BMW has just revealed the new 3 Series at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.
This compact executive saloon has a massive amount of appeal for both private and company car drivers alike, so the seventh-generation model is guaranteed to be in high demand.
We’ve pulled together all the vital details into this quick and easy summary…
What’s under the bonnet?
The 3 Series will launch with a pair of four-cylinder engines: one petrol, one diesel.
The diesel is the hugely popular 320d. Mated to BMW’s six-speed manual gearbox, the 187bhp unit can get the car up to 62mph from rest in 7.1 seconds, with a top speed of 149mph. It reports a combined fuel consumption of 64.2mpg whilst emitting 115g/km of CO2.
Paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission instead, the 320d is quicker yet more fuel efficient, hitting 62mpg in 6.8 seconds whilst returning 67.3mpg at 110g/km.
The 254bhp 330i petrol is auto only and is good for 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds, topping out at 155mph with a fuel return of 48.7mpg at 132g/km CO2.
A performance plug-in hybrid – named the 330e iPerformance – will be added to the range eventually too.
So in short, which is the fastest 3 Series?
The 330i with its 5.8-second 0-62mph sprint and 155mph top speed.
And what’s the most fuel efficient?
The 320d auto – although this will carry a slightly higher price tag so make sure the marginally stronger fuel return justifies the extra outlay.
Design-wise, what’s new?
Not much. BMW’s designers have stuck to what works when sketching out the new 3 Series.
There are some nice design tweaks though that give it an up-to-date feel, such as the single chrome surround on the larger kidney grilles and the striking new headlights.
Compared to its predecessor, the seventh-gen 3 Series is 85mm longer, 16mm wider and just 1mm taller (L: 4,709mm, W: 1,827mm, H: 1,442mm). The wheelbase has been extended by 41mm too (now 2,851mm).
What kind of equipment comes with the new 3 Series?
Standard spec has been upgraded across the board in a bid to keep the 3 Series in competition with the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
All new 3 Series models come with extended LED headlights with cornering light and eyebrow indicators, interior ambient lighting with 11 colour settings, reversing camera, electric folding rear-view mirrors, three-zone air conditioning and enhanced acoustic glazing. BMW’s 8.8-inch touchscreen and leather Sport steering wheel are now standard features too.
Entry-level SE models ride on 17-inch light-alloy wheels or optional 18-inch wheels with bespoke door sill strips and LED front foglights.
The mid-spec Sport grade jazzes up the car’s exterior with BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim around the side windows, also adding high-gloss black kidney grille bars and trim elements for the air intakes and rear apron. Inside, there are heated Sports seats in the front while 18-inch alloy wheels are included as standard too.
M Sport models sit at the top of the range. These come with particularly large air intakes as well as a different design for the front bumper, side skirts and rear apron.
The interior boasts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, packed with BMW’s brand new ID7 operating system, as well as Sports seats, an M leather steering wheel, an anthracite-coloured BMW Individual headliner and interior trim strips in Aluminium Tetragon, updated Vernasca leather seat trims and heated front seats.
When will the 3 Series go on sale?
March 9th, 2019. Prices have been confirmed for the initial variants (one diesel, one petrol) and the first models will be handed over to customers throughout spring 2019.
How much will it cost?
We don’t have any monthly lease prices right now, but BMW has confirmed that on the road prices for the new 3 Series will start from £33,610 for the 320d SE model.
Opting for the all-wheel-drive version of the same 320d model inflates the asking price to £36,800. The 330i petrol rings in at £37,660.
Pick up a bargain with the current BMW 3 Series:
personal leasing deals / business leasing deals