked for more and the new 330e PHEV variant which promises 60km of electric driving distance.

Apart from the engine choices, the new 3-Series is becoming livelier to drive thanks to its lightweight construction that sheds up to 55kg of weight, sport-tuned suspension setup, variable sport steering, and the first-ever lift-related dampers, among many others. Add some M Sport upgrades underneath and the result is a more sportscar-like agility that can be somewhat enjoyable for you on the open road but a bit cranky on city traffic per se. Those looking for a more comfortable ride should stick to the normal 3-Series but those looking for some fun should go for the M Sport variant. That's it.

Because this is the most technologically-advanced 3-Series ever made, the wide array of safety features really made it even more noticeable for the driver and when this car got logged with the Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus with Reversing Assistant, feels like someone's prophecy came true. Such technology is becoming more knowledgeable than the driver himself but if you are as stubborn as someone trying to ignore the GPS, then go ahead. I dare you.

Anyway, the new BMW 3-Series starts at 37,850 Euros, making it one of the most reasonably-priced luxury midsize saloons in its class. While the design and the technology is a bit of a throwdown to some, even for passengers at the back, the packaging, the dynamics, and the efficiency really made the new 3-Series a class apart from the rest, which isn't bad for a normal luxury sport saloon unless someone might say this car deserves better but whatever.

Photo: BMW AG