The seventh-generation BMW 3-series hits the road with the rear-wheel-drive 330i and M340i, plus their all-wheel-drive counterparts, the 330i xDrive and M340i xDrive. The body and chassis they share have been usefully tweaked to enhance their aesthetic and athletic appeal. Upgrades include a face more in keeping with the rest of BMW's lineup, better weight distribution, a wider track and a body structure that is significantly lighter and 25 percent stiffer than the one it replaces. The M340i and M340i xDrive also benefit from M Performance chassis tuning and an M Sport rear differential, which only heightens their capabilities.
Power in the 330i models comes from a revised twin-turbocharged 2.0L inline-four that makes 255 hp at 5,000 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque from as low down in the rev range as 1,550 rpm. This is an extra 7 horses and 37 lb-ft over its predecessor thanks to some fine-tuning of BMW's TwinPower system--the turbos, the direct injection fuel system and the nifty camshaft and valve timing systems Double-VANOS and VALVETRONIC. BMW claims 5.6 seconds in the sprint from 0 to 60 mph with the 2-wheel-drive variant, while the xDrive shaves three-tenths from that figure. The M340i models, meanwhile, come with a twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six that produces 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. According to BMW, it will hit 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Both engines are mated exclusively to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and manual mode; no manual transmission available.
The 3-series is offered in Sport Line, Luxury, and M Sport trims, which differ largely through subtle exterior design differences. Standard features include 18-inch wheels (19 for M Sports), auto start-stop, dynamic stability control, 14-way power front seats with SensaTec upholstery, fine-wood inlays, a 10-speaker premium sound system, iDrive with an 8.8-inch central screen, dynamic cruise control, a rearview camera, a multifunction steering wheel with Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with audio streaming, plus an automatic three-zone climate control system, ambient lighting and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Options include remote start, heated seats and steering wheel, wireless charging and WiFi hotspot, a Harman/Kardon surround sound system, and active cruise control. A convenience package brings blind-spot detection and lane departure warning, LED headlights with cornering lights. The premium package includes a head-up display with BMW navigation and more, plus heated seats and steering wheel. A track handling package adds enhanced steering, suspension and tires, plus an M Sport differential to improve control and large M Sport brakes.
The Sports Wagon, still part of the sixth-generation 3-series, is distinguished by its elongated roofline and exemplary utility and versatility compared to the other models. Available in 330i xDrive, Sports Wagons feature comparable trims and materials to sedans, yet offer four cargo-floor tie-downs, a storage tray under the floor, a deep stowage compartment and a partition net, all to help keep cargo secure, while the rear seatbacks can be folded down as needed in three separate sections, with a 40/30/40 split. A Top View rearview camera system and a BMW Parking Assistant are there to help with visibility and make parking easier.
The 3 Series Gran Turismo, also still part of the sixth-generation 3-series, is very well equipped, with standard comfort and entertainment amenities like rain-sensing windshield wipers, 8-way power front sport seats, a multi-function sport steering wheel with audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls, automatic climate control, power panoramic moonroof, and BMW's iDrive system with integrated 6.5-inch touchpad and an automatic tailgate.
A Variety Of Options
Athletic Driving Feel
Fuel Efficiency
High-tech Options
Long List Of Appearance Packages And Trims
Compact Size And Maneuverability
Practicality And Comfort
Now in its seventh generation, the BMW 3-series sedan is completely redesigned and re-engineered for 2019. The update includes new exterior styling, improved interior amenities, new engines, and more. Models include the 330i and 330i xDrive, with M340i and M340i xDrive models to arrive later in the year. Pricing starts at $40,250.
BMW's 3-series Sports Wagon and Gran Turismo models are unchanged, though a redesign is expected for 2020.
The BMW 3-series has entered its seventh generation with an all-new sedan. Though the Sports Wagon and Gran Turismo models are carried over from the sixth generation, the entire range still stands out for being athletic, responsive and fun to drive, as well as relatively fuel-efficient. If past releases are anything to go by, however, the wagon and GT should be riding on the new platform by next year. With more power, enhanced driving dynamics, and improved luxury, the 3-series has upped the ante in the competitive sports sedan realm.
