2019 BMW 3 Series Review

Debuting back in October, 2018 the revamped BMW 3 Series looks to compete with its rivals - Mercedes C Classand Audi A4 - with a new approach on driving dynamics and some super impressive tech.

Here we delve into what has changed, from exterior to interior, and what we can expect from driving this car, technology-wise. If you’re anything like us and you love high-tech vehicles, then this review is for you!

Read on.

BMW 3 Series Leasing Prices

Exterior, Interior and new tech

Styling-wise, the new BMW 3 Series is a huge upgrade from the model it replaces and sports a new one-piece kidney grille so massive that it makes F30’s grille look like a child. The vertical bars inside the grille also have a new look too. Up front, the 3 Series is defined by the horizontally drawn headlights, which helps give the vehicle an undeniable sporty, yet more prominent presence. In addition to the headlights, they come standard with LED technology, and an optional BMW Laserlight upgrade for enhanced visibility and safety. BMW laserlights allow drivers to see up to 500 metres in front, which makes it the ideal vehicle for night-time driving.

As for the wheelbase, the 3 Series sits on the same base as the 5 Series and 7 Series Luxury Saloons, meaning it is longer and wider by dimensions, lighter and safer than last years model. Down at the side, the wheels are farther apart than before, as are the rears, providing the 3 Serieswith extra balance and stability.

The rear lights follow a similar design to the headlights at the front; they are horizontally drawn and look more 3-dimensional. Moving towards the bottom of the rear, there are also new rear exhaust pipes found in the diffuser, one on each side, which again adds to the 3 Series sporty and handsome profile.

Inside, you get the same look and feel as traditional BMW vehicles. Most notably, it feels slightly more spacious than the outgoing model. Up front, you get more shoulder room, while passengers in the backseat get extra headroom and 11 mm more knee room. Yup, definitely sounds like it’s more spacious. The boot is increased to 480 litres, which is exactly the same size as the Mercedes C Class and Audi A4.

There’s a lot of new tech that significantly improves the driving experience such as the the latest generation BMW Operating System 7.0, Standard Live Cockpit Professional (for M Sport models) and Enhanced Bluetooth with wireless charging (for M Sport models), which comes as optional. Apple CarPlay comes as standard, whereas Android auto isn’t even available as an option for the 3 Series. Sorry Android users.

Voice activation is one of the most popular trends in the current market today. Voice activation first started on mobile devices, then made its way over to devices like Siri and Alexa, and now you can find it more and more in vehicles. The 3 Seriesgets the all-new Intelligent Personal Assistant, which means passengers can say: “ Hello BMW, set temperature to 24 degrees Celcius,” and the Intelligent Personal Assistant will comply with your request.

Get this- the 3 Series also comes with gesture control. Signal a gesture in front of the centre console, and like the Intelligent Personal Assistant, the vehicle will action your request. This is certainly a game changer.

The stop/start button for the engine is positioned on top of the dash close to the centre console. Lower down, the driver can select between driver modes via extremely intuitive, touch-sensitive buttons just beside the gear selector.

New engines and better fuel economy

Consumers will have a selection of two engines when the 3 Series is released: The 2.0-litre 320 diesel, producing 190 hp (horsepower), travels 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds, and returns a fuel economy of 60 mpg (miles per gallon). You can also opt for the 2.0-litre turbo petrol model, which produces 280 hp, travels 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds and returns 48.7mpg - both very fast options.

A plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and high-performance M3 model is likely to join the range in the near future. One thing is for sure: the high performance M3 model will be the fastest.

Since the last model failed to drive like a proper sports Sedan, BMW decided to develop a new suspension set up called the “lift-related dampers”, which come as standard on both models. Each model gets primary and secondary springs, as well as hydraulic bump stops, which allow drivers to have a more controlled and comfortable ride whilst on the road. The high-performance M3 model will get a stiffer, 10-mm version of the same system, including 18-inch alloy wheels, and many other new features.

Which trim levels are there to choose from?

The usual trim levels for the 3 Series is the M Sport, Sport and SE. Below highlights some of the equipment differences between them:

Rivervale’s verdict

It looks like BMW have manufactured a vehicle that combines elegance, comfort and power all in one. Yes, it’s not going to change the automotive industry, but there is a lot to appreciate about it - it has new advanced tech such as the gesture control, new upholstery leather seats, powerful engines, and is extremely spacious for a saloon vehicle. This is one step in the right direction for BMW as they continue to compete against their rivals - the Mercedes-Benz C Class and the Audi A4.

It’s only upwards from here for BMW.

see our Rivervale Used stock of BMW 3 Series.

While the new BMW 3 Series Saloon is still yet to be released, check out our best deal for the current BMW 3 Series Saloon priced at £239.99 + VAT p/m.

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