With the seventh generation 3 Series being a more than able servant to BMW since 2011, 2019 sees the eighth generation of the famous model take its place on the market – and look to enhance the reputation of the executive saloon even further.
As BMW’s most successful model line, the G20 3 Series is looking to continue the trends set by the previous iterations – with more than 15 million examples sold since 1975.
Here are five of the best features on the new 3 Series that make it a serious contender in the executive saloon market.
Plenty of safety equipment
To ensure the 3 Series stays ahead of the game for years to come, BMW has fitted it with great standard safety kit as part of the Active Guard Plus system. It includes speed limit information, lane departure warning, collision and pedestrian warning with city braking, and cruise control with braking function.
The optional Driving Assistant Professional package adds active cruise control with stop & go, steering and lane control assistant, lane keeping assistant with active side collision protection, priority warning and wrong-way warning, as well as cross-traffic alert. All of these help to make the 3 Series one of the safest saloons around.
Great technology offerings
Nowadays, cars need to be provided with serious tech on-board before customers consider them, so BMW has ensured the new 3 Series is given access to its arsenal of equipment. As part of the Technology pack, BMW offers a head-up display, while the Parking Assistant pack that adds a reverse camera and parallel parking function is fitted as standard.
The Parking Assistant Plus pack adds three additional views to the camera system so you have a better idea of your surroundings, while those with the Samsung Galaxy smartphone can choose to unlock the car with their phone through the BMW Connected app and an NFC connection.
Infotainment equipment is top class
Using the latest BMW 7.0 Operating System, the Live Cockpit instrument display and Control Display infotainment screen come with the latest apps and connection options to keep up with smartphone technology. Apple CarPlay preparation is standard on all models, while the Connected Navigation system provides up to the minute information about the journey ahead of you and also offers info about parking spaces near to your destination.
The Intelligent Personal Assistant also features, which is a voice-activated system that uses artificial intelligence to answer questions and perform tasks in the car without you needing to take your eyes off the road ahead.
Quality kit fitted as standard
As you would expect from a high-end executive saloon, the 3 Series comes with lots of quality equipment – such as full LED headlights and foglights, Bluetooth, automatic climate control, rain sensors, automatic headlights and a leather multifunction steering wheel.
But if that isn’t enough, customers can choose to add the LaserLight headlights, which can extend to 530 metres ahead and include high beam assist and non-dazzling high beams, as well as an automatic tailgate, a Harmon Kardon surround sound system and sports seats with leather upholstery.
Adaptive setup options
The Adaptive M suspension is available to those going for the M Sport model and above, and with that system drivers are able to switch from Comfort to Sport modes, with Adaptive mode automatically changing depending on the driving style and route ahead.
Along with dynamic stability control to improve agility through the corners, the M Sport differential can also be fitted to enhance traction and cornering even further.
The BMW 3 Series is available to buy from March 9, 2019, with prices starting from £33,610. See available 3 Series deals.
