(October 2, 2018) BMW today introduced the seventh generation of the iconic sports sedan, the BMW 3 Series. Over the past 40 years, no single model has embodied the concept of the Ultimate Driving Machine better than the BMW 3 Series Sedan. Modern design, agile handling, exceptional efficiency and innovative equipment features, all signature characteristics of a BMW, have been raised to a higher level through tireless engineering and testing, according to BMW.

The new 2019 BMW 3 Series sedan represents not only the core of the BMW 3 Series range (of which over 15 million units have been sold worldwide) but also the heart and passion of the BMW brand.

When the first BMW 3 Series arrived on U.S. shores in 1976 as a successor to the iconic BMW 2002, it built upon the sport sedan foundation pioneered by that model and launched a new name: the BMW 3 Series that would become BMW’s most successful model – a status it retains to this day. Over the course of six model generations, the BMW 3 Series has ranked as the world’s biggest-selling premium car, led the way for high-performance powertrain and chassis technology and earned a reputation as a pioneer of technological innovations in its segment.



The latest edition of the car sees BMW building on the sporting tradition of the 3 Series, whose exploits in race competition have earned it many accolades. The seventh generation of the sports sedan moves the game on once again in terms of driving dynamics, not to mention premium quality and innovation, in its segment.

Boasting numerous detail upgrades, the new 2.0-liter, inline 4-cylinder powering the new 2019 BMW 330i unit delivers 255 hp between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 295 lb-ft from 1,550 to 4,400 rpm. The 7 horsepower increase in output and the extra 37 lb-ft of torque compared with the predecessor engine are the result of the focused optimization of the BMW TwinPower Turbo system — which is made up a twin-scroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection direct gas injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing.

The High Precision Injection system ensures precise fuel metering and particularly clean combustion, its new fuel pump generating maximum pressure of 350 bar compared with the 200 bar of the previous version. The improved direct injection system enables optimal fuel flow through the combustion chambers with atomized fuel delivered by multi-hole injectors.

Other characteristics of this engine include a lighter crankshaft, reduced internal friction, optimized heat management and a new digital engine management system. An impressive 0 to 60 mph time of 5.6 seconds belies the enhanced efficiency of the new BMW 330i Sedan.

The 2019 BMW 330i arrives in March with a starting price of $40,250 plus $995 destination. The 330i xDrive sedan will start at $42,250 plus $995 destination.

In addition to the 4 cylinder 330i, the line-up will expand further to include a BMW M Performance version with extremely sporting characteristics and a BMW iPerformance model with the latest plug-in hybrid drive technology.

The spring of 2019 will see the arrival of the BMW M340i and M340i xDrive Sedans. The new BMW M Performance model will showcase the full dynamic potential of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. An updated six-cylinder in-line gasoline engine, M Performance chassis tuning, optional xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive and the standard M Sport rear differential will deliver performance attributes that will impress any driver.

The new version of the straight-six engine developed for the BMW M340i xDrive Sedan will produce 382 hp and peak torque of 369 lb-ft. A 0–60 mph time of 4.2 seconds (provisional figure) takes the BMW M Performance model into performance territory inhabited by high-caliber sports cars.

The new 2019 BMW 330i and 330i xDrive Sedans are equipped with the 8-speed Sport Steptronic transmission as standard. The latest upgrade of this sport automatic transmission sees a wider gear spread (from 7.8 to 8.2) and also increases internal efficiency and improves vibration suppression. There is a new control unit and further enhanced gearshift dynamics. In addition to the optimized hydraulic control system, the shorter gearing for the lower ratios boosts the acceleration capability of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan.

The 8HP 8-speed Sport Steptronic transmission delivers even shorter shift times and a Launch Control function for highly dynamic, traction optimized acceleration off the line than previous versions. Shift paddles on the steering wheel allow manual gear selection.

Intelligent connectivity enables the sport automatic transmission to adapt its shift strategy according to the route and driving situation. With the optional Navigation system, the 8-speed Sport Steptronic transmission uses data from this system and from the Active Cruise Control system’s radar sensor. This makes it possible for the transmission to avoid unnecessary gear changes when negotiating a series of fast corners and, when approaching a vehicle ahead, for example, to shift down early in order to use the engine braking to scrub off speed.

The Auto Start Stop function and the coasting function available in conjunction with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission in the new BMW 3 Series Sedan also use data supplied by the optional navigation system with data from the standard Active Guard driving assistance systems’ front camera. In this way, inefficient engine shutdown — for example when stopping briefly at junctions or roundabouts — can be prevented.

Movement of vehicles ahead is registered in order to determine the ideal moment for the Auto Start Stop function to stop and start the engine. The coasting function is now available when either ECO Pro or COMFORT mode is selected using the Driving Experience Control switch between 9 and 99 mph. The efficiency-enhancing decoupling of the powertrain only takes place in driving situations where performance and comfort are not compromised. If the driver suddenly lifts off the accelerator, the powertrain stays connected so that engine braking can be used to support deceleration. For the same reason, powertrain disconnection is also prevented when approaching a junction or a vehicle ahead.

The latest version of the intelligent all-wheel-drive system splits drive torque between the front and rear wheels more efficiently than in the previous 3 Series model. The fully variable power transfer ensures maximum traction and directional stability in all road and weather conditions while also promoting sportier handling.

This functionality comes courtesy of the electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case which links up with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system and constantly adjusts power transmission – precisely and in a fraction of a second – in response to the driving situation. In this way, any tendency of the vehicle to oversteer or understeer greatly reduced.

The system’s rear-biased set-up helps ensure the new BMW 3 Series Sedan retains the exhilarating driving experience drivers expect from a BMW. Sending more drive power to the rear wheels under normal driving increases agility when cornering. In situations which do not require all-wheel drive, the efficiency of BMW xDrive is increased by directing all the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. The weight of the system has also been reduced, while optimized oil supply increases internal efficiency.

Exterior design: an expression of sporting prowess

The exterior design of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan uses a combination of precisely drawn lines and strikingly contoured surfaces to create a modern interpretation of the sporting aesthetic. Its new design language provides a clear showcase for the athletic character of the car. The new 3 Series Sedan is 2.9 inches longer than its predecessor, 0.6 inches wider and 0.5 inches taller.

These dimensions lend the latest-generation model dynamically stretched proportions and a muscular stature. The car’s 1.6 inch longer wheelbase and increased track widths of +1.7 inches front and +0.8 inches rear, meanwhile, have a direct and positive influence on its poise and agility.

In keeping with the sporting theme, the front end of the BMW 3 Series Sedan cuts a wide, low-slung and aggressive figure. The large BMW kidney grill elements are framed by a single surround and split up by wide bars that link to the headlight units. A technically sophisticated and visually smaller interpretation of the customary BMW twin headlights gives them a road-focused stare. Their familiar two-way split is emphasized by an eye-catching notch in the front bumper that rises up into the headlight contour.

Full-LED headlights come as standard, while LED headlights with extended features and U-shaped daytime driving lights are available as an option. The optional Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Laserlight stand apart with their hexagonal daytime driving light rings and blue, L-shaped elements in the inner and outer light sources.

The hood is shaped by four contour lines flowing towards the BMW kidney grill. At its leading edge, it sits flush with the upper edge of the headlights and kidney grill. Below it, the front bumper has large surfacing and a modern look. Both the optional front fog lamps and the Air Curtains are integrated into the outer air intakes, which are inserted into the front bumper in a horizontal T shape on Sport Line and Luxury Line models. This design was originally developed by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) for the intake air in jet engines and later became a feature on racing cars.

The car’s hood, long wheelbase, short overhangs and elegantly flowing roofline accentuate its sporting profile when viewed from the side. A pair of character lines, which rise up to the rear of the car at door-handle level, strengthen the visual impact made by the forward-surging body. A contour line near the side skirts guides the eye to the sculpted rear wheel arches.

From launch, customers can choose from two non-metallic colors and ten metallic shades for the exterior of their new BMW 3 Series Sedan, including the new Portimao Blue metallic and Vermont Bronze metallic.

Interior: a classy route to sporting flair

The brand’s new design language brings a clear arrangement of surfaces to the interior of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. This accentuates the increased spaciousness of the cabin and, together with the cockpit’s focus on the driver, enhances their focus on the road ahead.

The instrument panel has a modern, light look, and its horizontal lines, high-quality electroplated trim strips and contours extending into the doors lend themselves to a feeling of width and elegance. The coordinated design of the door trim, instrument panel and center console create an all-round feeling of space and a sporting aura. With their dynamic lines and clasp-style door openers, the front and rear door trim panels create a neatly coherent impression.

The newly designed instrument cluster and Control Display form a large surfaced screen grouping, while the controls not included in these units are clustered into clearly structured function panels. In the center of the instrument panel, the displays and buttons for the air conditioning and the central air vents form a sharply designed unit, while the light functions are operated from a panel of buttons next to the steering wheel. The start/stop button for the engine is now positioned in a classy control panel in the center console, where the gearshift lever or newly designed selector lever is joined by the iDrive Controller and the buttons for the Driving Experience Control switch unit and electromechanical parking brake.

The range of standard and optional interior trim elements available for the instrument panel and center console has been almost fully replaced. As well as elegant open-pore fine wood options, customers can choose from finishes including Aluminum Mesh Effect.