Overview: 2019 BMW 3-Series

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Introduction

The BMW 3-Series was introduced in 1975. Now in its seventh generation, the popular midsize sedan is miles ahead of its predecessor in every sense. The German rear-wheel-drive saloon has a huge fan following in the UAE owing to its excellent driving dynamics.

The seventh-gen BMW 3-Series has an evolved design compared to the previous generation, still keeping the underlying design traceable to its lineage. In the UAE, the 2019 BMW 3-Series contends against cars like the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, and Jaguar XE.

Exterior

Prominently, the kidney grille and Hofmeister kink have been retained on the 2019 BMW 3-Series. What’s new is the shape of the headlamps and taillamps, and their interior details. LED lighting is standard, and the long bonnet clearly marks this saloon out as a BMW. At 4,709mm long, 1,827mm wide, and 1,442mm tall, this saloon is quite roomy on the inside. Weighing in at 1,540kg, it is quite light on its feet due to its modern CLAR (Cluster Architecture), boasting a 50:50 weight bias front-to-rear.

Interior

BMW cars have traditionally been more driver-focussed than the competition, and it shows in the 3-Series’ cabin layout. The centre console is slightly tilted towards he driver, making the driver’s seat the most exciting place to be inside. You can choose your own trim, upholstery, surface finish, and creature comforts for the interior.

Modern, intuitive, sporty interiors are hallmarks of the BMW sense of design.

An 8.8-inch iDrive touchscreen infotainment holds centre-stage on the dashboard, upgradeable to a 10.25-inch unit. The instrument cluster is 12.3 inches across, and all digital. There is also a voice assistant incorporated in the car, activated by saying, “Hey BMW.”

As for safety, there is no doubting the 2019 BMW 3-Series. ABS, traction control, adaptive cruise control, a minimum of six airbags, hill start assist, tyre pressure sensors, parking sensors – you really are in safe hands.

Performance

In the UAE, BMW offers the BMW 3-Series in the 330i trim, along with a sportier M340i trim. The entry-level (if you can call it that) 330i variant pushes 258hp and 400Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four motor paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-Wheel-Drive is standard with variable power bias between the front and rear axles.

New for 2019, yet still recognisably a 3-Series.

The M340i trim is much more powerful at 374hp and 500Nm from a 3.0-litre V6 powering all four wheels through the eight-speed automatic gearbox. Both trims are electronically limited to 250kph. The M340i cracks the ton in 4.4 seconds, while the 330i requires 5.8 seconds.

BMW claims a fuel economy figure of 15.6kpl for the 3-Series 330i.

Verdict

The 2019 BMW 3-Series range starts at AED 250,150 for the 330i, while the more powerful M340i costs AED 330,200.

AGMC is the official importer for BMW cars in the UAE. Further information about the 3-Series is available at the AGMC BMW Dubai showroom or any of the Abu Dhabi Motors BMW dealerships.