2019 BMW 3 Series vs Rivals: Spec Comparison

BMW’s seventh-gen G20 3 Series has finally made its way to the Indian market at a starting price of Rs 41.40 lakh (ex-showroom). The executive sedan is bigger and better than its predecessor in every aspect. It is based on BMW’s new Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform that utilises improved materials to make it lighter than the old car by 55kg despite it being larger than its predecessor. The new 3er looks a lot more sleeker and modern touches as well. But do these improvements match up against the likes of its well established German and British rivals? Let's find out.

 Dimensions:

Longest: Jaguar XE

Widest: Jaguar XE

Tallest: Tie between 3 Series and C-Class

Longest Wheelbase: BMW 3 Series

The size chart reveals that despite a definite improvement for the BMW 3 Series, the Jaguar XE remains the most imposing since it’s the longest and the widest of all. Interestingly, it’s a tie between the C-Class and 3 Series when it comes to height. With its extended wheelbase, the 3 Series has overtaken the C-Class to boast the longest wheelbase now.

Performance:

Petrol

Most Powerful: 3 Series

Torquiest: 3 Series

Fastest to 100kmph: 3 Series

Most frugal: Audi A4

When it comes to performance, the output figures of the petrol engines vary a lot. Unsurprisingly, the 3 Series smokes the opposition with a sub-6 second 0-100kmph sprint time and a top speed of 250kmph thanks to its 2.0-litre turbo motor. The Jaguar XE is the only sedan which comes close to the 3 Series with a 6.5 second 0-100 sprint and a 250kmph top speed. The Audi A4’s puny 1.4-litre TFSI petrol motor remains the slowest petrol sedan of the lot with 150PS of power and 250Nm of peak torque, an 8.5 second 0-100kmph sprint time and a 210kmph top speed.

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However, the A4 makes up for the power loss by being the most fuel efficient car among the lot with a mileage of 17.84kmpl. Unsurprisingly, with its more performance-oriented motor, the 3 Series returns 16.13kmpl. The Jaguar XE, despite being close to the 3 Series on power, is quite the thirsty sedan with a 13.6kmpl/13.5kmpl mileage, respectively. In terms of transmissions, all four sedans use automatics in excess of six gears with the C-Class utilising the highest number of gears (9) and the Audi A4 utilising the least number (7).

Diesel

Most Powerful: C-Class

Torquiest: C-Class

Fastest to 100kmph: C-Class

Most frugal: 3 Series 

Coming to the diesel options, the performance gap is much closer since all four sedans run 2.0-litre motors. The C-Class leaves the diesel sedans in the dust with a 245PS motor in the 300d variant, which boasts of a 0-100 sprint time of 5.9 seconds and a 250kmph top speed. Even the lower-spec 200d edges past the others with 194PS on tap, but is beaten by the 3 Series by one tenth of a second in the 0-100kmph sprint time and a slightly lower top speed.

The Audi A4 and 3 Series are now equal in power output at 190PS and 400Nm, but the 3 Series’ diesel motor is the most fuel efficient among the lot with a mileage of 19.62kmpl. The C-Class is close behind at 19kmpl (200d), with the Audi A4 at 18.25kmpl and the Jaguar XE being thirsty yet again at 13.5kmpl.

Features:

Looking at what these sedans pack in terms of comforts and gizmos, each of them come loaded with infotainment systems that feature their own unique software and interface. The 3 Series and the C-Class get the biggest infotainment systems at 10.25-inch, followed by the Jaguar XE at 10-inches. The Audi A4 gets the smallest unit at 8.3-inches. Other common features include optional all-digital instrument cluster, sunroof, ambient lighting and electronically adjustable driver seats. The 3 Series is only limited to Apple CarPlay connectivity unlike its rivals which also get Android Auto. The four sedans also vary  in climate control features offered with a three-zone unit available in the 3 Series and A4. The C-Class and XE are limited to a two-zone climate control unit.

The 3 Series also misses out on sunblinds which is featured in the form of electric roller blinds in the C-Class and the Jaguar XE. Despite it having push-button start/stop, the 3 Series doesn’t have keyless entry which is present in the other sedans. However, the 3 Series now gets gesture control to go alongside BMW’s Virtual Assistant and voice commands to activate features like navigation, among others. 

Safety: 

Since these are all luxury sedans with a comprehensive list of standard equipment, each of them are loaded with safety features like at least four and above airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, rear-view camera and cruise control. The 3 Series and the A4 have an advantage with eight airbags compared to seven in the C-Class and six in the XE. While the C-Class does get adaptive brake lights and high beam assist over the rest, the 3 Series being the most modern of the lot gets run-flat tyres and additional driver assistance tech that includes cornering brake control. 

Price & Verdict: 

While the 3 Series has had a decent upgrade in terms of  luxuries while also going back to its performance roots, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Jaguar XE would be the ideal sedans if you’re looking for a decent compromise between performance and comfort. However, if you are willing to shell out a bit more for the fastest petrol sedan and the latest tech, the 3 Series is the best bet. Meanwhile, the Audi A4, which is showing its age now, has received a major update in global markets and is expected to hit Indian markets by 2020, which could make it the next big rival to watch out for.