2019 BMW 3 Series To Launch Tomorrow: Here’s Everything You Need To Know (Update)

• Based on BMW’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform.
• It is likely to be initially offered in two variants: 320d and 320i.
• More powerful 330i variant could follow later.
• It is likely to be priced between Rs 40 lakh to Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom).

BMW will be launching the seventh-generation G20 3 Series in India tomorrow. Here’s everything you need to know to get up to speed before the executive sedan debuts. 

Underpinned by the now popular BMW Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform, the G20 3 Series made its global debut in 2018 at the Paris International Motor Show. This is how it compares with the older 3 Series in terms of footprint: 

The seventh-generation 3 Series is longer, wider and sits higher than the existing iteration. It has a longer wheelbase and is also lighter by around 55kg thanks to the lighter aluminum platform. Other interesting facts include a flat and covered underbody aiding in a reduced drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd from 0.26 Cd (320d variant).

In markets abroad, the new 3 Series is offered with the choice of two diesel and two petrol engines. The petrol engine used in the 320i and the 330i is a 2.0-litre turbo petrol which makes 184PS and 258PS depending upon the trim. There is also a 3.0-litre inline-six that makes 382PS of power. The 2.0-litre diesel engine available with the 318d and 320d puts out 150PS and 190PS, respectively. The 330d, meanwhile, comes with a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel pushing out 265 horses. Initially, we expect the 320d and 330i variants paired with the 8-speed AT gearbox to make their debut in India.

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 Styling is now in harmony with the recent cars out of Bavaria. The kidney grille is larger and it also gets twin laser headlamps (optional). The side profile features a stubby tail and a flowing roof line with the iconic ‘Hoffmeister Kink’ design elements presented in a subtle way. Slim tail lamps and an aggressive lower bumper design are the more pronounced changes towards the rear.

The same story continues with the cabin that looks modern and tidy,  thanks to the 5.7-inch digital instrument cluster paired with an 8.8-inch infotainment screen. A 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen are also available in other markets, but whether it will make it to India remains to be seen. Some standout features include LED headlights, three-zone auto climate control, lane departure warning, collision and pedestrian warning with city braking function.

Coming out of Bavaria, the new 3 series also retains its sporty side with a 50:50 weight distribution coupled with a 50 per cent jump in chassis rigidity.  We expect it to come with a price tag that ranges between 40 lakh to Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom). The current-gen 3 Series, meanwhile, retails for Rs 39.80 lakh to Rs 47.30 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and the Jaguar XE are the primary rivals to the 3 Series in our country.