The BMW 3-Series has been one of the most popular luxury sedans in the world since its launch 45 years ago, with a significant portion of that at the Rosslyn, Pretoria plant before being converted to handle the X3.
The latest 3-series version is more refined, powerful, and technologically advanced than the previous model.
BMW 3-Series
The revised BMW 3-Series has a sleek, modern, and sporty exterior design. The front of the car features the signature kidney grille flanked by a pair of LED headlights. The standard full-LED headlights are slimmer, with daytime driving lights arranged in an inverted L shape.
Adaptive LED Headlights are available as an option and are identifiable by the blue accents inside their covers. The Adaptive LED headlights' range of functions includes the cornering light, non-dazzling matrix high beam, dynamic headlight range control and variable light distribution.
The lightly modified contours and new double bars give the BMW kidney grille a refreshed look, while air intakes in Black high gloss positioned below the kidney grille cool the braking system and add a stylish touch.
Its long bonnet and short overhangs give it a muscular look, while the sharp creases on the side of the car add to its dynamic appearance.
Infotainment system
The new 3-Series is slightly larger than the previous model, with a length of 4 709 mm, a width of 1 827 mm, and a height of 1 442 mm. It has a wheelbase of 2 851 mm, giving rear passengers increased leg room.
The interior boasts a comprehensive update, including the standard-fit BMW curved display with a 12,3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14,9 inches merging into a single fully digital and high-resolution unit.
The selector lever for the eight-speed Steptronic transmission also has a new design positioned in the control panel on the centre console along with the Start/Stop button, iDrive Controller, Driving Experience Control buttons, parking brake and other vehicle functions.
All models also come standard with the BMW Live Cockpit Plus and the BMW Maps navigation system.
The seats boast high-quality leather upholstery, with the front seats heated and electrically adjustable and a load capacity of 480 litres.
Top of the line at launch is the M340i with a six-cylinder engine that produces 250 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque, while the 320d variant is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 110 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque.
Gear selection lever
The new 3-Series also features BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which provides improved traction and stability in all driving conditions.
Advanced safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also has six crash bags, a rearview camera, and a park distance control system.
The range of exterior colours includes Skyscraper Grey metallic and M Brooklyn Grey metallic as part of the M Sport package. The BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic and Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic paint finish are also part of the range.
Among the functions provided by the optional Parking Assistant (standard for M340i xDrive) are the Reversing Assist Camera and the Reversing Assistant. The Parking Assistant Plus – with Park View, Panorama View and Remote 3D View functions – and BMW Drive Recorder are also optional features.
Rear, side view
The My BMW App acts as a universal digital interface between the driver and vehicle, while inside, customers can make use of the personal eSIM designed to work with 5G mobile technology, the BMW ID for individualising the user experience, and further improved smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades function keeps the new BMW 3 Series up to date with the latest software. The content of the upgrades ranges from new services to improved vehicle functions.
