BMW has pulled the covers off its heavily teased new 3 Series at the 2018 Paris Motor Show which is larger than before and has adopted the look of the larger 5 Series.
It features a revised look, with a curvier kidney grille and more muscular-looking bonnet sitting alongside new LED lights, with the rear of the car being curvier than the model it replaces.
The 3 Series debuts a new infotainment system for BMW, which is labelled as an ‘Intelligent Personal Assistant’. It’s essentially a new voice control system, which is operated through the command words ‘Hey BMW’, although unlike other systems BMW gives its users the ability to name their assistant.
Other features it can carry out include holding a conversation with you, as well as explain some of the car’s functions as well.
At launch, only two engines will be available – a 254bhp 2.0-litre petrol (330i) and a 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel (320d) – with the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox. Further powertrains are expected in the future, including the 330e plug-in hybrid models.
Three trim levels are available – SE, Sport and M Sport. SE comes with LED headlights, a reversing camera, as well as an 8.8-inch touchscreen. Sport adds gloss black details, leather seats and heated front seats.
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Range-topping M Sport adds gloss black detailing, M Sport accessories, a digital cockpit and a 12.3-inch infotainment display.
The new model is up to 55kg lighter than its predecessor, as well as more practical, with a larger boot than before and more rear seats space thanks to a lengthened wheelbase.
Standard safety kit includes speed limit warning, automatic braking with pedestrian warning, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Further semi-autonomous driving aids are also available.
The 2019 Series will go on sale on March 9, priced from £33,610.
